A Chronology of 

Middle Missouri Plains 

Village Sites

By Craig M. Johnson

with contributions by

Stanley A. Ahler, Herbert Haas, and Georges Bonani

Smithsonian Institution

Scholarly Press

smithsonian contributions to zoology • number 625

A Revision of the 

New World Plant-Mining 

Moths of the Family 

Opostegidae 

(Lepidoptera: Nepticuloidea)

Donald R. Davis and Jonas R. Stonis
s m i t h s o n i a n c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o z o o l o g y • n u m b e r 6 2 5

A Revision of the 

New World Plant-Mining 

Moths of the Family 

Opostegidae

(Lepidoptera: Nepticuloidea)

Donald R. Davis and Jonas R. Stonis

Washington, D.C.

2007
ABSTRACT

Davis, Donald R., and Jonas R. Stonis. A Revision of the New World Plant-Mining Moths of the Family Opostegidae (Lepidoptera: Nepticuloidea). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 625, 212 pages, 503 figures, 19 maps, 2 tables, 2007. — The systematics, morphology, 

and distributions are summarized for the 91 species and 2 subspecies of New World Opostegidae. A phylogenetic analysis using the “parsimony rachet” in Winclada and based on 34 morphological characters for the seven currently recognized world genera indicates the monotypic 

Chilean genus, Notiopostega, to be the basal taxon. Monophyly of the Nepticuloidea (Nepticulidae + Opostegidae) is well supported by nine 

morphological synapomorphies. Several synapomorphies distinguish the Opostegidae from all other Lepidoptera. Principal among these are 

the presence of a single, spinose seta on the larval mandible, adult wing venation extremely reduced with all veins unbranched, frenulum lost 

in both sexes, antennal flagellomeres each typically with 3 sets of ascoid sensillae, and a pedunculate, typically elliptical, cucullar lobe bearing a 

well-developed pectinifer on the valva of the male genitalia. Larval biologies of only two New World species are known. Larvae of both species 

mine primarily the cambium layer in woody plant stems. Results from light trap sampling at the La Selva Biological Station in Heredia Province, 

Costa Rica, indicated that adult Opostegidae were much more abundant in canopy habitats compared with near-ground level. Four genera 

(Neopostega new genus, 5 species; Notiopostega Davis, 1 species; Opostegoides Kozlov, 1 species; and Pseudopostega Kozlov, 84 species and 2 

subspecies) are recognized for the New World. One genus (Neopostega) and the following 68 species and 2 subspecies are described as new:

Neopostega asymmetra

Neopostega distola

Neopostega falcata

Neopostega longispina

Neopostega petila

Pseudopostega acrodicra

Pseudopostega acuminate

Pseudopostega apotoma

Pseudopostega attenuate

Pseudopostega beckeri

Pseudopostega bicornuta

Pseudopostega bidorsalis

Pseudopostega brachybasis

Pseudopostega breviapicula

Pseudopostega brevifurcata

Pseudopostega brevivalva

Pseudopostega caulifurcata

Pseudopostega clavata

Pseudopostega colognatha

Pseudopostega concave

Pseudopostega conicula

Pseudopostega constricta

Pseudopostega contigua

Pseudopostega crassifurcata

Published by Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press

P.O. Box 37012

MRC 957

Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

www.scholarlypress.si.edu

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Davis, Donald R. (Donald Ray)

 A revision of the new world plant-mining moths of the family Opostegidae 

(Lepidoptera: Nepticuloidea) / Donald R. Davis and Jonas R. Stonis.

 p. cm. -- (Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 625)

  Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Opostegidae—Classification. I. Stonis, Jonas R. II. Title.

QL561.O7D38 2007

595.78—dc22

2007021148

 The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence of Paper for 

Printed Library Materials Z39.48—1992.

Pseudopostega curtarama

Pseudopostega denticulate

Pseudopostega didyma

Pseudopostega diskusi

Pseudopostega divaricata

Pseudopostega dorsalis dorsalis

Pseudopostega dorsalis fasciata

Pseudopostega duplicate

Pseudopostega ecuadoriana

Pseudopostega ferruginea

Pseudopostega floridensis

Pseudopostega fumida

Pseudopostega galapagosae

Pseudopostega gracilis

Pseudopostega lateriplicata

Pseudopostega latiapicula

Pseudopostega latifurcata latifurcata

Pseudopostega latifurcata apoclina

Pseudopostega latisaccula

Pseudopostega lobata

Pseudopostega longifurcata

Pseudopostega longipedicella

Pseudopostega microacris

Pseudopostega mignonae

Pseudopostega monstruosa

Pseudopostega obtuse

Pseudopostega ovatula

Pseudopostega parakempella

Pseudopostega paraplicatella

Pseudopostega plicatella

Pseudopostega resimafurcata

Pseudopostega rotunda

Pseudopostega sectila

Pseudopostega serrata

Pseudopostega spatulata

Pseudopostega sublobata

Pseudopostega subtila

Pseudopostega suffuscula

Pseudopostega tanygnatha

Pseudopostega tenuifurcata

Pseudopostega texana

Pseudopostega triangularis

Pseudopostega truncate

Pseudopostega tucumanae

Pseudopostega turquinoensis

Pseudopostega uncinata.
Contents

INTRODUCTION    1

Acknowledgments 2

Materials and Methods 4

BIOLOGY OF THE OPOSTEGIDAE    5

Distribution and Diversity 5

Life History 8

MORPHOLOGY    13

SYSTEMATIC RELATIONSHIPS    18

Characters Used in the Cladistic Analysis 21

OPOSTEGIDAE    22

Key to the Genera of the New World Opostegidae 24

Notiopostega Davis 25

 Notiopostega atrata Davis 33

Neopostega, new genus 34

 Key to the Species of Neopostega 35

 Neopostega longispina, new species 36

 Neopostega falcata, new species 36

 Neopostega asymmetra, new species 37

 Neopostega petila, new species 38

 Neopostega distola, new species 39

Opostegoides Kozlov 40

 Opostegoides scioterma (Meyrick) 42

Pseudopostega Kozlov 46

 Key to the Species Groups of Pseudopostega, Based on Characters

 of the Male Genitalia   50

 The rotunda group 51

 Pseudopostega rotunda, new species 51

 Pseudopostega ovatula, new species 52

 The serrata group 52

 Pseudopostega serrata, new species 52

 Pseudopostega ferruginea, new species 54
i v • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

 The lateriplicata group 56

 Pseudopostega abrupta (Walsingham) 56

 Pseudopostega floridensis, new species 57

 Pseudopostega lateriplicata, new species 59

 Pseudopostega uncinata, new species 60

 The spatulata group 61

 Pseudopostega microacris, new species 61

 Pseudopostega fumida, new species 62

 Pseudopostega gracilis, new species 63

 Pseudopostega tucumanae, new species 64

 Pseudopostega apotoma, new species 65

 Pseudopostega pexa (Meyrick) 66

 Pseudopostega diskusi, new species 67

 Pseudopostega truncata, new species 67

 Pseudopostega monstruosa, new species 68

 Pseudopostega microlepta (Meyrick) 69

 Pseudopostega spatulata, new species 70

 Pseudopostega albogaleriella (Clemens) 70

 Pseudopostega denticulata, new species 74

 The latisaccula group 75

 Pseudopostega latisaccula, new species 75

 The triangularis group 76

 Pseudopostega attenuata, new species 76

 Pseudopostega conicula, new species 78

 Pseudopostega triangularis, new species 79

 Pseudopostega sacculata (Meyrick) 80

 Pseudopostega kempella (Eyer) 81

 Pseudopostega paraplicatella, new species 82

 Pseudopostega plicatella, new species 82

 Pseudopostega cretea (Meyrick) 83

 Pseudopostega breviapicula, new species 85

 Pseudopostega mignonae, new species 86

 Pseudopostega trinidadensis (Busck) 87

 Pseudopostega subtila, new species 88

 Pseudopostega acuminata, new species 89

 Pseudopostega tanygnatha, new species 90

 The saltatrix group 90

 Pseudopostega colognatha, new species 90

 Pseudopostega obtusa, new species 91

 Pseudopostega galapagosae, new species 93

 Pseudopostega saltatrix (Walsingham) 94

 Pseudopostega dorsalis dorsalis, new species 98

 Pseudopostega dorsalis fasciata, new subspecies 99

 Pseudopostega parakempella, new species 100

 The longipedicella group 101

 Pseudopostega adusta (Walsingham) 101

 Pseudopostega longipedicella, new species 102

 The lobata group 103

 Pseudopostega lobata, new species 104

 Pseudopostega clavata, new species 105
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • v

 Pseudopostega sublobata, new species 107

 The duplicata group 108

 Pseudopostega duplicata, new species 108

 Pseudopostega didyma, new species 109

 Pseudopostega acidata (Meyrick) 110

 The tenuifurcata group 112

 Pseudopostega tenuifurcata, new species 112

 Pseudopostega sectila, new species 113

 The divaricata group 115

 Pseudopostega texana, new species 115

 Pseudopostega curtarama, new species 116

 Pseudopostega crassifurcata, new species 117

 Pseudopostega turquinoensis, new species 119

 Pseudopostega concava, new species 119

 Pseudopostega brevifurcata, new species 120

 Pseudopostega brevivalva, new species 121

 Pseudopostega acrodicra, new species 122

 Pseudopostega caulifurcata, new species 123

 Pseudopostega resimafurcata, new species 124

 Pseudopostega quadristrigella (Chambers) 124

 Pseudopostega bidorsalis, new species 127

 Pseudopostega divaricata, new species 128

 The latifurcata group 129

 Pseudopostega contigua, new species 129

 Pseudopostega latifurcata latifurcata, new species 130

 Pseudopostega latifurcata apoclina, new subspecies 131

 The brachybasis group 133

 Pseudopostega latiapicula, new species 133

 Pseudopostega ecuadoriana, new species 134

 Pseudopostega pumila (Walsingham) 135

 Pseudopostega beckeri, new species 136

 Pseudopostega protomochla (Meyrick) 136

 Pseudopostega bicornuta, new species 138

 Pseudopostega suffuscula, new species 139

 Pseudopostega monosperma (Meyrick) 140

 Pseudopostega longifurcata, new species 141

 Pseudopostega constricta, new species 141

 Pseudopostega brachybasis, new species 142

 Pseudopostega venticola (Walsingham) 143

 Species unplaced to group 145

 Pseudopostega congruens (Walsingham) 145

 Pseudopostega elachista (Walsingham) 146

 Pseudopostega paromias (Meyrick) 147

 Pseudopostega perdigna (Walsingham) 148

 Pseudopostega pontifex (Meyrick) 149

REFERENCES    151

FIGURES 127–503    155

INDEX OF INSECT NAMES    211

A Revision of the 

New World Plant-Mining Moths 

of the Family Opostegidae 

(Lepidoptera: Nepticuloidea)

Introduction

Opostegidae are a morphologically distinct family of small, predominantly white moths whose females possess a primitive, monotrysian 

reproductive system. Together with their sister family, Nepticulidae, the Opostegidae contain some of the smallest Lepidoptera 

known, with a wingspan ranging from 4 to 16 mm. Although generally global 

in distribution, evidence now indicates the greatest diversity for Opostegidae 

occurs in the continental tropical/subtropical regions. One of the more obvious 

diagnostic features of the family is the greatly expanded antennal scape (Figures 

5, 6, 8, 10, 12), which entirely covers the eye at rest and is the origin for the 

names of the type genus and family [derived from the Greek opos (eye) and stego

(cover)]. The Nepticulidae also possess an enlarged scape (but usually developed 

to a relatively lesser degree), as well as a short, nonpiercing ovipositor superficially similar to that of Opostegidae. Opostegidae are easily distinguished from 

Nepticulidae by their more specialized larvae, the presence of ascoid antennal 

sensillae (Figures 14, 58), and the development of a highly modified, pedunculate cucullar lobe on the male valva that bears a prominent pectinifer consisting 

of a single row of blunt spines (Figure 44).

Since the first reported discovery of a member of this family in 1813 (Pseudopostega auritella (Hübner)) and the family formally recognized as one (Opostegides) 

of seven groups under Tineidae by Meyrick (1893), the world literature concerning 

Opostegidae has largely consisted of poorly diagnosed species descriptions without 

illustrations. Within the past 15 years, notable efforts have appeared to raise this 

family from obscurity. The first of these was a generic review of the family and 

world catalogue (Davis, 1989), followed by a revision of the Oriental Opostegidae 

(Puplesis and Robinson, 1999), and most recently by a review and world catalogue 

of the Nepticuloidea and Tischerioidea by Puplesis and Diškus (2003). Before 1985, 

only one generic name, Opostega, had been proposed in this cosmopolitan family. 

This conservatism was largely a result of the superficial morphological uniformity of 

these moths apparent to earlier workers as well as the lack of serious morphological 

examination. In a brief but significant review of a few Asian Opostegidae, Kozlov 

(1985) proposed the new genus Opostegoides and the subgenus Pseudopostega. 

Davis (1989) soon afterward proposed three additional genera and recognized Pseudopostega as a distinct genus. The present study continues our investigations on the 

Donald R. Davis, Department of Entomology, 

National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012, 

USA. Jonas R. Stonis (formerly Rimantas Puplesis), Department of Zoology, Vilnius Pedagogical University, Vilnius LT-08106, Lithuania. 

Manuscript received 18 January 2007; accepted 

5 March 2007.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 3

grants DEB-9706976 and DEB-0072702 and by National 

Geographic Society grant 7751-04) and co-principal investigator John Longino have made to this study, and especially 

the parataxonomists at La Selva working on this project, 

Danilo Brenes, Flor Cascante, Nelci Oconitrillo, Maylin Paniagua, and Ronald Vargas. We thank John Longino also 

for preparing the three diversity graphs (Figures 2–4). The 

trapping protocol for the 1998–1999 sampling period was 

designed by Jerry Powell. This procedure was augmented 

by blacklight collecting at sheets by Powell, John Brown, 

Eugenie Phillips, David Wagner, and DRD. The Directors 

and staff of the La Selva Biological Station have also been 

most helpful. Fieldwork from 1964 through 1966 on the 

island of Dominica was supported by the Bredin-Archbold 

Smithsonian Biological Survey of Dominica. Davis (DRD) 

also expresses gratitude to La Fundación para el Desarrollo 

de las Ciencias Físicas, Matemáticas y Naturales of Venezuela, and the Scholarly Studies Program of the Smithsonian Institution for their combined support of his fieldwork 

during 1984 at Cerro de la Neblina, Venezuela, and to the 

Smithsonian Institution for support of fieldwork in French 

Guiana through the Research Opportunity Fund. Davis 

(DRD) also acknowledges the American Philosophical Society for funding his field research in Mexico during the 

summer of 1963. Fieldwork on Guana and Tortola Islands 

by Scott Miller, Vitor Becker, and Michael Pogue was supported by the Conservation Agency through a grant from 

the Mocatta Metals Corporation. The second author (JRS) 

is particularly grateful to The Royal Society, London, the 

SYS–RESOURCE (EU–BMNH) program, Prof. M. Hering 

Memorial Research Fund, the Sladen Memorial Fund (London), and the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation for funding support, and to Simon R. Hill, University of 

Westminster, UK, and Giovanni Onore, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, for their very helpful assistance 

during expeditions to Belize and Ecuador in 1998, 2000, 

and 2001. Together we wish to thank the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program for a short-term visitors’ grant 

that provided support for J. R. Stonis to study at the National Musem of Natural History during January–February 

2002. We are especially thankful to R. Brown, B. Landry, 

and E. van Nieukerken for their comments on the manuscript. Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press provided the 

final editing and prepared the manuscript for publication.

Finally we acknowledge the cooperation of the individuals and institutions listed below and list their acronyms as used in this study.

ANSP Academy of Natural Sciences, 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

BMNH The Natural History Museum 

(formerly the British Museum 

(Natural History)), London, UK.

CAS California Academy of Sciences, San 

Francisco, California, USA.

CDRS Charles Darwin Research Station, 

Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, 

Ecuador.

CMNH Carnegie Museum of Natural 

History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 

USA.

CNC Canadian National Collections of 

Insects, Arachnids, and Nematodes, 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 

Ottawa, Canada.

FSCA Florida State Collection of 

Arthropods, Gainesville, Florida, 

USA.

GSMNP Great Smoky Mountains National 

Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA.

INBIO Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, 

Santo Domingo, Costa Rica.

LACM Natural History Museum of Los 

Angeles County, Los Angeles, 

California, USA.

MGAB Muzeul de National Istorie Naturala 

“Grigore Antipa”, Bucharest, 

Romania.

MEM Mississippi State Entomological 

Museum, Mississippi State, 

Mississippi, USA.

MHNG Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, 

Genève, Switzerland.

NHMV Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, 

Austria.

RMNH Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum, 

Leiden, The Netherlands.

TLS Texas Lepidoptera Survey Collection, 

Houston, Texas, USA.

UCB Essig Entomology Museum, 

University of California, Berkeley, 

California, USA.

UNAM Instituto de Biología, Universidad 

Nacional Autónoma de México, 

Mexico City, D.F.

USNM Collections of the former United 

States National Museum, now 

deposited in the National Museum 

of Natural History, Smithsonian 

Institution, Washington, D.C., USA.
4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

VOB Vitor O. Becker, Reserva Serra 

Bonita, Camacan, Brazil.

VPU Vilnius Pedagogical University, 

Vilnius, Lithuania.

Materials and Methods

Nearly 1600 adults were examined, identified, and barcoded during this study. Not included were more than 90 

undetermined females that could not be associated with 

any male and about 20 specimens of unknown sex lacking abdomens. Because the genitalia provide the sole means 

for determining the sex of an adult of this family, the undetermined sex of those species examined that could be 

identified but which lacked abdomens are recorded in the 

material examined sections as UNK (sex unknown).

ALAS Surveys. The most thoroughly surveyed 

Neotropical site for Opostegidae was at the La Selva Biological Station near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 10°26'N, 

84°01'W, at 50 to 150 meters (m) elevation in the province of Heredia, Costa Rica, where approximately 10% 

of all the specimens studied originated. At this site most 

specimens (~150) were collected during the ALAS (Arthropods of La Selva) III Microlepidoptera survey with 8-watt 

(W) Entotech blacklight traps during an 18-month period, 

from January 1998 through June 1999. This method was 

supplemented by sporadic mercury vapor light collecting at 

sheets between January 1993 and June 1996. More details 

relating to the quantitative blacklight sampling conducted 

during this survey were summarized by Davis (2003) and 

can be accessed through the ALAS website (http://viceroy

.eeb.uconn.edu/ALAS/ALAS.html) under “collection data 

for ALAS quantitative samples.” Because several families 

of Microlepidoptera were the focal taxa for one portion 

of this survey, the traps were covered with a wire cage 

possessing a mesh size of 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) to exclude 

large insects that might otherwise damage the focal taxa. 

Traps were operated in pairs—one suspended in the canopy about 20–35 m high, and another on the ground beneath it. On each night of sampling, one trap pair was run. 

Trapping was conducted on two or three nights per week, 

rotating the paired traps among the six sites (7–18) listed 

below. For 14 of the 372 individual samples, the traps 

malfunctioned when the fluorescent light failed to operate. 

The data provided refer to the following information: e.g., 

7 [site number], SOR [La Selva trail name “Sendero Oriental”] 750 [meters from main laboratory clearing], 778, 

1618 [GIS (Geographic Information System) coordinates], 

canopy [trap location].

7, SOR [Sendero Oriental] 750, 778, 1618, canopy

8, SOR 750, 789, 1642, ground

9, CCC [Camino Circular Cercano]550, 1019, 898, 

canopy

10, CCC 550, 1035, 876, ground

11, Arboleda [Arboretum], 896, 469, canopy

12, Arboleda, 881, 461, ground

13, CES [Camino Experimental Sur] 350, 566, 464, 

canopy

14, CES 350, 529, 485, ground

15, STR [Sendero Tres Rios] 650, 0, 0, canopy

16, STR 650, 0, 0, ground

17, STR 2000, 912, –675, canopy

18, STR 1800, 901, –664, ground

All La Selva specimens collected from these sites bear 

a three-part label: e.g., “L [light trap]/14 [trap site]/411 [a 

unique sequential number for all blacklight samples commencing with the ALAS I survey of 1993].” Based on the 

data accumulated by the ALAS III survey, the species richness of Opostegidae for the area was computed with the 

assistance of J. Longino using R. Colwell’s EstimateS program (version 7.5, 2005), which can be downloaded from 

the website http://purl.oclc.org/estimates.

More recent collecting has been conducted on the 

ALAS IV Volcan Barva transect (2001–2005) following a 

protocol similar to that used in ALAS III, except that only 

ground-level collecting was performed. Because of the relative remoteness of the Barva sites, fewer nights of collecting were possible at any one of the five elevational stations 

than was accomplished during the 18 months sampled at 

La Selva during ALAS III. Only three species [Pseudopostega dorsalis fasciata (1 specimen, Finca Murillo), P. saltatrix (7 specimens, El Ceibo; 1 specimen, Finca Murillo), 

and P. serrata (2 specimens, El Ceibo; 1 specimen, Finca 

Murillo)] of Opostegidae were collected during ALAS IV. 

Poorer sampling results for Opostegidae are probably the 

consequence of not only the fewer nights sampled but 

also the lack of canopy sampling (and half as many trap 

samples), which produced the largest number of Opostegidae during ALAS III, as well as the higher elevation (300–

2000 m) of the five ALAS IV sites. The El Ceibo site was 

located at approximately 500 m, with Opostegidae mostly 

collected from mercury vapor light sheets near the edge of 

primary forests; the Finca Murillo site was at 1500 m, with 

Opostegidae collected from light traps in primary forests.

Color Illustrations. Because the great majority of the moths examined in this study were unspread, 

or variably denuded of scales in some cases, photography 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 5

was usually unsatisfactory for adult illustrations. Instead, 

color illustrations of the adults were prepared by JRS and 

V. Malikul using Faber-Castell artists’ watercolor pencils. 

To complete the accuracy of the species portrayed, composite drawings utilizing both forewings of a specimen, or even 

more than one conspecific specimen, were composed for a 

few illustrations when necessary.

Measurements. Two comparisons of the 

relative development of the adult compound eye are provided: eye index (= vertical height of frons/vertical diameter of eye ×100); and interocular index (= vertical diameter 

of eye/minimum interocular distance across frons) (~ midway between antennal bases and tentorial pits). Lengths 

measured for male genitalic comparisons are shown in 

Figure 44.

Genitalic Preparation. As previously 

noted, the male genitalia of Opostegidae are typically 

quite small, with the length of the genital capsule (measured from the anterior apex of the vinculum to the caudal tip of the socii) being sometimes as small as 0.2 mm. 

Consequently, dissection and slide preparation of the 

smallest species can be difficult; this is particularly true 

for members of the genus Pseudopostega wherein the costal process (apodeme) of the valva is tightly connected to 

the gnathos, thereby restricting the opening of the valvae. 

After macerating the abdomen in 10% KOH and subsequent cleaning and staining (usually with chlorozol black 

or mercurochrome), the male genitalia and abdomen were 

mounted ventral side uppermost. Occasionally the genital 

capsule was left attached to the abdomen to stabilize the 

specimen in the mounting media (either euparol or balsam). For those specimens in which the genitalia were left 

attached, any tissue remaining within the capsule was removed through a small incision between abdominal segments 6 and 7. Either one (right side) or both valvae were 

opened for final mounting. Leaving one valva closed may 

still reveal diagnostic characters and minimizes possible 

damage. For consistency of morphological comparisons it 

is best to illustrate the open (mesal) view of the valva. In 

the case of male Pseudopostega, it is usually necessary to 

sever the spring-like connection of the costal process by 

separating the valva from the process; this may be done 

by using two minute probes fashioned from the smallest 

minuten pins with their tips bent at 45o. During this procedure, care must be taken to prevent severing the relatively 

large cucullar lobe, which may be attached to the base of 

the valva by a pedicel that can constrict to less than 15 

micrometers (μm) in diameter (see P. galapagosae, Figure 

334). When at least partially sclerotized, the aedoeagus 

is removed and mounted ventral side up alongside the 

genital capsule. It is usually better to illustrate the genital 

capsule while it is temporarily stored in glycerin, not only 

to avoid any later depression artifact caused by mounting 

but also to be able to examine and draw a lateral view 

of the gnathos when necessary. Often the valva can also 

be illustrated in this manner. Female genitalia were similarly cleaned, stained, removed from the abdomen, and 

mounted either ventral side uppermost or dorsally to display the dorsal papillae anales better.

Preliminary Genetic Analysis. Sixty specimens representing 51 species and 2 proposed subspecies of 

New World Opostegidae were sent to Paul Hebert, University of Guelph, for sequencing as part of the Barcode of Life 

project (Hebert et al., 2003) in which an approximately 648 

base pair (bp) region of the mitochondrial gene, cytochrome 

c oxidase 1 (CO1-5’), is utilized. The standard protocol for 

DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing of the barcoding region of the CO1 gene is provided in Hajibabaei et al. 

(2005, 2006). Sequences and voucher specimen data for the 

Opostegidae examined are included in the Basal Lepidoptera 

section of the Barcode of Life website (www.barcodinglife.

org). Unfortunately, because fresh material is difficult to acquire in this poorly sampled family, only dried specimens collected from 5 to approximately 20 years ago were available 

for DNA analysis. The oldest sample sequenced, Pseudopostega latisaccula new species (468 bp recovered), was collected 

in 1965. Also because of the inherent lack of study material, 

only hindlegs could be provided for a majority of the species, 

some of these from unique holotypes. Because the sequencing 

of this difficult material is still ongoing (sequences for only 28 

species have been recovered thus far, 5 of which are <400 bp), 

comments on only a few, better resolved taxa are mentioned 

in the present study.

Biology of the Opostegidae

Distribution and Diversity

A general world distribution for the family based on 

the type localities of 103 species as recognized at the time 

was summarized by Davis (1989). Of the 196 species currently known, approximately 87% occur in subtropical to 

tropical regions (Figure 1). Of these, 83 species (or 42% 

of the world fauna) are known to be restricted to the Neotropical Region. Four of the seven genera now recognized 

within Opostegidae occur in the New World. Notiopostega consists of a single species from the Valdivian forests 
6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

of southern Chile (Map 1). The new genus Neopostega is 

composed of five species endemic to the Neotropical Region (Map 1). The predominantly Palearctic/Indomalayan 

genus Opostegoides is represented in the New World by a 

single, widespread species, O. scioterma, across the northern USA and southern Canada (Map 1). It is possible that 

this species may have been an early introduction into North 

America, although no known Old World species appears 

conspecific. The highly apomorphic genus Pseudopostega

is by far the most diverse genus in both hemispheres with 

84 New World species now recognized (92% of the total 

fauna for this region). The Oceanic genus Paralopostega

comprises six species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. 

Eosopostega, originally described from southern Japan, is 

now known to include a second species from the Moluccas 

Islands of Indonesia (Puplesis and Robinson, 1999). The 

distributional limits of the Old World genus Opostega will 

continue to be uncertain until the remaining unstudied 

species originally attributed to ‘Opostega’ have been dissected. Currently it is believed that most of these species 

will be transferred to other genera, most probably Pseudopostega, with the primary center of true Opostega lying 

within the Palearctic Region. Although no records of Opostegidae have been reported for Madagascar, DRD will be 

describing a new genus and two species from that region 

as well as one new genus and species from Australia.

The global diversity of Opostegidae is obviously much 

greater than previously known, as shown by recent collecting, particularly during the ALAS III survey at the La Selva 

Biological Reserve, Costa Rica. The latter effort has clearly 

revealed the rich diversity of the family within a lowland 

rainforest habitat compared to more xeric or higher elevation habitats. Because of the logistics involved in operating 

the light traps, the area of the La Selva Preserve that was 

actually surveyed by systematic collecting was restricted to 

the most northern portion of the nearly 1600 hectare site. 

Figure 1. Relative species diversity of Opostegidae according to biogeographic region.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 7

Although somewhat limited, the sampling was conducted in 

areas of diverse vegetation including both primary and secondary rainforests both at ground level and in the canopy. 

Of the 154 specimens of Opostegidae collected during the 

ALAS III sampling, 132 could be identified to species. Preliminary sorting by DRD resulted in seven supposed morphospecies. Upon dissection these were found to represent 

17 species, of which only one (Pseudopostega saltatrix) had 

been named previously. This exercise clearly illustrated the 

gross margin of error that can result in biodiversity analyses involving some microlepidoptera families when only 

morphospecies estimates are considered. Based on these 

data, a species accumulation curve (Figure 2) was calculated using the EstimateS version 7b1 program (Colwell, 

2005), using 100 randomizations of sample order. Many 

samples were represented by either singletons or doubletons with the respective curves continuing relatively level 

and neither converging nor decreasing. The Sobs curve in 

Map 1. Distribution of New World Opostegoidinae.
8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figure 2 represents the number of species observed in a 

sample. Although the species richness estimate curve (ACE) 

is still ascending, it appears to be leveling at approximately 

20 species. This finding suggests that the sampling effort 

represented a fair estimation of the species diversity for the 

area. Figure 3 shows the total species accumulation curve 

(all) and the species accumulation of the two component 

samples from ground level (G) and canopy (C) together 

with their respective 95% confidence intervals (G1,2; C1,2). 

The comparison of species richness from different data sets 

is discussed by Colwell et al (2004). The parallel, overlapping accumulation curves show no significant difference between the species communities of the ground and canopy 

samples, but only a lower abundance in the ground traps.

Figure 4 shows the proportion of individuals collected 

in canopy traps (gray bars) versus ground traps (white 

bars), plotted against the rainfall recorded for the entire 

sampling period, January 1998 to June 1999. Rainfall recorded during December 1998 was unusually high in a period that normally marks the beginning of the dry season 

at La Selva. Adult Opostegidae were far more abundant in 

the canopy compared to near ground level. These results 

contrasted sharply with the collection data from the same 

survey for the principally mycophagous family Arrhenophanidae, for which no adults were reported from canopy 

traps (Davis, 2003).

Life History

Little is known about the biology of this family. Only 

11 species, or approximately 6% of the 196 currently recognized species, have been reared. Their hosts represent a 

Figure 2. Estimate species accumulation curve for Opostegidae sampled during ALAS III survey, La Selva Biological Station, Puerto Viejo, 

Costa Rica. Sobs is the number of observed species in a sample; ACE (Abundance-based Coverage Estimator) is the species richness estimate 

based on the sampling protocol.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 9

broad spectrum of six plant families, including Betulaceae, 

Boraginaceae, Fagaceae, Polygonaceae, Rutaceae, and Saxifragaceae (Table 1). Six of the 11 reared species are members of the endemic Hawaiian genus Paralopostega, which 

mine the leaves of Melicope (=Pelea). Strong evidence exists suggesting that the Palearctic Opostega spatulella H.-S. 

may be a leaf-stem miner on Salix (Puplesis et al., 1996; 

Puplesis and Diškus, 2003), although Barrett (1877) observed it to be commonly associated with Ulmus. Similarly, van Nieukerken (1990) has reported evidence that 

Pseudopostega auritella (Hübner) is a miner in the stems of 

Lycopus europaeus L. (Lamiaceae). Varying circumstantial 

evidence has associated Opostegoides menthinella (Mann) 

and 2 Palearctic species of Pseudopostega with the plant 

families Cistaceae (Cistus sp.) and Lamiaceae, respectively. 

Pseudopostega chalcopepla (Wlsm.) has been associated 

with Rosmarinus and P. crepusculella (Zell.) with Mentha

(van Nieukerken et al., 2004, 2006). All known or suspected hosts represent nine plant families widely dispersed 

among eight orders of the subclass Dicotyledoneae.

Grossenbacher (1910) presented one of the earliest and, 

still, one of the few, detailed reports on the biology of an 

opostegid, Opostegoides scioterma (Meyrick). However, in 

his paper the subject species was misidentified by A. Busck 

as Opostega nonstrigella (=albogaleriella Clemens), a misnomer repeated by Heinrich (1918) and later authors. According to Grossenbacher (1910), the eggs are deposited on 

the bark of currants and gooseberries (Saxifragaceae: Ribes

spp.) in New York’s Hudson Valley from approximately 

the last week of April until mid-May. Ribes grossularia L., 

R. nigrum L., and R. sativum Syme (=vulgare) were listed 

as hosts. The larvae mine under the bark in the cambial 

Figure 3. EstimateS species accumulation curve for data plotted in Figure 2 together with separate plots for both component samples from 

ground-level traps and canopy traps, including 95% confidence levels (A1,2; G1,2; C1,2) for all three curves.
1 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

cylinder for about four to six weeks until mid- to late June. 

Both new spring shoots and canes from the previous season’s 

growth are attacked. The mine is a slender, linear tunnel 

that normally curves at both upper and lower ends to form 

a narrow ellipse approximately 7–20 cm in length. Grossenbacher observed 2–21⁄4 elliptical rounds by the larva before emerging to pupate. When the larva completes a circle, 

it normally reinvades the initial mine and continues feeding and enlarging it. Rosenstiel (1960) likewise reported a 

single ellipse involving two parallel mines from 10 to 25 cm 

long. Grossenbacher always found the crescent-shaped exit 

hole nearer the basal rather than the distal turn of a mine, 

generally within 1 or 2 cm of the former and usually after 

the basal turn had been passed.

It is not clear exactly how much host injury is caused 

by the larva of Opostegoides scioterma. Cross sections 

of infested stems show small dark spots or flecks, variously referred to as medullary spots, pith flecks, Markflecken, etc. (Kumata, 1984), in successive cambium rings. 

Grossen­bacher (1910) observed that 15%–20% of the 

mined shoots wilted and died shortly after larval emergence from one Ribes species. He encountered heavy infestations on some hosts with larvae present in 85%–95% of 

their canes. The most serious effect on the plants seems to 

be from the introduction and spread of pathogenic organisms, fungi in particular, through the exit holes.

After dropping to the ground, the larva eventually constructs a flattened, oval, densely woven, cream to brown 

cocoon in the upper soil layer. Grossenbacher was able to 

collect several cocoons by sifting the soil around the bases 

of infested plants. The pupal stage may last about two to 

three weeks, with the adults emerging before mid-July. 

Several questions remain concerning the life history and 

particularly voltinism of this and other nearctic species. 

Grossenbacher’s assumption of a spring oviposition period 

for Opostegoides scioterma, coupled with his observations 

of a midsummer adult emergence period, presented major 

inconsistencies, which he attempted to answer. He assumed 

there to be a single generation but noted spring larvae of 

different sizes with the smallest larvae always mining the 

Figure 4. Total numbers of Opostegidae sampled each month during the ALAS III survey from ground traps and canopy traps with recorded 

rainfall for the period. The line extended above each bar represents the standard error of the mean for each sample.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 1

newest growth. Because Grossenbacher never found larvae 

or new mines after mid-July, he suggested that either the 

adults emerging in midsummer were long lived and overwintered, or that emergence from some pupae was delayed 

until the following spring. Adult records of O. scioterma do 

not support an early spring oviposition (i.e., flight) period, 

although it is uncertain as to how thorough the spring sampling of adults has been. The earliest record DRD has for 

this species is 18 June, with nearly all records occuring after 

25 June and ceasing on 3 August (n = 43). The flight periods 

of other North American opostegid species vary considerably. Of the species with ample collecting data, Pseudopostega albogaleriella demonstrates the greatest indication of 

a bivoltine life cycle. Adults of this species are encountered 

primarily during June and July into early August over the 

northern part of their range. Possibly two broods occur 

through the southern USA, with adults appearing from February to June and from August to as late as October.

Kumata (1984) has investigated the life history of Opostegoides minodensis in Japan. The larvae mine the cambium of Betula platyphylla var. japonica, creating slender 

elliptical mines similar to O. scioterma, but perhaps with 

more anastomosing occurring between the parallel mines. 

Kumata found evidence for only one generation a year 

with the adults emerging from the end of June to mid-July, 

or approximately the same period as O. scioterma. Based 

upon the relative development of the mine as seen in crosssectional views of infested birch stems, it was determined 

that O. minodensis overwinters as early- to mid-­instar larvae. Mine traces, or pith flecks, were found on both sides 

of the winter ring layer, with the smaller, younger mines 

always on the inner side of the ring and the larger, more 

mature mines on the outside. In addition to other discrepancies, these observations indicate an early summer oviposition period for temperate Opostegoides, in contrast to 

the spring period hypothesized by Grossenbacher.

Other than the two preceding species of Opostegoides, 

the larvae of only two other Opostegidae have been reared. 

Warren (1888) reportedly reared two adult Opostega salaciella incidentally from Rumex acetosella L. (Polygonaceae) without observing any larvae or larval damage. In 

a similar situation, Pelham-Clinton (1976:269) mentions 

an incidental emergence of this species from a mixture of 

potted plants including Rumex acetosella. Müller-Rutz 

(1922) and Kaila and Kerppola (1992) have reported 

salaciella associated with Rumex scutatus and R. crispus, 

respectively. Meyrick (1916) reports the rearing of Pseudopostega myxodes (Meyrick) by Fletcher from a larva 

mining a leaf of Cordia myxa L. (Boraginaceae) in India.

Possible hosts of other European opostegids are even more 

Table 1. Host records of Opostegidae.

Opostegidae Host Family Order

Reared

 1. Notiopostega atrata Davis Nothofagus dombeyi Fagaceae Fagales

 2. Opostegoides minodensis (Kuroko) Betula platyphylla Betulaceae Fagales

 3. Opostegoides scioterma (Meyrick) Ribes nigrum, R. sativum Saxifragaceae Rosales

 4. Paralopostega callosa (Swezey) Melicope lydgatei, M. rotundifolia Rutaceae Sapindales

 5. Paralopostega dives (Wlsm.) Melicope anisata Rutaceae Sapindales

 6. Paralopostega filiforma (Swezey) Melicope clusiifolia, M. elliptica Rutaceae Sapindales

 7. Paralopostega maculata (Wlsm.) Melicope volvanica, M. rotundifolia Rutaceae Sapindales

 8. Paralopostega peleana (Swezey) Melicope rotundifolia, M. sanwicensis Rutaceae Sapindales

 9. Paralopostega serpentina (Swezey) Melicope clusiifolia. M. elliptica Rutaceae Sapindales

10. Opostega salaciella (Treitschke) Rumex acetosella, R. crispus, R. scutatus Polygonaceae Polygonales

11. Pseudopostega myxodes (Meyrick) Cordia myxa Boraginaceae Polemoniales

Probable

12. Opostega spatulella H.-S. Salix sp. Salicaceae Salicales

13. Pseudopostega auritella (Hübner) Lycopus europaeus Lamiaceae Lamiales

Possible

14. Opostegoides menthinella (Mann) Cistus sp. Cistaceae Violales

15. Pseudopostega chalcopepla (Wlsm.) Rosmarinus sp. Lamiaceae Lamiales

16. Pseudopostega crepusculella (Zell.) Mentha sp. Lamiaceae Lamiales
1 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

tenuous. Warren (1888) lists possible hosts for Opostega 

spatulella as Ulmus, and Mentha for Pseudopostega crepusculella. The reports of Stainton (1868:132) and Sorhagen (1886:301) that the larva of Pseudopostega auritella

mines the stems of Caltha palustris L. (Ranunculaceae) is 

suspect (van Nieukerken, 1990).

The Hawaiian Paralopostega present an interesting 

divergence from the previously reported life histories in 

that all six species are leafminers on Melicope (Rutaceae). 

The leaf-mining habit may eventually be found to occur 

in other tropical Opostegidae. Not all the Hawaiian hosts 

listed in Table 1 may represent actual rearing records. The 

association of some hosts, consequently, is questionable. 

As illustrated by Swezey (1921), the mines appear characteristic for each species but are generally serpentine and 

occur on the upper leaf surface. The tortuous, lengthy, and 

extremely slender mine of Paralopostega filiforma, for example, is abundantly distinct from the shorter, more compact, sinuous mine of P. serpentina. Swezey also reports 

that the larva of P. filiforma eventually mines into the 

cambium of the petiole. The mines of P. callosa terminate 

in a peculiar, circular, callus-like structure about 12 mm 

in diameter. To form this the larva mines in a small perfect 

circle and continues to tunnel in a spiral pattern inside the 

outer ring until the center is reached. The upper epidermis of this area proliferates, and the larva feeds beneath 

it until maturity. Pupation is similar to other Opostegidae 

and occurs on the ground in a brownish, oval cocoon.

The most detailed study of any opostegid was conducted 

on a new genus and species, Notiopostega atrata Davis. 

Although much of the biological information on this Chilean moth resides in an unpublished thesis (Carey, 1975), 

summaries of that research have been published (Carey et 

al., 1978; Davis, 1989). A chronology of the life cycle is 

illustrated here in Figure 51. The eggs are deposited on the 

undersides of the leaves of Nothofagus dombeyi (Mirbel) 

Oersted, commencing in early September. Normally only 

one egg is laid per leaf, and most of the oviposition sites 

are concentrated in the upper one-third to one-half of the 

tree crown (Figure 52). Upon hatching, the larva bores into 

the leaf and continues mining into the petiole and cambium 

layer of the terminal branch, eventually reaching the main 

trunk. The larva continues in a characteristic zigzag course 

down the trunk (Figure 53)—sometimes all the way to the 

ground—a total distance of up to 7 m. Normally before 

reaching the tree base, the larva turns 180° and mines upward a short distance (Figure 53). There it forms a small 

aestivation chamber where it molts into the sixth and last 

instar. The feeding pause in N. atrata is probably directly 

associated with the rather abrupt morphological changes 

that occur between the fifth and sixth instars. Such pauses 

may be characteristic for most, if not all, members of the 

family. Sometime between mid-March and early April, the 

larva leaves the chamber and continues down the old mine 

a short distance, where it then bores through the bark and 

drops to the ground. Pupation occurs in a flattened oval cocoon (Figure 55) amid the leaf litter and above the soil. Immediately before adult emergence, the pharate adult forces 

itself partway out through a large transverse slit in one end 

of the cocoon. Adults begin to emerge in late August, or 

whenever the daily ambient temperature approaches 18°C 

in the early spring (Carey et al., 1978).

Adult Opostegidae vary in activity from diurnal to 

nocturnal. Most species are readily attracted to light (gas 

lamps, incandescent, and ultraviolet), indicating a crepuscular to nocturnal activity. Pseudopostega crepusculella

normally flies at dusk (hence its name) between 8 and 8:30 

pm (Zeller, 1848), but on cloudy days it may fly earlier 

in the afternoon (Stainton, 1854). Banks (1890) observed 

Opostega salaciella swarming over low vegetation between 7 and 8 pm. This species has also been collected on 

one occasion in numbers at a gas light (Stainton, 1868). 

Opostega spatulella has been observed flying as early as 

4 pm and as late as 6 to 8 pm (Barrett, 1877; Cransdale, 

1877). In North America virtually all the species have 

been collected at ultraviolet (UV) lights, sometimes in 

large numbers. It is safe to assume, however, that little effort has been made to collect these species during the day 

and particularly at dusk. Perhaps the most diurnal member of the family is the southern Chilean Notiopostega 

atrata. The adults fly during the day in the early spring, 

but E. S. Nielsen (deceased, formerly of Division of Entomology, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia, personal communication) has collected the species in light traps. Their nearly 

black coloration is undoubtedly an adaptation toward 

this habit. It is interesting to note that the darkest of the 

Hawaiian Paralopostega is also diurnal (Perkins, 1913). 

However, melanic variation in otherwise normally white 

species is known to occur in this family (Eyer, 1966). Little 

is known about the activity of the other, more typically 

white Hawaiian species, and even less is known about the 

remaining tropical species.

Adult Opostegidae may be the most thigmotactic of 

any Lepidoptera. Live moths have been observed to burrow their way into small crevices for concealment. Certain aspects of their morphology, particularly the enlarged 

antennal scape (or eyecap) that can completely cover and 

thus protect the eye and the generally depressed body, are 

apparent adaptations for this behavior. The development 

of densely spinose setae on the hindlegs (a synapomorphy 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 3

of the Nepticuloidea) is probably a further adaptation for a 

burrowing type of behavior. Kenji Nishida photographed 

two species of adult Opostegidae resting completely exposed on leaves during the day in Costa Rica (Figure 127). 

All appendages are held tightly to their bodies, which are 

appressed against either the upper or lower leaf surface 

(Figure 128). In this position the resting moth might easily 

be mistaken for a small bird dropping.

Few natural enemies of Opostegidae have been reported. 

In Carey’s rather extensive study (Carey, 1975), the only 

mortality observed was caused by spiders attacking larvae 

as they exited and descended to the ground for pupation. 

The only records of parasites involve Eulophidae (Swezey, 

1921), including two Eulophidae rearings mentioned by 

Zimmerman (1978:241) of Euderus metallicus (Ashmead) 

by J. W. Beardsley and Pauahiana lineata Yoshimoto by 

Swezey—all from unidentified Hawaiian Paralopostega.

Pith flecks, or the injury produced by cambium miners as viewed in cross sections of woody stems or trunks, 

is similar in Opostegidae and certain Agromyzidae (e.g., 

Phytobia, Kumata, 1984). As a result, identifications 

based solely on larval mines can be difficult and unreliable. Even their larvae can be confused, as was done by 

Knigge and Bonnemann (1969), who illustrated the larva 

and attributed the injury caused by Notiopostega atrata to 

an “undetermined species of Agromyzidae.”

Morphology

Because this subject has been thoroughly reviewed 

previously (Davis, 1987, 1989; van Nieukerken, 1990; 

Puplesis and Robinson, 1999), little will be repeated here 

except to elaborate on the complexity of a few poorly 

studied structures. To supplement this section, illustrations are provided to show the general morphology of the 

head (Figures 5–14), the thorax and its appendages (Figures 15–33), some pregenital abdominal segments (Figures 

34–43), and genitalia (Figures 44–47).

Diverse modifications of the male gnathos have been 

found to be of great significance in revealing species relationships, particularly within the most diverse genus, Pseudopostega. The gnathos is generally less complex within 

the basal genera of Opostegidae. In Notiopostega and 

Opostegoides it is represented only by a slender, ventral 

arch. The gnathos becomes more elongate in Eosopostega, 

Paralopostega, and Opostega, with a prominent caudal 

process or lobe often developing in the latter genus. Because greater development of the gnathos occurs in those 

genera lacking a sclerotized phallus (aedoeagus), possibly 

this structure assists in sperm transfer during copulation. 

The gnathos attains its greatest development within the 

New World Pseudopostega, with three specializations appearing that are either absent or occur only rarely within 

the Old World members of the genus. These are as follows. (1) Development of a bifurcate caudal lobe (Figures 

382–384). A divided caudal lobe appears in varying states 

within 5 of the 14 species groups recognized herein. Only 

one Old World species, P. epactaea from Southeast Asia, 

is known to possess a minutely bifurcate caudal lobe. (2) 

Spinose caudal margin (Figure 265). The caudal margin 

of the gnathos in the Neotropical serrata group, currently 

including only P. serrata and ferruginea, is lined with minute, blunt-tipped spines. This condition has not been observed in any Old World species. (3) Basal fold (Figures 

44, 45). In many New World Pseudopostega the anterior 

margin of the gnathos curves ventrally and caudally to 

form a usually transverse basal fold. In the duplicata species group the fold develops a median elongation caudally 

that exceeds the caudal lobe in size (Figures 352, 353). 

In the lateriplicata and latifurcata groups a pair of lateral 

folds have developed (Figures 272, 273), probably as a 

result, in most cases, of the deep caudal invagination and 

medial separation of the basal fold. Folds within the gnathos have not been noted in any Old World Pseudopostega. In addition to the three specializations mentioned, 

an additional modification has appeared in some members 

of the New World Pseudopostega divaricata and brachybasis species groups involving a small sclerite positioned 

between the lateral margins of the gnathos and the tegumen. This sclerite is particularly evident in P. quadristrigella (Figures 382, 383) and P. protomochla (Figures 403, 

404). Most likely the sclerite is a derivative of the ninth 

sternite (gnathos).

The spermatheca in Lepidoptera is a complex organ 

whose morphological components have been assigned a 

rather confusing array of names (Mitter, 1987; Kristensen, 

2003). The homology and terminology of the various sacs 

and lobes anterior to the ductus spermathecae are particularly uncertain, largely because of the variable development of these structures between and within families of 

Lepidoptera, and their relative demarcation, as well as the 

often poorly preserved condition of the membranous components in slide-mounted preparations. The ductus spermathecae in most families of Lepidoptera is composed of 

two, distinct, typically intertwined ducts: a membranous, 

more enlarged, external (afferent, transport) canal and a 

very slender, sclerotized, internal (efferent, fertilization, fecundation) canal. In some females of Pseudopostega these 

ducts may be less closely associated, with the basal half of 
1 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figures 5–11. Adult head morphology. Notiopostega atrata: 5, anterior view (0.5 mm); 6, antennal scape, dorsal view; 7, maxilla (0.25 mm). 

Neopostega petila: 8, anterior view (0.5 mm); 9, maxilla. Opostegoides scioterma: 10, anterior view (0.5 mm); 11, maxilla (0.25 mm). (Scale 

lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 5

the internal canal arising from a small, membranous papilla on the wall of the vestibulum as a solitary duct that 

becomes intertwined distally with the external canal arising 

more anteriorly near the junction of the ductus bursae and 

corpus bursae (Figure 47). The internal canal terminates 

in a gradually enlarged, thickened, variably coiled, vesicle 

and a membranous sac (variously referred to in the literature as utriculus, receptaculum seminis, vesicle), which 

may continue forward as a filamentous extension (Figures 

46, 47). We have mostly followed the terminology of Dugdale (1974) in considering the vesicle as the terminal, enlarged, sclerotized portion of the internal canal and the 

Figures 12–14. Pseudopostega albogaleriella, adult head morphology. 12, anterior view (0.5 mm); 13, maxilla (0.25 mm); 14, schematic 

distribution of antennal sensilla on a single flagellomere. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
1 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figures 15–22. Wing morphology. 15–18, wing patterns: 15, Pseudopostega acidata, dorsal; 16, P. adusta, dorsal; 17, P. dorsalis dorsalis, 

dorsal; 18, Neopostega distola, forewing ventral. 19–22, wing venation: 19, Notiopostega atrata; 20, Neopostega petila; 21, Opostegoides

scioterma; 22, P. albogaleriella.A: anal vein; Cu: cubitus; M: medius; R: radius; Rs: radial sector.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 7

Figures 23–29. Thoracic morphology. Notiopostega atrata: 23, posterior view of metathorax (0.3 mm); 24, lateral view of metafurcasternum. Opostegoides scioterma: 25, posterior view of metathorax (0.3 mm); 26, lateral view of metafurcasternum. Pseudopostega

albogaleriella: 27, anterior view of prothorax; 28, posterior view of metathorax (0.3 mm); 29, lateral view of metafurcasternum (0.3 mm). 

APF = anteriomedial process of furcasternum; FA = furcal apophysis; K = katepisternum; LCS = lateral cervical sclerite; ML = mesal lamella 

of metafurcasternum; PMP = pronotal medial plate; PPP = pronotal posterior plate; PS = precoxal sclerite; SAF = secondary arms of furcasternum. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
1 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

utriculus as a membranous sac extending anteriorly from 

the vesicle. The configuration of the vesicle is frequently 

of specific importance. However, these distinctions are 

usually difficult to resolve in slide preparations because 

of inconsistencies in viewing the vesicle in comparable 

positions. The vesicle in some Pseudopostega is unusual 

in possessing a variably developed, terminally closed, lateral tube (lagena) near the junction with the utriculus. The 

lagena varies from being absent (Figure 461), short and 

curved (Figure 434), coiled (Figures 46, 468), to straight 

and greatly extended (Figures 47, 491).

Systematic Relationships

Although the monophyly of Nepticuloidea and the 

two included families, Nepticulidae and Opostegidae, 

is well supported by several synapomorphies, the basal 

outgroup of the Nepticuloidea remains questionable. In 

a recent molecular analysis using the nuclear gene dopa 

decarboxylase (DDC), Friedlander et al. (2000) were not 

able to resolve the rather controversial basal divergences 

among the five major lineages of Heteroneura. One 

consistency from that analysis that did appear was that 

Figures 30–33. Leg morphology. 30, Notiopostega atrata; 31, Neopostega petila; 32, Opostegoides scioterma; 33, Pseudopostega albogaleriella. (All scale lengths = 0.5 mm.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 9

Figures 34–43. Abdominal morphology. 34–37, second abdominal sternum (scales = 0.25 mm): 34, Notiopostega atrata. 35, Neopostega

petila. 36, Opostegoides scioterma. 37, Pseudopostega albogaleriella. 38–43, male abdominal segments 7 and 8 (scales = 0.2 mm): 38, Notiopostega atrata, tergites (T) 7 and 8. 39, Notiopostega atrata, sternite (S) 8. 40, Neopostega asymmetra, tergites 7 and 8. 41, Neopostega petila, 

sternite 7 and tergite 8. 42, Opostegoides scioterma, tergites 7 and 8. 43, P. albogaleriella, tergites 7 and 8.
2 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figures 44–47. Genitalic morphology. 44–45, male Pseudopostega mignonae: 44, ventral view; 45, lateral view of gnathos. 46, female Pseudopostega clavata, dorsal view. 47, female Pseudopostega albogaleriella, lateral view.
n u m b e r 6 2 5

• 2 1

Ditrysia and Nepticuloidea were the most basal lineages 

of the five, appearing in at least one optimal tree in nearly 

every analysis.

Cladistic analysis of the seven currently recognized 

genera of Opostegidae was performed using the “parsi-

mony rachet” within WINCLADA (Nixon, 2002). Be-

cause of the uncertainty of the basal relationships of 

Nepticuloidea, a hypothetical outgroup was used to root 

the cladogram. Thirty-five, mostly adult characters were 

used in the analysis (see list below and Table 2). Genital 

characters were scored based on all the species included 

in this revision as well as those studied by Puplesis and 

Robinson (1999). Larval and adult thoracic characters 

were scored from a few representative species within each 

genus. Because larvae are known for just three of the seven 

genera of Opostegidae, only four major larval characters 

were included (nos. 1–4). Several additional larval char-

acters were discussed by Davis (1989). Because the pres-

ence of a single pair of stemmata (character 1) is believed 

ubiquitous throughout the Nepticuloidea, this was scored 

the same (apomorphic) for all genera of Opostegidae. The 

same may be true for the loss of crochets (character 4). The scoring of these two characters either as 1 or ? resulted in the same tree. The development of a single spinose mandibular seta (character 2) and cephalic apophyses 

(character 3) may also be characteristic for all opostegid 

larvae, but these assumptions require further examination 

involving more genera. The rachet function in W

INCLADA produced a sin-

gle most parsimonius tree (Figure 48) of 63 steps with a 

consistency index (CI) of 90 and a retention index (RI) 

of 80. The southern temperate genus Notiopostega was 

positioned basally within the family, with the globally 

widespread and most speciose genus Pseudopostega as the 

most derived. The comparative morphology of the charac-

ters used in this analysis have been discussed extensively 

by Davis (1989) and Puplesis and Robinson (1999) and 

are listed below. Characters

Used in theCladistic Analysis

Larva

1. Stemmata: 0 (2 or more pairs); 1 (1 pair).

2. Mandibular seta: 0 (simple); 1 (spinulate, Figures 

76, 84).

3. Cephalic apophyses: 0 (undeveloped); 1 (well de-

veloped, slender).

Tab

4. Crochets: 0 (present); 1 (absent).

le 2. Character coding for the outgroup, Nepticulidae, and the genera of Opostegidae.

Characters

Taxa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Outgroup 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Nepticulidae 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Eosopostega 1 ? ? ? 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 ? 0 3 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 ? ? ?Neopostega 1 ? ? ? 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 2 3 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 0Notiopostega 1 1 1 1 2 0 2 1 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 1Opostega 1 ? ? ? 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 2Opostegoides 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 3 0Paralopostega 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 ? 1 1 0 2 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 3 1 0 2Pseudopostega 1 ? ? ? 1 1 2 0 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 1 0 2
2 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Adult Head

5. Antenna, scape: 0 (normal); 1 (enlarged); 2 (secondarily reduced, Figures 5, 6).

6. Antenna, vestiture of scape: 0 (random, Figure 5); 

1 (in rows).

7. Antenna sensilla: 0 (generalized); 1 (sensilla vesiculoclada); 2 (sensilla ascoidea, Figure 14).

8. Occiput: 0 (rounded); 1 (transverse ridge, Figure 5).

9. Occipital scales (collar): 0 (narrow band, piliform); 

1 (broadly laminate, widening caudally).

Adult Thorax

10. Prosternum: 0 (well developed); 1 (reduced); 2 

(more reduced, precoxal bridge lost, Figure 27).

11. Metafurcal arms: 0 (free, Figures 23–26); 1 (fused, 

Figures 28, 29)

12. Epiphysis: 0 (present); 1 (absent).

13. Pretarsal scutes, transverse rows: 0 (divided); 1 

(undivided, Figures 66, 124).

14. Metatibia: 0 (with few spines); 1 (densely spined).

15. Forewing, radial vein: 0 (branched); 1 (unbranched).

16. Forewing, cubital vein: 0 (present); 1 (absent).

17. Forewing, microtrichia: 0 (evenly distributed); 1 

(restricted to isolated zones).

18.  Hindwing, male frenulum: 0 (present); 1 (absent).

19.  Hindwing, pseudofrenular setae: 0 (short); 1 

(greatly elongated, Figures 62, 121).

Adult Abdomen

20. Male tergum VIII: 0 (slightly reduced, >0.5 width 

of VII); 1 (reduced, <0.5 width of VII); 2 (greatly 

reduced, often divided, Figure 43).

Male Genitalia

21. Vinculum, anterior margin: 0 (concave); 1 

(rounded).

22. Juxta form: 0 (a broad, thin, membranous sheet, 

Figure 259); 1 (triangular plate, broadest caudally (in Opostega, Paralopostega, Davis 1989); 

2 (greatly reduced, a slender, median appendage, 

Figures 269, 271); 3 (well-sclerotized, spinose 

rods, Figures 247, 250, 252, 254).

23. Uncus, caudal margin: 0 (subtruncate, Figures 

245, 259); 1 (subacute, in Eosopostega, Davis 

1989); 2 (bifid, Figures 247, 254); 3 (broadly concave, Figure 44).

24.  Gnathos form: 0 (with lateral arms and spatulate 

median process); 1 (with lateral sclerotization, Figure 

272); 2 (narrow tranverse band, Figure 245); 3 (triangular, central region membranous, Figure 271); 4 (triangular, entirely sclerotized, Figures 308, 321, 326).

25.  Gnathos, basal fold: 0 (absent); 1 (present, Figures 44, 352).

26. Valva, cucullar lobe: 0 (not constricted, without 

pedicel); 1 (greatly constricted, pedicel < length of 

cucullar lobe, Figure 44); 2 (pedicel elongate, > 

length of cucullar lobe, Figures 342, 344).

27. Valva, form of cucullar lobe: 0 (undeveloped); 

1 (oval, without distinct apical lobe, Figures 44, 

245); 2 (more elongate, usually with small apical 

lobe, Figure 269).

28. Valva, pectinifer: 0 (absent); 1 (usually >25 spines); 

2 (reduced, <25 spines).

29. Valva, saccular lobe: 0 (broadly rounded, not 

produced, Figure 245); 1 (narrowly rounded, Figure 259); 2 (extended beyond pedicel as a slender 

lobe, Figures 44, 250, 271).

30. Valva, costal process: 0 (fused to valva, well developed, length of costal process > basal width of 

valva, Figures 245, 247); 1 (fused to valva, length 

reduced, < basal width of valva, Figure 259); 2 

(articulated to valva, Figure 44).

31. Aedoeagus: 0 (well developed, length 0.7–1.2 × length 

genital capsule); 1 (reduced, length 0.5 × length of 

genital capsule); 2 (absent, phallus membranous).

32. Aedoeagus, cornuti: 0 (well developed, Figures 

251, 253); 1 (a single long rod, Figure 260); (reduced in size, Figure 246); 3 (absent).

Female Genitalia

33. Anterior apophyses: 0 (present); 1 (absent).

34. Posterior apophyses: 0 (elongate, slender, Figures 

47, 426); 1 (with enlarged ends, Figure 422); 2 

(short, stout, Figures 419, 420); 3 (short, stout, 

bifid basally, Figures 424, 425).

35. Papillae anales: 0 (undifferentiated, Figure 424); 

1 (superficially bilobed, Figure 419); 2 (paired 

lobes, Figures 46, 427).

Opostegidae

Opostegides Meyrick, 1893:479.

Adult. Extremely to moderately small, usually 

predominantly white moths, with forewings 1.8–8.3 mm 

in length.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 2 3

Head: Figures 5–13. Vestiture variable; vertex typically rough with erect piliform scales possessing minutely 

bidentate apices; most of frons and cranium caudad to 

vertex covered with broad, lamellar scales with 3–5 dentate apices; lower frons naked. Ocelli absent. Eyes small to 

large; interocular index 0.5–1.2; cornea naked. Antennae 

36–130-segmented, 0.7–0.9 × length of forewing; scape 

usually greatly enlarged; pecten absent; flagellum filiform, 

typically with 3 ascoid sensilla per segment (Figure 14) and 

one row of slender bidentate scales. Pilifers and mandibles 

absent. Haustellum short, 0.75–1.5× length of labial palpi. 

Maxillary palpi long, geniculate, 5-segmented. Labial palpi 

Figure 48. Cladogram of genera of Opostegidae with outgroup Nepticulidae based on 35 morphological characters (see Table 2) using Winclada Rachet, resulting in 1 tree (length = 63, CI = 90, RI = 80). Squares = nonhomoplasious characters; circles = homoplasious characters.
2 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

3-segmented, moderately short, slightly drooping; lateral 

bristles absent.

Thorax: Depressed, relatively broad. Metafurca 

(Figures 23–26, 28, 29) variable, usually with furcal apophy­ses free; apophyses connected to secondary arms in 

Pseudopostega. Forewings (Figures 19–22) lanceolate, W/L 

index 0.2–0.23; apex sometimes upturned; venation extremely reduced, typically only 4 major veins present, without secondary branches or crossveins; microtrichia generally 

restricted to base of ventral forewing surface. Hindwing 

W/L index 0.14–0.17; a uniform series of 4–18 subcostal 

pseudofrenular setae (Figures 19–22, 62, 121) arising from 

base of hindwing in both sexes to couple with a subdorsal 

retinaculum consisting of a row of stiff scales on underside 

of Cu in forewing. Hindtibiae with rough spinose scales; 

pretarsus with unguitractor plate composed of several rows 

of undivided scutes (Figures 65, 66, 123, 124).

Abdomen: S2 (Figures 34–37) large, weakly sclerotized, usually with a large, central, partially or completely 

divided hyaline area. Coremata and corethrogyne absent.

Male Genitalia: Uncus (Figure 44) reduced, typically a slender bridge between a pair of widely separated 

setose lobes (socii), rarely in the form of a medium connate 

lobe (in Eosopostega). Tegumen reduced to a narrow dorsal ring. Vinculum usually a narrow, rounded ventral ring; 

anterior margin deeply concave in Opostegoides, Eosopostega, and in a few species of Pseudopostega. Gnathos (Figures 44, 45) fused, variable, usually a well-developed ventral 

arch or plate. Transtilla typically absent, rarely present as 

a slender, median bridge. Juxta highly variable, usually absent, or, if present, varying from a slender, midventral projection arising from the vinculum, to a broad membranous 

plate, or curved, spiniform rods connecting valvae. Valvae 

variable in outline, with a distinct costal process (apophysis) extending inward from base but articulated in Pseudopostega and some Neopostega; apex of valva (cucullus) 

an ovoid, pectinated lobe joined to basal half of valva by 

a slender to broad pedicel. Sclerotized aedoeagus present 

in varying degrees in Notiopostega, Neopostega, Opostegoides, Paralopostega, and Eosopostega; phallus entirely 

membranous in Opostega and Pseudopostega.

Female Genitalia: Ovipositor (Figures 46, 47) 

nonpiercing, short, barely extending beyond A7. Papillae 

anales dorsal, usually paired and setigerous but occasionally fused, absent in Opostegoides. Anterior apophyses 

usually absent; posterior apophyses always present, either 

short or elongate and variably furcate caudally. Oviporus 

located terminally because of extreme reduction of A8, and 

A9+10. Ductus bursae usually membranous, often with 

minute, internal, sclerotized pectinations. Corpus bursae 

usually a large membranous sac, without a well-defined 

signum but often with inner walls variously covered with 

minute spicules and/or with an elongate, indistinct band 

bearing numerous, minute, tubercular outgrowths from 

wall of bursa (particularly in Pseudopostega).

Egg. Cylindrical, elongate-oval, up to 1.1 mm 

long. Chorion smooth and transparent, whitish to yellow. 

Laid singly on epidermal surface of plant host.

Larva. Figure 70. Body whitish in color, extremely slender, 8–25 mm long, and apodal, with paired 

ventral callosities on T2–3. Head (Figures 67–77, 84, 86–

90) depressed, triangular, with shallow epicranial notch and 

poorly defined sutures. One pair of stemmata. Mandible 

(Figures 76, 89) with a single, large, minutely spinulose seta. 

Cranium with a prominent pair of apophyses extending 

caudad into T1 and 3 pairs (dorsal, lateral, and ventral) of 

prominent, internal, longitudinal ridges (Figure 86). Development slightly hypermetamorphic with spinneret not fully 

formed until last (sixth) instar. Larvae known to be leaf miners in Melicope (=Pelea) (Rutaceae) and cambium miners in 

Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Salicaceae, and Saxifragaceae.

Pupa. Figures 49, 50, 54. Similar to that of 

Nepticulidae. Cuticle relatively smooth except for concentrations of minute tergal spines on A2–8. Antennal scape 

usually extremely broad. Wings, antennae, and forelegs 

usually extending to or slightly surpassing abdomen. All 

coxae flat and exposed (Figures 49). Pupation occurring 

in a tough, silken, lenticular cocoon (Figure 55) outside of 

mine, usually in leaf litter.

Discussion. Two subfamilies have been recognized within this family (Kozlov, 1987). The Opostegoidinae 

include those genera that possess a sclerotized aedoeagus, 

which is lacking in the generally considered more derived 

clade Oposteginae. Because no synapomorphy has been 

found to support the Opostegoidinae, the validity of this 

subfamily is questionable (Puplesis and Robinson, 1999).

Key to the Genera of the New World Opostegidae

1. Aedoeagus present, variably sclerotized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Aedoeagus absent (phallus entirely membranous) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pseudopostega

2. Uncus of male genitalia prominently bifurcate (Figures 247, 252) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neopostega

Uncus broadly subtruncate (Figures 245, 259) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 2 5

Notiopostega Davis

Notiopostega Davis, 1989:30.—Davis, 1998:69.—Puplesis and Diškus, 

2003:413.

Type Species. Notiopostega atrata Davis, 1989, 

by monotypy and original designation.

Adult. Small moths with lanceolate wings; 

length of forewing: 5.0–8.3 mm; antennal scape moderately 

enlarged. Male with partially sclerotized aedoeagus; metafurcal apophyses free. Female with papillae anales reduced 

to a low, setigerous ridge.

Head: Figures 5–7. Vestiture mostly rough, consisting 

of piliform scales with acute apices; scales smooth from vertex 

to cranial ridge and irregularly arranged. Lower frons smooth 

and naked except for a sparse scattering of microtrichia. Cranial vertex produced to form a thin, bicrenulate ridge immediately anterodorsal to occiput. Antenna approximately 

0.7–0.8 the length of forewing, 125–130-segmented (male) to 

80–84-segmented (female); scape moderately enlarged, greatest width 0.76 the vertical diameter of eye; scales irregularly 

arranged; sensilla ascoidea with 5–10 branches (Figures 58, 

59). Eye reduced, interocular index approximately 0.5, eye 

index 1.1. Maxillary palpus elongate, approximately 1.6× the 

length of labial palpus; ratio of segments from base approximately 0.5:0.5:0.9:2.3:1.0; segment I with a broad, acute 

process. Haustellum reduced, about 0.4× length of maxillary 

palpus. Labial palpus moderately short, exceeding length of 

haustellum; sensory pit (vom Rath’s organ, Figure 60) at apex 

of third segment.

Thorax: Forewing (Figure 19) lanceolate; greatest width approximately 0.2× that of length; apex acute; 

microtrichia (Figure 61) generally reduced, extremely small 

and mostly concentrated over distal two-thirds of forewing 

(dorsal and ventral) and largely absent from basal regions; 

venation extremely reduced, with only vestiges of Sc, R, M, 

and A present; CuA and CuP absent; venter of forewing uniformly fuscous; subhumeral area without white scales, largely 

naked except for dense, light grayish microtrichia. Hindwing lanceolate, greatest width approximately 0.17 that of 

length; microtrichia greatly reduced, largely confined to anal 

area; approximately 18 pseudofrenular setae present; venation extremely reduced, with only Sc, Rs, M, Cu, and A present and unbranched. Metathoracic furca (Figures 23, 24) 

with apophyses moderately developed, free, terminating in 

rounded knobs. Proleg (Figure 30) with tibia about 0.65 the 

length of tarsal segments. Midleg with apical spurs of nearly 

equal lengths, one being about 0.9 the length of other. Hindleg with two pairs of unequal spurs, one member of each pair 

about 0.7 the length of other; basal pair situated near middle 

of tibia; spurs relatively short; longest spur about 0.57 the 

length of first tarsal segment; hindtibia densely covered with 

long spinose setae, as is dorsum of tarsus I; tibial setae more 

appressed and tibia less spiny in appearance than in other genera.

Abdomen: Six functional pairs of spiracles present; 

spiracles of A7 vestigial, those of A8 absent. Sternum 2 as 

illustrated (Figure 34). Tergum 8 of male relatively well developed, consisting of two partially divided plates approximately half the length of tergum 7; anterior margin bilobed, 

with median concavity; caudal margin truncate (Figure 38). 

Sternum 8 reduced as shown (Figure 39).

Male Genitalia: Figures 245, 246. Uncus reduced, 

consisting of a single, broadly truncate, setigerous lobe 

nearly 0.5× width of the genital capsule. Tegumen reduced 

to a narrow dorsal ring. Vinculum an ovoid, narrow ventral ring. Gnathos vestigial, reduced to an extremely narrow arch; basal fold absent. Valva with internal apophysis 

vestigial and fused to base of costa; main body of valva 

broad; cucullus arising from apical third of valva on a slender pedicel and then abruptly enlarging; cucullar lobe large, 

with distal margin bearing a densely spined pectinifer consisting of approximately 45 spines arranged in a single row. 

Juxta membranous, small, gradually constricted caudally. 

Aedoeagus present, stout, nearly twice the length of valva.

Female Genitalia: Figures 419, 420. Papillae anales extremely broad, forming a slightly bilobed setigerous 

ridge on T9. Posterior apophysis well developed, relatively 

short and stout. Anterior apophysis absent. Anus and oviporus with separate external openings. Corpus bursae not 

examined (damaged in females examined). Spermatheca with 

enlarged, lenticular papilla; ductus spermathecae elongate; 

membranous external (afferent) canal slender, closely associated with internal (efferent) canal throughout their length; 

internal canal convoluted for most of length, comprising ~10 

convolutions; vesicle consisting of a single, relatively large 

sac that then continues as a slender, gradually enlarged duct 

to a small mumbranous utriculus.

Larva. Figures 67–90. Length of largest larva 20 

mm; maximum diameter 1.1 mm (in alcohol).

