The Moth (probably a Noctuidae or Erebidae member) was sighted on 13 May 2018 in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India. This bead-like structure was prominently seen in all the specimens of this species.
It appears metallic and is firmly attached to the Moth's body, near the metathorax-abdomen junction. If possible, kindly share some reference material related to the function and significance of this structure.
It is also seen in other species like Olene mendosa. Reference- http://www.mothsofindia.org/media_images/2016/thumb/th_102_583-838-5610b8834b0d6-1.jpg
Is it related to the Pterothoracic musculature of the Moth in anyway ?
It may be part of the scutellum. If you have some specimens, remove the scales to see the thorax. For example, see figure 2.18 http://www.entomologa.ru/outline/23.htm
Thank you for your answer. I did collect the specimen but I do not have access to it right now. It is in the field station where I was working. Hope to find this moth again when I visit that place. :)
@ Rachit Singh, this looks like a modified thoracic crest - the moth (from what is visible) appears to be a Labanda species (Nolidae, Chloephorinae, Ariolicini). Of the few Labanda species I have seen (in Hong Kong and Malaysia), all have this thoracic "metallic scale lump". Similar scale clumps can be found in other Lepidoptera groups, not necessarily confined to the thorax, either. E.g. in Homodes spp (Erebidae), Pingasa & allied genera (Geometridae, Geometrinae).
examples:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/14741153
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/8846647
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