Microschismus sterkfonteini, Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2011

Ustjuzhanin, P. & Kovtunovich, V., 2011, A revision of the genus Microschismus Fletcher, 1909 (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae), African Invertebrates 52 (2), pp. 557-557 : 568-569

Microschismus sterkfonteini sp. n.

Figs 38–40

Etymology: From the type locality, Sterkfontein Dam in the Free State Province.

Diagnosis: Externally, due to the wing colour, the new species is slightly similar to M. cymatias , but differs markedly from the latter in the location of the bands, a lighter tone and the colour of the legs (the new species has pale yellow legs, M. cymatias has brown legs). In the male genitalia the shape of the valves, their appendages and the gnathos are similar to M. fortis , but M. sterkfonteini can be easily distinguished by the shape of the uncus, which has a flat apex, and the straight outer edge of the aedeagus.

Description:

External characters: Head, thorax and tegulae white. Labial palpi light grey at top, brown on sides, 4 times longer that eye diameter.Antennae light grey, weakly serrated. Wingspan 17–19 mm (holotype, 19). Forewings white with dark brown spots and bands. Costal edge of forewing has a series of dark brown spots of various shapes. One quarter of outer edge of wing is brown. In middle part of wing, closer to base, are oblique, indistinct brown stripes. Hindwings white with a mixture of brown. In middle of wing is a rather broad, light brown band. Legs pale, without pigmentation.

Male genitalia: Uncus wide along entire length, with flat edge at apex. Gnathos narrow, long, pointed towards apex. Valves rather narrow, pendent towards apex. Appendage on valve short, located behind its midlength. Anellus branches quite long and straight, evenly expanding to apex. Outer edge of saccus rounded. Aedeagus flat at outer edge, apex slanted at an acute angle.

Female genitalia: Anal papillae narrow, elongated. Front apophyses thick, slightly winding. Rear apophyses thick, rather long at bottom and near top. Vaginal plate has deep oval cut. Antrum short, tubular. Smooth transition from ductus to oval bursa copulatrix. Holotype: ♂ SOUTH AFRICA: Free State: 20 km S of Harrismith, Sterkfontein Dam , 28°23'S: 29°23'E, 1750 m, 11–12.i.2011, V. Kovtunovich & P. Ustjuzhanin ( BMNH, 22927).

Paratypes: 16♂ 1♀ same data as holotype ( CUK, BMNH, TMSA) , 2♂ same data as holotype but 29–30. xii.2007 ; 2♂ same data as holotype but 20.i.2009 ( CUK, BMNH, TMSA) .

Figures

Figs 38–40. Microschismus sterkfonteini sp.n.: (38, 39) holotype imagoand male genitalia,BMNH,22927; (40) female genitalia, paratype, BMNH, 22928.