Mesophleps species (Hubei)

Li, Houhun & Sattler, Klaus, 2012, A taxonomic revision of the genus Mesophleps Hübner, 1825 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) 3373, Zootaxa 3373, pp. 1-82 : 46

Mesophleps species (Hubei)

♂. Wingspan 12.0 mm. Head whites. Labial palpus segment 2 black, distally with short loosed tuft, white, 3 white and tinged with yellow, outer side with black dot at base. Antennae white, distally somewhat pale brown, terminal segment black. Thorax, tegula and forewing yellowish white. Forewing with costal margin dark, distal half expanded wide and gradually ochreous, interrupted by oblique white line running from distal fifth towards termen; some black scales along termen; black discocellular and plical spots round.

Genitalia ♂. Uncus of even width, caudal margin medially notched; gnathos hooks reduced to short sclerotized pegs, separated at base; vinculum posteriorly with pair of strong, short, outwardly-directed spines; phallus with bulbous base and straight, pointed distal portion.

Genitalia ♀. Unknown.

Remarks: This single pale-coloured male from China with a distally notched uncus may represent an as yet undescribed species.

Biology. Host-plant unknown.

Distribution. China (Hubei).

Material examined (1 ♂, including 1 ♂ genitalia preparation)

China: 1 ♂, Hubei Province, Shennongjia, Songbaizhen , 1200–1400 m, 17.vii.2003 (Shulian Hao) (genitalia slide no. L03072 ; NKUM) .