Amphiphala carolana Sabourin, 2024

Amphiphala carolana Sabourin , new species

Fig. 6 View Figures 1–6 , 9, 10 View Figures 7–11 , 16 View Figures 12–17

Diagnosis. Amphiphala carolana is superficially nearly indistinguishable from A. liatriana . However, its male genitalia differ in having a shorter median process of the transtilla with more conspicuous apical teeth, and a more curved phallus with a dense cluster of numerous, slender, spine-like cornuti. In the female genitalia of A. carolana , the posterior margins of the lamella postvaginalis are evenly rounded, and the lateral sclerites of the ostial plate are broad, elongate, and pointed anteriorly; in comparison, the elongate lateral sclerites appear straighter in A. liatriana .

Description. Head. Vertex and frons whitish yellow; labial palpus yellow ochre on outer surface, white on inner surface; antenna with scape pale yellow; flagellomeres with tan gray scales, pale rusty ochre in basal portion.

Thorax. Notum concolorous with head; tegula darker, with mixture of white and yellow ochre scales. Venter yellowish white; fore- and mid-leg two-toned, predominantly fuscous with pale yellowish stripes at junction of segments. Forewing length 4.0– 5.5 mm (n = 6); forewing ground color white, overlaid with pale yellow scales; median fascia broad, subtriangular, blackish brown, its base occupying medial 0.33 of hind margin, its truncate apex occupying medial 0.12 of costa; preapical fascia small, fuscous, with scattered black and rust scales; fringe concolorous with ground color. Underside gray with contrasting pale yellow ochre costal striae in postmedian and subterminal areas. Hindwing smoky gray; male with costal roll of sex scales, extending ca. 0.6 wing length, enclosing hairpencil; fringe gray to pale yellowish gray. Underside pale whitish to yellowish gray.

Abdomen. Yellowish gray dorsally, pale yellowish white ventrally. Male genitalia ( Fig. 9. 10 View Figures 7–11 ) as described for genus, except inner margin of dorsal process of valva slightly concave; median process with a long, lateral, curved spine, its dorsal margin not as deeply concave as in A. liatriana ; median process of transtilla short, stout, bifid, armed with eight small apical teeth; vesica with approximately 24 moderate-sized cornuti, with nearly equal number of minute cornuti. Female genitalia ( Fig. 16 View Figures 12–17 ) as described for genus, except posterior margin of lamella postvaginalis evenly rounded, lateral margin broadly rounded, terminating in inward directed, curved tip.

Types. Holotype ♂, USA, Missouri, Randolph Co., South of Moberly , 27 Jul 1968, J. R. Heitzman ( USNM).

Paratypes (6♂, 3♀). USA: Illinois, Putnam Co., 29 Jul 1961 (1♂), 8 Jul 1960 (1♂), 29 Jul 1963 (1♂), M. O. Glenn ( USNM). Missouri: Randolph Co., South of Moberly , 27 July 1968 (2♂, 1♀) ; Benton Co., J. R. Heitzman, 4 mi W Warsaw, 7 Aug 1968 (1♀), 8 Aug 1968 (1♂, 1♀), J. R. Heitzman ( USNM) .

Additional specimens examined. Mississippi: Forest Co.: Brooklyn, 7–18 Jun 1997 (1♀), #180527, R. Kergosien (MEM). Harrison Co.: Pass Christian, 1 Oct 1994 (1♂), #164308, R. Kergosien (MEM). Lee Co.: Tombigbee State Park, 10–24 Jun 1995 (1♂), #166539, R. Kergosien (MSC). Long Beach, 27 Sep 1995 (1♂), R. Kergosien (MSC).

Biology and distribution. The host is unknown, but larvae are suspected to feed on Asteraceae . In Illinois and Missouri, adults have been collected from early July to early August, indicating a single generation. However, in Mississippi, specimens have been collected from mid-June to the first of October, suggesting a bivoltine life history.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym for Dr. Carol E. Weyland, the wife of the second author. It is considered an adjective, and the suffix “-ana” is a traditional ending for tortricid species names.