Abstract

Studies on the wing venation of P. plagiophleps Hamp., (Psychidae) collected from different host plants and localities in Kerala State (India) have revealed the occurrence of 6 types of venational patterns in that species. Venation of moths within any given population sample also varies. Most of the observed variations related to the forewing veins 4 & 5, 8 & 9 and 11 & 12. Three of these venational patterns agreed with the venation described for the species, P. plagiophleps, P. dealbata Dierl and P. postica Sonan respectively. The study reveals the unreliability of using venation for the segregation of species belonging to the genus Pteroma. Further studies involving the morphology of adult as well as larval parts are required to resolve the correct identities of species belonging to this genus