3. Predominantly dark fuscous moths with reduced antennal scape (Figures 5, 130); width of scape less than vertical eye diameter (Figure 6); anterior margin of male vinculum narrowly rounded (Figure 245); distribution Chile . . . . . . Notiopostega

Predominantly white moths with antennal scape wider than vertical eye diameter (Figure 10); anterior margin of 

vinculum broadly concave (Figure 259); distribution Holarctic/Indomalayan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opostegoides
2 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figures 49–53. Notiopostega atrata. 49–50, pupa (scale = 1.0 mm): 49, ventral; 50, dorsal. 51–53, life history (scales in meters for 52, 53): 

51, seasonal life cycle; 52, distribution of oviposition sites in crown of Nothofagus dombeyi (Mirbel) Oersted; 53, basal trunk of Nothofagus

dombeyi showing final stages of larval/pupal biology. (All figures from Davis, 1989.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 2 7

Figures 54–59. Notiopostega atrata. 54, pupa, enlarged detailed of head. 55, cocoon (1 mm). 56–59, adult antennal morphology: 56, scale 

vestiture near middle of antenna (75 μm); 57, detail of antennal scales (38 μm); 58, sensilla ascoidea near base of flagellum (38 μm); 59, crosssectional view of a branch of sensillum ascoideum (1.2 μm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for Figures 56–59 shown in Figure 56.)
2 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figures 60–65. Notiopostega atrata, adult morphology. 60, sensory sensilla at apex of labial palpus (13 μm); 61, microtrichia at distal third 

of dorsal hindwing (38 μm); 62, pseudofrenular setae of hindwing (120 μm); 63, apices of pseudofrenular setae (30 μm); 64, dorsal view of 

metathoracic pretarsus (38 μm); 65, ventral view of Figure 64 (38 μm). (Ar = arolium; PeS = pseudempodial seta of pretarsus; Pu = pulvillus; UP 

= unguitractor plate; scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for all figures shown in Figure 60.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 2 9

Figures 66–70. Notiopostega atrata, adult and larval morphology. 66, detail of unguitractor plate of Figure 65 (6 μm); 67–70, last instar 

larva: 67, dorsal view of head (0.3 mm); 68, dorsal detail of fronto-clypeal area (136 μm); 69, detail of labral setae (23.1 μm); 70, lateral view 

of larva (specimen length = 20 mm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for all figures shown in Figure 66.)
3 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figures 71–76. Notiopostega atrata, larval morphology. 71, ventral view of head (200 μm); 72, ventral detail of mouthparts (50 μm); 73, 

anterolateral view of head (200 μm); 74, lateral view of mouthparts (75 μm); 75, dorsolateral view of stemmata and antenna (41 μm); 76, lateral 

view of mandibular seta (23.1 μm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for all figures shown in Figure 71.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 3 1

Figures 77–82. Notiopostega atrata, larval morphology. 77, frontal view of head (158 μm); 78, sternum of prothorax (250 μm); 79, microtrichia, midventral detail of Figure 78 (30 μm); 80, prothoracic spiracle (38 μm); 81, meso- and metathoracic ambulatory calli (0.4 mm); 82, 

lateral view of Figure 81 (0.33 mm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for Figures 77, 78, 81, 82 shown in Figure 77; bar scale for Figures 

79, 80 shown in Figure 79.)
3 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figures 83–90. Notiopostega atrata, chaetotaxy of last larval instar. 83, lateral diagram of prothorax (I), mesothorax (II), and abdominal 

segments 1, 6, 8, and 9; 84, left mandible (0.5 mm); 85, dorsal view of abdominal segments 8–10; 86, dorsal view of head (0.5 mm); 87, ventral 

view of head; 88, tentorium; 89, ventral view of labrum; 90, dorsal view of labrum. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 3 3

Head: Maximum width 0.8 mm. Color white (in 

alcohol) with three pairs of dark reddish brown longitudinal lines corresponding to the internal ridges; a short median frontal ridge sometimes evident between frontal setae. 

Antenna with four sensilla basiconica of different sizes from 

large to minute, and two elongate sensilla chaetica of equal 

lengths. Setae F1 and C2 extremely short. Labrum reduced 

but of general quadrate form; M1 greatly reduced; L1–3 

present and spinulate. Three pairs of elongate, epipharyngeal setae present. Mandible with four cusps; mandibular 

seta moderately spinulate.

Thorax: Prothorax with XD1 arising above XD2 

and remote from D1. SV2 present on meso- and metathorax.

Abdomen: L2 reduced in length. Ninth segment with 

five pairs of primary setae; SV1 present. Tenth segment with 

two pairs of dorsal setae.

Pupa. Figures 49, 50, 54. Length of largest pupa 

5.5 mm; greatest width 2.5 mm. Cuticle brownish fuscous 

(in alcohol), nearly transparent; abdomen pale buff. Body 

slightly depressed, smooth, without primary setae or spines 

but with two large patches of scattered minute spines dorsally 

on A1–8, densest concentration on A2–7, and with narrow, 

midventral concentration of similar minute spines on A2–8. 

Head broadly rounded; galea triangular. Antenna and hindlegs extending to caudal end of abdomen, sometimes slightly 

shorter or surpassing it. All coxae clearly exposed, flat. Abdomen without transverse rows of spines except for minute, serrated ridge visible on dorsum of A2 under higher (e.g., 200× 

+) magnification; A1–8 with scattered, minute spines concentrated along midventer; paired patches of slightly larger spines 

located dorsally on either side of midline from A1 to A9. A10 

smooth, cremasteral spines absent.

Discussion. Notiopostega exhibits the most 

divergent morphology of any genus of Opostegidae. The 

only known species, N. atrata, possesses the darkest coloration (except for a few melanic specimens of some Pseudopostega and an undescribed new genus from Madagascar) 

and largest size of any opostegid. The antennal scape is 

noticeably reduced as are the tibial spurs and venation. 

It shares a notable symplesiomorphy with Opostegoides, 

Neopostega, Eosopostega, and Paralopostega in the retention of an aedoeagus. The larva of Notiopostega appears 

to be the most generalized in the family, as indicated by its 

less modified labrum and more complete chaetotaxy.

Notiopostega atrata Davis

Figures 5–7, 19, 23–26, 30, 34, 38, 39, 49–90, 130, 245, 246, 419, 420; Map 1

Notiopostega atrata Davis, 1989:32; 1987:353 [nomen nudum].—Puplesis 

and Diškus, 2003:413.

Opostega species.—Carey, Cameron, Cerda, and Garda, 1978:151.

Adult. Figure 130. Length of forewing: male 

5.0–6.0, female 6.4–8.3 mm. Relatively large (for family), 

almost unicolorous, brownish fuscous moth.

Head: Vestiture mostly rough; frontal tuft composed mostly of brownish fuscous piliform scales, sometimes suffused with white to grayish scales; collar short, 

paired, fuscous brown. Scape mostly white, suffused with 

gray at margin; flagellum dark brown, segmentation sexually dimorphic with ~125–130 segments in male and 80–84 

in female. Palpi from grayish cream to grayish brown.

Thorax: Brownish fuscous with some purple and 

bluish iridescence. Forewing uniformly brownish fuscous 

with slight purple iridescence (mostly at distal apex), relatively slender, elongate, with no pattern; cilia brownish 

fuscous; venter of forewing brown to brownish fuscous. 

Hindwing irrorated with brownish fuscous slender elongated scales on upperside and underside; cilia brown, 

sometimes pale brownish distally. Legs grayish fuscous, 

without banding, somewhat paler and more gray ventrally; hindtibia densely covered with long spinose setae.

Abdomen: Uniformly brownish fuscous dorsally 

and gray to pale gray ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 245, 246. As described for 

genus.

Female Genitalia: Figures 419, 420. As described 

for genus.

Larva and Pupa. Figures 49, 50, 54, 67–90. 

As described for genus.

Holotype. ♀; CHILE: Valdivia: Valdivia: 28 

Aug 1973, R. S. Cameron, slide USNM 17195 (USNM).

Material Examined. Chile: Valdivia: 

Valdivia: 1 ♂ (paratype), 22 Aug 1973, 1 ♀ (holotype), 1 ♂

(paratype), 28 Aug 1973, 1 ♀ (paratype), 1 Sep 1973, 1 ♀

(paratype), 5 Sep 1973, 2 ♂, 2 ♀ (paratypes), 19 Sep 1973, 

R. S. Cameron, slides USNM 16366, 16368 (SEM), 16372, 

17194, 17530, 17561 (SEM), 17928, 21262, 21279 (SEM), 

28693 (SEM), 33145 (USNM). 1 ♂, 19 Sep 1973 (MHNS). 

Valdivia: Fundo San Sabastian: 9 larvae, 12 Mar 1974, 

P. Carey (USNM); 5 pupae, 24 Apr 1974, P. Carey (USNM).

Flight Period. Late August to early October; univoltine.

Distribution. (Map 1) Occurs along the 

coastal hills of Valdivia Province, Chile.

Discussion. Being the only uniformly darkcolored species of Opostegidae (except for certain melanic 

individuals reported in a few Pseudopostega and an undescribed species from Madagascar), this species is truly unique 

and easily recognizable. The nearly black vestiture of the 
3 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

diurnal adult moth is probably an adaptation associated with 

its late winter to early spring emergence period, which commences whenever the daily ambient temperature approaches 

18°C (Carey, 1975; Carey et al., 1978). The degree of sexual dimorphism in antennal segmentation within N. atrata

is highly unusual for the family, with the males (~125–130) 

possessing more segments than the females (~82–84).

The life history of this species, which is regarded as a 

significant pest of an important lumber tree, coigue (Nothofagus dombeyi (Mirb.) Oerst.), in the Valdivian forest of 

southern Chile, has been thoroughly investigated by Carey 

(1975) and Carey et al. (1978). One of the first references to 

the larval biology was by Knigge and Bonnemann (1969), 

who mistook N. atrata for a species of Agromyzidae (Spencer, 1981). These authors state that the larvae partly destroy the cambium and initiate the formation of callus rays 

of a characteristic appearance. The resulting rays, together 

with the excrements from the larvae, are responsible for the 

reddish brown color of the pith flecks, which substantially 

diminish the commercial veneer quality of the wood. The 

seasonal occurrence of the principal stages is summarized 

in Figure 51 (from Carey et al., 1978; Davis, 1989). Adults 

first appear during the last week of August and continue 

to fly until the first week in October. Commencing in early 

September, females deposit elongate eggs on the undersides 

of Nothofagus leaves. Carey described the newly deposited 

eggs as whitish in color, becoming yellowish as the embryo 

develops. They averaged ~0.5 mm in width and 1.1 mm in 

length. The egg is covered with a protective, transparent secretion from the rectal glands of the female. Approximately 

90% of the oviposition sites examined by Carey were located in the upper third of the tree crown (Figure 52) and 

most often on the terminal, or youngest, branches. The oviposition site is almost always located near the leaf base with 

the developing larva oriented toward the pedicel. Rarely are 

more than one egg laid per leaf. Larval eclosion occurs from 

28 to 36 days after oviposition. Leaving the egg, the larva 

bores into the leaf and from there through the petiole into 

the supporting branch, eventually reaching the main trunk. 

There it continues to mine the cambium layer, creating a 

sinuate, “zig-zag”trail down the trunk (Figure 53). Young 

trees damaged in this manner demonstrate a similar sinuate 

pattern externally visible on the bark because of a cortical 

response to larval damage. The mines are the longest of any 

known bark or stem miner, totaling approximately 7 m with 

a maximum width of 2.4 mm (Carey, 1975:15). At times 

they may extend all the way down the trunk to the roots.

Carey reports six larval instars with most of the feeding performed by the first five instars from October until 

March. Sometime during February through early March 

the larva turns 180° in the mine, and ascends the trunk a 

short distance where it constructs a small aestivation chamber in which the fifth instar molts. The final, sixth instar 

differs from the earlier instars in possessing more distinct 

body segmentation and in having longer body setae. It rests, 

essentially immobile, for about two weeks inside the chamber. Between mid-March and early April the larva leaves the 

chamber, descending in the old mine and apparently feeding 

somewhat as it goes, to a point about 35 mm below the aestivating chamber. There it bores through the bark and drops 

to the ground where it pupates in a tough silken cocoon 

(Figure 55) among the leaf-litter above the soil. Overwintering (April–September) occurs in the pupal stage with the first 

adults starting to appear during the last week of August.

Neopostega, new genus

Type Species. Neopostega petila Davis and 

Stonis.

Adult. Small, predominantly white moths with 

lancelolate wings; length of forewing: 2.1–3.5 mm. Antennal 

scape greatly enlarged; greatest width ~equal to vertical diameter of eye. Metafurcal apophyses free. Male with aedoeagus 

present. Female with single, broad, truncate, anal papilla.

Head: Figures 8, 9. Vestiture of vertex rough, consisting of piliform to slender scales with minutely bidentate 

apices; posterior to vertex scales smooth, broad; lower frons 

naked except for scattered rows of microtrichia. Cranial 

vertex evenly rounded. Antenna approximately 0.7–0.8× 

length of forewing, 41–57-segmented; scape greatly enlarged, greatest width ~equal to vertical eye diameter; scales 

broad and flat over scape and densely arranged in 7 relatively 

uniform rows; sensilla ascoidea with usually 7–9 branches. 

Eye large, interocular index approximately 1.15; eye index 

~0.66. Maxillary palpus elongate, about 2.6× length of labial palpus; ratio of segments from base approximately 

0.4:0.35:0.7:1.75:1.0. Haustellum short, about 1.65× length 

of maxillary palpus. Labial palpus short, approximately 

0.5× length of haustellum; apical segment broadest.

Thorax: Forewing (Figure 20) lanceolate; greatest 

width about 0.25× that of length; apex acute; microtrichia 

absent on all surfaces except for ventral base of forewing; 

venation similar to Opostegoides, with only unbranched 

vestiges of Sc, R, M, CuA, and A present; M and A best preserved; anal fold appearing in place of missing CuP; venter 

of forewing with a moderately large, patch of white scales 

near humeral area at base. Hindwing lanceolate, greatest 

width about 0.15× that of length; ~7–8 pseudofrenular setae 

present; venation extremely reduced, with only Sc + R1, Rs, 

M, Cu, and A present. Metathoracic furca similar to Opostegoides in morphology, with apophyses moderately developed, acute, free, and not connected to secondary furcal 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 3 5

arms. Proleg (Figure 31) with tibia about 0.5× length of tarsal segments. Midleg with tibial spurs of unequal lengths, 

shorter member of pair about 0.6× length of other. Hindleg with two pairs of unequal spurs; the basal pair situated 

slightly basal to middle and with shorter spur about 0.5× 

length of other; apical spurs shorter and more similar in 

length, the shorter member about 0.66× the length of other; 

longest spur (of basal pair) slightly less the length of first 

tarsomere; hindtibia densely covered with long spinose 

setae, as is dorsum of most of tarsal segments.

Abdomen: Six functional spiracles present on A1–6. 

Sternum 2 as illustrated (Figure 35). Tergum 8 of male relatively well developed, anterior margin either truncate or 

broadly concave, caudal margin either truncate or slightly 

rounded; sternum 7 variable, with strongly rounded, convex 

caudal margin in some species (e.g., N. petila; Figure 41).

Male Genitalia: Figures 247–258. Uncus prominent, 

consisting of a pair of slender to stout, narrow to widely 

separated, setigerous lobes and slender caudal rim fused to 

tegumen. Tegumen a narrow dorsal ring. Vinculum variously developed from a narrow ventral ring to a broad ventral plate, with anterior margin either rounded or broadly 

concave. Gnathos variably developed, either membranous 

(absent) or variously sclerotized; basal fold absent. Valva 

variable, often long and slender, 0.8–1.0× length of genital 

capsule; cucullar lobe bearing a relatively reduced pectinifer 

bearing a single, usually curved row of 20–32 blunt spines; 

cucullar lobe supported by a slender, sometimes curved pedicel arising from apex of costal margin; sacculus an elongate, 

slender, setose lobe extending well beyond attachment (pedicel) of cucullar lobe; costal process either fused or closely 

articulated to valva; basal process well developed, tapering 

basally to an elongate, acute apex. Juxta highly variable, 

ranging from a simple, lightly sclerotized and indistinct, 

broad, ventral plate, with or without caudal processes, to 

well-sclerotized, variably U-shaped rods between the bases 

of the valvae. Aedoeagus present, variably sclerotized, usually containing prominent, spiniform cornuti.

Female Genitalia: Figures 421–423. Papillae anales fused into a broad, truncate, setose ridge. Posterior 

apophyses highly modified, consisting of a moderately 

sclerotized, continuous band extending dorsally across 

base of anal papilla (tergum 9 + 10), with a pair of anteriolateral extensions that bend caudally around a bilateral 

pair of shallow invaginated pockets. Anus and oviporus 

opening very close together. Vestibulum broad, membranous. Ductus bursae with a zone of minute, pectinate 

spicules. Corpus bursae elongate, slender, with a long, indistinct, elliptical band bearing numerous small papillate 

outgrowths. Ductus spermathecae relatively short, extending only midway along corpus bursae; membranous outer 

canal reduced in diameter; inner canal with few convolutions; vesicle a small, abruptly enlarged, oval sac.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Etymology. The generic name is derived 

from the Greek neos (new) prefixed to the generic stem 

Opostega, in reference to the neotropical distribution of 

this taxon. It is feminine in gender.

Discussion. The discovery of this genus now 

increases the number of described opostegid genera to 

seven. Five species with rather diverse male genital morphology now comprise Neopostega. Because no diagnostic 

features (e.g., relative development of gnathos and juxta) 

appear correlated, only one genus is recognized. Females 

are known only for N. distola. Until females of more species are available for study, the precise homology of the unusual structures now considered as comprising the posterior 

apophyses in N. distola will probably remain questionable.

Key to the Species of Neopostega

1. Anterior margin of vinculum concave; length of valva equal to or exceeding length of genital capsule (from vinculum to apex 

of uncus); juxta largely or entirely a flat, partially membranous plate extending to vinculum (Figures 254, 256) . . . . . . . . 2

Anterior margin of vinculum subtruncate to rounded; length of valva less than length of genital capsule; juxta spiniform, well sclerotized, and well separated from vinculum (Figures 247, 250) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. Aedoeagus with a bilateral pair of long cornutal rods; juxta a broad, elongate, largely membranous plate without 

laterocaudal processes (Figures 256, 258, 258a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. distola

Aedoeagus usually with 4 slender, subapical cornuti; juxta a broad, short, moderately sclerotized plate with a bilateral pair of slender caudal processes longer than basal plate (Figures 254, 255) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. petila

3. Juxta with asymmetrical caudal processes (Figure 247); vinculum a broad, ventral plate nearly half the length of 

entire genital capsule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. asymmetra

Juxta with stout symmetrical processes; vinculum a narrow ventral ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4. Largest cornutus straight and more than 0.5× length of aedoeagus (Figure 251); lobes of uncus short (~0.5× length of 

cucullar lobe) and narrowly separated (Figure 250) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. longispina

Largest cornutus strongly curved, less than 0.5× length of aedoeagus (Figure 253); lobes of uncus elongate and widely 

separated (Figure 252) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. falcata
3 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Neopostega longispina, new species

Figures 131, 250, 251; Map 1

Adult. Figure 131. Length of forewing 2.8–

3.0 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with 2 dark brown, subapical, costal strigulae, both 

converging obliquely toward darker brown to fuscous apical spot. Male genitalia with relatively short socii, valvae 

broad medially, and aedoeagus with 3 dissimilar cornuti, 

the longest of which extends more than half the length of 

entire aedoeagus (Figures 250, 251). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

white, becoming more cream apically, 42-segmented. Palpi 

white to cream; labial palpus faintly suffused with light 

brown laterally; apex white.

Thorax: White; tegula entirely white. Forewing almost entirely white with 2 dark brown, subapical costal 

strigulae, both converging obliquely toward darker brown to 

fuscous apical spot; terminal cilia white; venter of forewing 

light grayish cream, with basal white subhumeral and subanal 

spots barely discernible. Hindwing and cilia very light brown 

dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white to cream; foreleg 

with dorsal surfaces faintly suffused with brown; mid- and 

hindtarsi cream.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 250, 251. Socii a pair of 

relatively short, acuminate lobes, densely setose laterally 

and ventrally; caudal rim of uncus a V-shaped cleft between 

narrowly separated lobes. Gnathos mostly membranous, 

produced caudally to form a short, broad cone. Vinculum 

with anterior margin broadly rounded. Valva of complex 

form similar to N. falcata, relatively broad basally, elongate, length along sacculus ~0.8× length of genital capsule; 

cucullar lobe reduced in size, length approximately twice 

that of lobes of socii and ~0.15× length of genital capsule, 

bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single row of 28 blunt 

spines; pedicel very slender, with an acute, lateral process at 

middle; minimum diameter of pedicel less than 0.1× length 

of cucullar lobe; saccular lobe tapering to a slender, attenuated, rounded apex extending beyond cucullar lobe; basal 

process of valva elongate, ~twice the length of shortened 

costal lobe, tapering to acute base terminating at anterior 

margin of vinculum. Juxta a broad, elongate, U-shaped, 

heavily sclerotized band, weakly connected midventrally; 

lateral arms of juxta divided more than half their length 

into a relatively large, acute, spine, and a more dorsal, flattened, oblong, rounded lobe. Aedoeagus elongate, stout, 

with two relatively large, straight, spinose cornuti arising 

midventrally and one smaller cornutus arising subapically; 

largest cornutus ~half the length of the aedoeagus.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; VENEZUELA: Territorio Federal de Amazonas: Cerro de la Neblina, Basecamp, 0°50'N, 

66°9'W, 155 m, 23–29 Feb 1984, D. Davis & T. McCabe, 

Canopy UV trap, slide USNM 31840 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. February (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 1) Known only from the 

type locality, a lowland Amazonian rainforest in southern 

Venezuela near the Brazilian border.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin longus (long) and spina (thorn) in reference to 

the characteristic long, spinose cornutus present in the 

male aedoeagus of this insect.

Discussion. The broad valvae, the welldeveloped, laterally bifurcated juxta, and elongate cornuti 

are diagnostic for this species. The juxta of N. longispina

most resembles that of N. falcata. Because the terminal 

cilia of the forewing is partially missing in the holotype, 

the color drawing and description are incomplete. The holotype was collected in a UV light trap placed near the 

canopy approximately 20 m above the ground.

Neopostega falcata, new species

Figures 132, 252, 253; Map 1

Adult. Figure 132. Length of forewing 2.1 mm. 

Small, almost entirely white moth with white forewings 

marked with a minute apical spot consisting of a few dark 

brown scales. Male with uncus and socii fused into stout, 

horn-like lobes; valvae relatively broad, complex; aedoeagus 

with two large exogenous cornuti, the largest of which is 

strongly curved (Figures 252, 253). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

white, 43-segmented. Palpi white; labial palpus with light 

brown suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula white. Forewing almost entirely white, marked with a minute apical spot consisting of 

a few dark brown scales; vestige of a faint, light brown terminal strigula present midway across costal cilia; terminal 

cilia otherwise white; venter of forewing white to cream, 

with a pair of indistinct subhumeral and subanal white 

spots. Hindwing and cilia white dorsally and ventrally. Legs 

mostly white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces faintly suffused 

with light brown; tarsi of all legs white to cream.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 3 7

Male Genitalia: Figures 252, 253. Paired lobes of socii 

stout, elongate, length equal to distance between their apices; 

socii broad at base, slightly curved inward and tapered to 

acute, sparsely setose apex; caudal rim of uncus forming a deep 

notch between lobes of socii. Vinculum with anterior margin 

broadly rounded to subtruncate. Gnathos indistinct, membranous, produced caudally to form a low, broad cone. Valva of 

complex form, relatively broad basally, elongate with length 

along sacculus ~0.9× length of genital capsule; cucullar lobe reduced in size, length approximately equal to length of lobes of 

socii and ~0.25× length of genital capsule; pectinifer bearing a 

single row of 32 blunt spines; pedicel minute, minimum diameter less than 0.1 the length of cucullar lobe; saccular lobe broad 

in middle, tapering distally as an elongate, slender, rounded 

lobe beyond apex of cucullar lobe; basal process of valva elongate, ~twice the length of shortened costal lobe, tapering to 

acute base terminating at anterior margin of vinculum. Juxta a 

broad, U-shaped, heavily sclerotized band, weakly fused midventrally. Aedoeagus stout, with two relatively large cornuti 

arising from distal half; largest cornutus strongly curved.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 

10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, Arboleda, L/11/350: 14 

Apr 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4206 (INBIO).

Paratype. Costa Rica: Heredia: Estación 

Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 50–150 m, 

L/09/336: 1 ♂, 18 Mar 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

33024 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected from March 

to April.

Distribution. (Map 1) Known only from the 

type locality, a lowland rainforest in northeastern Costa Rica.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin falcatus (sickle-shaped, curved) in reference to the 

diagnostic, large, curved cornutus in the male aedoeagus.

Discussion. This species is easily recognized 

by the stout, horn-like lobes of the uncus and socii, the 

stout, broadly U-shaped juxta, and strongly curved cornutus of the aedoeagus. The color drawing and description 

are based on the somewhat imperfect holotype, whose 

forewing cilia are slightly denuded.

Neopostega asymmetra, new species

Figures 40, 133, 247–249; Map 1

Adult. Figure 133. Length of forewing 3.0 

mm. Small, almost entirely white moth with cream white 

forewings marked with 2 faint, brownish, subapical costal strigulae and a minute apical spot consisting of a few 

dark brown scales. Male with stout, furcate uncus, relatively slender, partially folded (longitudinally) valvae, and 

a strongly sclerotized, serpentine, tubular, asymmetrical 

juxta; aedoeagus complex, with a single, large, straight 

spinose process lying obliquely across apical half (Figures 

247–249). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture entirely white. Scape white; flagellum cream, 45-segmented. Palpi cream white; labial palpus 

with light brown suffusion laterally on segments 1–2, a few, 

scattered, light brown scales on 3.

Thorax: White; tegula white. Forewing (slightly 

denuded) almost entirely white with a pale suffusion of 

cream over basal half, marked with 2 faint, light brown, 

subapical costal strigulae and a minute apical spot consisting of a few dark brown scales; a vestigial terminal strigula 

present across wing apex along base of costal cilia; terminal 

cilia cream to light brown beyond terminal strigula, mostly 

white around tornus, becoming cream to light brown along 

dorsal margin; venter of forewing light brown with a pair of 

indistinct subhumeral and subanal white spots. Hindwing 

and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally. Foreleg cream; 

mid- and hindlegs more white.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, cream 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 247–249. Uncus furcate, 

socii a pair of divergent, stout, slightly irregular, acute, 

setose lobes; lobes elongate, length equal to distance between their apices; base of uncus with distinct suture 

separating tegumen; anterior rim of tegumen moderately 

convex medially at juncture with uncus, expanded posteriolaterally as rounded lobes ventral to socii. Vinculum a broad, ventral plate with anterior margin broadly 

rounded to subtruncate. Gnathos a slender, transverse bar 

densely covered with short stout spines, expanding slightly 

laterally. Valva of complex form, moderately broad basally with margins partially folded over, tapering distally, 

moderately elongate, length along sacculus ~0.6× length 

of genital capsule; cucullar lobe reduced in size, length approximately equal to length of lobes of uncus and ~0.15× 

length of genital capsule; pectinifer bearing a single row 

of 28–29 blunt spines; pedicel curved, slender, minimum 

diameter less than 1/8 the length of cucullar lobe; saccular lobe slender, elongate, nearly as long as cucullar lobe; 

basal process of valva acute, elongate, ~0.25× longer than 

slender costal process. Juxta a slender, sinuate, sclerotized, 

broadly V-shaped, tubular connection between lateral 

bases of gnathos; caudal margin of tube with 3 asymmetrical, curved spinose processes of different sizes extending 
3 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

caudally; largest, most medial spine ~equal to length of 

cucullar lobe. Aedoeagus stout, with an irregular, inverted 

Y-shaped, sclerotized, dorsal plate; caudal end of plate 

with a spinose process extending obliquely across caudal 

half of aedoeagus.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Brazil: [Rio de Janeiro]: 

Rio de Janeiro, Magé‚ 400 m.: 17 Jan 1985, V. O. Becker, 

slide DRD 4238 (VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 1) Known only from 

the type locality, in the Atlantic coastal forest in southern 

Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived 

from the Greek asymmetros (without symmetry) in reference to the asymmetrical structure of the juxta in the male 

genitalia.

Discussion. This species differs from all other 

species of Neopostega by the sinuous, asymmetrical juxta, 

laterally setose gnathos, and distinctive valvae. The color 

illustration and description are based on an imperfect holotype with slightly denuded forewing cilia. Fresh specimens would probably show darker subapical strigulae.

Neopostega petila, new species

Figures 8, 9, 20, 31, 35, 41, 134, 254, 255; Map 1

Adult. Figure 134. Length of forewing 2.3–2.6 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with 2 dark brown, subapical, costal strigulae, the most distal strigula usually terminating at dark brown apical spot. 

Male with elongate, slender socii and valvae, and 3 to usually 4 very slender, exogenous cornuti arising near the apex 

of the aedoeagus (Figures 254, 255). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum either 

white gradually becoming brown over distal third or almost 

entirely light golden brown, ~41–43-segmented. Maxillary 

palpus cream. Labial palpus white to cream, suffused with 

grayish brown laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula grayish 

brown. Forewing almost entirely white with 2 dark brown, 

subapical costal, strigulae and a short, dark brown terminal 

strigula; dark brown apical spot sometimes indistinct, usually confluent with costal strigula 2; basal costal strigula 

broadest along costa, strongly oblique; terminal strigula 

extending distad to apical spot; costal strigula 2 usually 

confluent with darker apical spot, occasionally bypassing 

spot and confluent with terminal strigula; an elongate, dark 

brown dorsal spot sometimes present along basal third of 

hind margin; terminal cilia mostly white between strigulae, 

around tornus and along hind margin; brown beyond distal 

most costal and terminal strigulae; venter of forewing nearly 

white to medium brown, with basal pair of moderately large 

subhumeral and subanal white spots sometimes barely discernible. Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally 

except for white suffusion at base; apical cilia occasionally 

white. Legs mostly white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with brown, brown more diffused on tarsomeres; midleg with usually brown bands dorsally on tarsomeres 3 

and 4; tarsal banding paler to absent on hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white ventrally, occasionally with brownish suffusion anteriorly.

Male Genitalia: Figures 254, 255. Socii a pair of 

extremely long, slender, acute setose lobes, narrowly separated by a distance less than their length; caudal rim of 

uncus smoothly concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin slightly concave. Gnathos a lightly sclerotized, mostly 

membranous, broad, conical projection. Valva extremely 

slender; length nearly equal (~0.95×) to length of genital 

capsule; with a relatively reduced, elongate cucullar lobe 

~0.15× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single row of 20–24 blunt spines; saccular lobe 

elongate, slender, extending beyond apex of pectinifer; 

pedicel very slender, diameter less than 1/8 the length of 

cucullar lobe; basal process of valva slender, acute, extending beyond base of elongate costal lobe. Juxta consisting of 

a broad, well-sclerotized, strongly furcate plate; furcal arms 

very slender, acute, longer than undivided base of juxtal 

plate. Aedoeagus elongate, nearly equaling length of genital capsule, lightly sclerotized, cylindrical, with 3–4 slender, 

subapical cornuti ~as long as basal diameter of aedoeagus.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, 50–150 m, 10°26'N, 84°01'W, 

20 Apr 1999, INBio-OET, bosque secundario, L/07/620, 

slide DRD 4207 (INBio).

Paratypes. COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación 

Biológica La Selva, 50–150 m., L/07/580: 1 ♂, 25 Feb 

1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4277 (INBIO); L/10/455: 

1 ♂, 26 Aug 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32425 

(USNM); L/11/432: 1 ♂, 29 Jul 1998, INBio-OET, slide 

DRD 4272 (INBIO); L/11/492: 1 ♂, 21 Oct 1998, INBioOET, slide USNM 32435 (USNM); L/17/426: 2 ♂, 22 Jul 

1998, INBio-OET, slides USNM 32250, 32784 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. This species probably flies 

throughout most of the year, with collections reported for 

February, April, July, and October.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 3 9

Distribution. (Map 1) Known only from the 

type locality, a lowland rainforest in northeastern Costa 

Rica.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin petilus (thin, slender) in reference to the unusually slender form of the male valvae, socii, and exogenous 

cornuti.

Discussion. Neopostega petila is easily recognized by the slender lobes of the socii, broad juxtal plate 

bearing elongate, slender bifurcations, and lightly sclerotized aedoeagus bearing 3–4 elongate, piliform, subapical 

cornuti. It shows no close affinity to any other member of 

the genus.

Neopostega distola, new species

Figures 135, 256–258a, 421–423; Map 1

Adult. Figure 135. Length of forewing 3.1–3.5 

mm. Small, almost entirely white moth with white forewings marked with 2 dark brown costal strigulae and a 

minute apical spot consisting of a few, even darker brown 

scales. Male genitalia with pectinate cucullar lobe of male 

supported by an extremely long, slender pedicel; anterior 

margin of vinculum deeply concave; juxta undeveloped, 

membranous; aedoeagus without cornuti but with a bilateral pair of long slender rods (Figures 256–258a). Female 

with papillae anales fused into a broad, truncate, trapezoidal, setose ridge.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 55–57-segmented. Palpi 

white to cream; labial palpus with brown suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula white, with large, dark 

brown spot on anterior margin. Forewing white, marked 

with 2 dark brown costal strigulae and a minute apical spot 

consisting of a few darker brown scales; first strigula darker 

and more prominent, extending across base of cilia, usually fading at or before apical spot, with faint brown suffusion basally along most of strigula; strigula 2 extending 

across middle of cilia and slightly beyond apical dot; terminal cilia mostly light brown between and beyond strigulae, 

white around tornus, becoming light brown along dorsal 

margin; venter of forewing dark brown except for a pair 

of moderately large, basal cream spots, the larger along 

the subhumeral area and a slightly smaller spot along the 

hind margin. Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally except for small white subhumeral patch. Legs mostly 

white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces faintly suffused with light 

brown to gray; tarsomeres 3 and 4 of mid- and hindlegs suffused dorsally with light brown, tibial spines cream.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white to cream laterally and ventrally. Tergite 8 broad, approximately equal in 

width to 7; anterior margin sinuate, broadly bilobed; caudal margin truncate.

Male Genitalia: Figures 256–258. Paired lobes of 

socii elongate, slender as viewed ventrally, moderately broad 

viewed laterally (Figure 257), bearing 3–4 long setae. Caudal 

rim of uncus forming a deep, smoothly curved concavity between socii; with a pair of short, bilateral, acute lobes from 

ventral bases of socii. Vinculum with anterior margin deeply 

concave. Gnathos a relatively flat, narrow lobe extending 

ventrally and caudally between ventral lobes of tegumen. 

Valva extremely slender, slightly twisted, elongate, length 

along sacculus ~0.75× length of genital capsule; cucullar lobe 

reduced in size, oval, length approximately equal to distance 

between socii and ~0.15× length of genital capsule; pectinifer 

bearing a single row of ~20–22 blunt spines; pedicel extemely 

slender (minimum diameter less than 0.1× length of cucullar 

lobe), elongate (length nearly equal to that of cucullar lobe), 

slightly curved and arising from slender projection of cucullus; saccular lobe reduced, terminating in a slender, setose 

knob well short of cucullus apex; basal process of valva elongate, terminating at anterior margin of vinculum. Juxta an 

extremely thin, flat, moderately broad, elongate, partially 

membranous plate, slightly constricted anteriorly at junction with vinculum; length ~2× maximum width. Aedoeagus 

weakly sclerotized, elongate, equaling length of genital capsule; cornuti consisting of a bilateral pair of long, slender, 

internal rods extending the length of aedoeagus.

Female Genitalia: Figures 421–423. Abdomen 

tapering to a truncate apex. Papillae anales fused into a 

broad, truncate, trapezoidal, setose ridge. Posterior apophysis highly modified, consisting of a moderately sclerotized, 

continuous band extending dorsally across base of anal papilla (tergum 9 + 10), with a pair of anteriolateral extensions that bend caudally around a bilateral pair of shallow, 

invaginated pockets (Figure 422). Caudal end of vagina 

supported by a bilateral pair of slender, sclerotized rods and 

midventrally by a small sclerite with slender caudal and anterior furcations. Vestibulum moderately narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae of similar diameter, enlarging slightly 

to elongate, slender corpus bursae, with a dense patch of 

pectinate spicules composed of short rows of 2–4 spicules. 

Corpus bursae slender, elongate, with a long, faint, elliptical band bearing a dense array of irregular, external tubercles. Ductus spermathecae relatively short, extending only 

midway along corpus bursae; membranous outer canal reduced, barely distinct from moderately sinuate inner canal; 

latter terminating in 2–3 small convolutions; vesicle a small, 

abruptly enlarged, oval sac.
4 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Brazil: Mato Grosso: Chapada dos Guimarães, 800 m: 20 Nov 1994, V. O. Becker, 

slide DRD 4132 (VOB).

Paratypes. Brazil: Mato Grosso: Chapada 

dos Guimarães, 800 m: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 25–30 Nov 1997, 1 ♀, 20 

Nov 1994, V. O. Becker, slides DRD 4215,USNM 32446, 

33060 (USNM, VOB). COSTA RICA: Alad [Alajuela 

?]: 2 mi [3.2 km] W. Dos Rios: 1 ♂, 22 May 1985, P. Opler, 

slide DRD 4370 (UCB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. November.

Distribution. (Map 1).Known only from the 

type locality in southwestern Brazil and northern Costa 

Rica.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Greek distolos (in pairs, double) in reference to the 

paired, elongate cornuti in the male aedoeagus.

Discussion. Neopostega distola is the only 

known member of the genus to possess paired, elongate 

cornuti and a predominantly membranous juxta. Other 

male apomorphies involve the development of slender 

teguminal lobes immediately ventrad to the socii and the 

extreme extension of a slender pedicel on the valva. Superficially, the moth differs slightly from other Neopostega by 

its more brownish hindwings.

The rod-like cornuti are more distinct and the aedoeagus more parallel-sided in the single male examined 

from Costa Rica (Figure 258a, slide 4370) than in the holotype from Brazil (Figure 258, slide 4132). All other features of the male genitalia between these widely dispersed 

populations agree.

Opostegoides Kozlov

Opostegoides Kozlov, 1985:54.—Davis, 1989:42.—van Nieukerken, 

1990:364; 1996:27.—Nye and Fletcher, 1991:211.—Robinson et al., 

1994:22.—Nielsen, 1996:28.—Poole, 1996:796.—Davis, 1998:69.

—Puplesis and Robinson, 1999:18.—Heppner, 2003:232.—Puplesis 

and Diškus, 2003:64, 410.

Type Species. Opostega minodensis Kuroko, 

1982, by original designation.

Adult. Small, mostly whitish moths with lanceolate wings; antennal scape greatly enlarged; male with 

weakly sclerotized aedoeagus; metafurcal apophyses free; 

length of forewing 2.2–5.9 mm.

Head: Figures 10, 11, 91. Vestiture rough over 

most of frons and vertex, consisting of relatively short, 

erect, piliform scales with minutely bidentate apices; occiput posterior to vertex smooth, covered with broad 

flat scales densely arranged in ~4 compact rows. Lower 

frons naked except for a scattering of microtrichia. Antenna approximately 0.8–0.9× length of forewing, 46–56-

segmented; scape greatly enlarged with greatest width 

approximately l.l× vertical diameter of eye; scales broad 

and smooth over scape and densely arranged in ~7 relatively uniform, compound rows; sensilla ascoidea with 6–8 

branches. Eye large, interocular index approximately 1.0, 

eye index 0.7. Maxillary palpus elongate, approximately 

0.4× length of labial palpus; ratio of segments from base 

approximately 0.2:0.2:0.6:1.4:1.0; basal segment smooth, 

without any lobe. Haustellum reduced, about 0.32× length 

of maxillary palpus. Labial palpus moderately short, approximately equaling length of haustellum.

Thorax: Forewing (Figures 21, 92–96) lanceolate; 

greatest width about 0.25× length; apex acute; microtrichia 

absent over all wing surfaces except ventral base of forewing; venation similar to Opostega, with only unbranched 

vestiges of Sc, R, M, CuA, and A present; anal fold appearing in lieu of CuP. Hindwing lanceolate, greatest width 

approximately 0.16× length; approximately 10 pseudofrenular setae present; venation similar to Opostega, with only 

Sc, Rs, M, Cu, and A present. Metathoracic furca (Figures 

25, 26) with apophyses moderately developed, terminating 

in acute knobs, free and not connected to secondary furcal 

arms. Proleg (Figure 32) with tibia about 0.7× length of 

tarsal segments. Midleg with apical spurs of very dissimilar 

lengths, one approximately 0.6× length of other. Hindleg 

with two pairs of unequal spurs, one member of each pair 

about 0.6–0.7× length of other; basal pair situated at basal 

two-fifths; longest spurs about 0.75× length of first tarsomere; hindtibia densely covered with long spinose setae, as 

is dorsum of first and sometimes second tarsomere.

Abdomen: Six functional spiracles present; spiracles of A7 and 8 absent. Sternum 2 as illustrated (Figure 

36). Tergum 8 of male nearly as wide as tergum 7 and ~half 

its length, slightly curved with caudal margin moderately 

concave (Figure 42).

Male Genitalia: Uncus nearly indistinct, a low, 

slightly setigerous and nearly truncate ridge fused to tegumen. Tegumen a narrow dorsal ring. Vinculum short in 

length but broad, deeply concave. Gnathos reduced to a 

thin arch. Valva with costal apophysis reduced and fused 

to costa. Cucullus pedunculate, arising near apex of valve; 

distal margin bearing a densely spined pectinifer consisting 

of 12–36 blunt spines in a single row. Juxta often a lightly 

sclerotized plate, fused to vinculum. Aedoeagus present, 

weakly sclerotized, elongate, 1.3–1.8× length of valva; cornutus present in the form of a single, usually elongate rod.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 4 1

Figures 91–96. Opostegoides scioterma, adult morphology. 91, sensilla of antennal segment (25 μm); 92, hindleg showing spinose setae 

(0.71 mm); 93, ventral base of forewing (231 μm); 94, microtrichia of subcostal area of Figure 93 (38 μm); 95, pseudofrenular setae of hindwing 

(120 μm); 96, apices of pseudofrenular setae (23.1 μm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for all figures shown in Figure 91.)
4 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Female Genitalia: Papillae anales absent. Posterior 

apophysis short, stout; anterior apophysis absent. Anus 

and oviporus with separate external openings. Dorsum of 

vestibulum sclerotized to form a broad plate fused laterally to apices of apophyses. Corpus bursae highly variable, 

usually without accessory bursa; spicules either absent or 

present, if present then arranged in either a sinuate row or 

concentrated zone. Spermathecal papilla moderately developed, sometimes poorly defined; ductus spermatheca variable, usually with external (afferent) and internal (efferent) 

canals continuously intertwined.

Larva. Figures 97–108. Length of mature larva 

20–25 mm; maximum diameter 2 mm (in alcohol).

Head: Maximum width 0.5–0.72 mm. Color white 

(in alcohol) with three pairs of reddish brown longitudinal 

lines corresponding to the internal ridges. Antenna with three 

moderately large sensilla basiconica, often of different lengths, 

and three minute sensilla basiconica, likewise of varying sizes, 

and two elongate sensilla chaetica of equal lengths. Seta F1 

moderately long; C1 extremely reduced in O. minodensis, absent in O. scioterma. Labrum highly modified, divided into 

two separate lobes, each bearing a pair of setae (M2 and 3) 

and a series of about six digitate lobes from outer margin in 

mature larva; apex of some lobes further subdivided; dorsal 

lobes probably represent La 1–3 and 3 epipharyngeal setae; 

labrum of pre-ultimate instars without M2–3 and with more 

slender, numerous marginal lobes. Mandible with 5–6 cusps. 

Maxilla of pre-ultimate instars less spinose than last instar; 

setae of stipes reduced or absent. Labium more developed in 

last instar, with well-developed spinneret, labial palpus, and 

labial seta; labium of pre-ultimate instars greatly reduced, 

without spinneret, labial palpus, and labial seta; operculum 

and opening to labial gland not observed.

Thorax: Prothorax with XD1 closely approximate 

to D1 and arising posterior to XD2. SV2 absent on mesoand metathorax. A pair of ventral ambulatory callosities on 

T2–3 in last instar but absent in pre-ultimate instars; latter 

with minute ridge-like spines on T2–3 and on A1–8.

Abdomen: L2 elongate; length equal to longest seta 

of segment. Ninth segment with four pairs of primary setae; 

SV1 absent. Dorsum of A10 devoid of setae. All body setae 

extremely long in last instar, greatly reduced in pre-ultimate 

instars.

Pupa. Not examined.

Cocoon. Length 3.1–3.5 mm; width 1.8–

2.0 mm; thickness 1.0–1.2 mm. An elongate flattened case; 

surface smooth, constructed entirely of densely woven, 

light brownish silk.

Discussion. Opostegoides attains its greatest diversification in the eastern Palearctic and subtropical 

Asia, with only one species known for the New World. 

The most recent catalogue (Puplesis and Diškus, 2003) 

lists 28 species (including 5 unnamed species), most from 

the eastern Palearctic and Oriental regions. This genus 

agrees with Eosopostega, Neopostega, Notiopostega, 

and Paralopostega in possessing a sclerotized aedoeagus. 

The relative homogenous male genitalia exhibit several 

synapomorphies that easily distinguish the group. Most 

obvious among these are the concave anterior margin of 

the vinculum, reduced gnathos, juxta broad at base and 

fused to vinculum, and elongate pedicel of the cucullar 

lobe (pectinifer). The aedoeagus is weakly sclerotized with 

a single, rod-like cornutus. The female genitalia are characterized by the absence of papillae anales, presence of a 

broad, sclerotized, roof-like dorsal wall over the vestibulum, and stout apophyses.

The larvae of only two members of this genus have 

been studied (minodensis and scioterma). Few, if any, differences have been observed between these two species, 

which suggests a general conservatism among species 

within genera. From Notiopostega, the larva of Opostegoides can be easily distinguished by the more specialized, 

divided labrum and generally more reduced chaetotaxy 

over the body (e.g., the absence of dorsal setae on A10). 

Opostegoides differs from the Hawaiian Paralopostega

by the possession of more generalized antennal sensilla, 

the presence of L1, the absence of an operculum over the 

labial gland aperture, and possibly by the absence of the 

aperture itself in pre-ultimate instars.

Opostegoides scioterma (Meyrick)

Figures 10, 11, 21, 25, 26, 32, 36, 42, 91–108, 136, 259, 260, 424, 425; Map 1

Opostega scioterma Meyrick, 1920:358.—Forbes, 1923:161.—McDunnough, 1939:100.—Eyer, 1963:237.—Clarke, 1955:280.—Davis, 1983:3, 

no. 125.

Opostega nonstrigella Chambers, 1881 [partim] [misidentification]; Grossenbacher 1910:50.—Heinrich, 1918:30.—Davis, 1983:3, no. 123.

Opostega albogalleriella [sic] var. quadristrigella Forbes [not Chambers] 

1923:161.

Opostega sp. near nonstrigella Rosenstiel [not Chambers], 1960:170.

Opostegoides nonstriga [sic], Heppner, 2003:232.

Opostegoides scioterma (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:72.—Poole, 1996:796.

—Heppner, 2003:232.—Puplesis and Diškus, 2003:411.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 4 3

Figures 97–102. Opostegoides scioterma, larval morphology. 97, dorsal view of head (150 μm); 98, anterodorsal view of mouthparts 

(60 μm); 99, ventral view of head (94 μm); 100, anteroventral view of mouthparts (50 μm); 101, lateral view of antenna (23.1 μm); 102, ambulatory calli on venter of meso- and metathorax (250 μm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for all figures shown in Figure 97.)
4 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Adult. Figure 136. Length of forewing 3.1–

4.4 mm. Small white moth with an incomplete light brown 

fascia slightly beyond middle of forewing and a similar 

light brown suffusion at apex before small, dark brown 

apical spot. Male uncus truncate, with greatly reduced 

socii; gnathos reduced to a slender arch (Figures 259, 

260). Female with apex of abdomen bluntly rounded; papillae anales absent (Figure 424).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum white 

or whitish cream, ~42–51-segmented. Palpi white to cream 

or grayish cream; labial palpus with light brownish suffusion 

laterally.

Figures 103–108. Opostegoides scioterma, chaetotaxy of last larval instar. 103, lateral diagram of prothorax, mesothorax, and abdominal 

segments 1, 6, 8, and 9; 104, lateral view of larva (1 mm); 105, dorsal view of head (1 mm); 106, ventral view of head, including tentorium; 107, 

right mandible (0.05 mm); 108, dorsal view of abdominal segments 8–10. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 4 5

Thorax: White. Forewing gradually becoming 

broader distally, white with an incomplete, distally arched 

light brown fascia traversing wing slightly beyond middle; fascia typically broken near middle; apex and termen 

broadly bordered by light to ochreous brown suffusion before small, dark brown apical spot; a short, brown strigula 

usually evident within terminal cilia; terminal cilia brownish distally, otherwise white, sometimes cilia uniformly 

light brownish gray; venter of forewing uniformly whitish 

cream; basal white spots indistinct. Hindwing relatively 

broad, light brownish gray to cream or occasionally white; 

cilia same color as hindwing. Legs mostly white to cream; 

foreleg sometimes with suffusion of light brown dorsally.

Abdomen: Brown to cream dorsally, cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 259, 260. Uncus broad, 

subtruncate; socii reduced to slightly setose lateral patches. 

Tegumen narrow. Anterior margin of vinculum slightly concave, forming broadly rounded, lateral lobes. Valva irregular in shape, elongate, length along sacculus ~0.9× length of 

genital capsule; cucullar lobe ovoid, reduced, ~0.3× length of 

genital capsule, bearing relatively short pectinifer consisting 

of ~16–22 blunt spines; pedicel slender, width ~0.22× length 

of cucullar lobe, slightly sinuate, greatly elongate, finely wrinkled; saccular lobe tapering to narrowly rounded, setose apex, 

not extended much beyond base of pedicel; basal process of 

valva weakly sclerotized and very short; costal process well 

sclerotized and twice as long. Juxta more or less quadrate, 

wrinkled anterolaterally. Aedoeagus with a long, slender cornutus extending length of aedoeagus; apex slightly broader 

than base; length of aedoeagus ~1.5× length of valva.

Female Genitalia: Figures 424, 425. Apex of abdomen bluntly rounded. Posterior apophyses short, usually 

not bifurcated distally. Antrum partially sclerotized, with 

parallel lateral margins. Corpus bursae constricted posteriorly, gradually broadening, becoming bulbous distally, 

with an elongate, ovoid signum consisting of an irregularly 

thickened sinuous band; no pectinations visible either inside 

of oval signum or on remaining part of corpus bursae. Ductus spermathecae very long, ~1.5× length of corpus bursae; 

outer canal relatively broad, slightly narrowing distally; 

inner canal sinuous, with ~4–5 distal convolutions, then 

gradually enlarging to a short, bulbous, partially coiled 

vesicle, which constricts to form a membranous, elongate, 

tubular utriculus.

Larva, Cocoon. As described for genus.

Holotype. ♀; CANADA: Ontario: Toronto, Jun [19]13, Parish, BMNH slide 19205 (BMNH).

Material Examined. CANADA: British 

Columbia: Goldstream: 1 ♂, 3 Jul 1923, 1 ♀, 7 Aug 1923, 

E. H. Blackmore, slide USNM 17188 (USNM). Saanichton 

[Bay]: 1 ♂, 18 Jun 1922, J. G. Colville (USNM). Victoria: 

1 ♀, 3 Jul 1929, J. F. Clarke, slide USNM 32450; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 

8 Jul 1923, 2 ♂, 1 ♀, 2 UNK, 14 Jul 1923, W. R. Carter, 

slides USNM 32917, 91872, 98289; 2 ♂, 21 Jul 1923, 

E. Blackmore, slide USNM 17178 (USNM). Wellington: 6 

♂, July, G. W. Taylor, slides USNM 28673 (SEM), 91874, 

91873 (USNM). Ontario: Muskoka: 1 ♂, Dec [19]21, Parish, (BMNH). Toronto: 1 ♀ (holotype), Jun [19]13, Parish, 

BMNH slide 19205 (BMNH). USA: Maine: Franklin 

Co.: Oquossoc: 1 ♂, 25 Jul, slide: USNM 33068 (USNM). 

Washington Co.: Dennysville: 1 ♂, 8 Jul, slide USNM 

20350 (USNM). New York: Ontario Co.: Geneva: 1 ♂, 

1 ♀, Jul 1910, J. G. Grossenbacher, slide USNM 28672 

(USNM). Oregon: Linn Co.: Albany: 1 larva, slide USNM 

20829 (USNM). Washington Co.: Forest Grove: 1 ♂, 1 

♀, 20 Jun 1959, 4 ♂, 4 ♀, 25–30 Jun 1959, R. J. Rosenstiel, slides USNM 16355 (SEM), 16369 (SEM), 17182, 

17929, 17932, 17935 (SEM), 18042 (SEM), 21278 (SEM) 

(USNM). Washington: Whatcom Co.: Morovitz R. S.: 1 

UNK, 10 Aug 1931, J. F. G. Clarke (USNM). Wyoming: 6 

mi [~10 km] NW Newcastle: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 20 Jul 1965, R. W. 

Hodges, slides USNM 17179, 17193 (USNM).

Host. Saxifragaceae: Ribes grossularia L., 

Ribes nigrum L., Ribes sativum Syme (=vulgare) (Grossenbacher, 1910).

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from June 18 to August 7. The single December record is 

most likely an error in labeling.

Distribution. (Map 1) Probably widespread 

across most of the northern USA and southern Canada 

from western Oregon, Washington, and British Colombia 

east to Ontario and Maine.

Discussion. Opostegoides scioterma is the only 

member of this predominantly Old World genus known to 

occur in the New World. Possibly this species represents an 

early introduction into North America. The male genitalia closely resembles O. malaysiensis Davis from Southeast 

Asia, but differs in possessing a more slender, well-defined 

juxta. Opostegoides scioterma also resembles O. bicolorella Sinev (1990) from extreme eastern Russia (Primorsky 

Kray), but can be distinguished by the straighter pedicel in 

the male and more numerous setae on the uncus.

Grossenbacher (1910) presented one of the earliest 

and, still, one of the few detailed reports on the biology of 

an opostegid. Unfortunately, in his paper the subject species was misidentified by A. Busck as Opostega nonstrigella, a misnomer repeated by Heinrich (1918) and later 

authors. Forbes (1923) misdetermined the same species 

as Opostega albogalleriella var. quadristrigella. Genitalic 
4 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

dissection of one of Grossenbacher’s original specimens in 

the Smithsonian Institution clearly has shown the species 

to be Opostegoides scioterma, the same species reported 

by Rosenstiel (1960) as damaging gooseberry in Oregon 

and identified therein as Opostega sp. near nonstrigella. 

The biology of this species is summarized in the introduction of this paper and in Davis (1989).

Pseudopostega Kozlov

Pseudopostega Kozlov, 1985:53 [as subgenus of Opostega].

Pseudopostega Kozlov.—Davis, 1989:62 [generic status].—van Nieukerken, 

1990:369; 1996:27.—Nye and Fletcher, 1991:211.—Poole, 1996:796.

—Davis, 1998:69.—Puplesis and Robinson, 1999:30.—Heppner, 2003: 

232.—Puplesis and Diškus, 2003:414.

Type Species. Tinea auritella Hübner, original 

designation.

Adult. Small, predominantly white moths with 

lancelolate wings; antenna scape greatly enlarged; phallus entirely membranous, without sclerotized aedoeagus; 

metafurcal apophyses fused to secondary arms of metafurcasternum; length of forewing: 1.8–5.6 mm.

Head: Figures 12, 13. Vestiture of vertex rough, 

consisting of slender to piliform scales with bidentate apices; posterior to vertex scales broad and arranged in rows; 

lower frons naked except for scattered rows of dense microtrichia (Figures 109–112). Cranial vertex evenly rounded. 

Antenna approximately 0.8–0.9× length of forewing, 36–

90-segmented; scape greatly enlarged, greatest width 1.0–

1.15× vertical eye diameter; scales broad and flat over scape 

and densely arranged in 7 relatively uniform rows; sensilla 

ascoidea with usually 7–9 branches (Figures 14, 114–118). 

Eye large, interocular index approximately 0.8; eye index 

0.8–0.9. Maxillary palpus elongate, about 1.7× length of 

labial palpus; ratio of segments from base approximately 

0.5:0.25:0.6:2.0:1.0. Haustellum (Figure 113) moderately 

long, about 0.8× length of maxillary palpus. Labial palpus 

moderately short, less than haustellum in length.

Thorax: Forewing (Figure 22) lanceolate; greatest 

width about 0.2 that of length; apex acute; microtrichia 

absent on all surfaces except for ventral base of forewing 

(Figures 119, 120); venation similar to Opostega, with 

only unbranched vestiges of Sc, R, M, CuA, and A present; A with only middle section faintly preserved; anal fold 

appearing in place of missing CuP; ventral surface of forewing usually with a moderately large, basal patch of white 

scales over subhumeral/humeral area; subanal white area 

usually reduced, indistinct. Hindwing lanceolate, greatest 

width about 0.14 that of length; 5–11 pseudofrenular setae 

present (Figure 121,122); venation extremely reduced, with 

only Sc, Rs, M, Cu and A present; ventral surface typically 

brownish in color, with a relatively large, oval, subhumeral 

patch of cream to white scales. Metathoracic furcal apophyses fused to secondary arms of metafurcasternum (Figures 

28, 29). Proleg (Figure 33) with tibia about 0.6× length of 

tarsal segments. Midleg (Figures 123, 124) with tibial spurs 

of unequal lengths, one member of pair about 0.65× length 

of other. Hindleg with two pairs of unequal spurs; the basal 

pair situated slightly basad to middle and with one spur 

about 0.6× length of other; apical spurs shorter and more 

similar in length, the shorter member about 0.7–0.75× 

length of other; longest spur (of basal pair) slightly exceeding first tarsomere; hindtibia densely covered with long spinose setae, as is dorsum of most of tarsal segments.

Abdomen: Six functional spiracles present; spiracles of A7 and 8 absent. Sternum 2 as illustrated (Figure 

37). Tergum 8 reduced to a narrow, setigerous band that 

usually gradually becomes slightly broader and pad-like at 

lateral ends (Figure 43); sternum 8 membranous.

Male Genitalia: Uncus reduced, consisting of a pair 

of widely separated, setigerous lobes. Tegumen a narrow dorsal ring. Vinculum a narrow, ventral, often evenly rounded 

ring, occasionally with anterior margin variably concave or 

attenuated. Gnathos well developed, variable, typically consisting of a broad, often triangular basal plate that narrows 

to a slender, simple to furcate, caudal lobe. Valva with costal 

process borne on a basal sclerite separate but closely articulated to distal three-fourths of valve. Cucullar lobe (Figures 

125,126) bearing pectinifer usually linear-elliptical in shape 

and supported by a slender to broad pedicel arising near 

middle of costal margin, pedicel sometimes extremely short 

with cucullar lobe nearly sessile; pectinifer with 18–62 blunt 

spines arranged in a single row. Juxta absent or developed 

as a slender, median process. Sclerotized aedoeagus absent; 

phallus entirely membranous.

Female Genitalia: Papillae anales present, usually 

paired and consisting of nearly contiguous, setose lobes situated dorsally and slightly anterior to caudal end of abdomen; 

lobes often variably fused. Posterior apophysis slender, elongate, caudal end of each apophysis variably divided; anterior 

apophysis absent. Alimentary canal and oviporus terminating 

very close together. Vestibulum mostly membranous; ductus 

bursae usually elongate, slender, with an elongate zone of 

typically pectinated spicules arranged in short, transverse 

rows. Corpus bursae slender to greatly enlarged, either with 

but usually without a dense array of isolated spicules over 

caudal half; an irregular, indistinct, slender band bearing 

relatively large, variably shaped, tubular outgrowths from 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 4 7

Figures 109–114. Pseudopostega albogaleriella, adult head morphology. 109, dorsal view of head (0.39 mm); 110, anterolateral view of 

head (0.39 mm); 111, anterior view of lower frontal area (60 μm); 112, detail of microtrichia in Figure 111 (15 μm); 113, mesal view of haustellum (12 μm); 114, antennal scale vestiture (38 μm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for Figures 109–112 shown in Figure 109; bar scale 

for Figures 113, 114 shown in Figure 113.)
4 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Figures 115–120. Pseudopostega albogaleriella, adult morphology. 115, surface detail of ascoid sensilla in Figure 118, showing pitted 

grooves (1.2 μm); 116, detail of Figure 118 showing base of sensillum ascoideum (3.8 μm); 117, dorsal view of flagellomeres 7–9 with sensilla 

ascoidea projecting distad (38 μm); 118, sensillum ascoidea on flagellomere 16; 119, ventral base of forewing showing reduction of subcostal 

microtrichia (150 μm); 120, subcostal microtrichia in Figure 119 (15 μm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale for Figures 116–120 shown 

in Figure 116.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 4 9

Figures 121–126. Pseudopostega albogaleriella, adult morphology. 121, hindwing pseudofrenular setae (150 μm); 122, apices of pseudofrenular setae (23.1 μm); 123, ventral view of mesothoracic pretarsus (20 μm); 124, detail of unguitractor plate in Figure 121 (3 μm); 125, 

cucullar lobe of male valva with terminal pectinifer (60 μm); 126, detail of spines of pectinifer (12 μm). (Scale lengths in parentheses; bar scale 

for all figures shown in Figure 121.)
5 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

outer wall of bursa often partially encircling corpus bursae. 

Spermathecal papilla usually evident as a small membranous 

lobe; ductus spermathecae with a greatly lengthened, slender, partially coiled inner canal, and a variably developed, 

membranous outer canal.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Discussion. Kozlov (1985) recognized this 

group as a subgenus of Opostega on the basis of two features of the male genitalia—the presence of a more developed, apically broader transtilla (actually gnathos) and the 

absence of a juxta. In addition to those more variable characteristics, Davis (1989) further distinguished this large, 

cosmopolitan genus by two autapomorphies: the basal 

separation and articulation of the costal process from the 

male valva (Figure 44) and the fusion of the metafurcal 

apophyses to the secondary arms of the metafurcastermum (Figures 28, 29). Random examinations of metafurcasterna in several Pseudopostega (e.g., P. albogaleriella, 

P. latifurcata, P. protomochla, and P. serrata) suggest that 

fusion of the apophyses is a synapomorphy for the genus.

A key to the currently recognized 84 species and 2 subspecies of New World Pseudopostega has not been provided 

largely because any key for such a poorly collected, speciose group would be of only ephemeral value and would 

apply only to male specimens. Instead, nearly all the species 

have been associated into 14 groups based on similar male 

genital morphology, and a key is provided for these groups. 

Species identifications for the known taxa should be readily 

achieved by simple comparisons of the male genitalic illustrations provided. Five previously named species are represented either only by female specimens or by specimens 

lacking abdomens and consequently could not be associated with any group. The treatments for these species have 

been placed at the end of the last species group.

Key to the Species Groups of Pseudopostega, Based on Characters of the Male Genitalia

1. Socii consisting of a pair of low, broadly rounded to irregular, setose lobes separated by a narrow cleft less than 0.75× 

width of lobe (Figure 346) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lobata group

 Socii a pair of more slender, papilliform setose lobes separated by a broad, U- to V-shaped cavity much wider than 

width of lobe (Figure 44) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2. Gnathos with caudal margin broadly rounded, nearly as broad as base (Figure 261) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

 Gnathos with caudal margin more slender, varying from conical, subacute, to bifurcate .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. Caudal margin of gnathos smooth (Figure 261) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rotunda group

Caudal margin of gnathos finely serrated (Figure 265) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . serrata group

4. Basal fold of gnathos greatly extended into a slender process that exceeds length of main body of gnathos and approximately as long as slender caudal lobe (Figure 352) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . duplicata group

Basal fold of gnathos absent to moderately developed, never exceeding half the length of main body of gnathos . . . . 2

5. Caudal apex of gnathos minutely to deeply bifurcate (Figures 364, 382) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Caudal apex of gnathos subacute to broadly rounded or faintly bilobed (Figures 269, 302, 344) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

6. Gnathos with a pair of variably developed lateral folds (Figures 269, 272) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lateriplicata group

 Gnathos without lateral folds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

7. Apex of sacculus subtruncate at base of pedicel; saccular lobe undeveloped (Figures 342, 344). Cucullar lobe long and 

slender, length > 3× maximum width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . longipedicella group

Apex of sacculus extended beyond base of pedicel (Figures 330, 332). Cucullar lobe relatively broader, length <2.5× 

width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

8. Sacculus greatly developed; apex expanded as a broadly rounded lobe extending almost to distal margin of cucullar 

lobe (Figure 302) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . latisaccula group

 Sacculus not expanded beyond base of cucullar lobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

9. Valva elongate, arising near anterior margin of vinculum and equaling or surpassing genital capsule in length (Figure 

336). Cucullar lobe greatly enlarged, broadly obovate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . saltatrix group

Valva arising more caudad of anterior margin of vinculum and not exceeding length of genital capsule (Figures 276, 

306). Cucullar lobe usually more reduced, slender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

10. Gnathos narrowly to broadly triangular (ventral view), gradually tapering to a subacute apex or slender caudal process (Figures 44, 308) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . triangularis group

 Gnathos more or less quadrate in ventral view, abruptly narrowing to a slender to stout caudal process or lobe (Figures 

276, 285) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spatulata group

11. Valva short, length along sacculus approximately 0.4× length of genital capsule; valva arising midway along elongate 

vinculum (Figures 360, 362). Anterior margin of vinculum slightly to deeply concave . . . . . . . . . . . tenuifurcata group
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 5 1

The rotunda group

The two species recognized in this group agree in possessing a gnathos with the broadest, most rounded apex 

of any other group within Pseudopostega. The basal fold 

is well developed and triangular in ventral view. The valvae are relatively long (length of sacculus >0.6× the genital 

capsule), with slender, elongate cucullar lobes (~0.5× the 

length of the genital capsule). The juxta is absent.

Pseudopostega rotunda, new species

Figures 137, 261, 262; Map 2

Adult. Figure 137. Length of forewing 1.9–

2.1 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with an elongate, slender, brown dorsal spot, 3 

closely aligned, dark brown, subapical strigulae laying 

subparallel to costal margin, a curved, dark brown tornal 

strigula, and an elongate, dark brown apical spot. Male 

genitalia with apex of gnathal lobe broadly rounded; basal 

fold well developed (Figures 261, 262). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, ~36–39-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream. 

Labial palpus white suffused with dark brown laterally; apical segment mostly white.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula light grayish brown. Forewing white marked with a elongate, slender, 

relatively faint, brown spot located ~midway along dorsal 

margin; 3 closely aligned, dark brown, subapical strigulae 

laying subparallel to costal margin; strigula 1 the most pronounced, shadowed basally with dark brown, terminating 

before elongate, dark brown apical spot; strigula 2 ~half the 

length of 1 and terminating before or at apical spot; strigula 

3 either terminating at spot or passing slightly distad to it; 

tornal strigula dark brown, curving from spot to tornus; area 

from basal costal and tornal strigulae sometimes suffused with 

light brown, terminal cilia grayish brown, abruptly becoming 

more white around tornus; venter of forewing light brown 

except for suffusion of white at base and along costal margin. 

Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally except 

for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white; foreleg with

lateral and dorsal surfaces dark brown; dorsal surfaces of tarsomeres with scattered mixture of cream and brown areas; 

midleg with dark brown banding dorsally on tarsomeres 3 

and 4; hindleg partially cream with lateral apex of tibia dark 

brown, tarsal banding paler, more scattered.

Abdomen: Golden brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 261, 262. Socii a pair of 

moderately long rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by 

distance slightly less than twice the length of cucullar lobe; 

caudal rim of tegumen shallowly concave. Vinculum moderately V-shaped, apical margin subacute. Gnathos a relatively 

simple, narrow, dome-shaped plate; anterior margin deeply 

convex; basal fold well developed, ~one-third the length of 

entire gnathos, slightly separated from longer, posterior section; caudal apex of gnathos broadly rounded (Figures 261, 

262). Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.45× length 

of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single row of 38–40 blunt spines; pedicel very slender, <0.1× 

length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus 

~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe short, stout, 

rounded, bearing numerous long setae; basal process of 

valva attenuated, extending beyond apex of shortened costal lobe; connection between costal lobe of valva and base of 

gnathos elongate and tenuous. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: 

Estación Biologia La Selva, (OET), Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Bosque primario, 50–150 m, 10°26'N, 84°01'W, 

18 Mar 1998, L/09/336, slide DRD 4248 (INBio).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Guanacaste: 

Estación Pitilla, 9 km S Santa Cecilia, P. N. Guanacaste, 700 m: 1 ♂, 19–23 Jun 1993, P. Rios, slide USNM 

32806 (USNM). Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, 

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, 

L/00/217: 1 ♂, 17 Apr 1996, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

32816 (USNM); L/00/223: 1 ♂, 22 Apr 1996, INBioOET, slide DRD 4163 (INBIO); L/04/158: 1 UNK, 19 Feb 

1998, INBio-OET, (INBIO); L/09/336: 1 ♂, 18 Mar 1998, 

INBio-OET, slide DRD 4278 (INBIO); L/11/660: 1 ♂, 9 

Jun 1999, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32798 (USNM).

Other Material Examined. ECUADOR:

Napo: SE Tena, nr. Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha and Misahualli, 

400–500 m: 1 ♂, 26–31 Jan 2000, R. Puplesis, slide: AD 

0453, (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Valva >0.4× length of genital capsule, arising more anteriorly along shorter vinculum (Figures 387, 391). Anterior 

margin of vinculum variable, usually broadly U- or V-shaped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

12. Gnathos slender, main body longer than wide, with a pair of slender lateral folds (Figure 391) . . . . . latifurcata group

 Gnathos broader, main body usually broader than long, without lateral folds (Figures 364, 387) . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

13. Gnathos broadly triangular, without lateral lobes or expansion (Figures 364, 387) . . . . . . . . . . . . divaricata group

 Gnathos more quadrate in outline, broadly expanded laterally, often forming lateral lobes (Figures 415, 417) . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . brachybasis group
5 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Flight Period. Collecting records for Costa 

Rica extend from mid February to mid June. A single January record is known for Ecuador.

Distribution. (Map 2) Known primarily 

from the lowland forest of the La Selva Biological Reserve 

in northeastern Costa Rica, with solitary records from 

Guanacaste Province of northwestern Costa Rica and 

Napo Province of east-central Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin rotundus (round) in reference to the diagnostic, 

broad, rounded apex of the gnathal lobe in the males of 

this insect.

Discussion. On the basis of the broadly 

rounded apex of the male gnathos and relatively slender, 

elongate cucullar lobe and valva, this species appears most 

allied to P. ovatula. Their males are distinguished by the 

more slender gnathos and V-shaped vinculum of P. rotunda. The forewing of rotunda also bears a small, dark 

brown dorsal spot that is absent in ovatula.

