Dracontogena metamorphica species group

Male hindwing without modifications, valva lacking internal circular scale patch, male abdomen without coremata. The spatulate scales at the hindwing anal corner have a serrate distal edge. The species are variable, and in general, dissection of the genitalia is necessary for accurate identification.

Dracontogena metamorphica (Meyrick, 1928)

(Figs. 46, 62, 63)

Eucosma metamorphica Meyrick, 1928: 439; Clarke 1958: 375, pl. 186, figs. 1, 1a.

Dracontogena metamorphica Karisch 2005: 462, text figs. 13, 15, pl. 1, fig. 8.

Material examined. Lectotype of Eucosma metamorphica, 3, Sao Tomé, February, T.A. Barns, genitalia slide BMNH 9396 (BMNH); 1Ƥ, same data as lectotype, genitalia slide 30576 (BMNH); 1Ƥ, same data as lectotype, genitalia slide L. Aarvik 2011.025 (USNM).

Diagnosis. Wingspan 20.0–25.0 mm. Externally, D. metamorphica resembles the bicoloured form of D. kingstoni n. sp. (see below). The male genitalia (Fig. 46) are distinct by the deeply excavate ventral edge of valva. The female genitalia (Fig. 62, 63) have sternite 7 deeply excavate with two membranous bands anterior of the excavation; segment 7 with conspicuous scale sockets anterolaterally; the sterigma large, becoming wider posteriorly; and the paired oval sclerites posterior of the sterigma small, separate.

Distribution. Known only from Sao Tomé, an island in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa.