Bryotropha hodgesi, Rutten, Twan & Karsholt, Ole, 2004

Rutten, Twan & Karsholt, Ole, 2004, (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), Zootaxa 740, pp. 1-42 : 14-17

Bryotropha hodgesi sp. n.

(figs. 11–14, 28–31, 41, 48, 61–66, 78)

Type material. Holotype: 1ɗ: Canada: Québec, Gatineau, Aylmer, 18, rue Washington, MVL, 11.vii.1995, leg. B. Landry, gen. slide AR 0 531 ( CNC). Paratypes: 186 ɗ, 86 Ψ, including 52 male and 29 female genitalia preparations.

CANADA, Alberta: 1 Ψ: Sandy Point cmpgr., 50º44’ N, 110º03 W, 3.vii.1985, J.­F. Landry., at black light in short­grass prairie with grasswood, sage, prickly­pear and rabbitbrush, gen. slide AR 0 534 ( CNC). — British Columbia: 1 ɗ: Sannichton, 8.viii.1922, J.G. Colville ( USNM); 1 Ψ: ibid., 10.vi.1922, “275”; 1 ɗ: Victoria, 24.vi.1922, W. Downes, gen. slide AR 0 540 ( CNC). — Newfoundland: 1 ɗ: Deer Lake, W Newfoundland, 12.vii.1949, H. Krogerus, “3169”, gen. slide AR 0 735 ( ZMUC]. — Nova Scotia: 1 ɗ: Parrsboro, 11.vii.1944, J. McDunnough, gen. slide AR 0 625 ( CNC); 1 ɗ: ibid.. 19.vii.1944. — Ontario: 1 ɗ: Manitoulin I., S end Pike L., 19.vii.1984, J.K. Morton, gen. slide AR 0 582 ( MOR); 1 ɗ: ibid., Dominion Bay, 1.ix.1990, gen. slide AR 0567; 1 ɗ: ibid., W end Greenbush rd. Howland Twpt, 16.vii.1994; 5 ɗ: ibid., Track to Roberts Bay, M.I.I.R. 26, 6.viii.1990, gen. slides AR 0 555, AR 0 562, AR 0563; 1 ɗ: ibid., Forest Alver, Misery Bay, 11.viii.1991, J.K. Morton, gen. slide AR 0 560 ( MOR); 1 ɗ: ibid., S of Sucker Ck IR, 16.vii.1994; 1 ɗ: ibid., Belenger Bay, 28.vii.1997, gen. slide AR 0556; 1 ɗ: ibid., Burnt I. Hbr., 15.ix.1992, gen. slide AR 0559; 1 ɗ: ibid., Mindemoya, S side of Mud L., 27.vii.1993; 1 ɗ: ibid., Silver Water fire tower, 16.ix.1992; 1 ɗ: ibid., Govt. Rd. B, N of Bidwell Rd, 31.vii.1991, gen. slide AR 0554; 1 ɗ: ibid., Rd ENE of Mindemoya, 27.vii.1993; 5 ɗ: ibid., Rockville jnct., Bog, Bidwell Rd., 29.vi.1991, gen. slide AR 0574; 6 ɗ: ibid., Gt. Cloche I., 4.viii.1990, gen. slide AR 0566; 2 ɗ: ibid., Rockville radio mast, Mindemoya, 4.viii.1990, gen. slides AR 0 557, AR 0564; 1 ɗ: ibid. Hwy 540 NE of Silver Lake, 16.ix.1992; 1 Ψ: ibid., 21.vii.1993, gen. slide AR 0552; 2 ɗ: Manitoulin. Is, Shegniandeh I.R., NW of Turtle L., 31.vii.1997; 1 Ψ: ibid., 9.viii.1991, gen. slide AR 0561; 1 ɗ: Gt. Cloche I., Fisher