On the systematic position of Catocala Schrank (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Abstract The Holarctic genus Catocala Schrank is argued to belong to an otherwise mainly Ethiopian and Oriental clade consisting, in addition to this genus, of Audea Walker, Crypsotidia Rothschild, Hypotacha Hampson, Tachosa Walker and Ulotrichopus Wallengren. The principal synapomorphy is a distinctively sclerotized, elongate ovipositor. A numerical phylogenetic analysis of this group based on fifty‐five characters suggests that Catocala may be paraphyletic, a subset of species being the closest relatives of Ulotrichopus. Catocala and Ulotrichopus together appear to be the sister‐group of the remaining four genera. Audea fatilega Felder & Rogenhofer is found to have the characters of Ulotrichopus.