Ghost-moths of Trinidad and Tobago with description of a new genus and a new species (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)

Zootaxa. 2020 Mar 27;4758(1):zootaxa.4758.1.9. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.4758.1.9.

Abstract

The Hepialidae species of Trinidad and Tobago are documented and two species are recognized. The new and monotypic genus Wallacella, gen. n., (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae) is erected to include Phassus guianensis Schaus of Guyana (Wallacella guianensis, comb. n.). The male holotype and genitalia are also illustrated for the first time. Potential generic affinities with Druceiella (Viette) and Pfitzneriana (Viette) are considered. Gymelloxes juliusboosi sp. n. is described from Trinidad and Tobago and compared to its congeneric species. The sternite VIII and male genitalia are diagnostic for this new species. The male holotype is deposited in the collection of the Natural History Museum, London, UK.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, faunal survey, Neotropical, new genus, taxonomy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genitalia
  • Lepidoptera*
  • Male
  • Moths*
  • Trinidad and Tobago