Pseudopostega ovatula, new species

Figures 138, 263, 264; Map 2

Adult. Figure 138. Length of forewing 2.1–2.3 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings lacking spots but marked with 3, black, slender, subapical costal 

strigulae, and a short, black, curved, terminal strigula. Male 

genitalia with narrow, anteriorly rounded vinculum and large 

cuccular lobe; gnathos with caudal margin broadly rounded; 

basal fold triangular (Figures 263, 264). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white, with occasionally pale yellow tuft at vertex. Scape white; flagellum pale yellowish 

brown dorsally, white ventrally, ~52-segmented. Maxillary 

and labial palpi white.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing white, without 

spots but marked with 3 black, subapical costal strigulae; 

apical spot developed into a distinct, slender, curved terminal 

(fourth) strigula bordered basally with slight suffusion of yellow; cilia pale brownish distally, white on tornus; venter of 

forewing brown to dark gray-brown except for basal cream 

area. Hindwing pale brown both dorsally and ventrally except 

for basal cream area ventrally; cilia pale ochre. Legs white; 

foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces light gray.

Abdomen: Dark gray dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 263, 264. Socii consisting 

of a pair of slender setose lobes widely separated a distance ~0.42× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

broadly truncate. Vinculum relatively elongate, slightly 

constricted immediately anterior to valva, with round, 

anterior margin. Gnathos moderately broad with lateral 

margins subparallel; caudal margin smoothly rounded, 

nearly as broad as base of gnathos; basal fold large and 

triangular (Figure 263). Valva with a large, elongate cucullar lobe ~0.5× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 56–58 blunt spines; pedicel strongly 

sclerotized, slender, curved; valva elongate, length along 

sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe 

long, stout, tapering slightly to relatively broadly rounded, 

setose apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, 

slightly exceeding length of slender costal process. Juxta 

undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ECUADOR: Napo: SE of Coca, 

near Rio Tiputini, Yasuni Research Station, 76°36'W, 

00°38'S, Amazon rainforest at 230 m, 15–25 Jan 2000, R. 

Puplesis, VPU ♂ slide AD 0455 (VPU).

Paratypes. ECUADOR: Napo: SE of Coca, 

near Rio Tiputini, Yasuni Research Station, 76°36'W, 

00°38'S, Amazon rainforest at 230 m, 2 ♂, 15–25 Jan 

2000, R. Puplesis, VPU ♂ slide AD 0457 (VPU); SE of 

Tena, near Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha and Misahualli, 

77°36'W, 01°04'S, Amazon premontane tropical forest, 

400–500 m, 4 ♂, 26–31 Jan 2000, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, 

VPU ♂ slides AD 0454, AD 0456 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January.

Distribution. (Map 2) Known from lowland and premontane Amazonian rainforest of east-central 

Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin ovata (ovally rounded) in reference to the ovally 

rounded vinculum and the same rounded gnathal lobe of 

the male, and the distinctive semi-ovally shaped terminal 

strigula on forewing.

Discussion. Males of this species are easily 

distinguished from those of sister species P. rotunda by the 

relatively broader gnathos and more attenuated, U-shaped 

vinculum. The forewings of ovatula also lack the small, 

dark brown dorsal spot present in rotunda.

The serrata group

The two species comprising this distinctive group are 

characterized by the broadly rounded, bluntly serrated caudal margin of the male gnathos. The males of both species 

possess a thickened basal fold, with that of P. ferruginea

extending sharply caudad. The valvae are of moderate 

length (length along sacculus ~0.5–0.6× length of genital 

capsule), with a prominent saccular lobe. The juxta varies 

from poorly developed to absent.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 5 3

Pseudopostega serrata, new species

Figures 139, 265, 266, 426, 427; Map 3

Adult. Figure 139. Length of forewing 2.3–

3.4 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with 3 brown, subapical costal strigulae, a vestige 

of a short, brown tornal strigula sometimes present, and an 

elongate, dark brown apical spot. Male with caudal margin 

of gnathos broad, minutely serrated with blunt spines; basal 

fold narrow, forming a broad arch (Figures 265, 266). Papillae anales of female consisting of a pair of short, broadly 

rounded and divergent, setose lobes (Figures 426, 427).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

light golden brown, ~54–58-segmented. Maxillary and labial palpi white; lateral surfaces of labial palpus with light 

brownish suffusion.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula with light 

brownish suffusion. Forewing white marked with 3 brown, 

subapical costal strigulae, an elongate, dark brown apical 

spot, and sometimes with a vestige of a short, brown tornal 

strigula; basal most costal strigula the shortest, converging 

and fading with second toward base of dark brown apical 

spot; terminal cilia variable, either curved around apical spot 

or converging toward apex of spot; terminal cilia mostly 

white between strigulae, becoming more brown beyond terminal strigula to tornus and hind margin where cilia become 

white; venter of forewing light brown except for basal white 

area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally 

except for white suffusion at wing base. Legs mostly white 

to cream; foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces suffused 

with light brown; midleg with usually brown bands dorsally 

on tarsomeres 4 and 5; hindleg cream with faint brownish 

dorsal suffusion on tarsomeres 4 and 5.

Map 2. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega rotunda species group.
5 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 265, 266. Socii a pair of 

prominent, widely separated, rounded, setose lobes; caudal 

rim of tegumen forming a broad, shallow, V-shaped concavity. Vinculum broad; anterior margin slightly concave. Gnathos broad basally, tapering only slightly to broadly rounded, 

minutely serrated caudal apex consisting of ~55–60 rounded 

serrations of similar size; anterior margin of gnathos broadly 

concave, with a slender, broadly arched, thickened, basal 

fold (Figure 265). Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.5× 

length of entire genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single row of 41–44 blunt spines; pedicel broad, 

width ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length 

along sacculus ~0.7× length of entire genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately slender, rounded, extending to apex of 

pedicel; basal process of valva slender, acute, approximately 

equaling length of costal lobe. Juxta consisting of a slender, 

acute, median projection from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 426, 427. Abdomen tapering to a narrowly rounded, minutely cleft apex. Posterior apophyses elongate, each apophysis fused for most of 

its length. Papillae anales consisting of a pair of broadly 

rounded and divergent lobes (Figure 427); lobes short, 

length ~1.5× width, bearing ~8–10 moderately long setae. 

Vestibulum moderately narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae approximately same diameter to corpus bursae; inner 

walls densely lined with 2 concentrations of pectinations 

consisting of 3–6 minute spicules arranged in short, transverse rows; pectinations terminating at separation of ductus 

spermathecae. Corpus bursae elliptical, enlarging anterior 

to separation of ductus spermathecae; a narrow, elliptical, 

faint band of minute, external tubercles extending most of 

the length of bursa. Ductus spermathecae elongate, ~0.6× 

length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal slender, 

elongate; inner canal terminating in 4–5 convolutions; vesicle composed of an enlarged, single coiled tube terminating 

in a slightly smaller, trumpet-shaped, tubular appendage.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva (OET), Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, 25 Aug 1998, 

Bosque secundario, L/08/453, slide DRD 4138 (INBIO).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Cartago: Paraíso, 

Parque Nacional Tapantí, 300 m N and 100 m S of Mirador, 1350 m: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Jun 2002, R. Delgado, slides 

USNM DRD 4317, 33072 (INBIO, USNM). Santa Cruz, 

Turrialba, 1500 m: 1 ♂, Aug 1981, V. O. Becker, slide 

DRD 4232 (VOB). Turrialba, 600 m: 1 ♂, Jul 1981, V. O. 

Becker, slide USNM 32766 (USNM). Heredia: El Ceibo, 

10 km SW La Virgen, 500 m: 1 ♂, 23 Jan 2003, K. Nishida, 

slide USNM 32907 (USNM); 450–550 m, 05/L/00/033: 1 

♂, 15 Mar 2003, M. Epstein, slide DRD 4287 (INBIO). Estación Biológica La Selva, 10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, 

L/11/636: 1 ♂, 11 May 1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4193 

(INBIO); L/12/339: 2 ♂, 24 Mar 1998, INBio-OET, slides 

DRD 4184, USNM 32812 (INBIO, USNM); L/12/375: 1 

♂, 14 May 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4171 (INBIO); 

L/14/459: 1 ♂, 1 Sep 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

32810 (USNM); L/16/379: 1 ♂, 20 May 1998, INBioOET, slide DRD 4185 (INBIO). Finca Murillo, 9 km NE 

Vara Blanca, 1500 m: 1 ♂, 10 Apr 2005, K. Nishida, 15/

L02/055 trap, slide 4352 (INBIO). Limón: R. B. Hitoy 

Cerere, Sector Calavera Danta, 400–500 m: 1 ♂, 14 

Mar 2002, M. Moraga & L. Chavarria, slide DRD 4320 

(INBIO). Puntarenas: Estación La Casona, Reserva Biológica Monteverde, 1520 m: 1 ♂, Mar 1992, N. Obando, 

slide DRD 4182 (INBIO). ECUADOR: Napo: SE Tena, 

nr. Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha and Misahualli, 400–500 m: 1 

♂, 26–31 Jan 2000, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slide AD 0356 

(VPU). Panama: Trinidad River: 1 ♂, Mar 1912, 

A. Busck, slide USNM 31968 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults probably can be encountered through much of the year in Costa Rica, with 

known records occuring in January, March, April, May, 

and July to September. A single January record reported 

for Ecuador and a March record for Panama.

Distribution. (Map 3) Relatively widespread in Costa Rica to 1520 m. A single lowland locality 

reported for Ecuador and southern Panama.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin serratus (toothed like a saw) in reference to the 

minutely serrated caudal margin of the male gnathos.

Discussion. Possessing nearly immaculate 

forewings, this species differs markedly from its nearest 

relative, the West Indian species P. ferruginea, which possesses forewings with ferruginous apices. The basal fold of 

the gnathos of P. serrata also differs in being more transverse and not extended caudally as in ferruginea.

Pseudopostega ferruginea, new species

Figures 140, 267, 268, 428, 429; Map 3

Adult. Figure 140. Length of forewing 2.1–

2.9 mm. Small, mostly white moth with distal third of 

forewing ferruginous and a black dorsal spot present near 

basal third; subapical strigulae absent. Male genitalia with 

caudal margin of gnathos broadly round, minutely serrated 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 5 5

with blunt spines; subapical-lateral margins of plate sharply 

flared; basal fold deeply cleft, inverted V-shaped (Figures 

267, 268). Papillae anales of female bilobed; lobes short, 

broadly truncate (Figure 429).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum golden 

brown, ~50–54-segmented. Maxillary and labial palpi white, 

with dark suffusion of fuscous laterally.

Thorax: White, anterior margin of tegula faintly 

suffused with dark brown. Forewing mostly white, with a 

roughly triangular black spot along basal third of dorsal 

margin; distal third of wing uniformly ferruginous except 

for small, dark brown apical spot and dark brown basal 

margin of apical fascia, which is slanted obliquely inward 

toward costa; terminal cilia ferruginous, fading to pale 

brown along tornus and dorsal margin; venter of forewing 

brown except for large patch of white over basal half of 

discal cell area. Hindwing and cilia brown both dorsally 

and ventrally. Legs mostly white; forelegs and midlegs with

lateral margins of femora and tibiae suffused with brown; 

tarsi much paler, often with scattered brown scales; hindleg 

with cream suffusion laterally; tarsi white.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, cream to white laterally and ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 267, 268. Socii consisting 

of short, narrowly rounded, widely separated, setose lobes; 

caudal rim of uncus sclerotized as a evenly rounded excavation between socii. Vinculum broad; anterior margin slightly 

truncate. Gnathos complex, consisting of a broad basal plate 

extending laterally nearly to apices of socii, which terminates 

in a broad caudal lobe with a subtruncate to slightly convex 

caudal, serrated margin bearing a dense row of more than 

40 short, blunt spines and several, smaller, more scattered 

spines midventrally; anterior margin of gnathos with a deep, 

midventral groove that narrows caudally and extends most 

of length of gnathos; groove bordered by basal fold that projects as an elongate conical process which terminates caudally 

Map 3. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega serrata species group.
5 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

in a narrow, rounded lobe. Valva with a relatively large cucullar lobe ~0.45× length of genital lobe, bearing a pectinifer 

consisting of 27–30 blunt spines; pedicel elongate, relatively 

broad, width ~0.2× length of cucullar lobe; valva relatively 

short, length along sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; 

saccular lobe moderately stout, extending halfway along 

pedicel; basal process of valva relatively short, less than 

length of elongate costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 428, 429. Abdomen tapering to a narrow, rounded apex. Each posterior apophysis divided ~half its length, short, slender. Papillae anales 

bilobed; lobes divergent, short, slightly broader than long, 

broadly truncate; bearing numerous long setae. Vestibulum 

with minute, broadly dentate spicules extending mostly into 

ductus bursae. Ductus bursae moderately slender, elongate, 

with a zone of dense, broadly pectinate, mostly 4–6-dentate 

spicules. Corpus bursae relatively small, elliptical, with a 

zone of broad pectinated spicules consisting of fused, transverse rows of 4–6 minute spicules at junction with ductus; 

a faint, partially U-shaped band of numerous, irregular, exterior tubercles extending most of length of bursa. Ductus 

spermathecae relatively short, ~0.3× length of bursa copulatrix; outer membranous canal bulbous at bursa, then narrowing distally; inner canal with 3–4 distal convolutions 

and slightly enlarging to small, bulbous vesicle.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; USA: Virgin Islands: St. 

Thomas, 300 m: 25–30 Jul 1987, V. O. Becker 67213 

(USNM).

Paratypes. Puerto Rico: Centro Vacacional, Monte del Estado, near Maricao, 650 m: 5 ♂, 7 ♀, 5 

UNK, 1–9 Mar 1971, C. P. Kimball, slides USNM 31847, 

32745, 32744, 32746, 32963, 32962 (USNM). U.S. 

Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, 300 m: 1 ♂, 25–30 Jul 

1987, V. O. Becker (VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in March and 

July.

Distribution. (Map 3) West Indies: Puerto 

Rico and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Etymology. The specific name is derived 

from the Latin ferruginus (reddish brown, rust-colored), 

as suggested by the reddish brown, forewing apical band 

diagnostic for this species.

Discussion. The conspicuous ferruginous 

apex of the forewing easily distinguishes this species from 

all other New World Opostegidae. The pronounced, caudally extended basal fold of the male gnathos and proportionately broader caudal lobe further distinguishes 

P. ferruginea from its nearest relative, P. serrata.

The lateriplicata group

The members of this group are characterized primarily by the variable development of a pair of lateral folds 

on the male gnathos. A basal fold may be present (in 

P. abrupta) or absent. The length of the valvae along the 

sacculus ranges from ~0.5 to 0.7× the length of the genital 

capsule. The juxta may be present or absent.

Pseudopostega abrupta (Walsingham)

Figures 141, 269, 270, 430, 431; Map 4

Opostega abrupta Walsingham, 1897:139.—Forbes, 1930:149.—Davis, 

1984:18.

Pseudopostega abrupta (Walsingham).—Davis, 1989:75.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:417.

Adult. Figure 141. Length of forewing 2.5–3.0 

mm. Small white moth with white forewings marked by 

a small, dark brown apical spot, 2–3 light to dark brown 

subapical, costal strigulae, and rarely with faint brownish 

middorsal spot. Male with caudal lobe of gnathos stout, 

apex broadly round; basal fold deeply incised, thickened 

laterally (Figures 269, 270). Papillae anales of female consisting of a pair of extremely short, tuberculate lobes divided for less than half their length (Figure 431).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

brown, ~49–56-segmented. Maxillary palpus white. Labial 

palpus white to cream, suffused with brown laterally.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing white marked by 

a small, dark brown apical spot (lacking in many specimens), 

2–3 light to dark brown subapical, costal strigulae, and 

rarely with a faint, light brown middorsal spot; first strigula 

the shortest and barely separated from strigula 2; terminal 

strigula sinuate, curving around apical spot; terminal cilia 

and venter of forewing brown except for basal white area. 

Hindwing and cilia golden brown dorsally and ventrally 

except for white subhumeral suffusion. Legs mostly cream; 

foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces brown; mid- and 

hindlegs white to cream.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white to 

cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 269, 270. Socii a pair of 

moderately large, elongate, rounded, setose lobes, widely 

separated by a distance ~equal to length of cucullar lobe; 

caudal rim of uncus slightly concave. Vinculum broad; 

anterior margin subtruncate. Gnathos weakly sclerotized, 

broad at base, gradually tapering to broadly rounded, 

often slightly enlarged, dorsally recurved, caudal lobe; 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 5 7

anterior margin with a narrow, deep incision extending 

~0.7× length of gnathos; basal fold broad laterally, gradually narrowing caudally along medial incision; a pair of 

slender, secondary lateral folds extending nearly the entire 

length of gnathos. Valva with small cucullar lobe ~0.3× 

length of genital capsule, bearing short pectinifer consisting of ~26–33 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe 

prominently extended as a small, setose, rounded lobe; 

pedicel moderately stout, width ~0.14× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, ~0.7× length of genital capsule; 

saccular lobe moderately broad, with irregularly setose, 

rounded apex; basal process of valva short, acute; costal 

process of valva stout, relatively short but slightly longer 

than basal process. Juxta well developed, broad basally, 

tapering to an elongate rod-like sclerite.

Female Genitalia: Figures 430, 431. Abdomen tapering to a moderately broad, subacute, slightly cleft apex. 

Each posterior apophysis fused most of its length, slender, 

elongate. Papillae anales consisting of a pair of extremely 

short, tuberculate lobes divided for less than half their 

length; length of entire papilla ~0.33× maximum width; 

each lobe bearing ~6 elongate setae, the longest ~0.5× length 

of posterior apophyses (Figure 430). Vestibulum relatively 

broad, membranous with a dense zone of minute pectinate 

spicules at anterior end extending into ductus bursae; spicules arranged usually 5–8 per transverse row; ductus bursae broad, mostly joined with broad spermathecal canal, 

with an elongate, relatively narrow zone of minute, pectinate spicules arranged in long transverse rows of 7–9 spicules at anterior end. Corpus bursae relatively large, broad, 

with a faint, irregular U-shaped band bearing numerous, 

minute, blunt to acute, external tubercles partially encircling anterior half of the bursae (Figure 430). Spermathecal 

duct ~0.75× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer 

canal broad, elongate, nearly as long as inner canal; inner 

canal long, sinuous, terminating in ~3–4 convolutions; vesicle relatively short, curved.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; USA: Virgin Islands: St. Thomas: 19 Mar 1914, Hedemann, slide 2362 (MGAB).

Material Examined. British Virgin

Islands: Guana Island, 0–80 m: 1 ♂, 1–14 Jul 1984, 

S. E. & P. M. Miller, slide USNM 32723; 3 ♂, 6 ♀, 1 

UNK, 10–25 Jul 1988, S. E. Miller & C. O. Connell, 

slide USNM 32487; 25 ♂, 30 ♀, 1 UNK, 9–23 Jul 1987, 

V. O. Becker & S. E. Miller. slides USNM 32921, 31845, 

32722; 6 ♂, 9 ♀, 10 UNK, Oct 1989, V. O. Becker, slide 

USNM 32485 (USNM, VOB); 1 ♀, 24–31 Oct 1990, 4 

♂, 12 ♀, 1–5 Nov 1990, S. E. Miller & T. M. Kuklenski, 

slide USNM 33147 (USNM). Guana Island, Clubhouse, 

40–60 m: 2 ♀, 1 UNK, 13–26 Jul 1986, S. E. Miller & 

M. G. Pogue. 

Pogue, slide USNM 32724 (USNM). North Bay, 0 m: 

1 ♀, 13–26 Jul 1986, S. E. Miller & M. G. Pogue (USNM). 

U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas: 1 ♂ (holotype), 19 

Mar 1914, Hedemann, slide 2362 (MGAB); St. Thomas, 

300 m: 4 ♂, 1 ♀, 25–30 Jul 1987, V. O. Becker, slide 

USNM 32726 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in March, 

July, October, and November.

Distribution. (Map 4) West Indies: Guana 

Island (British Virgin Islands) and St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin 

Islands).

Discussion. Previously P. abrupta was known 

only from the male holotype collected in 1914 and now 

lacking its head. One result of the Guana Island survey 

(see Acknowledgments) was the collection of a large series of this (and other) species together with associated females. Males of abrupta differ from other members of the 

group in the gnathos possessing a well-developed, deeply 

incised basal fold and are similar to P. floridensis in the 

broadly rounded caudal lobe of the gnathos and presence 

of a relatively well developed juxta.

Pseudopostega floridensis, new species

Figures 142, 271, 432, 433; Map 4

Adult. Figure 142. Length of forewing 2.4 

mm. Small white moth with a variably distinct dark brown 

dorsal spot on forewing and dark brown apical spot, 2 

brownish costal and 1 tornal strigulae. Male gnathos with 

slender lateral folds and deep median cleft extending to 

broadly rounded apex (Figure 271). Papillae anales of female consisting of a pair of relatively long, slender, widely 

divergent lobes (Figure 433).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum dark 

cream, ~52-segmented. Palpi cream to ochreous cream; labial palpus with brownish suffusion dorsolaterally.

Thorax: White. Forewing white in holotype without 

distinct dorsal spot except for a few brownish scales present 

along middle of dorsal margin on right wing; female with a 

small, more distinct, dark brown dorsal spot; 2 brown, subapical, costal strigulae present; first strigula fading to light ochreous yellow, triangular area before dark brown apical spot; 

strigula 2 elongate, curving distally around apical spot; a faint, 

tornal strigula continuing a short distance below ochreous yellow area; terminal cilia light brown between costal strigulae, 

becoming white around tornus, then light brown along dorsal 
5 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

margin; venter of forewing dark cream. Hindwing uniformly 

ochreous cream dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly ochreous 

cream; foreleg suffused with brown dorsally.

Abdomen: Ochreous cream dorsally, whitish cream 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figure 271. Socii a pair of elongate, 

setose lobes widely separated by ~0.9× length of cucullar lobe; 

caudal rim of uncus extremely narrow, subtruncate. Vinculum broad; anterior margin subtruncate. Gnathos broad at 

base, gradually tapering caudally to broadly rounded apex; 

anterior margin of gnathos deeply divided to apex of broad 

caudal lobe; a pair of slender lateral folds present; basal fold 

absent. Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.5× length of 

genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~30 blunt 

spines; pedicel moderately stout, nearly 0.2× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, ~0.9× length of genital capsule; 

saccular lobe slender, width less than that of pedicel, tapering to narrowly rounded, setose apex; basal process gradually tapering to slender, acute apex; costal process relatively 

short, less than length of basal process. Juxta an elongate, 

slender, membranous projection from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 432, 433. Abdomen tapering to a moderately broad, subacute, slightly cleft apex. 

Each posterior apophysis fused nearly its entire length, slender, elongate. Papillae anales consisting of a pair of short, 

slender, widely separated lobes; length of each lobe ~2.0× 

maximum width; each lobe bearing ~5–6 elongate setae, the 

longest ~0.5× length of posterior apophyses; lobes extremely 

divergent, with axis of each lobe directed nearly lateral (Figure 433). Vestibulum relatively broad, membranous with a 

dense zone of minute pectinate spicules at anterior end extending over into ductus bursae; spicules arranged usually 

5–10 per transverse row; ductus bursae broad, constricted 

slightly at juntion with corpus bursae, mostly joined with 

slender spermathecal canal, completely lined with minute, 

pectinate spicules as above. Corpus bursae relatively slender, 

Map 4. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega lateriplicata species group.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 5 9

elongate; a sparse scattering of minute, short, slender spines 

present internally over anterior half; external tubercles apparently absent (Figure 432). Spermathecal duct ~0.5× 

length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal slender, 

elongate, as long as inner canal; inner canal long, sinuous, 

without convolutions, terminating as a semicircular curve 

inside a relatively short, circular vesicle.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; USA: Florida: Monroe Co.: 

Key Largo: 28 Jun 1965, S. Kemp, slide USNM 32433 

(USNM).

Paratype. USA: Florida: Monroe Co.: Key 

Largo: 1 ♀, 20 Nov 1964, S. Kemp, slide USNM 32463 

(USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in June and 

November.

Distribution. (Map 4) Known only from the 

type locality in southern Florida (USA).

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the general type locality, Florida, and –ensis, a suffix denoting place, locality.

Discussion. The type series of P. kempella

(Eyer) was found to include two other species, P. floridensis and parakempella, in addition to kempella. The holotype specimen of floridensis is lacking the right forewing 

and shows slight damage at the apex of the left forewing, 

which leaves some doubt as to the complete development and subsequent description of the apical strigulae. 

This specimen also possesses only a faint indication of 

a forewing dorsal spot, which is much more distinct in 

the female paratype. The two specimens are believed to 

be conspecific on the basis of their very similar subapical 

forewing strigulae. The slender, extremely divergent papillae anales present in the paratype are also distinct from 

any other female Pseudopostega currently known to occur 

in Florida, in particular P. kempella and parakempella. 

Both specimens were collected in a blacklight trap.

Pseudopostega lateriplicata, new species

Figures 143, 272, 273; Map 4

Adult. Figure 143. Length of forewing 1.9 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewing marked with 

a small, pale brown, dorsal spot just below middle of dorsal margin, 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, 1 short, 

dark brown tornal strigula, and a fuscous apical spot. Male 

gnathos narrowly triangular, with relatively prominent, nearly 

convergent, lateral folds (Figure 272). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum brown 

dorsally, light golden brown ventrally; segments missing (broken) distal to 35. Palpi white to cream; labial palpus with light 

brown suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula with faint 

trace of light brown suffusion. Forewing almost entirely white 

with a small, pale brown, dorsal spot just below middle of dorsal margin, 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, 1 short, 

dark brown tornal strigula, and a fuscous apical spot; strigula 

1 faintly preserved, narrowly separated and slightly convergent with 2, both fading before dark fuscous apical spot; 3 

curving slightly around apical spot then fading at tornus; 

tornal strigula faint; terminal cilia mostly light brown, white 

between strigulae; venter of forewing brown except for basal 

white area. Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally 

except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white; foreleg 

with dorsal surfaces of femur and tibia mostly suffused with 

brown, less so on basal 3 tarsomeres; mid- and hindleg with 

lighter brown bands dorsally at apices of tarsomeres 1–3.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 272, 273. Socii a pair of 

moderately small, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated a 

distance ~0.9× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

shallowly concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin ~concave. Gnathos moderately narrow, triangular, elongate, 

gradually narrowing to form an elongate, subacute, dorsally slanted, caudal lobe; apex of lobe subacute; anterior 

margin membranous, slightly concave; basal fold modified 

to form a prominent pair of lateral folds, well separated 

caudally; length of folds ~0.7× length of entire gnathos (Figure 273). Valva with cucullar lobe reduced, ~0.3× length 

of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single row of 18–20 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe 

moderately extended, slender; pedicel broad, width ~0.33× 

length of cucullar lobe; valva short, length along sacculus 

~0.6× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe tapering to 

a slender, setose, minutely rounded apex; basal process of 

valva tapering to acute base, approximately equaling length 

of slender costal lobe. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Costa Rica: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, 10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, 

Bosque secondario, L/17/590, 11 Mar 1999, INBio-OET, 

slide DRD 4281 (INBIO).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. March (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 4) Known only from the 

La Selva Biological Reserve, a lowland rainforest area in 

northeastern Costa Rica.
6 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin lateris (side) and plica (fold) in reference to the 

prominent, lateral folds on the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male of this species can be 

recognized by having the lateral folds of the gnathos the 

most developed in the group. The caudal lobe of the gnathos is also the most attenuated and straight of the other 

three species.

Pseudopostega uncinata, new species

Figures 144, 274, 275, 434, 435; Map 4

Adult. Figure 144. Length of forewing 2.5–

3.1 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked by a moderately large, dark brownish fuscous spot 

near base of hind margin; two variable, short, dark brown, 

subapical costal stigulae and a single elongate, sinuate terminal strigula extending to apex; a short, dark brown, 

indistinct tornal strigula usually evident. Male genitalia 

with a strongly recurved, subacute gnathos and elongate 

cucullar lobe; basal fold restricted to lateral margins of anterior third of gnathos (Figures 274, 275). Papillae anales 

of female consisting of a pair of small, short, slender setose 

lobes divided to base (Figure 435).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum 

golden brown, ~49–53-segmented. Maxillary palpus white. 

Labial palpus white with brown suffusion dorsolaterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula dark 

brown; pronotum with a few scattered brownish scales 

across middle. Forewing mostly white with a moderately 

large, dark brownish fuscous spot near base of hind margin; a pale brownish suffusion and scattered brownish scales 

extending along median third of wing; two pairs of dark 

brown, closely parallel, subapical costal strigulae present; 

first strigula light brown, short, relatively broad; strigula 2 

indistinct, dark brown, extremely slender, extending to area 

of apical spot; terminal strigula dark brown, elongate, slender, sinuate, extending to apex; apical spot indistinct, largely 

confluent with terminal strigula; a short, indistinct tornal 

strigula extending toward tornus from area of apical spot; 

terminal cilia cream to light brown; venter of forewing light 

brown with whitish subhumeral area. Hindwing and cilia 

light golden to silvery brown both dorsally and ventrally. 

Foreleg mostly white, with dorsolateral surface of femur suffused with brown; mid- and hindlegs whitish cream.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally; whitish 

cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 274, 275. Socii a pair of slender, relatively long, setose lobes, widely separated a distance 

~0.8× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus moderately concave, broadly V-shaped. Vinculum slender; anterior 

margin narrowly rounded. Gnathos triangular, broad at base, 

tapering gradually to moderately long, slender, strongly recurved, subacute caudal lobe; anterior margin indistinct, 

slightly convex; basal fold restricted to lateral margins of 

anterior third of gnathos (Figure 275). Valva with greatly 

elongate cucullar lobe ~0.55× length of genital capsule, bearing pectinifer consisting of ~54–56 blunt spines; distal apex 

of cucullar lobe reduced, rounded; pedicel moderately stout, 

width ~0.2× length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately short, 

length along sacculus ~0.6× length of genital capsule; saccular 

lobe moderately broad, tapering slightly to moderately broad, 

irregular, subacute, setose apex; basal process of valva gradually tapering to moderately slender, subacute apex; costal 

process of valva relatively long and slender, approximately 

equal to length of basal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 434, 435. Abdomen tapering to a moderately broad, subacute, slightly cleft apex. 

Each posterior apophyses fused most of its length, slender, 

elongate. Papillae anales bilobed, consisting of a pair of 

small, short, slender lobes divided to base and bearing ~6, 

moderately long setae, the longest ~0.33× length of posterior 

apophyses; length of each lobe ~2.0× width (Figure 434). 

Vestibulum broad, membranous. Ductus bursae broad, with 

a dense patch of minute, irregularly rounded spicules concentrated along left side near caudal end; also with elongate 

zone of indistinct spicules arranged in transverse rows of 

usually 4–9 minute spines near junction with corpus bursae. Corpus bursae broadly oval, with an irregular U-shaped 

band of numerous, relatively elongate, blunt, external tuburcles (Figure 434) partially encircling most of length of the 

bursa. Spermathecal duct ~0.8–0.9× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal relatively narrow; inner canal 

long, sinuous, terminating in ~3–4 elongate convolutions; 

vesicle a small rounded sac, with a short, curved lagena.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; VENEZUELA: Guarico: Hato 

Masaguaral, 45 km S. Calabozo, 75 m, 6–8 May 1988, 

malaise trap near dried lake, M. Epstein & R. Blahnik, 

slide USNM 33030 (USNM).

Paratypes. Venezuela: Guarico: Hato 

Masaguaral, 45 km S. Calabozo, 75 m: 1 ♀, 6–8 May 

1988, 3 ♀, 9–11 May 1988, malaise trap, savanna, M. Epstein & R. Blahnik, slide USNM 33031 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. May.

Distribution. (Map 4) Known only from the 

type locality, a general savanna habitat with some adjacent gallery forests in north-central Venezuela.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 6 1

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin uncinatus (hooked), in reference to the diagnostic, dorsally recurved apex of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The gnathos of this species is 

characteristic in possessing a relatively broad base that tapers abruptly to form a strongly recurved caudal lobe. The 

slender lateral folds of uncinata are the most reduced of 

any member of the lateriplicata group.

The spatulata group

The males within the spatulata group are distinguished 

by the broad, usually quadrate base of the gnathos, which 

abruptly constricts to form a slender to stout caudal process or lobe. The apex of the lobe varies from subacute to 

broadly spatulate or faintly bilobed. A basal fold is usually 

present but may be absent. The valvae are moderately long 

(length along the sacculus usually ranges from ~0.6–0.7× 

the length of the genital capsule), with well-developed saccular lobes. Some vestige of a juxta is typically present.

Pseudopostega microacris, new species

Figures 145, 276, 277, 436, 437; Map 5

Adult. Figure 145. Length of forewing 2.2–

2.4 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with a small brown dorsal spot at basal third, 

2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, a short, faint 

brown tornal strigula, and a dark brown to fuscous, elongate apical spot. Male gnathos tapering to short, slender, 

dorsally upturned, caudal lobe; basal fold absent (Figure 

276). Papillae anales of female consisting of a pair of 

short, irregular lobes, each bearing a smaller, secondary 

lobe from basal inner margin (Figure 437).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum brown, 

39-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream; labial palpus white 

with brown suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula with faint 

light brown suffusion. Forewing almost entirely white, sometimes with yellowish brown suffusion along distal third of costa 

and over distal fourth of wing, becoming more brown near 

inner margin of first costal strigula; 2 dark brown, subapical 

costal strigulae present, first strigula fading toward elongate, 

dark brown apical spot; stigula 2 extending through terminal 

cilia around apical spot to tornus; one short, brown, tornal 

strigula either poorly preserved or absent; an elongate, brown 

dorsal spot approximately equal to length of scape present 

at basal third of dorsal margin; terminal cilia mostly white 

between strigulae, predominantly brown beyond strigula 2, 

becoming paler brown to white along dorsal margin; venter 

of forewing light brown except for basal white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs white 

to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces brown, tarsomeres predominantly white; midleg with light brown bands dorsally on 

tarsomeres 3 and 4; tarsal banding absent on hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 276, 277. Socii a pair of 

broad, low rounded, setose lobes, narrowly separated a distance less than 0.3× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of 

tegumen smoothly concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin subtruncate. Gnathos with a broadly rounded base that 

constricts abruptly to form a slender, moderately reduced, 

subacute caudal lobe; apex of lobe dorsally upturned; anterior ventral margin broadly rounded, without basal fold. 

Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.35× length of entire genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single row of ~31 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe 

slightly extended as a setose, rounded lobe; pedicel broad, 

approximately 0.33× length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately long, length along sacculus ~0.6× length of entire genital capsule; saccular lobe slender, tapering, terminating in 

two small, setose lobes, one situated more subapical; basal 

process of valva slender, acute, exceeding length of slender 

costal lobe, with both terminating at half the length of valva 

from anterior margin of vinculum. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 436, 437. Abdomen tapering to a moderately broad, subacute, slightly cleft apex. 

Each posterior apophyses fused most its length, slender, 

elongate. Papillae anales bilobed, consisting of a pair of 

short, irregular lobes, each bearing a smaller, secondary 

lobe from basal inner margin (Figure 437) and bearing 4 

long setae from main lobe and 2 long setae from smaller secondary lobe; length of primary lobe ~equal to basal width. 

Vestibulum moderately broad, membranous. Ductus bursae 

broad, gradually enlarging to moderately elongate corpus 

bursae; with a dense patch of minute spicules concentrated 

at caudal end of ductus bursae and anterior end of vestibulum; spicules variable, arranged in short, transverse rows 

of 2–3 spicules caudally, gradually increasing in length anteriorly to rows of 4–10 spicules. A larger concentration of 

spicules located at caudal end of corpus bursae, consisting 

of numerous, elongate rows of 6–10 spicules. Corpus bursae membranous except for a faint, curved band of small, 

irregular tuberculate outgrowths extending along the anterior 2/3 of the bursa. Spermathecal duct [partially broken] 

~0.7× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal 

relatively narrow; inner canal long, sinuous, terminating in 

~2–3 short convolutions; [vesicle missing, not examined].

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.
6 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: 

Estación Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 

bosque secondario, L/15/496: 27 Oct 1998, INBio-OET, 

slide DRD 4210 (INBIO).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Cartago: R. F. 

Pacuare, Turrialba, P. N. Barbilla, Estación Barbilla, 500 

m: 1 ♂,1 ♀, Jan 2002, L. Chavarria, slides DRD 4266, 

USNM 33073 (INBIO, USNM). Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, arboleda, 

10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, L/05/087: 1 ♂, 16 Nov 

1993, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32788 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in January 

and October to November.

Distribution. (Map 5) Northeastern Costa 

Rica in lowland rainforest from 50–500 m elevation.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Greek mikros (small, little) and akron (top, tip, end) 

in reference to the diagnostic slender, reduced apex of the 

caudal lobe of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The caudal lobe of the gnathos is 

diagnostic for this species in being the most reduced and 

sharply recurved of the spatulata group. The socii are also 

distinctive in being relatively broad and short.

Pseudopostega fumida, new species

Figures 146, 278, 279; Map 5

Adult. Figure 146. Length of forewing 2.1 mm. 

Small, predominantly glossy gray moth with a largely 

white head and forewing with a small indistinct, fuscous 

costal spot near distal third, two fuscous, subapical costal 

strigulae, and a small fuscous apical spot. Gnathos of male 

genitalia with broad, rectangular base abruptly narrowing to elongate, slender caudal lobe; basal fold triangular, 

Map 5. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega spatulata species group.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 6 3

relatively indistinct from ventral view (Figures 278, 279). 

Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white except cream frontal tuft. 

Scape white; flagellum glossy pale brown, ~32-segmented. 

Maxillary and labial palpi glossy pale brown.

Thorax: Coppery grayish brown, glossy. Forewing 

coppery grayish brown, with small fuscous spot on distal 

third of costa; two fuscous, subapical costal strigulae present; strigula 1 terminating at small fuscous apical spot; 

strigula 2 less developed; cilia brown; venter of forewing 

brown. Hindwing and cilia brown both dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly brownish gray.

Abdomen: Color not observed.

Male Genitalia: Figures 278, 279. Socii consisting 

of a pair of stout, elongate, rounded, setose lobes broadly 

separated a distance ~0.75× length of cucullar lobe; caudal 

rim of uncus shallowly concave. Vinculum gradually narrowed anteriorly; anterior margin subtruncate. Gnathos 

with broad, laterally thickened, rectangular base abruptly 

narrowing to elongate, slender, acute caudal lobe; anterior 

margin of gnathos relatively membranous, truncate; basal 

fold triangular, relatively short and indistinct from ventral 

view (Figure 278). Valva with a relatively large cucullar 

lobe ~0.3× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer 

consisting of a single row of 32–34 slender, blunt spines; 

distal apex of cucullar lobe well developed, terminating 

in a conical tuberculate, setose apex; pedicel short and 

broad; width ~0.3× length of cucullar lobe; length of valva 

along sacculus ~0.6× length of genital capsule; saccular 

lobe moderately stout, short, subacute; basal process of 

valva long, acute, exceeding length of costal process. Juxta 

poorly developed as a rudimentary, sinuous rod.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Belize: Cayo District: S. of 

Teakettle Village, Pook’s Hill Nature Reserve: 28–29 Apr 

1998, secondary tropical forest, R. Puplesis, slide AD 

0447 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. April (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 5) Known only from 

the type locality in secondary, tropical forest of central 

Belize.

Etymology. The specific name is derived 

from the Latin fumida (smoked-colored, darkened), as 

suggested by the unusual dark color of the moth.

Discussion. This species is easily recognized 

by the combination of its unusually dark grayish wing 

color and pale head. The caudal lobe of the male gnathos 

is long, slender, and dorsally recurved more than any other 

member of the spatulata group.

Pseudopostega gracilis, new species

Figures 147, 280, 281, 438, 439; Map 5

Adult. Figure 147. Length of forewing 2.3–

2.5 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, 2 

dark brown, terminal strigulae, a small, elongate, dark 

brown apical spot, and a faint vestige of a light brown 

tornal strigula. Male with gnathos abruptly constricting to 

a slender, rod-like caudal lobe; basal fold strongly arched 

into a pair of short, lateral folds broadly separated at midline (Figures 280, 281). Papillae anales of female bilobed, 

consisting of a pair of short, truncate, widely separated, 

setose lobes (Figure 439).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 44–46 segmented. Palpi 

white; labial palpus with suffusion of light gray to brown 

dorsally and laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula white with faint brownish suffusion along anterior margin. Forewing almost entirely white with 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, 

2 dark brown, terminal strigulae, a small, elongate, dark 

brown apical spot, and a faint vestige of a light brown 

tornal strigula; first strigula the most distinct, extending 

along distal costal margin a short distance; strigula 2 the 

most slender, faint, terminating near or slightly beyond 

apex of first; strigula 3 elongate, slightly curved, ending at 

slender, dark brown apical spot; area immediately caudad 

to spot lightly suffused with pale yellowish brown; 2 terminal strigulae approximately equal in length and sinuate, 

curving around apical spot to tornus; a faint, brown tornal stigula sometimes present, extending down from apical spot; terminal cilia mostly light brown, white between 

strigulae 1–3 and between terminal strigulae, white along 

tornal area, becoming cream to very light brown along 

dorsal margin; venter of forewing light brown except for 

basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing white to cream 

dorsally and ventrally, usually more cream to light brown 

along costal margin ventrally; cilia cream to light brown. 

Legs mostly white to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces 

partially suffused with light brown, tarsomeres mostly 

dark cream; midleg with dark brown suffusion dorsally 

on tarsomeres 3 and 4; very faint brownish tarsal suffusion on tarsomeres 3 and 4 of hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 280, 281. Socii a pair of 

large, triangular, setose lobes, widely separated a distance 

~equal to length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus a 
6 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

broad, relatively shallow concavity. Vinculum relatively 

elongate, noticeably constricted slightly anterior to basal 

articulation of valvae, with more narrow anterior margin truncate. Base of gnathos broad, short, abruptly constricted to form an elongate, slender caudal lobe; anterior 

margin membranous; basal fold strongly arched into a pair 

of short, lateral folds broadly separated at midline; with a 

pair of triangular sclerites immediately anterior to gnathos 

and a second pair of small triangular sclerites laterally between base of gnathos and socii and immediately caudad 

to anterior pair of sclerites. Valva with cucullar lobe reduced, ~0.3× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~22 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar 

lobe rounded, not extended; pedicel broad, width ~0.3× 

length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately long, length 

along sacculus ~0.7× length of genital capsule; saccular 

lobe elongate, slender, extending beyond apex of pedicel; 

basal process of valva slender, attenuated, slightly exceeding length of costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 438, 439. Abdomen 

tapering to a narrowly rounded, slightly cleft apex. Each 

posterior apophyses elongate, fused for most of length. 

Papillae anales consisting of a pair of relatively slender, 

slightly divergent lobes (Figure 439); lobes moderately 

elongate, length ~2× maximum (apical) width, bearing ~5 

relatively short setae slightly longer than lobes; apex of 

lobe obliquely subtruncate; lobes widely separated a distance ~equal to their lengths by a relatively deep, smoothly 

concave excavation. Vestibulum moderately broad, membranous. Ductus bursae approximately same diameter as 

corpus bursae; inner walls densely lined with an elongate 

concentration of pectinations consisting of 3–11 minute 

spicules arranged in variable, transverse rows; pectinations terminating caudad to separation of membranous 

portion of ductus spermathecae. Corpus bursae elliptical, 

beginning to enlarge near separation of membranous ductus spermathecae; anterior third encircled by a dense zone 

of minute spicules similar to those around ductus bursae. 

Ductus spermathecae elongate, ~0.6× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal moderately broad, short; 

inner canal slender, terminating in 1–2 convolutions; vesicle composed of a slightly enlarged, simple tube.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; French Guiana: Montagne 

de Kaw, Piste de Kaw, km 40, 4°33'N, 52°10'W, 350 m, 

21 Jan 1985, 1200 W mercury vapor light and 15 W UV 

in pristine primary rainforest, J.-F. Landry, slide USNM 

31962 (USNM).

Paratypes. French Guiana: Montagne de 

Kaw, Piste de Kaw, km 40, 350 m: 1 ♂, 2 ♀, 1 UNK, 

21 Jan 1985, J.-F. Landry, slides USNM 32842, 32840 

(USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January.

Distribution. (Map 5) Known only from the 

type locality in primary rainforest of northeastern French 

Guiana. The site was on a 200-m hill located near the middle of the relatively flat coastal lowlands.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin gracilis (slender) in reference to the extremely 

slender caudal process of the male gnathos.

Discussion. Several features of the male gnathos 

distinguish P. gracilis from all other Pseudopostega. Principal 

among these are the extremely slender caudal lobe of the gnathos and the small triangular sclerites immediately anterior 

to the paired, very reduced, lateral folds. Homology of the 

triangular sclerites is unknown. There appear to be some papillose sclerotizations within the corpus bursae of the female. 

However, because some material residue within the corpus 

obscuring these structures could not be removed by the clearing process, more females need to be examined before this 

detail can be resolved.

Pseudopostega tucumanae, new species

Figures 148, 282–284; Map 5

Adult. Figure 148. Length of forewing 3.1–

4.0 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

largely suffused with light brown over much of basal 2/3 

of dorsal area; 2 brown, subapical costal strigulae present, 

usually a faint brown tornal strigula, and a small, dark 

brown to fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos moderately 

broad basally, abruptly constricted to form slender, simple 

caudal lobe; basal fold absent (Figures 282, 283). Female 

unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, occasionally darker brown over basal half 

dorsally, 56–59-segmented. Palpi white to cream; labial 

palpus with suffusion of brown dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula white, faintly suffused with 

light brown. Forewing white, largely suffused with light 

brown over much of basal 2/3 of dorsal area; subapical area 

of wing basal to first strigula usually suffused with light 

brown; 2 brown, subapical costal strigulae present; strigula 

1 usually darker brown, short, fading into subapical brown 

area; strigula 2 directed toward dark brown to fuscous apical spot, usually interrupted from adjacent, short brown 

terminal strigula; a faint brown tornal strigula usually extending obliquely from apical spot; terminal and dorsal 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 6 5

cilia mostly white with light brown suffusion occasionally 

at apex, becoming light brown along dorsal margin; venter 

of forewing light brown with basal, subhumeral white area. 

Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs 

mostly cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with 

brown; tarsi of midlegs lightly banded with brown dorsally; 

banding paler on hind tarsi.

Abdomen: Dark grayish brown dorsally, with slight 

grayish suffusion laterally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 282–284. Socii a pair of 

relatively long, rounded, setose, lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~equal to length of cucullar lobe; caudal 

rim of uncus shallowly concave. Vinculum broad, gradually tapering to rounded or sometimes narrowly subconcave anterior margin. Base of gnathos moderately broad 

with lateral, lobiform expansions; anterior margin convex, 

without basal fold; gnathos abruptly narrowing anteriorly 

to form a moderately long, slender, caudal process (Figure 

282). Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.3x length of 

genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single 

row of ~41–43 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe 

rounded, not extended; pedicel moderately broad, approximately 0.3× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length 

along sacculus ~0.7× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe 

moderately slender, apex narrowly rounded, elongate, extending almost to distal end of cucullar lobe; basal process 

of valva tapering to acute apex, exceeding length of costal 

lobe by half its length. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ARGENTINA: Tucumán: Cerro 

San Javier, 800 m, 18 Feb 1959, J. F. G. Clarke, slide USNM 

32897 (USNM).

Paratypes. Argentina: Tucumán: 11 km 

S Tacanas, 28 km WSW Trancas, sta. 28, 800 m: 3 ♂, 

16–17 Dec 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg., slides DRD 

4154, 4131 (RMNH). Cerro San Javier, 800 m.: 2 ♂, 18 

Feb 1959, 1 ♂, 19 Feb 1959, J. F.G. Clarke, slide USNM 

31848 (USNM). Tucumán: 1 ♂, R.Schreiter, slide USNM 

16376 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in December and February.

Distribution. (Map 5) Known only from the 

province of Tucumán, in northern Argentina at an elevation of 800 m.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived 

from Tucumán, the province in Argentina from whence 

the type series was collected.

Discussion. The brownish suffusion over much 

of the dorsal half of the forewings of P. tucumanae is diagnostic for the species. Males of tucumanae are unusual in 

possessing a pair of lateral, lobiform expansions of the base 

of the gnathos more characteristic of the brachybasis group, 

but with an elongate, attenuated caudal lobe more similar to 

several members of the spatulata group.

Pseudopostega apotoma, new species

Figures 149, 285, 286; Map 5

Adult. Figure 149. Length of forewing 3.4–

3.7 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with a small, dark brown dorsal spot along basal 

third of dorsal margin, 2 dark brown to gray, subapical 

costal strigulae, a small, fuscous apical spot, and a short, 

faint terminal strigula. Male with caudal lobe of gnathos 

moderately short and blunt; basal fold broadly transverse, 

slender (Figures 285, 286). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum brown 

dorsally, lighter brown ventrally, 54-segmented. Palpi white 

to cream; labial palpus dark grayish brown laterally and 

dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula all white. Forewing white 

marked with a small, dark brown dorsal spot along basal 

third of dorsal margin, 2 dark brown to gray, subapical 

costal strigulae, and a short, faint terminal strigula; strigula 

1 broad at costa, tapering to inner edge of dark brown apical spot; inner edge of first strigula lighter brown, nearly 

forming another distinct strigula; strigula 2 more narrow 

and diffused, terminating before small, fuscous apical spot; 

terminal strigula light brown, very faint, short, beginning 

immediately distad of apical spot and ending near tornus; 

terminal cilia mostly light brown beyond first strigula, 

white around tornus, becoming light brown again along 

dorsal margin; venter of forewing brown except for basal, 

subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs 

mostly white to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused 

with brown; midleg with brown suffusion dorsally on tarsomeres 2–5; faint brownish tarsal suffusion on tarsomeres 

3 and 4 of hindleg; tibiae of mid and particularly hindlegs 

with elongate, dark brown scales scattered among cream 

dorsal spines.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 285, 286. Socii a pair of 

small rounded, setose lobes, moderately separated by a distance ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

deeply concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin subtruncate to concave. Base of gnathos broad, abruptly narrowing posteriorly to short, stout, caudal lobe curved slightly 
6 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

dorsad and possessing a blunt apex; anterior margin slightly 

concave, with a slender, transverse, basal fold. Valva with 

an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.5× length of genital capsule, 

bearing a pectinifer consisting of 39–41 blunt spines; base 

of pedicel broad, ~0.2× length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately long, length along sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately slender, tapering to 

a rounded to minutely lobed apex extending to apex of 

pedicel; basal process of valva slender, attenuated, approximately equal to length of slightly stouter costal lobe. Juxta 

present as a slender, rod-like extension from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Brazil: Minas Gerais: Nova 

Lima, 850 m: 1 ♂, 30 Dec 1988, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 

4242 (VOB).

Paratypes. Brazil: Minas Gerais: Nova 

Lima, 850 m: 1 ♂, 1–10 Jan 1985, V. O. Becker, slide 

DRD 4240 (VOB). Unaí, 700 m: 1 ♂, 7 Nov 1982, V. 

O. Becker, slide DRD 4225 (VOB). Pará: Capitao Poco: 

1 ♂, 25–31 Jan 1984, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 32849 

(USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in January 

and November.

Distribution. (Map 5) Reported only from 

the states of Minas Gerais and Para in southeastern and 

northeastern, respectively, Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived 

from the Greek apotomos (cut off, abrupt) in reference 

to the blunt, stubby form of the caudal lobe of the male 

gnathos.

Discussion. The male gnathos of this species 

resembles that of P. pexa and P. truncata in possessing a 

stout caudal lobe and narrow basal fold. The lobe is more 

truncated in the latter, and the socii of pexa are the most 

developed. Both species possess broader valvae and lack 

the dark dorsal spot present on the forewing of apotoma.

Pseudopostega pexa (Meyrick)

Figures 150, 287; Map 5

Opostega pexa Meyrick, 1920:358.—Clarke, 1955:243.—Davis, 1984:18.

Pseudopostega pexa (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and Diškus, 

2003:419.

Adult. Figure 150. Length of forewing 3.2 mm. 

Small white moth with mostly white forewings marked by 

two, dark brown, subapical costal strigulae and small, fuscous 

apical spot. Male gnathos approximately quadrate, abruptly 

constricted to form a stout, broadly rounded caudal lobe; 

basal fold undeveloped (Figure 287). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum ochreous cream dorsally, cream ventrally, ~53–55-segmented. Palpi 

cream.

Thorax: White. Forewing white with 2 dark brown, 

subapical strigulae; first strigula well developed, strongly 

oblique, extending to small, fuscous apical spot; area immediately around apical spot suffused with pale yellowish 

brown; strigula 2 relatively faint, fading before apical spot; 

terminal cilia white, otherwise ochreous cream; venter of 

forewing brown. Hindwing brown dorsally and ventrally; 

cilia yellowish brown. Legs uniformly ochreous cream.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figure 287. Socii a pair of moderately large, setose lobes widely separated by a distance 

~0.4× length of cucullar lobe. Caudal margin of uncus 

moderately concave. Tegumen relatively broad. Vinculum broad, anterior margin rounded. Base of gnathos 

a large, broad, and approximately quadrate plate with 

slightly thickened, lateral margins, abruptly constricted to 

form a stout caudal lobe with broadly rounded apex; anterior margin of gnathos slightly concave, sinuate; basal 

fold undeveloped. Valva with a large cucullar lobe bearing an elongate pectinifer ~0.5× length of genital capsule, 

consisting of ~46–48 blunt spines; outer apex of cucullar 

lobe moderately extended, broadly rounded; pedicel very 

slender at base, expanding toward cucullar lobe; minimum 

width ~0.4× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, ~length 

along sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular 

lobe broad basally, gradually tapering to broadly rounded, 

setose apex; basal process of valva relatively short, tapering to acute apex; costal process of valva well sclerotized, 

slender, ~ equal in length to basal process. Juxta greatly 

reduced, represented by a short, slender, median, rod-like 

extension from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Para: Jul 1919, Parish, 3/3 of Meyrick Collection, BMNH ♂ slide 29633 

(BMNH).

Material Examined. Holotype ♂.

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. July (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 5) Known only from the 

type locality in northeastern Brazil.

Discussion. Meyrick described this species 

from a single male currently in fair condition. No other 

specimens have since been associated with it. Pseudopostega 

pexa can be distinguished from two morphologically 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 6 7

similar species by characters discussed under the preceeding species, P. apotoma.

Pseudopostega diskusi, new species

Figures 151, 288, 289; Map 5

Adult. Figure 151. Length of forewing 2.8–3.1 

mm. Small, white moth with forewings marked by a subapical, dark brown costal spot and a basal, light brown 

dorsal spot, 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, and 

1 dark brown, tornal strigula; dark brown apical spot 

reduced. Male gnathos broadly rhomboid, abruptly constricted to form a broad, apically rounded caudal lobe; 

basal fold short, slightly arched at middle (Figures 288, 

289). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum cream 

to ochre, ~66-segmented. Maxillary and labial palpi cream 

to white.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing white, with a 

dark brown costal spot immediately basal of the costal strigulae, a lighter brown dorsal spot at basal 1⁄4–1⁄5 of forewing 

and 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae; strigula 1 very 

short, well separated from costa and terminating into indistinct, dark brown apical spot; strigula 2 well developed, 

curving around apical spot to tornus; short, dark brown 

tornal strigula extending from apical spot to tornus; venter 

of forewing dark brown with basal discal area cream. Hindwing and cilia gray brown dorsally and ventrally except for 

cream base. Legs mostly cream to white; foreleg fuscous 

over lateral and dorsal surfaces.

Abdomen: Fuscous dorsally, cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 288, 289. Socii a pair of 

large, broad, setose lobes, narrowly separated by a distance ~0.2× length of cucullar lobe by deep, V-shaped 

indentation. Vinculum well sclerotized, broad, gradually 

narrowing to rounded, anterior margin. Gnathos broadly 

rhomboid, broadest across truncate caudal margin; 

abruptly constricted to form a broad, apically rounded, 

caudal lobe; anterior margin of gnathos strongly sclerotized, with short basal fold slightly arched at middle (Figure 288). Valva with very large cucullar lobe ~0.55× length 

of genital capsule, bearing ~56 blunt spines; distal apex of 

cucullar lobe evenly rounded, not extended; pedicel short, 

broad; valva long, length along sacculus ~0.7× length of 

genital capsule; saccular lobe broadly rounded; basal process of valva short but acute; costal process of valva large, 

terminating near anterior margin of vinculum near basal 

process of valva. Juxta absent.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. Belize: Cayo District: Chiquibul 

Forest Reserve, Las Cuevas Research Station: 1 ♂, 3–16 Apr 

1998, secondary tropical forest, R. Puplesis, slide AD 0450 

(VPU).

Paratypes. Belize: Cayo District: Same 

data as holotype: 2 ♂, 3–16 Apr 1998 (VPU). South of 

Teakettle Village, Pook’s Hill Nature Reserve: 2 ♂, 28–29 

Apr 1998, secondary tropical forest, R. Puplesis, slide AD 

0451 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. April.

Distribution. (Map 5) Known only from the 

Cayo District of central Belize.

Etymology. This species is named in honor of 

Aru ̄nas Diškus, Vilnius Pedagogical University, Vilnius, Lithuania, a specialist on the Nepticuloidea and Tischerioidea.

Discussion. The male of this species is characterized by the broad base of the gnathos with its stout caudal 

lobe, relative broad socii, and valvae with enlarged cucullar 

lobes (length of lobe ~0.55× length of genital capsule).

Pseudopostega truncata, new species

Figures 152, 290, 291; Map 5

Adult. Figure 152. Length of forewing 3.8 mm; 

female unknown. Small, mostly white moth with almost 

entirely white forewings marked with 2 short, brown, 

subapical costal strigulae and a dark brown apical spot. 

Male gnathos moderately long, stout, with broad, truncate apex; basal fold extremely slender, transverse (Figures 

290, 291). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, ~61-segmented. Palpi white; labial palpus 

dark brown laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula with dark brown spot on 

anterior margin. Forewing white marked with two short, 

brown, subapical costal strigulae and a dark brown apical 

spot; first strigula faint, converging slightly toward second, 

which terminates well before apical spot; a third strigula 

barely evident across apex of white terminal cilia; cilia becoming more light brown along dorsal margin; venter of 

forewing light brown except for basal, subhumeral white 

area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally 

except for white suffusion at base. Legs white to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with light brown; protarsi 

partially cream; midleg with tarsal segments 3–4 faintly suffused with light brown; tarsomeres of hindleg cream.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white to 

cream ventrally.
6 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Male Genitalia: Figures 290, 291. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose lobes widely separated by a 

distance ~0.6× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

broadly concave. Vinculum broad, tapering slightly to 

truncate anterior margin. Base of gnathos broad, abruptly 

narrowing posteriorly to a moderately long, stout, dorsally 

curved, caudal lobe with a slightly widened, truncate apex; 

anterior margin of gnathos truncate; basal fold extremely 

slender, transverse (Figure 290). Valva with an elongate 

cucullar lobe ~0.5× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~44–46 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe extended slightly as a small, narrowly rounded 

lobe; pedicel broad, width ~0.3× length of cucullar lobe; 

valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.75× length of 

genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately slender, tapering 

slightly to rounded apex; basal process of valva relatively 

slender, tapering to acute apex, exceeding length of shortened costal lobe by nearly one-half. Juxta developed as a 

long, slender, rod-like extension from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Distrito Federal: 

Planaltina, 15°35’S, 42°47’W, 1000 m, 3 Dec 1988, V. O. 

Becker, 59329, slide DRD 4220 (VOB).

Paratype. Brazil: Maranhao: Balsas, 400 

m: 1 ♂, 15 Jan 1996, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 32815 

(USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in December and January (two records).

Distribution. (Map 5) Known from only 

two localities in central Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin truncus (cut off) in reference to the truncate apex 

of the caudal lobe of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The base of the male gnathos is 

similar in relative size and form in this species and P. apotoma. Pseudopostega truncata may be distinguished by the 

absence of a forewing dorsal spot present in P. apotoma

and in possessing a more truncate apex on the caudal lobe 

of the gnathos and longer valvae.

Pseudopostega monstruosa, new species

Figures 153, 292, 293; Map 5

Adult. Figure 153. Length of forewing 3.0 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with 3 brown to dark fuscous, subapical costal strigulae. 

Male with relatively large, oval genital capsule; gnathos 

broadly triangular, gradually narrowing to a broad, stout 

apical lobe with slightly expanded apex; basal fold moderately short, broadly arched (Figures 292, 293). Female 

unknown.

Head: Vestiture white, glossy. Scape white, very 

glossy; flagellum ochreous cream, ~56-segmented. Maxillary palpus ochreous cream, labial palpus white.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing white marked 

with 3 brown to dark fuscous, subapical costal strigulae; 

strigula 1 short, basally shadowed with ochreous brown; 

strigula 2 terminating at indistinct apical spot; strigula 3 

elongate, curving around spot to tornus; venter of forewing 

light ochre brown except for basal cream area. Hindwing 

and cilia light pale brown dorsally and ventrally except for 

cream suffusion at base. Legs white to cream.

Abdomen: Color not examined.

Male Genitalia: Figures 292, 293. Socii relatively 

slender, elongate, widely separated by a distance ~0.84× 

length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus broad, shallowly V-shaped. Vinculum very broad, anterior margin 

rounded. Gnathos broadly triangular, strongly wrinkled 

(ventral view), gradually narrowing to a broad, stout apical lobe with slightly expanded and dorsally curved apex; 

anterior margin of gnathos concave; basal fold moderately 

short, broadly arched, well separated from gnathal base. 

Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.5× length of genital 

capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~52 blunt spines; 

terminal apex of cucullar lobe slightly extended as a minute lobe; pedicel unusually large, horn-like, curved, width 

~0.2× length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately short, length 

along sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular 

lobe short, stout, tapering to relatively bluntly rounded, tuberculate, setose apex; basal process of valva tapering to 

almost acute apex, strongly exceeding length of short costal 

process. Juxta relatively well developed as a straight, long, 

median rod.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ECUADOR: Napo: SE of Tena, 

near Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha and Misahualli, 77°36'W, 

01°04'S, Amazon premontane tropical forest, 400–500 m, 

26–31 Jan 2000, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, VPU ♂ slide AD 

0440 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January (single record).

Distribution. (Map 5) Known only from the 

type locality in Amazonian premontane rainforest of eastcentral Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin monstruosa (weird, unusual, prodigious, frightening) in reference to the unusually large pedicel and large, 

wrinkled gnathos in the male genitalia.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 6 9

Discussion. The male of this species differs from other members of the spatulata group in the 

extremely broad basal fold of the gnathos and enlarged 

pedicel.

Pseudopostega microlepta (Meyrick)

Figures 154, 294, 295, 440; Map 5

Opostega microlepta Meyrick, 1915:239.—Clarke, 1955:206.—Davis, 

1984:18.

Pseudopostega microlepta (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:76.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:418.

Adult. Figure 154. Length of forewing ~2.2 

mm. Small white moth with no forewing pattern except 

for 3 brown, subapical costal strigulae, 1 brown tornal 

strigula, and a minute fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos 

with a large, broadly bilobed caudal lobe; basal fold narrow, arched (Figure 294). Papillae anales of female bilobed; lobes slender and widely separated (Figure 440).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape lustrous white; flagellum cream to ochreous cream, ~46-segmented. Palpi cream.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, immaculate except 

for following relatively indistinct pattern: 3 brown, subapical costal strigulae; first strigula light brown, terminating in 

small, yellowish suffused area basal to minute, fuscous apical spot; strigula 2 brown, terminating before apical spot; 

strigula 3 light brown, extending across terminal cilia and 

terminating immediately distad of apical spot; tornal spot 

faint, light brown, extending a short distance down from 

apical spot; cilia entirely white; venter of forewing cream. 

Hindwing whitish cream dorsally and ventrally; cilia cream 

to ochreous cream. Legs whitish cream to cream.

Abdomen: Brown (male) or ochreous cream (female) dorsally, lustrous white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 294, 295. Socii a pair of 

slender, subacute, setose lobes widely separated by a distance ~ equal to length of cucullar lobe. Tegumen relatively broad. Vinculum broad, gradually narrowing to 

subtruncate anterior margin. Gnathos of unusual form, 

with a relatively narrow base expanding caudally to form 

two large triangular lobes; caudal lobe very stout, apex 

broadly bilobed; basal fold arched caudally with anterior margin deeply incised. Valva with large cucullar lobe 

~0.35× length of genital capsule, bearing an elongate pectinifer consisting of ~26 blunt spines; pedicel broad, width 

~0.3× length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately long, ~0.6× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe tapering to slender, 

setose apex; basal process of valva relatively short, tapering to acute apex; costal process well sclerotized, 2–3× 

length of basal process. Juxta an oblique, elongate, rodlike process from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figure 440 (identification ?). 

Apex of abdomen relatively weakly sclerotized, quickly tapering caudally, with two weakly developed lateral lobes 

bearing moderately long, terminal setae. Each posterior 

apophyses fused most its length, very slender and long, 

subacute. Papillae anales consisting of two, slender, widely 

separated, papillose, setosae lobes; concavity between 

lobes smoothly curved. Vestibulum narrow, membranous. 

Ductus bursae with a dense patch of minute, pectinate 

spicules that continue for most of its length. Corpus bursae relatively small, elongated; without either spinose or 

pectinate spicules, but with a faint band bearing numerous 

external tubercles partially encircling length of bursa; tubercles variable in form, usually moderately elongate with 

subacute, rounded, or bifurcate apices. Ductus spermathecae nearly as long as bursa copulatrix; proximal half of 

membranous outer canal very broad, bulbous; distal half 

more slender, ~1/3 the diameter; inner canal slightly sinuous, gradually broadening distally with ~5 large, compact 

convolutions terminating in moderately enlarged vesicle.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Lectotype. ♂; GUYANA: Mazaruni-Potaro: Bartica, Feb 1913, Parish, slide BMNH 29646, 

Lectotype designated by Davis and Stonis [present designation] (BMNH).

Material Examined. GUYANA: MazaruniPotaro: Bartica: 1 ♂ (lectotype), Feb 1913, Parish, slide 

BMNH 29646, (BMNH). ECUADOR: Duran: 1 ♀ (paralectotype), Jun 1914, Parish, slide BMNH 29645 (BMNH).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in February 

(Guyana, unique record) and June (Ecuador, unique record).

Distribution. (Map 5) Known from two disjunct localities in western Ecuador and lowland, northeastern Guyana.

Discussion. Pseudopostega microlepta was 

described from two syntypes, and no additional specimens 

have been collected since. Because they represent different 

sexes, originate from disjunct areas, and are in relatively 

poor condition, it is not possible to determine if the specimens are conspecific. They agree superficially in size and 

appearance, but their partially denuded forewing pattern 

(especially in the female paralectotype) makes diagnostic 

comparison impossible. The unusual form of the gnathos, 

particularly the greatly enlarged, bilobed caudal lobe, easily distinguishes the males of this species.
7 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Pseudopostega spatulata, new species

Figures 155, 296; Map 5

Adult. Figure 155. Length of forewing 2.0–

2.4 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewing 

marked by 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae—the 

most basal one very shortened and sometimes absent, a 

short, brown tornal strigula, and a dark fuscous apical 

spot. Male with apex of gnathal lobe spatulate; basal fold 

undeveloped (Figure 296). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, ~43–45-segmented. Maxillary palpus white 

to cream. Labial palpus white, suffused with grayish brown 

laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula grayish 

brown. Forewing almost entirely white, marked primarily 

by a dark brown subapical costal strigulae, a dark brown 

apical, costal strigula, a short, brown tornal strigula, and 

a dark fuscous apical spot; a vestige of an extremely short, 

more basal, dark brown costal strigula 1 usually present; 

area proximal to strigula 2 and apical spot suffused with 

light yellowish brown; strigula 3 extending in a gradual 

curve around apical spot to tornus; shorter tornal strigula 

more basal than apical strigula, extending from apical spot 

to tornus; terminal cilia mostly white, pale brown beyond 

strigula 3; venter of forewing brown except for short, 

basal white streak. Hindwing and cilia golden brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs 

mostly white; foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces light 

grayish brown; midleg with usually dark grayish brown 

bands dorsally on terminal 2–3 tarsomeres; hindleg white 

to cream, tarsal banding absent.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figure 296. Socii a pair of short, 

broad, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance ~0.7× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

shallowly concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin 

slightly concave. Gnathos a single, broad, triangular plate 

strongly tapering to a narrow constriction, then slightly 

enlarging to a spatulate apex with a subtruncate distal 

margin; anterior margin slightly concave; basal fold undeveloped. Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.5× length 

of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single row of 33–37 blunt spines; pedicel moderately broad, 

width ~0.25× length of cucullar lobe; valva relatively short, 

length along sacculus ~0.6× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe relatively slender, terminating in a narrow, 

subtruncate, minutely bilobed apex bearing two elongate 

setae; basal process of valva acuminate, extending slightly 

longer than base of costal lobe. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva (OET), Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 50–150 m, 10°26'N, 84°01'W, 24 Sep 1998, Bosque 

secundario, L/17/474, slide DRD 4349 (INBIO).

Paratype. Costa Rica: Heredia: Estación 

Biológica La Selva, 50–150 m, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 

L/15/574: 1 ♂, 19 Feb 1999, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

32167 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in February 

and September.

Distribution. (Map 5) Known only from the 

type locality of the La Selva Biological Station, a lowland 

rainforest area in northeastern Costa Rica.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin spatha (a broad paddle) in reference to the broad, 

spatulate apex of the gnathal lobe in the male genitalia.

Discussion. The male of this species differs 

from that of the morphologically similar P. albogaleriella

in the shorter, more stocky caudal lobe of the gnathos, 

broader socii, and less extended saccular lobe. From P. latiapicula, this species may be distinguished by the broader 

socii, shorter valvae (sacculus ~0.5× length of genital capsule compared to 0.65 in latiapicula), and broader pedicel.

Pseudopostega albogaleriella (Clemens)

Figures 12–14, 22, 27–29, 33, 37, 43, 47, 109–126, 156–159, 

297, 298, 441–443; Map 6

Opostega albogaleriella Clemens, 1862:131.—Dyar: 1903:547, no. 6228.

—McDunnough, 1939:100, no. 9402.—Kimball, 1965:295.—Davis, 

1983:3, no. 121.—Brower, 1984:47.

Opostega albogalleriella [sic], Forbes, 1923:161.—Eyer, 1963:241.—Davis, 

1989:76.

Pseudopostega albogalleriella [sic], Knudson and Bordelon, 1999:1.—Heppner, 2003:232.

Pseudopostega albogaleriella (Clemens).—Davis, 1989:76.—Poole, 1996: 

796.—Landry, 1999:67.—Heppner, 2003:232.—Puplesis and Diškus, 

2003:417.

Opostega napaeella Clemens, 1872:42.—Davis, 1983:3, no. 121 [synonym 

of albogaleriella]; 1989:76.—Poole, 1996:796.—Heppner, 2003:232.—Puplesis and Diškus, 2003:417.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 7 1

Opostega nonstrigella Chambers, 1881:296.—Dyar, 1903:547, no. 6230.

