Endotricha similata (Moore, 1888: 206)

(Figs 9, 22)

Type locality: [India,] Darjeeling [Darjiling]

Material examined: India, Sikkim: Ribdi, 1 ♁, 22.ix.2014 (8778/H10), R. Ranjan leg. (NZCZSI) .

Diagnosis: Endotricha similata is closely similar to E. dumalis, the diagnosis is discussed under the latter. Another closely similar species to E. similata is the new species described hereafter. Diagnosis is discussed under the new species.

Distribution: India (Darjeeling (Moore 1888), Sikkim (present study)), Burma [Myanmar], China, Sri Lanka (Wang & Li 2005).

Endotricha fuscosimilata Ranjan, N. Singh & Kirti, sp. nov.

(Figs 10, 23)

Type locality: Yuksom (Sikkim, India)

Material examined:

Holotype (♁). India, Sikkim: Yuksom, 20.ix.2013 (13270/H10), R. Ranjan leg. (NZCZSI).

Paratype. 1 ♁ (13271/H10), data same as holotype.

Diagnosis: Morphologically, E. fuscosimilata sp. nov. (Fig. 10) is closely similar to E. similata but is fuscous in colour, and the wing markings are less expressive. In male genitalia, the apico-lateral lobes of uncus are less produced and almost straight, gnathos apically narrower and more oval, socii larger, phallus larger, more robust (whereas in E. similata, the apico-lateral lobes of uncus are more produced and curved, gnathos apically rounded, socii are comparatively shorter).

Description: Male. Forewing length 9 mm. Labial palpi upturned, reaching up to vertex of head. Antenna basally swollen with a bunch of scales arising from basal segment. Forewing with some rusty scales on fuscous ground colour; costa fuscous beyond middle, spotted with white; subcostal area beyond antemedial curved line with rusty brown scales; outer area having pinkish scales. Underside with discocellular spot conspicuous. Hindwing with inner and outer area speckled with rusty pink scales posterior to median nervure.

Male genitalia with uncus ‘T’-shaped, having apico-lateral arms almost straight, socii upwardly directed. Gnathos apically rounded. Dorsal portion of valva membranous, inner wall bearing anteriorly directed long setae; costal band pronounced, sclerotised, ventral valva edge convexly curved in ‘C’-shape; sacculus broad at base, saccular process robust and broad medially, approximately 1/4 th length of valva, apex pointed. Tegumen broad, as long as uncus. Transtilla sclerotised and basally broad. Juxta elongate tongue-shaped, apical half ornamented with small spines. Vinculum longer than tegumen, notched ‘U’-shaped anteriorly. Phallus as long as the width of the whole apparatus, apodeme largely sclerotised, cornutus absent.

Female unknown.

Distribution: So far, the new species is only known from its type locality i.e., Sikkim.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to its more fuscous appearance than the closely similar species E. similata, meaning “a fuscous similata ”. A noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name.