Taxonomical characters of <i>Selidosema plumarium</i> and <i>S. brunnearium</i> (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) and the function of the internal genitalia during copulation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33338/ef.84132Abstract
The genitalia of the Palaearctic species pair, Selidosema plumarium (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and S. brunnearium (Villers, 1789), are described and illustrated. Keys to the species, based on male and female genitalia, particularly on the internal parts, are presented. Based on indirect evidence, an hypothesis of the functional anatomy of the internal genitalia, i.e. the disappearance of a distinctive ventral angle at the anterior end of the female ductus bursae during copulation, is presented and discussed. The hypothesized functions are compared to the geometrid genus Eupithecia Curtis. Contrary to the earlier held view, it is confirmed that only Selidosema brunnearium is recorded from Finland, from the years 1969 (one specimen) and 1999 (two specimens).
