Dichrorampha velata, Schmid & Huemer, 2021

Schmid, Juerg & Huemer, Peter, 2021, Unraveling a complex problem: Dichrorampha velata sp. nov., a new species from the Alps hitherto confounded with D. alpestrana ([Zeller], 1843) sp. rev. = D. montanana (Duponchel, 1843) syn. nov. (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), Alpine Entomology 5, pp. 37-53 : 37

Dichrorampha velata sp. nov.

Figs 2 , 9 , 11-16 , 47

Diagnosis.

Dichrorampha velata is in overall appearance very similar to D. montanana from which it differs in wing pattern mainly by its more olive ground colour (in fresh specimens), by its markedly weaker dorsal blotch and by its slightly larger wingspan.

In male genitalia, the most obvious and constant differences are found in the shape of the phallus and the inner lobal line of the cucullus which both allow the unambiguous separation of the two taxa. In female genitalia, no clear differences could be ascertained.

Derivatio nominis.

“velatus” Latin, meaning “veiled” with respect to its confused history.

Material examined (specimens identified from genitalia preparations and/or DNA barcodes). Holotype. ♂, wingspan: 15.2 mm. CH-La Punt GR, God Arscheida [46.5864°N, 9.91928°E], 1820 m; 26.VI.2006; GP 108; BOLD: BC TLMF Lep 04060. Deposited in TLMF. Paratypes. Switzerland: 1♂: Felsberg GR, Sand [46.84541°N, 9.47091°E], 590 m, 24.6.2005, Schmid, BOLD 4061; 1 ♂: Avers, Innerferrera GR, [46.51657°N, 9.45399°E],1750 m, 29.6.2009, Schmid BOLD 4057; 1♂: Bergün GR, Pentsch [46.63913°N, 9.73708°E], 1500 m, 1.7.2009, Schmid, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 04056; 2♂: Laax GR, Nagens [46.85122°N, 9.24287°E], 1820 m, 28.7.2005, Schmid, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 0 4062; 2♂: La Punt GR, God Arscheida [46.5864°N, 9.91928°E], 1820 m, 26.6.2006, Schmid, DNA Barcode IDs TLMF Lep 04060, TLMF Lep 04063; 1♂: Avers-Cresta GR [46.47579°N, 9.50389°E], 1880 m, 15.7.2009, Schmid; 1♂: Tarasp-Fontana GR, Val Zuort [46.77299°N, 10.25755°E], 1440 m, 10.7.2008 Schmid; 1♂: La Punt GR, God Arscheida [46.5864°N, 9.91928°E], 1980 m, 30.6.2007, Schmid; 3 ♂: Tujetsch GR, Selva [46.66171°N, 8.2043°E], 1600 m, 20.6.2005, Schmid; 1♂, 1♀: Pigniu GR, Lag [46.82367°N, 9.11229°E], 1430 m, 21.6.2003, Schmid; 1♂: Tujetsch GR, Oberalp-Canals [46.65123°N, 8.68557°E], 1900 m, 1.8.2005, Schmid; 1♀: Sedrun, Bugnei [46.69012°N, 8.78537°E], 1700 m, 31.7.2004, Schmid; 1♂: Pigniu GR, Alp [46.82784°N, 9.10864°E], 1460 m, 10.7.2001, Schmid; 1♂: Medel GR, Acla [46.63106°N, 8.83805°E], 1520 m, 12.7.2001, Schmid; 1♂: Cormoret BE, Métairie de Morat [47.14394°N, 7.06376°E], 1500 m, 10.6.2000, Bryner; 1♀: Cormoret BE, Métairie de Morat [47.14394°N, 7.06376°E], 1500 m, 10.6.2000, Bryner; 1♂, 1♀: Villeret, Chasseral, Krete west [47.12969°N, 7.04969°E], 1550 m, 23.7.1994, Bryner. 1♂: Cormoret BE, Métairie de Morat [47.14394°N, 7.06376°E], 1500 m, 10.7.2003, Bryner; 1♂: Nods BE, Chasseral, Les Roches [47.13657°N, 7.07567°E], 1520 m, 15.7.2004, Bryner; 1♂: Nods BE, Chasseral, Piste [47.12568°N, 7.06243°E], 1285 m, 1.7.2013, Bryner; 1♂: Nods BE, Chasseral, sous les Roches [47.13398°N, 7.07345°E], 1380-1480 m, 13.6.2001, Bryner; 1♂: Villiers NE, Métairie de l’Ile [47.10633°N, 7.01728°E], 1350-1470 m, 14.6.2002, Bryner; 1♂: Ayers VS, Zinal, Pti Mountet [46.10759°N, 7.63174°E], 1800 m, 8.7.2015, Bryner; 1♂: Château-d’Oex, Béviau-Le Crinson [46.51371°N, 7.16527°E], 1260-1540 m, 22.6.2013, Bryner; 1♂: Zinal VS [46.13081°N, 7.62554°E], 1600-1850 m, 6.7.2020, Wittland; 1♂: Avers-Cröt GR [46.47681°N, 9.48857°E], 1750 m, 5.8.2011, Wittland; 1♂: Zinaltal VS, Le Vichiesso [46.09454°N, 7.63751°E], 1950-2140 m, 1.7.2014, Wittland; 3♂: Zinaltal VS, Le Vichiesso [46.11087°N, 7.63369°E], 1700-1850 m, 1.7.2014, Wittland: 1♂: Turtmanntal VS, Augstbordregion [46.2°N, 7.7666°E], 2400 m, 12.7.2010, Wittland; 1♂: Leuk VS, Guttet-Tschärmilong [46.47681°N, 9.48857°E] 1800 m, 8.8.2016, Wittland; 1♂: Leuk VS, Erschmatt-Brentschen [46.32883°N, 7.69125°E], 1550 m, 28.6.2017, Wittland; 1♂: Villeret BE, Chasseral [47.13194°N, 7.05477°E], 1430 m, 25.6.2020, Wittland.

