Sicciaemorpha pleiadina, Volynkin & Černý, 2021

Volynkin, Anton V. & Černý, Karel, 2021, Taxonomic review of the genus Sicciaemorpha van Eecke (Lepidoptera Erebidae: Arctiinae), with descriptions of six new species from Malaysia and the Philippines, Zootaxa 4985 (1), pp. 69-80 : 73-75

Sicciaemorpha pleiadina sp. n.

( Figs 9, 10 , 19 , 25 )

Type material. Holotype ( Figs 9 , 19 ): male, “ Philippines / Mindanao , 40 km NW Maramag, Talakag, Dalongdong, 7.53´N / 123.54´E, 1000m, 31.XII.1991 – 2.I.1992, leg. Karel Cerny [recte Černý]” / “Slide AV5355 ♂ A. Volynkin ” (MWM/ ZSM, ex coll. CKC).

Paratypes. THE PHILIPPINES : 1 female, same data as holotype ( CKC) ; 1 male, Mindanao, Bukidnon, 15km NW Maramag, Mt. Malambu, Mt. Bagong Silang , 30.XII. 1991, 1450m, prim. forest, leg. Černý ( CKC) ; 1 male, Mindanao, Bukidnon, 15km NW Maramag, Mt. Malambu, Mt. Bagong Silang , 29.XII. 1991, 1250m, sec. forest, leg. Černý ( CKC) ; 1 female, Mindanao, Bukidnon prov., 60 km S Talakag, Dominorog , 1271 m, 23–24.III.2009, 7°56.144´N, 124°38.5´E, leg. K. Černý & J. Lourens, gen. prep. No.: AV5356 (prepared by Volynkin) ( CKC) ; 1 female, Mindanao-Bukidnon, 45km NW Maramag, Mt. Binansilang , 1200m, 7°55´N; 124°40´E; Bergurwald [mountain primary forest], 2.X.1988, leg. Černý & Schintlmeister ( CKC) .

Diagnosis. The forewing length is 9 mm in both sexes. The new species is superficially reminiscent of S. reducta sp. n., but is distinguished by the somewhat larger size, the wider forewing, the darker coloration of the body and both wings, and the larger black spots and more distinct longitudinal pale stripes on the forewing. The male genital capsule of S. pleiadina sp. n. can easily be distinguished from those of the congeners by the relatively long costa (the longest in the genus) bearing a longer and almost straight process. The ventro-distal process of the valva of S. pleiadina sp. n. is similar to that of S. langgona sp. n., but in S. pleiadina sp. n. it is somewhat wider medially and smoothly narrowed distally, whereas in S. langgona sp. n. it is narrower medially and constricted subapically. The distal saccular process of S. pleiadina sp. n. is similar to that of S. danepan sp. n. The aedeagus of the new species is similar to that of S. langgona sp. n., but is somewhat shorter (in comparison to the length of the valva) and having a shorter coecum (in comparison to the total length of the aedeagus). The female genitalia are reminiscent of those of S. danepan sp. n., but differ by the large and well sclerotized ventro-lateral pockets of the 7 th sternite (they are reduced in S. danepan sp. n.), the longer antrum (taking ca. 3/4 of the length of the ductus bursae), and the thicker appendix bursae.

Distribution. Known from the Philippine Island of Mindanao.

Etymology. Named after the Pleiades, an open star cluster. The specific epithet refers to the numerous and large spots on the dark forewing vaguely resembling a starry sky.

Figures

FIGURES 9–14. Sicciaemorpha spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens: 9 and 11–13 in MWM/ZSM; 10 and 14 in CKC.

FIGURES 19–21. Sicciaemorpha spp.: male genitalia. The specimens dissected are deposited in MWM/ZSM.

FIGURES 22–27. Sicciaemorpha spp.: female genitalia. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 22 in RMNH; 23, 25 and 27 in CKC; 24 and 26 in MWM/ZSM.