Hbr. rd., 16.vii.1998, J.K. Morton ( MOR); 3 ɗ: Manitoulin Dis, Little LaCloche I., 16.vii.1998, J.K. Morton, gen. slide AR 0 565 ( MOR); 1 ɗ: North Channel, Bears Back I., 10.vii.1981, J.K. Morton ( MOR); 1 Ψ: Ottawa, 7.vii.1932, C.H. Young, gen. slide AR 0 648 ( CNC); 1 ɗ: Thunder Bay Area, Caught by U.V. Light, John P. Walas, 2.vii.1981, gen. slide AR 0 725 ( CNC); 2 ɗ: 44º00’N 77º45’W, Presqui’le P.P., at light, 25.vii.1985, K. Mikkola Leg., gen. slides AR 0 743, AR 0 752 ( ZMUH). — Québec: 1 ɗ:, Rimourski­Neigette, Le Bic, baie des roses, 5.vii.1999, lvm, B. Landry, gen. slide AR 0 647 (BLC); 1 ɗ: ibid., 12.vii.1995, gen. slide AR 0 630 ( CNC); 1 Ψ: ibid., 6.vii.1994, gen. slide AR 0 629 ( CNC); 1 Ψ: ibid., 21—23.vii.1995, gen. slide AR 0 532 ( CNC). — USA, Arizona: 1 ɗ: Rustler Park 8500 ft., Chiricahua Mtns., Ariz., 12.vii.1972, at light, J. Powell (EME). — California: 1 Ψ: Loma Linda, 4.v.1912, G.R. Pilate ( USNM); 1 ɗ: ibid., 3.vi.1912; 2 Ψ: ibid., 18.v.1912, gen. slides AR 0 666, AR 0669; 1 ɗ: Glen Ellen, Sonoma Co., 9.vii.1936, E.C.J., gen. slide AR 0 700 ( USNM); 1 ɗ: Pinnacles, San Benito Co., 16.v.1939, E.C.Johnston, gen. slide AR 0 688 ( USNM); 1 ɗ: ibid., gen. slide USNM 9881 ( USNM); 4 ɗ: S. Diego Co., Cardiff­by­Sea, 21–26.iv.1967, D. Davis, 50 ft., at light, gen. slide AR 0 708 ( USNM); 1 Ψ: San Diego, viii.1920, Cal., Ricksecker, gen. slide AR 0 709 ( USNM); 1 Ψ: ibid., iv, gen. slide AR 0654; 5 ɗ, 4 Ψ: Mendico Co., Mackerricher Bch., 5 mi N Ft. Bragg, on Erysimum , 1–2.v.1977, J. Powell, gen. slide Ψ: AR 0 719 (EME); 1 ɗ, 2 Ψ: Humboldt Co., 5 mi NW Briceland, at light, 2–3.ix.1973, J. Powell (EME); 1 ɗ: Big Creek Reserve ( UCNR), Monterey Co., So. Highlands pine­oak­manzanita 725 m, bl. light, 3–5.ix.1991, J.A. Powell (EME); 1 ɗ: ibid., 675 m, bl. light, 3–5.ix.1991, gen. slide 6667; 1 ɗ: ibid., vic French Camp pine oak woodland, 750–800 m, bl. light, 3–5.ix.1991; 7 ɗ: ibid., Area 0–10 m coastal scrub blacklight, 3–4.x.1985 bl., J. Brown, J. Powell, HQ. gen. slide 6637, AR 0 720 (EME); 2 ɗ: ibid., SO Ridge Rd. red wood mixed hard woods 220 m, bl. trap, 5–8.vi.1989, Y­F. Hsu & J. Powell, gen. slide no. 2844 (EME); 1 ɗ: ibid., Devil’s Cr. Ranch, hardwood­riparian 125 m, blacklight, 7–8.vii.1986, Brown & Powell (EME); 1 ɗ: ibid., Shakemakers Cr., Canogas Falls trail 670–730 