Germany: 2♂: Immenstadt, Mittag [47.53833°N, 10.21861°E], 1450 m, 8.7.1983 Süssner /TLMF; 3♂: Schwäbische Alb, Urach, Nägeles Fels [48.50639°N, 9.38861°E], 700 m, 19.6.1970, Süssner /TLMF; 4♂: ditto, but 19.6.1968, Süssner /TLMF; 1♂: Schwäbische Alb, Urach 4 km SSW [48.48278°N, 9.37833°E], 630 m, 24.6.1975, Süssner /TLMF; 1♀: Schwäbische Alb, Urach [48.48278°N, 9.37833°E], 8.8.1954, Groschke/TLMF; 1♂: 2ditto, but 5.7.1955, Groschke/TLMF; 3♂: Schwäbische Alb, Neuffen-Hohenneuffen, Randweg [48.55833°N, 9.39167°E], 700 m, 19.6.1968, Süssner /TLMF; 1♀: ditto, but 30.6.1967, Süssner /TLMF; 1♀: Schwäbische Alb, Hohenneuffen [48.55833°N, 9.39167°E], 700 m, 8.7.1956, Süssner /TLMF; 1♀: ditto, but 30.6.1967 Süssner /TLMF.

Austria: Tirol, Umhausen [47.14027°N, 10.9290°E], 20.6.48, Burmann/TLMF; 2♂: Tirol, Umhausen N, unt. Farst [47.15694°N, 10.92278°E], 1100 m, 26.6.2010, Huemer/TLMF, DNA Barcode IDs TLMF Lep 03368, TLMF Lep 03607; 1♂: ditto, but 2.8.2014, Huemer/TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 15225; 1♂: Tirol, Sölden [46.978°N, 11.002°E], 1600 m, 25.7.1956, Süssner /TLMF; 1♂: Salzburg, Grossglockner [47.0289°N, 6.40417°E], 1900 m, 1.7.1976, Zürnbauer /TLMF.

Italy: 1♂: Gr. St. Bernhard [45.883°N, 7.191°E], 2350 m, 1.7.1967, Zürnbauer /TLMF; 1♂: Südtirol, Vinschgau, Graun, Rojental [46.80722°N, 10.47889°E], 1970 m, 7.7.2013, Huemer/TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 12339; 1♂: ditto, but 1860-1880 m, 1.7.2014, Huemer/TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 15529.

