Hesperolyra saopaulensis van Nieukerken

van Nieukerken, Erik J., Doorenweerd, Camiel, Nishida, Kenji & Snyers, Chris, 2016, New taxa, including three new genera show uniqueness of Neotropical Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera), ZooKeys 628, pp. 1-63 : 42-45

Taxon classification Animalia Lepidoptera Nepticulidae

Hesperolyra saopaulensis van Nieukerken sp. n.

Holotype female.

Brazil, São Paulo, Garulhos, park near airport terminal, 19.viii.2000, EvN no 2000133 [rearing number], leafmines on unidentified Myrtaceae , E.J. van Nieukerken, adult emergence 11-14.ix.2000, RMNH.INS.23553, genitalia slide EvN3553, type number DZ 33.340 (DZUP).

Differential diagnosis.

Externally recognised by silver to leaden basal half of forewing and postmedial silvery fascia, with cilia line present and slightly edged scape. Female genitalia simple, without signa.

Description.

Male. Unknown.

Female (Figs 119, 120). Frontal tuft pale yellow; scape white, slightly edged with grey, antenna with 23 segments (n=1). Collar of hairscales similar to frontal tuft. Thorax and basal half of forewing shining leaden to silver; followed by a slightly postmedial fuscous fascia, then a silver fascia at 2/3 and a fuscous wingtip; terminal cilia silvery white beyond cilia line. Hindwing pale. Abdomen with blunt tip.

Measurements. Female: forewing length 1.9-2.1 mm (2.0 ± 0.1, 14), wingspan 4.0-4.6 mm.

Female genitalia (Figs 132-136). T9 forming broad pair of anal papillae with each ca 16-17 setae. T8 with truncate posterior margin, some setae on either side. Anterior and posterior apophyses narrow, posterior apophyses slightly longer. Total length of bursa 450-500 µm. Bursa without signa or other ornamentation; vestibulum folded and more sclerotised. Ductus spermathecae distinct, but short, with 2-3 indistinct convolutions and ending in wide and pointed vesicle.

Biology.

Host plants. Myrtaceae : unidentified tree (probably an Eugenia or Myrcia sp.).

Leafmines (Figs 137, 138). The leafmine is a contorted gallery, with linear broken black frass throughout, sometimes forming a false blotch at the end. Larval emergence exit at leaf upperside.

Egg. The egg is deposited on leaf upperside, often on a lateral vein.

Larva. Not described.

Cocoon (Fig. 139). Brown, exuviae protruding.

Voltinism and habits. Larvae found in August, moths emerged in September.

Distribution.

Brazil: São Paulo.

DNA barcode.

We barcoded both specimens, resulting in BIN: BOLD:ACG9057. The Holotype was also sequenced for other genes and used in the molecular phylogeny ( Doorenweerd et al. 2016). Sequences may be retrieved in BOLD and Genbank under voucher/sample ID RMNH.INS.23553.

Remarks.

Even though we have no males, we decided to name this species, of which we know the biology, several genes, and which is characteristic both externally and in female genitalia. Furthermore it is the species that was decisive in erecting the new genus Hesperolyra . Collecting new material should be easy, in the small park forest in front of the entrance of Garulhos airport.

Etymology.

Saopaulensis: an adjective, derived from the province and city name São Paulo and the suffix -ensis, indicating geographical origin.

Other material examined.

1♀, leafmines, Brazil, São Paulo, Garulhos, park near airport terminal, 19.viii.2000, EvN no 2000133 [rearing number], leafmines on unidentified Myrtaceae , E.J. van Nieukerken, adult emergence 11-14.ix.2000, genitalia slide Ev4505, RMNH.INS.24505 (RMNH).