studies in Australian Lepidoptera, 35 



Gen. Syntheta. 



Syntheta Turn., P.L.S., N.S.W., 1902, p. 85. 

 Phaeopyra Hmps., Cat. Lep. Phal. vii., p, 19 (1908). 

 Phaeomorpha Turn., Tr. R.S., S.A., 1920, p. 149. 



There is quite a tangle to be unravelled in the history of this 

 genus. In describing it I made xylitis the type, but remarked that 

 I referred nif/errima Gn. to the same genus, which I, placed in Hamp- 

 son's sub-family Acronyctinae. Hampson has adopted my genus for 

 both species, but referred it to his Noctuinae, evidently on account 

 of the origin of vein 5 of hindwings from near the lower angle of the 

 cell. But this vein is only weakly developed, and in some Acronyc- 

 tinae, for instance, Euplexia dolorosa, Wlk., vein 5 is quite as nearly 

 approximated to 4 at its origin; and I now refer nigerrima, which has 

 a well-developed series of abdominal crests to the genus Euplexia. 

 It is a common species, and I venture to predict that the larvae, 

 which should not remain long undiscovered, will prove to have all the 

 pTolegs fully developed. 



Phaeopyra Hmps. is a synonym of Syntheta, and so is Phaeomor- 

 pha Turn. I distinguished the latter by the absence of a basal abdom- 

 inal crest, but I find the crest is really present though small and 

 often concealed by hairs. It will be as well to give a fresh diagnosis 

 of the genus. 



Frons not projecting. Palpi moderately long, ascending, ap- 

 pressed to frons; second joint thickened with loosely appressed scales; 

 terminal joint moderate. Thorax with rounded anterior, and rather 

 small, rough posterior crests. Abdomen with a small crest on dorsum 

 of basal segment. Posterior tibiae hairy on dorsum. Forewings with 

 neuration normal. Hindwings with 5 weakly developed, from much 

 below middle of discocellulars (i to y. 



Antennae of J" in xylitis serrate, with tufts of cilia, and longer 

 bristles; in smaragditis simple, evenly ciliated. 



Syntheta xylitis. 



Syntheta xylitis Turn., P.L.S., N.S.W., 1902, p. 85. 

 Euplexia chloeropis Turn., Tr. R.S., S.A., 1904, p. 213. 

 Phaeomorpha acineta Turn., Tr. R.S., S.A., 1920, p. 149. 



The three forms I have described differ in coloration, but after 

 •careful comparison I have come to the conclusion that these differ- 

 ences are varietal only. 



N.Q., Cairns, Townsville; Q., Biggenden, Nambour. 



Syntheta smaragdistis. 



Euplexia smaragdina B. Bak., Nov. ZooL, 1906, p. 195, 



praeocc. 

 Trachea smaragdistis Hmps., Cat. Lep. Phal. vii., p. 137. 



N.Q., Cairns, Innisfail; Q., National Park (3000 ft.); N.S.W., 

 Richmond River. Also from New Guinea. 



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