m, 14–16.vi.1991, Y.F. Hsu & J.A. Powell (EME); 1 ɗ: ibid., SO Ridge Rd. 230 m bl. trap, 5–6.vi.1990, Y.F. Hsu & J.A. Powell (EME); 1 Ψ: ibid., So Highlands 650 m pine­oak­Ericacea, bl. light trap, 7– 8.vi.1996, J.A. Powell (EME); 4 ɗ, 3 Ψ: ibid., 7–9.vi.1993, Y.F. Hsu & J. Powell (EME); 3 ɗ, 2 Ψ: L.A. Co., San Clemente I., 1 mi N Store Jct., Bl, 10–15.v.2002, 11.v.2002, Powell & Rubinoff, gen. slide ɗ: JAP 8404 (EME); 3 ɗ, 2 Ψ: ibid., Store Cyn., V.10 /15.2002, 11.v.2002; 3 ɗ, 1 Ψ: ibid., Ect Cove, Bl trap, V.10 /15.2002, 12.v.2002; 2 ɗ, 3 Ψ: ibid., Thirst Cyn., V.10 /15.2002, 11.v.2002; 4 ɗ, 1 Ψ: Santa Rosa Id, Santa Barbara Co., Lower Cherry Cyn. 75 m, blacklight trap, 30.iv.1995, J.A. Powell (EME); 1 ɗ: ibid., Lower Cherry Cyn. 180 m, BL trap, 27.iv.1995; 2 ɗ: ibid., 21.ix.2000, BL trap; 2 ɗ: ibid., Cherry Canyon 60–80 m, collected at blacklight, 13.iii.1997, P. Jump & J. Powell, gen. slide JAP 7668 (EME); 2 ɗ, 1 Ψ: ibid., Canada Lobos, blacklight trap, 30.iv.1995, J.A. Powell (EME); 1 ɗ: ibid., Lobos Cyn. 125 m, collected at blacklight, 28.iv.1995; 5 ɗ, 4 Ψ: ibid., 0.5 km W. Beechers Bay, 27.iv.1995, Bl, J.A. Powell, gen. slides ɗ: JAP 7100, Ψ: AR 0 717 (EME); 4 ɗ, 3 Ψ: ibid., 1.v.1995, gen. slide Ψ: AR 0718; 4 ɗ, 1 Ψ: ibid., IV.29.1995; 1 Ψ: ibid., 13.iii.1997, P. Jump & J. Powell (EME); 4 ɗ, 2 Ψ: ibid., Torrey Pines area, collected at black light, 29.iv.1995, J.A. Powell & D. Kusher (EME); 2 ɗ, 2 Ψ: L.A. Co., Sta. Catalina I.­ Middle Cyn. 500 ft., 1–2.v.1978, J. Powell, blacklight (EME); 1 ɗ, 1 Ψ: S. Benito Co., Hwy 101, 1 mi. E Mont. Co. line, 18.v.1977, J.Powell (EME); 1 ɗ, 1 Ψ: Mont. Co., Marina Dunes at Ft. Ord, 18.v.1977, J. Powell (EME); 1 ɗ, 1 Ψ: Yuba Co., Sierra Foothill Field Sta., 3 mi. N. Smartville at blacklight, 5–6.v.1980, J. Powell, J. DeBenedictis (EME); 1 ɗ: ibid., 7.v.1980; 1 ɗ: Yuba Co., Dry Creek, 4 mi. NW Smartville, blacklight trap 5–6.v.1980, J.A. Powell (EME); 1 Ψ: Napa Co., 1 mi. W Angwin, at light, 5.vii.1979, Wagner and DeBenedictis (EME); 3 ɗ: Marin County, Inverness Ridge, Upper Bay View Trail, 6–7.ix.2000 BL. trap, J. Powell, gen. slide JAP 8070 (EME); 1 ɗ: Mt. Shasta City, Siskiyou Co., 5.viii.1958, at light, J. Powell, gen. slide 5878 (EME); 3 ɗ, 1 Ψ: Pt. Molate, Richmond, Contra Costa Co., Powell, 18–19.v.1988, blacklight (EME); 7 ɗ, 2 Ψ: ibid., 15–16.ix.1988; 