Macrosaccus gliricidius Davis

Davis, Donald R. & De Prins, Jurate, 2011, Systematics and biology of the new genus Macrosaccus with descriptions of two new species (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae), ZooKeys 98, pp. 29-82 : 57-58

Macrosaccus gliricidius Davis sp. n. Figs 1932 –3554– 58Tables 12

Diagnosis.

The forewing pattern of this species is similar to Macrosaccus robiniella and Macrosaccus neomexicanus in possessing 4 white costal and 3 dorsal, mostly sharply oblique strigulae, with a median fascia often formed by the junction of the 2nd costal and median dorsal strigulae. The pale golden brown ground colour of Macrosaccus gliricidius is distinctly paler than that of the other species. The forewing of Macrosaccus gliricidius also differs from other Macrosaccus in possessing a small, elongate white subapical spot and a more reduced dark fuscous apical spot. The male valva of Macrosaccus gliricidius is distinct in having the distal half more broadly rounded than that of other Macrosaccus .

Adult

(Fig. 9). Forewing length 2.2-2.6 mm.

Head: Vestiture of head and antenna similar to Macrosaccus robiniella except vertex generally paler and with more white scales concentrated toward occiput.

Thorax: Dorsum with a narrow, median, longitudinal band of light golden brown bounded laterally with white; tegula light golden brown; venter white. Forewing pale golden brown with 4 equally spaced, oblique, white costal strigulae and 3 white, dorsal strigulae, each bordered by dark brown scales; 2nd costal strigula connected to median dorsal strigula; subapical dorsal strigula directed inward toward small, white subapical spot; dark fuscous apical spot poorly developed, with a more elongate subapical spot immediately basad to rudimentary apical spot; fringe mostly pale greyish white, with narrow, dark brown median band and broad, grey inner band. Hindwing, including fringe, uniformly grey. Foreleg mostly dark fuscous dorsally, white ventrally, with 2 white annuli around basal tarsomeres; midleg mostly white with oblique bands of white extending dorsally over tibia; tarsomeres more broadly banded with white dorsally; hindleg mostly white with much of tibia fuscous dorsally, and with 3 broad fuscous annuli dorsally over tarsomeres.

Abdomen: dark brown dorsally and laterally along anterior margins of A3-7; white ventrally.

Male genitalia (Figs 32, 33): Valva simple, becoming slightly broader near apex; apex broadly rounded, setose; saccus a slender, elongate rod ~ 1.6 × length of valva. Aedeagus very long and slender, ~ 3.5 × length of valva; phallobase moderately enlarged.

Female genitalia (Figs 34, 35): Ductus bursae long and slender, ~ 1.25 × the length of corpus bursae. Accessory bursae ~ 0.8 × the length of corpus bursae, arising from near middle of ductus bursae at a point where the ductus is slightly constricted; a smaller lateral pouch arising near caudal end of accessory bursae. Corpus bursae elliptical, with numerous acute spicules somewhat evenly scattered over much of inner surface but less dense near anterior end.

Larva and pupa.

(Figs 56, 58).Similar to that of Macrosaccus robiniella .

Larval mine

(Figs 54-58).The mine begins as an elongate serpentine track which abruptly enlarges to an elongate-oval, whitish blotch located on either the upper (adaxial) or lower (abaxial) side of the leaflet. When present on the under side, the blotch mines usually develop along the midrib. Only the upper side blotch mines occurred directly on top of the midrib (Fig. 55, Cave, in litt.).

Host.

(Table 1). Fabaceae : Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.). Gliricidia sepium isa small to medium-sized, thornless tree growing to a height of 10-12 meters. It is believed to have originated in Central America and has been introduced into many tropical countries around the world. It can be grown as dense hedges and is frequently used as "living fences".

Parasitoids.

Eulophidae : Zagrammosoma multilineatum (Hansson & Cave, 1993).

Holotype.

♂: HONDURAS: Dept. Francisco Morazán: Guaimaca, Rio Morazán, 14°32'N, 86°51'W: 26 Jul 1992, em. 5 Aug 1992, R. D. Cave, DRD1165, Host: Gliricidia sepium , digital image captured, (USNM).

Paratypes.

HONDURAS: Dept. Francisco Morazán: Guaimaca, Rio Morazán, 14°32'N, 86°51'W: 2 ♂, 4 ♀, 26 Jul 1992, em. 5 Aug 1992, R. D. Cave, DRD1165, Host: Gliricidia sepium , slides USNM 34118-34121, BOLD ID RDOPO086-09, GenBank GU669594, BOLD ID RDOPO087-09, GenBank GU669595, (USNM). San Antonio de Oriente, El Zamorano: 1 ♀, 21 Jul 1988, R. Cave, Host: Gliricidia sepium , (USNM). Tegucigalpa: Steven Passoa, (USNM). Dept. Olancho: Juticalpa, Sta. Cruz: 2 ♂, 1 ♀, 5 Aug 1988, R. Cave, Host: Gliricidia sepium , slides USNM 30888, 30889, 30893, (USNM). FRENCH WEST INDIES: GUADELOUPE: Lamentin, Chaude Ravine: 1 ♂, 10 ♀, 10 May 2004, Jean Etienne, Host: Gliricidia sepium , slides USNM 34186, 34187, 34265, DNA/BOLD ID RDOPO366-10, GenBank HM382079, DNA/BOLD ID HM382080, GenBank HM382080, (USNM).

Distribution.

Known from Central America (Honduras) and the West Indies (Guadeloupe).

Etymology.

The species name is derived from the generic name of its host, Gliricidia . The specific epithet is a noun in the nominative singular.