Euplexia spica, Gyulai & Ronkay, 2018

Gyulai, Péter & Ronkay, László, 2018, A new species and a new subspecies of Euplexia Stephens, 1829 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Xyleninae) from China, Zootaxa 4374 (4), pp. 579-593 : 580-583

Euplexia spica sp. n.

( Figs 1–3 , 17–18 , 27 )

Holotype ( Fig. 1 ): male, China, [Prov. Hunan] Taniata, Wang Shan, 50 km W of Riwoqe, 4400 m. 6.VII.2006, leg. S. Nykl; slide No. PGY 3282m (coll. PGM).

Paratypes: 68 specimens, with the following data. China, Prov. Yunnan: 1 male, Deqin , 3400 m, N28°50’, E98°55’, 30.V.–3.VI.2011, leg. J. Klir (coll. AFM) ; 2 males, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture ( DTAP), 8 km NNE of Shangri La at Nairi village , 3300 m, 21.VI.2009, leg. B. Benedek (coll. PGM) ; 1 male, DTAP, 5 km SE of Deqin , 3356 m, 19.VI.2009, leg. B. Benedek (coll. PGM) ; 1 female, pass 50 km N of Qiaojia , 2850–3000 m, 13– 15.VII.2010, leg. S. Murzin (coll. PGM) . Prov. Gansu: 1 female, 2350 m, Min Shan, 50 km W of Wudu , 33°30’N; 104°35’E; 27.VII.–14.VIII.2000, leg. Plutenko & V. Siniaev (coll. PGM) . Prov. Sichuan: 1 male, Kangding Mt. , 2500 m, 13–14.VI.2005, leg. A. Floriani (coll. AFM) ; 1 male, 30 km SW of Manigango city, 2000 m, 12– 17.VII.2005, leg. Kopp (coll. PGM) ; 1 female, Jinlang, Tcho–nin 14–19.VI.2007, leg. E. Kucera (coll. PGM); 1 male, Kangding , 30.VI.2009, leg. Kopp (coll. PGM) ; 1 male, Kangding , 3000 m, 29°53’N, 101°55’E, 13.VII.2009, leg. I. & A. Floriani & A. Saldaitis (coll. PGM) ; 1 female, road from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou , 3600 m, N33°08.770’, E103°43.624’, 13.VII.2010, leg. Floriani & Saldaitis (coll. AFM) ; 2 males, road from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou , 3600 m, N33°12.737’, E103°44.451’, 3.VII.2010, leg. Floriani & Saldaitis (coll. AFM) ; 2 males, 1 female, road Songpan / Jiuzhaigou , 3000 m, pass, 33°08.770’N, 103°43.624’E, 23.VII.2011, leg. A. Floriani & A. Saldaitis (coll. AFM, ASV) ; 1 male, valley 5 km W of Wenchuan , 2000 m, 31°461’N, 103°627’E, 23–26.V.2012, leg. M. Murzin (coll. PGM) ; 2 males, 3 females, Min Shan, 2900 m, 5 km S Jarpo town , 5–8.VII.2012, leg. D. Brunna & Floriani (coll. AFM) ; 1 male, 1 female, near Litang , 4000 m, N29°49.136′, E100°20.576′, 20.VI.2015, leg. Floriani & Saldaitis (coll. AFM, ASV) ; 2 females, near Litang , 4000 m, N29°49.136′, E100°20.576′, 18.VI.2015, leg. Floriani & Saldaitis (coll. MDS and AFM) ; 3 females, from the same locality, 15.VI.2015, leg. Floriani & Saldaitis (coll. ASV and AFM) ; 14 males, 7 females, near Xinduqiao , 3611 m, N30°04.256′, E101°25.156′, 14.VI.2015, leg. Floriani & Saldaitis (coll. AFM, ASV, PGM and MDS) ; 4 females, Shaluli Shan, 40 km NW from Daocheng , 4050 m, N29°17.399′, E100°05.068′, 21.VI.2015, leg. Floriani & Saldaitis (coll AFM and ASV) ; 8 males, 5 females, Shaluli Shan, 50 km N from Batang, near Rikeng lake , 3700–4100m, N30°25.371′, E099°24.371, 17.VI.2015, leg. Floriani & Saldaitis (coll. ASV and AFM) .

