Autoplusia
McDunnough, 1944
Autoplusia is a of in the , Plusiinae. The genus was established by James Halliday McDunnough in 1944. It contains seven described distributed across the Americas. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Plusiini, which includes many species commonly known as due to their characteristic larval .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Autoplusia: /ˌɔːtəˈpluːzɪə/
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Identification
in Autoplusia can be distinguished from related in Plusiini by characteristics and pattern details. The genus is morphologically similar to other Plusiini genera such as Trichoplusia and Ctenoplusia, requiring examination of male genitalia structures and pattern elements for definitive identification. The species, Autoplusia egena, serves as the reference for genus-level characteristics.
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Distribution
The occurs in the Americas. records include: Autoplusia egena (southern United States through Central and South America), Autoplusia egenoides (southern United States), Autoplusia abrota (Central America), Autoplusia gammoides (South America), Autoplusia masoni (Central America), Autoplusia olivacea (southern United States), and Autoplusia phocina (South America).
Similar Taxa
- TrichoplusiaBoth are Plusiini with similar patterns and body shape; distinguished by male and specific pattern elements
- CtenoplusiaClosely related Plusiini sharing general ; separation requires examination of and pattern details
- ChrysodeixisAnother Plusiini with superficially similar appearance; differs in pattern and structure
More Details
Species list
The contains seven described : Autoplusia abrota Druce, 1889; Autoplusia egena (Guenée, 1852); Autoplusia egenoides Franclemont & Todd, 1983; Autoplusia gammoides (Blanchard, 1852); Autoplusia masoni Schaus, 1894; Autoplusia olivacea Skinner, 1917; and Autoplusia phocina Hampson, 1913. Several species were transferred to this genus from other genera upon its establishment.
Taxonomic history
Autoplusia was erected by McDunnough in 1944 to accommodate previously placed in other Plusiini , particularly those related to what is now recognized as the egena species group. The genus has been maintained in modern based on consistent morphological and characteristics.