Dyspessa confusa Japaridze, Makharadze, Seropian, 2025

Dyspessa confusa Japaridze, Makharadze, Seropian , sp. nov.

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( Figs 6 View FIGURES1–15 , 26–27 View FIGURES 26–38 )

Material examined. GEORGIA • Holotype ♂; Samtskhe-Javakheti, Aspindza Mun., Khertvisi Vill. ; N 41.45197°, E 043.30676°; 1158 m a.s.l.; leg. L-G Japaridze; 13 July 2025; gen. prep. LG13 JLGT GoogleMaps • Paratypes 1♂; leg G. Makharadze; 2 April 2022; JLGT ; 7♂; same data as holotype, CaBOL-IDs 1009959, 1009960 GoogleMaps ; 4♂; same data as holotype, BABS GoogleMaps .

Barcoding. We obtained two identical barcodes from the specimens with CaBOL-IDs 1009959, 1009960 ( BOLD:AGV7318). The best match in BOLD Systems was a pair of unidentified Dyspessa collected in April 2024 by Lukasz Matuszewski from Vashlovani NP, and the same location as our barcoded specimens. Given the nearly identical COI barcoding results (max. p -distance 0.3%), we assume these specimens also belong to the herein described species.

Diagnosis. The males of the new species closely resemble those of Dyspessa aurora Yakovlev, 2008a in appearance, but differ in having more concave valvae and an S-shaped, curved aedeagus ( Figs 26–27 View FIGURES 26–38 ; cf. Yakovlev 2008a: fig. 1). From other local congeners, they are easily distinguished by the wing pattern.

Description. Male ( Fig. 6 View FIGURES1–15 ). Wingspan 21 mm. Antennae nearly 2/3 of the length of the forewing, bipectinate, covered with white scales; rami short. Head, thorax, and abdomen covered in long brown-whitish, thorax with pair of black longitudinal lateral lines of piliform scales. Forewing 9 mm, light brown with irregular white pattern; costal margin narrow with lighter border, outer margin area white, postdiscal area with small wedge-shaped white spot in radial zone, broad white stroke between M3 and CuA2, M-Cu cell completely occupied with white irregular white area extending posteriorly. Hindwing short, covered with blackish scales, lighter at the base. Genitalia ( Figs 26–27 View FIGURES 26–38 ). Uncus broad, triangular, apex sclerotised—Tegumen medium-sized. Gnathos arms large, fused, forming slender membranous gnathos. Valvae concave, mostly towards distal third. Saccus semicircular, large. Aedeagus nearly size of valvae, strongly curved, S-shaped. Female unknown.

Variation. Males (n=13). Wingspan 19–22 mm. Forewing 8.5–10 mm. Forewing colour may vary from light brown to dark brown. Hindwing colour may vary from light grey to dark grey.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latin adjective in apposition, meaning confused. In reference to the similar appearance of the new species to other congeners.

Habitat. Steppes and semideserts with xerophytic vegetation ( Fig. 47 View FIGURES 47–49 ).

Distribution. Known from the above-mentioned localities only ( Fig. 43 View FIGURES 43–46 ).

Remarks. All specimens were collected at night via light. The biology of the species remains unknown.