Morfologia externa dos adultos de Rothschildia aurota speculifera (Walker, 1855) (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae, Saturniinae)

Abstract

Most systematic works on the Saturniidae family (Bombycoidea) present only specific characters, many are old and with outdated nomenclature, making taxonomic analyzes and systematic discussions difficult. In this context, the external morphology of adults of the moth Rothschildia aurota speculifera (Walker, 1855) (Saturniidae: Saturniinae) is described and illustrated for the first time and its geographic distribution is analyzed in a biomes map. For the morphological analysis, specimens from the same offspring were used. The photographs, measurements, and illustrations were taken with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope, camera lucida, digital video camera, and digitizing table. The obtained results were compared with other species of Saturniidae. The general morphology is very similar to that described for the subfamilies Ceratocampinae and Arsenurinae (Satruniidae). R. aurota speculifera presents characters of sexual dimorphism in the antennae, wings, prothoracic legs, and abdome. Wings show intraspecific variation in coloration. The male genitalia present morphological variations in the uncus, harpe, valve, and juxta, with 3 distinct patterns. As for the geographical distribution, R. aurota speculifera mainly occupies the Atlantic Forest and Pampa biomes.