Mesophleps geodes (Meyrick, 1929) Li & Sattler, 2012

Li, Houhun & Sattler, Klaus, 2012, A taxonomic revision of the genus Mesophleps Hübner, 1825 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) 3373, Zootaxa 3373, pp. 1-82 : 48

Mesophleps geodes -group

Labial palpus segment 2 broadly triangular, 3 upturned at right angles or porrect and obscured in 2. Forewing with moderate pterostigma basad of R 1, R 3 approximated to common stalk of R 4+5 +M 1, M 3 and CuA 1 connate or stalked; hind wing with R 1 present, anastomosed with Sc near base of wing, Rs+M 1 on long common stalk, M 3 and CuA 1 approximated at base. Forewing uniformly dark brown, unmarked, or grey with more or less distinct markings. Pregenital abdomen with TIV–VIII (in female TIV–VII) with very broad, medially indented band of microtrichia ( Figs 16, 19–20).

Genitalia ♂ ( Figs 82, 83). Uncus sub-rectangular or distally rounded and medially constricted; gnathos arms medially fused to single hook, valva simple. Phallus straight, with moderately swollen base, evenly tapered to sharp point or angled in middle with abruptly narrowed distal portion .

Genitalia º ( Figs 110, 111, 141, 142). Papillae anales sub-rectangular, width about three-times length, apophyses posteriores less than twice length of apophyses anteriores. Ostium bursae membranous; ductus bursae of moderate length; ductus seminalis from ductus or cervix bursae.

Remarks. Despite several specializations such as the unusual genitalia we believe that geodes is merely a specialized member of the same clade and consequently synonymize the genus Bucolarcha Meyrick with Mesophleps on account of the abdominal bands of microtrichia, and the larval biology (seed feeder in the pods of leguminous trees).

The two species placed in this group differ from each other in many characters but are tentatively placed together because they uniquely share the broad band of microtrichia on abdominal TVIII of the male (elsewhere in Mesophleps only on TIV–VII) and, in the female, the unusually broad papillae anales.

Biology. Host-plants: Leguminosae ( Mimosoideae ).

Distribution ( Figs 23, 24). South Africa, Malawi, Namibia, Kenya, Pakistan, India.