Thyrocopa indecora (Butler)

Medeiros, Matthew J., 2009, A revision of the endemic Hawaiian genus Thyrocopa (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae: Xyloryctinae), Zootaxa 2202, pp. 1-47 : 23-24

14. Thyrocopa indecora (Butler)

( Figs. 26–31 , 63–64 , 79–80 )

Depressaria indecora Butler, 1881: 397 .

Lectotype ( Depressaria indecora ): UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Maui: 1 3 (slide 4050 BMNH), Jul 1881, (BMNH), designated by Zimmerman, 1978: figs. 659, 675 (as “ holotype ”).

Paralectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Maui: 1 3, Jul 1881 (BMNH).

Depressaria lactea Butler, 1881: 398 . Synonymy by Meyrick, 1883a: 32, “who noted that lactea was the female and indecora the male of the same species. The same field data apply to both names” ( Zimmerman 1978: 987). Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Maui: 1 Ƥ (slide 3895 BMNH), Jul 1881, (BMBNH), designated by Zimmerman, 1978: figs. 653, 687 (as “ holotype ”).

Thyrocopa indecora (Butler) ; Walsingham, 1907b: 497, plate 14, fig. 14.

Thyrocopa indecora (Butler) ; Zimmerman 1978: 987, figs. 653, 659, 675, 687, plate 5, fig. 1.

Depressaria argentea Butler, 1881: 399 .

Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Oahu: Mountains near Honolulu (Ann. Mag. N. H. 5°7., 1881: 399): 1 Ƥ (sex misidentified) (slide 4045 BMNH), Blackburn (BMNH), designated by Zimmerman, 1978: figs. 654, 683 (as “ holotype ”).

Paralectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Oahu: Mountains near Honolulu (Ann. Mag. N. H. 5°7., 1881: 399): 1 Ƥ, Blackburn (BMNH).

Thyrocopa argentea (Butler) ; Walsingham, 1907b: 496, 733, plate 14, fig. 12.

Thyrocopa argentea (Butler) ; Zimmerman 1978: 977, figs. 654, 683. NEW SYNONYMY.

Thyrocopa tessellatella Walsingham, 1907b: 498 , plate 14, fig. 16.

Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Hawaii Island: Kona 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3 (slide 4051 BMNH), Sep 1892, Perkins (BMNH), designated by Zimmerman, 1978: figs. 665, 680 (as “ holotype ”). Paralectotypes: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Hawaii Island: 1 3, 1899, Blackburn (BMNH); Kona 4000’ [1219 m]: 2 3 (slide 31576 BMNH), Jul– 13 Aug 1892, Perkins (BMNH); Kona 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3, 17 Aug 1892, Perkins (BPBM).

Thyrocopa tessellatella Walsingham ; Zimmerman, 1978: 990, figs. 665, 680. NEW SYNONYMY.

Diagnosis: Thyrocopa indecora can be separated from most of the species with which it overlaps in range by its extremely shallowly cleft uncus. Other species with which it can be confused are T. apatela , T. epicapna and T. kikaelekea . Thyrocopa indecora is absent at high elevations where T. apatela and T. kikaelekea occur; and T. indecora has many more well-defined black spots at the end of wing veins and in the discal cell.

Description: Head: Scales variable from very light grey to brown to very dark blackish-brown, sometimes mottled. Antenna ca. 0.6x forewing length; usually with very dense, short piliform cilia surrounding flagellomere, though larger scales and fewer cilia sometimes present on dorsal side of male flagellomere, female with cilia much less dense. Labial palpus mottled, very light grey to brown to very dark blackish-brown; third segment often shorter than in most Thyrocopa , ca. 0.4–0.7x length of second segment. Thorax: Color variable from very light grey to brown to dark blackish-brown. Forewing length 7–15 mm; forewing ground color variable from very light grey to brown to dark blackish-brown; discal area clouded with poorly defined blackish spots in cell; curving poorly defined whitish band through the terminal area; evenly spaced spots on distal half of costa and along termen at the vein endings. Hindwing variable from very light whitish-grey or brown to brown to grey; fringe often lighter, spots or darker scales near termen and anal margin common. Abdomen: Variable from very light grey to brown to dark blackish-brown. Male genitalia ( Figs. 63–64 , 79–80 ) with uncus very shallowly ( Fig. 79 ) to barely ( Fig. 80 ) apically notched; sacculus short, scooped-out, ending in blunt tip. Female genitalia typical for genus; signum long.