Slide Nos: PGY 2528, 3273, 3282, 4315, 4482, 4499, 4552 (males); PGY 3285, 4553 (females).

Diagnosis. Euplexia spica sp. n. resembles mostly the two closely related Himalayan species, E. cuprea ( Figs 4, 5 ) and E. likianga ( Figs 6–8 ), somewhat less the more southerly distributed Ceylonese species E. semifascia ( Fig. 11 ), and the Himalayan species E. annapurna ( Figs 9, 10 ). The five rather similarly looking species are often hardly separable externally but have distinctive genitalia characters. There are, however, few external features which can help in the separation of E. spica from its similar looking congeners. The new species differs from the externally most similar E. cuprea by its more conspicuous, lighter ochreous reniform stigma, broader, lighter, pale pinkish shaded and somewhat ochreous suffused submarginal area, arcuate and somewhat more wavy/zigzagged but not oblique postmedial line projecting outwards in the upper section and running regularly perpendicular to the inner margin terminally, and the more variegated hindwing having much better defined, somewhat sinuous medial line. In E. cuprea , the reniform stigma is less prominently marked, the submarginal area is narrower and rather brownish-ochreous suffused, the postmedial line is more obliquely running towards the inner margin, and the hindwing is more unicolorous, with more obsolescent medial line.

The new species has, in comparison with E. likianga , more elongated forewing apex, somewhat lighter, less variegated forewings with darker medial area, lighter and less brown suffused but somewhat pale pinkish shaded submarginal area, somewhat larger and paler ochreous reniform stigma and less sinuous subterminal line. In E. likianga , the forewing apex is less elongated and more obtuse, the colouration of the wing is more concolorous, without prominently darker medial area, the reniform stigma is smaller and filled with more vivid ochreousyellowish, the submarginal area is more brownish-shaded and the subterminal line is more sinusoid than in E. spica .

Euplexia spica sp. n. can be distinguished from E. semifascia by its larger, paler ochreous reniform stigma, darker orbicular stigma, the less clearly defined transverse lines and the more arcuate and somewhat wavy postmedial line, projecting outwards at the lower edge of the reniform stigma. In E. semifascia , the orbicular and reniform stigmata are smaller with paler fillings, the antemedial and postmedial lines are much stronger defined and less sinuous, the latter crossline has no projection outwards at the lower edge of reniform stigma. It is worth to note, however, that the comparison of the colouration of the two species would be inadequate as the holotype (the only known specimen) of E. semifascia is very old and supposedly faded.

E. spica is easily distinguished from E. annapurna by its on average larger size (wingspan 31–37 mm, length of forewing 16–18 mm versus 30–33 mm and 13–16 mm, respectively), more variegated forewings with darker median area, somewhat ochreous suffused subterminal area, much larger, paler ochreous reniform stigma, paler hindwing with better defined discal spot, and the stronger marked underside of wings with clearly visible transverse lines, reniform stigma and discal spot. The forewings of E. annapurna are more unicolorous, without paler suffusion in the marginal area, the hindwing is darker brown-grey with more diffuse markings and the underside pattern of both wings is more diffuse, the forewing reniform stigma and the hindwing discal spot are invisible.

Finally, the externally also similar E. lilacina ( Figs 12 , 23 , 32 ) is not a close relative of E. spica and the two species cannot be confused due to their clear differences in the genitalia of both sexes.

There is no known overlap in the distribution of the above–mentioned sister–species, a sympatric occurrence of E. spica with E. likianga is, however, not impossible in Yunnan, as well as the co–occurrence of E. spica and E. cuprea in the southern Himalayan chains. In any case, the differences between the genitalia characters of the five closely related species are clear and large in both sexes. Therefore, the study of the genitalia can easily confirm the species identity and assist the diagnosis.

