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| Bucculatrix brunnella Tokár & Laštůvka, 2018 [upper] male, holotype, Francavilla di Sicilia, 23.vi.2000, wingspan 7.5 mm. [lower] female, paratype, Mount Etna, Nicolosi, 20.vi.2008, wingspan 6.5 mm.
DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.22840
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Abstract
Bucculatrix brunnella sp. n. is described from Sicily and Sardinia. The male of the new species is characterized by the almost monochrome ochreous brown forewing. It may resemble the monochrome form of B. cristatella (Zeller, 1839), but the colour of the forewing of the latter species is pale ochreous grey. The female of the new species is slightly smaller, paler and with more conspicuous pattern on the forewing than those of the male. B. brunnella sp. n. differs markedly in the male genitalia from other known Bucculatrix species. The immature stages are unknown. The male and female adults, and genitalia of both sexes, are figured and a distribution map is provided.
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| Figure 1. Bucculatrix brunnella sp. n., male, holotype, Francavilla di Sicilia, 23.vi.2000, wingspan 7.5 mm. |
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| Figure 2. Bucculatrix brunnella sp. n., female, paratype, Mount Etna, Nicolosi, 20.vi.2008, wingspan 6.5 mm. |
Bucculatrix brunnella sp. n.
Diagnosis:
The male of Bucculatrix brunnella sp. n. is externally characterized by the almost monochrome ochreous to brown forewing with only an inconspicuous scattered pattern. It can resemble a monochrome form of B. cristatella (Zeller, 1839), but the colour of forewing of the latter species is pale ochreous grey.
In the male genitalia the new species significantly differs from any known species, in particular in the shape of the valva and socii lobes.
In the female genitalia the new species closely resembles those of B. mehadiensis Rebel, 1903 but both species differ significantly externally. The forewing of B. mehadiensis is creamy white with a striking blackish pattern, whilst the forewing ground colour of B. brunnella is ochreous to brown and a darker brown pattern is inconspicuous.
Biology: The early stages of the new species are unknown. Most of the adults were collected in light-traps between 8th and 23rd June and one specimen was taken on 21st September. The species probably has (at least) two generations a year.
Distribution and habitat: (Fig. 6). Bucculatrix brunnella sp. n. is known from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In Sicily it was found in the north and north-eastern parts, mainly near Mount Etna. In Sardinia, it is so far only known from the Gennargentu Mountains. The species was collected from about 300 to 1100 m altitude.
Etymology: The specific name brunnella is derived from the forewing colour of the new species.
Zdenko Tokár and Aleš Laštůvka. 2018. Bucculatrix brunnella sp. n. (Lepidoptera, Bucculatricidae) from Sicily and Sardinia. Nota Lepidopterologica. 41(1); 113-117. DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.22840