W. DONALD DUCKWOR Neotropical

Microlepidoptera XVIII:

Revision of the

Genus Peleopoda

(Lepidoptera:

Oecophoridae)

SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY • 1970 NUMBER 48
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SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO

ZOOLOGY

NUMBER 48

W. Donald Duckworth Neotropica l

Microlepidoptera XVIII:

Revision of the

Genus Peleopoda

(Lepidoptera:

Oecophoridae)

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PRESS

CITY OF WASHINGTON

I97O
ABSTRACT

Duckworth, W. Donald. Neotropical Microlepidoptera XVIII: Revision of the

Genus Peleopoda (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae). Smithsonian Contributions to

Zoology, 48:1-30. 1970.—The oecophorid genus Peleopoda Zeller is revised and one

new species, P. convolute, is described. A key to the species based on structures of the

male and female genitalia is provided. All the species are reviewed regarding their

taxonomic history, distribution, identity, and morphology. Distribution maps, photographs of the adults, drawings of the male and female genitalia, and all known biological information are included.

Official publication date is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded

in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 1970

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 40 cents (paper cover)
W. Donald Duckworth Neotropical

Microlepidoptera XVIII:

Revision of the

Genus Peleopoda

(Lepidoptera:

Oecophoridae)

Introduction

The genus Peleopoda as herein defined consists of

thirteen species which have been previously associated

with at least five genera in a number of different families including the Gelechiidae, Xyloryctidae, Stenomidae, and Oecophoridae. One species in the present

study is described as new. This report presents the

first review of this genus for the Nearctic and Neotropical Regions and includes all the species known to

occur in these areas. Previous studies on species and

genera included here have been brief, largely lacking

in illustrations or keys, and primarily devoted to the

description of new taxa.

Undoubtedly, the lack of more comprehensive studies

on the part of previous workers has been due to the

paucity of specimens. A similar lack of material was

experienced during the course of the present study even

though efforts to obtain specimens have been made

by the author and many other people while conducting

field studies in both the Nearctic and Neotropical

Region. Due to these efforts a number of species are

now represented by a much larger series over a more

adequate portion of their geographical range. A large

number, however, are still known from only one or

two specimens and distribution data is inadequate

for most of the species.

Donald W. Duckworth, Department of Entomology, National

Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560.

The author wishes to acknowledge with thanks the

cooperation and aid of the following individuals and

institutions who, through their support and encouragement, have materially aided the present study: Dr.

F. Fernandez Yepez, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad Central de Venezuela; Dr. Robert L. Dressier,

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Canal Zone,

Panama; Dr. Leonce Bonnefil, Institute Interamericano de Ciencias Agricolas de la O.E.A., Turrialba, Costa Rica; Dr. Marco T. Cabezas, Mr. Jose R.

Quezada, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador; Dr. M. G.

Emsley, George Mason College of the University of

Virginia, Fairfax (formerly Assistant Director, The

William Beebe Tropical Research Station, Trinidad),

for support and assistance in various field research

studies; Mr. Allan Watson, Mr. P. E. S. Whalley, British Museum (Natural History) ; Dr. Fritz Kasy, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna; Dr. J. F. Hanneman,

Institut fiir Spezielle Zoologie and Zoologisches

Musuem der Humbolt Universitat zu Berlin; Dr. J. A.

Powell, University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Klaus

Sattler, British Museum (Natural History), formerly

with Zoologische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates,

Munich, for lending types and other specimens in their

charge for study. Special thanks are extended to my

colleagues Dr. O. S. Flint, Dr. P. J. Spangler, and Dr.

J. F. G. Clarke for specimens from their collecting

activities in Central and South America.
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

The author also wishes to acknowledge the assistance

of Mr. Andre Pizzini, staff illustrator, for the line

drawings and distribution maps. The photographic

work was done by the Smithsonian Photographic

Laboratory.

The study was aided in part by the National Science

Foundation on Grant GB-1800 and the Smithsonian

Research Foundation on Grant Sg. 0632089.

History

The genus Peleopoda was established by Zeller

(1877) for a new species, lobitarsis, which he described from a single male from Panama. Busck

(1908) described a new genus of Gelechiidae, Durrantia, for a Zeller species, piperatella, noting: "The

type has veins 7 and 8 in the forewings stalked; I

include as generic character 'or coincident' in order

not to exclude another closely related and very similar,

undescribed Texan species, which I believe congeneric, in spite of this single difference." Walsingham

(1912) added four additional species to Durrantia

from Central and South America. In the same study

he described a new genus of Gelechiidae, Theatria,

with one included species, spudasma, which he related

to another genus, failing to note that the venational

characters were identical to those of the four species

of Durrantia he had described on the preceding two

pages.