—Forbes, 1923:161 (synonym of albogalleriella [sic]).—McDunnough, 

1939:100, no. 9403.—Davis, 1983:3, no. 123.

Pseudopostega nonstrigella (Chambers).—Eyer, 1963:237.—Davis, 1989: 

76.—Poole, 1996:796.—Knudson and Bordelon, 1999:1.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:417.

Opostega bistrigulella Braun, 1918:245.—McDunnough, 1939:100, no. 

9407.—Eyer, 1963:239.—Davis, 1983:3, no. 120.—[New synonymy].

Pseudopostega bistrigulella (Braun).—Davis, 1989:76.—Puplesis and Diškus, 

2003:415.

Adult. Figures 156–159. Length of forewing in 

both sexes varying from 3.0 mm to 5.3 mm, occasionally 

to 6.0 mm. Moderately small, white moth with variable 

forewing patterns; a dark brown spot midway along dorsal margin present or absent, usually with 2–3 dark brown, 

subapical costal strigulae, 1–2 pale to dark brown tornal 

strigulae, and a small, black apical spot. Male gnathos 

terminating in a spatulate lobe; basal fold narrow, caudal 

margin transverse to slightly arched (Figure 297). Papillae 

anales of female consisting of a pair of small, approximately 

oval to slightly elongate, setose, papillose lobes arising from 

a common base (Figure 442).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum pale 

yellowish ochreous to brown 58–64-segmented. Palpi from 

whitish to cream; apical segment of maxillary palpus sometimes irrorated with brown; labial palpus with suffusion of 

light brown dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula occasionally with brownish suffusion on anterior margin. Forewing mostly white, 

sometimes with grayish or brownish tinge beyond middle 

over distal area; median dorsal spot variable, absent to 

strongly developed, usually pale brownish, flattened along 

dorsum; apical spot black and always distinctive; subapical 

strigulae variable in color from yellowish brown to fuscous, 

and in number from usually three costal and two tornal to 

two costal and one tornal; the most distal costal and tornal strigulae sometimes joined into a common (single) outwardly curved strigula; first costal and first tornal strigulae 

occasionally shadowed along proximal margins with a suffusion of yellowish brown or grayish; some specimens with 

a suffused area of yellowish brown just before apical spot; 

terminal cilia mostly white, becoming cream to light brown 

beyond distal strigula; dorsal cilia white; venter of forewing 

yellowish brown to brown, with subhumeral white area. 

Hindwing usually brownish, sometimes pale yellowish 

brown or distinctly yellowish cream dorsally and ventrally; 

cilia light brown to cream or occasionally white. Legs from 

white to light yellowish brown; forelegs with brown suffusion dorsolaterally; dorsal surfaces of mid- and hindlegs 

usually with less suffusion, more cream; tarsomeres of midleg mostly brown dorsally.

Abdomen: Usually cream to yellowish cream laterally; usually yellowish brown to grayish brown dorsally and 

paler, yellowish cream ventrally; venter of abdomen sometimes reflecting brown at a certain angle.

Male Genitalia: Figures 125, 126, 297, 298. Socii 

a pair of short, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance 

~0.8× length of cucullar lobe; excavation between the lobes 

deep and distinctly triangular; caudal rim of uncus along 

excavation strongly sclerotized. Vinculum broad, tapering 

to rounded or subtruncate anterior margin. Gnathos with 

broad base, abruptly constricted to form prominent, slender, 

caudal lobe with spatulate apex; caudal margin of lobe variable, either truncate to shallowly excavated; anterior margin 

of gnathos variable within populations, truncate to slightly 

excavated; basal fold usually present but weakly developed, 

slender, transverse to slightly arched. Valva with relatively 

large cucullar lobe bearing moderately long pectinifer ~0.35–

0.45× length of genital lobe, consisting of about 38–40 blunt 

spines; pedicel relatively broad; distal lobe of cucullus gradually narrowed and usually slightly bifid; valva elongate, 

length along sacculus ~0.75–0.85× length of genital capsule; 

saccular lobe elongate, moderately stout, and setose; basal 

process of valva moderately long, straight and acute; costal 

process of valva longer than basal one, well sclerotized and 

slightly narrowing distally. Juxta usually undeveloped or 

present as a relatively short, acuminate or very weak, slender 

rod-like extension from vinculum (latter condition variably 

present only in some western specimens).

Female Genitalia: Figures 47, 441–443. Apex of 

abdomen superficially acute, but minutely bilobed. Each 

posterior apophysis fused for most of its length, slender, 

elongate, acute. Papillae anales consisting of a pair of small, 

approximately oval to moderately elongate, setose, papillose lobes on a common base; length of lobe ~1.0–1.5× 

width. Vestibulum narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae 

moderately broad, with a dense patch of minute pectinate 

spicules which enlarge (but still pectinate) on caudal portion of corpus bursae. Corpus bursae large, suboval; covered internally with a relatively large zone of numerous, 

very slender, elongate, densely arranged spicules; a faint, 

approximately elliptical band of minute, external tubercles extending over much of anterior half of corpus bursae. 

Ductus spermathecae approximately 2/3 the length of bursa 

copulatrix; proximal part of membranous outer canal very 

short and broad, saccate; remainder of outer canal slender 
7 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

and 2× length of basal third; inner canal sinuous, terminating in ~4–4.5 moderately large convolutions; convolutions 

less compact than in most Pseudopostega; vesicle terminating in an elongate, tubular lagena and a slender membranous utriculus of ~equal lengths.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Types. Holotype ♂; Opostega albogaleriella

Clemens, labeled as Type 7498 [USA: Pennsylvania: 

?Easton], “collected on the table under my gas light”, 

9 Jul 1861, Clemens, ♂ slide 3321, photograph on file 

USNM (ANSP). Holotype ♂; Opostega napaeella Clemens 

1872 [USA: Pennsylvania: ?Easton] ANSP. Lectotype 

(designated by Davis, 1989) ♂; Opostega nonstrigella

(Chambers), [locality not stated, (ANSP); USA: ?Massacchusetts: Amherst], slide USNM 16371 (USNM). Lectotype (designated by Davis, 1989) ♂; Opostega bistrigulella

Braun, USA: California: Loma Linda, 23 Apr, G. R. Pilate, photograph on file USNM (ANSP).

Material Examined. CANADA: Nova 

Scotia: Petite-Rivière: 1 ♂, 20 Jul 1925, J. McDunnough, 

MIC slide 3514 (CNC). Ontario: Bobcaygeon: 1 ♂, 16 

Jun 1931, 1 ♀, 29 Jun 1932, J. McDunnough, MIC slide 

3514, ♀ slide 3513 (CNC). Quebec: La Sarre, AbitibiOuest: 1 ♂, 13 Jul 1998 (CNC). USA: Alabama: Baldwin Co.: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: 1 ♂, 17 

Apr 1993, 3 ♂, 11 May 1994, 5 ♂, 11–16 May 1994, 3 

♂, 12 May 1994, 1 ♂, 7 Aug 1994, 4 ♂, 8–9 Aug 1994, 

R. Brown & D. M. Pollock, slides USNM 32717, 32715 

(MEM, USNM); 1 ♂, 5 Sep 1988, 1 ♂, 5–6 Sep 1988, 

R. L. Brown & J. McGown (MEM); 1 ♂, 3 Apr 1994, 

1 ♂, 14 Jun 1994, D. M. Pollock (MEM); 5 ♂, 11 May 

1994, 2 ♂, 1 ♀, 11–16 May 1994, 1 ♂, 12 May 1994, 1 

♂, 14 May 1994, R. W. Hodges, slides USNM 32445, 

33310; 1 ♀, 11 Oct 1993, D. R. Davis (USNM). Arizona: 

Coconino Co.: West Fork, 16 mi SW Flagstaff, 6500 ft 

[~1980 m]: 1 ♂, 19 Jul 1961, 13 ♂, 7 Aug 1961, 9 ♂, 3 

♀, 10 Aug 1961, 21 ♂, 13 Aug 1961, 1 ♂, 20 Aug 1961, 

slides USNM 16623(SEM), 16628, 16444, 16445 (SEM), 

16347 (SEM), 16348, 16569 (SEM), 17177, 17930, 

17931, 18364 (SEM), 28601 (SEM), 28731, 28799, 

32442, R. W. Hodges (USNM). Arkansas: Washington Co.: Devil’s Den St. Park: 1 ♂, 4 Jun 1966, R. W. 

Hodges, slide USNM 17184 (USNM). California: Los 

Angeles Co.: Los Angeles, Mt. Washington District, 840 ft 

[~256 m]: 1 UNK, 25 May 1976, J. P. & K. E. Donahue 

(LACM). Monterey Co.: Big Creek Reserve: 1 ♂, 11-13 

Apr 1985, J. Powell, slide DRD 4373 (UCB). Placer Co.: 

Colfax: 2 ♂, Apr, A. H. Vachell, (USNM). Riverside Co.: 

Bautista Canyon: 7 mi SE Hemet: 5 ♂, 24 May 1995, 

D. C. Frack (LACM). Baustista Canyon, San Jacinto: 3 

♂, 1 UNK, 10 Apr 1971, D. C. Frack (LACM, USNM). 

Bundy Canyon, 9 mi S Perris, 1660 ft: 1 ♂, 25 May 1976, 

R. J. Ford (LACM). San Bernardino Co.: Loma Linda: 1 ♂

(lectotype, Opostega bistrigella Braun), 23 Apr, G. R. Pilate, photograph on file USNM (ANSP); 1 ♂, 16–23 Mar 

1997, (USNM). San Diego Co.: Del Mar: 1 ♂, 4 Apr 1943, 

J. A. Comstock (LACM). Naval Air Station Miramar, 3: 1 

♂, 13 Mar 1997, N. Bloomfield (USNM); Naval Air Station Miramar, 4: 1 ♂, 29 Mar 1997, 1 ♂, 13 Apr 1997, 

N. Bloomfield (USNM); Naval Air Station Miramar, 5: 

1 ♂, 26 Mar 1997, N. Bloomfield, slide USNM 32451 

(USNM); Naval Air Station Miramar, 7: 1 ♂, 14 Feb 

1997, 3 ♂, 26 Mar 1997, N. Bloomfield (USNM); Naval 

Air Station Miramar, 9: 1 ♂, 22 Mar 1997, N. Bloomfield 

(USNM). San Diego: 1 ♂, 11–22 May, 1 ♂, 13–22 May, 

K. R. Coolidge, slide USNM 17175 (USNM); 1 ♂, 8–15 

Apr, 16 ♂, 16–23 Apr, 37 ♂, 24–30 Apr, slides USNM 

16448, 16449, 17183, 28600, 28691, 28730, 28799, 

28692 (SEM), 28800, 32440 (USNM). San Diego: 1 ♂, 

11 Feb 1924, 1 ♂, 3 Mar 1924, 1 ♂, 5 Mar 1924, 1 ♂, 

11 Mar 1924, 2 ♂, 27 Apr 1924, 2 ♂, 5 Aug 1924, slides 

60–11, 60–12, 60–13 (LACM). San Luis Obispo Co.: 

Dune Lakes, 3 mi S Oceano, 1 ♂, 11 Jul 1973, J. Powell, black light trap (UCB). Paso Robles, 3 mi W: 1 ♂, 

28 Apr 1968, P. Opler (UCB).Ventura Co.: Little Sycamore Canyon: 1 ♂, 21 Mar 1993, D. M. Pollock, slide 

DRD 4152 (MEM). Connecticut: New Haven Co.: East 

River: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Jul 1912, C. R. Ely, slide USNM 17180 

(USNM). Florida: Alachua Co.: 10 mi NW Gainesville, 

University of Florida Horticulture Unit: 1 ♂, 1–5 Apr 

1977, J. B. Heppner, slide DRD 4330 (FSCA). Escambia 

Co.: Big Lagoon State Recreation Area: 1 ♂, 28–31 Jul 

1999, J. B. Heppner (FSCA). Pensacola: 1 ♂, 2 Jul 1961, 

1 ♂, 27 Sep 1961, S. Hills, slides USNM 32439, 33269 

(USNM). Highlands Co.: Lake Placid, Archbold Biol. Sta.: 

1 ♂, 4 Apr 1959, 3 ♂, 8–15 May 1964, 1 ♂, 16–22 May 

1964, R. W. Hodges, slides USNM 32441, 32443, 17181 

(USNM). Sarasota Co.: Siesta Key: 1 ♂, 19 Mar 1952, 

C. P. Kimball, (USNM). Illinois: Pope Co.: Burden Falls, 

4 km SW Delwood: 1 ♀, 22 Jul 1985, J. Powell (UCB). 

Lousiana: Bossier Par: Barksdale A.F.B.[Air Force Base]: 

1 ♂, 6 May 1996, slide USNM 33147 (USNM); 1 ♂, 3 

Jun 1996, 1 ♂, 21 Aug 1996, DNA D-163, D. M. Pollock (MEM). Calcasieu Par: 6 mi ESE Buhler: 4 ♂, 20–21 

May 1993, R. L. Brown & D. M. Pollock, slides USNM 

32714, 32118 (MEM, USNM). Natchitoches Par: Vowells 

Mill: 1 ♂, Apr 1902, slide 4369 (MCZ). Maine: [county 

unknown]: Camp Colby: 1 ♀, 31 Jul (USNM). Aroostook 

Co.: Allagash: 2 ♂, 27 Jul (USNM). Ashland: 1 ♂, 16 Jul, 

1 ♂, 29 Jul (USNM). Franklin Co.: Oquossoc: 1 ♂, 12 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 7 3

Jul, slide USNM 33066 (USNM). Penobscot Co.: Lincoln: 

2 ♂, 17 Jul, slide USNM 20352 (USNM). Millinocket: 1 

♂, 5 Aug, slide USNM 20345 (USNM). Patten: 1 ♂, 26 

Jul (USNM). Piscataquis Co.: Chesuncook: 1 ♂, 10 Aug, 

slide USNM 20349 (USNM). Greenville: 1 ♂, 8 Jul, slide 

USNM 20354 (USNM). Kokadjo: 1 ♂, 19 Jul (USNM). 

Somerset Co.: Dennistown: 1 ♂, 19 Jul, 5 ♂, 22 Jul, 2 ♂, 

29 Jul, 3 ♂, 5 Aug, 4 ♂, 5 Aug, 7 ♂, 6 Aug, 3 ♂, 8 Aug 

(USNM). Washington Co.: Topsfield: 1 ♂, 27 Jul (USNM). 

Maryland: Montgomery Co.: Plummer’s Island: 1 ♂, 1 

Jun 1903, 1 ♂ 1 Jul 1903, A. Busck, slide USNM 33118, 

(LACM, USNM). Mississippi: Holmes Co.: Holmes Co. 

State Park: 2 ♂, 3 Jun 2001, R. L. Brown (MEM). Jackson 

Co.: I-10 at Escatawpa River: 2 ♂, 1 ♀, 13 Apr 1991, 

D. R. Pollock, slide USNM 32918, 32711; 1 ♂, 21 Apr 

1990, R. L. Brown (MEM, USNM). Winston Co.: Noxube 

N.W. Refuge: 1 ♂, 14 Jun 1992, T. L. Schiefer (MEM). 

Tombigbee National Forest: 2 ♂, 10 Aug 1999, J. MacGown (MEM). Missouri: Washington Co.: Washington 

St. Park: 1 ♂, 7 Jun 1973, J. R. Heitzman, slide USNM 

23643 (USNM). New York: Herkimer Co.: Big Moose, 

Adirondack Pk.: 1 ♂, 19 Jul 1973, E. Jäckh, slide Jäckh 

10411 (USNM). Madison Co.: Tuscarora Lake: 1 ♀, 28 

Jun 1975, E. Jäckh, slide Jäckh 10430 (USNM). Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Co.: [?Easton]; 1 ♂ (holotype, 

Opostega albogaleriella Clemens, labeled as Type 7498), 

“collected on the table under my gas light,” 9 Jul 1861, 

Clemens, slide 3321, photograph on file USNM (ANSP); 

1 ♂; (holotype, Opostega napaeella Clemens) ANSP. Tennessee: Greene Co.: 11 mi S Greeneville: 1 ♀, 1 Jul 1982, 

J. Whitfield, slide 4371 (UCB). Wilson Co.: Cedars of Lebanon S.F.: 1 ♂, 9 Jun 1997, R. L. Brown & J. MacGown 

(MEM). Texas: Fort Bend Co.: Brazos Bend State Park: 1 

♂, 7 May 1989, E. C. Knudson (TLS). Harris Co.: Bellaire: 

1 ♂, 23 Apr 1988, E. C. Knudson (TLS). Hidalgo Co.: Sal 

de Rey NWR: 1 ♂, 23 Apr 2000, E. C. Knudson (TLS). 

San Jacinto Co.: Coldspring, Sam Houston National Forest: 1 ♂, 1 May 1988, E. C. Knudson, slide USNM 32489 

(USNM). Double Lake Campground, Sam Houston National Forest: 1 ♂, 29 Jul 1990, E. C. Knudson (TLS). San 

Patricio Co.: R & B Welder Refuge: 1 ♂, 15–19 Aug 1985, 

J. E. Gillaspy (TLS). Tyler Co.: BITH Ranch HS., Turkey 

Creek Unit: 1 ♂, 21–22 Apr 1996, E. C. Knudson (TLS).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults of this species are encountered primarily during June and July into early August over the northern part of their range. Possibly two 

broods occur through the southern USA, with adults appearing from February to June and from August to as late 

as October.

Distribution. (Map 6) Widely distributed 

through eastern North America from Nova Scotia to central Florida and southeastern Texas, and in the southwestern USA through areas of California and Arizona.

Discussion. This is the most common, widespread species of Opostegidae in North America and was 

the first species discovered for the New World. Externally 

the species is quite variable. Unfortunately, the species 

originally was described from a single, imperfect specimen 

as a moth with entirely white forewings and possessing 

only a black apical spot. Examination of the type revealed 

faint remnants of brownish strigulae, which indicate a 

partially denuded specimen. The holotype currently possesses only the right forewing and hindwing, and its head 

is contained in a glycerin vial (formerly glued to a specimen mount). Other material of P. albogaleriella examined 

in the course of this study displayed great variability in 

forewing pattern and hindwing color. Normal withinpopulation variation includes specimens exhibiting different numbers of apical strigulae and presence or absence of 

the dorsal spot. Pseudopostega bistrigulella, described by 

Braun (1918) from California, also varies significantly in 

forewing pattern. No consistent characters distinguishing 

P. bistrigulella from albogaleriella were found, and consequently bistrigulella has been synonymized. The forewing 

dorsal spot may be absent to strongly developed within 

populations, or occasionally even between the right and 

left wings of a single specimen. Examination of the lectotype of Pseudopostega nonstrigella, a species described by 

Chambers (1875) on the basis of the absence of the costal 

and tornal strigulae, also revealed no consistent distinction from albogaleriella. The lectotype of nonstrigella is 

now in very poor condition, partially denuded, and lacking the right forewing and abdomen.

The type localities of albogaleriella and nonstrigella

are somewhat in doubt. In his original description Clemens 

(1862) implies that he collected the type of albogaleriella

in his home (Easton, Pennsylvania). Similarly, Chambers 

(1881) did not actually mention the type locality for nonstrigella, although he did state under nearly every species 

proposed in that paper that he received the specimens from 

L. W. Goodell of Amherst, Massachusetts.

The gnathos of P. albogaleriella most resembles that of 

P. latiapicula in possessing a spatulate caudal lobe borne 

on a relatively slender stalk. In addition to being restricted 

to a more temperate region, albogaleriella differs in having the base of the gnathos more evenly rounded laterally 

and the saccular lobe of the valva more developed. The 

corpus bursae of female albogaleriella is unusual for the 

genus and similar to that of P. quadristrigella in possessing 
7 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

a dense concentration of slender spicules lining much of 

the internal surface of the caudal half. Males of P. quadristrigella with the bifurcation of the apical lobe reduced 

(Figure 384) may also sometimes be confused with albogaleriella. Sequence data amplified from the gene CO1 by 

the Hebert Laboratory indicate a much closer relationship 

between albogaleriella and quadristrigella than we have 

proposed in this study. The relationships of these two taxa 

should be reevaluated once better preserved specimens for 

DNA analysis over a greater portion of both species’ broad 

distribution can be examined. Their genetic relationship 

within Pseudopostega should also be based upon a better 

sample of more species than was possible for this study.

Pseudopostega denticulata, new species

Figures 160, 299–301; Map 5

Adult. Figure 160. Length of forewing 2.3 mm. 

Small white moth with little forewing pattern other than 

three subapical costal strigulae and small apical spot. Male 

gnathos broadly triangular, dentate laterally, abruptly 

constricted to form broadly spatulate caudal lobe; basal 

fold undeveloped (Figures 299, 300). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum cream, 

~52-segmented. Maxillary and labial palpi cream.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing white with three 

brown, subapical costal strigulae and a small, black apical 

spot; terminal strigula 3 extending distally around apical 

spot and twice as long as strigulae 1 and 2; terminal cilia 

very light brown; venter of forewing light brown with basal 

portion of discal area cream. Hindwing and cilia very pale 

brown. Legs mostly cream; foreleg with fuscous suffusion 

over lateral and dorsal surfaces.

Abdomen: Light brown dorsally, cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 299–301. Socii a pair of 

short narrow setose lobes, separated a distance ~equal to 

length of cucullar lobe. Caudal rim of uncus nearly truncate. 

Vinculum with anterior margin broadly rounded. Gnathos 

with broad base, dentate laterally and caudally, tapering to 

Map 6. Distribution of Pseudopostega albogaleriella (spatulata species group) and P. latisaccula (latisaccula species group).
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 7 5

short but abruptly broad, spatulate caudal lobe; anterior 

margin of gnathos weakly sclerotized, indistinct, without 

a basal fold (Figures 299, 300). Valva with elongate, relatively slender cucullar lobe ~0.5× length of genital capsule, 

bearing ~42 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe evenly 

rounded, not extended; pedicel short, moderately narrow, 

width ~0.15× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length 

along sacculus ~0.75× length of genital capsule; saccular 

lobe short and broad; basal process of valva long and narrow, gradually tapering to acute end; costal process of valva 

very slender and elongate, terminating near anterior margin 

of vinculum near basal process of valva. Juxta absent.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ECUADOR: Napo: SE of Tena, 

near Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha and Misahualli, 77°36'W, 

01°04'S, 400–500 m: 1 ♂, 26–31 Jan 2000, Amazon premontane tropical forest, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slide AD 

0439 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January (?? single record).

Distribution. (Map 5) Known only from 

two ?? localities in eastern and western Ecuador.

Etymology. The specific name is derived 

from the Latin denticulata (covered with small denticles, 

pointed) as suggested by the laterally dentate gnathos diagnostic for this species.

Discussion. The gnathos of this species is 

unique in the development of dentate ridges caudally and 

laterally. The caudal lobe terminates in the broadest, most 

spatulate apex in the group.

The latisaccula group

The sole member of this group, P. latisaccula, is distinguished by the greatly enlarged male sacculus that extends 

nearly to the caudal margin of the cucullar lobe, a development exceeding that of any other known opostegid. The 

gnathos is narrowly triangular, subacute, and lacks a basal 

fold. The vinculum is elongate and extends almost half the 

length of the genital capsule beyond the base of the valvae. 

A juxta is absent. The ovipositor, including abdominal 

segments 7 and 8, is unusually long in P. latisaccula. The 

paired pseudapophyses in tergum 7 and sternum 7 of the 

female are unique for the family.

Sequence data from the CO1 gene of latisaccula were 

amplified from a specimen collected in 1965, which was 

the oldest material used in Hebert’s opostegid analyses. 

Based on 469 base pairs recovered, the preliminary results 

associated latisaccula between brevifurcata + brevivalva

(divaricata group) and attenuata (triangularis group).

Pseudopostega latisaccula, new species

Figures 161, 302, 303, 444, 445; Map 6

Adult. Figure 161. Length of forewing 2.0–2.4 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings typically 

marked by a small, elongate, dark brown to fuscous dorsal 

spot midway along hind margin, an elongate, dark brown to 

fuscous spot near apex of costa obliquely slanted to termen, 

and a single, fuscous, subapical costal strigula; apical spot 

absent. Male with saccular lobe of valva broadly expanded, 

round; gathos narrow, tapering slightly to an indistinct, stout, 

subacute caudal lobe; basal fold absent (Figure 302). Papillae 

anales of female a reduced, widely separated pair of setose 

lobes; eighth abdominal segments with elongate dorsal and 

ventral paired pseudapophyses (Figures 444, 445).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum pale 

brown to brown, ~44–52-segmented. Maxillary palpus 

white to cream. Labial palpus white, suffused with brown 

laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula entirely white. Forewing 

white, marked by a small, elongate, dark brown to fuscous 

dorsal spot midway along hind margin, an elongate, dark 

brown to fuscous subterminal spot near apex of costa obliquely slanted to termen, and a single, fuscous, subapical 

strigula extending across base of cilia from costa often to 

tornus; apical spot absent; terminal cilia brown beyond 

strigula, then lighter brown along tornus and outer dorsal 

margin; venter of forewing brown except white at base over 

humeral area. Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly cream; 

foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces brown; midlegs with 

terminal three tarsomeres mostly brown.

Abdomen: Light brown dorsally, white to cream 

ventrally. Sternum 7 of female relatively elongate, extending 

well caudad of papillae anales; both tergum 7 and sternum 

7 with a pair of long, slender, flattened pseudapophyses; 

tergal pseudapophyses with anterior end strongly curved 

mesad.

Male Genitalia: Figures 302, 303. Socii a pair of 

very small, rounded, setose lobes, narrowly separated a distance about equal to width of gnathos base; caudal rim of 

uncus subtruncate. Vinculum elongate, rather abruptly constricted anteriorly beyond bases of valvae; anterior margin 

narrow, slightly round to subtruncate. Gnathos elongate, 

narrow, tapering slightly to a slender, round apex; anterior margin slightly concave; basal fold undeveloped. Valva 

with a large, semicircular shaped cucullar lobe ~0.4× length 

of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 42–46 
7 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

blunt spines; pedicel strongly curved mesad, slender, elongate, width ~0.08× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, 

length along sacculus ~0.7× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe greatly enlarged as a broad, flattened, rounded 

lobe, extending well beyond apex of pedicel and either completely or nearly across cucullar lobe (Figure 302); basal 

process of valva relatively short, acute, terminating near 

apex of costal process. Juxta indistinct, membranous.

Female Genitalia: Figures 444, 445. Abdomen tapering to a slender, slightly cleft, setose apex. Each posterior 

apophysis fused for most its length, very slender and long. Papillae anales a pair of widely separated, small, rounded lobes 

connected by a slender, broadly U-shaped ninth tergite. Vestibulum membranous. Ductus bursae elongate, equaling length 

of corpus bursae, densely covered internally with pectinations 

consisting of short rows of 2–5 minute spicules; these becoming more fused into longer, dentate, transverse pectinations 

near junction with the corpus bursae; beyond this typically 

curved junction zone, pectinations gradually disappearing further into elongate corpus bursae; signum consisting of a long, 

slender, inverted U-shaped, nearly circular band of minute, 

conical to truncate, external tubercles. Ductus spermathecae 

short, approximately the length of ductus bursae; outer membranous canal reduced in diameter, closely adhering to tubular inner canal; latter usually undergoing 4–5 convolutions 

before enlarging to form a terminal, sigmoid vesicle.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; DOMINICA: 2 mi [3.2 km] 

NW Pont Casse, 16 May 1965, D. R. Davis (USNM).

Paratypes. Dominica: 0.4 mi [0.64 km] 

NW Pont Casse: 2 ♂, 2 ♀, 6 May 1964, O. S. Flint 

(USNM). 1.5 mi [2.4 km] NW Pont Casse: 7 ♂, 13 ♀, 

1 UNK, 3 Apr 1965, D. R. Davis, slides USNM 16351, 

16352 (SEM), 16353, 16354 (SEM), 32424, 32483 

(USNM). 2 mi [3.2 km] NW Pont Casse: 3 ♀, 1 UNK, 

20 Apr 1965, 4 ♀, 2 May 1965, 1 ♀, 5 May 1965, 1 ♀, 

16 May 1965, 1 UNK, 17 May 1965, 2 UNK, 18 May 

1965, 1 UNK, 25 May 1965, D. R. Davis, slides USNM 

28764, 28765 (USNM). 5 mi [8 km] E Pont Casse: 1 ♂, 

27 Jan 1965, J. F. G. & T. M. Clarke (USNM). Central 

Forest Reserve: 1 ♂, 3 ♀, 6 UNK, 3 May 1965, D. R. 

Davis, slide USNM 28763 (USNM). Clarke Hall: 2 ♂, 2 

♀, 23 Apr 1964, 1 ♂, 25 Apr 1964, O. S. Flint (USNM). 

Pont Casse: 1 ♂, 3 ♀, 6 Apr 1965, D. R. Davis (USNM). 

Rosalie: 1 UNK, 15 Jun 1965, D. R. Davis (USNM). Trafalgar: 1 ♂, 21 May 1965, D. R. Davis (USNM). Puerto

Rico: Carite, 500 m: 1 ♂, 17 Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, 

slide USNM 32478 (USNM). Centro Vacacional, Monte 

del Estado, nr. Maricao, 650 m: 2 ♂, 1–9 Mar 1971, C. F. 

Kimball, slide USNM 32738 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. This species probably flies 

throughout most of the year with records for January, 

March–June, and August reported.

Distribution. (Map 6) Probably widespread in 

the Greater Antilles but currently known only from Dominica, where it was found to be common, and Puerto Rico.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin latus (broad, wide) and sacculus (little sac) in reference to the diagnostic, greatly enlarged saccular lobe of 

the male valva.

Discussion. Pseudopostega latisaccula was 

the most common opostegid encountered during the threeyear Bredin-Archbold Smithsonian Biological Survey of 

Dominica. The females are unusual in possessing the most 

slender, elongate ovipositor (including abdominal segments 

7 and 8) known for the Opostegidae. This specialization 

suggests a modification in ovipostion behavior that may involve depositing eggs in a more concealed site than normal. 

The paired pseudapophyses within segment 7 may have developed as additional support for this prolongation.

The triangularis group

Males of the triangularis group are characterized by 

a generally triangular gnathos (viewed ventrally), which 

gradually tapers caudally to either an acute apex, or to a 

more attenuated, slender, caudal lobe. The valvae are moderately long (length along the sacculus ranging from ~0.5–

0.7× the length of genital capsule), with well-­developed 

saccular lobes. A juxta is usually absent.

Pseudopostega attenuata, new species

Figures 162, 306, 307, 446, 447; Map 7

Adult. Figure 162. Length of forewing 1.8–

2.2 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked by 2 dark brown, subapical, costal strigulae and 

an elongate, slightly darker, fuscous apical spot. Male with 

conical gnathal lobe and relatively elongate, attenuated vinculum; basal fold well developed, caudal margin slightly 

arched (Figure 306). Papillae anales of female consisting of 

a pair of very small, contiguous lobes (Figure 447).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

light golden brown, ~47–51-segmented. Maxillary palpus 

white to cream. Labial palpus white, suffused with dark 

brown laterally.

Thorax: White; extreme anterior margin of tegula 

grayish brown. Forewing almost entirely white with 2 dark 

brown subapical costal strigulae, the basal most relatively 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 7 7

broad along costa; an elongate, darker apical spot trailing 

off apically as a short tornal strigula; the area immediately 

adjacent to spot light brown; terminal cilia light brown beyond strigulae and along dorsal margin, white in between 

(tornal area); venter of forewing brown except for short, 

basal white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally 

and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly 

white; foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces dark grayish 

brown; midleg with distal two tarsomeres dark brown dorsally; distal tarsomeres light brown dorsally on hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, mostly 

white ventrally, occasionally with grayish brown suffusion 

laterally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 306, 307. Socii a pair of 

relatively long, slender, setose lobes, narrowly separated 

by a distance ~0.25× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim 

of uncus narrow, truncate. Vinculum elongate, moderately 

broad at juncture with tegumen, then tapering anteriorly 

to narrow, rounded, anterior apex. Gnathos narrow, with 

well-developed, slightly arched basal fold distinctly set off 

from caudal half, the latter gradually tapering to subacute 

apex; anterior margin of gnathos usually strongly convex. 

Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.4× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 54–58 blunt 

spines; pedicel relatively narrow, minimum width ~0.17× 

length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.7× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe slender, 

tapering, extending halfway to apex of pedicel; basal process of valva relatively stout, approximately equaling length 

of costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 446, 447. Abdomen tapering to a slender, slightly cleft apex. Each posterior apophysis fused most of its length, moderately long, slender. 

Papillae anales a pair of very small, contiguous lobes, each 

bearing ~6 setae of variable lengths; longest setae about 

0.75× length of apophyses; maximum length of lobes ~0.2× 

width of entire base (Figure 447). Vestibulum relatively 

narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae slender, moderately 

elongate, with a dense, elongate zone of pectinations composed of rows of usually 2–5 minute spicules. Corpus bursae 

elongate, slender, with an extremely dense zone of mostly 

broad, pectinate to serrate spicules completely lining walls 

from caudal separation of bursa with ductus spermathecae 

and extending anteriorly to large oval zone containing irregularly shaped external tubercles near anterior third of 

bursa; caudal most spicules of bursa commencing as 1–5 

minute spines arranged first in rows, which almost immediately become larger and more fused. Ductus spermathecae 

elongate, ~0.5× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous 

outer canal short, slender; inner canal sinuate, terminating in 3–4 convolutions; vesicle composed of two, small, 

rounded lobes.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: 

Estación Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 

10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, L/17/380, 26 May 1998, 

INBio-OET, slide DRD 4198 (INBIO).

Paratypes. Brazil: Ceara: Guaramiranga, 

1000 m: 2 ♂, 9 Apr 1994, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 

4227 (USNM, VOB). Costa Rica: Cartago: Turrialba, 600 m: 6 ♂, 2 ♀, Jul 1981, V. O. Becker, slides: 

DRD 4197, 4246, USNM 31935, 32780, 32819 (INBIO, 

USNM, VOB). Guanacaste: Estación Pitilla, 9 km S

Santa Cecilia, P. N. Guanacaste, 700 m: 1 ♂, 31 Mar15 Apr 1992, P. Rios, slide USNM 32807 (USNM). 

Heredia: El Ceibo, 10 km SW La Virgen, 05/L/00/033, 

450–550 m: 1 ♂, A.Kawahara, slide DRD 4315 (INBIO). 

Estación Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 

10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m., L/00/191: 1 ♂, 19 Mar 

1996, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4187 (INBIO); L/00/197: 

1 ♂, 25 Mar 1996, INBio-OET (USNM); L/00/223: 1 

♂, 22 Apr1996, INBio-OET (USNM); L/00/256: 1 ♂, 

19 May 1996, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4164 (INBIO); 

L/07/358: 1 ♂, 22 Apr 1998, INBio-OET, slide: DRD 

4166 (INBIO); L/07/370: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 12 May 1998, INBioOET, slide DRD 4172 (INBIO); L/07/382: 1 ♂, 27 May 

1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4195 (INBIO); L/07/656: 

1 ♂, 3 Jun 1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4180 (INBIO); 

L/09/372: 1 ♂, 13 May 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 

4192 (INBIO); L/09/634: 2 ♂, 6 May 1999, INBio-OET, 

slides DRD 4194, 4196 (INBIO); L/10/349: 1 UNK, 7 Apr 

1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/10/623: 1 ♂, 22 Apr 1999, 

INBio-OET (INBIO); L/11/350: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 14 Apr 1998, 

INBio-OET, slides DRD 4197, 4246 (INBIO, USNM); 

L/11/374: 1 ♂, 14 May 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

32803 (USNM); L/13/388: 1 ♀, 3 Jun 1998, INBio-OET

(INBIO); L/13/422: 1 ♀, 15 Jul 1998, INBio-OET, slide 

USNM 32959 (USNM); L/13/494: 1 ♀, 22 Oct 1998, 

INBio-OET (INBIO); L/07/608: 1 ♀, 30 Mar 1999, 

INBio-OET, slide USNM 32779 (USNM); L/13/614: 

1 ♀, 8 Apr 1999, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/13/650: 1 ♂, 

27 May 1999, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/14/639: 1 ♂, 12 

May 1999, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/15/306: 1 ♂, 3 Feb 

1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4283 (INBIO); L/15/390: 

2 ♂, 4 Jun 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4269 (INBIO, 

USNM); L/15/402: 1 ♂, 18 Jun 1998, INBio-OET, slide 

USNM 32778 (USNM); L/15/496: 1 ♀, 27 Oct 1998, 

INBio-OET (USNM); L/15/508: 1 UNK, 11 Nov 1998, 

INBio-OET (INBIO); L/15/652: 1 ♀, 1 Jun 1999, INBioOET (INBIO); L/17/344: 1 ♂, 1 Apr 1998, INBio-OET
7 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

(INBIO); L/17/344: 2 ♀, 1 Apr 1998, INBio-OET, slides 

DRD 4267, USNM 32814 (USNM, INBIO); L/18/535: 1 

♂, 15 Dec 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4280 (INBIO). 

Estación Biológica La Selva, Lab. Area, 50–150 m, L006: 

1 ♂, 10–17 Jan 1993, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32846 

(USNM). ECUADOR: 80 km E Guayaquil, Bucay (= Cumanda), 700 m: 1 ♂, 2 ♀, 16–19 Jan 2001, R. Puplesis & 

S. Hill, slide AD 0576, (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Records range from February 

to June in Costa Rica and Brazil, and January in Ecuador.

Distribution. (Map 7) Probably a rather widespread species in the American, lowland tropics. The species 

was common at the La Selva Biological Station in north­eastern 

Costa Rica, with records also known for Cartago and Guanacaste Provinces, Costa Rica, Ceara in northwestern Brazil, 

and near Guayaquil in southwestern Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin attenuatus (drawn out, tapered) in reference to 

the relatively elongate, tapered vinculum characteristic of 

the male genitalia of this species.

Discussion. Pseudopostega attenuata was the 

most common species of Opostegidae encountered during 

the ALAS III survey at the La Selva Biological Station, 

Costa Rica. The gnathos of this species resembles that 

of P. conicula in possessing a well-developed basal fold 

and in being narrowly triangular (viewed ventrally), but is 

much more slender in lateral view. The vinculum of attenuata is diagnostic in being strongly tapered and extended 

anteriorly well beyond the base of the valvae.

Pseudopostega conicula, new species

Figures 163, 304, 305; Map 7

Adult. Figure 163. Length of forewing 2.3–

2.6 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with a dark brown, subapical, costal strigulae 

with internal suffusion of light brown along its length 

and a usually less prominent dark brown, terminal, costal 

strigula midway through cilia; dark brown apical spot distinct, usually contiguous with inner margin of strigula 1. 

Male with gnathos projecting as an elongate conical lobe, 

basal fold triangular (Figure 304). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

brown, ~54–56-segmented. Palpi white to cream; labial palpus with suffusion of brown dorsally and laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula entirely white. Forewing 

white with a dark brown, subapical, costal strigulae with internal suffusion of light brown along its length and a usually 

less prominent, dark brown, terminal, costal strigula midway 

through cilia; dark brown apical spot distinct, usually contiguous with inner margin of strigula 1; a few brown scales 

sometimes present on dorsal margin near basal third; terminal 

cilia white between strigulae and at tornus, light brown distal 

of terminal strigula and along dorsal margin; venter of forewing light to medium brown except for basal white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally except for 

white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white; foreleg with dorsal 

surfaces brown; midleg with dark brown bands dorsally on 

tarsomeres 3 and 4; tarsal banding paler on hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 304, 305. Socii a pair of 

relatively broad, rounded, setose lobes, moderately widely 

separated by a distance ~0.4 the length of cucullar lobe; 

caudal rim of uncus concave. Vinculum broad; anterior 

margin rounded. Gnathos relatively narrow at base, gradually tapering to a conical, stout, subacute, dorsally recurved, 

caudal lobe; anterior margin concave; basal fold triangular, 

relatively broad at middle, becoming more narrow laterally 

(Figure 304). Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.55× 

length of entire genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 36–39 blunt spines; length of lobe over 0.8× length 

of remainder of valva; distal apex of cucullar lobe rounded, 

not extended; pedicel moderately broad, ~0.2× length of 

cucullar lobe; valva relatively short, length along sacculus 

~0.65× length of entire genital capsule; saccular lobe relatively short, stout, broadly rounded; basal process of valva 

tapering to an acute apex, slightly less than length of broad, 

elongate, costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Guanacaste: 

Estación Santa Rosa, P. N. Guanacaste, 300 m: 1 ♂, Jul 

1990, I Curso Lepidopterología, slide DRD 4178 (INBio).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Guanacaste: Estación Santa Rosa, P. N. Guanacaste, 300 m: 1 ♀, Aug 

1990, C. Chaves (INBIO); 1 ♂, 21 Jul 1988, M. Scoble, 

slide USNM 33261 (USNM). Finca Jenny, 30 km N Liberia, P. N. Guanacaste, 300 m: 1 ♂, Jul 1991, R. Espinoza, 

slide USNM 32257 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in July and 

August.

Distribution. (Map 7) Known only from 

Guanacaste Province in northwestern Costa Rica in lowland, seasonal dry forests.

Etymology. The specific name is derived 

from the Latin coniculus (cone-like, conical) in reference 

to the conical elongation of the male gnathos.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 7 9

Discussion. The gnathos of this species and 

P. triangularis from Argentina is somewhat similar in its 

basic triangular form but differs with that of conicula in 

being much stouter as viewed laterally. Pseudopostega 

conicula is also distinct in possessing broader socii and a 

more rounded, less extended saccular lobe.

Pseudopostega triangularis, new species

Figures 164, 308, 309; Map 7

Adult. Figure 164. Length of forewing 2.6 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with 3 light to dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, and 

a small, dark brown to fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos 

triangular, gradually tapering to an acute caudal apex; 

basal fold slender, deeply arched (Figure 308). Female 

unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

brown, 46-segmented. Palpi white; labial palpus with suffusion of dark brown dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula white, with slight suffusion 

of brown on anterior margin. Forewing white marked with 

3 light to dark brown, subapical costal strigulae; strigula 1 

dark brown at costal margin, gradually fading toward pale 

yellowish, subapical area immediately basal to dark fuscous 

apical spot; strigula 2 converging to termination of 1; strigula 

3 directed toward apical spot, then curving around spot to 

tornus (median section of strigula 3 interrupted in holotype); terminal cilia mostly white, light brown beyond apex, 

mostly white around tornus, becoming light brown along 

dorsal margin; venter of forewing light brown, white along 

costa and at basal, subhumeral area. Hindwing and cilia 

light brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces partially suffused with light brown; 

tarsi faintly banded dorsally with cream to light brown; mid 

Map 7. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega triangularis species group.
8 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

and hindlegs cream dorsally, white ventrally; tarsomeres 3–4 

of midleg dorsally banded with light brown.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 308, 309. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, round, setose, lobes, widely separated by a 

distance nearly equal to length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim 

of uncus deeply concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin 

broadly but shallowly concave. Base of gnathos broad, gradually narrowing to subacute apex; anterior margin deeply 

concave, with narrow, medially arched basal fold extending 

across base. Valva with elongate cucullar lobe ~0.5× length 

of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single 

row of ~26 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe rounded, 

not extended; pedicel moderately stout, width ~0.2× length 

of cucullar lobe; valva long, length along sacculus ~0.8× that 

of genital capsule; saccular lobe elongate, nearly reaching 

apex of cucullar lobe, tapering slightly to irregularly rounded, 

setose apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, 

approximately equaling length of moderately stout, apically 

rounded costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ARGENTINA: Salta: 1 km 

NW Senda, along RN 34, 500 m, 25 Nov 1995, transitional forest, Sta 17, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg., slide DRD 

4133, (RMNH).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. November (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 7) Known only from 

type locality, in north-central Argentina.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin triangulus (having three angles) in reference to 

the general triangular shape of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male genitalia of this species 

are similar to those of P. conicula but differ in possessing 

a more slender caudal lobe from the gnathos, more slender 

socii, more extended saccular lobes, and the anterior margin of the vinculum concave.

Pseudopostega sacculata (Meyrick)

Figures 165, 310; Map 7

Opostega sacculata Meyrick, 1915:240.—Davis, 1984:18.

Pseudopostega sacculata (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:419.

Adult. Figure 165. Length of forewing 2.6 mm. 

Small white moth with white forewings marked with a large, 

brown, triangular spot slightly beyond middle of costal 

margin, two brown, subapical costal strigulae, one brown 

tornal strigula, and a small fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos broad basally, tapering to moderately slender, dorsally 

recurved caudal lobe; basal fold broad, short, with caudal 

projection at middle (Figure 310). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum cream, 

56-segmented. Palpi not examined (broken in holotype).

Thorax: White. Forewing white, with a few yellowish brown scales scattered over wing, and a large, brown, 

triangular spot slightly beyond middle of costal margin; two, 

relatively short, brown, subapical costal strigulae present, 

both terminating well above small fuscous apical spot; a 

small, ochreous area of suffusion present immediately basal 

to apical spot; a brown tornal strigula extending a short distance down from apical spot; apical cilia white, otherwise 

cream; venter of forewing yellowish brown. Hindwing and 

cilia ochreous cream dorsally and ventrally. Legs uniformly 

pale ochreous.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figure 310. Socii a pair of short, 

relatively broad, setose lobes widely separated by a distance 

~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus broadly 

concave. Tegumen narrow. Vinculum broad, gradually 

narrowing to truncate, slightly sinuate anterior margin. 

Gnathos with a broad, laterally thickened, triangular base, 

gradually tapering to form stout, dorsally recurved, caudal lobe; basal fold broad, short, with caudal projection at 

middle (Figure 310). Valva with large cucullar lobe ~0.35× 

length of genital capsule, with elongate pectinifer bearing 

32–34 blunt spines; pedicel broad, with a circular thickened 

area at base, narrowest width ~0.2× length of cucullar lobe; 

valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.7× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe elongate, stout, extending almost 

to outer apex of cucullar lobe, with densely papillose, setose apex; basal process tapering to an elongate, acuminate 

apex; costal process of valva well sclerotized and equal to 

basal process in length. Juxta a weakly sclerotized, bluntly 

lobed process from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ECUADOR: Chimborazo: 

Huigra: Jun [19]14, Parish, slide BMNH 29636 (BMNH).

Material Examined. Ecuador: Chimborazo: Huigra: 1 ♂ (holotype), Jun [19]14, Parish, slide 

BMNH 29636 (BMNH). Guayas: 80 km E Guayaquil, 

Bucay (= Cumanda), 700 m: 1 ♂, 16–19 Jan 2001, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slide AD 0473 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected in 

January and June.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 8 1

Distribution. (Map 7) Known only from 

southwestern Ecuador.

Discussion. The male of this species appears 

most similar to that of the preceeding species, P. triangularis, but differs in the development of a median projection 

with less arch in the basal fold of the gnathos. The vinculum is also more tapered anterior to the base of the valvae 

than in triangularis.

Pseudopostega kempella (Eyer)

Figures 166, 311, 312, 448, 449; Map 7

Opostega kempella Eyer, 1967:39.—Davis, 1983:3, no. 124.

Pseudopostega kempella (Eyer).—Davis: 1989:76.—Poole, 1996:797.

—Heppner, 2003:232.—Puplesis and Diškus, 2003:419.

Adult. Figure 166. Length of forewing 1.8–

2.5 mm. Small white moth; forewings marked with small 

brown dorsal spot, 2 strongly oblique, brownish, subapical, costal strigulae, and a small black apical spot. Male 

gnathos with a stout, simple, caudal lobe; basal fold extremely narrow (Figures 311, 312). Papillae anales of female a pair of small, oval, closely set lobes (Figure 449).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum cream 

to dark cream, ~59–60-segmented. Palpi white to cream; labial palpus with faint brownish suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, with small brownish to dark brown, irregularly shaped spot on dorsum near 

middle; forewing with 3 subapical, costal strigulae; the first 

2 strigulae dark brown, closely subparallel, strongly oblique; strigula 1 shadowed with dark yellowish brown, terminating before and below small black apical spot; stigula 2 

shorter, terminating at apical spot; strigula 3 faint, brown, 

curving slightly beyond and around apical spot; a short tornal strigula sometimes evident and extending below apical 

spot toward strigula 1; terminal cilia brownish to brown, 

otherwise cream to white; venter of forewing densely irrorated with brown scales, except for small elongated cream 

area along subhumeral area. Hindwing light to dark cream 

(depending on viewing angle); cilia light to brownish cream. 

Legs white ventrally; forelegs with grayish brown suffusion 

dorsally and laterally; mid- and hindlegs mostly cream dorsally; midleg with slight brownish irroration dorsally.

Abdomen: Uniformly white.

Male Genitalia: Figures 311, 312. Socii a pair of 

short, setose lobes widely separated by a distance ~0.5 the 

length of cucullar lobe. Uncus with a deep triangular concavity, strongly sclerotized along caudal margin and at middle. 

Tegumen relatively narrow. Vinculum broad, tapering anteriorly to a moderately narrow, subtruncate, anterior margin. Gnathos broad at base, tapering to a stout, elongate, 

rod-like lobe; apex of lobe bluntly rounded; anterior margin 

subtruncate, with transverse, narrow basal fold. Valva with 

large cucullar lobe, ~0.6× length of genital capsule, bearing 

an elongate pectinifer consisting of ~33–36 blunt spines; 

pedicel moderately stout, width ~0.2× length of saccular 

lobe; valva moderately long, ~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe with broad, subacute apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, approximately equal in 

length to moderately stout costal process. Juxta absent.

Female Genitalia: Figures 448, 449. Apex of abdomen narrowly truncate, with two poorly defined setose lobes. Each posterior apophysis fused for most of its 

length, slender and long. Papillae anales a pair of small, 

oval, closely set lobes bearing short setae. Vestibulum narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae narrowing slightly to 

corpus bursae, with a patch of minute pectinate spicules 

arranged in faint linear rows of ~6–10 spines; pectinations fading before bursa. Corpus bursae relatively large, 

oval to spherical, with a faint, slender band of numerous, 

minute, external tubercles extending for most of length of 

bursa. Ductus spermathecae ~1.0–1.5× length of corpus 

bursae; membranous outer canal very broad at junction 

with corpus bursae, becoming abruptly narrow over distal 

half; inner canal very long, slightly sinuous, with about 3 

terminal convolutions. Vesicle a single coiled tube.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; USA: Florida: Monroe Co.: 

Key Largo, 10 Oct 1964, S. Kemp, slide USNM 21264 

(USNM).

Material Examined. USA: Florida: Monroe Co.: Key Largo: 1 UNK, 4 Nov 1964, 1 ♀, 7 Nov 1964, 

1 ♂, 8 Nov 1964, 1 ♀, 9 Nov 1964, S. Kemp, slides USNM 

33044, 32427, DRD 3325 (MCZ, USNM), 1 ♂ (holotype), 

10 Oct 1964, S. Kemp, slide USNM 21264 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in October 

and November.

Distribution. (Map 7) Currently known 

only from the type locality in southern Florida (USA).

Discussion. The type series of P. kempella

was found to comprise three distinct species. In addition 

to the holotype, Eyer (1967) listed eight male and four 

female paratypes in the type series of P. kempella. Nine 

of these paratypes were examined in this study, resulting 

in the discovery of two new species, P. parakempella and 

P. floridensis. The current deposition of the remaining two 

paratypes listed by Eyer is not known. On the basis of male 
8 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

genital morphology, all three species have been placed in 

different species groups. Pseudopostega kempella is characterized by the shorter valvae, smooth, triangular base of 

the gnathos, and moderately stout caudal lobe. The short, 

globular papillae anales of kempella are also distinct from 

those of parakempella and floridensis.

Pseudopostega paraplicatella, new species

Figures 167, 313; Map 7

Adult. Figure 167. Length of forewing 3.0 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae and a pale 

brown spot on dorsum. Male gnathos with apex of caudal lobe slender, elongate, and simple; basal fold slender, 

broadly arched (Figure 313). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

ochre-brown, ~55–57-segmented. Palpi cream to white; labial palpus with dark brown suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula white. Forewing white 

with 3 oblique, long, dark brown, subapical costal strigulae; strigula 1 the shortest, 2/3 the length of 2; strigula 

2 fading to elongate, blackish brown apical spot; strigula 

3 faint, slightly extending distally around apical spot to 

short, faint, brown tornal strigula; terminal cilia white; 

venter of forewing brown except for basal, subhumeral 

cream area. Hindwing and cilia light ochreous brown dorsally and pale brown ventrally (the same color as venter of 

forewing) except for cream suffusion at base. Legs mostly 

cream to white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with 

dark brown; tarsomeres of all legs with dark brown or 

fuscous suffusion dorsally over apical segments.

Abdomen: Color not recorded.

Male Genitalia: Figure 313. Socii a pair of relatively 

long, slender, distally rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance ~1.2× length of cucullar lobe. Vinculum 

V-shaped, anterior margin extended into slender, subacute 

process. Base of gnathos broadly trapezoid, abruptly narrowing posteriorly to a moderately long, very slender, caudal lobe; 

apex of lobe simple, rounded, distinctly curved dorsally; basal 

fold slender, broadly arched. Valva with an oval, elongate cucullar lobe ~0.3× length of genital capsule; bearing a pectinifer 

consisting of about 36 blunt spines; pedicel thickened, width 

~1/3 length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately short, length 

along sacculus ~0.6× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe 

small and slender, tapering to an irregularly rounded, setose 

apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, exceeding 

length of short costal process. Juxta absent.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Ecuador: Napo: SE of Coca, 

near Rio Tiputini, Yasuni Research Station, 230 m 76°36'W, 

00°38'S, Amazon rainforest, 15–25 Jan 2000, R. Puplesis, 

slide AD 0444 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 7) Known only from the 

type locality in Amazonian rainforest of eastern Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

Latin, para (beside, near), and the species name plicatella, 

in reference to the close morphological similarities of these 

two species.

Discussion. Males of P. paraplicatella are easily distinguished from those of the closely related P. plicatella by the more acute anterior end of the vinculum, broader 

basal fold of the gnathos, and shorter saccular lobe.

Pseudopostega plicatella, new species

Figures 168, 314; Map 7

Adult. Figure 168. Length of forewing 2.5–

3.2 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with 3 brown to dark brown, subapical costal 

strigulae, a short, faint, brown tornal strigula, and a small, 

dark brown apical spot. Male gnathos with apex of caudal lobe slender, elongate, subacute; basal fold narrow, 

steeply arched (Figure 314). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 50–57-segmented. Palpi cream to white; labial palpus with dark brown suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula white. Forewing white with 

3 subapical costal strigulae; strigula 1 the broadest, half the 

length of 2; strigula 2 fading to elongate, dark brown apical 

spot; strigula 3 faint, extending distally around apical spot 

to short, faint, brown tornal strigula; terminal cilia white between strigulae, mostly brown beyond strigula 3 and white 

along dorsal margin; venter of forewing light brown except 

for basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia light 

brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at 

base. Legs mostly white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with dark brown; tarsomeres of all legs with dark 

brown suffusion dorsally over apical segments.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figure 314. Socii a pair of relatively large, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by 

a distance ~ equal to length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim 

of uncus smoothly concave. Vinculum moderately broad; 

anterior margin rounded to subtruncate. Base of gnathos 

broadly triangular, gradually narrowing posteriorly to a 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 8 3

moderately long, slender, caudal lobe; apex of lobe simple, 

rounded, slightly curved dorsally; anterior margin of gnathos with median indentation and a narrow, short, steeply 

arched basal fold. Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe 

~0.5× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~47–49 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe 

evenly rounded; pedicel broad, over one-third the length of 

cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.75× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe elongate, moderately 

slender, tapering to an irregularly rounded, setose apex; 

basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, exceeding 

length of moderately short costal process. Juxta a slender, 

filamentous, caudal extension from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Pará: Capitao Poco: 

25–31 Jan 1984, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 4348 (VOB).

Paratypes. Brazil: Pará: Capitao Poco: 1 

♀, 25–31 Jan 1984, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 31797 

(USNM). ECUADOR: Napo: SE Tena, near Rio Napo, 

Jatun Sacha and Misahualli, 400–500 m: 2 ♂, 26–31 Jan 

2000, R. Puplesis, slides AD 0357, 0443 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January.

Distribution. (Map 7) Known from two 

disjunct localities in northeastern Brazil (Pará) and eastcentral Ecuador (Napo).

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin plico (fold) added to the diminutive suffix ella

(little) in reference to the small, median fold at the anterior 

margin of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The gnathos of this species is 

diagnostic in possessing an extremely reduced, caudally 

arched basal fold restricted to the median area of the anterior margin. It is further distinguished from the related 

species, paraplicatella, in possessing a more rounded vinculum with a vestigial juxta and longer saccular lobes.

Pseudopostega cretea (Meyrick)

Figures 169–171, 315, 316, 450–452; Map 8

Opostega cretea Meyrick, 1920:358.—Forbes, 1923:161.—McDun­nough, 

1939:100, no. 9406.—Eyer, 1963:239; 1966:237.—Clarke, 1955:103.

—Davis, 1983:3, no. 119.—Brower, 1984:47.

Pseudopostega cretea (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:76.—Poole, 1996:796.

—Puplesis and Diškus, 2003:419.

Adult. Figures 169–171. Length of forewing 

3.9–4.6 mm. Small, white to pale yellowish brown moth 

(or uniformly dark brown in case of melanic form); forewings variably marked with large, brown distinctly oblique 

dorsal spot, 2–3 brown, subapical, costal strigulae, 2 similar tornal strigulae, and a small brown to fuscous apical 

spot. Male gnathos triangular, with a single, stout, acute 

caudal lobe; basal fold reduced, narrow (Figure 315). Papillae anales of female consisting of a pair of small, moderately elongate, rounded, setose lobes (Figure 451).

Head: Vestiture usually white to grayish yellow; 

melanic form with frontal tuft cream-white, and most of collar, except grayish brown over proximal 1/5. Scape white, 

sometimes distally darkened with grayish yellow or brown 

(particularly in melanic form); flagellum cream to brown 

(always brown in melanic form), ~66–72-segmented. Palpi 

white to cream or brown to gray; labial palpus sometimes 

with brownish suffusion laterally and dorsally.

Thorax: White to grayish yellow (or grayish 

brown in melanic form). Forewing usually white dorsally 

but sometimes pale grayish to yellowish brown distally or 

entirely; a large, brown to fuscous, distinctly outwardly 

oblique spot present midway along dorsal margin; at least 

2 brown, subapical, costal strigulae and 2 tornal strigulae 

present; strigula 1 strongly oblique extending to a small 

brown to fuscous apical spot; stigula 2 terminating at apical 

spot; sometimes an additional (third) costal strigula developed; terminal and dorsal cilia white to light brown; venter 

of forewing cream to brown; melanic form (see discussion) 

with entirely dark grayish brown forewing, usually displaying slight to bluish iridescence and no dorsal spot; only 1 

(costal), subapical, fuscous strigula and brownish fuscous 

apical spot visible; cilia and forewing underside of melanic form brown except for small, elongate, subhumeral, 

brownish cream area. Hindwing (including melanic form) 

light brown to brown dorsally and ventrally; cilia light 

brown to brown in melanic form. Legs (including melanic 

form) ochreous cream to gray, without or with distinctive, 

brown to fuscous shading laterally and dorsally.

Abdomen: Grayish brown dorsally, cream to gray 

ventrally (including melanic form).

Male Genitalia: Figures 315, 316. Socii a pair of 

slender, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance nearly 

0.9× length of cucullar lobe. Tegumen extremely narrow. 

Vinculum broad, anterior margin usually slightly concave, 

occasionally narrowly rounded. Gnathos broad at base, 

tapering abruptly to form elongate, moderately stout, 

acute, caudal lobe; lobe sharply curved dorsally from base, 

with lateral apical margins serrulate (Figures 315, 316); 

anterior margin of gnathos with narrow basal fold and 

variably developed median cleft; occasionally base of gnathos reduced, and only an enlarged caudal lobe with deep 
8 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

anterior indentation visible. Valva with elongate cucullar 

lobe ~0.55× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer 

consisting of ~38–40 blunt spines; pedicel broad, width 

~0.2× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along 

sacculus ~0.7× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe 

moderately stout, tapering slightly to a rounded, setose 

apex; basal process of valva tapering to slender, acuminate 

apex; costal process of valva stout, tapering, terminating 

just before or at apex of basal process. Juxta usually absent but sometimes developed as a narrow long rod-like 

sclerite from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 450–452. Apex of abdomen slightly bilobed, with long setae. Each posterior 

apophysis fused ~0.33× its length, moderately long and 

slender. Papillae anales a pair of small, moderately elongate, rounded, setose lobes; length of lobes ~0.3× length of 

posterior apophyses. Vestibulum moderately broad, with a 

central region containing a thickened (tending to stain dark), 

elongate region. Ductus bursae moderately broad, with a 

relatively large area of pectinate spicules arranged in mostly 

short, transverse rows of usually 3–5 spicules. Corpus bursae relatively broad, elongate, with a patch of pectinate 

spicules in short transverse rows near caudal end; two faint 

bands bearing numerous, minute, external tubercles extending most the length of corpus; ductus spermathecae nearly as 

long as corpus bursae; membranous outer canal broad only 

over distal half; inner canal long, slightly sinuous, terminating in ~4–5 small, tightly coiled convolutions; vesicle coiled 

at basal half, terminating in a slender, elongate lagena.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Lectotype. ♂; CANADA: Ontario: Lake 

Muskoka: Jul [19]18, Parish, slide 9527 (BMNH).

Material Examined. CANADA: British 

Columbia: Fraser Mills: 2 ♂, 1 UNK, 30 Jun 1925, L. E. 

Marmont, slide USNM 32701 (USNM). Ontario: Locality not stated: 1 UNK, Jul [19]21, Parish (BMNH). Lake 

Muskoka, 1 ♂ (lectotype): Jul 1918, Parish, slide 9527; 2 

♀ (paralectotypes), slide 29639 (BMNH). Toronto: 1 ♂, 

Jun 1921 (USNM), 1 ♂, Jul [19]23, 5 ♂, 1 ♀, Jun [19]23–

24?, Parish, (BMNH). USA: Connecticut: New Haven 

Co.: East River: 1 ♂, 2 UNK, Jul, 1 UNK 4 Jul 1910, 1 

UNK 8 Jul 1910, 1 UNK 9 Jul 1910, 1 ♂, 11 Jul 1910, 1 

♂, 19 Jul 1908, 1 ♂, 23 Jul 1908, 1 ♂, 24 Jul 1908, 1 ♂, 

29 Jul 1908, 1 ♂, 30 Jul 1910, 1 ♂, Aug, 1 UNK, 3 Aug 

1915, 1 ♂ 5 Sep 1908, C. R. Ely, slides USNM 17187, 

17936, 33121, 33126 (SEM) (LACM, USNM). Florida: 

Alachua Co.: Austin Carey Forest: 1 ♀, 11 Jun 1975, 

G. B. Fairchild, slide USNM 32720 (USNM). Louisiana: 

Bossier Par: Barksdale A.F.B. [Airforce Base]: 1 ♂, 6 May 

1996, 1 ♂, 24 Apr 1996, D. M. Pollock (MEM). Calcasieu 

Par: S. H. Jones State Park: 1 ♂, 19–23 May 1993, R. L. 

Brown & D. Pollock, slide DRD 4151 (MEM). Maine: 

Franklin Co.: Rangeley: 1 ♂, 5 Aug 1961, slide USNM 

20353 (USNM). Oquossoc: 2 ♂, 24 Jul (USNM). Hancock Co.: Bar Harbor: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 22 Jul, 1 ♂, 30 Jul 1938, 

A. E. Brower, slides USNM 20346, 20348 (USNM). Kenebec Co.: Augusta: 1 ♂, 23 Jul 1942, A. E. Brower, slide 

USNM 33064 (USNM). Penobscot Co.: Lincoln: 1 ♂, 14 

Jul, 1 ♂, 16 Jul, 1 ♀, 17 Jul, 1 ♀, 19 Jul, 1 ♀, 30 Jul, 2 

♂, 5 Aug (USNM). Piscataquis Co.: Chesuncook: 1 ♂, 29 

Jul (USNM). Somerset Co.: Dennistown: 4 ♂, 22 Jul, 1 ♂, 

26 Jul, 1 ♂, 28 Jul 1959, 2 ♂, 5 Aug, 3 ♂, 6 Aug, 3 ♂, 8 

Aug (USNM). Washington Co.: Dennysville: 1 ♂, 12 ♀, 

4 UNK, 7 Jul, 1 ♂, 16 Jul, slides USNM 20347, 32444, 

32914, 32915, 32961 (USNM). Michigan: Presque Isle: 

Ocqueoc Lake: 1 ♂, 2 ♀, 25–26 Jul 1970, R. W. Hodges, 

slides USNM 17186, 17192 (USNM). Mississippi: Franklin Co.: Tributary of McGehee Creek: 1 ♂, 29 Jun 1992, 

T. Schiefer & B. Fontenot (MEM). George Co.: 4.5 mi 

[~7.2 km] NNW Lucedale: 1 ♂, 24–25 Jul 1999, T. L. 

Schiefer (MEM). Oktibbeha Co.: T18N, R14E, Sec.33 

SE: 1 ♂, 18 Jun 1992, R. L. Brown, slide USNM 32716 

(MEM). Smith Co.: 1 mi [0.63 km] N Raleigh: 1 ♂, 14–15 

Jun 1985, R. Brown & G. Burrows, slide USNM 32713 

(MEM). Winston Co.: Tombigbee National Forest: 1 ♂, 

10 Aug 1999, J. A. MacGown (MEM). Nebraska: Cherry 

Co.: Valentine, NWR Hackberry Lake: 1 ♂, 24 Jun 1983, 

R. W. Hodges, slide: USNM 32700 (USNM). New York: 

Onondaga Co.: Radisson: 1 ♂, 19 Jul 1977, E. Jäckh, slide 

Jäckh 10416 (USNM). Tompkins Co.: Dryden, Ringwood 

Reserve: 1 UNK, 23 Jul 1933, J. G. Franclemont (USNM). 

McLean Bogs Reserve: 1 ♂, 20 Jul 1957, 1 ♂, 28 Jul 1954, 

J. G. Franclemont, slides USNM 32499, 32702 (USNM). 

North Carolina: Haywood Co.: Purchase Knob: 3 

♂, 1 ♀, 1 UNK 19 Jun 2004, H. Hayden, slide USNM 

33110 (GSMNP, USNM). Macon Co.: Highlands, 3865 ft 

[~1180 m]: 1 ♀, 30 Jul 1958, 1 ♂, 6 Aug 1958, 1 ♀, 8 Aug 

1958, 1 ♀, 10 Aug 1958, 2 ♀, 12 Aug 1958, 1 ♂, 22 

Aug 1958, R. W. Hodges, slides USNM 16439, 17172, 

17173, 17207, 21265, 91862, 91863 (USNM). Pennsylvania: Beaver Co.: New Brighton: 1 ♀, 21 Aug 1907, slide 

USNM 17209 (USNM). Luzerne Co.: Hazleton: 1 ♂, 27 

Jul 1897, Dietz (LACM). Texas: Jasper Co.: Martin Dies 

State Park: 1 ♂, 8 May 1986, E. C. Knudson, slide USNM 

32490 (TLS). Washington: Clarke Co.: 1 ♂, 14 Jul 1931, 

J. F. Clarke, slide USNM 33140 (USNM). Wisconsin: 

Burnett Co.: [locality not stated]: 1 ♂, 26 Jul 1999, slide 

USNM 32719 (USNM). Ozaukee Co.: 4 mi [~6.4 km] SSE 

Newburg: 3 ♂, 1 UNK, 7 Jul 1992, D. & M. Hildebrandt, 

slide USNM 32712 (MEM).
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 8 5

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. This species usually flies from 

May to July (with one early August record) in the southern 

USA and from June to August across the northern part of 

its broad range.

Distribution. (Map 8) Known predominantly from the eastern half of North America from 

southern Canada south to northern Florida, west to southeastern British Columbia and Texas.

Discussion. The occurrence of melanism in 

this species, first reported by Eyer (1966), appears more 

common than in any other species of Pseudopostega. Melanic individuals are known from Maine and Michigan 

but none from the southern part of the range. Other than 

color, no significant morphological differences were observed between the nonmelanic and melanic forms. Moreover, both forms (including melanics of varying degrees of 

pigmentation) have been collected at the same time and location. Eyer (1966) reported melanic specimens from both 

industrial and nonindustrial areas of the USA.

Within North American Opostegidae, the prominent 

caudal lobe of the gnathos is characteristic for this species. 

The anterior margin of the gnathos is similar to that of 

P. plicatella in usually being slightly cleft and possessing a 

reduced, narrowly arched, median, basal fold.

Pseudopostega breviapicula, new species

Figures 172, 317, 318; Map 7

Adult. Figure 172. Length of forewing 2.9–

3.0 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with a small, dark brown costal spot along distal 

2/3, a similar, small, dark brown spot beyond basal third 

of dorsal margin, 2–3 brown, subapical costal strigulae, 

a brown tornal strigula, and a small, dark brown to fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos triangular, gradually tapering to a short, acute, uncinate apex; basal fold broad 

and short, arched at middle (Figures 317, 318). Female 

unknown.

Map 8. Distribution of Pseudopostega cretea (triangularis species group).
8 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 49–54-segmented. Palpi white to cream; labial palpus with dorsolateral margins dark brown.

Thorax: White; tegula with dark brown suffusion 

on anterior margin. Forewing white with brown suffusion 

along basal anterior margin of costa; a small, dark brown 

costal spot along distal 2/3, a similar, small, dark brown spot 

beyond basal third of dorsal margin; costal strigulae variable, usually some vestige of 2–3 brown, subapical strigulae 

present; basal strigula faint; strigula 2 usually terminating 

just before dark brown to fuscous apical spot; area immediately basal to apical spot suffused with pale yellow; strigula 

3 indistinct in most specimens examined, typically curving 

around apical spot; tornal strigula brown, extending down 

from apical spot; terminal cilia mostly white, light brown 

along dorsal margin; venter of forewing light brown except 

for basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia light 

brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white to cream; 

foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with light to dark 

brown; midleg either mostly cream or with light brownish 

suffusion dorsally over tibia; tarsomeres with brown dorsal 

banding; banding paler on tarsomeres of hindleg.

Abdomen: Variable, dark to light brown dorsally, 

cream to gray laterally, and white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 317, 318. Socii a pair of 

small, low rounded, setose lobes widely separated by a distance 0.6× length of cucullar lobe; caudal margin of uncus 

broadly concave. Vinculum broad, tapering to relatively 

narrow, slightly concave anterior margin. Base of gnathos 

broadly triangular, gradually narrowing posteriorly to a 

short, broadly acute, dorsally recurved caudal lobe; anterior margin of gnathos with shallow, median indentation; 

basal fold broad and short, arched at middle, with free 

margin (Figure 317). Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe 

~0.5× length of genital capsule; bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~40 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe 

extended slightly as a setose, broadly acute lobe; pedicel 

broad, ~0.2× length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately 

long, length along sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately elongate, slender, tapering 

to rounded, setose apex; basal process of valva tapering to 

acute apex, exceeding length of costal lobe by nearly onethird its length. Juxta developed as an elongate, median 

rod from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Pará: Belém: Jan 

1984, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 4229 (VOB).

