Parapediasia galapagensis, Landry & Léger, 2024

Parapediasia galapagensis sp. nov.

Figs 29-36 View Figs 29-36 , 50 View Fig , 60 View Figs 56-60

Material examined: Holotype: ♂, ‘ ECU[ADOR]., GALAPAGOS | Santiago, Central [camp] | 700 m elev[ation]., 10.iv.1992 | M[ercury]V[apour]L[ight], leg [it]. B. Landry’; ‘HOLOTYPE | Parapediasia | galapagensis | Landry & Léger’; ‘ MHNG | ENTO | 00085740 ’. Deposited in MHNG .

Paratypes: 39 ♂, 235 ♀, 2 of sex undetermined from the Galápagos Islands . – Fernandina : 1 ♀, North side, 300 m, S 00°20.541’, W 091°36.815’, 12.i.2002, U[ltra] V[iolet]L[ight] (L. Roque, C. Causton); GoogleMaps 1 ♀, North side, 1300 m, S 00°21.862’, 091°34.308’, 15.i.2002, UVL (L. Roque, C. Causton); 1 ♂, SW side, GPS: 352 m elev[ation]., S 00°20.503’, W 091°36.969’, 10.ii.2005, uvl (B. Landry, P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 2 ♀, SW side, GPS: 815 m elev., S 00°21.270’, W 091°35.341’, 11.ii.2005, day time (B. Landry, P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 3 ♀ (one dissected, MHNG-ENTO-85726 ), same data except ‘uvl’; 1 ♂ (dissected, MHNG-ENTO-85727 ), 2 ♀ (one dissected, MHNG-ENTO-85728 ), SW side, crater rim, GPS: 1341 m elev., S 00°21.910’, W 091°34.034’, 12.ii.2005, uvl (B. Landry, P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 2 ♀, same data except 13.ii.2005; 3 ♀, SW side, GPS: 815 m elev., S 00°21.270’, W 091°35.341’, 14.ii.2005, day time (B. Landry, P. Schmitz). GoogleMaps – Floreana : 2 ♀ (one MHNG-ENTO-85725 ), Scalesias near Cerro Pajas, GPS: 329 m elev., S 01°17.743’, W 90°27.111’, 12.iv.2004, uvl (P. Schmitz). GoogleMaps – Isabela ( Alcedo volcano): 3 ♀ (one MHNG-ENTO-85746 ; one dissected MHNG-ENTO-85732), NE slope, about 400 m S Los Guayabillos camp, GPS: 892 m elev., S 00°25.208’, W 091°04.765’, 1.iv.2004, uvl (B. Landry, P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 1 ♀, cumbre [summit], caseta [cabin], 1200 m elev., 9.iv.1999, UVL-F[luorescent]L[ight] (L. Roque); 1 ♀, lado [side] NE, 200 m [elev.], camp arida alta, 14.iv.2002, uvl (B. Landry, L. Roque); 2 ♀, lado NE, camp pega-pega, 400 m [elev.], 15.iv.2002, uvl (B. Landry, L. Roque); 5 ♀, lado NE, camp guayabillos, 700 m [elev.], 16.iv.2002, uvl (B. Landry, L. Roque); 3 ♀, lado NE, cumbre, caseta Cayot , 1100 m [elev.], 17.iv.2002, uvl (B. Landry, L. Roque); 1 ♀, 850 m elev., 12.x.1998, uvl (L. Roque); 2 ♀, 1100 m elev., 13.x.1998, uvl (L. Roque); 1 ♀, 900 m elev., 30.x.2000, UVL (L. Roque, coll. # 2000-021). – Isabela ( Darwin volcano): 2 ♀, 1200 m [elev.], 15.ii.1999, UVL (L. Roque, coll. # 99.19); 5 ♀, 900 m elev., 6.iii.2000, UVL-W[hite]L[ight] trap (L. Roque, coll. #2000-010.); 1 ♀, Tagus Cove, 13.v.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 3 ♀ (one dissected, MHNG-ENTO-85729 ), 300 m elev., 15.v.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♂ (dissected, MHNG-ENTO-85730 ), 5 ♀, 630 m elev., 16.v.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 3 ♀, same data except 17.v.1992; 1 ♂, 4 ♀, 1000 m elev., 18.v.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 3 ♀, 1240 m elev., 19.v.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♀, 300 m elev., 20.v.1992, MVL (B. Landry). – Isabela (Sierra Negra volcano): 2 sex undetermined, Albermarle I[sland]., San[to] Tomas , 1200 f[ee]t., 22.viii.[19]06 (F. X. Williams); 1 ♀, same data except 23.viii.[19]06; 1 ♀, 1 km W Puerto Villamil, 3.iii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♂ (dissected, slide BL 181), 5 ♀, 3 km W S[an]to Tómas, Agr[iculture]. zone, 8.iii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 2 ♀, 11 km N Puerto Villamil , 9.iii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 3 ♂, 9 ♀, pampa zone, 1000 m [elev.], 12.iii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 2 ♂ (one dissected, MHNG-ENTO-85731 ), 2 ♀, ± 15 km N P[uer]to Villamil , 25.v.