2ɗ: S.L.O. Co., Alamo Cr., 16 air km E Nipomo 260 m, BL, 16.vii.1999, Powell (EME); 1 Ψ: Antioch Natl. Wildlife Ref. (SP), Contra Costa Co., 20.ix.90, J. Powell, bl. light (EME); 1 Ψ: Antioch Natl. Wildlife Ref. (LC), C. Costa Co., 11.vi.1991, Hsu & Powell, blacklight (EME); 1 ɗ: Monterey Co., Hastings Reserve, Upper Carmel Vy, 28.vi.1998, Powell, S. Cho, Sperling, BL, gen. slide AR 0 729 (EME). — Illinois: 1 ɗ: Putnam Co., 5.vii.1968, M.O. Glenn, gen. slide USNM 13,458 ( USNM); 1 Ψ: ibid., 26.vi.1963; 1 Ψ: ibid., 6.vii.1963, gen. slide AR 0689; 1 ɗ: ibid., 8.vii.1963; 1 Ψ: ibid., 18.vii.1963; 1 Ψ: ibid., 22.vii.1971; 1 Ψ: ibid., 3.vii.1964; 1 ɗ: ibid., 18.vi.1944 / ɗ / genitalia in glass tube; 1 ɗ: ibid., 20.vii.1965 / ɗ / genitalia in glass tube; 1 Ψ: ibid., 14.vii.1969 / Ψ / genitalia in glass tube; 1 Ψ: ibid., 30.vi.1963, gen. slide USNM 9863; 1 ɗ: ibid., 28.vi.1962, gen. slide USNM 9878; 1Ψ: ibid., 21.vii.1953, gen. slide AR 0 656. — Michigan: 1Ψ: Allegan Co, T2N R14W S6, oak savanna, 3.vii.1994, George J. Balogh, gen. slide AR 713 (BAL); 4 ɗ, 1 Ψ: Ocqueoc L., 25–26.vii.1970 at black light, RW & ER Hodges, gen. slides ɗ: AR 0 657, AR 0 661, USNM 86799, Ψ: AR 0 658 ( USNM); 7 ɗ: Cheboygan Co., Ocqueoc Lake, 28.VII.1974, E. & R. Hodges, gen. slide AR0712 ( USNM). — Oregon: 1 ɗ: Ritter, Grant Co., 20.vii.1962 ( USNM); 2 ɗ: Baker, Spring Creek, 20.viii.1962, J.H. Baker, gen slide AR 0 672 ( USNM); 1 ɗ: ibid., 5.vii.1963, gen slide AR 0701; 2 ɗ: ibid., 20.vi.1970, gen slide AR 0674; 1 Ψ: ibid., 3.vii.1970, gen slide AR 0697; 1 Ψ: ibid., 21.vi.1970, gen slide AR 0652; 1 ɗ: ibid., 16.viii.1970, gen slide AR 0 707. — Washington: 8 ɗ, 8 Ψ: Yakima Co., 2.5 mi W Ft. Simcoe, 31.vii.1962, JFG Clarke, gen. slides ɗ: AR 0 659, AR 0 660, AR 0 676, Ψ: AR 0 675, USNM 9864 ( USNM); 1 ɗ, 2 Ψ: Stevens Co., Kettle Falls, 21.vii.1962, JFG Clarke, gen. slide Ψ: AR 0 691 ( USNM); 3 ɗ, 3 Ψ: Yakima Ind. Res. 10 mi SW White Swan. Mill Creek 2000 ft., 2.viii.62, JFG Clarke, gen. slides Ψ: AR 0 673, AR 0 686 ( USNM); 2 ɗ, 6 Ψ: Yakima Co., Ft. Simcoe, 1.viii.1962, JFG Clarke, gen. slides ɗ: AR 0 694, Ψ: AR 0 683, AR 0 685, AR 0 695 ( USNM); 1 ɗ: Klickitat Co., White Salmon, viii.1962, JFG Clarke, gen. slide AR 0 705 ( USNM). — Wyoming: 4 ɗ, 1 Ψ: Yellowstone N.P., O.F., 4.vii.1924, gen. slide Ψ: AR 0 681 ( USNM).

