The Trifurcula subnitidella group (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae): taxonomy, distribution and biology

The nominal subgenus Trifurcula Zeller, 1848 is divided into two species groups: the subnitidella group and the pallidella group. The subnitidela group is described and comprises T. subnitidella (Duponchel, 1843), and eight new species: austriaca (from Austria), luteola (France), puplesisi (Soviet Union), coronillae (Spain), victoris (Spain), josefklimeschi (Italy, southern Europe), iberica (Spain) and silviae (France). Males of all species and females of six species are described and diagnosed, and for four species the larvae, mines and biology are described as well: they make mines in stems of herbaceous or shrubby Fabaceae (tribes Loteae, Coronilleae). The group is widespread in the western Palaearctic, but most species occur in Southwest Europe. T. subnitidella is recorded for the first time from 14 countries. The phylogeny of the group and subgenus are discussed, the pallidella group is considered to be its sistergroup. A lectotype for T. orientella Klimesch is designated.