The ctenoid form of the noctuid epaulette. American Museum novitates ; no. 1768

Abstract

"The ctenoid form of the epaulette (nodular sclerite) occurs in scattered representatives of three trifid subfamilies: Acronyctinae, Hadeninae, and Cuculliinae. It occurs also in at least one agaristid. More or less similar but not homologous structures are found in certain other noctuids. 2. The ctenoid modification varies from a 'rudimentary' type possessing short, simple teeth, to an advanced form having long, branched teeth studded in some species with caltrop-like spines. 3. Experimental evidence indicates that the ctenoid epaulette is not essential to audition and that it can serve as a barrier protecting the tympanic membrane from destruction by parasitic mites or other invaders. 4. The barrier hypothesis does not account for the taxonomically scattered distribution of the structure, nor for its occurrence in the 'rudimentary' form"--P. 9.