34. Stigmella cuprata (Meyrick, 1915)

(Figs 2, 9, 32, 37)

Nepticula cuprata Meyrick, 1915: 255 .

Stigmella cuprata (Meyrick, 1915) in Puplesis & Robinson 2000: 24, 25, figs 15, 90, 91.

Material examined. 1 ♂ (lectotype), 1 specimen (sex unknown; see Remarks), PERU, Matucana, 2370 m, vii.1914, Parish, genitalia slide no. 28848 BMNH (lectotype) (BMNH) .

Diagnosis. Belongs to the S. nivea species group. The combination of closely juxtaposed processes of gnathos, one pointed apical processes of valva, distally narrowed and bilobed uncus, long vinculum, and a band of very large, horn-like cornuti distinguishes S. cuprata from all other members of the group.

Male (Fig. 32). Redescribed in Puplesis & Robinson 2000: 24, 25, fig. 15. Forewing length about 1.9 mm; wingspan about 4.3 mm.

Female. Not studied (see Remarks).

Male genitalia. Illustrated in Puplesis & Robinson 2000: figs 90, 91.

Bionomics. Adults fly in July. Otherwise biology unknown.

Distribution (Fig. 9). This species occurs in the Peruvian Andes (Peru: Matucana) at altitudes about 2370 m.

Remarks. Puplesis & Robinson (2000) have redefined Stigmella cuprata from the male lectotype. The other specimen of type series is probably a female. However, it extremely rubbed, badly pinned, and with few or no traces of pattern. It was impossible to tell whether it is likely to be conspecific with the lectotype and Puplesis & Robinson (2000) have therefore not dissected it. No external features remain that are distinct.