Arcoptilia malawica Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin

Kovtunovich, V., Ustjuzhanin, P. & Murphy, R., 2014, Plume moths of Malawi (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae), Zootaxa 3847 (4), pp. 451-494 : 473-474

Arcoptilia malawica Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov. ( Figs. 27–29 )

Type material: Holotype, male, ( BMNH 22946) N. Malawi, Nyika N.P., S 10º35' E 33º43', 2440 m, 11–14. 0 8. 2009. Paratype, 1 ♀, ( BMNH 22947) same data as holotype, 11– 14.08.2009, R. Murphy .

External characters. Wingspan 21 mm in the holotype and 20 mm in the paratype. Head, thorax and tegulae brown. Antennae dark-brown, with inclusion of light scales. Palpi short, straight, length equal to eye diameter. Forewing brown, dark spot of scales situated in base at cleft base. Dark dashes parallel to wing situated on outer side of costal edge of forewing near apex. Similar dashes also situated on inner margin of forewing, one under bifurcation and second near apex. Hindwing somewhat darker than forewing. Fringes brown on all lobes, individual dark scales suffused on third lobe along anal margin.

Male genitalia. Valvae symmetrical, broadly oval. Sacculus has shape of narrow fold, slightly processed beyond edge of valva near apex. Uncus broad, trilobed with center lobe smallest. Juxta narrow, extended. Aedeagus very long, two times longer than valva, arcuated. Coecum slightly broadened, with well-developed flat fold.

Female genitalia. Papilla analis broad, oval. Posterior apophyses slender, long. Antrum long, tube-like. Ductus slender, long, weakly sclerotized. Bursa copulatrix large, oval, with two rounded signa.

Diagnosis. The new species externaly resembles Exelastis atomosa Walshingham, 1885 but differs by the deeper bifurcation of forewing and brown colouration. The trilobed shape of uncus in the male genitalia is similar to Marasmarcha lamborni sp.nov. but differs by in the structure of the valvae, aedeagus, and shape of the juxta.

Distribution: N. Malawi.

Flight period: August.

Etymology. Toponymic name.

Figures

FIGURES 27 – 29. Arcoptilia malawica Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov. 27. Adult, holotype; 28. Male genitalia, holotype (slide 22946 BMNH); 29. Female genitalia, paratype (slide 22947 BMNH).