Busck (1911) redescribed Peleopoda Zeller, noting

that though Zeller's generic description was totally inadequate for absolute determination he felt assured

in applying the name to the genus before him and

gave the characters accordingly. He included three

new species from French Guiana on which he based

his characterization of the genus.

Busck (1912) described yet another genus in the

Gelechiidae, Dolidiria, /or a single new species,

arcanella, noting: "The genus is nearest to and a

direct development from Durrantia Busck, differing

only in veins 7 and 8 of the forewings being coincident

instead of stalked."

Meyrick (1916) described a new genus of

Oecophoridae with the following comment: ". . . Mr.

Busck has regarded this genus as identical with

Peleopoda Zell., with which conclusion I do not agree;

Zeller's type species is indeed unknown to both of us,

but the accuracy and reliability of Zeller's work entitles us to read his description literally; . . . ; the

characters as given point to a genus allied to Cryptolechia and quite distant from the present, and the superficial appearance as shown by the figure confirms this."

Meyrick (1922) in his review of the Oecophoridae

lists Peleopoda Zeller with one included species,

lobitarsis, and indicated that he had not studied

material of this genus and species and that the characters in the original description were incomplete and

doubtful. In 1925 Meyrick described a new species of

Durrantia from Peru and noted: "Dolidiria Busck is

a synonym of Durrantia; the genus belongs to the

Xyloryctid group, and is closely allied to Odites." On

the same page Meyrick gives a revised description of

the genus Peleopoda Zeller and comments as follows:

"Having obtained a fine example of the type-species,

P. lobitarsis, from Jurimaguas, Peru, I find that my

conjectural reference of it to the Oecophoridae was

mistaken, and it is really nearly related to Durrantia,

and also to Xylorycta."

Meyrick (1930) described the second species

assigned to Peleopoda, semocrossa, from Bolivia and

indicated that it was closely related and similar to

lobitarsis. Busck (1934) listed Peleopoda and the two

described species in the Stenomidae part of the

"Lepidopterorum Catalogus" series. Gaede (1939)

listed Peleopoda in the Oecophoridae part of the same

series and only included one species, Lobitarsis.

Clarke (1955) listed Durrantia in the Xyloryctidae

and illustrated the wings and genitalia of the two

Meyrick species in his study of the Meyrick types in

the British Museum (Natural History).

Clarke (1956) described a new genus in the

Oecophoridae, Pseuderotis, for a new species, Cannescens, from Argentina. Clarke (1963) listed

Peleopoda in the Oecophoridae portion of his Meyrick

Types study and illustrated the wings and genitalia of

semocrossa.

Biology

DISTRIBUTION.—As pointed out previously the distributional data for Peleopoda are far from complete,

but the Neotropical character of the genus is readily

observable. The two species that occur in the Nearctic

Region {piperatella, obiterella) have distributions

which indicate only a fringe penetration at best. The

large concentration of species in Central America could

suggest that area as the center of origin for the group

with subsequent dispersal both north and south, but

primarily south.
NUMBER 48

It is very likely that the genus is more abundant in

South America than present information indicates. Undoubtedly, further collecting will produce additional

records of known species as well as new species.

LIFE HISTORY.—As is the case for a vast majority of

Microlepidoptera in the Neotropics very little is known

of the life histories of the species included here. Except

for Bourquin's (1957) casual account of his observations on P. cannescens there are no published studies

of the biology of any Peleopoda species. Host plant data

from specimens have been utilized wherever possible

and host plants have been listed for four species including P. cannescens. From these data, species in the

genus are now known to feed on plants in the families

Malpighiaceae, Verbenaceae, Polygonaccae, and

Platanaceae. In addition, there is one questionable

record of P. resurgens on a species of Orchidaceae

which is discussed in further detail under that species.

Classification

While engaged in studies on the related family

Stenomidae, my attention was first directed to the

group of moths included in this study. Several of the

species and genera have been formally assigned to that

family at one time or another and specimens are most

usually found mixed with undetermined and unsorted

stenomid material in collections. The primary reason

for this is the possession by these species of a number

of characters which have been distinctive for the

Stenomidae, i.e., veins 6 and 7 of the hind wing stalked,

absence of pecten on the basal segment of the antennae,

and general shape of the wings. Examination of the

genitalia, however, indicates a clear relationship with

the family Oecophoridae and when studied carefully

there are supportive characters to be found in the venation for this placement.