Food plants: Acacia koa (Hawaiian = koa ) (larvae often abundant in dead bark, twigs, and branches), dead Sophora (Hawaiian = mamane), Rubus hawaiiensis (Hawaiian = akala), leaves of Sapindus (Hawaiian = manele), “rotten wood” ( Swezey 1910e, Swezey 1931b; Swezey 1954; Zimmerman 1978). According to Zimmerman (1978: 977), Swezey’s (1910e: 138, 1931b: 502) data refer to T. albonubila , not T. indecora .

Flight period: Year-round.

Distribution: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii.

Remarks: This common species is remarkably variable in forewing pattern ( Figs. 26–31 ). The sacculus also shows a degree of variation, but this may be partly an artifact of slide mounting. This species occasionally is found at high elevations, such as the Hale Pohaku area of Mauna Kea , Hawaii Island.

Additional material examined: Unknown location: 2 3 (abdomens missing), Blackburn ( BPBM). UNITED STATES: HAWAII: 3 3 (slide 2043 BMNH) (one abdomen missing), 4 Ƥ (slide 31568 BMNH), 1899, Blackburn ( BMNH). Oahu: 1600’ [488 m], Koolau Range, Honolulu Dist., Wiliwilinui Ridge: 1 Ƥ, 17 Sep 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 1600’ [488 m], Koolau Range, Kahuku FR, Summit Trail: 1 Ƥ, 18 Sep 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 1800’ [549 m], Koolau Range, Paalaa Uka, Poamoho Trail: 12 3, 1 Ƥ, 3–14 Sep 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 1800’ [549 m], Waianae Mountains, Mokuleia FR, 0.5 mi NE of Puu Pane: 3 3, 25 Sep 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); Diamond Head, 300’ [91 m]: 2 3 (slides LA16 & LA18), 4 Feb 2000, S.L. Montgomery ( BPBM); Hanauma, 100–300’ [30–91 m]: 1 3 (slide LA15), 11–15 Feb 2000, S.L. Montgomery ( BPBM); Honolulu: 3 3 (slide 31569 BMNH), 1908–1910, Perkins ( BMNH); Honolulu: 1 Ƥ (abdomen missing), 1905, G.P. Wilder ( BPBM); Ko’olau Mtns, Konahuanui Tr., ca. 2500’ [762 m]: 1 3, 1 Jun 2006, W. Haines ( BPBM); Ko’olau Mtns, Wiliwilinui Tr.: 1 3 (slide LA36), 6 Jun 2006, W.P. Haines & J. Eiben ( UHIM); Kunia (flight in pineapple field): 4 Ƥ (one missing abdomen), Aug 11–Oct 6 1942, K. Sakimura ( BPBM); Lualualei, Halona Valley: 1 3, 2 Ƥ, Apr– 15 May 1996, F.G. Howarth ( BPBM); Lualualei, Halona Valley, 415 m: 8 3, 18 Apr 1996, F.G. Howarth, G.M. Nishida & G.A. Samuelson ( BPBM); Lualualei, Halona Valley, 1430’ [436 m]: 1 3, 20 Jan 1996, G.M. Nishida ( BPBM); Lualualei, Halona Valley, “ Charpentiera Grove ”: 1 3, 15 May 1996, F.G. Howarth & D. Preston ( BPBM); Mt. Kaala, 700 m: 1 3, 8 May 1975, F.G. Howarth ( BPBM); Mt. Kaala, 800 m: 1 3, 4 Jul 1977, G.M. Nishida ( BPBM); Mt. Tantalus: 1 3, 25 Aug 1922, E.L. Moserey ( BPBM); Near head of Kawailoa Gulch: 1 3, Apr 1893, Perkins ( BMNH); NW Koolau Range: 2 3, Jul 1901, Perkins ( BMNH); NW Koolau Range: 2 3, Jul 