Manulea (Manulea) diaforetica, Volynkin & Saldaitis & Huang, 2022

Volynkin, Anton V., Saldaitis, Aidas & Huang, Si-Yao, 2022, Taxonomic review of Manulea (M.) tienmushanica (Daniel), comb. nov., and its allies with descriptions of two new species from mainland China (Lepidoptera Erebidae: Arctiinae), Zootaxa 5182 (4), pp. 389-398 : 394-397

Manulea (Manulea) diaforetica sp. n.

( Figs 7, 8 , 14 , 16 )

Type material. Holotype ( Figs 7 , 14 ); male, “ China, Yunnan | 5 km N Hutiaoxia | 220 km N Dali | 2200 m, 23– 27.IV.1998 | ex coll. Dr. R. Brechlin” / “Slide | ZSM Arct. | 2021- 195♂ | A. Volynkin” ( MWM / ZSM).

Paratypes. MAINLAND CHINA: 16 males, 3 females with same data as in holotype, ZSM Arct. 2021-194 (male), ZSM Arct. 2021-196 (female) (prepared by Volynkin) ( MWM / ZSM); 1 female, N Yunnan, North from Yongseng, 2050m, N26°31.14' E100°44.52', 11. V.2018, Butvila & Saldaitis leg., gen. prep. No.: AV6780 (prepared by Volynkin) ( AFM).

Diagnosis. The forewing length is 15.0– 15.5 mm in males and 15.0 mm in females. Manulea diaforetica sp. n. ( Figs 7, 8 ) is superficially reminiscent of M. tienmushanica ( Figs 1–3 ) but differs in the larger size, the forewing with a more elongate apex and the more oblique tornus, and the smaller black costal spot. Additionally, the male of the new species is distinguished from M. tienmushanica by the presence of a cluster of androconial scales in the cell proximally, and the intense ochreous-yellow suffusion on the hindwing medially-anteriorly. The male genital capsule of M. diaforetica sp. n. ( Fig. 14 ) is most similar to M. salweena sp. n. ( Fig. 13 ) but differs in the narrower uncus, the longer valva (in proportion to the tegumen-uncus complex length), and the more elongate and upcurved distal saccular process. The phallus of the new species is longer than in M. salweena sp. n. and evenly tubular whereas it is distally dilated in the congener. The vesica of M. diaforetica sp. n. ( Fig. 13 ) differs clearly from other known relatives ( Figs 9–13 ) in the lack of the subbasal cornutus, and the presence of a robust, thorn-like terminal cornutus. The vesica configuration of the new species is fundamentally different from other species in the group and is characterised by the broad and downcurved subbasal diverticulum, and the main chamber having three short conical diverticula lacking clusters of spinules. The detailed comparison of the female genitalia of M. diaforetica sp. n. ( Fig. 16 ) with M. salweena sp. n. ( Fig. 15 ) is provided above in the diagnosis of the latter species.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality in northern Yunnan Province of mainland China.

Etymology. The specific epithet originates from the Greek ‘διαφορετικός’ meaning ‘different’ and refers to the phallus and vesica structures significantly different from other species in the species group. The name is a noun in apposition.

Figures

FIGURES 1–8. Manulea spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens: 1 in ZFMK; 2–4, 7 and 8 in MWM/ZSM; 5 in WIGJ; 6 in AFM.

FIGURES 12–14. Manulea spp.: male genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 12 and 14 in MWM/ZSM; 13 in WIGJ.

FIGURES 15–16. Manulea spp.: female genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 15 in ASV; 16 in MWM/ZSM.

FIGURES 9–11. Manulea tienmushanica: male genitalia. The specimens dissected are deposited in MWM/ZSM.