France: 1♂: Rhône-Alpes, Le Corbier [45.23722°N, 6.26029°E], 1650 m, 17.7.2008, Nel/TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 03370; 1♂: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, La Ville des glaciers [45.73555°N, 6.75555°E], 2200 m, 12.7.2007, Nel/TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 03369; 2♂: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Col du Lautaret [45.0289°N, 6.40417°E], 2058 m, 20.7.2006, Nel/TLMF, DNA Barcode IDs TLMF Lep 03376, TLMF Lep 03377.

Description.

Wingspan 12.8-16.5 mm (n = 25) mean: 14.6 mm. Forewing length: 6-8 mm. Head light grey, mixed with ochreous scales. Labial palpi dark grey, conspicuously ochreous at base. Proboscis pale yellow, antennae ochreous. Thorax and tegulae yellowish grey mixed with ochreous scales. Legs and abdomen grey with ochreous scales. Forewing ground colour olive brown or beige brown. Costal fold about one fourth of costal length. Costal strigulae darker brown alternating with creamy-white marks. Along termen variable number (3-5) of dark dots. Dorsal blotch faintly brighter than ground color, usually inconspicuous, pyramidal, with faint irregular darker strigulae. Silvery lines irregular, usually two more pronounced lines running parallel to termen. Cilial area composed of a line of short dark scales in front of a line of longer dark-tipped creamy-white scales. Hindwing grey, paler at base, with a dark-white-dark banded cilial line.

Male genitalia (Figs 10 , 23-31 , 38-40 ): Sacculus ventrally straight, neck of valva rather broad, cucullus crescent-shaped, dorsal lobe short, ventral corner rather pointed. Inner lobal line broadly rounded, without projections. Phallus broad, half-pipe-like, both walls slightly twisted, each ending distally in a prominent thorn, sometimes also with two or more smaller thorns.

Female (Fig. 47 ): wingspan 10.9-13 mm (n = 4) mean: 12.0 mm. Forewing length: 5.5-6 mm.

Forewing ground color dark brown, suffused with ochreous scales. Markings like in male but darker and more contrasting. Dorsal blotch variably conspicuous.

Female genitalia (Figs 48 - 52 ): Colliculum heavily sclerotized, broad, proximally asymmetrically bulbous. Ductus bursae very short, small sclerotic area before corpus bursae. Two signa: one bigger slightly curved thorn and one small, straight thorn.

Molecular data.

BIN: BOLD:AAE0715. The intraspecific average distance of the barcode region is very low with only 0.05%, the maximum distance 0.31% (p-dist) (n = 18). The minimum distance to the nearest neighbor, D. alpestrana , is 3.96%.

Distribution

(Fig. 57 ). Dichrorampha velata sp. nov. is currently known from Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France, mainly from the western Alps, extending to Salzburg (Austria) in the East. In Switzerland, this species inhabits also the Jura mountains, and further extra-alpine records are also documented for southern Germany (Swabian Alps).

Contrarywise D. alpestrana occurs only in the southern part of the Swiss Alps, i.e. in a region south of the Rhine-Rhône line. It is widely distributed in Austria but the only species of the group in the eastern part of the country (type locality of D. montanana and D. alpestrana ). Further proved records come from the Italian Alps, Northern Macedonia and from the United Kingdom, indicating a highly disjunct arctic-alpine distribution pattern.

In some localities in Switzerland and Italy both species have been observed in sympatry.

Material examined.

