New taxa, including three new genera show uniqueness of Neotropical Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera)
Author
van Nieukerken, Erik J.
Author
Doorenweerd, Camiel
Author
Nishida, Kenji
Author
Snyers, Chris
text
ZooKeys
2016
628
1
63
http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.628.9805
journal article
http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.628.9805
1313-2970-628-1
2D2565530AFA45C897EAB3A006CFF3F7
2D2565530AFA45C897EAB3A006CFF3F7
Taxon
classification Animalia Lepidoptera Nepticulidae
Neotrifurcula specimen RH2
Differential diagnosis.
The moth is markedly smaller than the previous two species, but too worn to see external diagnostics. Male genitalia similar to
Neotrifurcula gielisorum
, but smaller, valva more triangular and more distinct and cornuti larger.
Description.
Male Antenna with 42 segments, forewing length 2.7 mm. Head pale, forewings and thorax brown, very worn, pattern not visible.
Female unknown.
Measurements. Male: forewing length 2.7mm.
Male genitalia (Figs 111-114). Capsule length 430
µm
. Tegumen fused with vinculum, ring-shaped; vinculum extended anteriorly. Uncus with medial truncate process. Gnathos with large triangular central element. Valva length ca 215
µm
, approximately triangular, tip pointed. Transtilla without transverse bar, sublateral processes distinct but rather short. Juxta V-shaped, joining valvae and phallus. Phallus length 450
µm
, gradually tapering caudally; a long curved process left side, first curved anteriorly, then making a 180 degrees turn to the dorsal side and ending posteriorly, close to phallotrema; vesica with group of distinct cornuti.
Figures 111-114.
Neotrifurcula
specimen RH2. Male genitalia, slide RH SA2. Scale bars: 100
µm
.
Biology.
Host plant. Unknown.
Voltinism and habits. The moth was collected in November, around the conifer
Podocarpus salignus
D. Don (on the label incorrectly cited as
saligna
). It is unlikely that this represents the host.
Distribution.
Chile: Valdivia.
Remarks.
The moth had been studied by Robert Hoare for his thesis, and is part of a larger series that is under study with the group of J.R. Stonis (Vilnius) and probably will be described by them.
Material examined.
1♂, Chile, Valdivia, 20 km S Valdivia, Rincon de la Piedra, 15.xi.1981, Nielsen & Karsholt, station 15, caught around
Podocarpus saligna
, Genitalia and wing slide R. Hoare South America 2 (ZMUC).