Mesophleps aspina, Li & Sattler, 2012

Li, Houhun & Sattler, Klaus, 2012, A taxonomic revision of the genus Mesophleps Hübner, 1825 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) 3373, Zootaxa 3373, pp. 1-82 : 45-46

Mesophleps aspina sp. nov.

( Figs 54, 79)

♂, Wingspan 11.5–14.0 mm. Labial palpus segment 2 black, distally with white ring, 3 white, apical one-third black, base with some black scales. Antenna whitish grey and light brown alternating. Forewing light yellow, basal half of costa white, black discocellular spot present, plical dash absent.

Genitalia ♂ ( Fig. 79). Uncus rounded, ventro-anterior margin concave; gnathos hooks very short, fused at base; vinculum trapezoid, sometimes lateral corners prominent; posterior margin without sclerotized spine; phallus evenly tapered from swollen base towards long, almost straight apical portion, apex with long sharp point.

Genitalia ♀. Unknown.

Remarks. M. aspina differs in the male genitalia from all other species of the albilinella -group in the absence of the characteristic pair of outwardly-directed spines on the posterior margin of the vinculum. Uncus and gnathos resemble those of parvella but the phallus is slimmer and has a long pointed, rather than blunt, apex.

Biology. Host-plant unknown.

Distribution. Thailand, Burma.

Etymology. The specific name is derived from the Latin prefix a- (absent) and spina (spine), in reference to the absence of the outwardly-directed spines on the posterior margin of the vinculum in the male genitalia which otherwise are characteristic of this species-group.

Material examined (3 ♂♂, including 3 ♂♂ genitalia preparations)

Holotype ♂, Thailand: Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park , 1380 m, 24.ii.1989 (Cotton & Kitching) (genitalia slide no. 30960; BMNH).

Paratypes: Thailand: 1 ♂, Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park , ca 1500 m, 9–10.iii.1988 (Bradley, Lewvanich & Boonkong) ; Burma: 1 ♂, Thandsung, Karen Hills, 1890 (Doherty) .