Male genitalia ( Figs 17 , 18 ). Euplexia spica sp. n. can be easily separated from its relatives by a series of conspicuous differences. The best diagnostic feature is the shape of the costal extension which is huge and spike– like, distally evenly tapering, and forward projected, being much longer than those of E. cuprea ( Fig. 19 ), E. likianga ( Fig. 20 ), and E. annapurna ( Fig. 21 ), but shorter (particularly on the right valva) and less asymmetrical than in E. semifascia ( Fig. 22 ). In addition, it is projected forward and not directed laterad as in the E. annapurna . The harpe of E. spica is strongly and asymmetrically bifid, much more bifurcate than in E. cuprea , E. annapurna and E. semifascia . The inner arm is apically pointed and straight; it is the shortest and strongest arched inwards among the allied species whereas the outer arm is the longest and the most pointed apically. The other differences between E. spica and the related species in the shape of the juxta and its medial incision, and the shape of the clavus are also well-recognizable. Last but not least, E. spica has longer and evenly thin dorsal sclerotized bar in the basal section of the vesica which is absent in all but one related taxa, with the exception of E. likianga .

The female genitalia of E. spica ( Fig. 27 ) differ strikingly from those of the relative species ( Figs 28–32 ) by the heavily sclerotised, cup-shaped antrum, the S-shaped and tubular ductus bursae without lateral lobe, the large and broad, long, proximally broadened sclerotised plate of ductus bursae. In E. cuprea and E. annapurna , the antrum is more or less quadrangular, the ductus bursae possesses a lateral lobe, while the long sclerotised plate of ductus bursae is smaller, more or less pointed posteriorly and gradually broadened towards its anterior end in the other relatives. The female genitalia of E. semifascia are still unknown.

Description. Wingspan 31–37 mm, length of forewing 16–18 mm. Head dark brown, male antenna minutely dentate and ciliate. Vestiture of thorax dark brown, pro-and metathoracic tufts large, unicolorous brown. Forewing broadly triangular with finely pointed apex; ground colour of basal and marginal areas pale brown; broad submarginal field pale pinkish with very fine brown line; certain specimens have a faint, more or less ochreous suffusion near the termen. Transverse lines fine, black(ish), often less distinctly marked; antemedial line oblique and somewhat curved; postmedial line arched and somewhat wavy/zigzagged, projecting outwards at its upper section and running regularly perpendicular to inner margin. Orbicular stigma large, rounded or slightly quadrangular, filled with brown and some ochreous; reniform stigma large, relatively narrow, somewhat tapering downwards, its filling ochreous with two fine brown inner stripes; claviform stigma obscured by the darkened median area. Hindwing pale brown to whitish-brown; medial line darker, well defined, slightly wavy; discal spot more or less visible, lunulate; marginal field diffusely irrorated with brown; tornal line fine, whitish. Underside of wings pale brown of various shades; transverse lines, reniform stigma and lunulate discal spot present but diffuse, shadow-like.

Male genitalia ( Figs 17 , 18 ). The ground plan of the male genitalia of the Euplexia semifascia- group is rather uniform. The clasping apparatus of E. spica can be characterised by the following features: uncus bifid, with medium-long and almost evenly broad, apically more or less rounded arms; tegumen narrow, penicular lobes rounded; juxta deltoidal, with deep apical incision; vinculum short and broadly U-shaped; valvae elongated, medial section with large setose lobe; cucullus rather small, apically rounded, with narrow neck, corona present; costal extensions large, spike-like, distally evenly tapering, apically pointed and projected forward, slightly asymmetrical, being slightly longer on the right valva but does not extending over the cucullus. Harpe strong and asymmetrically bifid, inner arm much longer than lateral arm, straight, projected faintly inwards both arms pointed apically; clavus rounded. The aedeagus is tubular and curved; carina with long and broad sclerotized plate. The main (basal) part of the vesica is straight, broadly tubular, continuing in a large and long elongated flap–like dorsal diverticulum projected forward. The eversible dorsal carinal bar is long and evenly thin, continuing in a narrow scobinate field; the medial section of the main part is armed by two (rarely one or three) relatively small and curved, claw-like cornuti. The distal part of the vesica is thinly tubular, long and membranous.

