Hermonassa linzhiensis Pan, Han & Kononenko sp. nov.

Figs 43, 44, 55, 63

Type material.

Holotype: ♂. China, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Mt. Sejila, 20 June 2011, Z.H. Pan leg., genit. prep. hhl-5278-1. Paratypes: 2 ♂, 1 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Mt. Sejila, 20 June 2011, Z.H. Pan leg., genit. prep. GB-316-1, hhl-5279-2, GB-235-1; 1 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Lage, 11 Aug. 2011, Z.H. Pan leg., genit. prep. GB-68-2; 1 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Mt. Sejila, 27 Aug. 2012, H.L. Han leg., genit. prep. GB-116-1; 2 ♂, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Hanmi, 2200 m, 20-28 July 2013, Z.H. Pan leg., genit. prep. GB-234-1; 2 ♂, 1 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Lulang Army Station, 26 July 2013, H.L. Han leg., genit. prep. hhl-5281-2; 2 ♂, 1 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Mt. Sejila, 27 July 2013, H.L. Han leg., genit. prep. GB-183-1, hhl-5280-1; 2 ♂, 2 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Mt. Sejila, 4050 m, 4 Aug. 2013, H.L. Han leg., genit. prep. GB-102-1, GB-187-1; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Lulang town, 5 Aug. 2015, H.L. Han leg., genit. prep. GB-67-1; 18 ♂, 2 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Mt. Sejila, 3500 m, 16 Aug. 2014, H.L. Han leg., genit. prep. GB-233-1; 2 ♂, 3 ♀, Aut. Reg. Xizang, Linzhi City, Lulang Station, 15 Aug. 2017, H.L. Han, leg. genit. prep. GB-112-1, GB-158-2, GB-159-2 (coll. NEFU).

Diagnosis.

Hermonassa linzhiensis sp. nov. is superficially similar to H. pallidula (Fig. 45), H. ellenae (Figs 47-49), and H. hoenei (Fig. 46). It differs from these related species by relatively larger size (wingspan 34-48 mm), more stout body, and with pale reddish tint of the pale brownish yellow forewing. The forewing pattern differs from the similar species by more strongly expressed basal, ante-, and postmedial lines, the somewhat larger and more contrasting orbicular and reniform spots and clearly bean-like shape of the reniform spot. In the male genitalia H. linzhiensis sp. nov. (Fig. 55) is most similar to H. pallidula (Fig. 56), but differs from the latter by somewhat narrower uncus, broader valva, larger and sharp pollex, somewhat broader harpe, and basal extension of sacculus. Aedeagus narrower than in H. pallidula, the single cornutus smaller.

Description.

Adult (Figs 43, 44). Wingspan 34-38 mm. Head pale beige; labial palps earthy yellow; thorax pale beige, patagia beige, tegulae with three white central spots; abdomen brown, tuft distinctly marked. Forewing ground colour yellowish white, mixed with pale yellow, with pale reddish tint; transverse line single; basal line white; antemedial line greyish white, wavy; median line slightly reddish brown, broad, diffused, curved; postmedial line reddish brown, thin, wavy; subterminal line, reddish brown, waved, thinner, only with broad dark dot at costal area; terminal line formed by small dark brown dots; orbicular spot broad, slightly drop-shaped, edged with white; reniform short, narrow bean-shaped (or C-shaped), edged with white. Hindwing whitish, mixed with pale yellow; discal spot arched, indistinct; vein pale brown; fringe pale yellow; costal margin covered with brown scales. Male genitalia (Fig. 55). Uncus rather large, diamond-shaped apically. Tegumen broad, as long as uncus. Juxta strongly sclerotised anchor like, with hook-shaped apical extension. Valva broad; harpe long, thin, curved. Saccular process moderate, nearly reaching harpe base; pollex broad, relatively long, sharp; cucullus short, blunt apically. Saccus strongly sclerotised thin, elongated V-shaped. Aedeagus straight, caecum ~ 1/4 × length of aedeagus, carina serrated; vesica membranous with strong cornutus on broad base at middle of ventral side. Female genitalia (Fig. 63). Papillae anales short, slightly sclerotised. Apophyses thin and short, anteriores apophyses ~ 1/2 × length of posteriores ones. Ostium broad and flat, antevaginal plate strongly sclerotised, concave with quadrangular cut in centre. Ductus bursae strongly sclerotised. Corpus bursae long, sack-shaped, ~ 2.5 × length of ductus bursae, with strongly sclerotised, anteriorly wrinkled cervix.

Etymology.

The name is derived from the species’ type locality, the vicinity of Linzhi City, Aut. Reg. Xizang, China.

Distribution and biology

(Fig. 42). Hermonassa linzhiensis is known only from Linzhi mountain range in Aut. Reg. Xizang, southwest China. The species occurs in grassland meadows in the dense coniferous forest at an altitude range of 2200-3500 m. Adults have been collected from early June to mid-August.