1901, Perkins ( USNM); Palikea Trail, 840–930 m: 1 Ƥ, 12 Oct 1975, F.G. Howarth ( BPBM); Puu Kanehoa: 1 3 (slide MJM14), 2 Ƥ, 25 Jul 1959, J.W. Beardsley ( BPBM); Tantalus (ex dead koa branch): 1 3 (slide 171), 1 Ƥ (slide 172), 18 Nov 1940, O.H. Swezey ( BPBM); Waianae Mts, 915 m, Ohikilolo Ridge: 18 3 (slides MJM7 & MJM9), 4 Ƥ, 21 May 1976, F.G. Howarth ( BPBM); Waianae Mts., Kamaileunu Ridge, N of Puu Kawiwi, 760 m: 16 3 (slides MJM10, MJM20 & MJM36), 7 Ƥ, 31 May–15 Jun 1975, F.G. Howarth & S. L. Montgomery ( BPBM); Waianae Mts., Kamaileunu Ridge, N of Puu Kawiwi, 760 m, E side ridge top: 1 3, 1 Ƥ, 19 Oct 1975, F.G. Howarth ( BPBM); Waianae Mts., Lualualei Naval Magazine, Halona Valley, 475 m: 1 3, 18 Apr 1996, G.M. Nishida ( BPBM): Waianae Mts., N. Puukawiwi, 2500’ [762 m]: 1 3, 31 May 1975, F.G. Howarth ( BPBM); Waianae Mts., Palikea Gulch nr. Puupane, 2070’ [631 m]: 15 3 (slides MJM8, MJM15 & MJM37), 23 Jun 1977, F.G. Howarth & J. Obata ( BPBM); Waianae Mtns, Palikea Tr., ca. 3000’ [914 m]: 2 3 (slides 06A96 & 06A98), 2 Ƥ (slide 06A95), 16 May 2006, W. Haines ( BPBM); Waianae Mts, Palikea Tr., about 3000’ [914 m]: 3 3 (slides 06A95, 06A96 &06A98), 1 Ƥ, 16 May 2006, W. Haines ( BPBM); Waianae Valley: 1 Ƥ, 18 Mar 1978, C.W. Mills III ( BPBM). Maui: 4200’ [1280 m], Makawao FR (Olinda): 6 3, 3 Ƥ, 21–29 Jul 1973, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); HALE, Hosmer Grove: 1 3 (slide 05B00), 14 Jun 2005, M.J. Medeiros ( HALE); Haleakala, 5000’ [1524 m]: 2 3, May 1896, Perkins ( BPBM); Haleakala National Park, Paliku: 5 3, 2 Aug 2008, M.J. Medeiros & D.J. Medeiros ( HALE); Haleakala Nat. Park, Paliku, 1945 m: 4 3, 23 Jun 1976, F.G. Howarth & J.W. Beardsley ( BPBM); Kipahulu Vly, Haleakala NP, Delta Camp: 4 3 (slide LA70), 2 Ƥ, 28 Apr 2004, [no collector] ( UHIM); Haleakala 5000’ [1524 m]: 4 3, May 1896, Perkins ( BMNH); Makawao FR, 1375 m: 1 3, 6 Oct 1979, S.L. Montgomery & N. Mitchell ( BPBM); Makawao FR, 764–1321 m: 5 3 (slide LA92), 1 Ƥ, 23–24 Mar 2005, W. Haines ( BPBM); Makawao FR, 4200’ [1280 m]: 3 3 (slide 06B14), 2 Ƥ (slide 06B16), 23 May–3 Jun 2006, M.J. Medeiros & J.J. Anderson ( BPBM); Makawao FR, near banana patch, 762 m: 1 3 (slide LA75), 19 Jun 2006, W. Haines ( UHIM); Olinda 4000’ [1219 m], Haleakala: 1 3, Apr 1894, Perkins ( BMNH); Polipoli State Park, 1890 m: 1 Ƥ (slide MJM21), 7 Oct 1979, S.L. Montgomery & N. Mitchell ( BPBM); Puu Kukui, Haela’au: 4 3 (slides 06B54, 06B58 & 07B01), 2 Ƥ (slide 07B00), 5 Jun 2006 – 3 Jun 2007, M.J. Medeiros ( BPBM); Pu’u Kukui Watershed, Kaluanui Valley, “Banana Patch”: 2 3 (slide LA32), 5 Apr 2006, W. Haines ( UHIM). Hawaii Island: 1160 m, Volcano: 4 3 (slide MJM39), 13–15 Jul 1976, F.G. Howarth ( BPBM); 1300’ [396 m], S. Hilo District, Waiakea FR, Stainback Highway: 4 3 (slide 28753 BMNH), 