Stigmella nivea Remeikis & Stonis, 2016

Stonis, Jonas R., Diškus, Arūnas, Remeikis, Andrius, Karsholt, Ole & Torres, Nixon Cumbicus, 2017, Illustrated review of the leaf-mining Nepticulidae of the central Andes (Peru and Bolivia), Zootaxa 4257 (1), pp. 1-70 : 39

30. Stigmella nivea Remeikis & Stonis, 2016

( Figs 1 , 32 , 37 )

Stigmella nivea Remeikis & Stonis, in Stonis et al. 2016d: 63 , 65, 66, figs 180–185.

Material examined. 1 ♂ (holotype), PERU, Dept. Puno, 85 km W Puno, Cerro Huajrapata , 6.iv.1987, 4700 m, O. Karsholt, genitalia slide RA700 ( ZMUC).

Diagnosis. Belongs to the S. nivea species group. This relatively small species differs from other Stigmella species, including the most similar S. inca Diškus & Stonis , sp. nov., in the specific shape of gnathos with single very large caudal process and elaborated central plate. The irregularly scattered grey-white scales on grey forewing apex are also highly diagnostic.

Male ( Fig. 32 ). Described in Stonis et al. 2016d: 63, fig. 180. Forewing length about 2.5 mm; wingspan about 5.4 mm.

Female. Unknown.

Male genitalia. Illustrated in Stonis et al. 2016d: figs 182–185.

Bionomics Adults fly in April. The holotype was swept from the vegetation during early afternoon between light snow flurries. Otherwise biology unknown.

Distribution ( Figs 1 ). This species occurs in the high Peruvian Andes ( Peru: Puno Departamento) at altitudes about 4700 m.

Figures

FIGURE 32. Adults of the central Andean Nepticulidae.

FIGURE 37. Diagnostics of the central Andean Stigmella.

FIGURES 1 – 8. Distribution of the central Andean Nepticulidae. 1, high-Andean species recorded at altitudes above 3700 m (after Stonis et al. 2016 d); 2, species recorded at altitudes below 3700 m; 3 – 8, some collecting areas in the Peruvian Andes.