Platyptilia bowkeri, Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, 2011

Kovtunovich, Vasily & Ustjuzhanin, Petr, 2011, On the fauna of the plume moths (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) of Lesotho, African Invertebrates 52 (1), pp. 167-167 : 169

Platyptilia bowkeri sp. n.

Figs 1–3

Etymology: The species is named after Col. James Henry Bowker (1822–1900), a South African soldier and naturalist with a special passion for Lepidoptera .

Diagnosis: Externally, the new species is distinguished well by the absence of the costal triangle on the forewing. In male genitalia, it slightly resembles P. sabia in the shape of the valvae, but is easily distinguishable from the latter species by the shape of the uncus and saccus, and also by the cutout on the valvae apex. In female genitalia, it is readily distinguishable from other species by a short scyphiform antrum.

Description:

External characters. Forehead smooth, in tightly pressed light grey scales. Labial palps light grey, rather long, 2× as long as eye diameter, broadened towards apex. Antennae thin, brown. Forewing length in holotype 10.5 mm. Wingspan 17–22 mm (holotype, 22 mm). Forewings ash-grey. Costal triangle absent. Dark mark along costal edge of first lobe; short white mark behind it, in apical part. Dark dot in cleft base. Hindwings uniformly ash-grey.

Male genitalia. Valvae are of even width, with small cutout on apex. Uncus simple, narrowed towards apex.Anellus branches extensive, without additional sprouts, narrowed towards apex. Saccus has projecting outer edge; internal edge has deep narrow cutout. Aedeagus arcuate, with long basal projection located transversely to cekum.

Female genitalia.Anal papillae narrow. Rear apophysises rather thick and narrow, slightly broadened towards ends and bent inwards. Vaginal plates in form of 2 disconnected ovals. Front apophysises long. Antrum short, scyphiform, not well sclerotized. Ductus broad at base, long, narrowed towards inflow in bursa. Bursa large, rounded, with 2 narrow pointed signa.

Holotype: ♂ Maluti Mts , Oxbow, 2530 m, 28°45'S: 28°40'E, 21.i.1990. D.M. Kroon ( TMSA, genit. prep. 16010).

Paratypes: 1♂ nr Maluti Ski, Chalet Mahlasela Hill Pass , 3000 m, 28°50'S: 28°45'E, 22.i.1990, D.M. Kroon ( TMSA, genit. prep. 16022) ; 1♀ Valley Mt Masoleng , 10 km N Mafolaneng, 29°10'S: 28°52'E, 24.i.1990, D.M. Kroon ( CUK, genit. prep. 055) ; 1♂ 2♀ 45 km SW Mokhotlong, 2200 m, 18.i.2008, at light, P. Ustjuzhanin & A. Sochivko ( CUK) .

Distribution: Lesotho.

Remarks: An alpine species. The moths are nocturnal.

Figures

Figs 1–6. New Platyptilia from Lesotho: (1–3) P. bowkeri sp. n., male genitalia (1), female genitalia (2), habitus (3); (4–6) P. sochivkoi sp. n., habitus (4), male genitalia (5), female genitalia (6).