1 Ƥ, 21 Jun–1 Aug 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 2000’ [610 m], Kau District, Trail above Manuka St. Park: 2 3, 23 Jul 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 2800’ [853 m], Kau District, Ocean View: 2 3 (slide 28759 BMNH), 23–30 Jun 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 2800’ [853 m], Puna District, Olaa FR, Olaa Back Road: 1 3, 1 Ƥ, 15 Jun 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 3500’ [1069 m], Puna District, 2.5 miles NE of Volcano: 1 3, 6 Jun 1973, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 3700’ [1128 m], S. Hilo District, Upper Waiakea FR, Puu Makaala area: 1 3, 1 Ƥ, 25 Jun 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 4000’ [1219 m], S. Hilo District, Hilo FR (Tree Planting Road): 5 3, 2 Ƥ, 30 Jun 1973, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); 5300’ [1615 m], Hamakua District, Mauna Kea , Piha Trail: 1 Ƥ, 21 Jul 1976, K. & E. Sattler & W.P. Mull; Hamakua District, Pohakuloa, 6400’ [1951 m]: 1 3 (slide 28754 BMNH), 3 Jul 1973, K. & E. Sattler; HVNP, Kahuku Unit, Kau FR bdy, 3560’ [1085 m]: 1 3 (slide Jon#4), 20 Jul 2006, J. Giffin ( BPBM); Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kahuku Unit, NW corner of Kau FR, 3,280–5,280’ [1,000–1,609 m]: 2 Ƥ, 19 Jul 2006, J. Giffin ( BPBM); Kilauea FR (Keauhou Ranch), 5400’ [1646 m]: 10 3 (slide 30041 BMNH), 12–21 Jun 1973, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); Kohala NAR,. 5 mi N White Ln., nr. Kamulea: 1 3, 27 May 2003, Rubinoff ( UHIM); Kona Hema Preserve, Honomalino/Kapua, 4100’ [1250 m]: 1 3 (slide Jon#6), 3 May 2005, J. Giffin ( BPBM); Mauna Kea , Hale Pohaku: 1 3 (slide 04A59), 19 Jul 2004, M.J. Medeiros ( BPBM); Mauna Kea FR, Puu Kole, 8560’: 1 3 (slide Jon8), 4 May 2000, J. Giffin ( BPBM); N Kona, Kaloko, 500’ [152 m]: 1 Ƥ, 22 Jan 2002, S.L. Montgomery; Olaa: 5 3 (slide 31566 BMNH), 4 Ƥ (slide 31567 BMNH), Jul 1895 – Sep 1896, Perkins ( BMNH); Olaa: 4 3, Jul 1895, Perkins ( BPBM); Puna District, Volcano, 3800’ [1158 m]: 34 3 (slides 28752 BMNH & 28761 BMNH) (fig. 31), 8 Ƥ (slide 28751 BMNH), 10 May 1973 – 2 Aug 1976, K. & E. Sattler ( BMNH); Puu Waawaa, Forest Bird Sanctuary: 3 3 (slide 07B25), 1 Ƥ (slide 07B24), 5–7 Jun 2007, M.J. Medeiros & J.J. Anderson ( BPBM); S. Hilo, Onomea, 2,200–3000’ [671–914 m]: 1 3, 1 Ƥ, 13–14 Jan 2002, S.L. Montgomery ( BPBM); Saddle Rd. & Tree Planting Rd.: 5 3 (slides 04A43, 04A45 & 05A40), 1 Ƥ (slide 05A42), 17 Jul 2004 – 26 May 2005, M.J. Medeiros ( BPBM); Stainback Hwy & Power Line Rd.: 1 3 (slide 05A30), 25 May 2005, M.J. Medeiros ( BPBM); Upper Waiakea For. Res.: Stainback Hwy, 1100 m: 2 3, 26 May 1984, F.G. Howarth, Stone & W. Tyler ( BPBM); Upper Waiakea FR, Power Line Rd., 5800’ [1768 m]: 1 3, 25 May 2003, Rubinoff ( UHIM).