Paratypes. Argentina: Jujuy: Parque Nacional Calilegua, Mesada Las Colmenas, sta. 15, 1150 m: 1 

♂, 21–23 Sep 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg., slide DRD 4155 

(RMNH). Brazil: Minas Gerais: Nova Lima, 850 m: 1 

♂, 8 Oct 1985, 1 ♂, 30 Dec 1988, V. O. Becker, slides DRD 

4231, 4234 (VOB). Capitao Poco: 1 ♂, 25–31 Jan 1984, 

V. O. Becker, slide DRD 4219 (VOB). Panama: La 

Chorrera: 1 ♂, May 1912, A. Busck, slide USNM 31967 

(USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. This species has been collected throughout much of the year over its broad range, 

including October, December, January (Brazil), September 

(Argentina), and May (Panama).

Distribution. (Map 7) This species ranges 

widely across the Neotropical Region from Panama south 

to northeastern and southeastern Brazil and north-central 

Argentina.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin brevis (short) and apiculus (diminutive of apex) in 

reference to the short, acuminate apex of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The broadly triangular gnathos 

with a short, recurved caudal lobe and narrow, medially cleft, basal fold characterizes the males of this rather 

widely distributed Neotropical species.

Pseudopostega mignonae, new species

Figures 44, 45, 173, 319, 320; Map 7

Adult. Figure 173. Length of forewing 3.8–

4.3 mm. Small, mostly white moth with almost immaculate forewings except for broadly triangular, dark fuscous 

costal spot at distal third, fuscous to black discal spot, a 

prominent, brown to black, terminal costal strigula, and 

a second, usually faint, short, light brown costal strigula 

slightly distal to costal spot. Male with apex of gnathos 

slender, acute; basal fold transverse, moderately broad, 

constricted at middle (Figure 319). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum light 

golden brown, ~58–65-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream. 

Labial palpus white to cream, with brownish suffusion laterally and dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula dark 

brown. Forewing almost entirely white, with a broadly triangular, dark fuscous costal spot at distal third, a fuscous 

to black apical spot, a prominent brown to black, nearly 

straight, terminal costal strigula, curving slightly from apex 

of costal margin through terminal cilia around apical spot to 

tornus, and a second, usually faint, short, light brown costal 

strigula slightly distal to costal spot; terminal cilia variable, 

white between strigulae and then brown apically, white 

along termen, then becoming light brown along dorsal mar-
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 8 7

gin; venter of forewing light brown to gray, with white patch 

over base of wing. Hindwing and cilia pale brown to gray 

both dorsally and ventrally. Foreleg cream ventrally, dark 

brown to fuscous dorsally and laterally; midleg cream with 

light brownish suffusion dorsally; hindleg paler cream with

brown banding sometimes dorsally on tarsal segments.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 44, 45, 319, 320. Socii a 

pair of relatively small, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance ~0.6× length of cucullar lobe; caudal 

margin of uncus shallowly concave. Vinculum broad, consisting of a narrow ventral ring; anterior margin broadly 

rounded. Gnathos broadly conical; apex abruptly constricted to form a moderately short, approximately 0.3× 

length of entire gnathos, slender, dorsally upturned caudal 

lobe; anterior margin deeply notched; basal fold moderately 

narrow, approximately 0.2× length of entire gnathos and 

slightly separated from larger posterior section. Valva with 

an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.75× length of genital capsule, 

bearing a pectinifer consisting of 52–54 blunt spines; length 

of cucullar lobe almost equal to that of main body of valva; 

pedicel broad, width nearly 0.4× length of cucullar lobe; 

valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.95× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately stout, elongate, ~0.4× 

length of cucullar lobe, rounded, with numerous, elongate 

setae; basal process of valva attenuate, approximately equal 

in length to costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; JAMAICA: St. Catherine 

Parish: Hollymount, Mt. Diablo, 2754 ft [840 m], 21–24 

Apr 1973, D. & M. Davis, UV light trap, slide USNM 

32749 (USNM).

Paratypes. CUBA: Pinar del Rio: Sierra 

Rosario, 1 ♀, 5–15 Jun 1990, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 

4156 (VOB). JAMAICA: St. Catherine Parish: Hollymount, Mt. Diablo, 2754 ft [840 m], 2 ♂, 1 UNK, 21–24 

Apr 1973, D. & M. Davis, UV light trap, slides USNM 

32747, 32748, 32749 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected in 

April and June.

Distribution. (Map 7) West Indies (Cuba 

and Jamaica).

Etymology. This species is named in honor 

of the senior author’s wife, Mignon Marie Davis, who 

helped to collect the type series and who has assisted him 

with nearly all his fieldwork for more than 30 years.

Discussion. The male of this West Indian species is similar to P. trinidadensis in possessing a broadly 

triangular gnathos, moderately well-developed basal fold, 

vestigial juxta, and elongate cucullar lobes. Pseudopostega 

mignonae differs in possessing a dark forewing costal 

spot, more slender apical lobe, basal fold with a concave 

anterior margin, distally rounded cucullar lobes, and more 

slender costal processes on the valvae.

Pseudopostega trinidadensis (Busck)

Figures 174, 321, 322, 453, 454; Map 7

Opostega trinidadensis Busck, 1910:245.

Pseudopostega trinidadensis (Busck).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:418.

Adult. Figure 174. Length of forewing 4.3–

4.8 mm. Small white moth with immaculate forewings except for 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, a dark 

brown tornal strigula, and a small, black apical spot. Male 

gnathos broadly triangular, tapering to a relatively stout, 

dorsally curved, caudal lobe; basal fold transverse, narrow 

(Figures 321, 322). Papillae anales of female a pair of small 

rounded lobes (Figure 454).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum ochreous cream, 66–70-segmented. Palpi mostly white to whitish 

cream; labial palpus with brown suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, immaculate except for 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, a dark 

brown tornal strigula, and a small, black apical spot; first 

costal strigula short, ending well before apical spot; strigula 

2 terminating above apical spot, interrupted from short terminal strigula slightly distad of apical spot; tornal strigula 

extending down from apical spot; cilia mostly white except 

cream around tornus; venter of forewing light brown except 

for elongate, whitish cream, subhumeral area. Hindwing 

yellowish brown to dark cream; cilia mostly cream with 

whitish suffusion distally, or entirely cream. Legs mostly 

ochreous cream to whitish cream, with pale suffusion of 

light golden brown dorsally on foreleg.

Abdomen: Dark ochreous cream dorsally, whitish 

cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 321, 322. Socii a pair of 

short, setose lobes widely separated by a distance ~0.6× 

length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus moderately 

concave. Tegumen narrow, reduced to a slender bridge middorsally. Vinculum broad, gradually tapering to rounded, 

anterior margin. Gnathos broadly triangular gradually narrowing to form a moderately slender, strongly recurved, 

caudal lobe; anterior margin slightly concave, with narrow 
8 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

basal fold extending most of width. Valva with large cucullar 

lobe ~0.5× length of genital capsule, bearing a long pectinifer 

consisting of ~45 blunt spines; pedicel broad, width ~0.15× 

length of cucullar lobe; distal apex of pectinifer produced as 

a short triangular lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus 

~0.8× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe slender, elongate, with a subacute, setose apex; basal process tapering to 

elongate, acuminate apex; costal process of valva approximately equal in length to basal process, with acute apex. 

Juxta a short, slender, rod-like process from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 453, 454. Abdomen 

tapering to a narrow, slightly cleft apex. Each posterior 

apophysis fused most of its length, relatively long, slender. 

Papillae anales a pair of small, rounded, setose lobes; longest 

setae about 0.25× length of apophyses; lobes arising from a 

small, common base with short. sinuate, lateral extensions; 

length of lobes ~0.3× width of main base, excluding extensions (Figure 454). Vestibulum elongate, slender. Ductus 

bursae narrow, gradually enlarging to corpus bursae, with 

a dense zone of pectinations composed of transverse rows 

of usually 2–5 spicules extending length of ductus. Elongate, completely membranous, accessory bursa emerging 

from junction of corpus bursae with anterior end of ductus 

bursae. Corpus bursae moderately elongate; signum consisting of a faint, irregular, oval band of elongate spiculate, 

external tubercles with circular bases. Ductus spermathecae 

elongate, equal in length to entire bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal enlarged near area of separation from 

ductus bursae, then slender to vesicle; inner canal sinuate, 

terminating in 4–5 convolutions; vesicle a relatively large, 

oval pouch.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Lectotype. (Designated by Davis, 1989) ♂; 

TRINIDAD: Jun [19]15, A. Busck, slide USNM 21431, 

Type 13385 (USNM).

Material Examined. TRINIDAD, WEST

INDIES: [specific locality unknown]: 1 ♂ (lectotype), 

Jun [19]15, A. Busck, USNM slide 21431, Type 13385 

(USNM); same data as lectotype except: 1 ♂, 1 ♀ (without 

date) (paralectotypes), A. Busck, F. W. Urich, slide USNM 

32494, wing slide USNM 98498 (USNM).

Flight Period. June.

Distribution. (Map 7) Known only from the 

general type locality, Trinidad.

Discussion. No locality has been provided 

for this species other than Trinidad. The head of the male 

paralectotype is missing and the left forewing has been 

placed inside a gelatin capsule beside the specimen. The 

elongate, tubular accessory pouch (accessory bursa) present in the one female examined of the species is unique 

for the genus. The male is distinguished from the closest 

related species, P. mignonae, by the gnathos possessing a 

stouter caudal lobe and more reduced, nonexcavated basal 

fold, and cucullar lobe bearing a short distal process.

Pseudopostega subtila, new species

Figures 175, 323–325; Map 7

Adult. Figure 175. Length of forewing 3.8 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked by 

2 fuscous, subapical costal strigulae, with brownish basal 

suffusion, a fainter, fuscous, apical strigula, a short, fuscous, tornal strigula, and a small black apical spot. Male 

genitalia with a broadly triangular gnathos terminating in 

an elongate, slender, caudal lobe; basal fold narrow, with 

slightly concave anterior margin (Figures 323, 324). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, paler ventrally, 67-segmented. Maxillary 

palpus cream. Labial palpus cream, with brownish suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing white, immaculate except for a pair of fuscous to brown subapical costal 

strigulae, a single, faint, fuscous apical strigula, a single 

tornal strigula, and a small black, apical spot; strigula 1 

extremely short and fuscous at costa, becoming gradually 

broader, more suffused and golden brown to black apical 

spot; strigula 2 fading into golden brown suffusion before 

apical spot; apical strigula faint, curving around and beyond apical spot; tornal strigula fuscous, beginning below 

apical spot and ending at tornus; terminal cilia mostly 

white, becoming cream around tornus; venter of forewing 

light brown except for short, basal white patch. Hindwing 

and cilia light golden brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs 

mostly white to cream; foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces of femur, most of tibia, and some tarsomeres suffused with pale fuscous; tarsi of mid- and hindlegs without 

dark suffusion.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally and laterally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 323–325. Socii a pair of 

moderately long rounded, setose lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~0.4× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim 

of uncus shallowly concave. Vinculum moderately broad, 

with rounded anterior margin. Gnathos broadly triangular, tapering abruptly to form a slender, elongate, slightly 

recurved dorsally, caudal lobe; apex of lobe subacute; anterior margin of gnathos shallowly concave; basal fold narrow, moderately arched. Valva with an elongate cucullar 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 8 9

lobe ~0.65× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer 

consisting of ~55 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe 

slightly extended; pedicel broad, ~0.13× length of cucullar 

lobe; length of valva along sacculus ~0.7× length of genital 

capsule; saccular lobe stout, moderately long with a highly 

irregular, rugose apex bearing ~7–8 setae; basal process 

of valva tapering to acute apex, approximately equaling 

length of slender costal process. Juxta developed as a slender median rod from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Minas Gerais: Nova 

Lima, 850 m, 30 Dec 1988, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 4235 

(VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. December (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 7) Known only from the 

type locality in the state of Minas Gerais of southeastern 

Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin subtilis (thin, slender, acute) in reference to the 

elongate, slender, caudal lobe of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male of this species is partially characterized by the long, slender caudal lobe and 

slender basal fold of the gnathos and elongate cucullar 

lobes. Pseudopostega subtila differs from P. trinidadensis

by the more slender apical lobe and broader apex of the 

saccular lobes of the valvae. From P. acuminata it differs 

in possessing much longer cucullar lobes and an evenly 

rounded anterior margin of the vinculum.

Pseudopostega acuminata, new species

Figures 176, 326, 327; Map 7

Adult. Figures 176. Length of forewing 3.1–

3.3 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with a moderately large, broadly triangular, fuscous spot near distal third of costa, a pair of slender, fuscous, subapical strigulae, the most apical of which is more 

faint, a slender, fuscous, tornal strigula, and a small, oblong, dark fuscous apical spot. Male with gnathos broadly 

triangular, tapering to slender, elongate, strongly reflexed 

caudal lobe; basal fold narrow, with slightly convex caudal margin (Figures 326, 327). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum golden 

brown dorsally, paler ventrally, ~44-segmented. Maxillary 

palpus white. Labial palpus white, with brownish suffusion 

laterally and dorsally.

Thorax: White. Forewing almost entirely white, 

with a broadly triangular, fuscous spot at distal 2/5–1/3 

of costa, a dark fuscous, subapical costal strigula from 

costal subapex to brownish suffusion immediately basal 

to oblong, fuscous apical spot; strigula 2 fuscous, short, 

and poorly preserved in specimens examined but curving 

across apex of wing around apical spot; tornal strigula 

fuscous, shortly extended below apical spot; terminal cilia 

variable, white around apex and tornus, becoming light 

brown immediately above apical spot and immediately 

distad to terminal strigula and then brown apically and 

along dorsal margin; venter of forewing light brown with 

white patch over base of wing. Hindwing and cilia light 

brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly cream; foreleg 

heavily suffused with dark gray dorsally from coxa to end 

of tarsi; mid- and hindlegs with dorsal base of tarsomeres 

banded with gray.

Abdomen: Grayish brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 326, 327. Socii a pair of 

moderately long, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~0.9× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim 

of uncus shallowly concave. Vinculum moderately broad, 

narrowing to a slightly concave to truncate anterior margin. Gnathos broadly triangular, tapering abruptly to form 

a slender, elongate, strongly curved dorsally, caudal lobe; 

apex of lobe acute; anterior margin of gnathos shallowly 

concave, slightly swollen at middle; basal fold narrow, 

moderately arched (Figure 326). Valva with a relatively 

short cucullar lobe ~0.3× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~28–29 blunt spines; distal 

apex of cucullar lobe extended; pedicel moderately broad, 

~0.2× length of cucullar lobe; length of valva along sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately stout, elongate, gradually tapering to a narrow, 

smoothly rounded apex bearing ~7–8 small setae; basal 

process of valva tapering to acute apex, slightly exceeding 

length of slender costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ARGENTINA: Tucumán: 11 

km S Tacanas, 28 km WSW Trancas, sta. 28, 800 m: 16–

17 Dec 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg., slide DRD 4135 

(RMNH).

Material Examined. Venezuela: Mér

ida: Mucuy Fish Hatchery, 7 km E Tabay, 6600 ft [~2000 

m]: 1 ♂, 10–13 Feb 1978, J. B. Heppner, slide USNM 

32968 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected in 

February (Venezuela) and April (Argentina).

Distribution. (Map 7) Known from only 

two widely disjunct localities in northern Argentina and 

northwestern Venezuela.
9 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin acuminatus (pointed, sharpened), in reference to 

the long, slender, acute caudal lobe of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The holotype male of P. acuminata from Argentina is characterized by the long, slender, 

dorsally recurved caudal lobe of the gnathos, broad basal 

fold with a small median swelling, and broad, slightly concave anterior margin of the vinculum. A single male from 

Venezuela may represent a disjunct population of this species, but the genitalia differ from the holotype in possessing 

a slightly more narrow, truncate vinculum and basal fold 

without a noticeable median enlargement. For these reasons this specimen has not been considered a paratype.

Pseudopostega tanygnatha, new species

Figures 177, 328, 329; Map 7

Adult. Figure 177. Length of forewing 2.3 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with 2 brown, subapical costal strigulae and a dark brown 

apical spot. Male with caudal lobe of gnathos extremely 

long and slender; basal fold absent (Figure 328). Female 

unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

brown dorsally, paler ventrally, 47-segmented. Palpi white; 

labial palpus with light brown suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula with faint 

suffusion of light brown. Forewing almost entirely white, 

with 2 brown, subapical costal strigulae and a dark brown 

apical spot; first strigula fading well before apical spot; area 

immediately basal to dot suffused with pale yellow; apical 

strigula slightly curved around spot, fading to tornus; terminal cilia mostly white, with brownish suffusion apically 

beyond strigula 2; venter of forewing light brown except 

for basal white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs 

mostly white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces mostly cream 

with slight suffusion of light brown, paler on tarsomeres; 

midleg with light brown bands dorsally on tarsomeres 3 

and 4; hindlegs missing.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 328, 329. Socii a pair of 

small, rounded, setose lobes, very widely separated by a 

distance equal to length of gnathos; caudal rim of uncus 

undulate, with a median, triangular projection. Vinculum 

broad; anterior margin subtruncate, slightly concave. Gnathos triangular, with a broad base gradually constricting 

to form an elongate, slender, caudal lobe; anterior margin 

broadly concave, without basal fold (Figure 328). Valva 

with a moderately large cucullar lobe ~0.4× length of entire genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 18–25 

blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe slightly extended, 

acute; pedicel curved, extremely long and slender, approximately equal to cucullar lobe in length with a width less 

than 0.2× length of lobe; valva short, length along sacculus ~0.75× length of entire genital capsule; saccular lobe 

strongly tapered, more than 2/3 length of pedicel; basal 

process of valva tapering to a slender base; costal lobe moderately stout, basal apex terminating at same level as basal 

process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Guanacaste: 

Estación Pitilla, 9 km S Santa Cecilia, P. N. Guanacaste, 700 m, 19–23 Jun 1993, P. Rios, slide DRD 4213 

(INBIO).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. June (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 7) Known only from the 

type locality in northwestern Costa Rica.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Greek tany (long) and gnathos (jaw) in reference to the 

slender, greatly elongated caudal lobe of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The gnathos of P. tanygnatha

possesses the most slender, elongate caudal lobe of any 

member in the triangularis group. Other diagnostic features of the male include the absence of a basal fold, 

broadly truncate vinculum, and valva with a reduced cucullar lobe and elongate pedicel.

The saltatrix group

The saltatrix group includes those species with typically elongate valvae, which either equal or surpass the 

length of the genital capsule in length. The cucullar lobe 

is greatly enlarged (usually >0.5 the length of the genital 

capsule), obovate in form, and is supported by a slender 

pedicel. The gnathos terminates in a stout to slender caudal lobe and possesses a variably developed basal fold. 

The juxta is usually absent.

Pseudopostega colognatha, new species

Figures 178, 330, 331; Map 9

Adult. Figure 178. Length of forewing 1.8–

2.1 mm. Small white moth with forewing pattern similar to 

that of P. latifurcata latifurcata, bearing a large brown to 

fuscous dorsal spot that extends most of the length of the 

hind margin and 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae. 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 9 1

Male with apex of gnathos strongly recurved, relatively 

short, appearing blunt (viewed ventrally); basal fold, narrow, strongly arched (Figure 330). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum light 

brown, ~45–48-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream; labial 

palpus cream, with suffusion of brown laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula fuscous. 

Forewing white, with large dark brown to fuscous dorsal 

spot extending ~half the length of wing from near base to 

distal fourth; a closely parallel pair of dark brown to fuscous, subapical costal stigulae extending across base of terminal cilia from costa to wing apex; strigula 1 terminating 

at reduced, dark brown to fuscous, apical spot; costal third 

to one-half of proximal margin of strigula 1 shadowed with 

dark brown suffusion, which can appear as an additional, 

although indistinct, strigula; strigula 2 sometimes faint, 

usually curving around apical spot; terminal cilia cream to 

light brown; venter of forewing brown with basal portion 

of discal area white. Hindwing and cilia pale brown with 

basal suffusion of white both dorsally and ventrally; distal 

half of wing unusually slender. Legs mostly white to cream; 

foreleg brown over lateral and dorsal surfaces; midleg and 

hindleg with light brownish suffusion dorsally, especially 

over terminal tarsal segments.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 330, 331. Socii a pair of 

moderately large, rounded, setose lobes, separated by a distance less than half the length of cucullar lobe. Caudal rim of 

uncus moderately concave. Vinculum broadly V-shaped; anterior margin subacute. Gnathos broad, width approximately 

equaling distance between lateral margins of socii; caudal 

third abruptly constricted to form relatively short, stout lobe; 

apex of lobe dorsally upturned, bluntly rounded; anterior 

margin of gnathos deeply concave, with narrow, strongly 

arched, basal fold (Figure 330). Valva with a relatively large, 

oval cucullar lobe ~0.55× length of genital capsule, bearing a 

pectinifer consisting of 47–49 blunt spines; pedicel elliptical, 

very slender, broadest width ~0.1× length of cucullar lobe; 

valva long, length along sacculus ~0.8× length of genital 

capsule; saccular lobe short, rounded; basal process of valva 

elongate, gradually tapering to acute base; costal process of 

valva very slender and elongate, terminating near anterior 

margin of vinculum near basal process of valva. Juxta a slender, membranous, median extension from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; USA: Puerto Rico: Patillas, 

590 m: 1 ♂, Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 32475 

(USNM).

Paratypes. Puerto Rico: Carite, 500 m: 1 

♂, 17 Aug 1987, V. O. Becker (USNM). Cayey, 450 m: 2 

♂, 1 UNK, 2 Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 32751 

(USNM). Patillas, 590 m: 1 ♂, Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, 

slide USNM 32750 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. August.

Distribution. (Map 9) Currently known only 

from Puerto Rico.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Greek kolos (shortened, stunted) and gnathos (jaw), in 

reference to the short, blunt apex of the gnathos as viewed 

ventrally.

Discussion. The large dark brown dorsal spot 

on the forewing of P. colognatha is similar to that present in P. dorsalis dorsalis and P. latifurcata latifurcata, 

although in dorsalis the spot usually extends to the costal 

margin and the terminal cilia are typically lighter in color 

in colognatha. The gnathos of colognatha is characteristic 

in having the broad base abruptly constricted to form a 

stout, dorsally recurved caudal lobe. Viewed ventrally the 

“apex” of the lobe appears truncate. The basal fold is relatively narrow and strongly arched caudally. The valva is 

very long with proportionately the longest costal process 

of any species of Pseudopostega.

Pseudopostega obtusa, new species

Figures 179, 332, 333; Map 9

Adult. Figure 179. Length of forewing 3.4 

mm. Small white moth with forewing pattern similar to 

that of some variations of P. saltatrix, bearing a prominent, oblique, brownish fuscous fascia and 3 dark brownish fuscous, subapical costal strigulae. Male with apex of 

gnathos strongly upturned dorsally, relatively short and 

blunt; basal fold narrow, sharply triangular in form (Figures 332, 333). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum yellowish brown dorsally, cream ventrally, ~67-segmented. 

Maxillary palpus cream; labial palpus white, with suffusion 

of brownish fuscous laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula fuscous. 

Forewing white, with prominent fuscous fascia gradually 

expanding obliquely across wing from basal 1⁄4 of dorsal 

margin to basal 2/5 of costa; fascia ~3× as broad on costa as 

at dorsal margin; 3 brownish to fuscous subapical strigulae 

present; strigula 1 brown, fading halfway to elongate, black 

apical spot; strigula 2 dark fuscous, extending to apical spot; 

strigula 3 dark brown, terminating just before apical spot; 

2 fuscous tornal stigulae present extending parallel from or 

near apical spot to tornus; terminal cilia mostly light brown, 
9 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

white at tornus, then becoming light brown along dorsal 

margin; venter of forewing brownish fuscous except for 

slender streak of cream near base. Hindwing and cilia grayish brown dorsally, dark brown ventrally. Foreleg mostly 

grayish brown, white ventrally; midleg and hindleg cream 

with grayish brown banding on terminal tarsal segments.

Abdomen: Golden brown dorsally, with grayish 

suffusion laterally on A2–4; white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 332, 333. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose lobes, separated by a distance ~0.45× length of cucullar lobe. Caudal rim of uncus 

moderately concave. Vinculum broadly rounded. Gnathos 

broad, abruptly constricted caudally to form moderately 

short, stout caudal lobe; apex of lobe dorsally upturned, 

bluntly rounded; anterior margin of gnathos convex, triangular; basal fold narrow, sharply triangular in form, tightly 

appressed to base of gnathos. Valva with a relatively large 

cucullar lobe ~0.6× length of genital capsule, bearing a 

pectinifer consisting of 47–49 blunt spines; pedicel slightly 

curved, elongate, slender, width ~0.12× length of cucullar 

lobe; saccular lobe short, triangular; valva short, length 

along sacculus <0.6× length of genital capsule; basal process of valva stout, gradually tapering to acute base; costal 

process of valva slender and elongate, terminating short of 

apex of basal process. Juxta poorly developed, a short, slender, median extension from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Ecuador: Carchí: Maldonado, 2200 m, 9–11 Jan 1993, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 

32895 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 9) Known only from the 

type locality in northern Ecuador.

Map 9. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega saltatrix species group.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 9 3

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin obtusus (blunt, dull), in reference to the short, 

blunt apex of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male gnathos of this species 

resembles that of P. colognatha in possessing a stout, dorsally recurved caudal lobe that appears blunt in ventral 

view. The basal fold of P. obtusa is more narrow and more 

triangular than in colognatha, with the anterior margin 

extended as a triangular lobe. The sacculus of obtusa is 

proportionately among the shortest within the saltatrix

group, whose members typically possess the longest valvae 

in Pseudopostega.

Pseudopostega galapagosae, new species

Figures 129, 180–182, 334, 335, 455, 456; Map 9

Adult. Figures 129, 180–182. Length of forewing 2.3–3.4 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white 

forewings variably marked, usually with a dark brown fascia traversing at or slightly below middle of wing, 3 dark 

brown, subapical costal strigulae, a short, dark brown terminal strigula, a dark brown to nearly black apical spot, 

and a short, dark brown tornal strigula extending from 

apical spot. Male with cucullar and saccular lobes of valvae greatly enlarged; basal fold narrow, usually triangular 

(Figure 334). Female with papillae anales fused, consisting 

of a single, short, rounded, setose lobe broader than long 

(Figures 455, 456).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white with dark 

brown, anterioventral margin; flagellum light golden brown 

to dark brown, 46–90-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream 

to light gray; labial palpus cream with gray to dark brown 

suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula dark 

brown. Forewing mostly white variably marked, usually 

with a dark brown fascia traversing at or slightly below 

middle of wing; sometimes with only a portion of fascia preserved usually at costal and/or dorsal margins; fascia either 

slightly arched toward apex (Figure 181), or sharply angled 

at middle (Figures 129, 182); costal edge of wing dark brown 

nearly to fascia; 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae 

present; first strigula broadest, often triangular, sometimes 

with faint suffusion of light gray to brown scales extending 

to dark brown tornal spot; strigula 2 a narrow, short band 

ending at anterior margin of a variably developed yellow 

spot, but often extending around apex of wing to tornus; 

strigula 3 usually curving around and beyond dark brown 

to nearly black apical spot, often interrupted by a small 

patch of grayish to yellowish brown scales at apex of wing; 

a short, dark brown tornal strigula extending through cilia 

from dark brown apical spot, sometimes along outer border 

of yellow spot; terminal cilia mostly white between strigulae, 

grayish to yellowish brown at apex beyond strigula 3, becoming light brown along dorsal margin; venter of forewing 

light to dark brown except for basal white area. Hindwing 

and cilia cream to light brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white to cream; 

foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with gray to brown; 

mid and hind tarsi gray to brown dorsally, usually with pale 

banding evident, especially on tarsomeres 3 and 4.

Abdomen: Cream to brown dorsally, white to 

cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 334, 335. Socii a pair of 

relatively short, round, setose lobes, widely separated by 

a distance ~0.33× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of 

uncus deeply concave. Vinculum moderately broad, slightly 

tapering; anterior margin broadly round. Gnathos with a 

relatively broad base tapering to stout, blunt, dorsally upturned apical lobe with minutely irregular margins; basal 

fold narrow, usually triangular with caudal apex sometimes 

slightly attenuate. Valva with cucullar lobe obovate, greatly 

enlarged ~0.6–0.7× length of genital capsule, nearly equal 

to or exceeding length of saccular lobe of valva, bearing 

a pectinifer consisting of 58–64 blunt spines; distal apex 

of cucullar lobe broadly rounded; pedicel obovate, tapering to a variably slender junction with cucullar lobe; valva 

elongate, length along sacculus ~0.7× length of genital capsule; apex of saccular lobe broadly rounded; basal process 

of valva terminating slightly before basal end of costal lobe. 

Juxta poorly developed, consisting of a short, slender, median rod from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 455, 456. Abdomen tapering to a slender, slightly cleft apex. Each posterior apophysis fused for most its length, slender, elongate, length 

~4.75× width of papillae anales. Anal papilla a single, 

short, rounded, setose lobe broader than long; width ~1.5× 

length; longest setae ~0.4× length of apophyses. Vestibulum 

slender, membranous. Ductus bursae slender, elongate, with 

a median zone of pectinations consisting of variable rows 

of 2–5 minute spicules. Corpus bursae elongate, slender, 

gradually enlarging anteriorly; anterior half of bursa with 

variable, generally elongate, flattened spicules embedded in 

wall; anterior third with a faint, U-shaped band of variably 

angulate, flattened, external tubercles. Ductus spermathecae moderately short, about half as long as bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal short, slender; inner canal 

curved to slightly sinuate, terminating in no more than 1–2 

convolutions, enlarging to a short, coiled, tubular vesicle.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.
9 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Holotype. ♂; Ecuador: Galápagos: Isabela: V. Darwin, 630 m: 16 May 1992, B. Landry, slide 

DRD 4241 (MHNG).

Paratypes. Ecuador: Galápagos: Fernandina: SW side, crater rim, GPS: 1341 m, 00°21.910'S, 

91°34.034'W: 1 ♀, 13 Feb 2005, uvl, B. Landry, 

P. Schmitz (MHNG). Fernandina: SW side, GPS: 815 m, 

00°21.270'S, 91°35.341'W, 1 ♂, daytime, 11 Feb 2005, 

B. Landry, P. Schmitz (MHNG). Fernandina: SW side, 

GPS: 815 m, 00°21.270'S, 91°35.341'W: 1 ♀, 14 Feb 

2005, uvl, B. Landry, P. Schmitz (MHNG). Isabela: NE 

slope Alcedo, GPS: 292 m, 00°23.829'S, 91°01.957'W: 

1 ♂, 1 ♀, 30 Mar 2004, uvl, B. Landry, P. Schmitz 

(MHNG). Isabela: 1 km W Puerto Villamil: 1 ♀, 3 Mar 

1989, B.Landry, (CNC). Isabela: 8.5 km N Pto. Villamil: 3 ♂, 11 Mar 1989, B. Landry, slide USNM 30843 

(CNC, USNM). Isabela: 3 km N Sto. Tomas: 1 ♀, 8 Mar 

1989, B. Landry (CNC). Isabela: Alcedo, lado NE, 200 

m: 1 ♂, 14 Apr 2002, 1 ♂, 18 Apr 2002, B. Landry & 

L. Roque (MHNG). Isabela: ~15 km N Puerto Villamil: 

1 ♀, 25 May 1992, B. Landry (MHNG). Isabela: Puerto 

Villamil: 2 ♀, 2 Mar 1989, B. Landry (CNC). Isabela: 

V. Alcedo, Cumbre, 1200 m: 1 ♂, 9 Apr 1999, L. Roque 

(CDRS). Isabela: V. Darwin, 1000 m: 1 ♂, 18 May 1992, 

B. Landry (MHNG). Isabela: V. Darwin, 200 m: 1 ♂, 11 

Feb 1999, L. Roque (CDRS). Isabela: V. Darwin, 300 m: 

4 ♂, 1 ♀, 15 May 1992, B. Landry, slide USNM 32852 

(MHNG, USNM). San Cristóbal: 1 km S El Progreso: 1 

♂, 1 ♀, 14 Feb 1989, B. Landry (CNC). San Cristóbal: 

4 km SE Pto. Baquarizo: 3 ♀, 12 Feb 1989, 2 ♀, 20 Feb 

1989, B. Landry (CNC, USNM). San Cristóbal: 1 ♀, 

near Loberia, GPS: 14 m, 00°55.149'S, 89°36.897'W: 1 

♀, 16 Mar 2004, uvl, B. Landry, P. Schmitz (MHNG). 

San Cristóbal: pampa zone: 2 ♀, 18 Feb 1989, B. Landry 

(CNC, USNM). San Cristóbal: Pto. Baquarizo: 1 ♀, 17 

Feb 1989, B. Landry (CNC). San Cristóbal: 2 km W Bella 

Vista: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 1 UNK, 27 Feb 1989, B. Landry, slides 

USNM 32869, DRD 4018 (CNC, USNM). Santa Cruz: 2 

females, agriculture zone, near (NNW) Bella Vista, GPS: 

223 m, 00°41.297'S, 90°19.670'W: 2 ♀, 7 Apr 2004, uvl, 

B. Landry (MHNG). Santa Cruz: low agriculture zone, 

GPS: 00°42.132'S, 90°19.156'W: 1 ♀, 13 Mar 2004, 

uvl, B. Landry, P. Schmitz (MHNG). Santa Cruz: CDRS, 

Barranco, 20 m: 2 ♂, 30 Apr 2002, B. Landry (MHNG). 

Santa Cruz: E.C.C.D: 2 ♀, 7 Mar 1989, 1 ♂, 7 Mar 1992, 

B. Landry (CNC, MHNG). Santa Cruz: Finca S. Devine: 1 

♀, 17 Mar 1989, B. Landry, slide USNM 32851 (USNM). 

Santa Cruz: Finca Vilema, 2 km W Bella Vista: 1 ♂, 2 ♀, 1 

Apr 1992, B. Landry, slide DRD 4019 (MHNG, USNM). 

Santa Cruz: Los Gemelos: 1 ♀, 31 Jan 1989, B. Landry, 

slide USNM 32850 (USNM). Santa Cruz: transition zone, 

recently cut road, GPS: 00°42.528'S, 90°18.849'W: 1 ♀, 

12 Mar 2004, uvl, B. Landry, P. Schmitz (MHNG). Santiago: 1 ♀, 5 Apr 1992, B. Landry, DNA sample DRD188 

(MHNG). Santiago: Aguacate, 520 m: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 6 Apr 

1992, B. Landry (MHNG). Santiago: Bahia Espumilla: 1 

♀, 4 Apr 1992, B. Landry, slide USNM 31796 (MHNG, 

USNM). Santiago: Central, 700 m: 1 ♂, 9 Apr 1992, 

B. Landry (MHNG).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from January to May.

Distribution. (Map 9) This species is probably endemic to the Galápagos Islands where it has 

been collected on the islands of Fernandina, Isabela, San 

Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Santiago.

Etymology. The species name is derived 

from the name of the general type locality, the Galápagos 

Islands of Ecuador.

Discussion. Although the forewing pattern of 

this species appears variable, relatively similar male genital 

morphology suggests there to be only one species of Pseudopostega present in the Galápagos Islands. It would, of 

course, be interesting to compare possible genetic differences 

between the island populations once properly preserved specimens become available for analysis. Hebert’s lab was unable 

to sequence the CO1 gene in the single specimen submitted 

from Santiago (DRD188). The male valva of P. galapagosae

is unique in possessing the relatively broadest sacculus of any 

New World Pseudopostega. Some variation was noted in the 

relative length of the saccular lobe, with that illustrated (Figure 334) representing the shorter length. The pedicel is also 

slightly variable but is usually strongly constricted at the connection with the relatively greatly enlarged cucullar lobe.

Pseudopostega saltatrix (Walsingham)

Figures 183–190, 336, 337, 457–460; Map 10

Opostega saltatrix Walsingham, 1897:140.—Forbes, 1930:149.—Davis, 

1984:18.

Pseudopostega saltatrix (Walsingham).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:417.

Adult. Figures 183–190. Length of forewing 

2.1–3.1 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

prominently marked by a broad, dark brown to fuscous fascia extending obliquely from basal fourth of hind margin 

to middle of costa, usually 3 dark brown, subapical costal 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 9 5

strigulae, and 1–2 shorter, brown tornal strigulae below indistinct, dark brown apical spot. Male genitalia with gnathos 

terminating in a moderately short, slender, strongly recurved 

caudal lobe; basal fold well developed, triangular (Figures 

336, 337). Papillae anales of female largely fused to form an 

extremely short, tuberculate, slightly bilobed ridge bearing 

approximately 12 long setae (Figure 458).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white, sometimes 

bordered ventrally with dark brown; flagellum light golden 

brown, 53–62-segmented. Maxillary and labial palpi white 

to cream. Labial palpus suffused with dark brown laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula dark grayish brown. Forewing white, occasionally with slight cream to 

brownish cream suffusion basally, variably marked, usually 

with a broad, dark brown to fuscous fascia extending obliquely from basal fourth of hind margin to middle of costa, 

sometimes continuing along costa and parallel basally to first 

costal strigula to merge with dark brown to fuscous, apical spot; fascia sometimes incomplete with only dorsal half 

preserved (Figures 184, 185) or absent (as in two males and 

one female from French Guiana, Figure 183); 3 slender, dark 

brown, subapical costal strigulae usually present, the first fading into apex of apical spot; strigula 2 continuing through 

apical spot to tornus; strigula 3 curving around apical spot 

to tornus; 1–2 slender, dark brown tornal strigulae extending 

from apical spot to tornus; terminal cilia grayish white to light 

brown between strigulae; light brown beyond strigulae and 

even lighter brown to cream from tornus to dorsal margin; 

venter of forewing medium to dark brown except for short, 

basal white area. Hindwing and cilia medium to dark brown 

dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion ventrally at 

base. Legs mostly white; foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces dark brown; midleg with usually brown banding dorsally on terminal three tarsomeres; hindleg cream with tarsal 

banding paler, more scattered.

Abdomen: Light to medium brown dorsally, white 

to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 336, 337. Socii a pair of 

relatively long, bluntly rounded to subacute, setose lobes, 

widely separated by a distance ~0.25–0.45× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus truncate to slightly concave. 

Vinculum moderately broad, tapering to rounded anterior 

margin. Gnathos with a broad, approximately triangular 

to rectangular base, which constricts abruptly to form a 

short, dorsally recurved, acute, caudal lobe; anterior margin 

of gnathos moderately convex medially, with a triangular 

basal fold extending ~0.3–0.5× length of gnathos; free width 

of fold variable from narrow and barely visible to moderately broad (Figures 336, 337). Valva with a greatly elongate cucullar lobe nearly equaling length of basal portion of 

valva and ~0.65–0.7× length of genital capsule, and bearing a pectinifer consisting of 41–60 blunt spines; terminal 

apex of cucullar lobe with a minute tubercular projection; 

pedicel slender to moderately broad, ~0.08–0.12× length of 

cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.55–

0.8× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe rounded, not 

produced; basal process of valva relatively stout, subacute, 

slightly longer than costal process. Juxta greatly reduced to a 

minute, rod-like projection from vinculum or undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 457–460. Abdomen tapering to a moderately broad, subacute, slightly cleft apex. 

Each posterior apophysis fused for most its length, slender and moderately long. Papillae anales largely fused to 

form an extremely short, tuberculate, slightly bilobed ridge 

bearing approximately 12 long setae up to 0.65× length of 

apophysis. Vestibulum broad, membranous. Ductus bursae 

with an elongate, caudal zone of variable pectinations arranged in series of 1–3 spicules and another zone at junction with corpus bursae composed of longer pectinations 

arranged in transverse rows of usually 7–9 spicules. Corpus 

bursae long and slender, with a faint, elongate band bearing 

numerous minute, irregular, external tubercles extending 

most of length of bursa and partially encircling anterior end 

(Figures 457, 459). Ductus spermathecae ~0.5× length of 

bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal relatively short 

and slender, ~0.3× length of entire duct; inner canal long, 

slightly sinuous, with about 2–3 terminal convolutions; 

vesicle a partially coiled, distally inflated tube.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS: St. 

Thomas, 2 Apr 1894, Hedemann, Walsingham Collection 

1910–427, slide BMNH 29637 (BMNH).

Material Examined. Belize: San Ignacio: 7 ♂, 2 ♀, 17–18 Apr 1998, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, 

slide AD 0446 (VPU). Cayo District: Chiquibul Forest 

Reserve, Las Cuevas Research Station: 4 ♂, 1 ♀, 3–16 Apr 

1998, R. Puplesis (VPU). Costa Rica: Cartago: R. F. 

Rio Pacuare, P. N. Barbilla, Estación Barbilla, 500 m: 1 ♂, 

3 ♀, Jan 2002, 2 ♂, 4 ♀, Feb 2002, L. Chavarria, slide 

USNM 33070 (INBIO, USNM). Cartago: Parque Nacional Tapanti, 1650 m: 27 Apr 2005, K. Nishida, light sheet, 

slide USNM 33200 (USNM). Turrialba, 600 m: 1 ♀, Jun 

1972, 1 ♂, Jul 1981, 1 ♀, Aug 1972, 1 ♂, Sep 1971, 1 ♂, 

20 Nov 1971, 1 ♀, 10 Dec 1971, V. O. Becker, slides DRD 

4174, 4285, 4289 (VOB, USNM). Guanacaste: Estación 

Cacao, Lado SO Volcán Cacao, P. N. Guanacaste, 1000–

1400 m: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, May 1991, 1 ♂, 25 Sep–11 Oct 1990, 

1 ♂, 2 ♀, 23 Oct–9 Nov 1990, C. Chaves, slides USNM 

32817, 33074 (USNM, INBIO). Estación Pitilla, 9 km S

Santa Cecilia, P. N. Guanacaste, 700 m: 1 ♂, Apr 1991, 
9 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

C. Moraga, slide DRD 4214; 1 ♂, Apr 1995, P. Rios, slide 

DRD 4322 (INBIO); 2 ♂, 4 ♀, 1 UNK, 19–23 Jun 1993, 

P. Rios, slide USNM 32256; 1 ♂, 19–23 Jun 1993, P. Rios 

& C. Moraga (INBIO, USNM). Z. P. Tenorio, Sector Alto 

Los Masis, 1100 m: 1 ♂, 10–11 Jun 2002, J. Jimenez, 

slide USNM 33071; 1 ♂, 10–14 Jun 2002, L. Chavarria 

(INBIO, USNM). Santa Rosa Station, Area de Guanacaste, 300 m: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 22 Jun 2003, K. Nishida, light 

sheet, slide USNM 33206 (USNM). Heredia: El Ceibo, 

10 km SE La Virgen, 450–550 m, 05/L/00/052: 4 ♂, 9 

Apr 2003, D. & M. Davis, slide USNM 32004, 1 ♂, Feb 

2003, A. Kawahara (USNM, INBIO); 05/L/00/058: 1 ♂, 

12 Apr 2003, D. & M. Davis (INBIO); 05/L/00/060: 1 

♀, 13 Apr 2003, D. & M. Davis, (INBIO). Estación Biológica La Selva, 50–150 m, L/00/145: 1 ♂, 14 Feb 1996, 

INBio-OET, slide DRD 4262 (INBIO); L/00/169: 1 ♂, 28 

Feb 1996, INBio-OET, (INBIO); L/00/177: 1 UNK, 6 Mar 

1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/00/189: 2 ♂, 1 ♀, 19 Mar 

1996, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32872 (USNM, INBIO); 

L/00/193: 4 ♂, 21 Mar 1996, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

32874 (INBIO, USNM); L/00/194: 1 ♂, 21 Mar 1996, 

INBio-OET, slide USNM 32764 (USNM); L/04/093: 1 

♀, 13 Jan 1996, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/04/144: 1 ♂, 1 

♀, 14 Feb 1996, INBio-OET (INBIO, USNM); L/04/164: 

1 ♀, 26 Feb 1996, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/05/021: 1 ♂, 

20 Mar 1993, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/05/124: 1 ♀, 13 

Jan 1996, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/05/183: 2 ♂, 11 Mar 

1996, INBio-OET, slide USNM 33029 (INBIO, USNM); 

L/05/185: 1 ♂, 13 Mar 1996, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

32162 (USNM); L/05/190: 2 ♂, 19 Mar 1996, INBio-OET

(INBIO, USNM); L/05/195: 1 ♂, 5 ♀, 21 Mar 1996, INBioOET, slide USNM 32848 (INBIO, USNM); L/05/200: 1 ♀, 

27 Mar 1996, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32960 (USNM); 

L/07/322: 2 ♂, 1 ♀, 25 Feb 1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); 

L/11/326: 4 ♂, 4 Mar 1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/11/338: 

1 ♂, 24 Mar 1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/12/303: 1 

♀, 28 Jan 1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/12/327: 1 ♀, 4 

Mar 1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/12/339: 1 ♂, 24 Mar 

1996, INBio-OET, (USNM); L/15/496: 1 ♀, 27 Oct 1998, 

INBio-OET (INBIO); L/16/391: 1 ♂, 4 Jun 1998, INBioOET, (INBIO); L/18/333: 1 ♂, 12 Mar 1998, INBio-OET

(INBIO); L0012: 1 ♂, 15 Jan 1993, INBio-OET (INBIO). 

Finca Murillo, 9 km NE Vara Blanca, 1500 m: 1 ♂, 9 

Apr 2005, K. Nishida, 15/L/00/052 trap, slide 4351 

(INBIO). Limon: Cerro Tortuguero, P. N. Tortuguero, 

0–100 m: 1 ♂, Apr 2001, J. Solano, slide USNM 32873 

(USNM). R. B. Hitoy Cerere, Cerro Bitarkara, Sector El 

Rancho, 900–1025 m: 2 ♂, 13 Mar 2002, M. Moraga 

& L. Chavarria (INBIO). R. B. Hitoy Cerere, Sector Calavera Danta, 400–500 m: 1 ♂, 14 Mar 2002, M. Moraga 

& L. Chavarria (INBIO). Cuba: Central Baragua: 1 ♂, 

Mar 1931, 2 ♀, Apr 1931, 2 ♀, May 1931, H. K. Plank, 

slides USNM 32728, 32763 (USNM). Dominica: Macoucheri, 500 ft [152 m]: 1 ♂, 1 UNK, 12 Feb 1965, 

J. F. G. & T. M. Clarke, slide USNM 32758 (USNM). 

Rosalie, 500 ft [152 m]: 1 ♂, 15 Jun 1965, D. R. Davis, 

slide USNM 32484 (USNM). Soufrière, 500 ft [152 m]: 

2 ♂, 11 Feb 1965, J. F.G. & T. M. Clarke, slides USNM 

32476, 32480 (USNM). Ecuador: 80 km E Guayaquil, 

Bucay (= Cumanda), 700 m: 1 ♂, 16–19 Jan 2001, R. Puplesis & S. Hill (VPU). Napo: SE Tena, Jatun Sacha and 

Misahualli, 400–500 m: 9 ♂, 26–31 Jan 2000, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slides AD 0359, 0448, 0449, 0452, 0477 

(VPU). French Guiana: Montagne de Kaw, Piste de 

Kaw, km 40, 350 m: 1 ♂, 1 UNK, 1 ♀, 21 Jan 1985, J.-F. 

Landry, slide USNM 32841 (USNM). JAMAICA: Runaway Bay: 1 ♀, 28 Feb 1905, Walsingham, slide BMNH

29640 (BMNH). Nicaragua: Esteli: 2 ♂, 4 ♀, 

22 Aug 1972, G. F. & S. Hevel, slides USNM 31964, 

32830 (USNM). Panama: La Chorrera: 4 ♂, 2 ♀, 1 

UNK, Apr 1912, A. Busck, slides USNM 31837, 32833, 

32871, 32923, 32941 (USNM). Paraguay: Itapua, 

El Tirol: 2 ♂, 22–26 Apr 1986, M. Pogue & A. Solis, 

slide USNM 32823 (USNM). Puerto Rico: Centro 

Vacacional, Monte del Estado, nr. Maricao, 650 m: 1 ♀, 

1–9 Mar 1971, C. P. Kimball (USNM). U.S. VIRGIN 

ISLANDS: St. Thomas: 1 ♂ (holotype), 2 Apr 1894, Hedemann, Walsingham Collection 1910–427, slide BMNH

29637 (BMNH). Same data except: 1 ♂ (paratype), slide 

BMNH 29638 (BMNH), 1 ♀ (paratype), 2 Apr 1894, slide 

4256 (MGAB). JAMAICA: Runaway Bay: 1 ♀, 28 Feb 

1905, Walsingham, slide BMNH 29640 (BMNH).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. In Costa Rica adults have 

been collected throughout the year. A similar pattern may 

exist over much of the species’ broad range, although collecting records are too incomplete to assess.

Distribution. (Map 10) Extremely widespread from Cuba to Dominica in the West Indies, south 

from Belize to Ecuador, French Guiana, and Paraguay.

Discussion. Originally described from St. 

Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Pseudopostega saltatrix

is now recognized as the most widely distributed New World 

opostegid. The wing pattern can be highly variable with a 

dark brown, oblique fascia fully developed to absent. Examination of the male genitalia is usually necessary to distinguish 

saltatrix from other fasciated Pseudopostega, particularly 

P. dorsalis fasciata from Costa Rica. The latter typically possesses a small, elongated, white spot immediately distad to 

the dark apical spot in the terminal cilia of the forewing that 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 9 7

is lacking in saltatrix. The caudal lobe of the gnathos is much 

shorter in saltatrix than in both subspecies of dorsalis.

The female genitalia of saltatrix differ from that of dorsalis in the smaller lobes of the papillae anales, in less internal spiculation within the corpus bursae, and possibly in 

possessing a broader corpus bursae. Significance of the latter requires more examination of females of both species.

The genital morphology of a few West Indian females 

examined displays various degrees of variation that may 

represent other species now confused with saltatrix. A 

Map 10. Distribution of Pseudopostega saltatrix (saltatrix species group).
9 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

female in the BMNH (slide 29640) differs from other saltatrix females examined in possessing pectinations within 

the bursae copulatrix of a different shape and more slender external tubercles (Figure 459). The female paratype 

of ‘saltatrix’ in the collections of MGAB may also represent a different, unknown species as indicated by the more 

reduced papillae anales (Figure 460).

Pseudopostega dorsalis dorsalis, new species

Figures 127, 128, 191, 338, 339, 461–463; Map 9

Adult. Figures 127, 128, 191. Length of forewing 2.2–3.3 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white 

forewings marked by a large, dark brown to fuscous dorsal spot extending most of the length of hind margin, a 

prominent, dark brown to fuscous, a subapical costal 

strigula extending obliquely along base of cilia, and 1–2 

much more slender, dark brown, costal strigulae through 

terminal cilia; apical spot indistinct. Male gnathos with 

slender, attenuated caudal lobe; basal fold well developed, 

triangular (Figures 338, 339). Papillae anales of female bilobed, lobes short and usually truncate (Figure 462).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

light to dark brown, ~57–67-segmented. Maxillary palpus 

cream. Labial palpus white to dull white, dark brown to 

fuscous dorsally and laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula brown. 

Forewing white, sometimes with suffusion of light golden 

brown along costal margin, prominently marked by a large, 

dark brown to fuscous dorsal spot extending most of length 

of hind margin; a prominent, dark brown to fuscous, subapical costal strigula extending obliquely across base of cilia, 

broadest on costal margin then broadening again at termination in area of apical spot near tornus; a second, short, slender brown costal strigula located immediately more distad, 

closely parallel to prominent basal strigula 1 and occasionally confluent with it; a third, equally short, brown, costal 

strigula located midway across terminal cilia; apical spot indistinct; terminal cilia white to grayish white between strigulae and at tornus, light brown beyond strigulae and along 

hind margin; an elongate white spot at base of cilia immediately above apical dark streak; venter of forewing medium to 

dark brown except for short, basal white patch. Hindwing 

and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white to cream; foreleg with lateral 

and dorsal surfaces dark brown; midleg with dark brown 

banding dorsally on terminal 3 tarsomeres; hindleg cream 

with light grayish brown dorsal spot at apex of tibia and two 

light grayish brown bands on tarsomeres 2 and 3.

Abdomen: Medium to dark brown dorsally, white 

to cream ventrally with brownish suffusion laterally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 338, 339. Socii a pair of 

relatively long rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a 

distance ~0.4× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

deeply concave. Vinculum broad, tapering to rounded anterior margin. Gnathos with broad base that constricts 

abruptly to form a slender, elongate, straight, caudal lobe; 

apex of lobe minutely rounded; anterior margin of gnathos convex; basal fold broadly triangular, laterally narrow 

(Figure 338). Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.6× 

length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 

~42–45 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe rounded, 

not extended; pedicel slender, approximately 0.1× length of 

cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.75× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe stout, moderately 

long with a rounded, setose apex; basal process of valva 

tapering to acute apex, approximately equaling length of 

costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 461–463. Abdomen tapering to a narrowly rounded, minutely cleft apex. Each 

posterior apophysis divided slightly more than half its 

length with anterior fused section relatively short. Papillae 

anales bilobed, consisting of a pair of broad, usually truncate but sometimes minutely cleft, divergent lobes (Figures 

462, 463); lobes short, length ~1.1× width, bearing ~8–10 

moderately long setae. Vestibulum narrow, membranous. 

Ductus bursae approximately same diameter to corpus bursae; inner walls densely lined with pectinations consisting 

of usually 2–5 minute spicules arranged in short, transverse 

rows; pectinations continuing almost half the length of 

corpus bursae. Corpus bursae elongate, slender, enlarging 

slightly anterior to separation of ductus spermathecae; a 

narrow, elliptical, faint band of external tubercles extending through anterior half of bursa. Ductus spermathecae 

relatively short, ~0.33× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal slender, short; inner canal terminating 

in 3–4 convolutions; vesicle composed of enlarged, partially 

coiled sac; lagena absent.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Costa Rica: San José: San 

Pedro de Montes de Oca, UCR, Reserva Ecológica Leonel Oviedo, 10°26'N, 84°01'W, 1150 m: 5 Jun 2000, 

K. Nishida, slide USNM 32793 (USNM).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Cartago: Turrialba, 600 m: 2 ♂, Jul 1981, V. O. Becker, slides DRD 

4331, USNM 31803 (USNM, VOB). Guanacaste: Estación Cacao, lado SO Volcán Cacao, P. N. Guanacaste, 

1000–1400 m: 5 ♂, 2 ♀, 23 Oct–9 Nov 1990, C. Chaves, 

slides DRD 4335, DRD 4336, DRD 4340, DRD 4341, 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 9 9

USNM 32255, USNM 32424 (INBIO, USNM). Puntarenas: Finca Cafrosa, Estación Las Mellizas, P.N. Amistad 

1300 m: 1 ♀, Mar 1991; 1 ♀, Apr 1991, M. Ramirez, 

slides DRD 4333, DRD 4334 (INBIO). San José: San 

Pedro de Montes de Oca, UCR, Reserva Ecológica Leonel Oviedo, 1150 m: 1 ♀, 5 Jun 2000, K. Nishida, slide 

USNM 33099 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults probably occur 

throughout much of the year, with records known for 

March to April, June to July and October to November.

Distribution. (Map 9) Currently known 

from only Costa Rica from elevations of 600 to1400 m.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin dorsualis (of the back, dorsal) in reference to the 

large, dark brown to fuscous spot present along the dorsal 

margin of the forewing.

Discussion. This is one of the few Costa 

Rican Pseudopostega species yet to be found at La Selva, 

although the subspecies P. dorsalis fasciata, mentioned 

below, is known from La Selva. Known records show 

the species to occur at slightly higher elevations in Costa 

Rica, which may explain its absence at La Selva. The large 

forewing dorsal spot present in P. dorsalis dorsalis differs 

from that in P. colognatha and P. latifurcata latifurcata

by extending across the forewing to the costal margin. 

The male genitalia of all three species differ greatly, as 

illustrated.

Pseudopostega dorsalis is believed to consist of two 

subspecies possessing identical male genitalia but with distinctly different wing patterns. No intermediate pattern 

variation is known to exist between the subspecies with 

a large forewing dorsal spot (Figure 191), herein named 

P. dorsalis dorsalis, and P. dorsalis fasciata, which possesses a dark brown fascia extending obliquely across the 

forewing (Figure 192). Because adults of both subspecies 

were collected within the same area at Estación Cacao and 

Turrialba, the status of these proposed taxa is subject to 

question. Sympatry in this case suggests that either (a) two 

distinct species possessing identical genital morphology 

may be involved or (b) these two morphs represent more 

recently derived subspecies, perhaps as a result of sympatric speciation associated with, for example, a significant 

shift in host plants (Doebeli and Dieckmann, 2000). Two 

Costa Rican specimens representing a male dorsalis dorsalis from San Jose (D181; 493 base pairs sequenced) and 

a female dorsalis fasciata (D195; 397 base pairs) from La 

Selva were submitted for DNA analysis of the mitochrondrial gene CO1. Although the number of base pairs sequenced was not optimal, greater genetic difference (~3%) 

was observed between these samples than resulted in the 

comparison of the vicariant populations of P. duplicata. 

Because the ~3% difference that resulted is more typical 

of individuals from different hosts (P. Hebert, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph, Guelph, 

Ontario, Canada, personal communication) and considerably less than that normally exhibited between morphologically distinct, congeneric species (Hebert et al., 2004), 

the two superficially distinct forms with identical genitalia 

have been considered subspecies. Landry et al. (1999) also 

caution that simple percent sequence divergence between 

closely related sister species of Lepidoptera can be highly 

variable and may not necessarily be a reliable predictor of 

whether two unknown populations constitute reproductively isolated species.

A similar example of subspeciation apparently has 

evolved within another, similarly marked species proposed 

herein, P. latifurcata. However, in this case the two subspecies are allopatric, with the one possessing a large dorsal spot, P. latifurcata latifurcata, restricted to the West 

Indies, and the banded subspecies, P. latifurcata apoclina, 

known only from Costa Rica.

Pseudopostega dorsalis fasciata,

new subspecies

Figure 192; Map 9

Adult. Figure 192. Length of forewing 2.4–

2.9 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked by an oblique, dark fuscous fascia extending 

from basal fourth of dorsal margin to basal 0.4 of costal 

margin; subapical costal area mostly fuscous with 2–3 indistinct strigulae and a small white apical spot. Male genitalia similar to P. dorsalis dorsalis; gnathos with slender, 

attenuated caudal lobe and broadly triangular basal lobe. 

Papillae anales of female similar to P. dorsalis dorsalis, 

bilobed, lobes short and usually truncate.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, ~66–69-segmented. Maxillary palpus white. 

Labial palpus white, with brownish suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing white, with an 

oblique, dark fuscous fascia extending from basal fourth of 

hind margin to basal 0.4 of costal margin; subapical costal 

area mostly fuscous with 2–3 indistinct strigulae; strigulae 

1 and 2 nearly confluent, with 2 enlarging slightly to form 

an indistinct black apical spot; a distinct, small white apical 

spot immediately distad of black spot; terminal cilia mostly 

light fuscous becoming paler and more grayish brown 

around tornus and along dorsal margin; venter of forewing 
1 0 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

dark brown except for short, basal white patch. Hindwing 

and cilia grayish brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly 

white to cream; foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces fuscous; midleg dark fuscous dorsally on terminal three tarsomeres; hindleg cream with light grayish suffusion dorsally 

on tarsomeres 2 and 3.

Abdomen: Fuscous dorsally, white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Similar to P. dorsalis dorsalis.

Female Genitalia: Similar to P. dorsalis dorsalis.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Costa Rica: Alajuela:

Reserva San Ramón, 800 m: 12 Nov 1999, K. Nishida, 

slide USNM 32791 (USNM).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Alajuela: Finca 

San Gabriel, 2 km SW Dos Rios, 600 m: 1 UNK, May 

1989, GNP Biodiv. Survey, (USNM). Cartago: Turrialba, 

600 m: 2 ♂, Jul 1981, V. O. Becker, slides DRD 4243, 

USNM 31802 (USNM, VOB). Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, 50–150 m., L/06/091: 1 ♀, 10 Jan 1994, 

INBio-OET, slide USNM 32818 (USNM); L/04/176: 1 

♀, 6 Mar 1996, INBio-OET, DNA voucher D-195, slide 

USNM 32163 (USNM). Finca Murillo, 9 km NE Vara 

Blanca, 1500 m: 1 ♂, 9 Apr 2005, K. Nishida, 15/L/00/052 

trap, slide USNM 33209 (USNM). Guanacaste: Estación 

Cacao, Lado SO Volcán Cacao, P. N. Guanacaste, 1000–

1400 m: 1 UNK, May 1991, C. Chaves (INBIO). Estación 

Pitilla, 9 km S Santa Cecilia, P. N. Guanacaste, 700 m: 1 

♂, 19 Sep–22 Oct 1990, P. Rios & C. Moraga, slide DRD 

4265 (INBIO).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from May to July and September to November.

Distribution. (Map 9) Currently known 

only from Costa Rica from elevations of 50 to 1500 m.

Etymology. The subspecies name is derived 

from the Latin fasciatus (banded) in reference to the 

prominent, dark brown band extending obliquely across 

the forewing.

Discussion. As discussed under the preceeding nominal subspecies, the species P. dorsalis is currently 

believed to consist of two, partially sympatric subspecies 

based on their markedly different forewing patterns and 

identical male genitalia. Pseudopostega dorsalis fasciata

differs from P. dorsalis dorsalis by possessing a dark fuscous fascia extending obliquely across the forewing, thus 

more resembling the adults of P. saltatrix and P. latifurcata 

apoclina. Male genital morphology readily distinguishes 

all three species. The small, elongate white spot in the cilia 

at the apex of the forewing of P. dorsalis fasciata further 

associates this subspecies with the nominal subspecies and 

helps to distinguish it from the superficially similar, much 

more widespread P. saltatrix.

Pseudopostega parakempella, new species

Figures 193, 340, 341, 464, 465; Map 9

Opostega kempella Eyer, 1967:39–41. [partim, misidentification].

Adult. Figure 193. Length of forewing 2.1–2.4 

mm. Small white moth; forewing white with an elongate, 

brownish fuscous spot near basal 2/5 of dorsal margin 

slanted toward apex and separated slightly from margin, 

and 2 dark brown to fuscous, oblique, subapical, costal 

strigulae; dark apical spot absent. Male gnathos with dorsal posterior region minutely spined; caudal lobe simple, 

subacute (Figures 340, 341). Papillae anales of female 

largely fused to form an extremely short, tuberculate ridge 

(Figure 465).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum cream 

to dark cream, ~59–60-segmented. Palpi cream; dorsal and 

lateral surfaces of labial palpus lightly suffused with brown.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, with an elongate, 

brownish fuscous spot near basal 2/5 of dorsal margin 

slanted toward apex and separated slightly from dorsal 

margin; 2 dark brown to fuscous, oblique, subapical, costal strigulae present; first strigula fuscous, shadowed internally with dark brown, curving around apex to tornus; 

strigula 2 dark brown, slightly shorter than 1; dark apical 

spot absent; terminal cilia mostly cream to light brown, 

becoming white around tornus, white to light brown along 

dorsal margin; venter of forewing mostly brown except 

for white, subhumeral area. Hindwing and cilia whitish 

to ochreous cream (depending upon angle of view). Legs 

mostly ochreous cream; forelegs with grayish brown suffusion laterally and dorsally.

Abdomen: Yellowish brown dorsally; whitish cream 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 340, 341. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose lobes widely separated by a 

distance ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

shallowly concave. Vinculum broad, tapering to rounded 

anterior margin. Gnathos moderately broad across base; 

anterior margin subtruncate, slightly sinuate; basal fold 

narrow, well separated medially from gnathos (as viewed 

laterally; posterodorsal region of gnathos with numerous, 

minute spines; gnathos constricted to form short, slightly 

uncinate, subacute caudal lobe. Valva with a large cucullar 

lobe ~0.65× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 0 1

consisting of ~52 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe 

evenly rounded; pedicel narrow; minimum width ~0.05× 

length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, ~0.8× length of genital capsule along sacculus; saccular lobe tapering to short, 

rounded, setose apex; basal process of valva elongate, tapering to subacute apex; costal process as long as basal 

process, slender. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 464, 465. Apex of abdomen narrowly truncate, with two poorly defined setose 

lobes. Each posterior apophysis fused ~0.75× its length, 

slender and moderately long. Papillae anales largely fused 

to form an extremely short, tuberculate ridge consisting of 

~4–6 tubercles bearing long setae 0.36–0.65× length of apophysis. Vestibulum membranous. Ductus bursae elongate, 

merging imperceptibly to corpus bursae, with elongate patch 

of pectinate spicules consisting of transverse rows of ~3–6 

spicules. Corpus bursae elongate; walls densely covered with 

relatively large, elongate, external tubercles arranged in an 

irregular band; tubercles absent from anterior third. Ductus 

spermathecae ~0.5× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal slender, short, ~0.3× length of entire duct; 

inner canal long, slightly sinuous, with about 3–4 terminal 

convolutions. Vesicle consisting of a pair of small sacs.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; USA: Florida: Monroe Co.: Key 

Largo, 31 Jan 1967, S. Kemp, slide USNM 32432 (USNM).

Paratypes. USA: Florida: Monroe Co.: Key 

Largo: 1 UNK, 2 Nov 1965,1 UNK, 8 Nov 1964, 1 UNK, 

8 Nov 1965, 1 ♂, 19 Nov 1964, 1 ♀, 20 Nov 1964, 1 

♂, 21 Dec 1965, S. Kemp, slides DRD 4260, DRD 4261, 

USNM 32916 (MCZ, USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from November to January.

Distribution. (Map 9) Currently known 

only from the type locality in southern Florida (USA).

Etymology. The specific name is derived from 

the Greek para (near, beside) prefixed to the name of the species (kempella) with which this species has been confused.

Discussion. The type series of Pseudopostega

kempella (Eyer) was found to consist of three species. 

The male genitalia illustrated in the original description 

by Eyer (1967: fig. 5) actually represents P. parakempella

and not kempella. The physical condition of the type series of parakempella is generally poor. The holotype and 

two paratypes are relatively well preserved, one paratype 

is slightly crushed, and the remaining three paratypes are 

now without abdomens. However, all specimens exhibit 

the distinctive forewing pattern for the species, particularly the relatively elongate, brownish fuscous dorsal spot. 

The male genitalia of parakempella show some similarity 

with P. saltatrix, except for the more reduced basal fold of 

the gnathos, presence of numerous spines over the caudal 

surface of the gnathos, and absence of a forewing fascia 

in the former.

The longipedicella group

The two species assigned to this group closely agree 

in the general morphology of their valvae, which possess a 

relatively short basal half (~0.5× the length of the genital 

capsule), an elongate, slender pedicel, and absence of a 

saccular lobe. The cucullar lobe is proportionately the longest and most slender within the genus, ranging ~0.6–0.7× 

the length of the genital capsule, with a pectinifer bearing 

~60 spines. The gnathos terminates in a stout caudal lobe, 

with the basal fold present or absent. The juxta is absent.

Pseudopostega adusta (Walsingham)

Figures 194, 342, 343; Map 11

Opostega adusta Walsingham, 1897:140.—Forbes, 1930:149.—Davis 

1984:18.

Pseudopostega adusta (Walsingham).—Davis, 1989:76.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:417.

Adult. Figure 194. Length of forewing 2.1–

2.8 mm. Small white moth with forewings possessing a 

distinct, dark brown, dorsal spot near basal one-third, a 

smaller dark brown costal spot near distal one-third, 3 

light to dark brown subapical costal strigulae, 1 brown 

tornal stigula, and a minute black apical spot. Male 

gnathos moderately narrow at base, tapering slightly to 

relatively stout, bluntly rounded caudal apex; basal fold 

undeveloped (Figure 342). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, ~70-segmented. Palpi pale brownish cream; 

labial palpus with light brown suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula with faint suffusion of light 

brown anteriorly. Forewing white dorsally, with a dark 

brown spot near basal one-third of dorsal margin and a 

smaller, more elongate, dark brown costal spot near distal 

one-third; area midway between latter two spots usually 

with a light brown, more suffused spot (suggesting a broken, oblique fascia); 3 light to dark brown subapical costal 

strigulae present near apex; strigula 1 straight, terminating 

at minute dark brown to black apical spot; strigula 2 curving around apical spot and continuous with tornal strigula; 

strigula 3 also curving around apical spot and fading near 
1 0 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

tornus; terminal cilia white to brownish cream becoming 

white around tornus and light brown along dorsal margin; 

venter of forewing light brown except for white subhumeral 

area. Hindwing and cilia light brown. Legs mostly cream 

dorsally, white ventrally; foreleg with scattered suffusion of 

light brown dorsally.

Abdomen: Light brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 342, 343. Socii a pair of 

short to moderately long, rounded, setose lobes separated 

by a distance ~0.3× length of cucullar lobe; caudal margin of 

uncus slightly concave. Vinculum broad, tapering to a narrow rounded to subtruncate anterior margin. Gnathos relatively narrow at base, with caudal lobe gradually narrowing 

to stout, broadly rounded and dorsally curved apex; lateral 

margin of gnathos with paired, triangular, lamellate extensions; anterior margin concave; basal fold undeveloped (Figure 342). Valva with extemely long, slender cucullar lobe, 

approximately equal in length to remainder of valva and 

0.65× length of genital capsule, bearing very long pectinifer 

consisting of 55–58 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar 

lobe acute, not produced; pedicel slender, greatly elongated, 

~0.25× length of cucullar lobe; valva relatively short, length 

along sacculus short, ~0.55× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe undeveloped, rounded; basal process of valva slender 

and acute; costal process of valva moderately stout, elongate, 

exceeding length of basal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS: St. 

Thomas [Danish West Indies]: 20 Mar 1894, Hedemann, 

slide 3323 (MGAB).

Material Examined. BELIZE: Cayo District: Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Las Cuevas Research 

Station: 2 ♂, 3–16 Apr 1998, R. Puplesis, slide AD 0475 

(VPU). Cuba: Central Baragua: 1 ♂, Mar 1931, H. K. 

Plank, slide USNM 32762 (USNM). Dominica: Cabrit 

Swamp: 1 ♂, 15 Jun 1964, O. S. Flint, slide USNM 32759 

(USNM). ECUADOR: Napo: SE Coca, nr. Rio Tiputini, 

Yasuni Research Station, 200 m: 1 ♂, 15–25 Jan 2000, 

R. Puplesis, slide AD 0474 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected in 

January, March to April, and June.

Distribution. (Map 11) West Indies, from 

Cuba east to Dominica, south to Belize and Ecuador.

Discussion. The forewing of this species typically possesses both a small dorsal and costal spot, which 

differs from the solitary dorsal spot present in the closely 

allied species, P. longipedicella. The male genitalia of these 

two species also differ by the absence of a basal fold and 

relatively shorter sacculus and pedicel in P. adusta.

Pseudopostega longipedicella, new species

Figures 195, 344, 345; Map 11

Adult. Figure 195. Length of forewing 2.3–

3.7 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, a 

relatively indistinct brown apical spot, and a small, elongate, brown dorsal spot along basal 1⁄4 of dorsal margin. 

