Taxonomic status of genus Brahmaea Walker (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea: Brahmaeidae) from India

"Background and Objective: The genus Brahmaea Walker is represented by eight species out of which two species i.e., wallichii Gray and hearseyi White are known from India. These species are closely allied and it is not easy to differentiate these species on the basis of external morphological characters. Hence, to differentiate these species, external genitalic structures have been examined and illustrated in detail. A key has also been formulated. In the present study, the external morphological features such as wing maculation, venation along with external male genitalic attributes have been studied in detail. Materials and Methods: During collection cum survey tours conducted in different areas of Himachal Pradesh, the adult specimens of these species were collected by using light traps. The external morphological features were studied from the dried specimens. The permanent slides of wings were prepared and dissections were done to explore genitalic features. Results: The wing venation and the genitalic features of these two species proved to be significant in differentiation. Conclusion: On the basis of these studies, these two species are significantly distinct from each other."