Plume moths of Malawi (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae)
Author
Kovtunovich, V.
Author
Ustjuzhanin, P.
Author
Murphy, R.
text
Zootaxa
2014
3847
4
451
494
journal article
10.11646/zootaxa.3847.4.1
f18438f9-7043-45af-b603-3a12ee96e884
1175-5326
250050
C1F94BC0-BE4B-42A9-9FE0-1F700D384B48
Arcoptilia malawica
Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin
sp. nov.
(
Figs. 27–29
)
Type
material:
Holotype
, male, (
BMNH
22946) N.
Malawi
, Nyika N.P., S
10º35' E
33º43',
2440 m
, 11–14. 0 8. 2009.
Paratype
, 1 ♀, (
BMNH
22947) same data as
holotype
, 11–
14.08.2009
, R.
Murphy
.
External characters.
Wingspan
21 mm
in the
holotype
and
20 mm
in the
paratype
. Head, thorax and tegulae brown. Antennae dark-brown, with inclusion of light scales. Palpi short, straight, length equal to eye diameter. Forewing brown, dark spot of scales situated in base at cleft base. Dark dashes parallel to wing situated on outer side of costal edge of forewing near apex. Similar dashes also situated on inner margin of forewing, one under bifurcation and second near apex. Hindwing somewhat darker than forewing. Fringes brown on all lobes, individual dark scales suffused on third lobe along anal margin.
Male
genitalia.
Valvae symmetrical, broadly oval. Sacculus has shape of narrow fold, slightly processed beyond edge of valva near apex. Uncus broad, trilobed with center lobe smallest. Juxta narrow, extended. Aedeagus very long, two times longer than valva, arcuated. Coecum slightly broadened, with well-developed flat fold.
Female genitalia.
Papilla analis broad, oval. Posterior apophyses slender, long. Antrum long, tube-like. Ductus slender, long, weakly sclerotized. Bursa copulatrix large, oval, with two rounded signa.
Diagnosis.
The new species externaly resembles
Exelastis atomosa
Walshingham, 1885
but differs by the deeper bifurcation of forewing and brown colouration. The trilobed shape of uncus in the male genitalia is similar to
Marasmarcha lamborni
sp.nov.
but differs by in the structure of the valvae, aedeagus, and shape of the juxta.
Distribution:
N.
Malawi
.
Flight period
: August.
Etymology.
Toponymic name.