Male genitalia with greatly elongated cucullar lobe and 

pedicel; caudal lobe of gnathos short, bluntly rounded, 

and slightly recurved; basal lobe sharply triangular (Figures 344, 345). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

brown, 64-segmented. Palpi white; labial palpus with sparse 

suffusion of light brown dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula with faint 

suffusion of light brown. Forewing almost entirely white 

with 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae; strigula 1 

extending along costal margin as faint brownish suffusion, 

terminating at relatively indistinct, elongate, brown apical 

spot; strigula 2 curving around apical spot to tornus; with a 

small, elongate, brown dorsal spot along basal 1⁄4 of dorsal 

margin; terminal cilia white between strigulae, brown beyond strigula 2, becoming paler brown along dorsal margin; 

venter of forewing brown except for basal white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally except for 

white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces lightly suffused with brown, paler 

on tarsomeres; midleg with brown bands dorsally on tarsomeres 3 and 4; faint brownish tarsal banding on hindleg.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 344, 345. Socii a pair of 

small rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance 

~0.35× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus slightly 

concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin rounded. Gnathos broad basally, abruptly constricted to form stout 

caudal lobe with bluntly rounded apex; anterior margin 

moderately convex; basal fold present, sharply triangular; 

margin slightly separated from base of gnathos. Cucullar 

lobe of valva greatly elongated, ~0.7× length of entire genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~60 blunt 

spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe not extended; pedicel 

extremely long and slender, width ~0.08× length of cucullar 

lobe; length of pedicel longer than main base of valva and 

~0.6× length of cucullar lobe; valva relatively short, length 

along sacculus ~0.5× length of entire genital capsule; saccular lobe stout short, broadly rounded; basal process of valva 

tapering to acute apex, approximately equaling length of 

costal lobe. Juxta undeveloped.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 0 3

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Puntarenas: 

Estación Quebrada Bonita, Reserva Biológica Carará, 50 

m, Apr 1991, R. Zuniga, slide DRD 4167 (INBIO).

Paratypes. PANAMA: Canal Zone: Paraiso: 

1 ♂, slide USNM 32923 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. April.

Distribution. (Map 11) Known only from 

Puntarenas, Costa Rica, and the Canal Zone, Panama.

Etymology. The species name is derived 

from the Latin longus (long) and pedicellus (small, slender stalk) in reference to the extremely long pedicel of the 

male valva.

Discussion. The male genitalia of P. longipedicella are distinct in possessing the most elongate pedicel and proportionately shortest sacculus of any member 

of the genus. From its sister species, P. adusta, it differs 

also in the presence of the male basal fold and absence of 

a dark costal spot on the forewing.

The lobata group

The males of this group are easily recognized by a 

prominent synapomorphy: the development of the socii 

Map 11. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega longipedicella species group.
1 0 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

into a pair of nearly contiguous, broad, setose lobes. The 

gnathos is also atypical, with the basal fold produced caudally as a prominent, rounded lobe possessing slender, 

lateral folds. The valvae are relatively short (length along 

saccus ~0.5× the length of genital capsule). The anterior 

margin of the vinculum is broad and slightly concave. The 

juxta is usually absent to poorly developed.

Pseudopostega lobata, new species

Figures 196, 197, 346, 347, 466, 467; Map 12

Adult. Figures 196, 197. Length of forewing 

2.0–2.4 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked with a pair of dark brown, subapical costal 

strigulae, the basalmost strigula broader and more distinct; 

apical spot absent. Male genitalia with basal fold of gnathos 

produced caudally as a prominent, rounded lobe possessing 

slender, lateral folds (Figures 346, 347). Papillae anales of 

female basically bilobed but apex subdivided into approximately four minute, secondary lobes (Figure 467).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, ~41–45-segmented. Maxillary and labial 

palpi cream. Labial palpus suffused with brown laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula white. Forewing white marked 

with a pair of long, dark brown subapical, costal strigulae, 

both extending to tornal area; strigula 1 broader and more 

distinct; apical spot absent; a small, slightly elongate, brown 

spot sometimes present near basal third along hind margin; 

terminal cilia light brown, more white around tornal area; 

venter of forewing light brown except for white at wing base 

and along basal half of costa. Hindwing and cilia light brown 

dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs 

mostly white; foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces brown; 

midleg with usually brown banding dorsally on tarsomeres 

2–3; hindleg white to cream without tarsal banding.

Abdomen: Light to medium brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 346, 347. Socii expanded 

to a pair of low, broad, rounded, setose, nearly contiguous 

lobes; width of each lobe nearly half the length of cucullar 

lobe; caudal rim of uncus smoothly convex. Vinculum broad, 

tapering slightly to broad, concave anterior margin. Gnathos 

with a moderately broad, bulbous base (viewed laterally); anterior margin of gnathos simple, convex; basal fold produced 

to form a prominent, stout, median lobe terminating caudally 

in a broad, bluntly rounded knob that slightly surpasses caudal margin of socii; with a pair of caudally divided, slender, 

lateral folds aligned longitudinally and subparallel along basal 

half of median lobe (Figures 346, 347). Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.3× length of genital capsule, bearing a 

pectinifer consisting of 31–34 blunt spines; terminal apex of 

cucullar lobe rounded, only slightly extended; pedicel broad, 

width ~0.3× length of cucullar lobe; valva relatively short, 

length along sacculus ~0.5× length of genital capsule, saccular 

lobe stout, roughly rounded, tuberculate and setose, extending nearly to apex of cucullar lobe; basal process of valva 

tapering to an acute apex, approximately equaling length of 

stout costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 466, 467. Abdomen tapering to a moderately broad, subacute, slightly cleft apex. 

Each posterior apophysis fused most its length, relatively 

stout and short. Papillae anales basically bilobed but apex 

subdivided into approximately 4 minute, irregular secondary lobes, each bearing 2–4 elongate setae, the longest nearly 

as long as the posterior apophyses; lobes arising from a 

small, narrow basal plate; maximum length of lobes ~0.35× 

width of basal plate (Figure 467). Vestibulum relatively 

broad, membranous. Ductus bursae with a dense patch of 

pectinate spicules arranged usually 3–6 in transverse rows. 

Corpus bursae relatively short, broad, with a faint, irregular 

U-shaped band partially encircling most the length of the 

corpus; band bearing numerous, relatively elongate, acute, 

external tubercles (Figure 466). Spermathecal duct ~2/3 

length of bursae copulatrix; membranous outer canal narrow; inner canal long, sinuous, terminating in ~5–6 convolutions. Vesicle large, divided into a large tube of ~3 coils, 

and a much smaller, less coiled, lateral lagena.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 

10°26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, Bosque Primario, L/14/304, 

2 Feb 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4263 (INBIO).

Paratypes. Argentina: Jujuy: Parque Nacional Calilegua, Mirador, sta.14, 800 m: 1 ♂, 20 Nov 1995, 

Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg., slide DRD 4134 (RMNH). Salta: 

5 km NW Aguas Blancas, Finca Yaculika, 53 km NNW 

Orán, sta. 16, 500 m: 1 ♂, 24 Nov 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. NArg., slide DRD 4252 (RMNH). BELIZE: Cayo District: 

Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Las Cuevas Research Station: 1 ♂, 

3–16 Apr 1998, R. Puplesis, slide AD 0445 (VPU). Costa

Rica: Guanacaste: Santa Rosa Station, Area de Conservation Guanacaste, 300 m: 1 ♂, 22 Jun 2003, K. Nishida, light 

sheet, slide USNM 33212 (USNM). Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, 50–150 m, L/00/180: 1 ♂, 11 Mar 1998, 

INBio-OET, slide USNM 33034 (USNM); L/00/223: 1 ♂, 22 

Apr 1996, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4279 (INBIO); L/00/273: 

1 ♂, 15 Jan 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4282 (INBIO); 

L/04/162: 1 ♂, 22 Feb 1996, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4274 

(INBIO); L/04/205: 1 ♂, 8 Apr 1996, INBio-OET, slide DRD 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 0 5

4199 (INBIO); L/04/212: 1 ♂, 15 Apr 1996, INBio-OET, slide 

DRD 4170 (INBIO); L/07/440: 1 ♀, 11 Aug 1998, INBio-OET

(INBIO); L/08/285: 1 ♂, 19 Jan 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

33035 (USNM); L/09/442: 1 ♂, 12 Aug 1998, INBio-OET, 

slide USNM 33036 (USNM); L/09/490: 1 ♀, 20 Oct 1998, 

INBio-OET (INBIO); L/10/539: 1 ♀, 12 Jan 1998, INBioOET, slide USNM 32773 (USNM); L/11/350: 1 ♂, 14 Apr 

1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32164 (USNM); L/12/625: 1 

♀, 22 Apr 1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/13/376: 1 ♂, 19 May 

1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4204 (INBIO); L/15/342: 2 ♂, 

31 Mar 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM DRD 4270, 32808 

(INBIO, USNM); L/15/354: 1 ♂, 16 Apr 1998, INBio-OET, 

slide USNM 32790 (USNM); L/15/424: 1 ♂, 21 Jul 1998, 

INBio-OET, slide USNM 32171 (USNM); L/15/574: 1 ♀, 18 

Feb 1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4255 (INBIO); L/17/356: 1 

UNK, 21 Apr 1998, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/17/426: 1 ♀, 22 

Jul 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32172 (USNM); L/17/664: 

1 ♂, 15 Jun 1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4284 (INBIO); 

L/18/547: 1 ♂, 20 Jan 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4011 

(INBIO); L0012: 1 ♂, 15 Jan 1993, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

32797 (USNM). Nicaragua: Estelí, 700 m: 1 ♂, 22 Aug 

1972, G. F. & S. Hevel, slide USNM 31838 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. In Central America adults 

have been encountered over much of the year from January 

to August and October, with only November reported for 

Argentina.

Distribution. (Map 12) This is probably a 

common, widespread neotropical species, now reported 

in Central America from Belize to Costa Rica, with two 

records from northern Argentina.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin lobus (a rounded projection or protuberance) in 

reference to the broadly rounded, median basal lobe of the 

male gnathos.

Discussion. This species appears most allied 

to the West Indian P. clavata on the basis of their very similar male and female genital morphology. The forewings 

of the two species differ significantly with those of lobata

being nearly all white except for the subapical strigulae. 

The forewings of clavata are generally darker, with a relatively large costal spot. The saccular lobe of lobata is also 

more slender and elongate than in clavata.

Pseudopostega clavata, new species

Figures 46, 198, 348, 349, 468, 469; Map 12

Adult. Figure 198. Length of forewing 2.2–

2.6 mm. Small, mostly cream to light golden brown moth 

with forewings usually marked by a small, brown dorsal 

spot near basal third, an elongate, brown spot on distal 

third of costa, and 2 slender, brown, subapical costal 

strigulae, with the outer, more faint strigula extending to 

tornus; apical spot absent. Male with basal fold of gnathos 

extended caudally to form a prominent median lobe terminating in a clavate, rounded apex (Figure 348). Papillae 

anales of female bilobed; lobes short, tuberculate, conical 

(Figure 469).

Head: Vertex white, occipital area cream. Scape 

white; flagellum brown, ~38–39-segmented. Maxillary palpus white to cream. Labial palpus white to cream, suffused 

with dark brown laterally.

Thorax: White ventrally, cream to light golden 

brown dorsally; anterior margin of tegula white. Fore­wing 

mostly cream to light golden brown, becoming paler along 

base of costal margin and near apex, marked by a small, 

brown dorsal spot near basal third, an elongate dark brown 

spot on distal third of costa, 2 slender, brown, subapical 

costal strigulae, with the outer, more faint strigula extending to tornus; apical spot absent; terminal cilia mostly 

light brown beyond terminal strigula, becoming white to 

cream around tornus and along outer dorsal margin; venter of forewing light brown except white over basal discal 

cell area and terminal cilia. Hindwing and cilia white to 

cream dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly cream; foreleg 

with lateral and dorsal surfaces of coxa, femur and tibia 

light brown; tarsi partially ringed with dark brown; midand hindlegs cream.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 348, 349. Socii a pair of 

moderately large, basally contiguous, rounded, setose lobes; 

caudal rim of uncus slightly concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin concave. Gnathos a broad, oval plate; basal 

fold extended caudally to form a prominent median lobe 

and terminating in a clavate, rounded apex that slightly surpasses caudal margins of socii; midlateral margins of lobe 

with elongate, narrow folds; anterior margin of gnathos 

poorly defined, slightly convex. Valva with a moderately 

large cucullar lobe ~0.25× length of genital capsule, bearing 

a pectinifer consisting of a single row of 39–42 blunt spines; 

terminal apex of cucullar lobe subacute, not extended; pedicel broad, width ~0.3× length of cucullar lobe; valva relatively short, length along sacculus ~0.5× length of genital 

capsule; saccular lobe broad, gradually narrowing to tuberculate, setose apex; basal process of valva short, strongly 

tapered, acute, slightly shorter than slender, elongate costal 

lobe. Juxta rudimentary, with only a faint, slender extension from vinculum.
1 0 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Female Genitalia: Figures 46, 468, 469. Abdomen 

tapering to a slender, slightly rounded, cleft apex. Each posterior apophysis fused for most its length, relatively long, 

slender. Papillae anales a pair of small, short, divergent, 

tuberculate, conical, setose lobes; longest setae about 2/3 

the length of apophyses; lobes arising from a narrow basal 

plate consisting of fused bases of lobes; maximum length of 

lobes ~0.6× width of basal plate (Figure 468). Vestibulum 

relatively broad, minutely spiculate caudally. Ductus bursae 

short, relatively broad, with dense rows of small to large 

pectinations composed of transverse rows of 2–5 spicules 

continuing anteriorly into caudal end of corpus bursae. Corpus bursae broadly ovate, with a faint band of numerous, 

moderately elongate, external tubercles extending over most 

of length of bursa. Ductus spermathecae elongate, nearly as 

long as entire bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal 

long, slender for entire length; inner canal sinuate, with more 

than 12 convolutions over most the length of canal; inner 

Map 12. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega lobata species group.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 0 7

canal expanding and dividing distally to form a tightly coiled 

vesiculum and a more membranous, elongate utriculus.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; PUERTO RICO: Cayey, 450 m: 

2 Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 32898 (USNM).

Paratypes. Puerto Rico: Cayey, 450 m: 

11 ♂, 4 ♀, 2 UNK, 2 Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, slides USNM 

31938, 32734, 32735, 32760, 32761 (USNM, VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. August.

Distribution. (Map 12) Known only from 

the type locality in southeastern Puerto Rico.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin clavatus (clubbed), in reference to the diagnostic, 

clavate shape of the apex of the greatly enlarged basal fold 

of the male gnathos.

Discussion. This species is most easily recognized by its suffused brownish forewing color and prominent 

brown costal spot. It may also be destinguished from its 

sister species, P. lobata, by the broader apex of the male 

saccular lobe.

Pseudopostega sublobata, new species

Figures 199, 350, 351; Map 12

Adult. Figure 199. Length of forewing 2.1–2.5 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings bearing a pattern similar to that of P. lobata, with usually 2 dark 

brown, subapical costal strigulae; strigula 1 more oblique 

and beginning more basally on the costa than in lobata, 

and with the dark brown apical spot more distinct. Male 

genitalia similar to P. lobata, but with the gnathal lobe possessing a more slender apex and the caudal margins of the 

socii more irregular (Figure 350). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

brown, ~42–45-segmented. Maxillary and labial palpi 

white to cream. Labial palpus suffused with light grayish 

brown laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula white. Forewing white 

marked with usually 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, the basal strigula more oblique and beginning more basally on the costa than in lobata, and with the dark brown 

apical spot more distinct; a small brown dorsal spot often 

present along basal third of hind margin; cilia white to gray 

between strigulae, light brown beyond apical stigula and 

along hind margin, except white around tornus; venter of 

forewing light brown except for basal white area. Hindwing 

and cilia light grayish brown dorsally and ventrally except 

for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white; foreleg with

lateral and dorsal surfaces light grayish brown; midleg with 

usually brown banding dorsally on tarsomeres 3 and 4; 

hindleg cream, without tarsal banding.

Abdomen: Light to medium brown dorsally, white 

to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 350, 351. Socii highly 

modified, consisting of a pair of low, very irregular, tuberculate ridges, each bearing ~6 elongate setae; caudal margin 

of uncus a relatively narrow, shallow, median depression at 

caudal apex. Vinculum broad, tapering very slightly to broad, 

subtruncate to slightly concave anterior margin. Gnathos 

relatively narrow at base; basal fold greatly extended caudally to form long, moderately stout, dorsally recurved, median lobe with a slightly expanded apex; a medially divided 

pair of narrow lateral folds extending longitudinally along 

median lobe (Figures 350, 351); anterior margin of gnathos 

concave. Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.35× length 

of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 25–27 

blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe slightly extended 

as a slender, setose lobe; pedicel broad, width ~0.5× length 

of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.6× 

length of genital capsule, saccular lobe short, stout, tapering 

to relatively blunt, tuberculate, setose apex; basal process 

of valva tapering to acute apex, slightly exceeding length of 

stout costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva (OET), Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 10°'26'N, 84°01'W, 50–150 m, 24 Sep 1998, 

L/17/474, Bosque secundario, DRD slide 4293 (INBIO)

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Heredia: Estación 

Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 50–150 m, 

L/00/187: 1 ♂, 14 Mar 1996, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

32796 (USNM); L/00/189: 1 ♂, 19 Mar 1996, INBio-OET, 

slide USNM 32794 (USNM); L/04/155: 1 ♂, 18 Feb 1996, 

INBio-OET, slide USNM 32795 (USNM); L/11/444: 1 ♂, 13 

Aug 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4175 (INBIO); L/11/492: 

1 ♂, 21 Oct 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4165 (INBIO); 

L/11/624: 1 ♂, 22 Apr 1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4273 

(INBIO); L/13/470: 1 ♂, 22 Sep 1998, INBio-OET, slide 

DRD 4168 (INBIO); L/14/389: 1 ♂, 3 Jun 1998, INBioOET, slide USNM 32787 (USNM); L/15/448: 1 ♂, 19 Aug 

1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4189 (INBIO); L/15/460: 1 

♂, 2 Sep 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32809 (USNM); 

L/17/426: 1 ♂, 22 Jul 1998, INBio-OET, USNM 32795 

(USNM); L/17/450: 1 ♂, 20 Aug 1998, INBio-OET, slide 

DRD 4311 (INBIO); L/17/474: 1 ♂, 24 Sep 1998, INBioOET, slide DRD 4173 (INBIO); L/17/618: 1 ♂, 14 Apr 

1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4275 (INBIO); L/18/487: 1 

♂, 14 Oct 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32801 (USNM). 
1 0 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Limón: R. B. Hitoy Cerere, Sector Calavera Danta, 400–

500 m: 2 ♂, 14 Mar 2002, M. Moraga & L. Chavarria, 

slide DRD 4321 (INBIO, USNM). ECUADOR: 80 km 

E Guayaquil, Bucay (=Cumanda), 700 m: 2 ♂, 16–19 Jan 

2001, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slide AD 0468 (VPU). Napo: 

SE Tena, nr. Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha, and Misahualli, 400–

500 m: 3 ♂, 26–31 Jan 2000, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slides 

AD 0469, 0470, 0472 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

over much of the year, from February to October in Costa 

Rica and during January in Ecuador.

Distribution. (Map 12) Currently known 

only from Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin sub (under) and lobus (a rounded projection or 

protuberance) in reference to the more slender gnathal 

lobe of the male, the distinguishing feature separating this 

species and P. lobata.

Discussion. The male of P. sublobata is characterized by the reduced caudal lobe, the greatly lengthened basal fold of the gnathos, and by the highly modified 

socii. The caudal margins of the socii are diagnostic in 

being much more irregular than those of the other two 

members of this group, P. lobata and P. clavata.

The duplicata group

The members of this group share a striking synapomorphy in the development of the basal fold of the male 

gnathos, which forms a prominent median lobe that surpasses the caudal apex of the gnathos in length. The latter 

terminates in either one or two caudal processes. Members 

of the duplicata group differ from the lobata group, which 

also have developed a prominent elongation of the basal 

fold, in the presence of tuberculate socii typical for the 

genus. The anterior margin of the vinculum is extended 

well beyond the bases of the valvae and tends to be relatively broad to moderately concave. A juxta is absent.

Pseudopostega duplicata, new species

Figures 200, 201, 352–354, 470, 471; Map 13

Adult. Figures 200, 201. Length of forewing 

2.0–2.8 mm. Small white moth with almost immaculate 

forewings except for black apical spot, 3 light to dark 

brown, subapical costal strigulae and 1 dark brown tornal strigula. Male with base of gnathos broad, gradually 

tapering to moderately elongate, slender, attenuate, caudal lobe; basal fold greatly developed to form a relatively 

large, elongate-conical lobe exceeding the more dorsal, 

caudal lobe in length and width (Figures 352–353). Papillae anales of female consisting of a pair of elongate, slender, widely divergent, setose lobes (Figure 471).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum light 

golden brown, ~38–49-segmented. Palpi white to cream. Labial palpus with suffusion of brown laterally and dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula suffused 

with brown. Forewing almost entirely white except for black 

apical spot, 3 light to dark brown, subapical, costal strigulae 

and 1 dark brown tornal strigula; costal strigulae 1 and 2 

short to moderately long, slanted obliquely toward but often 

fading well short of small black apical spot; strigula 1 usually 

lighter brown, relatively broad at costa and tapering posteriorly; strigula 3 long, sinuate, slanted obliquely toward apical 

spot, then curving around spot to tornus; tornal strigula dark 

brown, extending from apical spot straight to tornus, sometimes absent; terminal cilia variable, white to light brown 

between stigulae 2 and 3, light brown around apex, then 

becoming white around tornus and dorsal margin; venter 

of forewing brown except for basal patch of white around 

subhumeral area and along costa. Hindwing and cilia light 

brown, whitish at base both dorsally and ventrally. Legs 

white to cream; foreleg with lateral and dorsal margins of 

coxa, femur and tibia partially suffused with brown; midleg 

sometimes with apices of tarsal segments brown.

Abdomen: Light to medium brown dorsally, cream 

to white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 352–354. Socii a pair of 

moderately small to large, rounded, setose lobes, widely 

separated by a distance ~0.65–0.8× length of cucullar lobe; 

caudal margin of uncus concave. Vinculum broad, tapering slightly to moderately broad, truncate to slightly concave anterior margin. Gnathos broad basally, tapering to 

slender, moderately long, acuminate apex; anterior margin 

slightly convex to subtruncate; basal fold greatly developed 

to form a relatively large, elongate-conical lobe exceeding 

dorsal, caudal lobe in length and width; apex of basal fold 

lobe bluntly rounded. Valva with a moderately reduced cucullar lobe ~0.25–3× length of genital capsule, bearing a 

pectinifer consisting of 24–27 blunt spines; distal apex of 

cucullar lobe slightly extended, irregular; pedicel moderately broad, width nearly 0.2× length of cucullar lobe; valva 

short, length along sacculus ~0.55–0.7× length of genital 

capsule; saccular lobe reduced, slender, with irregular, setose apex; basal process of valva relatively short, attenuate, 

costal process slender, elongate, terminating near apex of 

basal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 470, 471. Abdomen tapering to relatively broad, bilobed, setose apex. Each pos-
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 0 9

terior apophysis fused ~2/3 its length, long, slender, length 

~2.3× width of papillae anales. Papillae anales consisting of 

a pair of elongate, slender, widely divergent, setose lobes; 

setae moderately short, up to 1.6× length of papillar lobe; 

lobes arising from inconspicuous, mostly membranous base 

(Figure 471). Vestibulum moderately broad, largely free of 

spicules. Ductus bursae with dense, short transverse rows 

of pectinations consisting usually of 2–3 spicules; rows becoming gradually longer with 4–6 spicules to caudal end of 

corpus bursae. Corpus bursae moderately inflated, without 

spicules or external tubercles. Ductus spermathecae elongate, nearly as long as bursa copulatrix; membranous outer 

canal inflated near junction with ductus bursae, then slender to anterior apex; inner canal sinuate, terminating in 4–6 

convolutions, enlarging to form small saccate vesicle.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Costa Rica: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, 50–150 m, L/17/522: 26 Nov 

1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4201 (INBIO).

Paratypes. British VirginIslands: Tortola Island: Mt. Sage National Park, 460 m: 1 ♀, 7–8 Jul 

1985, S. Miller et al. (USNM); 5 ♂, 2 ♀, 1 UNK, 13–

15 Jul 1987, V. O. Becker & S. Miller, slides USNM 

32755, 32757, 32921 (USNM); 2 ♂, 5 ♂, 5 Apr 1958, 

J. F. G. Clarke, slide USNM 33682 (USNM). Costa

Rica: [Cartago]: Turrialba, 600 m: 1 ♂, 1 ♂, Jun 1972, 

1 ♂, Jul 1971, 1 ♀, Sep 1971, 1 ♂, 1 UNK, Oct 1971, 

V. O. Becker, slides DRD 4286, 4290, 4291, USNM 

32422 (USNM, VOB). Guanacaste: Estación Pitilla, 

9 km S Santa Cecilia, 700 m: 1 ♂, Nov 1990, C. Moraga 

& P. Rios, slide USNM 32804 (USNM). Estación Santa 

Rosa, P. N. Guanacaste, 300 m: 2 ♀, Jul 1990, I Curso 

MicroLepidopterologia, slide DRD 4169 (INBIO); 2 ♂, 

22 Jun 2003, K. Nishida, light sheet, slides USNM 33210, 

33211 (USNM). Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, 

50–150 m, L/00/280: 1 ♂, 17 Jan 1998, INBio-OET, slide 

USNM 32800 (USNM); L/08/477: 1 ♂, 29 Sep 1998, 

INBio-OET, slide USNM 33025 (USNM); L/09/442: 1 ♂, 

12 Aug 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32783 (USNM); 

L/09/478: 1 ♂, 30 Sep 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 

4203 (INBIO); L/11/350: 1 ♀, 14 Apr 1998, INBio-OET

(INBIO); L/11/492: 2 ♂, 21 Oct 1998, INBio-OET, slides 

DRD 4200, USNM 32434 (USNM, INBIO); L/13/662: 

1 ♂, 1 Jun 1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4188 (INBIO); 

L/15/484: 1 ♂, 8 Oct 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4186 

(INBIO); L/15/520: 1 ♀, 25 Nov 1998, INBio-OET, slide 

DRD 4202 (INBIO); L/15/544: 1 ♀, 19 Jan 1999, INBioOET, slide USNM 32169 (USNM); L/15/564: 1 ♀, 4 Feb 

1999, INBio-OET (INBIO); L/17/368: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 6 May 

1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 32170 (INBIO, USNM); 

L/17/474: 1 ♂, 24 Sep 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 

4312 (INBIO); L/17/534: 3 ♀, 15 Dec 1998, INBio-OET, 

slides USNM 33026, 33027, DRD 4177 (INBIO, USNM). 

Limón: P. N. Cahuita, Sector Puerto Vargas, 600 m. E 

La Casetilla, 10 m: 1 ♂, May 2002, L. Chavarria, slide 

USNM 31801 (USNM); Sector Playa Blanca, 800 m E La 

Casetilla, 3 m: 1 ♂, Jun 2002, L. Chavarria (INBIO).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

almost throughout the year in Costa Rica and in April and 

July in the British Virgin Islands.

Distribution. (Map 13) Currently known 

only from Costa Rica and Tortola Island in the British 

Virgin Islands.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin duplicatus (repeat, double), in reference to the 

characteristic dual lobes of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The apparent disjunct distribution 

of P. duplicata probably indicates an even broader distribution, perhaps more similar to that of the widespread P. 

saltatrix or venticola. The wing patterns and both male and 

female genital morphology closely agree between the Costa 

Rican and West Indian populations of P. duplicata, thereby 

suggesting a single species. The anterior margin of the vinculum varies from being moderately narrow and truncate to 

broader and concave (Figures 352, 354). Both extremes are 

evident within Costa Rican males. Differences determined 

in the CO1 sequences between these vicariant populations 

were between 1% and <2%, which usually indicates some 

biological significance because this is above the average 

0.25% divergence observed among conspecific individuals 

but well below the 6.5% typically observed for morphologically distinct, congeneric moth species (Hebert et al., 

2004). However, percentage sequence divergence between 

closely related sister species of Lepidoptera sometimes have 

been found to be highly variable (Landry et al., 1999).

Similar variation of the vinculum is also evident 

within the small series of males of P. didyma from Ecuador. The two species differ in the smaller valvae, relatively 

less massive gnathos, and less recurved gnathal lobes of 

P. duplicata. The papillae anales of female duplicata are 

remarkable in being among the longest, most slender and 

divergent of any Pseudopostega.

Pseudopostega didyma, new species

Figures 202, 355–357; Map 13

Adult. Figure 202. Length of forewing 2.5–2.7 

mm. Small white moth with almost mmaculate forewings 
1 1 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

except for black apical spot, 3 fuscous, subapical, costal 

strigulae and 1 fuscous tornal strigula. Male gnathos similar to that of P. duplicata, broad, with caudal half abruptly 

tapered to a strongly curved, spiniform, apical lobe; basal 

fold, with triangular anterior margin, tapered to form a 

stout, greatly elongated, apically rounded, median lobe 

greatly surpassing caudal lobe in size (Figures 355, 356). 

Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum yellowish brown to grayish brown, ~42–44-segmented. Palpi 

white. Labial palpus with suffusion of gray to fuscous laterally and dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula slightly 

suffused with gray. Forewing almost entirely white except 

for black apical spot, 3 brownish to fuscous, subapical, costal strigulae and 1 fuscous tornal strigula; costal strigula 1 

usually lighter brown, short, relatively broad at costa and 

tapering distally; strigula 2 extending immediately basal 

to apical spot; strigula 3 long, sinuate, slanted obliquely 

toward apical spot, then curving around spot to tornus; 

tornal strigula brownish black, extending from strigula 2 

a short distance to tornus; terminal cilia white; venter of 

forewing yellowish brown except for basal patch of cream 

around subhumeral area and along costa. Hindwing and 

cilia light brown, cream at base both dorsally and ventrally. 

Legs white; foreleg with lateral and dorsal margins of coxa, 

femur and tibia partially suffused with dark gray; midleg 

with apices of tarsal segments black.

Abdomen: Color not examined.

Male Genitalia: Figures 355–357. Socii a pair of 

moderately large, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~0.8× length of cucullar lobe. Vinculum 

broad, tapering slightly to moderately broad, truncate to 

slightly concave anterior margin. Gnathos broad, irregularly thickened laterally, with caudal half abruptly tapered 

to a dorsally curved, slender, spiniform, subacute to acute, 

caudal lobe; anterior margin of gnathos faint, membranous, 

smoothly convex; basal fold with thickened, triangular, anterior margin, produced caudally to form a stout, greatly 

elongated, apically rounded, dorsally curved lobe greatly 

surpassing caudal lobe in size (Figures 355, 356). Valva 

with a moderately large cucullar lobe ~0.3× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of about 33 blunt 

spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe slightly extended, irregular; pedicel well sclerotized, spiniform; valva moderately 

long, length along sacculus ~0.6× length of genital capsule; 

saccular lobe broadening in the middle but narrowing to 

long and slender setose apex; basal process of valva long 

and slender; costal process slender and very long, terminating near apex of basal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ECUADOR: Guayas: 80 km E 

Guayaquil, Bucay (=Cumanda), western foothills of Andes, 

premontane tropical forest and orchards, 700 m: 16–19 Jan 

2001, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slide AD 0478 (VPU).

Paratypes. ECUADOR: Same data as holotype: 2 ♂, slides: AD 0441, 0442 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January.

Distribution. (Map 13) Known only from 

the type locality, a moist tropical site located on the western slopes of the Andes of Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Greek didymos (double), in reference to the characteristic double lobes of the male gnathos.

Discussion. Pseudopostega didyma is closely 

related to P. duplicata but differs in the more complex 

gnathos, which (in contrast to duplicata) possesses wellthickened, irregular, lateral lobes. Both lobes of the gnathos are curved ventrally in didyma, compared to straight 

in duplicata. Also the valva of didyma differs in possessing 

a broader saccular lobe, more narrow pedicel, and larger 

cucullar lobe.

Pseudopostega acidata (Meyrick)

Figures 203, 204, 358, 359; Map 13

Opostega acidata Meyrick, 1915:240.—Clarke, 1955:34.—Davis, 1984:18.

Pseudopostega acidata (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:75.—Puplesis and Diškus, 

2003:418.

Adult. Figures 203, 204. Length of forewing 

2.7–4.1 mm. Small, mostly white moth with almost immaculate forewings except for 3 dark brown, subapical 

costal and 3 tornal strigulae, and a dark brown to black 

apical spot. Male gnathos appearing trilobed, with caudal 

lobe deeply furcate and basal fold produced as an elongate, median ventral lobe (Figure 358). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white, with dark 

brown suffusion along anterior edge. Flagellum pale ochreous to brown, ~48–63-segmented. Maxillary and labial 

palpi cream, with slight suffusion of pale brown laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula brown. 

Forewing almost entirely white, without a costal spot but 

with a faint brown dorsal spot at basal two-fifths usually 

evident; dark brown to black apical spot present; 3 pale to 

dark brown subapical stigulae usually present, consisting 

of 3 costal and 3 tornal strigulae; basal most costal/tornal 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 1 1

strigulae relatively faint, mostly pale brown and nearly continuous; outer most tornal strigula extending around terminal margin to slightly anterior of apical spot; terminal cilia 

mostly white, becoming cream to pale brown along dorsal 

margin; venter of forewing light brown to gray. Hindwing 

and cilia cream to light brown both dorsally and ventrally. 

Legs mostly cream; foreleg with lateral margins of tibia and 

tarsus grayish brown; midleg with apices of tarsal segments 

grayish brown.

Abdomen: Light yellowish brown to gray dorsally, 

gradually fading to cream to white laterally and ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 358, 359. Socii a pair of 

slender and setose lobes widely separated by a distance 

~0.6× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus concave, well sclerotized. Vinculum broad, tapering to a narrowly rounded to subtruncate anterior margin. Gnathos 

complex, broad at base, tapering to a relatively broad, 

broadly furcate caudal lobe; anterior margin of gnathos 

Map 13. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega duplicata species group.
1 1 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

slightly concave; basal fold produced medially into an 

elongate lobe approximately equaling the length of the 

arms of the furcate caudal lobe. Valva with large cucullar 

lobe ~0.4× length of genital capsule and bearing a long 

pectinifer consisting of ~38–42 blunt spines; distal apex of 

cucullar lobe variably produced into a short, rounded, setose lobe; pedicel moderately broad, width ~0.2× length of 

cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along saccus ~0.65× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe with an elongate, 

slender to moderately broadly rounded setose apex; basal 

process of valva short, subacute; costal process of valva 

well sclerotized, short, and approximately same length as 

basal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Lectotype. (Designated by Davis, 1989) ♂; 

ECUADOR: Chimborazo: Huigra, 4500 ft [~1372 m]: 

Jun [19]14, Parish, slide BMNH 29632 (BMNH).

Material Examined. ECUADOR: Chimborazo: Huigra, 4500 ft [~1372 m]: 1 ♂ (lectotype), 1 ♂

(paralectotype), Jun [19]14, Parish, slides BMNH 28711, 

29632 (BMNH). USA: Texas: Hidalgo Co.: Santa Ana 

Refuge: 1 ♂, 2 Nov 1985, E. Knudson (TLS). Cameron 

Co.: Southmost: 1 ♂, 27 Sep 1988, E. Knudson, slide 

USNM 32491 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

in June (Ecuador) and September to November (southern 

Texas, USA)

Distribution. (Map 13) Known from two 

disjunct regions: the Rio Grand Valley of southern Texas 

and southern Ecuador.

Discussion. The unusually disjunct distribution between the northern and southern populations of 

this species immediately questions whether they are conspecific. The nearly identical morphology of their male 

genitalia, in particular the synapomorphic, trifid gnathos, 

indicate they are. The absence of collecting records between 

the southern USA and Ecuador may simply reflect the relative difficulty and infrequency in sampling members of this 

family. The basal fold of the gnathos in this species attains 

a development nearly comparable to that present in Pseudopostega duplicata, another disjunctly distributed species, and P. didyma, also from Ecuador. Minor variations 

observed in the genitalia were found to occur within the 

small series (two males from each area) of each population The males from Ecuador are somewhat larger in size 

(forewings 3.9–4.1 mm in length) than those from Texas, 

USA (2.7–2.8 mm). Until more information about their 

biology and degree of genetic similarity becomes available, 

it seems prudent to recognize a single species.

Because of the poor, partially denuded condition of 

both syntypes (Figure 203), the external description of this 

species was derived largely from the two males from Texas. 

The forewings of both syntypes are lacking much of their 

terminal cilia and, consequently, exhibit no strigulae.

The tenuifurcata group

This group consists of two species possessing the 

shortest valvae proportional to the length of the genital 

capsule (~0.4× the total length of the capsule as measured 

along the length of the sacculus) within Pseudopostega. 

The gnathos possesses a well-developed basal fold and 

terminates in a moderately slender caudal lobe with a 

minutely furcate to sinuate apex. The anterior margin of 

the vinculum is broadly truncate to deeply concave and 

extends nearly half the length of the genital capsule beyond the bases of the valvae. The juxta is relatively well 

developed as an elongate, slender, median rod. Sequence 

data from Hebert’s CO1 analysis closely associated both 

members of this group within the same clade.

Pseudopostega tenuifurcata, new species

Figures 205, 360, 361; Map 14

Adult. Figure 205. Length of forewing 2.3–

2.5 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with 2 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae and 

a short, dark brown terminal, costal strigula; dark brown 

apical spot sometimes indistinct, usually confluent with 

outer costal strigula. Male with caudal lobe of gnathos 

attenuate and minutely furcate; basal fold broadly triangular (Figure 360). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum pale 

brown, ~47–52-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream. Labial 

palpus white to cream, suffused with grayish brown laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula grayish 

brown. Forewing almost entirely white with 2 dark brown, 

subapical costal, strigulae and a short, dark brown terminal, 

costal strigula; dark brown apical spot sometimes indistinct, 

usually confluent with outer costal strigula; strigula 1 broadest along costa, strongly oblique; strigula 3 extending distad 

to apical spot; strigula 2 usually confluent with darker apical 

spot, occasionally bypassing spot and confluent with strigula 

3; an elongate, dark brown dorsal spot sometimes present 

along basal third of hind margin; terminal cilia mostly white 

between strigulae, around tornus, and along hind margin; 

brown beyond distal costal and terminal strigula; venter of 

forewing light to medium brown except for basal white area. 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 1 3

Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally except for 

white suffusion at base; apical cilia occasionally white. Legs 

mostly white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with 

brown; brown scaling more diffused on tarsomeres; midleg 

with usually brown bands dorsally on tarsomeres 3 and 4; 

tarsal banding paler to absent on hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white ventrally, occasionally with brownish suffusion anteriorly.

Male Genitalia: Figures 360, 361. Socii a pair of 

relatively long rounded, setose lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~0.75× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim 

of uncus smoothly concave. Vinculum broad, tapering 

slightly to truncate anterior margin. Gnathos with a broad, 

triangular base tapering to form a slender, elongate, caudal lobe with a minutely furcate apex; anterior margin of 

gnathos subtruncate, slightly sinuate; basal fold present, 

moderately broad medially and narrowing laterally (Figure 

360). Valva relatively short, length along sacculus ~0.55× 

length of entire genital capsule, with a moderately elongate 

cucullar lobe ~0.35× length of genital capsule, bearing a 

pectinifer consisting of ~28–30 blunt spines; distal apex of 

cucullar lobe slightly extended as an irregular, tuberculate, 

setose lobe; pedicel broad, approximately 0.23× length 

of cucullar lobe; saccular lobe moderately long, stout, tapering, bluntly rounded; basal process of valva relatively 

stout, short, slightly exceeding length of costal process. 

Juxta consisting of a slender, elongate, sclerotized, median 

rod from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 10°26'N, 

84°01'W, 50–150 m, Bosque secundario, L/18/547, 20 Jan 

1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4191 (INBIO).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Heredia: Estación 

Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 10°26'N, 

84°01'W, 50–150 m, L/00/156: 1 ♂, 19 Feb 1996, INBioOET, slide DRD 4183 (INBIO); L/08/359: 1 ♂, 22 Apr 1998, 

INBio-OET, slide USNM 32813 (USNM); L/10/325: 1 ♂, 3 

Mar 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4162, (INBIO); L/13/650: 

1 ♂, 27 May 1999, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4205 (INBIO).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from January to May.

Distribution. (Map 14) Known only from 

the type locality, a lowland rainforest area in northeastern 

Costa Rica.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin tenuis (thin, slender) and furcatus (forked) in reference to the diagnostic attenuated, furcate structure of 

the caudal lobe of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The nearly immaculate forewing 

of this species differs from the forewing of its proposed 

sister species, P. sectila, in lacking a subapical costal spot.

The male genitalia of P. tenuifurcata differs markedly 

from P. sectila in possessing a basally broader gnathos, 

more slender (viewed laterally) caudal lobe, and more developed basal fold. The vinculum in tenuifurcata is more 

slender, with a truncate anterior margin, instead of deeply 

concave as in sectila.

Pseudopostega sectila, new species

Figures 206, 362, 363, 472, 473; Map 14

Adult. Figure 206. Length of forewing 3.0–

3.7 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

usually marked by a small, gray dorsal spot near basal 

third, a small, triangular, fuscous spot on distal third of 

costa, a fuscous apical spot, and a single, brown to fuscous, terminal costal strigulae. Male with anterior margin 

of vinculum deeply concave, broadly V-shaped; gnathos 

tapering to moderately slender, truncate caudal lobe; basal 

fold mostly transverse, narrow (Figure 362). Female with 

papillae anales consisting of a pair of extremely divergent, 

slender lobes (Figure 473).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum pale 

brown, ~65–70-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream. Labial 

palpus white to cream, suffused with dark brown laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula faintly 

tinged with gray. Forewing almost entirely white, usually 

marked by a small, gray dorsal spot near basal third, a triangular, obliquely outward slanted, dark fuscous spot on 

distal third of costa, a small fuscous subapical spot, and 

a single, prominent brown to fuscous strigula extending 

across terminal cilia from costa to wing apex beyond subapical spot; terminal cilia mostly white, pale brown beyond 

terminal strigula and along outer dorsal margin; venter of 

forewing fuscous except white at base and terminal cilia. 

Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally except for 

white suffusion at base. Legs mostly cream; foreleg with lateral and dorsal surfaces gray to fuscous; mid- and hindlegs 

light brown dorsally with lateral (shorter) tibial spines and 

terminal tarsal segments pale to dark gray; inner hindtibial 

spur unusually long.

Abdomen: Light brown dorsally, cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 362, 363. Socii a pair of 

moderately large rounded, setose lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of 

uncus shallowly concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin 

deeply concave, broadly V-shaped. Gnathos complex, with 
1 1 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

a broad base that constricts to form a moderately broad 

plate which constricts again to a moderately slender, blunt 

apical lobe; dorsal margin of lobe with a spinose median 

ridge (Figure 363); anterior margin slightly sinuate; basal 

fold relatively narrow but prominent, well separated from 

base of gnathos. Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.4× 

length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 

39–42 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe extended 

as a setose, rounded lobe; pedicel broad, width ~0.5× length 

of cucullar lobe; valva short, length along sacculus ~0.45× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe stout, tapering, extending almost to base of pedicel; basal process of valva 

relatively stout, approximately equaling length of slender 

costal process. Juxta consisting of a slender, elongate, sclerotized, median rod from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 472, 473. Abdomen tapering to a narrowly rounded, minutely cleft apex. Each 

posterior apophysis elongate, fused for most of its length. 

Papillae anales consisting of a pair of moderately elongate, 

extremely divergent lobes bearing 5–6 long, apical setae; 

length of lobe ~2.5× width (Figure 473). Vestibulum moderately narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae elongate, 

approximately same diameter as corpus bursae; a small, 

dense concentration of minute, solitary spicules along 

inner wall anterior to juncture with ductus spermathecae. 

Corpus bursae moderately short, oval; a narrow, elliptical, 

faint band of minute, external tubercles extending most 

the length of bursa. Ductus spermathecae greatly elongate, 

~1.7× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal 

short, saccate, arising immediately caudad of anterior enlargement of corpus bursae; inner canal mostly straight to 

curved, without terminal convolutions; vesicle divided into 

a small irregular sac and a short, stout, lateral lagena.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Map 14. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega tenuifurcata species group.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 1 5

Holotype. ♂; BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: 

Tortola Island, Mt. Sage National Park, 480 m, 22–24 Jul 

1986, S. E. Miller & M. G. Pogue, black light trap in “aridulate” rainforest, slide: USNM 31844 (USNM).

Paratypes. British Virgin Islands: Tortola Island, Mt. Sage National Park, 460 m: 1 ♂, 7–8 Jul 

1985, S. E. Miller et al. (USNM); 2 ♂, 13–15 Jul 1987, V. O. 

Becker & S. E. Miller, slides USNM 31846, 32756 (USNM); 

1 ♂, 1 ♀, 22–24 Jul 1986, S. E. Miller & M. Pogue, slide 

USNM 32474 (USNM). Puerto Rico: Maricao Lt.: 1 

♂, Jul 1960, J. Maldonado, slide USNM 32743 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. July.

Distribution. (Map 14) West Indies: known 

only from Puerto Rico and Tortola Island in the British 

Virgin Islands.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin sectilis (cleft, cut, divided) in reference to the 

diagnostic, deeply divided, or cleft condition of the male 

vinculum.

Discussion. The forewing of this species 

has the subapical costal spot lacking in its sister species, 

P. tenuifurcata. The inner hindtibial spur is also unusually 

long. The male genitalia of P. sectila is among the most 

highly modified and distinct within Pseudopostega. Of 

particular significance are the relatively robust, complex 

form of the caudal lobe of the gnathos (viewed laterally) 

and deeply concave anterior margin of the vinculum. The 

papillae anales are similar to those in female P. duplicata in 

being slender and widely divergent, but with stouter bases. 

The inner canal of the ductus spermathecae of P. sectila is 

the longest of any member of Pseudopostega (~1.7× length 

of bursa copulatrix) and lacks the terminal convolutions 

typically present within the genus.

The divaricata group

The principal characteristic defining this group is the 

variable development of a furcate apex on the caudal lobe 

of the gnathos. Only one Old World species, Pseudopostega epactaea from southeast Asia, exhibits this characteristic, but only in a very reduced state.The caudal lobe 

within the members of the divaricata group varies from 

minutely furcate to prominently divided. The base of the 

gnathos is typically broadly triangular, with moderate to 

no development of a basal fold. The length of the sacculus 

ranges from 0.5 to 0.75× the length of the genital capsule. 

The vinculum is usually broadly U- to V-shaped, with usually some vestige of a rod-like juxta present. The females 

of six species in this group have been associated with their 

corresponding males. All possessed shortly divided to 

bilobed papillae anales except for the completely fused, 

simple lobe in P. acrodicra. A faint, irregular U-shaped 

to elliptical band of numerous, blunt, external tubercles 

partially encircled most the length of the corpus bursae in 

all six species.

Sequence data for CO1 has been amplified by Paul Hebert’s lab for four members of the divaricata group. Pseudopostega brevifurcata (438 bp) and brevivalva (518 bp) were 

closely associated in the same clade but were not associated 

with P. divaricata (261 bp). Amplification of CO1 for the 

latter is currently too poor to assess its relationships with 

much confidence. The CO1 data for P. quadristrigella (513 

bp) indicated a closer relationship with albogaleriella, recognized herein as a member of the spatulata species group, 

than with any of the other three species of the divaricata

group for which sequence data were available.

Pseudopostega texana, new species

Figures 207, 364, 365, 474, 475; Map 15

Adult. Figure 207. Length of forewing 2.5–3.0 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with a small, broadly triangular, dark brown costal spot at distal three-fifths of forewing and as many as 3 dark brown, subapical costal and 1 

tornal strigulae. Male genitalia with minutely furcate gnathos (Figure 364). Papillae anales of female consisting of a 

pair of small, short lobes divided to base (Figure 475).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white, sometimes 

with dark brown suffusion along anterior edge. Flagellum 

golden cream, ~63–67-segmented. Maxillary palpus white. 

Labial palpus white with brown suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula dark 

brown. Forewing mostly white with a small, slender, dark 

brown costal spot at distal three-fifths; a few light brown 

scales sometimes evident at basal one-third of dorsal margin; 

a small, black apical spot present; area immediately basal to 

spot often slightly suffused with pale brown; a maximum 

of 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae consisting of a 

short, often absent, basal, costal strigula (1) beyond costal spot; a prominent, terminal strigula (3) extending from 

costa and curving slightly around apical spot to termen; 

a less distinct subterminal, costal strigula (2) terminating 

near apical spot, and a similar tornal strigula extending 

from apical spot to tornus; terminal cilia brown along terminal strigula, then becoming white around tornus; venter 

of forewing light brown to gray. Hindwing and cilia light 

brown both dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white, with 

lateral surfaces of fore- and midlegs dark brown and lighter 

brown on hindlegs.
1 1 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Abdomen: Brown dorsally; white to cream ventrally and laterally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 364, 365. Socii a pair of 

small rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance ~0.6× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

deeply concave, broadly V-shaped. Vinculum broad; anterior margin narrowly rounded to slightly concave. Gnathos triangular, broad at base, tapering to short, slender, 

minutely furcate, caudal apex; anterior margin slightly 

convex; basal fold produced and deepest at midventer, 

becoming extremely narrow laterally (Figure 364). Valva 

with elongate cucullar lobe ~0.6× length of genital capsule, bearing pectinifer consisting of ~26–33 blunt spines; 

distal apex of cucullar lobe undeveloped, rounded; pedicel 

moderately stout, width ~0.18× length of cucullar lobe; 

valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.85× length of 

genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately broad, tapering 

to setose, rounded apex; basal process of valva short, acuminate; costal process of valva relatively long and slender, 

exceeding length of basal process by ~0.35× length. Juxta 

not developed.

Female Genitalia: Figure 474, 475. Abdomen tapering to a moderately broad, subacute, slightly cleft apex. 

Each posterior apophysis fused most its length, slender, 

elongate. Papillae anales consisting of a pair of small, short 

lobes divided to base and bearing numerous, moderately 

long setae, the longest ~0.33 as long as posterior apophyses; 

length of each lobe ~1.2× width (Figure 475). Vestibulum 

broad, membranous without spicules; ductus bursae moderately broad, with elongate zone of relatively indistinct 

spicules, a few of which are arranged in short rows of 2–3 

spicules. Corpus bursae broadly oval, with a faint, irregular 

U-shaped band of numerous, relatively elongate, blunt, external tubercles partially encircling most the length of bursa 

(Figure 474). Spermathecal duct ~0.8–0.9× length of bursa 

copulatrix; membranous outer canal narrow; inner canal 

long, sinuous, terminating in ~1–2 convolutions; vesicle a 

relatively large, bilobed tube.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; USA: Texas: San Patricio Co.: 

R[ob] and B[essie] Welder Refuge, 14–15 Jul 1985, J. E. 

Gillaspy, slide USNM 32471 (USNM).

Paratypes. USA: Texas: Cameron Co.: Sabal 

Palm Sanctuary: 1 ♀, 19–20 Apr 1998, E. C. Knudson 

(USNM). Hidalgo Co.: Santa Ana Nat. Wildlife Refuge: 6 

♂, 3 ♀, 6 Sep 1992, 1 ♂, 8 Oct 1991, E. C. Knudson, slides 

USNM 32492,32493, 32844, 32847 (TLS, USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected in 

April and July to early October.

Distribution. (Map 15) Rio Grande Valley 

of southern Texas and probably south into Mexico.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the general type locality, Texas.

Discussion. The broad, triangular base of the 

male gnathos of P. texana is similar to that more characteristic of the triangularis group, but on the basis of a 

bifurcate, although much reduced, caudal lobe, this species has been included in the divaricata group. This species 

also differs from other members of the group by the presence of a moderately well developed basal fold on the gnathos. The papillae anales of the female consists of a pair of 

short, rounded lobes minutely separated at their bases.

Pseudopostega curtarama, new species

Figures 208, 366, 367, 476, 477; Map 15

Adult. Figure 208. Length of forewing 3.4–5.0 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings suffused with scattered light brown scales, and marked with 

a relatively large, rhomboidal, dark brown spot near basal 

one-third of dorsal margin, 3 variable, brown to dark 

brown, subapical costal strigulae, a small, dark brown to 

nearly black apical spot, and a short, dark brown tornal 

strigula. Male gnathos with apex of caudal lobe bilobed; 

furcations short, stocky; basal fold absent (Figure 367). 

Papillae anales of female bilobed; lobes very short, round 

(Figure 477).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

light brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 57-segmented. Palpi 

cream; labial palpus dark brown laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula with brownish suffusion 

on anterior margin. Forewing mostly white, suffused with 

scattered light brown scales in the holotype, with suffusion 

becoming more concentrated near apical strigulae; marked 

with a relatively large, rhomboidal, dark brown spot near 

basal one-third of dorsal margin, 3 variable, brown to dark 

brown, subapical costal strigulae; strigula 1 brown heavily 

shadowed basally with light brown around apex of wing 

and along base of terminal cilia; strigula 2 darker brown, 

becoming lighter and more faint toward termination near 

fuscous apical spot; strigula 3 faint, partially interrupted 

near apex and continuing around apical spot to tornus; a 

short, dark brown tornal strigula separated from apical spot 

by a small patch of white scales; terminal cilia mostly light 

brown, with whitish suffusion near tornus; dorsal cilia light 

brown; venter of forewing brown except for basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and 

ventrally. Legs mostly cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 1 7

heavily suffused with grayish brown; midleg with light scattering of brown scales laterally over tibia; basal tarsomeres 

ringed with brown, becoming completely brown dorsally 

over apical half of tarsus; tarsomeres of hindleg more lightly 

ringed with brown dorsally, mostly cream ventrally.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally with grayish suffusion 

laterally, cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 366, 367. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a 

distance ~0.55× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

relatively deeply concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin 

rounded. Base of gnathos broad, gnathos abruptly narrowing posteriorly to moderately short, caudal lobe with relatively short, broad, bilobed apex; anterior margin of gnathos 

slightly concave; basal fold absent (Figure 366). Valva with 

an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.55× length of genital capsule, 

bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~47–49 blunt spines; distal 

apex of cucullar lobe extended slightly as a rough, narrowly 

rounded lobe; pedicel slender, ~0.08× length of cucullar lobe; 

valva moderately long, length along sacculus ~0.65× length 

of genital capsule; saccular lobe short, broad, abruptly tapering to subacute apex; basal process of valva moderately 

long, tapering to acute apex; costal process slightly shorter 

than basal process, with blunt apex. Juxta developed as a 

very slender filamentous appendage from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 476, 477. Abdomen 

tapering to a narrowly rounded, minutely cleft apex. Posterior apophyses elongate, fused for most of their length. 

Papillae anales bilobed, consisting of a pair of very short, 

broadly rounded lobes (Figure 477); length of lobe ~0.4× 

width, bearing ~12–14 moderately long setae. Vestibulum 

moderately narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae approximately same diameter to corpus bursae; inner walls densely 

lined with pectinations consisting of ~4–8 minute spicules 

arranged in short, transverse rows; pectinations terminating 

well posterior of separation of ductus spermathecae. Corpus bursae elliptical, enlarging well anterior to separation 

of ductus spermathecae; a narrow, elliptical, faint band of 

external tubercles extending about half the length of bursa. 

Ductus spermathecae elongate, ~0.5× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal short, broad; inner canal 

slender, terminating in 3–4 convolutions; vesicle composed 

of a moderately enlarged, coiled tube that gradually decreases in size anteriorly.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Minas Gerais: Nova 

Lima, 850 m: 30 Dec 1988, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 4217 

(VOB).

Material Examined. Brazil: Goias: Alto 

Paraiso, 1400 m: 1 ♀, 1–6 Nov 1996, V. O. Becker (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from November to December.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from the 

provinces of Goias and Minas Gerais in southern Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin curtus (short) and ramus (branch), in reference 

to the short, forked branches of the caudal lobe of the 

male gnathos.

Discussion. The moderately stout, shortly 

divided caudal lobe of the gnathos is diagnostic for the 

male of this species. The female papillae anales are short 

and superficially bilobed as in P. bidorsalis, but are more 

broadly rounded. Because the single female examined was 

not collected at the same locality as the holotype and differs slightly morphologically, it may not be conspecific and 

has not been considered a paratype. The female is larger 

(forewing = 5.0 mm) than the male and possesses whiter 

forewings with the dorsal spot positioned more medially 

along the dorsal margin; in other regards, the general wing 

pattern resembles that of the male holotype.

Pseudopostega crassifurcata, new species

Figures 209, 368, 369; Map 15

Adult. Figure 209. Length of forewing 2.5 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings usually marked by a faint, light brown dorsal spot midway 

along hind margin, 2 brownish subapical costal strigulae, 

a short, brown terminal strigula, a short, brown tornal 

strigula, and a black apical spot. Male with furcate caudal 

lobe of gnathos relatively stout and socii enlarged (Figure 

368). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum pale 

brown, ~52–57-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream. Labial palpus white to cream, suffused with grayish brown 

laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula grayish 

brown. Forewing almost entirely white with basal third of 

costal edge fuscous, usually marked by a faint, light brown 

dorsal spot midway along dorsal margin, 2 brownish subapical costal strigulae, a short, brown terminal strigula, 

a short, brown tornal strigula, and a black apical spot; 

most basal of costal stigulae light brown, all other stigulae 

darker brown; area between distal end of basal strigula 

and apical black spot suffused with pale yellowish brown; 

terminal cilia mostly white, pale brown beyond terminal 

strigula and along outer dorsal margin; venter of forewing 

brown except for short, basal white streak. Hindwing and 
1 1 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

cilia brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white; foreleg with lateral and 

dorsal surfaces grayish brown; midleg with usually three 

light grayish brown bands dorsally on tarsus; tarsal banding paler to absent on hindleg.

Abdomen: Light grayish brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 368, 369. Socii a pair of 

long rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance ~0.6× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

shallowly concave. Vinculum broad, tapering slightly 

to truncate anterior margin. Gnathos with a broad base 

that constricts slightly beyond its middle, then expanding slightly to form a broad, furcate caudal lobe; arms of 

lobe short and stout; anterior margin subtruncate with 

a minute, triangular, median projection; basal fold not 

present (Figure 368). Valva with an elongate cucullar 

lobe ~0.55× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~44 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar 

lobe slightly extended as a setose, rounded lobe; pedicel moderately slender, width ~0.12× length of cucullar 

lobe; valva moderately long, length along sacculus ~0.6× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe stout, moderately 

short, slightly tapering to obliquely truncate apex; basal 

process of valva stout, tapering sharply to acuta apex, 

approximately equaling length of costal process. Juxta 

undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Map 15. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega divaricata species group.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 1 9

Holotype. ♂; CUBA: Santiago, Sierra Maestra, Pico Cuba, 1500 m: 31 Jul 1990, V. O. Becker, slide 

USNM 32727 (USNM).

Paratype. Cuba: Santiago, Sierra Maestra, 

Pico Cuba, 1500 m: 1 UNK, 31 Jul 1990, V. O. Becker 

(VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. July.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

the type locality in the Sierra Maestra of southeastern 

Cuba.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin crassus (thick, fat, stout) and furcatus (forked) in 

reference to the unusually stout form of the furcate apex 

of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male gnathos is characteristic 

for this species in lacking a basal fold and in being relatively 

broad throughout its length, with little lateral constriction 

before the stout, divided caudal lobe. The socii are proportionately the most elongate of any Pseudopostega.

Pseudopostega turquinoensis, new species

Figures 210, 370; Map 15

Adult. Figure 210. Length of forewing 2.8–

3.3 mm. Small, mostly white moth with almost immaculate forewings except for 3 dark brown, subapical costal 

and 2 tornal strigulae. Male with apex of gnathos bifid; 

basal fold relatively narrow, transverse (Figure 370). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white, without brownish suffusion along anterior edge. Flagellum pale brown, 

~50–55-segmented. Maxillary palpus white to cream. Labial palpus white, with suffusion of brown laterally.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing almost entirely 

white, without costal and dorsal spots; dark brown to black 

apical spot present; 3 pale brown, subapical costal stigulae usually present; 2 most basal strigulae obliquely slanted 

outward toward black apical spot; strigula 3 slanted slightly 

inward toward spot; outermost tornal strigula slightly sinuate, extending around terminal margin to slightly anterior 

of apical spot; basal tornal strigula usually faint, slanted 

obliquely outward toward apical spot; terminal cilia mostly 

white, lightly tinged with cream around apex; venter of 

forewing light brown to gray except for basal white patch 

around humeral area. Hindwing and cilia pale brown to 

gray both dorsally and ventrally, with basal whitish suffusion ventrally. Legs mostly cream, with grayish brown suffusion laterally and dorsally on foreleg.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figure 370. Socii a pair of relatively small, rounded, setose lobes, separated by a distance 

about 0.3× basal width of gnathos. Caudal rim of uncus 

smoothly concave. Vinculum narrowing slightly to truncate anterior margin. Gnathos broad basally, abruptly constricted to moderately stout, shortly bifurcate caudal apex; 

anterior margin sinuate, moderately concave medially; 

basal fold relatively narrow, extending transversely across 

width of gnathos. Valva with a relatively large cucullar lobe 

~0.4× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 36–40 blunt spines; pedicel broad, width ~0.28× 

width of cucullar lobe; valva short, length along sacculus 

~0.6× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe relatively 

stout, rounded, bearing 6 large apical spines; basal process 

of valva relatively short, approximately equal to length of 

costal process. Basal junction of juxta usually preserved.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; CUBA: Santiago: Turquino, 

470 m, 27–29 Jul 1990, V. O. Becker, (USNM).

Paratypes. Cuba: Same data as holotype: 3 

♂, slides USNM 31940, 31963 (USNM, VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. July.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

the type locality in southeastern Cuba.

Etymology. The species name is in reference 

to the type locality, Turquino.

Discussion. This species is similar to P. concava from Mexico in wing pattern and in the morphology 

of the gnathos. The male genitalia of turquinoensis differs 

from the latter in possessing a more narrowly truncate vinculum, more reduced socii, and more slender saccular lobe.

Pseudopostega concava, new species

Figures 211, 371, 478, 479; Map 15

Adult. Figure 211. Length of forewing 2.8–

3.7 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with 3 brown, subapical costal strigulae, a small, 

dark brown apical spot, and a faint vestige of a light 

brown tornal strigula. Male with caudal lobe of gnathos 

furcate, with short, stout arms; basal fold very slender, 

slightly arched (Figure 371). Papillae anales of female a 

pair of small, moderately elongate, rounded to conical, setose lobes (Figure 479).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 58–60-segmented. 
1 2 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Palpi white; labial palpus with sparse suffusion of light 

brown dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula all white. Forewing almost 

entirely white with 3 brown, subapical costal strigulae; first 

strigula fading to a pale yellowish brown suffusion midway to 

small, dark brown apical spot; strigula 2 fading before spot; 

strigula 3 sinuate, curving around apical spot to tornus; a faint, 

brown tornal stigula extending down from apical spot; terminal cilia mostly white, with brownish tipped scales beyond 

strigula 3, becoming mostly cream to light brown along dorsal 

margin; venter of forewing light brown except for basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally 

and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly 

white to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces lightly suffused 

with brown, paler on tarsomeres; midleg with light brown 

suffusion dorsally on tarsomeres 3 and 4; very faint brownish 

tarsal suffusion on tarsomeres 3 and 4 of hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figure 371. Socii a pair of relatively large, rounded, setose, lobes, variable in width and 

length, and widely separated by a distance ~0.65× length of 

cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus smoothly concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin slightly concave. Base of gnathos broad, abruptly narrowing posteriorly to short, stout, 

furcate apex, which may be curved dorsally in some specimens; terminal furcations variable in degree of divergence; 

anterior margin of gnathos slightly concave to cleft, with 

very slender, slightly arched basal fold (Figure 371). Valva 

with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.45× length of entire genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single row of 

42–44 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe extended as 

a rough, setose, rounded lobe; pedicel broad, width ~0.5× 

length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.8× length of entire genital capsule, saccular lobe 

moderately slender, tapering, extending to apex of pedicel; 

basal process of valva slender, attenuated, exceeding length 

of costal lobe. Juxta consisting of a relatively short, slender, 

sclerotized, median rod from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 478, 479. Apex of abdomen subacute, with moderately long setae. Posterior apophyses fused ~0.33× their length, moderately long and slender. 

Papillae anales a pair of small, moderately elongate, rounded 

to conical, setose lobes; length of lobes ~1.44× width. Vestibulum moderately broad, membranous. Ductus bursae very 

elongate, moderately slender, gradually enlarging anteriorly 

to corpus bursae; a dense concentration of mostly transverse 

pectinations at caudal end of ductus consisting of rows of 

~4–6 minute spicules; anterior region of ductus with smaller, 

more scattered rows of 2–3 spicules continuing into indefinite caudal region of corpus bursae. Corpus bursae relatively 

slender, elongate, with a faint, U-shaped band of numerous, external, irregularly shaped tubercles extending most 

the length of corpus. Ductus spermathecae nearly as long as 

bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal moderately slender, particularly at junction with ductus bursae; inner canal 

long, sinuous for ~ half its length, terminating in ~16–19 

small convolutions; vesicle an elongate, slender, sinuate tube 

partially enclosed by relatively large, membranous utriculus.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; MEXICO: Tamaulipas: 6 mi 

[9.7 km] S. Ciudad Victoria, 1050 ft [320 m]: 6 Aug 1963, 

Duckworth & Davis, slide USNM 32827 (USNM).

Paratypes. Mexico: Tamaulipas: 4 mi [6.4 

km] SW Ciudad Victoria, 1200 ft [366 m]: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 5 Aug 

1963, Duckworth & Davis, slide USNM 32828 (USNM). 

6 mi [9.7 km] S Ciudad Victoria, 1050 ft [320 m]: 27 ♂, 

5 ♀, 3 UNK, 6 Aug 1963, Duckworth & Davis, slides: 

USNM 28654, 31839, 32799, 32829 (UNAM, USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. August.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

the type locality, a seasonally dry forest area in northeastern Mexico.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin concavus (arched inward, concave) in reference 

to the broadly concave anterior margin of the male vinculum.

Discussion. The adults of P. concava and turquinoensis are essentially inseparable in wing pattern. The 

male genitalia of concava are distinct in possessing stouter 

socii, a broadly concave vinculum, and a much stouter 

saccular lobe of the valva. The female genitalia are characterized by the relatively long, slender bursa copulatrix and 

very convoluted inner canal of the ductus spermathecae.

Pseudopostega brevifurcata, new species

Figures 212, 372, 373; Map 15

Adult. Figure 212. Length of forewing 2.7 mm; 

female unknown. Small, mostly white moth with white 

forewings marked with 3 dark brown, subapical costal 

strigulae and a dark brown apical spot. Male with caudal 

lobe of gnathos terminating in a pair of short, stout, divergent lobes; basal fold faint, poorly developed (Figure 372). 

Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 55-segmented. Palpi white; labial palpus 

with brown suffusion laterally.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 2 1

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula with faint 

suffusion of brown. Forewing almost entirely white with 3 

dark brown, subapical costal strigulae and an elongate, dark 

brown apical spot; first strigula very short, mostly confined 

to costal margin; strigula 2 extending halfway to apical 

spot; strigula 3 curving slightly around apical spot and fading; no tornal strigula evident; dorsal spot very faint, a few 

light brown scales present at basal third of dorsal margin; 

terminal cilia mostly white around apex and tornus, with 

suffusion of cream between strigulae and light brown along 

dorsal margin; venter of forewing light brown except for 

basal white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally 

and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly 

white to cream; foreleg with brownish suffusion over lateral 

and dorsal surfaces, tibia mostly cream; mid- and hindlegs 

cream with brown bands dorsally on tarsomeres 2–4.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 372, 373. Socii a pair of 

relatively small rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a 

distance ~1.1× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

sinuate, nearly truncate. Vinculum broad, gradually tapering to a narrowly rounded, subacute anterior apex. Gnathos 

with a moderately broad, oval base that constricts to form a 

broad caudal lobe; apex of lobe with short, broad, acute furcations; anterior margin of gnathos slightly concave; basal 

fold faint, poorly developed, closely appressed to base of 

gnathos. Valva with a moderately long cucullar lobe ~0.35× 

length of entire genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting 

of ~30 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe slightly extended as a setose, rounded lobe; pedicel moderately broad, 

width ~0.15× length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately long, 

length along sacculus ~0.6× length of entire genital capsule; 

saccular lobe stout, tapering slightly to broadly rounded 

apex; basal process of valva moderately long, tapering to subacute apex; costal lobe reduced, slender and short, ~ half 

the length of basal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: 

Estación Biologia La Selva (OET), 50–150 m, 10°26'N, 

84°01'W, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, bosque secondario, 

L/15/402, 18 Jun 1998, slide DRD 4211 (INBIO).

Paratype. COSTA RICA: Guanacaste: Est. 

Pitilla, 700 m, 9 km S Sta. Cecilla: 1 ♂, Oct 1990, P. Rios 

& C. Moraga, slide 4179 (INBIO).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. June and October.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known from the 

provinces of Heredia and Guanacaste in northern Costa 

Rica at elevations from 50 to 700 m.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin brevis (short) and furcatus (forked) in reference to 

the shortened, furcate caudal apex of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The caudal lobe of the male gnathos of this species is similar to that of P. brevivalva in 

possessing a shortly divided, broadly divergent apex, but 

differs in having a relatively shorter gnathal base and a 

more transverse, less developed basal fold. The sacculus of 

the valva is also proportionately longer in P. brevifurcata

than in brevivalva. The wing patterns of the two species 

are similar in being relatively sparingly marked and in possessing a small dorsal spot, which appears faint in the two 

specimens available of brevifurcata.

Pseudopostega brevivalva, new species

Figures 213, 374–376; Map 15

Adult. Figure 213. Length of forewing 2.0–

2.8 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with 3 brown, subapical costal strigulae, a very 

short, faint brown tornal strigula, and a dark brown to 

fuscous apical spot. Male with shortened valva, length 

~0.6× that of genital capsule; caudal lobe of gnathos triangular with short, acute, divergent lobes; basal fold well 

developed, triangular (Figure 374). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

brown, ~43–45-segmented. Palpi cream; labial palpus with 

light brown suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula light 

brown. Forewing almost entirely white with 3 brown, subapical costal strigulae, a very short, faint brown tornal strigula, 

and a dark brown to fuscous apical spot; first costal strigula 

at base of cilia; strigulae 2 and 3 progressively further distad 

across cilia with third greatest in length and curving around 

apical spot to terminate near tornal area; costal strigulae 1 

and 2 converging at apical spot; a small, faint brown dorsal 

spot at basal third of dorsal margin; terminal cilia mostly 

white, with brownish suffusion apically and along dorsal 

margin; venter of forewing light brown except for basal 

white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white; 

foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with light brown, paler 

on tarsomeres; midleg with light brown bands dorsally on 

tarsomeres 3 and 4; tarsal banding absent on hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 374–376. Socii a pair of relatively small, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance ~ equal to length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of tegumen 
1 2 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

smoothly, shallowly concave. Vinculum V-shaped; anterior 

margin subacute, narrowly rounded. Gnathos complex, with 

a broad base that constricts to form an elongate, stout caudal 

lobe; apex of lobe short, furcate with acute apices; anterior 

margin of gnathos strongly convex, with prominent, triangular, basal fold (Figure 374). Valva relatively short, length along 

sacculus ~0.55× length of genital capsule, with an elongate 

cucullar lobe ~0.3× length of entire genital capsule, bearing a 

pectinifer consisting of 30–32 blunt spines; terminal apex of 

cucullar lobe slightly produced, acute; pedicel broad, width 

~0.5 length of cucullar lobe; saccular lobe extended as a moderately broad (at base), tapering, triangular, apically setose 

lobe, extending almost to apex of cucullar lobe; basal process 

of valva relatively stout, tapering to acute base, approximately 

equaling length of slender costal lobe. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: 

Estación Biológica La Selva (OET), 50–150 m, 10°26'N, 

84°01'W, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 29 Apr 1996, Biblioteca, L/04/228, slide DRD 4209 (INBio).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Heredia: Estación 

Biológica La Selva, 50–150 m, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 

L/08/323: 1 ♂, 25 Feb 1998, INBio-OEL, slide USNM 32781 

(USNM). San José: San Pedro de Montes de Oca, UCR [University of Costa Rica], Reserva Ecológica Leonel Oviedo, 1150 

m: 1 ♂, 9 Jul 1999, K. Nishida, slide USNM 32792 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected in 

February, April, and July.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

Costa Rica at elevations from 50 to 1150 m.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin brevis (short) and valva (leaf of a folding door), in 

reference to the unusually short length of the male valvae.

