American Society of Hirudotherapy

Taxonomic review of the Thysanoptyx Hampson generic complex (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). II. The genus Thysanoplisna Volynkin with descriptions of seven new species from Vietnam and mainland China

Research article published in Zootaxa (2024)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Clinical TrialsVolynkin AV · Zootaxa, 2024

Abstract

The Asiatic footman moth genus Thysanoplisna Volynkin, 2023 is reviewed with seven species described as new to science: Th. grandimacula sp. nov., Th. minuta sp. nov., Th. monotona sp. nov., and Th. suffusa sp. nov. from Northern Vietnam, Th. bachma sp. nov. from Central Vietnam, Th. tenebrosa sp. nov. from Southwestern China (Sichuan Province), and Th. hoenei sp. nov. from East China (Zhejiang Province). One taxon is restored to species level from synonymy with Th. signata (Walker, 1854): Th. directa (Leech, 1899), stat. rev. Lectotype is designated for Thysanoptyx directa Leech, 1899. Adults and genitalia of both sexes of all species as well as the type species of the similar genera Caliginoptyx Volynkin & Černý, 2024 and Medioptyx Volynkin & Černý, 2024 are illustrated.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsMaleFemaleVietnamChinaAnimal DistributionBody SizeMothsOrgan SizeAnimal Structures

Summary

The Asiatic footman moth genus Thysanoplisna Volynkin, 2023 is reviewed with seven species described as new to science: Th.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This taxonomic review covers the Asiatic footman moth genus Thysanoplisna, describing seven new species from Vietnam and mainland China and restoring Th. directa (Leech, 1899) to species level from synonymy with Th. signata. The word 'Leech' appears in this article only as a taxonomic authority citation — 'Thysanoptyx directa Leech, 1899' — denoting the author of the species name, not the annelid worm. This study has no relevance to hirudotherapy, the leech secretome, leech-derived bioactive compounds, or any aspect of the ASH research domain. The apparent connection to leeches is solely a nomenclatural coincidence.

Citation

Taxonomic review of the Thysanoptyx Hampson generic complex (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). II. The genus Thysanoplisna Volynkin with descriptions of seven new species from Vietnam and mainland China.

Volynkin AV · Zootaxa, 2024

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.