A revision of the genus Spragueia Grote (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The genus Spragueia Grote, 1875 is revised, including the morphology, distribution and systematics. Keys to adults are provided along with illustrations of genitalia and habitus for 29 species of Spragueia. Eight species are described as new: S. xericosa, S. llanosa, S. cryptomargana, S. lukesi, S. mexicana, S. olmeca, S. stehri S. rawlinsi. Two species are removed from synonomy and elevated to species status: S. trichostrota Meyrick and S. ochracea Moschler. S. grana Dognin is placed in synonomy with S. perstructana, and S. velata Strecker is placed in synonomy with S. margana. The larva of S. onagrus is described and illustrated. The taxonomy of the Acontiini and the position of this tribe in noctuid phylogeny is evaluated. Cladistic analysis and justification for the generic limits of Spragueia are presented. A new dissection technique for the vesica is described.