The presence of spines on the gnathos and the general shape and modification of the valvae in the male

genitalia are frequently encountered in the Oecophoridae as is the long ovipositor in the female genitalia.

These characters rarely occur in the Stenomidae. Although the stalking of veins 6 and 7 in the hind wing

is typically a stenomid characteristic the stalking or

coincidence of veins 7 and 8 in the forewing is oecophorid as well as the tendency of veins 3 and 4 in the

hind wing to be approximate or stalked.

The question of proper placement of Peleopoda

within the family Oecophoridae is a very difficult

one. The family is in great need of study, particularly

the Neotropical representatives. The existing higher

classification is essentially that established by Meyrick (1922) in his world catalog for the family. Unfortunately, Meyrick did not include characters of

the genitalia in his studies and the five categories

into which he divided the family are virtually useless

since they are based on very superficial characters

of the antenna and termination point of vein 7 in the

forewing. Thus, until further comprehensive studies

are made, the relationships of the large number of

genera in the family must remain uncertain.

There is a possibility that future studies on the

Neotropical Oecophoridae will indicate that the species included here should be further divided into either

genera or subgenera. There are several venation and

genitalic characters which could be evaluated in this

fashion. Without sufficient comparative information

for other Neotropical genera, however, it seems more

advisable to take a conservative approach for the time

being.

Genus Peleopoda Zeller

Peleopoda Zeller, 1877, p. 383.

Durrantia Busck, 1908, p. 197. [New synonymy.]

Theatric Walsingham, 1912, p. 116. [New synonymy.]

Doldiria Busck, 1912, p. 5.

Pseuderotis Clarke, 1956, p. 254. [New synonymy.]

TYPE SPECIES.—Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller.

Head with loosely raised scales; antenna slightly

serrulate in male, simple in female, basal segment without pecten but in most species a row of spreading scales

at base; maxillary palpi developed, simple; labial palpus long, recurved, extending beyond vertex, second

segment roughened beneath with appressed scales,

apical segment smooth, only slightly shorter than second; tongue developed, scaled at base. Legs with hind

tibia thickened with dense scales. Forewing with 12

veins, 11 with fusion of 7 and 8; lb furcate; 2 arising

well before angle; 3, 4, and 5 separate or approximate;

6 to termen below apex; 7 and 8 stalked or coincident,

11 from middle of cell or before. Hind wing with 8

veins, 7 with fusion of 3 and 4; lb furcate at base;

area between fork point of attachment for hair pencil;

2 remote; 3 and 4 connate, stalked or coincident;

5 connate, approximate or remote to 3 + 4; 6 and 7

stalked.
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

MALE GENITALIA.—Symmetrical or asymmetrical;

uncus bifid; gnathal plate separate or divided, spiny;

valvae with moderate to large lobes from costae frequently overlapping medially; anellus with or without

lateral lobes; aedeagus with ductus ejaculatorius attached at base, cornuti present or absent.

FEMALE GENITALIA.—Ovipositor moderately long to

long, telescoping; ostium bursae typically sclerotized,

sometimes membranous, in some species extruded beyond body wall; ductus bursae typically membranous,

in one species partially sclerotized; corpus bursae membranous, signa present or absent.

REMARKS.—This taxon can be easily separated from

the other genera of Oecophoridae by stalking of veins

6 and 7 in the hind wing and the bifid uncus in the

male genitalia. The lack of sufficient material makes

the definition of the genus on female characters extremely difficult at this time. The principal character

used by Zeller in establishing this genus, the elaborate

dorsal scale tufts on the tibia and tarsi of the hind leg,

although present to varying degrees, were found to be

seldom as elaborate and distinctive in the species other

than the type species, lobitarsis.

Key to the Species of Peleopoda Based on the Genitalia

1. Male 2

Female 15

2. Valvae symmetrical 3

Valvae asymmetrical 7

3. Gnathos separate 4

Gnathos fused 5

4. Valvae with thornlike process near apex; vesica of aedeagus with a single, long, sinuate

comutus P. piperatella (Zeller)

Valvae without thornlike process near apex; vesica of aedeagus without cornuti

P. fiaccescens (Meyrick)

5. Arms of uncus very short, length less than distance between their bases; aedeagus with

external spines 6

Arms of uncus long, length greater than distance between their bases; aedeagus without

external spines P. cannescens (Clarke)

6. Valvae with prominent costal process near base; aedeagus with scattered spines on

anterior dorsal margin P. thamnolopha (Meyrick)

Valvae without costal process; aedeagus with a small patch of spines near midpoint

P. obitereUa (Busck)

7. Vesica of aedeagus with cornuti 8

Vesica of aedeagus without cornuti 11

8. Vesica of aedeagus with two cornuti 9

Vesica of aedeagus with a single long comutus which exceeds the length of the aedeagus...

