Scrobipalpa flavimaculata sp. n.

(Figs. 3, 19)

Type material. Holotype, 3, China: Xining (36°38' N, 101°48' E), Qinghai Province, 29.vii. [19]91, genitalia slide no. SYW05309.

Description. Adult (Fig. 3): Wingspan 13.0 mm. Head and thorax white. Labial palpus white, segment 2 with rare light brown scales. Tegula light yellow. Scape white, other antennal segments light brown with broad basal white rings. Forewing yellowish-white, with two diffused yellow spots at base of cell and prolonged yellow spot at corner of cell; brown scales along costal margin. Hindwing light grey.

Male genitalia (Fig. 19): Uncus sub-rectangular, slightly longer than broad; apex with small medial incision. Gnathos small, sickle-shaped. Tegumen comparatively broad. Valva slender, widened distally, far exceeding top of uncus. Sacculus digitate, rounded apically, with small acute tip; about one-quarter length of valva. Paired processes on posterior margin of vinculum basally broad, narrowed to distinctly rounded and outwards curved tip distally, slightly shorter than sacculus. Saccus very short and slender. Aedeagus weakly flattened at base, sub-oval; distal part straight, with distinct apical cornutus.

Female: Unknown.

Diagnosis. This new species resembles S. lutea Povolný, 1977 superficially, but differs in the broader forewing with yellow rather than grey spots and yellowish-white apex. The male genitalia resemble those of S. candicans Povolný, but differ in the distinctly shorter paired processes of vinculum, broader uncus and longer valva.

Biology. Host-plant unknown. The holotype was collected in late July.

Distribution. China (Qinghai).

Etymology. The specific name is derived from the Latin flavus – yellow, maculatus – spot, referring to the yellow spots on forewing.