Discussion. Pseudopostega brevivalva is similar to P. brevifurcata in general forewing pattern and in the 

form of the caudal lobe of the male gnathos, but differs in 

several other features of the male genitalia. The gnathos is 

more elongate, the basal fold more developed and triangular 

in form, and the sacculus relatively shorter in brevivalva. The 

reduced sacculus of this species resembles that of members 

in the tenuifurcata group, but the apical lobe of the gnathos 

is much more stoutly furcate than in the latter group.

Pseudopostega acrodicra, new species

Figures 214, 377, 480, 481; Map 15

Adult. Figure 214. Length of forewing 5.0–

5.6 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with a relatively large, often triangular, dark brown 

to fuscous spot at distal one-fourth of costa, 2 faint, light 

brown, subapical costal strigulae, and a small, dark brown 

to nearly black apical spot. Male gnathos with apex of 

caudal lobe minutely forked; basal fold slender, slightly 

arched (Figure 377). Papillae anales of female fused into a 

single, stout, moderately long setose lobe (Figure 481).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

brown, 74–76-segmented. Palpi cream, lightly irrorated dorsally with brown scales on maxillary palpus, more heavily irrorated dorsally and laterally with brown on labial palpus.

Thorax: White; tegula with dark brown spot on anterior margin. Forewing white with a relatively large, often 

triangular, dark brown to fuscous spot at distal one-fourth 

of costa and 2 faint, light brown, subapical costal strigulae traversing apical cilia; first strigula crossing near base of 

cilia, often with faint suffusion of grayish brown from inner 

margin over apical area of wing; strigula 2 across middle of 

cilia, terminating just before small, brown to nearly black 

apical spot; terminal cilia mostly white, with faint brownish suffusion along dorsal margin; venter of forewing light 

brown except for basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing 

and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally except for 

white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces heavily suffused with dark brown; 

tarsomeres mostly brown ventrally; midleg with tarsomeres 

ringed with brown; tarsomeres of hindleg more lightly 

ringed with brown dorsally, mostly cream ventrally.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 377. Socii a pair of relatively small, rounded, setose lobes widely separated by a 

distance ~0.7× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of tegumen concave, broadly V-shaped. Vinculum broad; anterior 

margin subtruncate to slightly concave. Base of gnathos 

broad, abruptly narrowing posteriorly to a moderately long, 

slender, caudal process with a slightly broader, short, furcate apex; anterior margin slightly concave, with a slender, 

slightly arched, basal fold. Valva with an elongate cucullar 

lobe ~0.6× length of genital capsule; bearing a pectinifer 

consisting of a single row of ~46–48 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe extended slightly as a roughly tuberculate, narrowly rounded lobe; base of pedicel broad, 

approximately one-third length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.75× length of genital capsule; 

saccular lobe moderately slender, tapering to subtruncate, 

setose apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, 

exceeding length of costal lobe. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 480, 481. Apex of abdomen subacute, with two large, closely aligned setose lobes. 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 2 3

Each posterior apophysis fused most its length, slender and 

moderately long, length ~5.5× length of papillae anales. Papillae anales fused into a single, moderately long, stout, setose 

lobe; setae ~0.32× length of apophysis. Vestibulum relatively 

narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae with a small concentration of pectinations aligned in transverse rows of usually 3–7 

minute spicules; a similar, longer zone of pectinate spicules 

located more anteriorly at junction of corpus bursae. Corpus 

bursae slightly enlarged anteriorly, with a dense, U-shaped 

band of relatively large, external tubercles. Ductus spermathecae ~0.5× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal 

broadly inflated, ~0.85× length of entire duct; inner canal long, 

slightly sinuous, with about 3–4 small, terminal convolutions 

abruptly enlarging to form a bilobed, tubular vesicle.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Minas Gerais: Unaí, 

700 m: 1 ♂, 3 Nov 1983, V. O. Becker (VOB).

Paratypes. Brazil: Minas Gerais: Unaí, 700 

m: 3 ♂, 27 Sep 1983, 1 ♂, 16 Oct 1988, 7 ♂, 1 ♀, 1 UNK, 

7 Nov 1982, V. O. Becker, slides USNM 28653, 31961, 

32870, (USNM, VOB). Mato Grosso: Unai, 700 m, 9 

Nov 1983, V. O. Becker (VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from September to November.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

the type locality in south-central Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Greek akron (tip, end) and dikros (forked, cloven) in 

reference to the small, apical furcation of the caudal lobe 

of the male gnathos.

Discussion. This species is closely allied to 

another Brazilian species, P. caulifurcata, as evidenced by 

their similar wing pattern and male genital morphology. 

The male of P. acrodicra differs from the latter in possessing a gnathos with a broader base and relatively shorter 

caudal lobe. The most significant distinction between the 

males of these two species is the longer sacculus of acrodicra (nearly 0.7× length of genital capsule), and in particular 

the longer, more robust saccular lobe. The papillae anales 

of female acrodicra are unusual in consisting of a single, 

fused lobe, similar to that occurring in P. elachista and 

most P. venticola. The female of caulifurcata is unknown.

Pseudopostega caulifurcata, new species

Figures 215, 378, 379; Map 15

Adult. Figure 215. Length of forewing 4.6 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings suffused with cream and marked with a dark brown costal 

spot at distal 2/3, a faint brown, subapical costal strigulae, a similar, smaller terminal strigula, and dark brown to 

fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos abruptly constricted to 

form an elongate, slender, caudal lobe with a short, furcate apex; basal fold slender, slightly arched (Figure 378). 

Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 68-segmented. Palpi 

cream; labial palpus with dorsolateral margins brown.

Thorax: White; tegula with brown suffusion on 

anterior margin. Forewing white suffused with cream and 

marked with a dark brown costal spot at distal 2/3 and a 

faint brown, subapical costal strigulae, a similar, smaller 

terminal strigula; strigula 1 extending midway through 

terminal cilia to and slightly around small, dark brown to 

fuscous apical spot; strigula 2 poorly preserved, extending 

a short distance around apical margin of cilia; terminal 

and dorsal cilia white; venter of forewing brown except 

for basal, subhumeral white to cream area. Hindwing and 

cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white 

to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with dark 

brown; midleg with brownish suffusion dorsally over tarsomeres 3–5; banding paler on tarsomeres of hindleg.

Abdomen: Dark brown dorsally and laterally, 

cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 378, 379. Socii a pair 

of moderately large, rounded, setose lobes widely separated by a distance ~0.6× length of cucullar lobe; caudal margin of uncus smoothly concave. Vinculum broad, 

tapering to narrow, subtruncate, anterior margin. Base 

of gnathos broadly cupuliform, abruptly narrowing posteriorly to slender, elongate, caudal lobe; apex of lobe 

shortly furcate, with arms acute and widely divergent; 

anterior margin of gnathos shallowly concave medially; 

basal fold extremely narrow, slightly arched at midventer 

with free margin. Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe 

~0.45× length of genital capsule; bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~55–57 blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar 

lobe extended slightly as a tuberculate, setose rounded 

lobe; pedicel moderately broad, ~0.2× length of cucullar 

lobe; valva short, length along sacculus ~0.6× length of 

genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately broad, tapering 

slightly to tuberculate, rounded apex bearing long setae; 

a relatively prominate setose, subapical tubercule present 

along costal margin; basal process of valva tapering to 

broadly acute apex, equaling length of costal process. 

Juxta developed as a moderately short, median rod from 

vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.
1 2 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Mato Grosso: Chapada dos Guimarães, 800 m: 1 ♂, 26 Oct 1993, V. O. 

Becker, slide DRD 4230 (VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. October (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

the type locality in southwestern Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin caulis (stalk, stem) and furcatus (forked) in reference to the stalked, furcate caudal lobe of the male gnathos.

Discussion. On the basis of their similar forewing pattern and male genital morphology, this species 

appears most closely related to P. acrodicra. Male P. caulifurcata differ in possessing a more slender gnathos and relatively longer caudal lobe, shorter valvae (length of sacculus 

~0.5× length of genital capsule), and shorter saccular lobe.

Pseudopostega resimafurcata, new species

Figures 216, 380, 381; Map 15

Adult. Figure 216. Length of forewing 4.1 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with a small, dark brown spot midway along dorsal margin, 3 faint brown, subapical costal strigulae, and a very 

small, dark brown to fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos triangular, gradually tapering to a strongly recurved, furcate 

caudal lobe; basal fold broad, extremely slender, strongly 

arched at middle (Figures 380, 381). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 68-segmented. Palpi white; labial palpus 

with sparse suffusion of light brown dorsally on basal two 

segments, apical segment entirely white.

Thorax: White; tegula white. Forewing white marked 

with a small, dark brown spot midway along dorsal margin 

and 3 faint brown, subapical costal strigulae; strigulae 1 and 

2 short, terminating before a small, moderately elongate dark 

brown spot located immediately basal to small, dark fuscous, 

apical spot; strigula 3 curving anterior to apical spot toward 

a very short, faint, terminal strigula; terminal and dorsal cilia 

white; venter of forewing light brown irrorated with white 

and with basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia 

light brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white; foreleg 

with dorsal surfaces sparsely suffused with light brown; tarsi 

faintly banded dorsally with cream to light brown; tarsi of 

mid- and hindlegs cream dorsally.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, light grayish brown laterally, with a narrow cream stripe ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 380, 381. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose, lobes widely separated by 

a distance ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

deeply concave. Vinculum broadly V-shaped; anterior margin narrowly rounded. Base of gnathos broad, radually narrowing posteriorly to an elongate, slender, strongly recurved, 

caudal lobe apically divided about half its length; furcations 

acute, slightly divergent; anterior margin sharply concave as 

an inverted V-shaped incision; basal fold broad, extending 

across gnathos, extremely slender, strongly arched at middle, 

with caudal margin slightly separated from base (Figure 380). 

Valva with a very long cucullar lobe ~0.5× length of genital 

capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~47 blunt spines; 

terminal apex of cucullar lobe extended as a densely tuberculate, narrowly rounded lobe; pedicel broad, approximately 

one-third length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately long, 

length along sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe extremely long, moderately slender, with a roughly 

rounded, setose apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute 

apex, exceeding length of relatively short, slender, costal lobe. 

Juxta slightly developed as short slender rod from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Minas Gerais: Pirapora, 500 m, 29 Oct 1988, V. O. Becker, 60069, slide 

DRD 4221 (VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. October (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

the type locality in southeastern Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived 

from the Latin resimus (turned up, bent back) and furcatus (forked) in reference to the dorsally curved, furcate 

apex of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male genital morphology of 

this species is not likely to be confused with any other species. The dorsal curvature of the caudal lobe of the gnathos 

is similar to that of P. caulifurcata, but more pronounced. 

The relative separation and subsequent length of the saccular lobe in resimafurcata are greater than that present in any 

other member of the genus. The North American P. quadristrigella superficially resembles resimafurcata in forewing 

pattern and in also possessing an elongate saccular lobe but 

differs in the general structure of the gnathos (e.g., convex 

anterior margin compared to concave in resimafurcata) and 

longer costal process of the valva.

Pseudopostega quadristrigella (Chambers)

Figures 217, 218, 382–384, 482, 483; Map 16

Opostega quadristrigella Chambers, 1875:106.—Dyar, 1903:547, 

no. 6231.—McDunnough, 1939:100, no. 9404.—Eyer, 1963:239; 

1966:234.—Davis, 1983:3, no. 122.—Brower, 1984:47.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 2 5

Opostega albogalleriella [sic] var. quadristrigella Chambers.—Forbes, 

1923:161.

Pseudopostega quadristrigella (Chambers).—Davis, 1989:77.—Poole, 

1996:797.—Knudson and Bordelon, 1999:1.—Heppner, 2003:232.

—Puplesis and Diškus, 2003:417.

Opostega accessoriella Frey and Boll, 1876:216.—Dyar, 1903:547, 

no. 6227.—McDunnough, 1939:100, no. 9404 (synonym of Opostega 

quadristrigella).—Davis, 1984:18.—Poole, 1996:797.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:417.

Pseudopostega accessoriella (Frey and Boll).—Davis, 1989:77.—Heppner, 

2003:232.

Adult. Figures 217, 218. Length of forewing: 

4.4–5.2 mm. Small, mostly white moth with usually white 

forewings variably marked with 0–1 brown spot midway 

along dorsal margin, 1–3 brown, subapical costal strigulae, 0–1 tornal strigula, and an apical black spot. Male 

gnathos terminating in variably furcate apical lobe; basal 

fold extremely narrow, slightly arched at middle (Figures 

382, 383). Papillae anales of female bilobed, consisting of 

a pair of small, rounded, setose lobes on a narrow, elliptical base (Figure 483).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum pale 

yellowish brown to ochreous gray, about 58–64-segmented. 

Palpi white to cream; labial palpus sometimes with brownish suffusion dorsally and laterally.

Thorax: Typically white, more brownish in some 

melanic specimens. Forewing with variable pattern, usually white, but sometimes with suffusion of scattered 

brownish scales over distal half; median dorsal spot usually present, yellowish to dark brown, irregularly shaped, 

usually depressed along dorsal margin, seldom slightly extended toward costa and distally oblique; subapical strigulae variable from yellowish to fuscous brown, and from 

usually 2–3 costal and 0–2 tornal strigulae; occasionally 

only a single costal strigula might be visible (in combination with white forewing lacking a dorsal spot and distal 

suffusion of scattered brownish scales); occasionally first 

costal strigula shadowed proximally with yellowish brown 

scales; terminal cilia white, becoming cream sometimes 

along dorsal margin; venter of forewing yellowish brown 

to brown, except for subhumeral white area. Hindwing 

usually yellowish brown to cream dorsally and ventrally; 

cilia from cream to pale yellowish brown, occasionally 

white. Legs white to cream; foreleg light brown to gray 

laterally and dorsally; midleg with tarsomeres 2–4 occasionally banded with gray dorsally.

Abdomen: Yellowish brown to cream dorsally; 

cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 382–384. Socii a pair of 

short, setose lobes widely separated by a distance ~0.75× 

length of cucullar lobe; excavation between socii shallow to 

deep, varying from triangular to more or less trapezoidal. 

Tegumen a narrow, dorsal band. Vinculum broad, narrowing to variable, slightly truncate, rounded, or sometimes subacute anterior margin. Gnathos broad at base, constricted 

near middle to form elongate, variably furcate, caudal lobe; 

length of division varies from near middle of lobe to almost 

to base and nearly forming two completely separate lobes; 

furcations also varying in degree of divergence and in angle 

of dorsal curvature; anterior margin of gnathos usually sinuate, with small to moderately deep median excavation and 

with narrow, slightly arched, basal fold well separated from 

base. Valva with relatively large cucullar lobe, ~0.45× length 

of genital capsule, bearing elongate pectinifer, consisting of 

about 46–48 blunt spines; pedicel relatively broad, ~0.3× 

length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus 

~0.8× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe gradually tapering to slender, narrowly rounded, setose apex; basal process 

of valva short, relatively stout, tapering to acute apex; costal 

process of valva elongate, slightly exceeding length of basal 

process, straight, well sclerotized, and gradually narrowing 

to acute apex. Juxta often reduced to a small caudally directed projection from inner margin of vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 482, 483. Apex of abdomen setose, appearing acute but minutely clefted. Each 

posterior apophysis fused ~3⁄4 its length, slender, elongate, 

with acute apex. Papillae anales bilobed, consisting of a pair 

of small, rounded, setose lobes on a narrow, elliptical base; 

length of lobes ~ equal to width. Vestibulum moderately 

broad, membranous. Ductus bursae gradually enlarging to 

corpus bursae; inner walls densely covered with pectinations 

consisting of usually 5–10 minute spicules arranged in transverse rows; pectinations continuing into caudal 1/5 of corpus 

bursae at separation of ductus spermathecae. Corpus bursae 

relatively large, elliptical; transverse rows of minute spicules 

gradually changing to shorter rows of longer spicules and 

finally to even longer, solitary spines over much of corpus 

bursae; spines then becoming more sparse and reduced at 

extreme anterior end; a faint, U-shaped band of minute, external tubercles extending over anterior half of corpus bursae. Ductus spermathecae ~0.8× length of bursa copulatrix; 

proximal half of membranous outer canal broad, saccate; 

distal half of outer canal slender and indistinct; inner canal 

slightly sinuous, with ~3–4 moderately large, distal convolutions; vesicle consisting of 2, elongate, tubular lobes with 

larger lobe ~2–3× length of shorter lobe.
1 2 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Types. Holotype [lost], P. quadristrigella (Chambers).—sex ?; KENTUCKY: Edmonson (not Edmondson [sic]) Co.: Camp Bee Spring, early July. Neotype, 

P. quad­ristrigella (Chambers).—♂; (present designation): NORTH CAROLINA: Jackson Co.: Balsam: 19 

Jul 1911, Annette F. Braun, slide USNM 33134 (USNM). 

Syntypes [lost], P. accessoriella (Frey and Boll).—sex ?; 

TEXAS: Dallas, Boll.

Material Examined. USA: Arkansas: 

Washington Co.: Devil’s Den State Park: 1 ♂, 11 Apr 

1966, 1 ♂, 16 Apr 1966, 1 ♂, 23 Apr 1966, 1 ♀, 25 Apr 

1966, 1 ♀, 30 May 1966, 1 ♂, 19 Jun 1966, 1 ♂, 3 Jul 

1966, R. W. Hodges, slides USNM 17176, 17190, 17191, 

17208 (USNM). District of Columbia: Washington: 

1 ♀, May 1902, 1 ♂, Jun, 1 ♂, Jun 1902, 1 ♂, 10 Jun 

1905, 1 ♂, 11 Jun 1905, 1 ♂, Aug 1900, A. Busck, C. 

R. Ely, slides DRD 4346, USNM 33117, 33119, 33120 

(LACM, USNM). Maine: Aroostook Co.: Ashland: 1 ♂, 

29 Jul (USNM). Somerset Co.: Dennistown: 2 ♂, 25 Jul, 3 

♂, 1 ♀, 1 UNK, 6 Aug, 4 ♂, 1 ♀, 8 Aug (USNM). North 

Carolina: Jackson Co.: Balsam: 11 ♂, 4 ♀, 4 UNK, [no 

date], slides USNM 33113, 33114; 1 ♂ (neotype), 19 Jul 

1911, Annette F. Braun, slide USNM 33134 (USNM), 

6 ♀, 1 UNK, 19 Jul 1911, A. F. Braun, slides USNM 

32498, 33135, 33136, 33137, 33138 (USNM). Macon 

Co.: Highlands: 1 ♂, 19 Jul 1973, R. W. Hodges, slide 

USNM 33139 (USNM). Oklahoma: Murray Co.: 1 km 

W Turner Falls, Arbuckle Mts.: 1 ♂, 28 Jun–2 Jul 1984, D. 

& M. Davis (USNM). Sequoyah Co.: 2 mi [3.2 km] NW 

Blackgum, Lake Tenkiller: 1 ♂, 2 ♀, 11–14 Jun 1981, D. 

& M. Davis, slides USNM 32495, 32496 (USNM). Pennsylvania: Allegany Co.: Oak Station: 1 ♂, 21 Jun 1911, 

1 ♂, 1 UNK, 5 Jul 1911, 8 ♂, 2 ♀, 4 UNK, 8 Jul 1911, 

F. Marloff, slides USNM 17171, 17189, 33065, 33067, 

33069 (LACM, USNM). Pittsburgh: 1 ♂, 12 Jun 1906, 1 

♂, 1 ♀, 17 Jun 1906, 1 ♂, 23 Jul 1906, 1 ♂, 26 Jun 1906, 

H. Eagel (USNM). South Dakota: Lawrence Co.: Hardy 

Work Camp, T3N, R1E, S30: 1 ♂, 21 Jul 1965, R. W. 

Hodges, slide USNM 32497 (USNM). Tennessee: Blount 

Co.: Cades Cove, Abrams Creek Bridge, west side of road: 

1 ♂, 21 Jul 2004, J. Rota, slide USNM 33109 (USNM). 

Texas: Fort Bend Co.: Brazos Bend State Park: 1 ♂, 3 Aug 

1985, E. C. Knudson, slide DRD 4149 (TLS). Hardin Co.: 

Big Thicket Nature Preserve, Headquarters, Turkey Creek 

Unit: 1 ♂, 15–16 Apr 1994, E. C. Knudson, slide DRD 

4309 (TLS). Harris Co.: Spring Valley: 1 ♂, 16 Apr 1995, 

E. C. Knudson, slide USNM 33293, DNA DRD# 202 

(USNM). Tyler Co.: Big Thicket Nature Preserve, Turkey 

Creek: 1 ♂, 22–23 Oct 1993, E. C. Knudson (TLS). Virginia: Alexandria Co.: Holmes Run, Falls Church: 1 ♂, 

18 Jun 1961, W. W. Wirth, slide USNM 17185 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. May to August, with adults 

tending to fly earlier along the southern USA and later in 

the north.

Distribution. (Map 16) Widespread within 

the USA from Maine west to South Dakota and south to 

Texas.

Discussion. The wing pattern of P. quadristrigella appears as variable as any species examined 

within this genus. A melanic form has also been documented by Eyer (1966). No correlation between pattern 

variation and geographic distribution has been observed. 

Furthermore, within-population variation sometimes encompasses most of the pattern variation observed over the 

species’ entire range. Superficially quadristrigella may be 

easily confused with P. albogaleriella, and the female genitalia are also somewhat similar in possessing a dense scattering of minute spines over much of the internal surface 

of the corpus bursae. Males of the two species are distinguished by the variably furcate caudal lobe of the gnathos 

in quadristrigella, compared to the spatulate form typical 

of albogaleriella. Females of quadristrigella differ slightly 

from albogaleriella in possessing an even more extensive 

distribution of minute spines internally within the bursa. 

As discussed under P. albogaleriella, preliminary CO1 

comparisons indicate these two species to be more closely 

related than considered in this report.

Chambers originally described Opostega quadristrigella from a single specimen collected at light at Camp 

Bee Spring, Edmonson County, Kentucky. A thorough 

search of the collections at the Museum of Comparative 

Zoology, Harvard University, where Chambers’ collection 

now resides, failed to reveal any specimen associated with 

this name. Because of the morphological variability of this 

species as well as the absence of a type specimen upon 

which to base comparisons, we have encountered and corrected frequent misidentifications of P. quadristrigella in 

the material examined. To stabilize the application of this 

troublesome name, we have designated a neotype from 

Balsam, North Carolina, a locality approximately 260 air 

miles [~420 km] southeast of Chambers’ original site. Balsam is surrounded predominantly by broadleaf Appalachian oak forest, whereas the Kentucky type locality lies in 

a more mixed, grassland/eastern deciduous forest habitat. 

The neotype was selected from a large series of this species, which Annette Braun had collected in July 1911.

Pseudopostega accessoriella was described from an unspecified number “einigen wenigen Stucken” of specimens 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 2 7

collected by Jacob Boll in Dallas, Texas. The present deposition of this material is unknown and presumed lost.

Pseudopostega bidorsalis, new species

Figures 219, 385, 386, 484–486; Map 15

Adult. Figure 219. Length of forewing 2.5–

3.0 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked by a large, dark brown dorsal spot extending most 

of the length of hind margin, a pair of brown, subapical 

costal strigulae, a pair of faint, short, brown, tornal strigula, and a small, elongate, dark brown apical spot. Male 

gnathos with broad, short, slightly arched basal fold and 

deeply divided caudal lobe (Figure 385). Papillae anales of 

female minutely bilobed, with nearly sessile to moderately 

stalked base; lobes short (Figures 485, 486).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 53–56-segmented. Palpi white; labial palpus 

with suffusion of brown dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula with light brown suffusion 

on anterior margin. Forewing white marked by a large, 

dark brown dorsal spot extending most the length of hind 

margin, 2–3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, a pair 

of faint, short, dark brown, tornal strigulae, and a small, 

elongate, dark brown apical spot; strigula 1 faint, short, 

absent in most specimens examined; strigula 2 merging apically with elongate dark brown apical spot and then continuing a short distance caudally as a tornal strigula; strigula 3 

curving distad around apical spot; terminal and dorsal cilia 

white to brown; venter of forewing light brown, with basal, 

subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally 

and ventrally. Legs mostly white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces partially suffused with light brown; tarsomeres of all 

legs partially suffused with light brown dorsally.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 385, 386. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of 

uncus deeply concave. Vinculum broadly rounded; anterior 

margin slightly truncate. Base of gnathos broadly triangular; 

basal fold narrow, anterior margin slightly concave; gnathos 

abruptly narrows caudally to a deeply furcate caudal lobe; 

Map 16. Distribution of Pseudopostega quadristrigella (divaricata species group).
1 2 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

lobe divided nearly to base. Valva with an elongate cucullar 

lobe ~0.45× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer 

consisting of ~37 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe 

slightly extended as a short, setose lobe; pedicel moderately 

broad, ~0.13× length of cucullar lobe; valva moderately 

long, length along sacculus ~0.75× length of genital capsule; 

saccular lobe elongate, tapering to narrow, rounded, setose 

apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, approximately equal to length of costal lobe. Juxta a slender, elongate, median rod.

Female Genitalia: Figures 484–486. Abdomen 

tapering to slender, cleft apex. Each posterior apophysis 

divided nearly half its length before fusion; fused portion 

relatively short. Papillae anales minutely bilobed, with 

nearly sessile to moderately stalked base; lobes short, bearing ~6–7 elongate setae. Vestibulum moderately narrow, 

membranous. Ductus bursae gradually enlarging anteriorly, densely lined with pectinations comprised usually of 

2–4 spicules arranged in short, transverse rows; pectinations gradually terminating along one side of caudal end of 

corpus bursae. Corpus bursae elongate, elliptical, gradually 

narrowing to ductus; a narrow, faint, elliptical band of tubercular outgrowths extending most the length of corpus. 

Ductus spermathecae elongate, ~0.6× length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal short, slender; inner canal 

sinuate, terminating in 4–5 convolutions; vesicle composed 

of an abruptly enlarged, tightly coiled lobe.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, L/17/474, 50–150 m: 24 Sep 

1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4337 (INBIO).

Paratypes. Costa Rica: Cartago: Turrialba, 600 m: 1 ♀, Jun 1972, V. O. Becker, 36930 

(VOB). Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, 50–150 

m, L/17/474: 1 ♀, 24 Sep 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 

33098 (USNM); L/12/481: 1 ♀, 6 Oct 1998, INBio-OET, 

slide: DRD 4332 (INBIO); Lab area, L006: 1 ♀, 10–17 

Jan 1993, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4338 (INBIO). Guanacaste: Estación Cacao, Lado SO Volcán Cacao, P. N. 

Guanacaste, 1000–1400 m: 1 ♀, Aug 1990; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 23 

Oct–9 Nov 1990, C. Chaves, slides DRD 4339, USNM 

32447, 33096, (INBIO, USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from August to October and January.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

northern Costa Rica.

Etymology. The species name refers to two 

major morphological characters of this moth, which are 

derived from the Latin bi (two, double) in reference to the 

bifurcate apex of the male gnathos, and dorsualis (dorsalis) (of the back) in reference to the prominent forewing 

dorsal spot.

Discussion. The forewing pattern of P. bidorsalis superficially resembles that of P. colognatha and latifurcata latifurcata from the West Indies and the Costa Rican 

P. dorsalis dorsalis. All species are easily distinguished on 

the basis of male genital characters, with the gnathi of colognatha and dorsalis possessing a simple, acute caudal lobe 

and that of latifurcata being more narrow with a dorsally 

reflexed caudal lobe. The deeply furcate male gnathos of bidorsalis most resembles that of a few other members of the 

divaricata group, particularly P. quadristrigella from North 

America, but the forewings of the latter lack the enlarged 

dorsal spot of bidorsalis. The female papillae anales within 

bidorsalis vary noticeably in width but are consistently minutely bilobed.

Pseudopostega divaricata, new species

Figures 220, 387, 388, 487, 488; Map 15

Adult. Figure 220. Length of forewing 3.5–4.8 

mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings variably marked with a usually large, relatively suffused, faint 

to light brown spot sometimes obliquely oriented across 

middle of wing, 2 light to dark brown, subapical costal 

strigulae, a similarly suffused, light brown area basal to 

first strigula, and a small, dark brown to fuscous apical 

spot. Male gnathos triangular, gradually tapering to a 

strongly divergent, furcate, caudal lobe (Figure 387). Papillae anales of female bilobed; lobes short, broadly round, 

densely setose (Figure 488).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 62–70-segmented. Palpi cream; labial palpus with suffusion of dark brown dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula with suffusion of dark brown 

on anterior margin. Forewing white, variably marked with 

a usually large, relatively suffused, faint to light brown spot, 

typically obliquely oriented across middle of wing, occasionally absent; 2 light to dark brown, subapical costal strigulae 

present; strigula 1 brown, fading caudally into large, suffused, light brown spot near middle of wing apex before 

dark brown to fuscous apical spot, sometimes continuing 

caudally as a short, faint, brown, tornal strigula; strigula 2 

usually curving around apical spot to tornus; terminal and 

dorsal cilia mostly white, sometimes with brownish suffusion along basal and apical margins of strigula 2; cilia 

along basal half of dorsal margin brown; venter of forewing 

brown with basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing and 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 2 9

cilia brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces heavily suffused with dark brown; 

tarsi of mid- and hindlegs often banded with brown dorsally, especially on terminal segments.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 387, 388. Socii a pair of 

relatively long, rounded to subacute, setose lobes widely separated by a distance ~0.66× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim 

of uncus shallowly to moderately deeply concave. Vinculum 

broad, tapering to narrowly truncate to slightly concave anterior margin. Base of gnathos broad, abruptly narrowing 

posteriorly to moderately stout, caudal lobe with widely divergent, moderately recurved, furcate arms; anterior margin 

of gnathos slightly concave, with broad, short, slightly arched 

basal fold (Figure 387). Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe 

~0.45× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~41–48 relatively elongate, slender, blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe extended slightly as a narrowly 

rounded, setose lobe; pedicel moderately elongate, stout, approximately 0.25–0.3× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.65× length of genital capsule; 

saccular lobe moderately slender, tapering to rounded apex; 

basal process of valva tapering to acute apex that extends to 

inner anterior margin of vinculum, exceeding length of costal 

lobe. Juxta a slender projection from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 487, 488. Apex of abdomen densely setose, appearing rounded but minutely 

cleft. Each posterior apophysis fused most its length, short, 

relatively stout, length ~1.5× maximum width of papillae anales, slender. Papillae anales bilobed; lobes short, 

length ~ equal to width, broadly rounded, densely setose, 

arising from narrow, triangular base. Vestibulum broad, 

membranous. Ductus bursae with pectinations consisting 

of transverse rows of usually 2–6 blunt, minute spicules; 

pectinations continue as dense field well into ductus bursae. 

Corpus bursae moderately large, elongate, length ~ equal to 

length of ductus spermathecae; a faint, oval band of relatively large, irregularly shaped, external tubercles extending 

most the length of bursa. Ductus spermathecae nearly as 

long as corpus bursae, emerging from ductus spermathecae 

via an enlarged, membranous, saccular outer canal; elongate inner canal terminating in approximately 4 small convolutions; vesicle a relatively complex, divided tube, with 

longer branch tightly coiled.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Argentina: Jujuy: 3 km 

NE Caimancito, 23 km ENE Calilegua, sta. 18, 500 m: 

26 Nov 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N.Arg., slides DRD 4136 

(RMNH).

Paratypes. Argentina: Jujuy: 3 km NE 

Caimancito, 23 km ENE Calilegua, sta. 18, 500 m: 4 ♂, 

1 ♀, 26 Nov 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N. Arg., slides DRD 

4137, USNM 32457, 32458 (RMNH USNM). Salta: 

2 km NW Campo Quijano, 31 km WSW Salta, sta. 58, 

1600 m: 1 ♀, 30 Jan 1996, Neth. Ent. Exp. N. Arg., slide 

DRD 4153 (RMNH).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected in 

January and November.

Distribution. (Map 15) Known only from 

northern Argentina.

Etymology. The species name is derived 

from the Latin divaricatus (spread apart) in reference to 

the greatly divergent, furcate apex of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male of P. divaricata is distinguished from all other Pseudopostega by the widely 

divergent, moderately recurved, caudal lobes and broad, 

smoothly triangular base of the gnathos.

The latifurcata group

The male gnathos within the members of the latifurcata group is morphologically similar in being relatively 

narrow with a bifurcate caudal lobe, without a basal fold, 

and with a pair of slender, lateral folds. The valva possesses 

a prominent saccular lobe, and the length of the entire sacculus ranges from approximately 0.5× to nearly 0.8× the 

length of the genital capsule. The vinculum is broad, with 

a subtruncate to slightly sinuate anterior margin. Usually 

some vestige of a rod-like juxta is evident.

Pseudopostega contigua, new species

Figures 221, 389, 390; Map 17

Adult. Figure 221. Length of forewing 2.0 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with a small, dark brown spot at basal third of dorsal 

margin, 3–4 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, a 

dark brown tornal strigula, and a small, dark brown to 

fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos triangular, gradually 

tapering to a short, furcate apex, the branches of which 

lie closely parallel; basal fold divided into a lateral pair of 

narrow, longitudinal, parallel folds (Figures 389, 390). 

Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum cream 

to light golden brown dorsally, cream to white ventrally, 

51-segmented. Palpi white to cream; labial palpus with light 

brown suffusion over dorsolateral margins; apical segment 

mostly cream.
1 3 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Thorax: White; tegula with brown suffusion on 

anterior margin. Forewing white with a small, dark brown 

spot at basal third of dorsal margin and 3–4 dark brown, 

subapical costal strigulae; strigulae 1 and 2 closely parallel, terminating near pale yellowish suffusion immediately 

basal to dark brown to fuscous apical spot; strigula 3 either 

continuous and curving around apical spot to tornus, or 

broken to form a short strigula terminating above apical 

spot and a fourth strigula extending around apical spot to 

tornus; tornal strigula brown, extending obliquely caudad from apical spot; terminal cilia mostly white between 

strigulae and along dorsal margin, lightly suffused with pale 

brown beyond strigula 3–4; venter of forewing light brown 

except for basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing and 

cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white; 

foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with light brown; tarsomeres mostly white, with slight dorsal brown banding; 

midleg white with tarsomeres 3–5 brown dorsally; banding 

paler, more reduced on tarsomeres 2–5 of hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 389, 390. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose, lobes widely separated by 

a distance ~0.7× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

smoothly concave. Vinculum broad, tapering to relatively 

narrow, slightly concave anterior margin. Base of gnathos 

narrow, moderately swollen laterally, gradually tapering to 

slender dorsally recurved caudal lobe; apical third of lobe 

furcate, with short, closely aligned arms (Figure 389); anterior margin of gnathos with moderately deep, inverted 

V-shaped, median indentation; basal fold separated medially into a pair of very narrow, longitudinally aligned, lateral 

folds. Valva with elongate cucullar lobe ~0.45× length of 

genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~28 blunt 

spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe extended slightly as 

short, rounded, setose lobe; pedicel relatively slender, ~0.13× 

length of cucullar lobe; valva short, length along sacculus 

~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately 

elongate, tapering to narrowly rounded, setose apex; basal 

process of valva tapering to acute apex, exceeding length of 

slender costal lobe by nearly half its length. Juxta vestigial as 

a slender, median rod-like extension from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; VENEZUELA: Territorio 

Federal de Amazonas: San Carlos de Río Negro, 1°56'N, 

67°03'W: 13–17 Dec 1984, R. L. Brown, slide USNM 

32426 (USNM).

Paratype. Venezuela: Territorio Federal 

de Amazonas: San Carlos de Río Negro: 1 ♂, 6–12 Dec 

1984, R. L. Brown, slide USNM 32822 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. December.

Distribution. (Map 17) Known only from 

the type locality from riparian forest along the Rio Negro 

of southern Venezuela.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin contiguus (near, adjacent) in reference to the 

paired, contiguous, apical lobes of the male gnathos.

Discussion. Although differing significantly 

from P. latifurcata in the form of the caudal lobes of the 

male gnathos, other similarities within the male genitalia 

suggest a close relationship between P. contigua and latifurcata. In particular are the relative narrow base of the 

gnathos, similar development of the lateral fold, and absence of a basal fold. The forewing pattern of contigua differs markedly from both subspecies of latifurcata in being 

mostly white except for the subapical strigulae and minute 

dorsal spot.

Pseudopostega latifurcata latifurcata,

new species

Figures 222, 223, 391–393, 489, 490; Map 17

Adult. Figures 222, 223. Length of forewing 

2.6–3.0 mm. Small white moth with forewings bearing a 

large, dark fuscous, dorsal spot that extends over most 

of wing, a strongly oblique subapical costal spot, and 2 

slender, subapical costal strigulae. Gnathos of male genitalia broadly furcate; basal fold narrow, directed caudally 

and widely separated midventrally, resembling a pair of 

thickened, lateral rods (Figures 391–393). Papillae anales 

of female fused to form a single, minute, tuberculate, setose lobe (Figure 490).

Head: Vestiture white except for narrow band of 

pale brown to light fuscous at caudal margin of occiput. 

Scape white, with fuscous suffusion along anterior edge. 

Flagellum pale golden brown, ~62–66-segmented. Maxillary palpus white to cream; labial palpus white, with fuscous suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula fuscous. 

Forewing white, with a large dark fuscous dorsal spot that 

extends most the length of dorsal margin and nearly across 

wing to costa; a moderately large, elongate, subapical costal 

spot, broadest at costa, then narrowing as it extends obliquely to strigulate apical spot; 2 slender, subapical costal 

strigulae, separated by bands of pale grayish scales, converging from costa to apical spot; area immediately basal 

to terminal strigula suffused with pale brown; a short, fuscous tornal strigula usually evident below apical strigula; 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 3 1

terminal cilia mostly fuscous beyond strigula 2, becoming 

abruptly white beyond first strigula, then continuing as pale 

golden brown to dorsal margin; venter of forewing grayish brown, except for large patch of white over basal half 

of discal cell. Hindwing and cilia pale brown to gray both 

dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly cream; foreleg with lateral margins of tibia and tarsus grayish brown; midleg with 

apices of tarsal segments grayish brown.

Abdomen: Gray dorsally, gradually fading to white 

laterally and ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 391–393. Socii reduced to 

short, round, setose lobes relatively narrowly separated by 

a distance approximately equal to basal width of gnathos. 

Caudal rim of uncus smoothly concave. Vinculum broad; 

anterior margin subtruncate. Gnathos moderately narrow at 

base, tapering slightly to broad, deeply furcate, caudal lobe; 

anterior margin of gnathos weakly defined, concave; basal 

fold narrow, directed caudally and widely separated midventrally, resembling a pair of thickened, lateral rods. Valva 

with relatively large cucullar lobe ~0.55× length of genital 

capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of a single, caudal row 

of 34–38 blunt spines; distal apex of lobe smoothly round; 

pedicel slender, width ~0.14× length of cucullar lobe; valva 

elongate, length along sacculus ~0.95× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately stout, subacute, extending to 

pedicel; basal process of valva elongate, acuminate, exceeding length of costal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figures 489, 490. Abdomen 

tapering to slender, subacute, setose apex. Each posterior 

apophysis fused most its length, slender, elongate. Papillae 

anales fused to form a single, minute, short, tuberculate lobe 

(Figure 490) bearing ~10 elongate setae, the longest seta 

~0.3–0.4× length of posterior apophyses. Vestibulum relatively broad, membranous, without spicules. Ductus bursae 

long and slender, with a moderately dense zone of transverse 

rows of 1–4 minute, blunt spicules largely concentrated 

along one side the entire length of ductus. Corpus bursae 

moderately expanded, broadly oval, with an indistinct, irregular U-shaped band bearing numerous, relatively stout, 

external tubercles partially encircling most the length of bursae (Figure 489). Spermathecal duct ~0.66× length of bursae 

copulatrix; membranous outer canal narrow, short, largely 

fused to bursae; inner canal long, sinuous, terminating in 

~1–2 convolutions and irregularly curved, tubular vesicle.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; pUERTO rICO: Cayey, 450 m, 

2 Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 32752 (USNM).

Paratypes. British Virgin Islands: Tortola Island, Mt. Sage National Park, 480 m: 1 ♀, 7–8 Jul 

1985, S. Miller et al. (USNM); 11 ♂, 9 ♀, 13–15 Jul 1987, 

V. O. Becker & S. Miller, slides USNM 31843,32753 

(USNM, VOB); 1 ♀, 22–24 Jul 1986, S. Miller & 

M. Pogue (USNM). Dominica: Cabrit Swamp: 1 

UNK, 18 Jun 1964, O. S. Flint (USNM). Springfield Estate: 1 ♂, 20–26 Jul 1963, O. S. Flint, slide USNM 32473 

(USNM). Puerto Rico: Carite, 500 m: 1 ♂, 17 Aug 

1987, V. O. Becker (USNM). Cayey, 450 m: 3 ♂, 1 ♀, 2 

Aug 1987, V. O. Becker (USNM). Patillas, 590 m: 2 ♂, 7 

♀, Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, slides USNM 31937, 32472 

(USNM). U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, 300 

m: 2 ♂, 1 ♀, 25–30 Jul 1987, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 

31936 (USNM, VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from June to August.

Distribution. (Map 17) West Indies: 

Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Dominica.

Etymology. The specific name is derived from 

the Latin latus (broad) and furcatus (forked), as suggested 

by the broadly furcate gnathos diagnostic for this species.

Discussion. An interesting parallel has evolved 

between this species and P. dorsalis. Both species possess a 

nominate form that is characterized by forewings consistently marked by a large dorsal spot, and a subspecies possessing identical male genitalia but with a distinct fasciate 

wing pattern. The distinction is clearer in P. latifurcata in 

that the two subspecies are allopatric, with latifurcata latifurcata occuring in the West Indies and latifurcata apoclina

known only from Costa Rica. Other than similar forewing 

patterns, the two species complexes are not closely related, 

based on strikingly dissimilar male genital morphology.

Pseudopostega latifurcata apoclina,

new subspecies

Figure 224; Map 17

Adult. Figure 224. Length of forewing 2.5–2.8 

mm. Small white moth with forewings marked by a dark 

fuscous, oblique fascia from basal fourth of dorsal margin to middle of costa, and 3, fuscous, subapical costal 

strigulae. Gnathos of male genitalia broadly furcate as in 

P. latifurcata latifurcata. Female similar to P. latifurcata 

latifurcata.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum pale 

golden brown, ~58–61-segmented. Maxillary palpus white; 

labial palpus white, with fuscous suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula with 

brownish suffusion. Forewing white, with a dark fuscous, 

oblique fascia from basal fourth of dorsal margin to middle 
1 3 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

of costa; fascia broadest along dorsal margin, sometimes not 

reaching costa; 3 subapical, fuscous costal strigulae present; 

strigula 1 short, nearly parallel to costa; second strigula reaching minute black apical spot and continuing past spot as a 

short tornal strigula; strigula 3 extending distally around apical spot; terminal cilia mostly dull white, with small streak of 

white scales distad to apical spot; dorsal fringe brown; venter 

of forewing brown, except for large patch of white over basal 

half of discal cell. Hindwing and cilia pale brown to gray both 

dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white to cream; foreleg 

with lateral margins of tibia and tarsus suffused with dark 

brown; midleg with apices of tarsomeres 1–3 fuscous.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white to 

cream laterally and ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Similar to P. latifurcata latifurcata.

Female Genitalia: Believed similar to P. latifurcata 

latifurcata (identity of female examined uncertain).

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Guanacaste: 

Estación Pitilla, 9 km S Santa Cecilia, 700 m: Aug 1992, 

P. Rios, slide DRD 4245 (INBIO).

Paratypes. COSTA RICA: Cartago: Parque 

Nacional Tapanti, 1650 m: 1 ♂, 27 Apr 2005, K. Nishida, 

light sheet, slide USNM 33213 (USNM). Guanacaste: 

Estación Pitilla, 9 km S Santa Cecilia, 700 m: 1 ♂, 31 

Mar–15 Apr 1992, P. Rios, slide USNM 33023 (USNM).

Material Examined. Costa Rica: Estación Maritza, Lado O Volcán Orosí, 600 m: 1 ♀, Jul 

1990, I curso Microlepidopterologia, slide DRD 4329 

(INBIO).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected in 

January, March, April, July, and August.

Distribution. (Map 17) Known only from 

Costa Rica at elevations from 50 to 1650 m.

Etymology. The subspecific name is derived 

from the Greek apoklines (leaning, sloping) in reference 

to the dark brown fascia extending obliquely across the 

forewing.

Discussion. As discussed under the nominate 

subspecies, P. latifurcata apoclina is morphologically identical to latifurcata latifurcata except in forewing pattern. 

Map 17. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega latifurcata species group.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 3 3

The nominate subspecies possesses a large dorsal spot over 

much of the forewing and is restricted to the West Indies, 

in contrast to the obliquely fasciate pattern in the Costa 

Rican latifurcata apoclina.This subspecies is represented 

by only three male specimens and one female, which has 

not been included within the type series because its identity remains somewhat questionable.

Because of low sequence recovery of the CO1 gene, 

resolution of the genetic relationship of P. latifurcata

apoclina (only 397 bp sequenced) and latifurcata latifurcata (504 bp) was inconclusive.

The brachybasis group

This group is similar to the divaricata group in the 

variable development of a bifurcate apex of the gnathos. 

The base of the gnathos within the brachybasis group, 

however, is broader and more quadrate in outline with 

usually lobiform lateral expansions. In some species (e.g., 

P. protomochla), the lateral lobe is clearly separated from 

the gnathos, but morphologically may be derived from 

that tergite. A basal fold may be either absent or poorly to 

moderately developed. The length of the sacculus ranges 

from 0.45× to nearly 0.7× the length of the genital capsule. 

The vinculum varies from V- to broadly U-shaped and 

usually extends far forward of the base of the valvae. The 

juxta is either present or absent. Although sequence data 

(>500 base pairs for CO1) was obtained for only three 

members of this group (P. beckeri, protomochla, and venticola), these data grouped the three species together as 

a well-defined clade, with beckeri and protomochla more 

closely allied to each other than to venticola.

Pseudopostega latiapicula, new species

Figures 225, 394, 395; Map 18

Adult. Figure 225. Length of forewing 2.4 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, and a dark 

brown to fuscous apical spot. Male with caudal lobe of 

gnathos broadly expanded, subtruncate; basal fold well developed, broadly arched (Figure 394). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum golden 

brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 45-segmented. Palpi white 

to cream; labial palpus with dark brown suffusion laterally 

and dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula light 

brown. Forewing almost entirely white with 3 dark brown, 

costal strigulae and a dark brown apical spot; strigulae 1 

and 2 narrowly separated, slightly convergent; 2 fading just 

before apical spot; 3 curving slightly around apical spot then 

fading at tornus; tornal strigula not evident; a very faint, 

light brown dorsal spot at basal third of dorsal margin; 

terminal cilia mostly light brown, white between strigulae; 

venter of forewing brown except for basal white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and ventrally except for 

white suffusion at base. Legs mostly white; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with light brown, paler on tarsomeres; 

midleg with dark brown bands dorsally on tarsomeres 3 and 

4; tarsal banding paler, more diffuse on hindleg.

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, white 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 394, 395. Socii a pair of 

moderately small, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of 

uncus shallowly concave. Vinculum broad; anterior margin ~ rounded to subtruncate. Gnathos broad across base, 

with laterally expanded lobes, then abruptly constricted 

to form slender caudal lobe that terminates in a broad, 

slightly lobed apex; anterior margin truncate, with basal 

fold well developed, broadly arched, ~0.3× length of entire gnathos, and slightly separated from main body of 

gnathos (Figure 394). Valva with elongate cucullar lobe 

~0.5× length of entire genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of single row of 35–37 blunt spines; distal 

apex of cucullar lobe not extended, rounded; pedicel slender at base, flaring to join cucullar lobe where it is nearly 

0.3× length of lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus 

~0.7× length of entire genital capsule, saccular lobe tapering to slender, rounded apex, extending beyond apex of 

pedicel; basal process of valva tapering to acute base, approximately equaling length of slender costal lobe. Juxta 

undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica La Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 10°26'N, 

84°01'W, 50–150 m, Bosque secondario, L/18/321, 24 Feb 

1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4212 (INBIO).

Paratypes. Brazil: Paraná: Capitao Poco: 

2 ♂, 25–31 Jan 1984, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 4226 

(VOB). Costa Rica: Heredia: Estación Biológica La 

Selva, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 50–150 m, L/07/322: 1 

♂, 25 Feb 1998, INBio-OET, slide USNM 31798 (USNM); 

L/11/444: 1 ♂, 13 Aug 1998, INBio-OET, slide DRD 4292 

(INBIO); L/14/296: 1 ♂, 22 Jan 1998, INBio-OET, slide 

DRD 4271 (INBIO); L/15/306: 1 ♂, 3 Feb 1998, INBioOET, slide DRD 4276 (INBIO).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in January, 

February, and August.
1 3 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Distribution. (Map 18) Known from two 

disjunct localities, the La Selva Biological Station of northeastern Costa Rica and the state of Paraná in northeastern 

Brazil.

Etymology. The species name is derived 

from the Latin latus (broad, wide) and apiculus (little top, 

apex), in reference to the broad apex of the caudal lobe of 

the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male gnathos of this species 

resembles that of P. ecuadoriana in possessing a laterally 

expanded base and an elongate caudal lobe terminating in 

a broadly expanded apex. The gnathos of latiapicula differs 

in the larger basal fold, truncate anterior margin, and in 

having larger, more lobiform lateral expansions. The sacculus of latiapicula is also relatively longer (length ~0.65× 

length of the genital capsule) than in ecuadoriana. The 

hindwing of latiapicula differs from ecuadoriana in being 

slightly darker and more brown. The gnathos of latiapicula

is also similar in form to that of P. spatulata and albogaleriella, but differs in possessing a broader base with laterally 

expanded lobes and a more well developed basal fold.

Pseudopostega ecuadoriana, new species

Figures 226, 396, 397; Map 18

Adult. Figure 226. Length of forewing 3.3 mm. 

Small white moth with an almost immaculate forewing 

pattern, marked only by 2 faint brown, subapical costal 

strigulae and a very small, black, apical spot. Male with 

apex of gnathos shortly bifid, and with narrow truncate 

vinculum, and short valvae; basal fold short, strongly 

arched at middle (Figure 396). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

cream, ~52-segmented. Maxillary and labial palpi white.

Thorax: Entirely white. Forewing white, almost 

immaculate except for 2 light brown, subapical costal 

strigulae and a very small, black, apical spot; both strigulae 

terminating near apical spot; terminal cilia cream to very 

light brown; venter of forewing pale ochre brown except 

for basal, discal cream area. Hindwing and cilia pale ochreous brown. Legs mostly cream; foreleg fuscous over lateral 

and dorsal surfaces.

Abdomen: Pale brown dorsally, cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 396, 397. Socii a pair of 

moderately small, rounded, setose lobes, separated by a distance ~ equal to length of cucullar lobe. Caudal rim of uncus 

nearly truncate. Vinculum gradually narrowing to truncate anterior margin. Gnathos broad, width approximately 

equaling distance between lateral margins of socii, abruptly 

constricting to moderately stout, elongate, caudal lobe; apex 

of lobe broadly expanded and slightly bifid; anterior margin 

of gnathos smoothly concave, with small, arched, basal fold 

(Figure 396). Valva with relatively small cucullar lobe ~0.4× 

length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer of about 38 

short, blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe with minute projection; pedicel elliptical, moderately slender, width 

~0.15× length of cucullar lobe; valva short, length along sacculus ~0.5× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe short and 

triangular; basal process of valva short, gradually tapering 

to narrowly triangular base; costal process of valva slender 

and elongate, terminating near anterior margin of vinculum 

near basal process of valva. Juxta absent.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Ecuador: Napo: SE Tena, 

nr. Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha, and Misahualli, 77°36'W, 

01°04'S, 400–500 m: 26–31 Jan 2000, Amazon premontane tropical forest, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slide AD 0438 

(VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. January (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 18) Known only from 

the type locality, an Amazonian premontane rainforest in 

east-central Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the country of origin, Ecuador.

Discussion. The male gnathos of this species 

closely resembles that of P. latiapicula in the structure of 

the caudal lobe but differs in possessing less lobiform, 

basal, lateral expansions and a less developed basal fold 

that is strongly concave. The sacculus of ecuadoriana is 

relatively shorter (~0.45× the length of the genital capsule) 

than that of latiapicula and possesses a much larger saccular lobe. The wings of ecuadoriana are generally lighter 

in color and with less pattern than observed in latiapicula. 

Because of the lack of specimens, however, the extent of 

color variation in these species is unknown.

Pseudopostega pumila (Walsingham)

Figures 227, 398, 399; Map 18

Opostega pumila Walsingham, 1914:350.—Davis, 1984:18.

Pseudopostega pumila (Walsingham).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:418.

Adult. Figure 227. Length of forewing ~3.2 mm. 

Small white moth with 3 golden brown, subapical costal 

strigulae and a fuscous apical spot near apex of forewing. 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 3 5

Male gnathos with stout caudal lobe terminating in a 

broadly bilobed apex; basal fold absent (Figure 398). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

ochreous cream dorsally, whitish cream ventrally, ~56-

s­egmented. Palpi whitish cream.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, with very light 

brownish scales suffused over wing and visible from a certain viewing angle; subapical region of forewing marked 

with 3 golden brown, subapical costal strigulae; first strigula 

extending obliquely across wing well before small, fuscous, 

apical spot; strigula 2 parallel to 1 but shorter and fading 

to yellowish area before apical spot; strigula 3 short, fading 

above apical spot, then interrupted above spot before continuing around spot to tornus; terminal cilia cream, otherwise white; venter of forewing yellowish brown. Hindwing 

whitish cream dorsally and yellowish brown ventrally, except for cream white area at basal 1/6; cilia cream to ochreous cream. Legs ochreous cream with brownish suffusion 

on tarsi of mid- and hindlegs.

Map 18. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega brachybasis species group.
1 3 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Abdomen: Ochreous cream dorsally, lustrous cream 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 398, 399. Socii a pair of 

slender, setose lobes moderately widely separated by a distance ~0.35× length of cucullar lobe; caudal margin of uncus 

rather deeply concave. Tegumen narrow. Vinculum broad, 

with anterior margin rounded. Gnathos broad at base, 

consisting of a broad, oval plate that constricts abruptly to 

form a moderately stout, elongate, caudal lobe terminating 

in a broadly bilobed apex which curves slightly dorsally; 

basal fold absent. Valva with elongate cucullar lobe ~0.45× 

length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 

~38–40 blunt spines; outer apex of cucullar lobe slightly 

extended, rounded, and setose; Valva moderately long, 

~0.65× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe broad, irregularly rounded; basal process of valva relatively short, 

acute; costal process of valva well sclerotized and equal in 

length to basal process. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; MEXICO: Tabasco: Teapa, 

Mar 1918, H. H. Smith, Gdm. Slv. 66772, BMNH slide 

29631 (BMNH).

Material Examined. Holotype ♂.

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. March (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 18) Known only from 

the type locality in southern Mexico.

Discussion. This species is represented only 

by the male holotype, which is in good condition. The 

caudal lobe of the male gnathos in P. pumila superficially 

resembles that of some species of the divaricata species 

group (e.g., P. concava, also from Mexico). The gnathi in 

the latter group, however, do not possess the lateral, lobate expansion present in pumila and in other members of 

the brachybasis group. The gnathos of pumila differs from 

that of latiapicula and ecuadoriana in having the apical 

lobe more divided and in lacking a basal fold.

Pseudopostega beckeri, new species

Figures 228, 400, 401; Map 18

Adult. Figure 228. Length of forewing 3.7–

4.4 mm. Small, mostly white moth with white forewings 

marked with a diffuse, dark brown, oblique fascia traversing approximate middle of wing, 2 brown, subapical costal strigulae, a short, brown tornal strigula, and a small, 

dark brown to nearly black apical spot. Male gnathos with 

apex of caudal lobe deeply forked almost to base of lobe; 

basal fold absent (Figure 400). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 74-segmented. Palpi cream; labial palpus 

with dark brown suffusion laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula with dark brown spot on 

anterior margin. Forewing white with a diffuse dark brown, 

oblique fascia traversing approximate middle of wing; fascia variable, constricted to incomplete in middle; 2 brown, 

subapical costal strigulae present; basal strigula converging 

toward a small, dark brown to nearly black apical spot; 

area immediately basal to apical spot suffused with light 

golden brown scales; strigula 2 curving distally around apical spot, partially interrupted near spot; a faint, brown tornal strigula extending a short distance down from apical 

spot; terminal and dorsal cilia mostly white to cream; venter of forewing light brown except for basal, subhumeral 

white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown dorsally and 

ventrally except for white suffusion at base. Legs mostly 

white to cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with 

dark brown; mid- and hindlegs with tarsomeres irrorated 

and ringed with dark brown.

Abdomen: Basal 1/4 light golden brown, distal 3/4 

dark brown dorsally and ventrally except for midventral 

cream streak and cream over last 2 sternites.

Male Genitalia: Figures 400, 401. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose, lobes widely separated 

by a distance ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim 

of uncus deeply concave; concavity V-shaped. Vinculum 

broad, tapering to V-shaped, subacute anterior margin. 

Base of gnathos broad, with lateral, lobate expansions, narrowing slightly to form broad, deeply furcate caudal lobe; 

arms of lobe straight, directed slightly dorsad; anterior margin of gnathos slightly sinuate, without basal fold. Valva 

with elongate cucullar lobe ~0.4× length of genital capsule; 

bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~43–44 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe rounded, not extended; pedicel 

broad, width ~0.3× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, 

length along sacculus ~0.55× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately broad, tapering slightly to rounded, 

setose apex; basal process of valva relatively short, tapering to acute apex, approximately equal to costal process in 

length. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; BRAZIL: Goias: Alto Paraiso, 

1400 m: 1–6 Nov 1996, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 4218 

(VOB).

Paratype. BRAZIL: Minas Gerais: Unaí, 700 

m: 1 ♂, 7 Nov 1982, V. O. Becker (USNM). Paraná: 

Castro, S. Brazil:1 ♂, 1896, Jones (67712), slide BMNH

29648 (BMNH).

Host. Unknown.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 3 7

Flight Period. November.

Distribution. (Map 18) Known from the 

states of Goias, Minas Gerais, and Parana in south-central 

Brazil.

Etymology. We are pleased to name this 

species in honor of Dr. Vitor O. Becker, who collected a 

major portion of the new material upon which this revision is based.

Discussion. The forewing pattern of this species is similar to that of P. protomochla in possessing a 

variable, partially broken, distally curved, brownish fascia 

across the middle of the wing. The fascia is more well preserved in beckeri, and may be nearly absent in some specimens of protomochla. The male gnathos of beckeri differs 

in possessing lobiform expansions laterally and stouter, 

less divergent caudal furcations.

Pseudopostega protomochla (Meyrick)

Figures 229, 402–404, 491, 492; Map 18

Opostega protomochla Meyrick, 1935:567.—Clarke, 1955:261.—Davis, 

1984:18.

Pseudopostega protomochla (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:419.

Adult. Figure 229. Length of forewing 3.5–

5.0 mm. Small white moth with variably preserved, light 

to dark brown costal, discal, and dorsal spots, 3 brown, 

subapical costal strigulae, 1 brown tornal strigula, and a 

small, fuscous apical spot present. Male gnathos broad with 

deeply furcate caudal lobe; basal fold absent (Figure 404). 

Female with a single, fused anal papilla (Figure 492).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 59–66-segmented. 

Palpi mostly white to whitish cream; labial palpus often 

with light brown suffusion dorsally.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, occasionally with 

suffusion of pale cream white, with a variably preserved, 

never completely developed, >-shaped, light to dark brown 

fascia across distal two-thirds of wing; usually only oblique 

costal and dorsal spots present, less frequently a variably 

diffused discal spot present; sometimes forewing immaculate except for 3 brown, subapical costal strigulae and 1 

brown, tornal strigula, and a small, dark brown to fuscous 

apical spot; a faint, suffused brown to yellowish area sometimes present before apical spot; strigulae 1 and 2 fading before apical spot; strigula 3 usually faint, fading above spot, 

sometimes complete and curving sharply distally around 

spot; cilia mostly white, light brown beyond strigula 3; venter of forewing whitish cream. Hindwing white; cilia whitish cream. Legs mostly white to whitish cream; foreleg with 

light brown suffusion dorsally.

Abdomen: Usually light golden brown dorsally, 

sometimes darker brown; cream white ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 402–404. Socii a pair of 

moderately long, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance 1.2× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

deeply excavate, V-shaped, well sclerotized, with a pair of 

broad, nearly contiguous lobes arising from caudal margin. 

Tegumen moderately broad to middorsal junction. Vinculum broad, gradually tapering to narrowly rounded, anterior margin. Gnathos with central portion broadly rounded 

ventrally and moderately expanded laterally; a small, oval 

sclerite present immediately lateral to base; anterior margin 

convex, without basal fold; gnathos abruptly constricted 

to form deeply furcate, caudal lobe; lobe divided nearly to 

base, slightly curved dorsally (Figures 403, 404). Valva with 

large cucullar lobe ~0.35× length of genital capsule, bearing elongate pectinifer consisting of ~56 blunt spines; distal 

apex rounded, not extended; pedicel tapering to relatively 

narrow junction with cucullar lobe; valva elongate, ~0.65× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe relatively broad, 

elongate, with broadly rounded, setose apex; basal process 

relatively short, tapering to acute apex; costal process of 

valva well sclerotized, elongate, exceeding length of basal 

lobe. Juxta undeveloped.

Female Genitalia: Figure 491, 492. Apex of abdomen minutely bilobed, bearing long setae. Scale follicles of 

sternum 8 relatively broad, caudally furcate (Figure 491). 

Each posterior apophysis fused most its length, slender, 

elongate, ~3.6× length of anal papilla. Papillae anales fused 

into a single, relatively prominent lobe bearing ~10–12 

setae 1–3× as long as papilla; base of lobe supported by 

slender, sinuate bar connecting caudal apices of apophyses. Vestibulum with small oval concentration of minute 

spicules located at junction with ductus bursae; spicules arranged in short, transverse rows of ~2–5 spines each. Ductus bursae slender, largely membranous except for spicules 

at junction with vestibulum. Corpus bursae large, elongate, 

without spicules, but with irregular, indistinct band bearing numerous, minute, external tubercles encircling much 

of the length of the bursa. Ductus spermathecae half as long 

as bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal moderately 

slender, arising from junction of ductus bursae with corpus bursae; inner canal long, with about 4–5 tightly spiraled convolutions terminating in a very slender, elongate, 

straight, tubular lagena and membranous utriculus.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.
1 3 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Lectotype. (Designated by Davis, 1989) 

♂; ARGENTINA: Córdoba: Alta Gracia, Feb [19]34, 

C. Bruch, slide BMNH 23665 (BMNH).

Material Examined. Argentina: Catamarca: 5 km N Aconquija, 18 km ENE Andalgal, sta. 21, 

1000 m: 1 ♂, 4 Dec 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg. (RMNH). 

Jujuy: Parque Nacional Calilegua, Mirador, sta. 14, 800 

m: 1 ♂, 20 Nov 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg. (RMNH). 

Yala, 15 km NW San Salvador de Jujuy, sta. 11, 1500 m: 

1 UNK, 13 Nov 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg. (RMNH). 

Córdoba: Alta Gracia: 1 ♂ (lectotype), Feb [19]34, slide 

23665; 5 ♂ (paralectotypes), 1 ♀ (identity questionable), 

Feb [19]34, slide 28722 (BMNH). Salta: Parque Nacional 

El Rey, 100 km NE Metán, sta. 19, 890 m: 1 ♂, 27–28 Nov 

1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg. (RMNH). Quebrada del Toro, 

3 km N Puente del Toro, 33 km W Salta, sta. 40, 1700 m: 

5 ♀, 10 Jan 1996, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg. (RMNH). Quebrada del Toro, 6 km NW Campo Quijano, 30 km W Salta, 

sta. 41, 1650 m: 3 ♀, 11 Jan 1996, Neth. Ent. Exp. NArg. (USNM). Tucumán: 11 km S Tacanas, 28 km WSW 

Trancas, sta.13, 800 m: 3 ♀, 15 Nov 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. 

N-Arg. (RMNH); sta. 28, 800 m: 14 ♂, 17 ♀, 16–17 Dec 

1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg., slides DRD 4138, USNM 

32455, 32456, 32470 (RMNH, USNM). Cochuna, 34 km 

WNW Aguilares, sta. 20, 1000 m: 1 ♀, 2 Dec 1995, Neth. 

Ent. Exp. N-Arg. (RMNH). San Javier, 16 km WNW 

Tucumán, sta. 29, 1010 m: 1 ♀, 18 Dec 1995, Neth. Ent. 

Exp. N-Arg. (RMNH). Siambón: 1 ♂, R. Schreiter (USNM). 

Tucumán: 1 ♂, R. Schreiter (USNM). Brazil: Minas 

Gerais: Nova Lima, 850 m: 1 ♂, 8 Oct 1985, V. O. Becker, 

slide USNM 31800 (VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from November to February in Argentina and in October 

in Brazil.

Distribution. (Map 18)Most records of this 

relatively common species are from north-central Argentina, with a specimen known from the state of Minas Gerais 

in southern Brazil.

Discussion. The forewing pattern of this 

species is highly variable, with some specimens similar 

to P. beckeri in possessing at least some indication of a 

brownish, median fascia across the wing. The base of the 

male gnathos is moderately expanded laterally, with a bilateral pair of small, oval sclerites immediately lateral to 

base of gnathos.

The original type series of P. protomochla comprised 

9 specimens (Meyrick, 1935) of which only 6 males and 

1 female remain at the BMNH. The present location of 

the missing specimens is unknown. Recent collecting now 

suggests that the single female ‘paralectotype’ of protomochla examined from Alta Gracia is not conspecific with 

the lectotype. Examination of the large series of male and 

female protomochla in the RMNH from Argentina clearly 

show a female (Figure 491, 492) that is morphologically 

distinct from Meyrick’s ‘paralectotype.’ In particular, the 

female ‘paralectotype’ (Figures 493, 494) differs in possessing a trilobed (with a reduced median papilla) anal 

papilla (a single enlarged papilla in protomochla), and a 

short, curved vesicle near the termination of the ductus 

spermathecae (vesicle ~5× longer than the former and 

mostly straight in protomochla). Even the scale follicles 

of the eighth sternum appear distinct, with those of female 

protomochla being broader and caudally furcate, compared to slender and caudally truncate in the female from 

Alta Gracia. Although the female genitalia of both species 

have been illustrated, the foregoing description refers only 

to what is believed to represent the female of protomochla

as typified by the females in the RMNH.

Pseudopostega bicornuta, new species

Figures 230, 405, 406; Map 18

Adult. Figure 230. Length of forewing 4.6 mm. 

Small, mostly white moth with white forewings marked 

with a pair of brown, subapical costal strigulae, a very 

faint brown, tornal strigula, and a small, dark brown to 

fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos triangular, gradually tapering to a deeply divided, caudal lobe; basal fold narrow, 

sharply arched (Figure 405). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 72-segmented. Palpi white; labial palpus 

with suffusion of brown dorsally and laterally.

Thorax: White; tegula with light brown suffusion on anterior margin. Forewing white, marked with a 

pair of brown, subapical costal strigulae and a very faint 

brown, tornal strigula; strigula 1 with faint suffusion of 

very pale, yellowish brown along inner margin, fading 

just before dark brown to fuscous apical spot, strigula 2 

curving around apical spot and terminating near tornus; 

tornal strigula extending from apical spot to tornus; terminal and dorsal cilia white; venter of forewing light brown, 

with basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia 

light brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly white to 

cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces partially suffused with 

light brown; basal, dorsal half of tibia light brown, apical half entirely cream; tarsomeres 1–2 light brown dorsally; remainder of tarsi cream; mid- and hindlegs white 

to cream.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 3 9

Abdomen: Light golden brown dorsally, cream 

ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 405, 406. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated by 

a distance ~0.5× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

deeply concave, U-shaped. Vinculum broadly V-shaped; 

anterior margin slightly concave. Base of gnathos broadly 

triangular; anterior margin slightly concave; basal fold 

narrow, sharply arched, with a prominent, acute, median 

lobe projecting caudad, well separated from base; gnathos 

gradually narrowing caudally to a pair of slender, acute, 

caudal lobes directed slightly dorsad. Valva with elongate 

cucullar lobe ~0.4× length of genital capsule, bearing a 

pectinifer consisting of 40–41 blunt spines; distal apex of 

cucullar lobe extended as a rough, narrowly rounded, setose lobe; pedicel broad, ~0.4–0.5× length of cucullar lobe; 

valva moderately long, length along sacculus ~0.65× length 

of genital capsule; saccular lobe rough, tapering to narrow, 

setose apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, 

exceeding length of costal lobe. Juxta undeveloped.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; MEXICO: Chiapas: Villa Las 

Rosas, 1300 m: 27 Jun 1981, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 

32258 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. June (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 18) Known only from 

the type locality in southern Mexico.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin bi (two) and cornutus (horn) in reference to the 

dorsally curved, furcate apex of the male gnathos.

Discussion. The male gnathos of this species 

resembles that of P. suffuscula in the development of a 

relatively slender, deeply bifurcate caudal lobe. Their genitalia differ in several characters, particularly by the more 

lobiform, lateral expansion at the base of the gnathos and 

deeply excavate caudal margin of the uncus in bicornuta. 

The forewing of bicornuta differs from that of suffuscula

in being basically white and not suffused with grayish 

brown as in the latter.

