Thubana felinaurita Li

Yang, Linlin, Zhu, Yanmei & Li, Houhun, 2010, Review of the genus Thubana Walker (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae) from China, with description of one new species, ZooKeys 53, pp. 33-44 : 35

Thubana felinaurita Li sp. n. Figs 17

Type material.

Holotype ♂ - China, Guangxi Province: Dongzhong Forestry Farm, Fangchenggang, (21°35'N; 108°22'E), 640 m, 9.IV.2002, coll. Shulian Hao & Huaijun Xue, genitalia slide No. ZYM06312; Paratype– 1 ♂, same data as holotype except dated 8.IV.2002, genitalia slide No.YLL08061.

Diagnosis.

The new species is similar to Thubana leucosphena , but can be distinguished from it by the juxta having a median membranous protuberance, the posterolateral lobes rounded apically, and the aedeagus longer than valva. In Thubana leucosphena , the juxta has a lobulate projection at middle near anterior margin and two large thornlike processes on caudal margin, the posterolateral lobes are inconspicuous, and the aedeagus is obviously shorter than the valva.

Description.

Adult (Fig. 1). Wingspan 20.5-21.0 mm. Head grayish brown on vertex, with grayish white scales around eyes. Antenna yellowish white, longer than forewing. Labial palpus brown; inner surface of second segment yellowish white mixed with grayish scales; third segment dark fuscous, longer than second. Thorax and tegula grayish brown, with shining luster. Forewing rectangular, costa gently curved, apex blunt, termen slightly concave inward at about 1/3; color brown with dark purple; costal patch triangular, yellowish white, extending to middle of cell; fringe grayish black, with yellowish white basal line. Hindwing grayish brown; fringe fawn black, with yellowish white basal line. Fore leg with dorsal surface dark grayish, ventral surface yellowish white; mid leg yellowish white, with scattered brown scales; hind leg yellowish white on inner surface, grayish brown on outside except tarsus and distal end of tibia yellowish white.

Male genitalia

(Fig. 7). Uncus relatively stout, broad basally, narrowed to bluntly rounded apex. Gnathos large, broad in basal 2/3, strongly bent beyond basal 2/3, then narrowed toward apex; apex hooked, greatly curved ventrally. Valva broad at base, slightly narrowed to basal 1/3; distal 2/3 curved upward like a finger, with dense setae on inner surface; apex rounded; costa protruded basally, incurved medially; ventral margin concave inward at basal 1/3, gently arched outward medially. Sacculus weakly sclerotized, broad at base, narrowed distally, straight ventrally, terminating at basal 1/4 length of valva. Juxta quadrate, with a membranous protuberance at middle; posterolateral lobes like cat’s ear in shape, setose, rounded posteriorly. Vinculum narrow, weakly sclerotized. Aedeagus very stout, longer than valva, broad in basal 2/5, narrowed toward apex, with caducous setae at apex; vesica slightly sclerotized at base, medially with a bundle of numerous brushlike spines, a slightly arched plate and a slender dentate band.

Female.

Unknown.

Distribution.

China (Guangxi).

Etymology.

The specific name is derived from the Latin felinus (= feline) and auritus (= auricular), referring to the shape of the posterolateral lobes of the juxta.