Dichrorampha alpestrana (specimens identified from genitalia preparations and/or DNA barcodes). Switzerland: 12♂ 4♀: La Punt GR, God Arscheida [46.5864°N, 9.91928°E], 1820 m, 26.6.2006, Schmid, 1♂ DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 01366; 1♂: La Punt GR, God Arscheida [46.5864°N, 9.91928°E], 1820 m, 19.6.2006, Schmid; 3♂: Val Müstair GR, Sta Maria [46.60764°N, 10.41349°E], 1760 m, 30.6.2008, Schmid; 1♂ Avers, GR, Innnerferera, Starlera [46.5167°N, 9.43308°E], 1750 m, 30.6.2008, Schmid, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 04058; 3♂: Berninapass Süd GR [46.41390°N, 10.03627°E], 2300 m, 16.7.2008, Schmid; 1♂ DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 04059; 1♂: Valposchiavo GR, Bernina Ospizio [46.41056°N, 10.02278°E], 2350 m, 13.07.2009, Schmid; 1♂: Pontresina GR, Lagalb, 2100 m, 10.8.2010, Schmid; 1♂: Ardez GR [46.77352°N, 10.20102°E], Thomann TLMF ; 2♂: Simplonpass VS, Bistinealp [46.25803°N, 8.03124°E], 2000-2200 m, 15.7.2010, Wittland; 1♂: S-chanf GR, Alp Chaschauna , 2250-2800 m, 25.7.2012, Wittland. Austria : 1♂: Salzburg, Katschberg [47.00605°N, 13.60972°E], 1750-1850 m, 2.8.1991, Huemer & Karsholt /TLMF ; 1♂: Osttirol, Virgen-Obermauern [47.00645°N, 12.43286°E], 1410 m, 8.7.1993, Tarmann/TLMF; 1♂: Osttirol, Rieserfernergruppe, Patschertal [46.92477°N, 12.18629°E], 2080 m, 158.1989, TLMF; 1♂: Osttirol, Matrei [46.99966°N, 12.54313°E], 1200 m, 2.6.1963, Burmann/TLMF; 1♂: Nordtirol, Vennatal [47°N, 11.55°E], 2000 m, 2.8.1969, Kapeller/TLMF; 1♂: Nordtirol, Stanzach [47.39527°N, 10.56722°E], 920 m, 5.7.1989, Huemer/TLMF; 1♂: Osttirol, Dorfertal [47.04297°N, 12.33361°E], 1880-2100 m, 28.7.1988, Tarmann/TLMF; 1♂: Osttirol , Kals, Tauernhaus [47.0707°N, 12.6233°E], 1700 m, 5.7.1960, Süssner /TLMF ; 1♂: Osttirol, St. Jakob in Defereggen [46.91722°N, 12.33083°E], 1380 m, 12.7.2002, Deutsch /TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 03366 ; 1♂: Osttirol , Ködnitztal, Greiwiesen [47.01944°N, 12.6819°E], 2100-2300 m, 21.7.2002, Deutsch /TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 03367 ; 1♂: Steiermark, Turracher Höhe NW, [46.92805°N, 13.86805°E], 1750-1850 m, 4.7.2009, Huemer /TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 00818 ; 1♂: Kärnten, Saualpe, Umg. Wolfberger Hütte [46.83333°N, 14.65°E], 1500-1800 m, 19.6.2000, Wimmer /TLMF ; 1♂: Niederösterreich, Seeau S Hollenstein / Ybbs [47.75°N, 14.78°E], 600 m, 1.6.1986, Lichtenberger /TLMF. Italy : 1♂: Südtirol, Vinschgau , Graun, Rojental [46.80722°N, 10.47889°E], 1970 m, 7.7.2013, Huemer /TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 12340 ; 1♂: ditto, but 1860-1880 m, 1.7.2014, Huemer /TLMF, DNA Barcode ID TLMF Lep 15528 ; 1♂: Südtirol, Ridnauntal [46.938°N, 11.256°E], 1500-1580 m, 8.6.2016, Wittland. Northern Macedonia : 2♂: NP Mavrovo, Korab, Korabska jezero, Kobilino pole [41.77833°N, 20.58194°E], 2080-2180 m, 28.7.- 1.8.2011, Huemer & Tarmann/TLMF, DNA Barcode IDs TLMF Lep 05060, TLMF Lep 05061.

