Exelastis dowi Matthews and Landry, 2008

Matthews, Deborah L., Miller, Jacqueline Y., Simon, Mark J. & Goss, Gary J., 2019, Additions to the plume moth fauna of The Bahamas (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) with description of four new species, Insecta Mundi 708, pp. 1-35 : 11

Exelastis dowi Matthews and Landry, 2008

Fig. 13, 32, 43

Diagnosis. Similar to E. montischristi except for paler light buff to ochraceous-buff ground color, with more distinct fuscous paired spots at forewing cleft base, and hindwing with row of spatulate fuscous scales within fringes of third lobe anal margin which extends for most of lobe length ( Fig. 13). Male genitalia with asymmetrical valvae; apex of right valve with rounded plate-like sclerite ( Fig. 32). Female genitalia distinguished from E. montischristi by the presence of a median plate on sternite VII ( Fig. 43).

Pinned material examined. BAHAMAS: Abaco: South Abaco, Gilpin Point, S of Crossing Rocks, 1.5 mi. SE of Great Abaco Hwy. , 26.105899°, −77.18550°, 3.vi.2016, pinelands, DLM, JYM, MJS, GJG (1 ♀, slide DM 2114) ; Schooner Bay , coppice trail, 26.167000°, −77.181167°, 30.x.2014, DLM, JYM, MJS, RMR (1 ♂) ; Schooner Bay Institute, 26.161333°, −77.187667°, 14–18.v.2018, MS, GG (1 ♀) ; Grand Bahama Island: vic. Owl’s Hole , 26.587496°, −78.469854°, 27.x.2014, DLM, JYM, MJS, RMR (1 ♂, slide DM 2165) .

Life history. Unknown. Larvae most likely feed on a species of legume ( Fabaceae ).

Distribution. Originally described from the Florida Keys, Grand Bahama, and Belize ( Matthews and Landry 2008). The distribution now also includes South Abaco Island.