Pseudopostega suffuscula, new species

Figures 231, 232, 407, 408; Map 18

Adult. Figures 231, 232. Length of forewing 

2.4–3.0 mm. Small, mostly cream to light brownish moth 

with cream forewings variably suffused with light grayish 

brown, marked with 3 dark brown, subapical costal strigulae, 1–2 light to dark brown tornal strigulae, and a small, 

dark brown to fuscous apical spot. Male gnathos tapering 

to a furcate caudal lobe with slender, closely subparallel 

arms; basal fold extremely slender, arched at middle (Figure 407). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture cream, variably suffused with light 

brown. Scape white to cream, often suffused with light 

brown around outer margin; flagellum light golden to dark 

brown, 40–56-segmented. Palpi white to cream; labial palpus with suffusion of brown dorsally.

Thorax: Cream suffused with light brown; tegula 

cream with brownish suffusion along anterior margin. 

Forewing cream variably suffused with light grayish brown, 

with basal third of costal margin edged with brown; 3 

brown to dark brown, subapical costal strigulae present; 

basal strigula strongly oblique, joining a moderately large, 

suffusion of brown before dark brown to fuscous apical 

spot; strigula 2 dark brown, less oblique, fading into brown 

subapical area; strigula 3 usually faint, short, directed caudally to apical spot; first tornal strigula very faint, light 

brown; tornal strigula 2 dark brown; terminal cilia white 

to cream becoming light brown at apex around dark apical 

spot, except for a few white scales immediately surrounding 

spot; tornal and dorsal cilia light brown; venter of forewing brown with basal, subhumeral white area. Hindwing 

and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly cream; 

foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with brown; tibiae and 

tarsi of mid- and hindlegs mostly cream, variably banded 

with light to medium brown dorsally.

Abdomen: Light golden to dark brown dorsally, 

light grayish brown suffusion laterally, cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 407, 408. Socii a pair of 

moderately large, triangular, setose lobes widely separated 

by a distance more than 0.75× length of cucullar lobe; caudal 

rim of uncus truncate. Vinculum broad; tapering to relatively 

narrow, slightly concave to subtruncate anterior margin. 

Base of gnathos broad, abruptly narrowing posteriorly to 

moderately long, furcate, caudal process consisting of a pair 

of slender, closely subparallel arms; anterior margin of gnathos concave; basal fold greatly reduced, slender, arched, 

with margin slightly separated from base (Figures 407, 408). 

Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.4× length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~38–40 blunt 

spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe extended slightly as a 

tuberculate, rounded lobe; pedicel moderately narrow, width 

~0.15× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along 

sacculus ~0.7× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately long, broad at base, which extends partially behind 

cucullar lobe, tapering to moderately slender, rounded apex; 

basal process of valva tapering to acute apex, approximately 

equal in length to stouter costal lobe. Juxta undeveloped.
1 4 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; ARGENTINA: Salta: Quebrada 

del Toro, 6 km NW Campo Quijano, 30 km W Salta, sta. 

56, 1650 m, 28 Jan 1996, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg., slide 

DRD 4139 (RMNH).

Paratypes. Argentina: Salta: 5 km NW 

Aguas Blancas, Finca Yaculika, 53 km NNW Orán, sta. 

16, 500 m: 1 ♂, 24 Nov 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg., 

slide USNM 31800 (USNM). Parque Nacional El Rey, 

campsite center of park, 100 km NNE Metán, sta. 48, 

850 m: 1 ♂, 22–23 Jan 1996, Neth. Ent. Exp. N-Arg. 

(RMNH). Tucumán: San Javier, 16 km WNW Tucumán, 

sta. 29, 1010 m: 1 UNK, 18 Dec 1995, Neth. Ent. Exp. 

N-Arg. (RMNH).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

from November to January.

Distribution. (Map 18) Known only from the 

provinces of Salta and Tucumán in northern Argentina.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin suffusculus (brownish) in reference to the characteristic cream to light brownish color of the forewings 

of this species.

Discussion. The forewing color of this species is somewhat diagnostic in being lightly suffused with 

cream to light brown. The male gnathos of suffuscula is 

broadly expanded laterally but lacks the lobiform specializations typical of the brachybasis species group. For this 

reason its position within the group, as well as that of ecuadoriana, are somewhat questionable. The bifurcate anal 

lobe of the gnathos in suffuscula resembles that of bicornuta, which possesses well-developed gnathos lobes.

Pseudopostega monosperma (Meyrick)

Figures 233, 409; Map 18

Opostega monosperma Meyrick, 1931:162.—Clarke, 1955:210.—Davis, 

1984:18.

Pseudopostega monosperma (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:76.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:419.

Adult. Figure 233. Length of forewing 3.6 mm. 

Small white moth with small, faint light brown spot midway along dorsal margin; black apical spot present; subapical strigulae not evident (partially denuded). Male 

gnathos with deeply divided, furcate caudal lobe; basal 

fold undeveloped (Figure 409). Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

cream, number of segments unknown (broken). Palpi unknown, probably whitish or cream.

Thorax: White. Forewing white with small, faint, 

light brown spot midway along dorsal margin; black apical spot present; subapical strigulae not evident; cilia white 

(partially denuded); venter of forewing not examined. 

Hindwing and cilia white dorsally and ventrally. Legs generally cream, with light golden suffusion dorsally on femur 

of foreleg.

Abdomen: White dorsally and ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figure 409. Socii a pair of narrowly rounded, setose, triangular lobes widely separated 

by a distance ~0.8× length of cucullar lobe. Caudal rim of 

uncus slightly concave, with small median cleft. Tegumen 

mostly broad dorsally except at middorsal constriction. 

Vinculum broadly rounded anteriorly. Gnathos of unusual 

form, relatively narrow basally with median lateral margins expanded to form broad lobes; basal fold undeveloped; 

gnathos abruptly constricted posteriorly to form a completely divided (bifurcate) caudal lobe; arms of lobe long, 

slender, straight. Valva with large cucullar lobe ~0.35× 

length of genital capsule, bearing elongate pectinifer consisting of a single row of ~36 blunt spines; terminal apex 

of cucullar lobe nearly flush, except for rather prominent 

tubercle; pedicel relatively slender, width ~0.1× length of 

cucullar lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.75× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe elongate, extending 

beyond distal end of cucullar lobe, slightly tapered, broadly 

rounded; basal process of valva tapering to slender, acuminate apex; costal process of valva well sclerotized, approximately equaling length of basal process. Juxta absent.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Brazil: Bahia: Rio Preto, 

Baquerao: 1 ♂, 1903, Bras. Exped. Penther, slide 4032 

(NHMV).

Material Examined. Holotype ♂.

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Unknown.

Distribution. (Map 18) Known only from 

the type locality in eastern Brazil.

Discussion. This species is represented only 

by the male holotype, which lacks much of the terminal 

forewing cilia. The male gnathos is diagnostic in possessing a deeply divided caudal lobe consisting of long, slender, 

straight furcations, a broad, laterally expanded base, and 

no basal fold. The valvae are similar to those of P. beckeri

in being relatively long (length of sacculus >0.7× length of 

genital capsule) with a very stout, elongate saccular lobe.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 4 1

Pseudopostega longifurcata, new species

Figures 234, 235; 410–412; Map 18

Adult. Figures 234, 235. Length of forewing 

2.5–4.0 mm. Small, mostly white moth, typically with 

almost immaculate forewings, variably marked with a 

broadly triangular, dark fuscous costal spot at distal third, 

with or without a highly variable, brownish dorsal spot, a 

fuscous to black apical spot, and 1–2 brownish, subapical 

costal strigulae. Male with apex of gnathos deeply furcate; 

basal fold mostly transverse, narrow (Figure 410). Female 

unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white. Flagellum light 

golden brown, 68-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream. Labial palpus white to cream, with brownish suffusion laterally and dorsally.

Thorax: White; anterior margin of tegula faintly 

suffused with brown. Forewing usually predominantly 

white, variably marked with a broadly triangular, dark fuscous costal spot at distal third, a highly variable, brownish 

dorsal spot either present (Ecuadorian specimens) or absent 

(in holotype), a fuscous to black apical spot, and a brown, 

subapical costal strigula from costal apex to near apical 

spot; a second brownish subapical strigula (present in Ecuadorian specimens) extending through cilia around apical 

spot and continuing to tornus; terminal cilia variable, white 

immediately distad to terminal strigula and then brown apically, white at apex of forewing to tornus, then becoming 

light brown along dorsal margin; venter of forewing light 

brown with white patch over base of wing. Hindwing and 

cilia pale brown both dorsally and ventrally. Legs mostly 

cream; foreleg missing, but probably with lateral/dorsal suffusion of brown; mid- and hindleg with faint grayish brown 

bands over tarsomeres.

Abdomen: Brown dorsally, white to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 410–412. Socii a pair of 

relatively small, rounded, setose lobes, widely separated 

by a distance ~0.7× length of cucullar lobe; caudal margin 

of uncus deeply concave; a dense concentration of minute 

spines near middle of tegumen, with largest spines along 

caudal margin (Figure 412). Vinculum broad, consisting 

of a narrow ventral ring; anterior margin slightly truncate. 

Gnathos broadly conical with broad posteriodorsal margin; 

apex gradually constricted to form deeply furcate caudal 

lobe; lobes slender, widely divergent, approximately 0.37× 

length of entire gnathos; anterior margin slightly concave; 

basal fold mostly transverse, narrow, approximately 0.15× 

length of entire gnathos and slightly separated from larger 

posterior section. Valva with an elongate cucullar lobe ~0.5× 

length of genital capsule, bearing a pectinifer consisting of 

~24 blunt spines; pedicel broad, width nearly 0.4× length of 

cucullar lobe; length of valva along sacculus ~0.85× length 

of genital capsule; saccular lobe slender, elongate, tapering to elongate, narrow apex bearing 3–4 moderately long 

setae; basal process of valva attenuate, greatly exceeding 

length of costal process. Juxta slightly developed.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; Jamaica: St. Catharine Parish: Hollymount, Mt. Diablo, 2754 ft [~840 m], 21–24 Apr 

1973, UV light trap, D & M. Davis, slide USNM 31842 

(USNM).

Paratypes. ECUADOR: Guayas: 80 km E 

Guayaquil, Bucay (=Cumanda), 700 m: 5 ♂, 16–19 Jan 

2001, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slides AD 0460, 0461, 0462 

(VPU). Napo: SE of Tena, near Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha, 

and Misahualli, 400–500 m: 2 ♂, 26–31 Jan 2000, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slides AD 0458, 0459 (VPU).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults collected in January 

(Ecuador) and April (Jamaica).

Distribution. (Map 18) Known from two 

widely disjunct regions in the West Indies (Jamaica) and 

Ecuador.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin longus (long) and furcatus (forked), in reference 

to the deeply furcate apex of the male gnathos.

Discussion. Although currently known from 

only two widely disjunct areas in Jamaica and Ecuador, 

this species probably occurs over much of the northern 

Neotropical region. The wing pattern is highly variable 

between both the Jamaican and Ecuadorian specimens and 

within the Ecuadorian sample. The Ecuadorian specimens 

lack the costal spot present in the Jamaican specimen, but 

possess a dorsal spot that varies from being just visible 

to extending nearly half the length of the dorsal margin. 

Males from all populations agree in genital morphology, 

particularly in the structure of the gnathos and the presence of a dense concentration of minute spines medially on 

the tegumen (Figure 412).

Pseudopostega constricta, new species

Figures 236, 413, 414; Map 18

Adult. Figure 236. Length of forewing 3.7–5.0 

mm. Small, mostly cream white moth with cream white 
1 4 2 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

forewings marked with 3 light to dark brown, subapical 

costal strigulae, and a very small, dark brown to fuscous 

apical spot. Male gnathos broad at base, then abruptly 

constricted to form slender, deeply furcate caudal lobe; 

basal fold narrow, strongly arched at middle (Figure 413). 

Female unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown, 53–79-segmented. Palpi mostly cream; labial palpus with slight dorsal suffusion of light brown at 

base of each segment.

Thorax: Cream white; tegula with dark brown 

patch on anterior margin. Forewing cream white with basal 

third of costal margin dark brown; a small, faint brown 

spot sometimes present at basal third of dorsal margin; 3 

light to dark brown, subapical costal strigulae typically 

present; strigula 1 very faint, light yellowish brown fading 

well before dark brown to fuscous apical spot; strigula 2 

darker, terminating near apical end of 1; strigula 3 sometimes not well preserved, often interrupted, curving around 

apical spot to tornus; a pale to dark brown tornal strigula 

extending caudally from apical spot; terminal cilia partially 

white, often pale yellow between strigulae 1 and 2, light 

brown anterior to apical spot; dorsal cilia white to light 

brown; venter of forewing light brown except for basal, 

subhumeral white area. Hindwing and cilia light brown 

dorsally and ventrally to almost white ventrally. Legs 

mostly cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused with 

brown; tarsi of mid- and hindlegs usually with light brown 

banding dorsally.

Abdomen: Dark brown dorsally, grayish brown 

laterally, with moderately narrow cream streak ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 413, 414. Socii a pair of 

small, slender, rounded, setose, lobes widely separated by a 

distance ~0.45× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus 

smoothly concave, broadly V-shaped. Vinculum broad, 

tapering to moderately broad, slightly concave, anterior 

margin. Base of gnathos broad, with ovoid lateral lobes, 

abruptly constricted to broadly furcate, dorsally recurved 

caudal lobe; lobe divided for almost entire length; anterior 

margin of gnathos with slight median indentation; basal 

fold narrow, strongly arched at middle (Figure 413). Valva 

with elongate cucullar lobe ~0.35× length of genital capsule, 

bearing a pectinifer consisting of ~42 blunt spines; terminal 

apex of cucullar lobe extended ~0.2× length of lobe, terminating in a slender, tuberculate, setose lobe; pedicel moderately slender, minimum width ~0.15× length of cucullar 

lobe; valva moderately long, length along sacculus ~0.6× 

length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately stout, 

elongate, tapering slightly to rounded, setose apex; basal 

process of valva tapering to acute apex, approximately 

equal in length to elongate, slender costal process. Juxta 

weakly developed as short, slender rod from vinculum.

Female, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; MEXICO: Chiapas: San Cristobal de las Casas, 2300 m: 23–27 Jun 1981, V. O. Becker, 

USNM 32802 (USNM).

Paratype. MEXICO: Chiapas: Teopisca, 1900 

m: 2 ♂, 23–26 Jun 1981, V. O. Becker, slides USNM 32805, 

32826 (USNM, VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. June.

Distribution. (Map 18) Known only from 

the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico at elevations from 

1900 to 2300 m.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Latin constrictus (drawn together, contracted) in reference to the strongly constricted male gnathos.

Discussion. The male gnathos of this species closely resembles that of another Mexican species, P. brachybasis, particularly in the development of 

a strongly bifurcate, slender, caudal lobe. However, the 

length of the base of the gnathos is longer and more oval 

in constricta, and the saccular lobe is relatively longer. The 

wings of these two species differ, with the color of constricta being generally paler and more white.

Pseudopostega brachybasis, new species

Figures 237, 415, 416, 495, 496; Map 18

Adult. Figure 237. Length of forewing 2.3–

2.6 mm. Small, mostly white to pale cream moth with 

cream white forewings marked with 3 dark to light brown, 

subapical costal strigulae, 2 light to dark brown tornal 

strigulae, and a small, dark brown to fuscous apical spot. 

Base of male gnathos broad, extremely short, abruptly 

constricted to a deeply furcate, caudal lobe; basal fold 

transverse, broadly triangular, short (Figure 415). Papillae 

anales of female minutely bilobed; lobes short and round; 

corpus bursae covered internally with numerous minute 

spines (Figures 495, 496).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 46–47-segmented. Palpi 

white; labial palpus with suffusion of dark brown dorsally.

Thorax: White; tegula with dark brown suffusion on anterior margin. Forewing white with basal costal margin dark brown; 3 light to dark brown, subapical 

costal strigulae; strigula 1 moderately broad, light brown, 

continuing straight and obliquely to join a similar, basal 

tornal strigula before dark brown to fuscous apical spot; 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 4 3

area between basal strigulae and apical spot suffused with 

light brown; strigula 2 dark brown, curving slightly down 

to junction of basal strigulae; strigula 3 usually faint, short, 

usually fading before apical spot and well separated from 

short brown, terminal strigula beyond apical spot; terminal cilia mostly cream to light brown, becoming sometimes 

white around tornus and light brown along dorsal margin; 

venter of forewing brown with basal, subhumeral white 

area. Hindwing and cilia brown dorsally and ventrally. 

Legs mostly cream; foreleg with dorsal surfaces suffused 

with brown, lighter on tarsus; tarsi of mid- and hindlegs 

faintly banded dorsally with light brown.

Abdomen: Dark brown dorsally, grayish brown 

laterally, with narrow cream stripe ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 415, 416. Socii a pair of 

small, rouded, setose lobes, widely separated by a distance 

~0.7× length of cucullar lobe; caudal rim of uncus deeply 

concave. Vinculum broadly rounded. Gnathos broad, extremely short, with well-developed lateral lobes, abruptly 

constricted to a deeply furcate, caudal lobe; lobe divided 

to base; anterior margin of gnathos mostly truncate with 

a shallow median cleft; basal fold mostly transverse, short, 

broadly triangular (Figure 415). Valva with moderately 

large cucullar lobe ~0.3× length of genital capsule, bearing 

a pectinifer consisting of a single to partially double row of 

24–28 blunt spines; distal apex of cucullar lobe moderately 

extended, slender; pedicel broad, ~36× length of cucullar 

lobe; valva elongate, length along sacculus ~0.65× length 

of genital capsule; saccular lobe short, tapering to slender, 

setose apex; basal process of valva tapering to acute base, 

slightly longer than slender, acute costal lobe. Juxta slightly 

developed.

Female Genitalia: Figures 495, 496. Abdomen tapering to a narrowly rounded, minutely cleft apex. Each 

posterior apophysis elongate, fused for most of its length. Papillae anales consisting of a pair of minute, broadly rounded 

lobes (Figure 496); lobes short, length ~0.7× width, bearing 

~10–12 moderately long setae. Vestibulum moderately narrow, membranous, with dense concentration of pectinations similar to and continuous with those within caudal 

end of ductus bursae. Ductus bursae slender, of uniform 

diameter to corpus bursae; inner walls densely lined with 

pectinations consisting of ~3–7 minute spicules arranged in 

short, transverse rows; pectinations becoming more sparse 

anteriorly and terminating caudad of separation of ductus 

spermathecae. Corpus bursae moderately short, elliptical, 

enlarging abruptly from ductus bursae; a dense scattering 

of slender, elongate spines arising from most of inner wall; 

a faint band of minute, tuberculate outgrowths extending 

most of length of bursa. Ductus spermathecae elongate, 

approximately equaling length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal short, moderately broad near corpus 

bursae; inner canal terminating in 4–5 convolutions; vesicle 

composed of a slightly enlarged, moderately elongate, single coiled tube.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂; MEXICO: Tamaulipas: El Ensino, 250 m: 4–13 Aug 1988, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 

32824 (USNM).

Paratypes. Mexico: Tamaulipas: El Ensino, 

250 m: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 4–13 Aug 1988, V. O. Becker, slides 

USNM 32835, DRD 4223 (USNM, VOB).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. August.

Distribution. (Map 18) Known only from 

the state of Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico.

Etymology. The species name is derived from 

the Greek brachys (short) and basis (foundation, pedestal), in reference to the extremely short base of the male 

gnathos.

Discussion. This species closely resembles 

P. constricta in genital morphology but may be superficially distinguished by its more cream forewing color and 

darker strigulae and hindwings. The male of brachybasis

differs from constricta in having a shorter, more compact 

gnathos base and distinctly shorter saccular lobes on the 

valvae.

Pseudopostega venticola (Walsingham)

Figures 238, 239, 417, 418, 497–499; Map 18

Opostega venticola Walsingham, 1897:140.

Pseudopostega venticola (Walsingham).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:417.

Adult. Figures 238, 239. Length of forewing 

2.5–3.3 mm. Small white moth; forewings with or without light brown spot approximately midway along dorsal 

margin; 2 or usually 3 subapical, light brown costal strigulae, a light brown tornal strigula, and a small, dark brown 

to fuscous apical spot also present. Male genitalia with a 

pair of semicircular lobes along caudal margin of uncus; 

gnathos broad with deeply furcate caudal lobe; basal fold 

undeveloped (Figure 417). Papillae anales of female fused 

to form a single, rounded to minutely cleft lobe bearing 

numerous, short to elongate setae (Figures 498, 499).

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum light 

golden brown dorsally, cream ventrally, 48–58-segmented. 
1 4 4 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Palpi white to cream; labial palpus with brown suffusion 

dorsally.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, with or without 

elongate, light brown spot approximately midway along 

dorsal margin, occasionally with corresponding spot opposite on costal margin; 2 or usually 3 light to dark brown, 

subapical costal strigulae present; strigulae 1 and 2 fading 

into suffused ochreous area immediately basal to small fuscous apical spot; ochreous suffusion occasionally extending between strigulae 1 and 2 almost to costa; strigula 3 

also directed toward ochreous area, but curving sharply 

around apical spot toward tornus; 1–2 light to dark brown 

tornal strigulae extending from or near apical spot to tornus; cilia mostly white except with light brown suffusion at 

apex beyond strigula 3; venter of forewing uniformly whitish cream. Hindwing white or grayish white dorsally and 

ventrally; cilia cream to white. Legs mostly white to cream, 

with light grayish brown suffusion dorsally on foreleg.

Abdomen: Golden brown to cream dorsally, white 

to cream ventrally.

Male Genitalia: Figures 417, 418. Socii a pair of 

small, rounded, setose lobes widely separated by a distance ~0.9× length of cucullar lobe; Caudal rim of uncus 

shallowly to moderately deeply concaved, with a pair of 

moderately large, triangular to semicircular lobes arising 

from caudal margin immediately mesad of socii; width of 

lobes ~1.5× that of socii. Tegumen moderately broad, constricted middorsally. Vinculum broad, tapering to narrowly 

rounded anterior margin. Base of gnathos broad, expanded 

laterally as rounded lobes, with slightly concave anterior 

margin lacking a basal fold; gnathos abruptly constricted 

near middle to form a divergent pair of long, slender to 

moderately stout, caudal lobes; length of lobes ~ equal to 

base. Valva with large cucullar lobe bearing elongate pectinifer ~0.4× length of genital capsule, consisting of 27–40 

blunt spines; terminal apex of cucullar lobe slightly extended in a cluster of 4–5 small, tuberculate, setose lobes; 

pedicel moderately broad; width ~0.2–0.35× length of cucullar lobe; valva elongate, ~0.7–7.5× length of genital capsule; saccular lobe moderately short to elongate, tapering 

to narrowly rounded, setose apex; basal process of valva 

moderately long, tapering to acuminate apex; costal process 

of valva well sclerotized, slightly shorter than basal process, 

with bluntly rounded apex. Juxta variable, a short to long, 

slender, rod-like extension from vinculum.

Female Genitalia: Figures 497–499. Abdomen tapering to moderately broad, subacute apex. Each posterior 

apophysis fused for most its length, slender, elongate. Papillae anales fused to form a single, rounded to minutely 

cleft lobe bearing numerous, short to elongate setae, the 

longest 1.5–2.0× width of papilla and ~0.15–0.25× length 

of posterior apophyses; maximum length of anal papilla 

~0.65–0.75× width (Figures 498, 499). Vestibulum relatively broad, membranous. Ductus bursae similar in width, 

with two elongate, closely adjacent patches of pectinations 

containing usually 3–8 spicules per transverse row. Corpus bursae relatively broad, with faint, irregular U-shaped 

band of numerous, minute, variably shaped, usually broad 

external tubercles partially encircling most the length of 

the bursa (Figure 497). Ductus spermathecae ~0.5–0.55× 

length of bursa copulatrix; membranous outer canal short, 

broad; inner canal long, sinuous, terminating in ~3–4 convolutions; vesicle with sharply curved base and elongate, 

tubular, terminal lobe.

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Lectotype. (Designated by Davis, 1989) 

♂; GRENADA: Balthazar (Windward side), 250–300 ft 

[~76–91 m], 8 May, H. H. Smith, slide BMNH 29635, 

Walsingham Collection 65263 (BMNH).

Material Examined. BRAZIL: Mato 

Grosso: 60 km S Poconé, Pantanal, 100 m: 1 ♂, 20 

Oct 1998, 1 ♂, 1–7 Dec 1997, V. O. Becker, slides DRD 

4228, USNM 33127 (USNM, VOB). Mato Grosso 

do Sul: Corumbá, 180 m: 1 ♂, 23–25 Apr 1984, V. O. 

Becker, slide USNM 31797 (USNM). Pará: Capitao Poco: 

1 ♂, 19–22 Nov 1984, V. O. Becker, slide DRD 4236 

(VOB). Costa Rica: Guanacaste: Estación Maritza, 

Lado Oeste Volcan Orosí, 600 m: 1 ♂, Jul 1990, I curso 

Microlep., slide USNM 32768 (USNM). Estación Pitilla, 

9 km S Santa Cecilia, 700 m: 1 ♂, Oct 1990, P. Rios & 

C. Moraga, slide: DRD 4208 (INBIO). Dominica: 1 

mi [0.63 km] E. Clarke Hall: 5 ♂, 1 ♀, 4 Apr 1965, D. R. 

Davis (USNM), 2 mi [3.2 km] NW Pont Cassé: 1 ♂, 16 

Apr 1965, 1 ♂, 20 Apr 1965, D. R. Davis, slide USNM 

32482 (USNM). Clarke Hall: 1 ♂, 10 Mar 1965, 1 ♂, 11 

Jan 1965, 6 ♂, 1 ♀, 14 Jan 1965, 1 ♂, 16 Feb 1965, 1 ♂, 

18 Feb 1965, 1 ♀, 20 Jan 1965, 2 ♂, 26 Jan 1965, J. F. 

G. & T. M. Clarke; 2 ♂, 11–20 Jan 1965, 1 ♂, 21–31 Jan 

1965, 2 ♂, 8–10 Jan 1965, W. W. Wirth, slides USNM 

32729, 32876, 32919 (USNM). Macoucheri: 1 ♂, 12 Feb 

1965, J. F. G. & T. M. Clarke (USNM). Soufrière, 500 

ft [~152 m]: 1 ♂, 11 Feb 1965, J. F. G. & T. M. Clarke 

(USNM). South Chiltern: 1 ♂, 25–27 May 1965, D. R. 

Davis (USNM). Springfield: 1 ♂, 1 Jun 1965, D. R. Davis, 

slide USNM 32481 (USNM). ECUADOR: Napo: SE of 

Tena, near Rio Napo, Jatun Sacha, and Misahualli, 400–

500 m: 1 ♂, 26–31 Jan 2001, R. Puplesis & S. Hill, slide 

AD 0358 (VPU). GRENADA: Balthazar, 250–300 ft 

[~76–91 m], windward side: 1 ♂ (lectotype), 8 May, slide 

BMNH 29635, 1 ♂ (paralectotype), 5–10 May, slide 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 4 5

BMNH 29634, H. H. Smith, Walsingham Collection 

65263 (BMNH). Mexico: Campeche: Escárcega: 1 

♂, slide DRD 4222 (USNM). Panama: Cabima: 6 ♂, 

4 ♀, May 1911, A. Busck, slides USNM 31841, 31965, 

32832 (USNM). Puerto Rico: El Verde Field Station, Luquillo Exp. Forest, 435 m: 3 ♂, 1 ♀, 1–21 Jan 

1971, C. P. Kimball, slide USNM 32741 (USNM). Isla 

Magueyes, off Parguera, 15 m: 1 ♀, 1–4 Feb 1971, C. P. 

Kimball (USNM). Maricao Lt.: 4 ♂, Jul 1971, J. Maldonado, slides USNM 32736, 32737, (USNM). Patillas, 

590 m: 5 ♂, 2 ♀, Aug 1987, V. O. Becker, slide USNM 

31966 (USNM, VOB). Reserva Forestal Guajataca, 360 

m: 5 ♂, 1 UNK, 18–28 Mar 1971, 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 1–13 Apr 

1971, 2 ♂, 1 UNK, 14–20 Apr 1971, C. P. Kimball, slide 

USNM 32742 (USNM). USA: Florida: Broward Co.: 

Royal Palm State Park: 1 ♂, Jan 1930, F. M. Jones, slide 

USNM 32438 (USNM). Texas: Tyler Co.: Big Thicket 

National Park, Ranch Hs, Turkey Creek, Unit 3: 1 ♂, 4 

Jun 1994, E. Knudson, slide USNM 32843 (USNM). V

enezuela: Guarico: Hato Masaguaral, 45 km S. Calabozo, 75 m: 1 ♂, 1 UNK, 28–29 Jun 1989, M. Epstein & 

M. Deza, slide USNM 32967 (USNM).

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. Adults have been collected 

in nearly every month over this species’ broad range. No 

sustained sampling has been conducted in any particular 

region to assess its relative seasonality.

Distribution. (Map 18) This species ranges 

widely over much of the Neotropical Region from southern Florida and Texas (USA), through much of the West 

Indies and Central America to southern Brazil.

Discussion. Pseudopostega venticola was 

described from four specimens collected in Grenada and 

Haiti. Three of the four specimens have been examined during this study, including the male lectotype and paralectotype from Balthazar, Grenada, and one female “paratype” 

from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Because the female originates 

from a different locality and possesses a distinctly different wing pattern (forewing with only a single strigula and 

no dorsal spot), it was not possible to verify its identity. 

Consequently, the specimen was excluded from this study. 

Although the lectotype is without a head, it is otherwise in 

good condition with the forewing pattern well preserved.

Together with P. saltatrix, this species is one of the 

most widely distributed members within the family. Pseudopostega venticola has been found to occur around the 

Caribbean region from the southern USA to as far south as 

Brazil. Only minor variation of the male genital morphology was observed, and this mostly involved slight differences in the saccular lobe of the valva, which may range 

from moderately stout to slender. The slender, deeply 

divided, divergent, caudal lobes and lobiform, lateral expansion of the gnathos, together with the relatively large 

rounded lobes from the caudal rim of the uncus are diagnostic for the species. Some variation in the form of the 

papillae anales was observed within females collected at 

the same locality (Clarke Hall) on the West Indian Island 

of Dominica (Figures 498, 499).

Species unplaced to group

Five previously described species cannot be assigned 

to any of the proposed species groups (based on male genital characters) because they are represented only by female 

specimens or are missing abdomens (for P. pontifex). It 

is hoped that future collecting will result in discovering 

males that can be associated with these names.

Pseudopostega congruens (Walsingham)

Figures 240, 500; Map 19

Opostega congruens Walsingham, 1914:350.—Davis, 1984:18.

Pseudopostega congruens (Walsingham).—Davis, 1989:76.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:418.

Adult. Figure 240. Length of forewing ~4.4 mm. 

Moderately small brownish moth; forewings with 3 brown 

to fuscous, subapical costal strigulae, 2 tornal strigulae, and 

a minute black apical spot. Female with bilobed papillae 

anales (Figure 500). Male unknown.

Head: Vestiture white with brownish suffusion. 

Scape white with brownish suffusion; flagellum dark brown, 

58-segmented. Palpi yellowish brown with scattered whitish scales.

Thorax: Light grayish brown; tegula darker proximally. Forewing light grayish brown with golden and green 

irridescence at basal one-third, gradually becoming brown 

to dark brown with golden and purple irridescence over 

distal third; 3 fuscous, subapical costal strigulae present; 

strigulae 1 and 2 converging near black apical spot; strigula 3 interrupted slightly near apical spot; 2 fuscous tornal strigulae present; first tornal strigula fading with first 

costal strigula before apical spot; second tornal strigula 

extending from apical spot parallel to first; cilia brown; 

venter of forewing brown, except for small, elongate dark 

cream, subhumeral area. Hindwing dark brown dorsally 

and ventrally; cilia grayish brown. Legs ochreous cream 

with brown suffusion laterally and dorsally on tarsi and 

partially on tibiae.
1 4 6 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Abdomen: Dark brown dorsally, lustrous brownish cream ventrally.

Female Genitalia: Figure 500. Apex of abdomen 

with paired, short, rounded lobes bearing numerous, moderately long setae. Each posterior apophysis fused for most 

its length, subacute, very slender and long, length ~3.8× 

maximum width of papillae anales. Papillae anales bilobed; 

lobes small, elongate, nearly contiguous, strongly sclerotized 

and papillose, arising from a common anterior plate. Vestibulum narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae with a dense 

patch of minute spicules. Corpus bursae large and bulbous; 

the main body entirely densely covered with pectinate spicules and with faint band of minute, capitate tubercles extending externally most the length of bursa (Figure 500). 

Ductus spermathecae ~ equal to bursa copulatrix in length; 

proximal half of membranous outer canal very broad, bulbous; distal half relatively slender; inner canal slightly sinuous, with ~2–3 relatively large convolutions terminating in 

an elongate, tubular vesicle.

Male, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♀; MExico: Guerrero: Amula, 

6000 ft [~1830 m]: Aug, H. H. Smith, slide BMNH 29641, 

(BMNH).

Material Examined. Holotype ♀.

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. August (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 19) Currently known 

only from the type locality in southwestern Mexico.

Discussion. The brownish forewings of this 

species distinguish it from nearly all other Pseudopostega. 

Because the species is represented only by the holotype, 

nothing is known regarding possible color variation. The 

bilobed papillae anales of the female superficially resembles 

those of P. albogaleriella, P. perdigna, and P. texana, but 

the presence of a dense concentration of pectinate spicules 

lining the internal walls of the corpus bursae of P. congruens readily distinguishes it from all other species.

Pseudopostega elachista (Walsingham)

Figures 241, 501; Map 19

Opostega elachista Walsingham, 1914:350.—Davis, 1984:18.

Pseudopostega elachista (Walsingham).—Davis, 1989:76.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:418.

Adult. Figure 241. Length of forewing 

4.4 mm. Moderately small whitish moth; forewings with 

two brown spots, one located along distal third of costal 

margin, the other midway along dorsal margin; also present are 2 brown, subapical costal strigulae, 1 brown tornal 

strigula, and a small, fuscous, apical spot. Female with a 

single, fused anal papilla (Figure 501). Male unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum yellowish brown, 58-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream with 

grayish brown suffusion laterally and dorsally; labial palpus grayish cream.

Thorax: Cream; tegula white. Forewing white, with 

two dark spots: a dark brown, triangular costal spot on distal third of costa, and a brownish, irregularly shaped, medial, 

dorsal spot; 2 brown, subapical costal strigulae with yellowish suffusion along inner margins present; first strigula fading 

before small, fuscous apical spot; second strigula curving to 

apical spot, then, with slight interruption, continuing around 

spot to outer edge of cilia; a single, slender, brown strigula 

curving around tornus; terminal cilia light brown, becoming 

ochreous cream on tornus, otherwise whitish cream; venter of forewing light yellowish brown. Hindwing ochreous 

cream dorsally and ventrally; cilia mostly ochreous, more 

white distally. Foreleg grayish cream, grayish brown to fuscous on tibia and tarsi; mid- and hindlegs mostly ochreous 

cream, grayish brown to cream on tarsi.

Abdomen: Yellowish brown dorsally, lustrous 

cream ventrally.

Female Genitalia: Figure 501. Apex of abdomen 

gradually narrowing, with shallow cleft, and strongly papillose laterally. Each posterior apophysis fused most of its 

length, very slender, acute, elongate, length ~3.5× maximum width of anal papilla. Papillae anales fused into single, 

trapezoidal, setose lobe with minutely concave apical margin. Vestibulum very narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae 

with a moderately dense patch of minute, solitary spicules. 

Corpus bursae large, ovoid, densely covered with minute, pectinate spinules and with faint band of irregularly 

shaped, external tubercles partially encircling bursa; form 

of tubercles varying from short and rounded to capitate or 

bifurcate. Ductus spermathecae equal to bursa copulatrix 

in length or longer; proximal part of membranous outer 

canal distinctly rounded; distal 2/3 relatively slender; inner 

canal slightly sinuous, gradually widening distally, with 

~5–6 large, heavily sclerotized, compact convolutions and 

curved, tubular vesicle, terminating in a moderately large, 

membranous utriculus.

Male, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♀; MExico: Guerrero: Amula, 

6000 ft [~1830 m]: Sep 1918, H. H. Smith, Gdm. Slvn 

66790, Walsingham Collection, slide BMNH 29642, 

(BMNH).

Material Examined. Holotype ♀.
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 4 7

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. September (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 19) Known only from 

the type locality in southwestern Mexico.

Discussion. The undivided anal papilla on 

the female ovipositor of P. elachista is similar to that present in the Brazilian P. acrodicra and the more widespread 

P. venticola. The corpus bursae of these two species, however, lacks the dense concentration of minute, solitary 

spicules that largely cover the internal walls of the corpus 

bursae of elachista.

Pseudopostega paromias (Meyrick)

Figures 242, 502; Map 19

Opostega paromias Meyrick, 1915:240.—Clarke, 1955:236.—Davis, 

1984:18.

Map 19. Distribution of New World Pseudopostega (species group undetermined).
1 4 8 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Pseudopostega paromias (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:419.

Adult. Figure 242. Length of forewing 4.0 

mm. Moderately small white moth; forewings marked by 

large dark brown spot midway along costa, 2 dark brown 

subapical costal strigulae, 1 brown tornal strigula, and a 

fuscous apical spot. Papillae anales of female consisting of 

a slender transverse papillose, setose plate without conspicuous lobes (Figure 502). Male unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum grayish to dark brown (depending upon viewing angle), with 

purplish to yellowish green iridescence, ~48-­segmented. 

Palpi light ochreous to ochreous cream.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, with large, semielliptical, dark brown spot midway along costal margin; 

a slight brownish suffusion present near base of costal 

margin and a larger, somewhat scattered, brownish suffusion in subapical region of forewing before relatively 

broad, fuscous apical spot; 2 dark brown, relatively short, 

subapical costal strigulae present; first strigula terminating 

before apical spot near subapical brownish area; strigula 

2 terminating above apical spot; a short, brown tornal 

strigula slightly distad and below apical spot; cilia from 

whitish to yellowish brown; venter of forewing yellowish brown, except for small, elongated, subhumeral cream 

area. Hindwing and cilia light grayish ochreous dorsally 

and ventrally. Legs ochreous cream with dark gray lateral 

and dorsal suffusion.

Abdomen: Ochreous cream dorsally, cream ventrally.

Female Genitalia: Figure 502. Apex of abdomen 

strongly tapered, with two weakly developed lateral lobes 

bearing numerous moderately long setae. Each posterior 

apophysis fused for most its length, long and slender, subacute; length nearly 6× maximum width of papillae anales. 

Papillae anales without prominent lobes, instead consisting of a slender, transverse, papillose, setose plate. Vestibulum narrow, membranous. Ductus bursae with a dense 

zone of pectinations, consisting of ~2–4 minute spicules in 

transverse rows, extending entire length of ductus. Corpus 

bursae large, ovoid; walls without pectinate spicules, but 

with faint, U-shaped band of slightly elongate, external tubercles of variable form. Ductus spermathecae unusually 

short, about half the length of bursa copulatrix; proximal 

half of membranous outer canal broad and bulbous; much 

reduced distal half nearly invisible; inner canal slightly sinuous, becoming gradually broader distally, with ~4.0–4.5 

relatively small, compact convolutions; vesicle reduced, 

tubular.

Male, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♀; PERU: Lima: Matucana, 7780 ft 

[~2370 m], Jul 1914, Parish, slide BMNH 29644 (BMNH).

Material Examined. Holotype ♀.

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. July (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 19) Known only from 

the type locality in western Peru.

Discussion. Although it is impossible to assess 

wing pattern variation in this species at present, the relatively 

large forewing costal spot may be somewhat diagnostic. The 

short, fused papillae anales of P. paromias most closely 

resemble those of P. parakempella from the Florida Keys, 

USA. The corpus bursae of parakempella, however, is more 

slender than in paromias, with the minute, external tubercles 

concentrated more along the caudal two-thirds of the bursa.

Pseudopostega perdigna (Walsingham)

Figures 243, 503; Map 19

Opostega perdigna Walsingham, 1914:349.—Davis, 1984:18.

Pseudopostega perdigna (Walsingham).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and 

Diškus, 2003:418.

Adult. Figure 243. Length of forewing ~6.0 mm. 

Moderately small white moth; forewings with two brown 

spots, one located along distal third of costal margin, the 

other midway along dorsal margin; also present are 3 

brown, subapical costal strigulae, 1 brown tornal strigula, 

and a small, fuscous, apical spot. Female with prominently 

bilobed papillae anales (Figure 503). Male unknown.

Head: Vestiture white. Scape white; flagellum 

ochreous, ~68–70-segmented. Maxillary palpus cream with 

grayish brown suffusion laterally and dorsally; labial palpus cream to grayish cream.

Thorax: White. Forewing white, with two brown 

spots: an elongate, slender, dark brown spot extending 

along distal third of costa and a brown, approximately triangular, spot midway along dorsal margin; also present are 

3 brown, subapical costal strigulae; strigula 1 very faint in 

holotype) with yellowish suffusion along their inner margins; second strigula terminating in yellowish suffusion 

before small, fuscous apical spot; third strigula extending 

to apical spot, then interrupted before continuing around 

spot toward tornus; tornal stigula a faint, brown steak; 

terminal cilia light brown, otherwise whitish cream; venter 

of forewing brown or yellowish brown, except for elongated, subhumeral cream area. Hindwing ochreous cream 
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 4 9

to yellowish brown (depending on viewing angle) dorsally and ventrally; cilia ochreous. Foreleg mostly grayish 

cream, with grayish brown to fuscous suffusion dorsally 

on tibia and tarsus; mid- and hindlegs mostly ochreous 

cream, grayish brownish to grayish cream on tarsi.

Abdomen: Ochreous cream to brown dorsally (depending on viewing angle), cream ventrally.

Female Genitalia: Figure 503. Apex of abdomen 

bilobed, rounded, with numerous long and moderately 

long setae. Each posterior apophysis fused most of its 

length, elongate, slender, with blunt apices. Papillae anales bilobed, consisting of two, small, moderately elongate, 

sclerotized, setose lobes; length of lobes ~1.5× width. Vestibulum narrow, thickened, with numerous folds. Ductus 

bursae elongate, moderately slender, with a dense zone 

of pectinations consisting of short transverse rows of 1–4 

minute spicules. Corpus bursae large, with triangular caudal lobe; walls densely covered with both pectinate and 

elongate, spinose spicules; a faint band bearing weakly 

sclerotized, external tubercles of variable form (from distally rounded to capitate or bifid) encircling anterior half 

of bursa. Ductus spermathecae equal to bursa copulatrix in 

length; proximal 3/4 of membranous outer canal a broad 

tube, distal 1⁄4 much constricted; inner canal slightly sinuous, with ~4 small, tightly coiled convolutions terminating in elongate, strongly curved, tubular vesicle and small 

membranous utriculus.

Male, Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. ♀; MEXICO: Guerrero: Omiltemi, 8000 ft [~2440 m], Jul 1918, H. H. Smith, Gdm. 

Slvn 66818, Walsingham Collection, slide BMNH 29643 

(BMNH).

Material Examined. Holotype ♀.

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. July (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 19) Known only from 

the type locality in western Mexico.

Discussion. The forewing pattern of this species is somewhat similar to that of another species known 

only from a unique female collected in the Mexican state 

of Guerrero, P. elachista. In perdigna the dorsal spot is less 

developed and more slender than in elachista, although 

with only the holotypes available for study, the amount 

of pattern variation is unknown. The papillae anales differ considerably between these two females, with that of 

elachista being fused into a single lobe. The papillae anales 

of perdigna most resemble the prominently bilobed condition occuring in the North American P. albogaleriella, 

quadristrigella, and texana. The minute, solitary spicules 

that largely cover the internal walls of the corpus bursae 

in perdigna are lacking in texana. The female genitalia of 

quadristrigella appears to resemble that of perdigna the 

most, but differ in possessing relatively shorter posterior 

apophyses, longer solitary spicules along the anterior half 

of the corpus bursae, and possibly shorter length of the 

spermathecal vesicle. Whenever a male of perdigna is 

available for study, the relationship of these two species 

should be reexamined.

Pseudopostega pontifex (Meyrick)

Figure 244; Map 19

Opostega pontifex Meyrick, 1915:240.—Clarke, 1955:255.—Davis, 

1984:18.

Pseudopostega pontifex (Meyrick).—Davis, 1989:77.—Puplesis and Diškus, 

2003:419.

Adult. Figure 244. Length of forewing 2.7 

mm. Small whitish moth; forewings with brown fascia 

partially traversing wing near middle, 2 dark brown, subapical stigulae and a short, faint, terminal strigula. Sex of 

holotype unknown [abdomen missing].

Head: Vestiture white, with slight suffusion of 

brownish cream. Scape white with similar suffusion as head; 

flagellum yellowish brown, ~66-segmented. Maxillary palpus ochreous cream with brownish suffusion laterally on 

distal segments; labial palpus ochreous cream.

Thorax: Similar to head in color; tegula white, but 

with brownish suffusion along anterior margin. Forewing white to off white, with a prominent, brown, oblique, 

median fascia extending from costa but diffusing midway 

to dorsal margin into large brownish suffusion extending along dorsum nearly to tornus; 2 dissimilar, subapical 

costal strigulae present: strigula 1 a heavy, dark brown, 

strongly oblique band bordering distal edge of wing around 

base of cilia and obliterating apical spot; strigula 2 short, 

dark brown, slender, and well separated from a short, 

faint, brown terminal strigula; cilia light brown to brown; 

venter of forewing dark yellowish brown, except for small, 

elongate, subhumeral cream area. Hindwing including cilia 

gray (see Discussion). Legs ochreous cream, except forelegs 

with lateral dorsal suffusion of grayish brown.

Abdomen: Not examined [missing].

Larva and Pupa. Unknown.

Holotype. Sex unknown [abdomen missing]; 

COLOMBIA: Cali, 500 ft [~153 m], May 1914, Parish 

(BMNH).

Material Examined. Holotype.
1 5 0 • s m i t h s on i an con t r i bu t i on s t o zoolo g y

Host. Unknown.

Flight Period. May (unique record).

Distribution. (Map 19) Known only from 

the type locality in western Colombia.

Discussion. This species is represented only 

by the holotype, which is missing the hindwings and abdomen. Consequently, its sex cannot be determined. The 

drawing and color description of the hindwing were reconstructed according to Meyrick’s (1915) original description. The remainder of the holotype is well preserved 

and may provide sufficient information for eventually recognizing the species.
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Figures 127–503

Figures 127–136.  Adults. 127, 128, Pseudopostega dorsalis dorsalis, resting on leaf of Trichilia havaensis, photographed by K. Nishida, 5

Jun 2000, 3:20 pm (holotype ♂, 3.3 mm, Costa Rica). 129, P. galapagosae, photographed by B. Landry (paratype ♀, 2.5 mm, Ecuador: Galápagos Islands). 130, Notiopostega atrata (holotype ♀, 8.0 mm, Chile). 131, Neopostega longispina (holotype ♂, 2.8 mm,Venezuela). 132, Neopostega falcata (holotype ♂, 2.1 mm, Costa Rica). 133, Neopostega asymmetra (holotype ♂, 3.0 mm, Brazil). 134, Neopostega petila (holotype

♂, 2.6 mm, Costa Rica). 135, Neopostega distola (holotype ♂, 3.1 mm, Brazil). 136, Opostegoides scioterma (holotype ♀, 3.8 mm, Canada:

Ont.). (Forewing lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 137–148.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 137, P. rotunda (holotype ♂, 1.9 mm, Costa Rica). 138, P. ovatula (holotype ♂, 2.1 mm,

Ecuador). 139, P. serrata (holotype ♂, 2.7 mm, Costa Rica). 140, P. ferruginea (holotype ♂, 2.4 mm, U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas). 141,

P. abrupta (♀, 2.8 mm, British Virgin Islands: Guana Is.). 142, P. floridensis (holotype ♂, 2.4 mm, USA: Florida). 143, P. lateriplicata (holotype

♂, 1.9 mm, Costa Rica). 144, P. uncinata (paratype ♀, 3.0 mm, Venezuela). 145, P. microacris(holotype ♂, 2.4 mm, Costa Rica). 146, P.fumida

(holotype ♂, 2.1 mm, Belize). 147, P. gracilis (holotype ♂, 2.5 mm, French Guiana). 148, P. tucumanae (holotype ♂, 4.0 mm, Argentina).

(Forewing lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 149–160.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 149, P. apotoma (holotype ♂, 3.4 mm, Brazil). 150, P. pexa (holotype ♂, 3.2 mm, Brazil).

151, P. diskusi (holotype ♂, 3.1 mm, Belize). 152, P. truncata (holotype ♂, 2.4 mm, Costa Rica). 153, P. monstruosa (holotype ♂, 3.0 mm,

Ecuador). 154, P. microlepta (holotype ♂, 2.2 mm, Guyana). 155, P. spatulata (holotype ♂, 2.4 mm, Costa Rica). 156–159, P. albogaleriella:

156, ♂ (4.4 mm, USA: Missouri); 157, ♂ (4.0 mm, USA: Florida); 158, ♀ (4.4 mm, USA: New York); 159, ♂ (4.8 mm, USA: California). 160,

P. denticulata (holotype ♂, 2.3 mm, Ecuador). (Forewing lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 161–172.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 161, P. latisaccula (holotype ♂, 2.1 mm, Dominica). 162, P. attenuata (paratype ♀, 2.2 mm,

Costa Rica). 163, P. conicula (holotype ♂, 2.6 mm, Costa Rica). 164, P. triangularis (holotype ♂, 2.6 mm, Argentina). 165, P. sacculata (holotype ♂, 2.6 mm, Ecuador). 166, P. kempella (holotype ♂, 2.2 mm, USA: Florida). 167, P. paraplicatella (holotype ♂, 3.0 mm, Ecuador). 168,

P. plicatella (holotype ♂, 2.6 mm, Brazil). 169–171, P. cretea: 169, lectotype ♂ (4.3 mm, Canada: Ontario); 170, ♂ (4.1 mm, USA: New York);

171, ♂ (3.5 mm, USA: Michigan). 172, P. breviapicula, (holotype ♂, 2.9 mm, Brazil). (Forewing lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 173–184.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 173, P. mignonae (holotype ♂, 4.3 mm, Jamaica). 174, P. trinidadensis (holotype ♂, 3.7 mm,

Trinidad). 175, P. subtila (holotype ♂, 3.8 mm, Brazil). 176, P. acuminata (holotype ♂, 3.1 mm, Argentina). 177, P. tanygnatha (holotype

♂, 2.3 mm, Costa Rica). 178, P. colognatha (holotype ♂, 2.1 mm, Puerto Rico). 179, P. obtusa (holotype ♂, 3.4 mm, Ecuador). 180–182,

P. galapagosae: 180, paratype ♂ (2.4 mm, Ecuador: Galápagos Islands); 181, holotype ♂ (2.6 mm, Ecuador: Galápagos Islands); 182, paratype

♀ (2.2 mm, Ecuador: Galápagos Islands). 183+184, P. saltatrix: 183, ♂ (2.4 mm, French Guiana); 184, ♂ (2.6 mm, Costa Rica). (Forewing

lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 185–196.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 185–190, P. saltatrix: 185, ♂ (2.3 mm, Jamaica); 186, holotype ♂ (2.3 mm, U.S. Virgin Islands:

St. Thomas); 187, ♂ (2.2 mm, Nicaragua); 188, ♂ (2.4 mm, Paraguay); 189, ♂ (2.7 mm, Costa Rica); 190, ♂ (2.2 mm, Dominica). 191, P. dorsalis dorsalis (holotype ♂, 3.3 mm, Costa Rica). 192, P. dorsalis fasciata (holotype ♂, 2.8 mm, Costa Rica). 193, P. parakempella (holotype ♂,

2.1 mm, USA: Florida). 194, P. adusta (holotype ♂, 2.8 mm, U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas). 195, P. longipedicella (holotype ♂, 2.3 mm, Costa

Rica). 196, P. lobata (holotype ♂, 2.4 mm, Costa Rica). (Forewing lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 197–208.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 197, P. lobata (paratype ♂, 2.4 mm, Argentina). 198, P. clavata (holotype ♂, 2.6 mm, Puerto

Rico). 199, P. sublobata (holotype ♂, 2.3 mm, Costa Rica). 200–201, P. duplicata: 200, paratype ♂ (2.5 mm, British Virgin Islands: Tortola);

201, paratype ♀ (2.5 mm, Costa Rica). 202, P. didyma (holotype ♂, 2.6 mm, Ecuador). 203–204, P. acidata: 203, holotype ♂ (4.1 mm, Ecuador); 204, ♂ (2.8 mm, USA: Texas). 205, P. tenuifurcata (holotype ♂, 2.5 mm, Costa Rica). 206, P. sectila (holotype ♂, 3.7 mm, British Virgin

Islands: Tortola). 207, P. texana (holotype ♂, 2.73 mm, USA: Texas). 208, P. curtarama (holotype ♂, 3.4 mm, Brazil). (Forewing lengths in

parentheses.)
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Figures 209–220.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 209, P. crassifurcata (holotype ♂, 2.5 mm, Cuba). 210, P. turquinoensis (holotype ♂, 3.3 mm,

Cuba). 211, P. concava (holotype ♂, 3.3 mm, Mexico). 212, P. brevifurcata (holotype ♂, 2.7 mm, Costa Rica). 213, P. brevivalva (holotype

♂, 2.8 mm, Costa Rica). 214, P. acrodicra (holotype ♂, 5.7 mm, Brazil). 215, P. caulifurcata (holotype ♂, 4.8 mm, Brazil). 216, P. resimafurcata (holotype ♂, 4.1 mm, Brazil). 217–218, P. quadristrigella: 217, ♂ (4.1 mm, USA: South Dakota); 218, neotype ♂ (4.8 mm, USA: North

Carolina). 219, P. bidorsalis (paratype ♀, 2.5 mm, Costa Rica). 220, P. divaricata (holotype ♂, 4.4 mm, Argentina). (Forewing lengths in

parentheses.)
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Figures 221–232.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 221, P. contigua, (holotype ♂, 2.0 mm, Venezuela). 222–223, P. latifurcata latifurcata: 222,

holotype ♂ (2.8 mm, Puerto Rico); 223, paratype ♂ (2.9 mm, British Virgin Islands: Tortola). 224, P. latifurcata apoclina (holotype ♂, 2.5 mm,

Costa Rica). 225, P. latiapicula (holotype ♂, 2.4 mm, Costa Rica). 226, P. ecuadoriana (holotype ♂, 3.3 mm, Ecuador). 227, P. pumila (holotype ♂, 3.2 mm, Mexico). 228, P. beckeri (holotype ♂, 4.4 mm, Brazil). 229, P. protomochla (♂, 4.3 mm, Argentina). 230, P. bicornuta

(holot­ype ♂, 4.6 mm, Mexico). 231–232, P. suffuscula: 231, holotype ♂ (2.7 mm, Argentina); 232, paratype, sex ? (abdomen missing, 3.0 mm,

Argentina). (Forewing lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 233–244.  Adults of Pseudopostega. 233, P. monosperma (holotype ♂, 3.6 mm, Brazil). 234–235, P. longifurcata: 234, holotype ♂

(4.0 mm,Jamaica) ; 235, paratype ♂ (2.7 mm, Ecuador). 236, P. constricta (holotype ♂, 5.0 mm, Mexico). 237, P. brachybasis(holotype ♂, 2.6

mm, Mexico). 238–239, P. venticola: 238, holotype ♂ (2.9 mm, Grenada); 239, ♂ (3.0 mm, Brazil). 240, P. congruens (holotype ♀, 4.4 mm,

Mexico). 241, P. elachista (holotype ♀, 4.4 mm, Mexico). 242, P. paromias (holotype ♀, 4.0 mm, Peru). 243, P. perdigna (holotype ♀, 6.0 mm,

Mexico). 244, P. pontifex (holotype, sex ? [abdomen missing], 2.7 mm, Colombia). (Forewing lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 245–253. Male genitalia. Notiopostega atrata: 245, ventral view; 246, aedoeagus. Neopostega asymmetra: 247, ventral view; 248,

lateral view of socii and gnathos; 249, aedoaegus. Neopostega longispina: 250, ventral view; 251, aedoeagus. Neopostega falcata: 252, ventral

view; 253, aedoeagus. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
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Figures 254–262. Male genitalia. Neopostega petila: 254, ventral view; 255, aedoeagus. N. distola: 256, ventral view; 257, lateral view; 258,

aedoeagus (Brazil); 258a, aedoeagus (Costa Rica). Opostegoides scioterma: 259, ventral view; 260, aedoeagus. Pseudopostega rotunda: 261,

ventral view; 262, gnathos, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
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Figures 263–270. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega ovatula: 263, ventral view; 264, gnathos, lateral view. P. serrata: 265, ventral view; 266,

gnathos, lateral view. P. ferruginea: 267, ventral view; 268, gnathos, lateral view. P. abrupta: 269, ventral view; 270, gnathos, lateral view. (All

scales = 0.1 mm.)
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Figures 271–277. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega floridensis: 271, ventral view; 271a, apical detail of saccular lobe of valva. P. lateriplicata:

272, ventral view; 273, gnathos, lateral view. P. uncinata: 274, ventral view; 275, gnathos, lateral view. P. microacris: 276, ventral view; 277,

gnathos, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
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Figures 278–286. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega fumida: 278, ventral view; 279, gnathos, lateral view. P. gracilis: 280, ventral view; 281,

gnathos, lateral view. P. tucumanae: 282, ventral view; 283, gnathos, lateral view; 284, apical detail of saccular lobe of valva. P. apotoma: 285,

ventral view; 286, apical detail of saccular lobe of valva. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 7 0 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 287–293. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega pexa: 287, ventral view. P. diskusi: 288, ventral view; 289, gnathos, lateral view. P. truncata: 290, ventral view; 291, gnathos, lateral view. P. monstruosa: 292, ventral view; 293, gnathos, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
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Figures 294–301. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega microlepta: 294, ventral view; 295, valva, dorsal view. P. spatulata, 296, ventral view.

P. albogaleriella: 297, ventral view; 298, gnathos, lateral view. P. denticulata: 299, ventral view; 300, gnathos, lateral view; 301, valva. (All

scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 7 2 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 302–307. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega latisaccula: 302, ventral view; 303, gnathos, lateral view. P. conicula: 304, ventral view;

305, gnathos, lateral view. P. attenuata: 306, ventral view; 307, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
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Figures 308–313. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega triangularis: 308, ventral view; 309, gnathos, lateral view. P. sacculata, 310, ventral view.

P. kempella: 311, ventral view; 312, gnathos, lateral view. P. paraplicatella, 313, ventral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 7 4 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 314–320. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega plicatella, 314, ventral view. P. cretea: 315, ventral view; 316, gnathos, lateral view. P. breviapicula: 317, ventral view; 318, gnathos, lateral view. P. mignonae: 319, ventral view; 320, gnathos, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 7 5

Figures 321–329. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega trinidadensis: 321, ventral view; 322, gnathos, lateral view. P. subtila: 323, ventral view;

324, gnathos, lateral view; 325, apical detail of saccular lobe. P. acuminata: 326, ventral view; 327, gnathos, lateral view. P. tanygnatha: 328,

ventral view; 329, gnathos, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 7 6 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 330–337. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega colognatha: 330, ventral view; 331, gnathos, lateral view. P. obtusa: 332, ventral view; 333,

gnathos, lateral view. P. galapagosae: 334, ventral view; 335, gnathos, lateral view. P. saltatrix: 336, ventral view; 337, gnathos, lateral view.

(All scales = 0.1 mm.)
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Figures 338–345. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega dorsalis dorsalis: 338, ventral view; 339, gnathos, lateral view. P. parakempella: 340, ventral view; 341, gnathos, lateral view. P. adusta: 342, ventral view; 343, gnathos, lateral view. P. longipedicella: 344, ventral view; 345, gnathos,

lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 7 8 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 346–354. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega lobata: 346, ventral view; 347, gnathos, lateral view. P. clavata: 348, ventral view; 349,

gnathos, lateral view. P. sublobata: 350, ventral view; 351, gnathos, lateral view. P. duplicata: 352, ventral view; 353, gnathos, lateral view; 354,

anterior rim of vinculum. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
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Figures 355–363. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega didyma: 355, ventral view; 356, gnathos, lateral view; 357, anterior rim of vinculum.

P. acidata: 358, ventral view; 359, valva. P. tenuifurcata: 360, ventral view; 361, gnathos, lateral view. P. sectila: 362, ventral view; 363, lateral

view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 8 0 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 364–370. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega texana: 364, ventral view; 365, gnathos, lateral view. P. curtarama: 366, ventral view; 367,

gnathos, lateral view. P. crassifurcata: 368, ventral view; 369, gnathos, lateral view. P. turquinoensis: 370, ventral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 8 1

Figures 371–377. Male genitalia. P. concava: 371, ventral view. P. brevifurcata: 372, ventral view; 373, gnathos, lateral view. P. brevivalva:

374, ventral view; 375, gnathos, lateral view; 376, anterior rim of vinculum. P. acrodicra: 377, ventral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 8 2 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 378–386. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega caulifurcata: 378, ventral view; 379, gnathos, lateral view. P. resimafurcata: 380, ventral

view; 381, gnathos, lateral view. P. quadristrigella: 382, ventral view, Arkansas, USA; 383, gnathos, lateral view of Figure 382; 384, gnathos,

ventral view, neotype, North Carolina, USA. P. bidorsalis: 385, ventral view; 386, gnathos, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 8 3

Figures 387–395. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega divaricata: 387, ventral view; 388, gnathos, lateral view. P. contigua: 389, ventral view;

390, gnathos, lateral view. P. latifurcata latifurcata: 391, ventral view; 392, gnathos, lateral view; 393, gnathos, caudal view. P. latiapicula: 394,

ventral view; 395, gnathos, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 8 4 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 396–404. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega ecuadoriana: 396, ventral view; 397, gnathos, lateral view. P. pumila: 398, ventral view;

399, valva. P. beckeri: 400, ventral view; 401, gnathos, lateral view. P. protomochla: 402, ventral view, gnathos artificially flattened; 403, gnathos, lateral view; 404, gnathos, natural (glycerin mount), ventral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 8 5

Figures 405–412. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega bicornuta: 405, ventral view; 406, gnathos, lateral view. P. suffuscula: 407, ventral view;

408, gnathos, lateral view. P. monosperma: 409, ventral view. P. longifurcata: 410, ventral view; 411, gnathos, lateral view; 412,socii, tegumen.

(All scales = 0.1 mm.)
1 8 6 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 413–418. Male genitalia. Pseudopostega constricta: 413, ventral view; 414, gnathos, lateral view. P. brachybasis: 415, ventral view;

416, gnathos, lateral view. P. venticola: 417, ventral view; 418, gnathos, lateral view. (All scales = 0.1 mm.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 8 7

Figures 419–420.  Female genitalia. Notiopostega atrata: 419, ventral view; 420, lateral view. (Scale length = 0.25 mm.)
1 8 8 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 421–423.  Female genitalia. Neopostega distola: 421, dorsal view (0.5 mm); 422, dorsal view, detail of papillae anales and posterior

apophyses (0.2 mm); 423, lateral view (0.5 mm). (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 424–425.  Female genitalia. Opostegoides scioterma: 424, ventral view; 425, lateral view. (0.25 mm). (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
1 9 0 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 426–429.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega serrata: 426, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 427, papillae anales. P. ferruginea: 428, dorsal view

(0.3 mm); 429, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 430–433.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega abrupta: 430, dorsal view (0.5 mm); 431, papillae anales. P. floridensis: 432, dorsal view

(0.5 mm); 433, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
1 9 2 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 434–437.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega uncinata: 434, dorsal view (0.5 mm); 435, papillae anales. P. microacris: 436, dorsal view

(0.2 mm); 437, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 438–440.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega gracilis: 438, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 439, papillae anales. P. microlepta, 440, dorsal view

(0.25 mm). (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
1 9 4 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 441–443.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega albogaleriella: 441, ventral view (0.25 mm); 442, papillae anales; 443, lateral view. (Scale

lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 9 5

Figures 444–445.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega latisaccula: 444, ventral view (0.25 mm); 445, lateral view. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
1 9 6 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 446–449.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega attenuata: 446, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 447, papillae anales. P. kempella: 448, dorsal view

(0.2 mm); 449, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 9 7

Figures 450–452.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega cretea: 450, dorsal view (0.3 mm); 451, papillae anales; 452, paralectotype, dorsal view.

(Scale lengths in parentheses.)
1 9 8 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 453–456.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega trinidadensis: 453, dorsal view (0.5 mm); 454, papillae anales. P. galapagosae: 455, dorsal view (0.5 mm); 456, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 1 9 9

Figures 457–460.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega saltatrix: 457, dorsal view, Costa Rica (0.3 mm); 458, papillae anales, detail of Figure

457; 459, dorsal view, Jamaica (0.3 mm); 460, papillae anales, ‘paratype,’ U.S. Virgin Islands. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
2 0 0 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 461–465.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega dorsalis dorsalis: 461, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 462, papillae anales, Estación Las Mellizas,

Costa Rica; 463, papillae anales, Estación Las Mellizas, Costa Rica. P. parakempella: 464, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 465, papillae anales. (Scale

lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 2 0 1

Figures 466–469.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega lobata: 466, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 467, papillae anales. P. clavata: 468, dorsal view

(0.2 mm); 469, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
2 0 2 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 470–473.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega duplicata: 470, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 471, papillae anales. P. sectila: 472, dorsal view

(0.5 mm); 473, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 2 0 3

Figures 474–477.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega texana: 474, dorsal view (0.3 mm); 475, papillae anales. P. curtarama: 476, dorsal view

(0.2 mm); 477, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
2 0 4 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 478–481.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega concava: 478, dorsal view (0.5 mm); 479, papillae anales. P. acrodicra: 480, dorsal view

(0.5 mm); 481, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 2 0 5

Figures 482–486.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega quadristrigella: 482, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 483, papillae anales. P. bidorsalis: 484, dorsal

view (0.2 mm); 485, papillae anales, detail of Figure 484, Estación Cacao, Costa Rica; 486, papillae anales, Estación La Selva, Costa Rica. (Scale

lengths in parentheses.)
2 0 6 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 487–490.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega divaricata: 487, dorsal view (0.5 mm); 488, papillae anales. P. latifurcata: 489, dorsal

view (0.5 mm); 490, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
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Figures 491–494.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega protomochla: 491, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 492, papillae anales. P. species (paralectotype

of ‘P. protomochla,’ BMNH slide 28722): 493, dorsal view (0.3 mm); 494, papillae anales. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
2 0 8 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 495–499.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega brachybasis: 495, dorsal view (0.2 mm); 496, papillae anales. P. venticola: 497, dorsal

view (0.5 mm); 498, papillae anales, Dominica; 499, papillae anales, detail of Figure 497, Dominica. (Scale lengths in parentheses.)
n u m b e r 6 2 5 • 2 0 9

Figures 500–501.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega congruens: 500, dorsal view (0.2 mm). P. elachista: 501, dorsal view (0.2 mm). (Scale

lengths in parentheses.)
2 1 0 • s m i t h s onian con t rib u t ion s t o z oolog y

Figures 502–503.  Female genitalia. Pseudopostega paromias: 502, dorsal view (0.2 mm). P. perdigna: 503, dorsal view (0.2 mm). (Scale

lengths in parentheses.)
Index of Insect Names

Bold numbers are the principal pages where a taxon is discussed in detail.

abrupta, 56

accessoriella, 125

acidata, 110

acrodicra, 122

acuminata, 89

adusta, 101

Agromyzidae, 13, 34

albogaleriella, 9, 11, 70, 126

apotoma, 65

asymmetra, 37

atrata, 11 (Tab. 1), 12, 13, 33

attenuata, 76

auritella, 1, 9, 11 (Tab. 1), 12, 46

beckeri, 136

bicolorella, 45

bicornuta, 138

bidorsalis, 127

bistrigulella, 71

brachybasis, 13, 142

breviapicula, 85

brevifurcata, 120

brevivalva, 121

callosa, 11 (Tab. 1), 12

caulifurcata, 123

chalcopepla, 9, 11 (Tab. 1)

clavata, 105

colognatha, 90

concava, 119

congruens, 145

conicula, 78

constricta, 141

contigua, 129

crassifurcata, 117

crepusculella, 9, 11 (Tab. 1), 12
2 1 2 • s m it h s o nian c o nt r i b u ti o n s t o z o o l o g y

cretea, 83

curtarama, 116

denticulata, 74

didyma, 109

diskusi, 67

distola, 35, 39

divaricata, 13, 128

dives, 11 (Tab. 1)

dorsalis dorsalis, 98

dorsalis fasciata, 4, 99

duplicata, 13, 108

ecuadoriana, 134

elachista, 146

Eosopostega, 6, 13, 21 (Tab. 2), 23 (Fig. 48), 24, 33, 42

epactaea, 13

Euderus, 13

Eulophidae, 13

falcata, 36

ferruginea, 13, 54

filiforma, 11 (Tab. 1), 12

floridensis, 57

fumida, 62

galapagosae, 93

gracilis, 63

kempella, 81, 101

lateriplicata, 13, 59

latiapicula, 133

latifurcata apoclina, 99, 131

latifurcata latifurcata, 13, 99, 130

latisaccula, 75

lineata, 13

lobata, 104

longifurcata, 141

longipedicella, 102

longispina, 36

maculata, 11 (Tab. 1)

malaysiensis, 45

menthinella, 9, 11 (Tab. 1)

metallicus, 13

microacris, 61

microlepta, 69

mignonae, 86

minodensis, 11 (Tab. 1), 42

monosperma, 140

monstruosa, 68

myxodes, 11 (Tab. 1)

napaeella, 70

Neopostega, 21 (Tab. 2), 23 (Fig. 48), 24, 33, 34, 42

Nepticulidae, 21 (Tab. 2), 23 (Fig. 48)

nonstrigella, 9, 71

Notiopostega, 5, 21 (Tab. 2), 23 (Fig. 48), 24, 25, 42

obtusa, 91

Opostega, 1, 6, 13, 21 (Tab. 2), 23 (Fig. 48)

Oposteginae, 24

Opostegoides, 1, 6, 13, 21 (Tab. 2), 23 (Fig. 48), 24, 33, 40

Opostegoidinae, 24

ovatula, 52

parakempella, 100

Paralopostega, 6, 9, 12, 13, 21 (Tab. 2), 23 (Fig. 48), 24, 33, 

42

paraplicatella, 82

paromias, 147

Pauahiana, 13

peleana, 11 (Tab. 1)

perdigna, 148

petila, 38

pexa, 66

Phytobia, 13

plicatella, 82

pontifex, 149

protomochla, 13, 137

Pseudopostega, 1, 13, 21 (Tab. 2), 23 (Fig. 48), 46

pumila, 134

quadristrigella, 13, 124

resimafurcata, 124

rotunda, 51

sacculata, 80

salaciella, 11 (Tab. 1), 12

saltatrix, 4, 7, 94

scioterma, 6, 9, 11 (Tab. 1), 42

sectila, 113

serpentina, 11 (Tab. 1), 12

serrata, 4, 13, 53

spatulata, 9, 11 (Tab. 1)

spatulella, 12, 70

sublobata, 107

subtila, 88

suffuscula, 139

tanygnatha, 90

tenuifurcata, 112

texana, 115

triangularis, 79

trinidadensis, 87

truncata, 67

tucumanae, 64

turquinoensis, 119

uncinata, 60

venticola, 143