Microschismus reginus, Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2011

Ustjuzhanin, P. & Kovtunovich, V., 2011, A revision of the genus Microschismus Fletcher, 1909 (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae), African Invertebrates 52 (2), pp. 557-557 : 566

Microschismus reginus sp. n.

Figs 33, 34, 34a

Etymology: From Latin regina (queen).

Diagnosis. Externally, due to the light foreground of the wings, the new species is similar to M. sterkfonteini , but differs in the spotty colouring of the forewings and the absence of spots and bands on the hindwings, except for spots on the tops of the blades. In the male genitalia it is also similar to M. sterkfonteini , but can be easily distinguished by the presence of additional appendages at the bases of the valves, straight valves not pending to the apex and a differently shaped anellus.

Description:

Male.

External characteristics: Head, thorax and tegulae white. Labial palpi white, brown only from the outside, 5 times as long as eye diameter. Antennae simple, light yellow. Wingspan 20 mm. Forewings white with dark brown spots. Costal edge of forewing with a series of dark brown spots, basal part distinctly brown. Tops of all six blades of forewing ended with distinct brown spots. Hindwings monochromatic white, with brown spot at top of each blade this spot elongated on sixth blade. Legs light yellow.

Genitalia: Uncus wide oval with flat edge at apex. Gnathos narrow, long, pointed towards apex. Valves quite narrow, slightly widening to apex. Basal part of valve with long appendage, with small appendages below. Anellus branches of uniform width, quite long, slightly concave. Outer edge of saccus rounded. Aedeagus straight along outer margin, with distinct projection near apex.

Female. Unknown.

Holotype: ♂ SOUTH AFRICA: Limpopo: Gladde Klipkop [Gladdeklipkop, 24°09'S: 29°29'E], 1–9.iii.1954, A.J.T. Janse ( TMSA, 16032).

Paratypes: 2♂ SOUTH AFRICA: Limpopo: Nylstroom, Abba Game Lodge , 24°42'S: 28°25'E, 1350 m, 16– 17.iii.1998, G. Bassi ( CUK, 079, 080) .