Correspondence of External Copulatory Structures in Male and Female Fagitana littera Guenée (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Abstract. The terminalia of Fagitana littera Guenée are described with a focus on the complex external copulatory coupling mechanism in the male and female. The female 7th sternite is robustly developed, enclosing a complex of sclerotized, scobinate structures and pockets, variously fused with elements arising from the sternum and intersegmental membrane of abdominal segments VII and VIII. This scaffold appears to accommodate the robustly developed male clasper, including a modification of the valva's outer margin. Such conspicuous and elaborate external coupling mechanisms are rarely reported in Noctuidae.