Sergeya korongotaji, Bidzilya & Mey & Rajaei, 2024

Bidzilya, Oleksiy V., Mey, Wolfram & Rajaei, Hossein, 2024, First record of the genus Sergeya Ponomarenko, 2008 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) from the Afrotropical and Oriental regions, with description of ten new species, Zootaxa 5493 (5), pp. 486-506 : 500-502

publication ID	https://doi.org/ 10.11646/zootaxa.5493.5.2
publication LSID	lsid:zoobank.org:pub:39F78B17-8C72-4609-BBBF-1E86BE6E2280
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13330489
persistent identifier	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/990087D9-2020-FFA6-FF03-7069A83C111E
treatment provided by	Plazi
scientific name	Sergeya korongotaji
status	sp. nov.

Treatment

Sergeya korongotaji sp. nov.

( Figs 12 View FIGURES 11–20 , 36 View FIGURES 35–41. 35–40 )

Type material. Holotype ♂, Uganda, Mpigi, Mpanga Forest , 25–30.xi.2014, LF, leg. W. Mey (gen. slide 194/24, O. Bidzilya) ( MfN).

Diagnosis. Based on the single known specimen of this species (holotype), S. korongotaji sp. nov. is characterized externally by absent of medial spot on dorsal margin, resembling S. prominula . However, in S. korongotaji sp. nov. tornal spot is distinct (in S. prominula tornal spot on 3/4 on dorsal margin is very indistinct). In the male genitalia, S. korongotaji sp. nov. resembles S. malawica sp. nov. and S. palescens sp. nov., as all of them have basal sclerotized lobe of glandiductor. However, S. korongotaji sp. nov. can be separated from the two latter species in parallel-sided uncus extending to 3/4 length of cucullus, rounded basal lobe of glandiductor and short sacculus (extending to 1/2 length of pedunculus) (in S. malawica sp. nov. and S. palescens sp. nov. uncus is narrowed apically and extending to 1/3–1/2 length of cucullus, and saccus extends to or exceeding the top of pedunculus).

Description ( Figs 12 View FIGURES 11–20 ). Wingspan 7.1 mm. Head uniformly pale except light brown scales above eyes; labial palpus recurved, segment 2 brown mottled with yellow and with yellow apex, inner and upper surface pale; segment 3 brown with white basal and apical rings; antennal scape yellowish-white, flagellum in basal half brown on upper surface and pale beneath, in distal half 4 white flagellomeres followed by 4 brown, and then 1–2 white alternating with 3–4 brown, terminal 1–2 flagellomeres white; thorax yellowish-brown, tegulae yellowish-brown with brown base; forewing yellowish-brown, costal margin brown with brown spot in middle and broad brown suffusion, dorsal margin with sparse brown-tipped scales, apex brown mixed with silver and yellow, small brown tornal spot on 3/4; fringes yellow; hindwing and fringe light grey.

Male genitalia ( Fig. 36 View FIGURES 35–41. 35–40 ). Uncus slender, of even width, densely covered with modified feather-like scales and strong setae in distal half, 3 times as long and 1/2 width of tegumen, extending to 3/4 length of cucullus; tegumen rounded, anterior margin straight; cucullus bent in middle, distal half about 1.5 times broader than basal half, densely covered with hair-like scales, apex rounded; glandiductor with rounded sclerotized basal lobe, distal process consists of three slender long projections extending to top of cucullus; juxta elongate, narrowed towards rounded apex; vinculum slightly broader than long; saccus broadly triangular, extending to 1/2 length of pedunculus; phallic tube bent in middle, basal half weakly swollen, apex rounded.

Female genitalia. Unknown.

Biology. The holotype has been collected in late November.

Distribution. Uganda.

Etymology. The species is named after “Korongo Taji” which means “Grey crowned crane” in Swahili language. This bird, which appears also on Uganda flag, is the national symbol of Uganda.