First discovery of Quercus -feeding Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera) in South America, with description of new species and designation of the S. nigriverticella complex in the S. saginella group

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2015
Authors:A. Remeikis, Stonis J. R.
Journal:Zootaxa
Volume:4057
Pagination:409-429
Date Published:2015-12-11
ISBN Number:1175-5334
Keywords:Colombia, Guatemala, leaf-mines, Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae, New species, Quercus, Stigmella crassifoliae, Stigmella humboldti, Stigmella robleae
Abstract:

We describe three new species: Stigmella crassifoliae Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. (a leaf-miner on Quercus crassifolia and Q. crispipilis from the highlands of Guatemala), S. robleae Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., and S. humboldti Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. (leaf-miners on Quercus humboldtii from the Colombian Andes). No Quercus- feeding Nepticulidae species were previously known from South America. All new species are illustrated with photographs of the leaf-mines, cocoons, adults, and genitalia. In the S. saginella species group, for the species possessing in male genitalia M-shaped gnathos with caudal processes closely juxtaposed and phallus without cornuti, a new species complex (the S. nigriverticella complex) is defined. We also provide a pictorial key to the species of the new complex.  

DOI:10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.7
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