P. amabilis (Walsingham)

9. Gnathal plate partially or totally fused; valvae with various processes or lobes 10

Gnathal plate divided; valvae simple P. pugnax (Walsingham)

10. Aedeagus long, more than five times greatest width; one valva with small setiferous

ampulla on costa near midpoint P. arcanella (Busck)

Aedeagus short, much less than five times greatest width; valvae with saccular processes....

P. resurgens (Walsingham)

11. Aedeagus membranous ventrally from approximately midpoint; without prominent upright

process on costa of valva 12

Aedeagus sclerotized ventrally, dorsal surface incised from apex to beyond midpoint;

valva with prominent upright process on costa before apex.... P. convolute, new species

12. Spines on gnathal plate divided medially into two patches 13

Spines on gnathal plate not divided medially 14

13. Valvae with costal margins heavily sclerotized from base and developed into prominent

processes near midpoint; left valva with small setiferous lobe below costa

P. spudasma (Walsingham)

Valvae without costal margins sclerotized or developed into processes; left valva constricted

near midpoint, upturned approximately 90", apical half clublike

P. navigatrix (Meyrick)
NUMBER 4 8

Key to the Species of Peleopoda Based on the Genitalia—Continued

14. Valvae approximately equal in width at midpoint; aedeagus membranous ventrally from

before midpoint P. semocrossa (Meyrick)

Valvae unequal in width at midpoint, one valva less than half the width of the other;

aedeagus membranous ventrally after midpoint P. lobitartis (Zeller)

15. Ostium bursae extruded beyond body wall 16

Ostium bursae not extruded beyond body wall 20

16. Corpus bursae with signa; ductus bursae without diverticulum 17

Corpus bursae without signa; ductus bursae with sclerotized diverticulum at junction

with ostium bursae P. piptratella (Zeller)

17. Ductus bursae membranous; ostium without ventral medial cleft 18

Ductus bursae sclerotized from inception of ductus seminalis to midpoint; ostium with

ventral medial cleft extending to posterior edge of sternite 7.. P. pugnax (Walsingham)

18. Extruded portions of ostium bursae without flange 19

Extruded portion of ostium bursae three-fourths encircled with broad, sclerotized flange;

dorsal edge of ostium pointed with one side broadly and irregularly serrate

P. resurgent (Walsingham)

19. Ostium with ventral edge deeply excavated, ductus bursae short, convoluted

P. amabilis (Walsingham)

Ostium with ventromedial notch causing extruded portion of the ostium bursae to appear

heart-shaped in ventral view; ductus bursae short, broad P. arcaneUa (Busck)

20. Ostium bursae sclerotized 21

Ostium bursae membranous; ostium irregular in outline P. thamnolopha (Meyrick)

21. Ductus bursae without convolutions, shorter than abdomen 22

Ductus bursae with many convolutions, much longer than abdomen

P. convolute, new species

22. Ductus bursae long, membranous; corpus bursae distinctly differentiated from ductus

bursae P. cannetcent (Clarke)

Ductus bursae short; corpus bursae indistinctly differentiated from ductus bursae

P. obiUrella (Busck)

Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller

FIGURES 1-5; PLATE 1A; MAP 1

Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller, 1877, p. 287.

Alar expanse, 13 mm.

Antenna white basally, dark brown beyond. Labial

palpus white, second segment brown exteriorly except

apex. Head, thorax white, slightly tinged with yellow.

Legs white tinged with yellow, fore and midleg with

tibia and tarsi heavily shaded with brown, hindleg

with tibia and each tarsal segment heavily shaded with

brown, each bearing a dorsal yellow-brown scale tuft.

Forewing white tinged with yellow, costa narrowly

edged with yellow, spot at end of cell brown, cilia white,

yellow basally from costa at four-fifths to middle of

termen. Hind wing white, cilia white shaded yellow

at apex.

MALE GENITALIA (WDD 3928).—Uncus bifid, moderate. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus a simple band with

posterior flap, without lateral lobes. Valvae asymmetrical; one twice as broad as the other, approximately uniform in width to two-thirds, then narrowing

to rounded apex by excavation of ventral margin;

other narrow, approximately uniform width throughout. Aedeagus large, curved membranous ventrally

from approximately one-half, dorsal portion expanded

into hoodlike flap at apex, vesica without cornuti.

