THYRIDIDAE OF AFRICA AND ITS ISLANDS 115 



Stan a Coq [between Stanleyville and Coquilhatville], xi.1921 (Verlaine); Uganda: 

 3 <J, Bwamba, ii-iii.1957 (Carcasson), two <$ in NMK; Sudan: i <J, Tambura, xii.1922 

 (Janson) . 



PYRALIDOXA Meyrick 



Pyralidoxa Meyrick, 1934 : 538. Type-species, Pyralidoxa stratifica Meyrick, by monotypy. 

 Pyralidoxa Meyrick; Whalley, 1964a : 124. 



I am uncertain of the position of this genus. On the basis of some of the mor- 

 phological features I place it in an intermediate position between the genera 

 Epaena and Kuja. However, the presence of similar modifications is no proof of 

 relationship between the genera and some of the characters, particularly the 

 "winged" uncus, are those which seem to have appeared independently in several 

 unrelated groups. In the absence of evidence to the contrary I am associating 

 morphologically similar groups, while emphasizing that this is not necessarily a 

 phylogenetic relationship. 



The two species in this genus are known only from a few specimens from central 

 Africa. Further studies on the life-history are needed to confirm their specific 

 identity and that they are not seasonal forms of one species. Both species occur 

 in the same locality and the genitalia differences are similar to those found in the 

 genus Plagodis Hiibner (Lep., Geometridae) where the male genitalia were shown to 

 be seasonally distinct (Rupert, 1949; Munroe, 1959). 



Generic description. Labial palps 3-segmented. Eyes without interfacetal hairs. 

 Antennae minutely ciliate. Fore tibia with epiphysis. Hind tibia with two pairs of spurs. 

 Tarsi without spines. Fore wing usually with R 3 + R t +R s . Male genitalia with lateral process 

 on uncus and prominent median process on valve. 



Biology. No information. 



Key to the African Species of PYRALIDOXA 



1 Male genitalia with single process on valve ..... stratifica (p. 115) 



- Male genitalia with double process on valve .... elaphropa (p. 116) 



Pyralidoxa stratifica Meyrick 



(PI. 10, fig. 48; PL 37, fig. 203) 



Pyralidoxa stratifica Meyrick, 1934 : 539- 

 Pyralidoxa stratifica Meyrick; Whalley, 1964a : 124. 



cj. Wing, 12*5-16 mm. Vertex white, base of antennal sockets with darker scales. Frons 

 white, rounded. Labial palps upturned, not reaching vertex. Third segment short, 1/4 length 

 of second segment. Thorax white. Patagia brown. Hind tibia with proximal pair of spurs 

 short, distal pair with outer spur 2 x length of inner spur. Outer spur less than 1/2 length of 

 1st hind tarsal segment. Fore wing, pattern as in PI. 10, fig. 48, translucent white with brown 

 costal margin and brown transverse lines. Vein i? 5 usually off common stem of R 3 +R t . 

 Underside as upper, paler. Hind wing with Sc+R x and Rs free. 



Genitalia <J (PI. 37, fig. 203). Uncus with 2 lateral processes near base. Gnathus a simple 

 sclerotized loop, no process in mid-line. Basal part of costa of valve produced into blunt 

 process on either side. Juxta lightly sclerotized. Y-shaped with apex of lateral processes turned 



