BIOSYSTEMATICS OF THE GENUS EUXOA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE): VII. EGGS OF THE SUBGENERA CHORIZAGROTIS, CRASSIVESICA, LONGIVESICA, OROSAGROTIS, AND PLEONECTOPODA

Abstract

The eggs of several species of cutworms of the subgenera Chorizagrotis, Crassivesica, Longivesica, Orosagrotis, and Pleonectopoda in the genus Euxoa Hübner are described. Within the genus eggs are of two main types, those with smooth chorions and those with ridged chorions, but all have the same basic chorionic design. Variations in the degree of ridging and in the detail of the design make the egg useful for species determination, and a key to some species is provided. However, the egg is of little value in distinguishing the subgenera as they are currently constituted.