Gargela bidentella Léger, sp. n.

https://zoobank.org/E927154D-E665-4992-BF07-6694A7084C50

Figs. 32, 91, 149.

MATERIAL

Holotype: ♂ (specimen identifier coll.mfn-berlin.de_u_dc6875, DNA voucher MFNLEP-PYRALPHIL08-E05, genitalia on slide TL1325♂; BOLD sample ID PYPHI202-22, Genbank Accession Number PP196883). PHILIPPINES: Negros, Negros Oriental, Patag, 750 m, 20-25.05.1996 (W. Mey). Deposited in MfN .

Paratypes: 2 ♀ (specimen identifiers coll.mfn-berlin.de_u_9859, 673744), same collecting data (detailed information on Table S1; https://doi.org/10.5061/ dryad.b8gtht7mh) .

SIMILAR SPECIES

Gargela minuta Song et al., 2009 .

DIAGNOSIS

This species is very similar to Gargela minuta in forewing pattern (see diagnosis of G. minuta). In male genitalia (Fig. 91), the bifid apical projection of the costal process allows unambiguous segregation of the species from other Gargela species. In female genitalia (Fig. 149), this species shares the elongate corpus bursae with two thorn-shaped signa with G. minuta; however, the antrum lacks the ventral, lightly sclerotized depressions observed in G. minuta .

HABITUS (FIG. 32)

Forewing length 4.5 mm (n = 1); ground color snow white. Median line arched towards margin in costal 1/3, then running in a straight line down to termen. Subterminal line originating at 3/4 of costa, curved towards margin, then inwardly around subterminal spot, running downwards to termen; dark brown from R5 to M2, otherwise ochre. Subterminal area with conspicuous dark brown blotch at M3 cell. Margin slightly indented at R5-M1; apically dark brown, otherwise ochre. Fringe white, medially copper with four dark brown spots. Hindwing white, tornus bearing tuft of thin brown iridescent scales in males.

MALE GENITALIA (FIG. 91)

Uncus ca 1/3 of tegumen arm length, narrow, beak-shaped, ventrally covered with thick setae, dorso-apically setose, apex pointed. Gnathos projection as long as uncus, straight, apical 1/4 curved upwards, tip pointed. Valva ventrally narrowed at midlength, distal half slender, gently curved upwards; costal process fused to valva in basal 3/4; basal 1/3 with slender arm projecting dorso-posterad; distal 1/4 projecting upwards, apically bifid with one tooth pointing upwards and one hook-like projection pointing inwards. Juxta broad, distal 1/3 with conspicuous lateral lobes, apex forming two lobes setose. Vesica with ca 200 cornuti, apex with one isolated cornutus.

FEMALE GENITALIA (FIG. 149)

Papillae anales posterior margin regularly rounded. Posterior apophyses ca 1.75 X length of tergite VIII. Intersegmental membrane VIII-IX ca 1.75 X length of tergite VIII. Anterior apophyses ca 3.75 X length of tergite VIII. Antrum and colliculum lightly sclerotized, with longitudinal ridges. Basal half of ductus bursae covered with spines, kink at midlength, distal half membranous, straight. Corpus bursae egg-shaped, reticulate, with two thorn-shaped signa.

DISTRIBUTION

PHILIPPINES: Negros. Collected at an altitude of 750 m.

DNA BARCODING

The highest intraspecific divergence observed is 0.5% between specimen MFNLEP-PYRALPHIL08-H06 and MFNLEP-PYRALPHIL08-F05.

ETYMOLOGY

Apposition of the Latin bi -, “two,” dens, tis, “dent,” and the diminutive suffix –ella, referring to the two apical teeth of the costal process in male genitalia.