The Australian armyworms of the genus Persectania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Abstract

Persectania ewingii (Westwood) is one of the more important armyworms in southern Australia and Tasmania. Conflicting information about its ,ecology in Tasmania and Western Australia has led to a critical examination of the identity of specimens referred to this species from various parts of its reputed range. It is shown that a second species, P. dyscrita, sp. nov., which is apparently restricted to areas of southern Australia with a low summer rainfall, has previously been confused with P. ewingii. In New Zealand, a third distinct species, P. acema (Walker), has been misidentified as P. ewingii. P. ewingii and P. dyscrita are confined to Australia, and P. aversa to New Zealand. The male and female genitalia of the three species are figured and a key to the two Australian species is provided.