Distinction between adult Oncopera mitocera (Turner) and Oncopera brachyphylla Turner

Abstract

Criteria are given for the separation of adult Oncopera mitocera (Turner) and O. brachyphylla Turner without the need for genitalia dissections. The wing patterns are unreliable due to variation within the sexes and species, and are frequently seriously abraded in field-collected material. A swollen posterior tibia is present in the male of O. mitocera and this carries a large curved tuft of hair-scales. Both of these features are absent in the male of O. brachyphylla. Hand lens examination of genitalia is sufficient for separation of the females.