A revision of the Australian Stem Borers hitherto referred to Schoenobius and Scirpophaga (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Schoenobiinae)

Abstract

The Australian pyralid stem borers of Gramineae, Cyperaceae, and Juncaceae, previously assigned to Schoenobius Duponchel and Scirpophaga Treitschke, are here referred to six genera. Scirpophaga Treit. - Eight species are recognized: S. chrysorrhoa Zeller, S. phaedima, sp. nov., S. limnochares, sp. nov., S. xantharrenes, sp. nov., S. imparella (Meyrick), S. helodes, sp. nov., S. percna, sp. nov., and S. ochroleuca (Meyrick). Though some of these bear a superficial resemblance to the true rice stem borers, the genus includes species whose larvae attack sedges (Cyperaceae). Helonastes, gen. nov. - The genus is based on a new species, H. acentrus, associated with Eleocharis (Cyperaceae) in central Queensland. Niphadoses, gen. nov.-The genus is erected to include three new Australian species, N. palleucus, which is associated with cultivated rice in north-western Australia, N. elachia, and N. hoplites, together with N. chionotus (Meyrick) from New Guinea and N. gilbiverbis (Zeller) from India. Catagela Walker. - A new species, C. adoceta, from northern Australia, is described. Tryporyza gen. nov. - The genus is established to receive the two important stem-borer pests of cultivated rice, Tipanaea innotata Walker from south-east Asia and northern Australia and Chilo incertulas Walker from south-east Asia, previously referred to Scirpophaga and Schoenobius respectively. Also included are Scirpophaga butyrota Meyrick from New Guinea and Schoenobius melanostigmus Turner from the Cape York Peninsula. It is suggested that T. innotata already occurred in northern Australia before European settlement. Tipanaea Walker. - The genus is restricted to the single Australian species, T. patulella Walker, associated with Juncaceae. Genitalic and other structures used to distinguish these genera are discussed. The genitalia of both sexes and the wings of the Australian species are figured, and keys to the genera and species are included.