Nacopa
Barnes & Benjamin, 1924
Species Guides
2Nacopa is a of in the Noctuidae, established by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924. The genus contains two recognized : Nacopa bistrigata and Nacopa melanderi. Both species were described from western North America. The genus is classified within the Noctuinae, a large group of owlet moths.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nacopa: /nəˈkoʊpə/
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Identification
Nacopa can be distinguished from related noctuine by subtle differences in wing pattern and genitalia structure. Nacopa bistrigata is characterized by paired dark streaks on the forewings. Definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia, particularly the structure of the claspers and .
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Distribution
Western North America. Nacopa bistrigata occurs in Arizona and adjacent regions. Nacopa melanderi has been recorded from Texas.
Similar Taxa
- Other Noctuinae generaNacopa resembles numerous small noctuine in general appearance, requiring genital dissection for reliable separation.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was erected by Barnes and Benjamin in 1924 based on specimens previously assigned to other genera. The type is Nacopa bistrigata, originally described as Euxoa bistrigata by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918.
Species composition
The contains only two : Nacopa bistrigata (Barnes & McDunnough, 1918) and Nacopa melanderi Barnes & Benjamin, 1927. No additional species have been described in nearly a century.