Figures

FIGURES 16 – 30. Adults of Thyrocopa. 16. T. brevipalpis, Kauai, forewing = 13 mm; 17. T. brevipalpis, Kauai, forewing = 11 mm; 18. T. brevipalpis, Kauai, forewing = 13 mm; 19. T. brevipalpis, Kauai, forewing = 12 mm; 20. T. cinerella, Kauai, forewing = 19 mm; 21. T. decipiens, Hawaii Island, forewing = 18 mm; 22. T. elikapekae, Kauai, forewing = 12 mm; 23. T. epicapna, Hawaii Island, forewing = 10 mm; 24. T. geminipuncta, Maui, forewing = 9 mm; 25. T. gigas, Kauai, forewing = 23 mm; 26. T. indecora, Maui, forewing = 12 mm; 27. T. indecora, Hawaii Island, forewing = 9 mm; 28. T. indecora, Oahu Island, forewing = 11 mm; 29. T. indecora, Maui, forewing = 14 mm; 30. T. indecora, Maui, forewing = 12 mm.

FIGURES 31 – 45. Adults of Thyrocopa. 31. T. indecora, Hawaii Island, forewing = 12 mm; 32. T. kanaloa (holotype), Kahoolawe, forewing = 7 mm; 33. T. kea, Kauai, forewing = 15 mm; 34. T. kea, Kauai, forewing = 20 mm; 35. T. kikaelekea, Hawaii Island, forewing = 10 mm; 36. T. kokeensis (holotype), Kauai, forewing = 8 mm; 37. T. leonina (holotype), Lanai, forewing = 9 mm; 38. T. megas, Maui, forewing = 18 mm; 39. T. minor, Molokai, forewing = 9 mm; 40. T. neckerensis (holotype), Necker, forewing = 7 mm; 41. T. nihoa, Nihoa, forewing = 7 mm; 42. T. peleana (holotype), Oahu, forewing = 18 mm; 43. T. sapindiella (holotype), Oahu, forewing = 10 mm; 44. T. seminatella, Kauai, forewing = 11 mm; 45. T. spilobathra, Oahu, forewing = 8 mm.

FIGURES 60 – 74. Antenna and male genitalia of Thyrocopa; lower left box with detail of uncus, lower right box with detail of sacculus. 60. T. decipiens, Molokai, male, antenna; 61. T. vagans, Kauai, male, antenna; 62. T. kea, Kauai, male, abdomen showing transverse bands of spines (slide LA 59 UHIM); 63. T. indecora, Hawaii Island, male, detail showing very shallowly cleft uncus (slide 07 B 25 BPBM); 64. T. indecora, Hawaii Island, male, detail showing sacculus with scooped-out appearance (slide 07 B 25 BPBM); 65. T. abusa, Molokai, male genitalia (slide 31580 BMNH); 66. T. albonubila, Kauai, male genitalia (slide 07 A 85 BPBM); 67. T. alterna, Hawaii Island, male genitalia (slide Jon # 2 BPBM); 68. T. apatela (intermediate winged specimen), Maui, male genitalia (slide 05 A 97 HALE); 69. T. apatela (brachypterous morph), Maui, male genitalia (slide 19860 BMNH); 70. T. apatela (macropterous morph), Maui, male genitalia (slide 21906 BMNH); 71. T. apikia, Molokai, male genitalia (slide LA 26 UHIM); 72. T. brevipalpis, Kauai, male genitalia (slide 05 A 75 BPBM); 73. T. cinerella, Kauai, male genitalia (slide 08 A 24 BPBM); 74. T. decipiens, Molokai, male genitalia (slide LA 25 UHIM).

FIGURES 75 – 89. Male genitalia of Thyrocopa; for all figures, lower left box shows detail of uncus, lower right box shows detail of sacculus. 75. T. elikapekae, Kauai, male genitalia (slide LA 60 UHIM); 76. T. epicapna, Maui, male genitalia (slide LA 81 BPBM); 77. T. geminipuncta, Molokai, male genitalia (slide 07 A 44 BPBM); 78. T. gigas, Molokai, male genitalia (slide LA 33 UHIM); 79. T. indecora, Maui, male genitalia (slide 06 B 14 BPBM); 80. T. indecora, Oahu, male genitalia (slide LA 18 BPBM); 81. T. kanaloa, Kahoolawe, male genitalia (08 A 54 BPBM); 82. T. kea, Kauai, male genitalia (slide LA 59 UHIM); 83. T. kikaelekea, Hawaii Island, male genitalia (slide 05 A 45 BPBM); 84. T. kokeensis, Kauai, male genitalia (slide 21909 BMNH); 85. T. megas, Maui, male genitalia (slide LA 73 UHIM); 86. T. neckerensis, Necker, male genitalia (slide LA 10 BPBM); 87. T. nihoa, Nihoa, male genitalia (slide LA 13 BPBM); 88. T. peleana, Oahu, male genitalia (slide # 151 BPBM); 89. T. seminatella, Kauai, male genitalia (slide 07 A 90 BPBM).