Author
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Brown, John |
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Submitted to: Journal of Lepidopterists Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/13/2006 Publication Date: 10/2/2006 Citation: Brown, J.W. 2006. A new species of auratonota (lepidoptera: tortricidae: chlidanotinae)formerly confused with a. hydrogramma (meyrick). Journal of Lepidopterists Society. 60:143-148. Interpretive Summary: The caterpillars of leaf-rolling moths feed on a wide array of agricultural, ornamental, and forest plants, causing millions of dollars of damage each year. Important factors in controlling these pests is their early detection and accurate identification. This paper describes and illustrates a new species from Central America and northern South America, the source region of many agricultural commodities imported into the U.S. This information will be of interest to action agencies such as APHIS-PPQ, who detect foreign species at our borders, and to scientists involved in inventory and biodiversity work in the New World tropics. Technical Abstract: Auratonota pharata, new species, is described and illustrated from Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, and French Guiana. The species is most similar to A. hydrogramma (Meyrick), with which it formerly was confused in entomological collections. It can be distinguished superficially from the latter by the absence of the narrow pale curved band beyond the distal end of the discal cell of the forewing. The male genitalia of the new species can be distinguished by the presence of a slightly expanded, dorsally convex, and ventrally flattened distal portion of the uncus. The female genitalia can be distinguished by the presence of numerous short curved bands of 5-6 tiny spines above a single seta on the middle surface of the papillae anales compared to the more semicircular bands of tiny spines nearly surrounding the seta in A. hydrogramma. During transect sampling associated with the NSF-funded ALAS project (Arthropods of La Selva) in Costa Rica (1996-2005), A. pharata was collected almost exclusively at the lowest site (0-50 m), while A. hydrogramma was found at the 0-50, 300, and 500 m sites. |
