Taxonomy and distribution of the Trifurcula (Glaucolepis) raikhonae group (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae)

Trifurcula (Glaucolepis) melanoptera sp. n. is described from southern Europe, where it is widespread. It is closely related to the Central Asian T. (Glaucolepis) raikhonae Puplesis, which is redescribed. Together they form the raikhonae species group. Sinopticula Yang is here synonymized with Glaucolepis Braun, its only species S. sinica Yang is tentatively regarded as closely related, if not conspecific with T. raikhonae. The distribution is mapped. On the basis of recent Chinese findings the larvae are assumed to be gall-makers on Prunus branches. Some phylogenetic and biogeographic remarks are given.