Martinique, Morne Rouge, Montauberge, 13-III-1986

Pseudamastus alsa (Druce, 1890)

Arctiidae Arctiinae

Systematics

The Genus Amastus Walker comprises species living at high altitudes in the Andes, except for A. alsa Druce, which is known from the Lesser Antilles only. After a close examination of this species, H. de Tougoët created the Genus Pseudamastus, whose characteristics are intermediate between those of Amastus and Halysidota (H. de Toulgoët, 1985, Nouv. Rev. Entomol. (N.S.), 2: 5-9).

The known subspecies differ considerably in size and colour, but their genitalia are identical.

Biology and distribution

Guadeloupe: (P. a. alsa) very rare, in upper hygrophilic zone only.
Martinique: (P. a. lalannei) very rare, Morne Rouge, Fonds St-Denis.

Dominica: Type specimen of P. a. alsa.

Similar species

Halysidota leda enricoi (Martinique)
Halysidota leda leda (Guadeloupe)
Opharus bimaculata
Pachydota albiceps