Siccia mumbuluma, Volynkin, 2023

Volynkin, Anton V., 2023, Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Siccia Walker (= Aemene Walker, syn. n.) in the Afrotropics with descriptions of seventy-three new species, three new subspecies, and a check-list of Asiatic taxa of the genus (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini), Ecologica Montenegrina 64, pp. 1-184 : 78

Siccia mumbuluma sp. n.

https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:4C78937A-C00C-40F3-A07F-F670DB2388BA

( Figs 214 , 417 )

Type material. Holotype ( Figs 214 , 417 ): male, “ Zambia: Luapula Province, | 35km N. of Mansa, | Mumbaluma [ Mumbuluma ] Falls. 1194m. | S:10°55.718'', E:28°44.100'' | 11. xi. 2018 | AJ Kingston” / “Slide | AV6587 ♂ | A. Volynkin ( ANHRT, ex AKW).

Diagnosis. The forewing length is 9.0 mm in the male holotype. Siccia mumbuluma is most externally reminiscent of certain taxa in the S. melanospila species-group, e.g., S. tanzaniae but distinguished by the more apically elongate forewing, the smaller medial and postmedial spots on the forewing, and the paler hindwing. The male genital capsule of the new species is similar to S. kirkspriggsi and the detailed comparison is provided below in the diagnosis of the latter species. Compared to another similar species, S. eberti , the male genital capsule of S. mumbuluma has a longer and proximally narrower uncus, a more elongate valva with a more medially convex dorsal margin, and a markedly longer and apically pointed cucullus, which is apically rounded in the congener. Additionally, the sacculus of S. mumbuluma bears an elongate, thorn-shaped distal process directed dorso-distally whereas it is absent in S. eberti . The phallus of the new species is distally broader than in S. eberti . Compared to S. eberti , the vesica of S. mumbuluma bears longer and proximally narrower single cornuti, and two clusters of spines whereas there is only one cluster in the congener.

The female is unknown.

Molecular data. Currently unavailable for this species.

Distribution. The new species is known only from its type locality in northern Zambia.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Mumbuluma Falls , where the new species was found. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.

Figures

Figures 207–222. Siccia spp., adults. Depositories of the specimens: 207, 209, 210, 212–216, and 220–222 in ANHRT (214: ex AKW); 211 in MfN; 217–219 in RMCA.

Figures 415–418. Siccia spp., male genitalia. The specimens dissected are deposited in ANHRT (417: ex AKW).