Moleropterix kalbei, M.S & R.K, 2008

M. S & R. K, 2008, A primitive moth from the earliest Eocene Fur Formation (" Mo-clay ") of Denmark (Lepidoptera: Micropterigidae), Linzer biologische Beiträge 40 (2), pp. 1443-1448 : 1445

Moleropterix kalbei nov.sp. ( Figs 1-2 )

H o l o t y p e: Forewing ( Fig. 1 ), KU-NHM-ENT FFD-002, Denmark: Stolleklint, Insel Fur, J. Kalbe, 20 November 1990 ; Fur (Moler) Formation, Early Eocene (Ypresian). The holotype is deposited in the Fossil Insect Collection , Division of Entomology , University of Kansas Natural History Museum , Lawrence, Kansas .

D i a g n o s i s:Asforthegenus(videsupra).

D e s c r i p t i o n: The generic diagnosis characterizes both the genus and the species ( ICZN, 1999: Art. 13.4) to which we add the following additional metrics: Preserved length 6.2 mm (total length likely about 7-7.5 mm), maximum width 3.0 mm.

E t y m o l o g y: The specific epithet is a patronymic honoring Mr. Johannes KALBE, collector of the holotype and who kindly permitted its deposition in the Fossil Insect Collection of the University of Kansas Natural History Museum.

Figures

Fig. 1: Photomicrograph of of holotype forewing of Moleropterix kalbei nov.gen. et sp. (KU- NHM-ENT FFD-002).

Fig. 2: Line drawing of holotype forewing of Moleropterix kalbei nov.gen. et sp. (KU-NHM-ENT FFD-002). Dashed lines indicate those veins present but very faintly preserved and difficult to see in the specimen; marginal setae and patterning of wing (there are at least two pale patches, the larger is medially on the wing surrounding the forking of Rs3-4, the origin of M1, and surrounding areas: vide Fig. 1) omitted. Scale bar = 1 mm.