Neotrifurcula specimen RH2

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 : 35

Taxon classification Animalia Lepidoptera Nepticulidae

Neotrifurcula specimen RH2

Differential diagnosis.

The moth is markedly smaller than the previous two species, but too worn to see external diagnostics. Male genitalia similar to Neotrifurcula gielisorum , but smaller, valva more triangular and more distinct and cornuti larger.

Description.

Male Antenna with 42 segments, forewing length 2.7 mm. Head pale, forewings and thorax brown, very worn, pattern not visible.

Female unknown.

Measurements. Male: forewing length 2.7mm.

Male genitalia (Figs 111-114). Capsule length 430 µm. Tegumen fused with vinculum, ring-shaped; vinculum extended anteriorly. Uncus with medial truncate process. Gnathos with large triangular central element. Valva length ca 215 µm, approximately triangular, tip pointed. Transtilla without transverse bar, sublateral processes distinct but rather short. Juxta V-shaped, joining valvae and phallus. Phallus length 450 µm, gradually tapering caudally; a long curved process left side, first curved anteriorly, then making a 180 degrees turn to the dorsal side and ending posteriorly, close to phallotrema; vesica with group of distinct cornuti.

Biology.

Host plant. Unknown.

Voltinism and habits. The moth was collected in November, around the conifer Podocarpus salignus D. Don (on the label incorrectly cited as saligna ). It is unlikely that this represents the host.

Distribution.

Chile: Valdivia.

Remarks.

The moth had been studied by Robert Hoare for his thesis, and is part of a larger series that is under study with the group of J.R. Stonis (Vilnius) and probably will be described by them.

Material examined.

1♂, Chile, Valdivia, 20 km S Valdivia, Rincon de la Piedra, 15.xi.1981, Nielsen & Karsholt, station 15, caught around Podocarpus saligna , Genitalia and wing slide R. Hoare South America 2 (ZMUC).