Diargyria is a genus of butterflies characterized by the presence of silver on their wings. It is found in South Africa.

Diargyria
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Cuculliinae
Genus: Diargyria
Krüger, 2005

Etymology

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The name Diargyria is derived from Greek, meaning 'two' or 'double' (di) and 'silver' (argyros). It refers to the silver coloration on the wings.[1]

Description

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The genus Diargyria (Krüger, 2005) contains four species. These moths are found in different veld types in the Eastern and Western Cape. Some species are restricted to specific habitats like D. argyrogramma to Lesotho, and D. argyrostolmus to the Camdeboo mountains. However, D. argyrohorion has the widest distribution, and is found at altitudes over 1500m.[1]

Type specimens of this genus are preserved in Transvaal Museum, Pretoria.

Species

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References

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  1. ^ a b Krüger, M. (2009). "Two new representatives of the genus Diargyria Krüger, 2005 from South Africa (Lepidoptera: Noctudinae: Cuculliinae)". Metamorphosis. 20 (1). The Lepidopterists' Society of Africa: 29–34.