Detailed Taxonomic Redescription, Distribution, and Rediscovery of the Birch Emperor Moth, Rinaca lindia (Moore 1865) (Bombycoidea: Saturniidae) from Jammu & Kashmir, India, After a 38-Year Hiatus

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The genus Rinaca Walker 1855 was established with the type species Caligula simla (Westwood 1847) from Simlah (=Shimla), India. Rinaca lindia (Moore 1865) was first reported from northeast, India. During the present study, two specimens of Rinaca lindia (Moore 1865) were collected from the Babareshi region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India, after a 38-year absence. The current study reports the rediscovery of Rinaca lindia (Moore 1865) J&K, India, with description of novel morphological characters and, illustration of the female genitalia. Additionally, information on the preimaginal instars, food plants and species distribution are also provided.