Caloptilia sp.

Triberti, Paolo, Staude, Hermann, Sharp, Ian & Lopez-Vaamonde, Carlos, 2024, Exploring the diversity of Gracillariidae (Lepidoptera) in South Africa: host plants, distribution, and DNA barcoding analysis, with the description of nine new species, Zootaxa 5529 (1), pp. 1-51 : 6-7

3. Caloptilia sp.

( Figs 1 , 61 )

Material examined. 1 ex, abdomen missing, South Africa, Limpopo, Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve , mn 01/ii/2013, pup 03/ii/2013, em 12/ii/2013, Cryptocarya transvaalensis , (rearing M129) A. & I. Sharp leg., CLV7561 .

Description. The specimen examined was in poor condition. For a better understanding of its general appearance refer to figure 1. Forewing length 5 mm. Head brown, face dotted with ochre. Labial palpi long, slender, upturned, dark brown, with second segment almost completely white. Forewing ochre yellow with violet reflections, irregularly spotted with small dark dots that sometimes create vertical sequences; apex with two thin spots opposed almost to form a circle. Unfortunately, the abdomen is missing.

Biology. Larva on Cryptocarya transvaalensis Burtt Davy ( Lauraceae ) ( Fig. 61 ). This plant is commonly found in South Africa (Limpopo, Mpulamanga) and eSwatini [ Swaziland] (Hassler 2022). The bark of this plant is used for medicinal purposes. This is the first species of Gracillariidae to be reported on this particular plant.

Distribution. South Africa (Limpopo).

DNA barcodes. DNA amplification of the specimen failed (SOURE 005-19).

Remarks. No species of Gracillariidae that feed on Lauraceae are known to exist in the Afrotropical Region, with the exception of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 (De Prins & De Prins 2011–2023b). However, the description of this species is still pending until more specimens are found.

Figures

FIGURES 1−6. Adults of South African Gracillariidae. 1, Caloptilia sp., Limpopo, Lekgalameetse N. R., A. & I. Sharp leg. 2, Caloptilia rhusina, Western Cape, Robberg Nature Reserve, S. Mecenero leg. 3, Macarostola noellineae, Limpopo, Hoedspruit, A. & I. Sharp leg. 4, Caloptilia cataractias, Limpopo, Hoedspruit, leg. A. & I. Sharp. 5, Ectropina spirostachydis sp. nov., Limpopo, Hoedspruit, A. & I. Sharp leg. 6, Graphiocephala barbitias, Gauteng, Tshwane, A. Sharp leg.

FIGURES 61−66. Immature stages of South African Gracillariidae. 61, Caloptilia sp., larva on Cryptocarya transvaalensis (Lauraceae), Limpopo, Lekgalameetse N. R., A. & I. Sharp leg. 62, C. cataractias, larva on Rhynchosia minima (Fabaceae), Limpopo, Hoedspruit, A. & I. Sharp leg. 63, Macarostola noellineae, larva on Syzygium cordatum (Myrtaceae), Limpopo, Hoedspruit, A. & I. Sharp leg. 64, Ectropina spirostachydis sp. nov., larva on Spirostachys africana (Euphorbiaceae), Limpopo, Hoedspruit, A. & I. Sharp leg. 65, Cuphodes melanostola, mine on Euclea divinorum (Ebenaceae), Limpopo, Hoedspruit, A. & I. Sharp leg. 66, Conopomorphina ochnivora, Gauteng, Magaliesburg, on Ochna pretoriensis, (Ochnaceae), H. Staude leg.