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♀, NE slope, SE volcan Chico , xi.1974 (T. J. de Vries, B.M. 1976-58); 2 ♀, Corazon Verde, 19-20. xii.1975 (T. J. de Vries, B.M. 1976-58). – Pinta : 6 ♂ (one MHNG-ENTO-85721 ), 1 ♀, 200 m elev., 16.iii.1992, M[ercury]V[apour]L[ight] (B. Landry); 2 ♂ (one MHNG-ENTO-85722 ), 7 ♀ (one MHNG-ENTO-85723 ; one MHNG-ENTO-85724 ), 400 m elev., 17.iii.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♂, 2 ♀, same data except 18.iii.1992; 2 ♂ (one MHNG-ENTO-85741 ), 2 ♀, 400-650 m elev., 18.iii.1992, day [swept with net] (B. Landry). – San Cristóbal: 8 ♀ (one dissected, slide BL 1186), 4 km SE P[uer]to Baquarizo [sic], 12.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 3 ♀, 1 km S El Progreso, 14.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♂, 4 ♀, pampa zone, 15.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 2 ♂ (one dissected, MHNG-ENTO-87618 ), 12 ♀, pampa zone, 18.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♀, 4 km SE P[uer]to Baquarizo [sic], 20.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 3 ♀, base of Cerro Pelado, 22.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 5 ♀ (two dissected: MHNG-ENTO-85733 , 85734 ); 1 ♀, transition zone, SW El Progreso , GPS: 75 m elev., S 00°56.359’, W 089°32.906’, 15.iii.2004, uvl (B. Landry, P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 1 ♀, shore of El Junco, GPS: 655 m elev., S 00°53.714’, W 089°28.869’, 17.iii.2004, [swept with a] net, 17h00 (B. Landry, P. Schmitz). GoogleMaps – Santa Cruz: 1 ♀, 4 km N Puerto Ayora , 20.i.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 11 ♂, 5 ♀, pampa zone, Media Luna, 21.i.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♂, 5 ♀, Los Gemelos, 31.i.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♀, pampa zone, Media Luna , 2.ii.1989, swept [with a net] (B. Landry); 3 ♀, Tortuga Res[erve]., W S[an]ta Rosa, 6.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♂, 3 ♀, pampa zone, Media Luna , 8.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♀, same data except 26.ii.1989; 4 ♀ (one dissected, slide BL 1184), 2 km W Bella Vista, 27.ii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 2 ♀, transition zone, recently cut road, GPS: S 00°45.528’, W 090°18.849’, 12.iii.2004, uvl (B. Landry, P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 1 ♀ (dissected, MHNG-ENTO-85735 ), low agriculture zone, GPS: S 00°42.132’, W 090°19.156’, 13.iii.2004, uvl (B. Landry, P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 6 ♀, Finca S[teve]. Devine , 17.iii.1989, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♀, Hornemann Farm, 220 m [elev.], 25.iii.1964 (D.Q. Cavagnaro); 3 ♀, agriculture zone, near ( NNW) Bella Vista , GPS: 223 m elev., S 00°41.297, W 090°19.670’, 7.iv.2004, uvl (B. Landry); GoogleMaps 2 ♀ (one MHNG-ENTO-85745 ), agriculture zone, finca C. Troya, N Bella Vista , GPS: 294 m elev., S 00°40.756’, W 090°18.671’, 9.iv.2004, uvl (B. Landry); GoogleMaps 4 ♀, Los Gemelos, 4.v.2002, uvl (B. Landry, L. Roque); 6 ♀, Los Gemelos, 27.v.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♀, [no precise locality] v-vi.1970 (R. Perry, Tj. de Vries, Ref No. L-114, B.M. 1970-371); 2 ♀, Miconia pampa zone, Media Luna, 580 msn [elev.], S 00°39’28.7’’, W 090°19’37.8’’, 14.x.1996, fluorescent light trap (L. Roque). – Santiago: GoogleMaps 3 ♀ (one MHNG-ENTO-85719 ), N side, GPS: 437 m elev., S 00°13.316’, W 090°43.808’, 3.iii.2005, uvl (P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 1 ♂ ( MHNG-ENTO-85720 ), 3 ♀, N side, GPS: 527 m elev., S 00°13.690’, W 090° 44.135’, 5.iii.2005 (P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 1 ♂, NE side, close to caseta, GPS: 686 m elev., S 00°14.177’, W 090°44.619’, 6.iii.2005 (P. Schmitz); GoogleMaps 2 ♀, Bahía Espumilla, 4.iv.1992, MVL (B. Landry); 3 ♀, 200 m elev., MVL (B. Landry); 3 ♀, Aguacate], 520 m elev., MVL (B. Landry); 1 ♀, Jaboncillo [camp], ± 850 m elev., MVL (B. Landry); 13 ♀, Central [camp], 700 m elev., MVL (B. Landry); 19 ♀, same data as holotype (three labelled MHNG-ENTO-85742 to 85744 ); 3 ♀, Aguacate , 520 m elev., 12.iv.1992, MVL (B. Landry). Deposited in CAS, CDRS, CNC, MHNG and NHMUK .

