Key to the subgenera of the genus Philothis Reichardt, 1930

1 (2) Protarsi absent (Fig. 551); elytra with four (rarely even five) dorsal elytral striae. ................................................................................. subgenus Atavinus Olexa, 1990

2 (1) Protarsi present.

3 (4) Prosternal apophysis large, triangular; carinal prosternal striae present, convergent anteriorly (Fig. 564). ....................................... subgenus Farabius Reichardt, 1930

4 (3) Prosternal apophysis faintly triangular, carinal prosternal striae absent (Fig. 531). ........................................................................................... subgenus Philothis s. str.