Abstract

The identity of Leucania interrogans Walker, 1856, described from an unknown type locality, is confirmed, and a lectotype is designated for it. It is a distinctive and rarely collected species of amphipyrine noctuid of the southeastern U.S. that belongs to neither Leucania nor Phragmatiphila, where placed by previous authors. A comprehensive search failed to reveal any genus to which interrogans might be referred, and Franclemontia, new genus, is proposed for it. The possible sister-group relationship of this new genus to atypical North American elements of Chortodes is suggested. All members of this large group of amphipyrine genera are believed to be host-specific stem borers in marsh grasses.