Diagnosis. Small ochreous­brown to dark brown species with indistinct wing markings, often with a slightly darkened subapical area.

Description. Adult (figs. 11–14). Wingspan 10–12 mm. Labial palpus creamy ochreous to ochreous suffused brown on the outer side, segment 3 usually lighter than segment 2. Antenna fuscous ringed with ochre. Head with frons ochreous; vertex, thorax and tegula as forewing. Forewing ochreous brown; costa with a blackish spot near the base, otherwise not markedly darkened; plical and discal stigmata rather indistinct, first discal beyond second plical; costal and tornal patches ochreous and indistinct, fused to form an outwardly angulated fascia; subapical area heavily suffused with blackish scales; termen with an indistinct lining of blackish scales; cilia dark ochreous gray with indistinct ciliary lines and yellowish tips. Hindwing pale brownish, darker towards apex, cilia concolorous.

Variation. Specimens vary from dark ochreous brown with fairly distinct stigmata and a darkened subapical area, to uniformly dark brown without clear wing markings. Very occasionally the stigmata are followed by indistinct streaks of pale scales.

Similar species. Very dark forms resemble B. similis . In well­preserved material it will always be possible to distinguish the brownish ground color with ochreous markings of B. hodgesi from the blackish ground color with whitish markings that characterize B. similis .

Due to their variation, there are no absolute rules for distinguishing B. hodgesi from B. branella or B. altitudophila . On average B. hodgesi is slightly smaller and less vividly marked. In B. branella and B. altitudophila the costal edge of the forewing is often distinctly darkened, a rare feature in B. hodgesi . Specimens having the subapical area distinctly darkened are usually B. hodgesi . In a geographically restricted area it will be possible to distinguish B. branella from B. hodgesi without examination of the genitalia. In case of B. hodgesi and B. altitudophila the labels show that they never occur on the same location, suggesting different habitats.

Male genitalia (figs. 28–31, 41, 61–66). Uncus subrectangular, rather small. Socius with 3–4 setae. Gnathos slender and long with a 120 degree bend in the first third. Thornshield triangular with 50–80, usually small, spikes. Margin of vinculum bent at or before 1/3 (fig. 41).

The male genitalia show considerable variation. The gnathos can vary from very slen­ der (fig. 63) to clearly thickened halfway (fig. 66), thus resembling B. similis (q.v.), while the bend may be more gradual and continue until half­way. In a lateral view the gnathos of B. hodgesi does not exceed 250 µm in height whereas the gnathos of B. branella and B. altitudophila measures 300–350 µm in height (figs. 66–69, 70–73). In northeastern USA and southeastern Canada, the aedeagus often displays a characteristic sharp bend underneath the apex, which is also remarkably broad (arrowhead in fig. 29). In other areas the aedeagus resembles that of B. branella and B. altitudophila .

Female genitalia (fig. 48). Segment VIII ventrally with crescent­shaped lamella postvaginalis, microtrichia and a shallow median invagination. Distal end of the ventral groove marked by a small sclerotized extension. Dorsal side of segment VIII without a median tongue. Signum large, about twice as long as wide, strongly tapering toward the distal end, with stout spikes on the corners and a clear pointed extension distal to the last spikes. Easily recognized by the shape of the signum in combination with the distal end of the ventral groove.

Biology. Early stages unknown. In the USA adults were found from mid­March to early October in California, whereas in Canada moths were collected from late June to mid­September. This indicates that in the southern part of its range there may be two generations, whereas in the northern part there probably is just one generation.

Distribution (fig. 78). B. hodgesi is common along the west coast of the USA. Elsewhere it is far more local, though when present it is often common. In Canada only recorded from the extreme south.

Etymology. A noun in genitive case. The species is dedicated to R.W. Hodges in honor of his many contributions to our knowledge of the Nearctic Lepidoptera fauna and his kind support of our work.