Helcystogramma synclepta ( Meyrick, 1938 ) Bidzilya & Rajaei, 2024

Bidzilya, Oleksiy V. & Rajaei, Hossein, 2024, An illustrated and annotated catalogue of type specimens of Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera) in the Royal Museum for Central Africa (Tervuren, Belgium), with taxonomic changes, Zootaxa 5496 (2), pp. 191-213 : 197

Helcystogramma synclepta ( Meyrick, 1938) , comb. nov.

( Figs 7a–d )

Metaplatyntis synclepta Meyrick, 1938 — Institut des Parcs Nationaux du Congo belge, 14, 16.

Type material. Holotype ♂, [ DR Congo] Musée du Congo, Nyarusambo (2000), 28.vi.-13.vii.1934, G.F. de Witte, Parc Nat. Albert | Type, M. synclepta M. | R. Det. 4080 G | Congo belge: P.N.A., Nyarusambo (Mikeno), 2000 m, 27.vi/ 13.vii.1934, G.F. de Witte: 452 | E. Meyrick det., 1937: Metaplatyntis synclepta Meyr. | Metaplatyntis synclepta | gen. slide 223/24, O. Bidzilya ( RMCA).

Remarks. Metaplatyntis synclepta is the type species of the monotypic genus Metaplatyntis Meyrick, 1938 , which was described based on the male holotype. External characters, as well as the male genitalia of M. synclepta fully match those of the type species of the genus Helcystogramma Zeller, 1877 ( Gelechia obseratella Zeller, 1877 ), and herewith we transfer this species to the latter genus. Additionally, the following synonymy is proposed: Metaplatyntis Meyrick, 1938 , syn. nov. of Helcystogramma Zeller, 1877 . Helcystogramma synclepta comb. nov. is distinguished externally by a light brown forewing with three dark spots in the cell and an apex spotted with dark brown. Helcystogramma malagasy Bippus, 2020 from Madagascar has a similar forewing pattern, but the brown spots at the apex are less distinct. The male genitalia of H. synclepta comb. nov. are also similar to those of H. malagasy , but in the latter species the apex of the phallus is narrower and longer.

Male genitalia (described here for the first time, Figs 7 c-d). Uncus 2–2.5 times longer than wide, medially constricted, covered with long setae at middle, apex broad, rounded; gnathos gradually curved, extending to anterior margin of tegumen; tegumen twice as long as broad, weakly narrowed posteriorly; valva straight, weakly broadened apically, apex rounded, extending well beyond the top of uncus; valvella short, digitate; sacculus short, ovate; vinculum narrow, band-shaped, posterior margin with broadly rounded emargination; saccus slender, with rounded apex; phallus distinctly swollen at basal half, distal part 1/2 width of basal half, ventral margin straight, dorsal margin with triangular projection, apex pointed, vesica membranous with short elongated posterior sclerite.

Distribution. DR Congo: North Kivu Province.

Figures

FIGURES 4–7. 4. Brachmia infixa Meyrick, 1938, holotype. 4a, adult. 4b, labels. 5. Helcystogramma leucopla (Meyrick, 1938), holotype, male. 5a, adult. 5b, labels. 5c, male genitalia. 5d, phallus. 6. Helcystogramma neuroplecta (Meyrick, 1938), holotype, female. 6a, adult. 6b, labels. 6c, female genitalia. 7. Helcystogramma synclepta (Meyrick, 1938), holotype, male. 7a, adult. 7b, labels. 7c, male genitalia. 7d, phallus.