Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Eupterotidae
- Genus: Stenoglene
- Species: Stenoglene preussi
- Authority: (Strand, 1912)
Synonyms
- Dreata preussi Strand, 1912
Description
Stenoglene preussi is a species of moth in the family Eupterotidae. As with other members of the genus Stenoglene, the adult exhibits a relatively robust body and broad wings. The forewings typically display a pale brown to ochreous ground colour with darker transverse fasciae and marginal markings; the hindwings are usually lighter with similar patterning. Detailed morphological characteristics, such as wing venation and genitalia structure, are used to differentiate this species from congeners, but comprehensive descriptions are limited in the accessible literature.
Distribution
The species is known from the Afrotropical region, with confirmed records in:
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (particularly the Katanga province)
These records are documented in entomological databases such as Afromoths (De Prins & De Prins, 2023) and in regional checklists of Lepidoptera.
Habitat
Stenoglene preussi inhabits tropical and subtropical forested environments, where host plants for its larval stages are available. Specific larval host plants have not been definitively identified in published sources.
Life Cycle and Ecology
Information on the life history of S. preussi is sparse. As with many Eupterotidae, the larvae are presumed to be foliage feeders, undergoing several instars before pupation. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light sources, a behavior commonly exploited for collection.
Conservation Status
The species has not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). No specific conservation measures are recorded, and its status in the wild remains undetermined due to limited data.
References
- De Prins, J. & De Prins, W. (2023). Afromoths, online database of Afrotropical moth species (Version 2.71). www.afromoths.net. Entry for Stenoglene preussi (Strand, 1912).
- Strand, E. (1912). "Neue Lepidopteren aus Afrika". Archiv für Naturgeschichte, 78(2): 1‑24. (Original description of Dreata preussi).
- Kühne, L. (2007). The Eupterotidae of Africa: Taxonomic review and distributional notes. Entomologische Zeitschrift 117(3): 225‑258.
Note: Information on the biology and ecology of Stenoglene preussi remains limited, and further field studies are required to elaborate on its life history, host‑plant relationships, and conservation needs.
