Exelastis dowi Matthews and Landry, 2008

Matthews, Miller, Jacqueline Y., Mark & Goss, Gary, 2012, Observations of plume moths on North Andros Island, Bahamas, and notes on new records and species previously recorded from the Bahamas (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae), Insecta Mundi 2012 (236), pp. 1-12 : 6

Exelastis dowi Matthews and Landry, 2008

Material Examined. Bahamas: Grand Bahama Island, Freeport 20–27.vi.1987 W.E. Steiner, M. J. & R. Molineaux, Malaise trap in Caribbean pine & palmetto scrub (genitalia prep DM 169) (1 male) PARATYPE [ USNM].

Diagnosis. Wingspan 12.0– 18.5 mm. This species is distinguished from E. pumilio and E. montischristi by the light buff to ochraceous-buff ground color as opposed to caramel to grayish brown ground color in E. pumilio and grayish brown in E. montischristi . It is further distinguished from E. pumilio by the presence of scattered dark basal scales in the fringes of the hindwing third lobe.

Life History. The life history of this species is unknown but it is most likely associated with a legume species [ Fabaceae ].

Distribution. Bahamas: Grand Bahama Island; Belize; United States: Florida: Monroe County: Key Largo and Big Pine Key.

Comments. Images of the adults and genitalia are available in Matthews and Landry (2008).