Additional material examined (in poor condition): – San Cristóbal: 19 ♀, 1 sex undetermined, vic[inity]. “ El Junco ” (crater lake), Alt[itude]. ± 700 m, 15-16. iv.[19]70 (R. Silberglied). – Santa Cruz: 3 ♂, 15 ♀, vic. “Mirador” (W of Media Luna), Alt. ± 620 m, 26.v.[19]70 (R. Silberglied). Deposited in MCZ .

Etymology: The new name refers to the region of origin, in recognition of the fact that this species is probably endemic to the Galápagos.

Diagnosis: In the Galápagos Islands this species will be recognized among Crambinae by its mostly white hindwings contrasting with the generally darker forewings ( Figs 29-36 View Figs 29-36 ), except for Diatraea saccharalis ( Fig. 6 View Figs 1-8 ), but the latter is a larger species (18-39 mm wingspan) without a continuous subterminal line following the forewing outer margin as can be observed in P. galapagensis sp. nov. However, in the darkest specimens of P. galapagensis sp. nov., the subterminal line can be obscured to the point of obliteration ( Fig. 36 View Figs 29-36 ). Among other species of Parapediasia , P. galapagensis sp. nov. is most similar in male genitalia to P. atalanta Błeszyński, 1963 , described from the State of Pará, Brazil, by virtue of the thin cucullus, costal projection of valva, uncus, gnathos, and shape of the apical projection of the phallus. However, in P. atalanta the forewing is grey with a white dorsum and a well-formed postmedian line similar in aspect to the subterminal line, and the veins are overlaid with straw yellow from the base to the subterminal line. Also, in P. atalanta the uncus apically doesn’t have a distinct hook, the gnathos is bulging distally, the cucullus and costal projection of the valva are subequal in length, and the phallus has a shorter coecum penis and a larger and ribbon shaped apical process.

