Agdistis buffelsi, Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, 2015

Kovtunovich, Vasily N. & Ustjuzhanin, Petr Ya., 2015, New species of plume moths of the genus Agdistis Hübner, 1825 (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae: Agdistinae) from southern Africa. 6, African Invertebrates 56 (1), pp. 137-137 : 141-142

Agdistis buffelsi sp. n.

Figs 5, 6

Etymology: The species is named after the Buffels River, which runs close to the type locality.

Diagnosis: The new species resembles A. quagga Arenberger, 2009 in the shape of the valvae, costal projections and aedeagus, but differs in the structure of the uncus, shape of sternite VIII and apically bifurcated valvae.

Description:

Male.

External characteristics ( Fig. 5 ): Wingspan 23–25 mm (24 in holotype). Forewing ashy-grey. Two black spots in distal part of forewing parallel to outer margin; another two black spots closer to forewing base and centrally. Hindwing uniformly grey.

Male genitalia ( Fig. 6 ): Valvae symmetrical, with small excavations distally along lower margin, apically slightly split. Costal projection on left valva thickened beyond midlength and narrowed apically. Costal projection on right valva resembles sole in distal part. Uncus forms broadly rounded plate with truncated apex and narrow excavation. Sternite VIII with triangular incision. Aedeagus straight, as long as costal projection.

Female. Unknown.

Holotype: ♂ SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: 10 km S of Laingsburg , 33°15'S 20°49'E, 9.x.2009, Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin ( BMNH, gen. pr. 22732).

Paratypes: SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: 1 ♂ Worcester , 25.x.1965, L. Vari ( TMSA, gen. pr. 15267) ; 1♂ Worcester, 14–21.x.1966, Vari & Potgieter ( CUK, gen. pr. 197) .

Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape).

Remarks: Flight period in October.

Figures

Figs 5, 6. Agdistis buffelsi sp. n., holotype: (5) adult; (6) male genitalia, BMNH 22732.