Furthermore, published genitalia preparations prove the occurrence of D. alpestrana in:

Austria: Niederösterreich, Sonnwendstein [47.63030°N, 15.86097°E], 1500 m, 15.7.2005, Buchner / Lepiforum ; Steiermark, Ponigl bei Weiz [47.27077°N, 15.63122°E], ca. 800 m, 6.6.2020, Pichler / Lepiforum ; Steiermark, Fischbacher Alpen, St. Kathrein am Offenegg [47.3°N, 15.56666°E], 1400 m, 24.7.2019, Pichler/Lepiforum; Kärnten, Heiligenblut/ Gößnitztal, Innere Ebenalm, , Strutzberg [47.02653°N, 12.78645°E], 1800 m, 27.7.2019, BOLD (ABOL-Bioblitz 2019 19-1740/Lepiforum; Steiermark, Graz, Schöckl [47.19858°N, 15.46567°E], 1400 m, 2.7.2020, Pichler / Lepiforum. United Kingdom: Shropshire, Chapel Lawn, 10.6.2006, Clement /mothdissection.co.uk; RIS TrapTregaron, Ceredigion vc-46, 7.2013, Tillotson /mothdissection.co.uk; Bettws GG, North Wales, 6.2019, Graham /mothdissection.co.uk. A male adult from the Polish Tatra mts. figured by Razowski (2003) seems correctly identified, whereas male genitalia of a specimen originating from the W Ukraine likely also belong to D. alpestrana though particularly the inner border of the valva is not clearly visible in the relevant figure.

Biology.

Dichrorampha velata sp. nov. occupies a wide variety of biotopes from dry lowland pastures to alpine grassland above the treeline. It would seem, however, that the species prefers montane to subalpine borders of fertile meadows at woodland edges. The moths have been observed flying during daytime in the vicinity of Leucanthemum sp. and Achillea sp., in the roots of the latter, caterpillars of Dichrorampha vancouverana McDunnough, 1935 and Dichrorampha ligulana ( Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) were found topotypical. However, attempts at finding caterpillars of D. velata / Grapholita alpestrana were unsuccessful so far, though D. alpestrana is recorded from the rootstocks of Achillea ptarmica ( Kennel 1908-1921) as well as Achillea millefolium and Chrysanthemum vulgare ( Bradley et al. 1979). Phenology: Specimens of D. velata sp. nov. have been observed from June 10th to August 8th at an altitudinal range from 590 m to 2400 m.

Figures

Figure 9. Dichrorampha velata sp. nov., holotype, adult.

Figure 10. Dichrorampha velata sp. nov., holotype, male genitalia.

Figure 47. Dichrorampha velata sp. nov., female paratype, CH-Pigniu GR.

Figure 48. Dichrorampha velata sp. nov. paratype, female genitalia ,, CH-Cormoret BE, leg. Bryner.

Figure 57. Proved records of Dichrorampha velata sp. nov. (red dots) and D. alpestrana (blue squares) in European Alps and nearby areas.

Figures 1 - 4. Two male Dichrorampha spp. and their respective genitalia. CH-La Punt, 1820 m, 26.6.2006 leg. Schmid.

Figures 11 - 16. Dichrorampha velata sp. nov., variation in wing pattern. 11. CH-Disentis, 1500 m, 9.7.2006; 12. CH-Avers-Cresta, 1880 m, 15.7.2009; 13. CH-La Punt, 1820 m, 26.6.2006; 14. CH-Tujetsch, 1600 m, 20.6.2005; 15. CH-Avers-Cresta, 1880 m, 15.7.2009; 16. CH-La Punt, 1980 m, 30.6.2007, all coll. J. Schmid.

Figures 23 - 31. Dichrorampha velata sp. nov., male genitalia, variation in phallus; 23. CH-Avers GR; 24. CH-Tujetsch GR; 25. CH-La Punt GR; 26. CH-La Punt GR; 27. CH-Pigniu GR; 28. CH-Laax GR; 29. CH-Pigniu GR; 30. CH-Avers Cresta GR; 31. CH-Pigniu GR.

Figures 38 - 40. Dichrorampha velata sp. nov., male genitalia, variation in inner valval border; 38. CH-Laax GR; 39. CH-Pigniu GR; 40. CH-Avers GR.

Figures 49 - 52. CH-Sedrun Dichrorampha velata sp. nov., female genitalia, variation in sterigma and ostium; 49. CH-Cormoret BE; 50. CH-Pigniu GR; 51. Sedrun GR; 52. CH-Villeret BE.