Description: Male (n=43) ( Figs 34, 35 View Figs 29-36 ). Head light buff dorsally, white with some light buff on fronto-clypeus; frons slightly rounded, not projecting. Antenna laminate, with flagellomeres slightly wider than long; flagellomeres uniformly buff; scape and pedicel buff, sometimes with white ventrally. Maxillary palpus mostly buff to light greyish brown with white at base, apical scales forming light buff to white fan. Labial palpus with first palpomere mostly white, second palpomere dorsally buff, laterally light greyish brown, ventrally edged white, third palpomere buff with light greyish brown laterally. Haustellum white to light buff. Thorax as illustrated. Forewing length: 5.3- 7.0 mm (holotype: 7.0 mm); wingspan: 10.5-15.0 mm (holotype: 15.0 mm). Wings with colours and pattern as illustrated ( Figs 34, 35 View Figs 29-36 ); pattern often poorly expressed. Prothoracic leg coxa laterally greyish brown, medially light buff; femur laterally dark greyish brown, medially and along ventral edge light buff; tibia greyish brown laterally, white to buff medially; tarsomeres I-IV greyish brown laterally, buff ventrally, tarsomere V buff. Mesothoracic leg coxa white; trochanter light buff; femur light buff with touch of light greyish brown at apex laterally; tibia light buff; tarsomeres buff. Metathoracic leg coxa as mesothoracic leg, with tibia slightly paler except on spines. Abdomen dorsally as illustrated, concolorous ventrally, with slightly darker buff band laterally. Tergum VIII with more thickly sclerotized basal band with median triangle reaching before middle of segment. Sternum VIII with more thickly sclerotized basal section sporting short triangular extensions laterally, reaching about 2/3 length of segment. Intersegmental membrane VII-VIII with long, hair-like scales mostly laterally, scattered, except for small, more concentrated patch dorsally.

Male genitalia (n=7) ( Fig. 50 View Fig ). Uncus thin, nearly straight, with distinct apical hook. Gnathos thin, straight with rounded apex. Tegumen with dorsal section slightly longer than uncus, with lateral arms rather wide. Valva with cucullus thin, directed dorsally at half right angle, with thinner distal half laterally compressed and slightly curving medially; costal process slender, shorter than cucullus, directed dorsally at almost right angle, slightly curving medially, pointed; basal sclerotized section of valva dorsally adorned subapically with short, flat, triangular projection pointing dorsally at right angle. Juxta shaped like conventional heart symbol. Vinculum narrow medially, with short projecting point, laterally enlarged. Pseudosaccus small, rhomboid. Phallus short, 590 µm long (n=1), straight in dorsal view, with elongate, tapering coecum penis slightly angled from shaft, ending in pointed projection first directly dorsally at half right angle, then directed to right side at right angle, and apically pointing downward; vesica without cornuti.

Female (n=275) ( Figs 29-33, 36 View Figs 29-36 ). Head with frons as in male. Antenna filiform, with scape and pedicel coloured as in male; flagellomeres dorsally greyish brown, ventrally paler, buff. Forewing length: 4.5- 9.0 mm (wingspan: 10.0-20.0 mm). Frenulum with 2-3 acanthae strongly fused. Abdominal segment VII with tergite widely sclerotized in enlarging truncated triangle apically extending laterally; sternite with sclerotized patch on distal half slightly enlarging to about 2/3 of sternite’s width at apex.

Female genitalia (n=13) ( Fig. 60 View Figs 56-60 ). Papillae anales small, very narrowly sclerotized especially at short, rounded, dorsal knob. Posterior apophyses on elongated triangular bases, straight, short, reaching into segment VII. Tergite VIII a narrow ring, wider dorsally, very narrow ventrally and expanded ventrally around base of ostium base. Anterior apophyses short, straight, on well-sclerotized elongated triangular bases, reaching into segment VII. Ostium bursae a short triangular pouch. Ductus bursae from ostium at right angle to left, then turning anteriorly at right angle, just before mid-length, of same rather narrow girth all along, with faintly sclerotized ridges. Corpus bursae globular, 5/6 of ductus bursae length, spiculate throughout, without signum.

Biology: Unknown except that the moths are attracted to lights, but they can be collected in the daytime as well. Also, most specimens were collected at higher elevations, although the species was found also closer to the seashore, for example at Tagus Cove, on Isabela Island.

Distribution: Presently known only from the Galápagos Islands on the islands of Fernandina, Floreana, Isabela, Pinta , San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Santiago.

Remarks: The size variation in the female moths, between 10 and 20 mm in wingspan, is noteworthy, as well as the forewing pattern variation; the available males do not vary that much in those respects.