Female genitalia ( Fig. 27 ). Ovipositor short, setose; apophyses posteriores shorter than apophyses anteriores, antrum heavily sclerotised, cup–shaped; ductus bursae S–shaped, tubular, its walls membranous, slightly scobinate and partly covered by gelatinous cortex, with long, broad postero–medial sclerotised plate tapering from broadest anterior end towards the antrum; appendix bursae small, semiglobular, membranous; corpus bursae also rather small, globular–ovoid, membranous, without signum.

Biology and distribution. The new species is known from China, from the provinces Hunan, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan. It was found in the high mountainous areas, in different forest belts and also above the timberline, between 2350–4400 m altitudes; the majority of the known specimens was found above 3000 m.

Etymology. The name of the new species refers to the large, spike-like costal extension in the male genitalia.

Figures

FIGURES1–6. Euplexia spp.Adults.1. E.spica sp. n., male,holotype,China,Sichuan,Wang ShanGYP 3282(coll.PGM); 2. E. spica sp. n., male, paratype, China, Yunnan, PGY 4552 (coll. PGM); 3. E. spica sp. n., female, paratype, China, Sichuan (coll.PGM);4.E.cupreaPGY 1874male,Nepal,Annapurna(coll.PGM);5. E.cuprea female, India,Himalaya, PGY4558; 6. E. likianga holotype male, China, N. Yunnan (ZFMK).

FIGURES13–17. Euplexia spp.Adults.13. E.pali, male, paratype Taiwan, Hualien (coll.PGM); 14. E. pali continentalis ssp. n. male, holotype, China, Sichuan, PGY 4577 (coll. PGM); 15. E. pali continentalis ssp. n. female, paratype, China, Shaanxi (coll. PGM); 16. E. pali continentalis ssp. n. paratype female, China, Sichuan, PGY 4562 (coll. PGM). Male genitalia. 17. E. spica sp. n. holotype, China, Sichuan, Wang Shan, PGY 3282 (coll.PGM).

FIGURES 18–20. Euplexia spp. Male genitalia. 18. E. spica sp. n. paratype, China, Sichuan, PGY 4482 (coll. PGM); 19. E. cuprea Nepal, Annapurna, RL 11884 (HNHM); 20.E. likianga paratype, China, N. Yunnan, ZFMK–1631 (ZFMK).

FIGURES 27–30. Euplexia spp. Female genitalia. 27. E. spica sp. n. paratype, China, Sichuan, PGY 4553 (coll. PGM); 28. E. cuprea India, Himalaya, PGY 4558 (PGM); 29. E. cuprea Nepal, RL 11883 (HNHM); 30. E. likianga paratype female, China, N. Yunnan, ZFMK–1638 (ZFMK);

FIGURES 7–12. Euplexia spp. Adults. 7. E. likianga paratype male China, N. Yunnan, ZFMK–1631 (ZFMK); 8. E. likianga paratypefemale,China, N.Yunnan, ZFMK–1638 (ZFMK); 9.E.annapurna male paratype,Nepal, Annapurna (coll.PGM); 10. E. annapurna female, Pakistan, Himalayas (coll. PGM); 11. E. semifascia holotype, S India, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, BMNoct15706 (BMNH); 12. E.lilacina male paratype, Nepal, Ganesh Himal (coll. PGM).

FIGURES 21–23. Euplexia spp. Male genitalia. 21. E. annapurna paratype, Nepal, Annapurna, RL 5618 (HNHM); 22. E. semifascia holotype, S India, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, BMNoct15706 (BMNH); 23. E. lilacina holotype, Nepal, RL 5617 (HNHM);

FIGURES 31–34. Euplexia spp. Female genitalia. 31. E. annapurna holotype, Nepal, RL 5694 (HNHM); 32. E. lilacina Nepal, RL 11879 (HNHM); 33. E. pali Taiwan, RL 12088 (HNHM); 34. E. pali continentalis ssp. n. paratype, China, Sichuan, PGY 4554 (coll. PGM).