FEMALE GENITALIA.—Unknown.

TYPE.—Lost.

TYPE LOCALITY.—Chiriqui, Panama.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Panama: Chiriqui (no date).

Peru: Jurimaguas (nodate).

REMARKS.—The type specimen of this species has

not been located during the course of the present study.

In the original description Zeller indicated the type

was in the Staudinger Museum, which now is located

at the Zoologisches Museum, Museum Fur Naturkunde de Humboldt—Universitat zu Berlin. Attempts

to locate the type in that collection have been unsuccessful to date. The description and illustrations provided here were derived from the only other known

specimen. It is from the Meyrick collection now in the

British Museum (Natural History).
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

FIGURES 1-5.—Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller: 1, wing venation; 2, lateral view of hind leg; 3,

lateral view of head; 4, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 5, lateral view

of aedeagus.
NUMBER 4 8

P. lobitarsis may easily be separated from the other

species of Peleopoda by the shape of the valvae and

the dorsal hoodlike flap at the apex of the aedeagus in

the male genitalia.

MAP 1.—Distribution of Peleopoda species.

A Peleopoda lobitarsis

•ft Peleopoda semocrossa

• Peleopoda navigatrix

• Peleopoda convoluta

Peleopoda navigatrix (Meyrick), new combination

FIGURES 6-7; PLATE \b; MAP 1

Xylorycta navigatrix Meyrick, 1912, p. 705.

Alar expanse, 25 mm.

Antenna white, labial palpus white, second segment

dark gray exteriorly except apex. Head, thorax white.

Forewing white with slight yellowish tinge, an irregular black patch on costa at base, an irregular triangular black patch occupying median third of costa and

extending half across wing, an indistinct light gray outwardly curved transverse line from costa at two-thirds

to dorsum before tornus, some faint gray suffusion toward apex; cilia white. Hind wing white with slight

yellow tinge; cilia white.

Male genitalia (JFGC 4793, type). Uncus bifid,

long. Gnathal plate fused, spines divided at midpoint

into two patches. Anellus reniform, without lateral

lobes. Valvae asymmetrical; one narrow, bent approximately 90° at midpoint, apex forming an upright club

like structure, the other near uniform width to twothirds, then narrowing sharply to less than one-half,

then narrowing again just before rounded apex. Aedeagus long, curved 90° at basal one-fourth, membranous

ventrally from apical two-thirds to apex. Vesica without cornutd.

FIGURES 6-7.—Peleopoda navigatrix (Meyrick) 6, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus

removed); 7, lateral view of aedeagus.

372-603 O—70 2
8 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

FEMALE GENITALIA.—Unknown.

TYPE.—In the British Museum (Natural History).

TYPE LOCALITY.—San Antonio, Colombia, 5,800 ft.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Known only from the type locality.

REMARKS.—This large and striking species is known

only by the type specimen from Colombia. It appears

to be closely related to the following species, P. semocrossa, but is readily separated by the development of

the apex of one valva into an upright, clublike structure. Since P. semocrossa is also known only by a single

speimen it is not possible to adequately determine the

relative positions of these two species at this time.

Peleopoda semocrossa Meyrick

FIGURES 8-9; PLATE lc ; MAP 1

Peleopoda semocrossa Meyrick, 1920, p. 13.

Alar expanse, 19 mm.

Antenna white, grayish beneath. Labial palpus

white, second segment shaded exteriorly with yellow

except apex. Head, thorax white. Legs white, hind legs

shaded with gray. Forewing white tinged slightly with

yellow, transverse streak at end of cell light gray; cilia

white, a brown bar at base on upper portion of termen,

very lightly edged dark brown on terminal margin in

middle, a slight gray tinge toward base above apex.

Hind wing white; cilia white.

MALE OENITALIA (slide JFGC 5606, type).—Uncus

bifid, moderate. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus a simple

band, without lateral lobes. Valvae asymmetrical, one

shorter, wide at base tapering to narrow rounded apex,

the other near uniform width to two-thirds, then narrowing sharply to less than one-third. Aedeagus

slightly curved, membranous ventrally from basal

one-fourth, vesica without cornuti.

FEMALE GENITALIA.—Unknown.

TYPE.—In the British Museum (Natural History).

TYPE LOCALITY.—Cochabamba, Bolivia.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Known only from the type locality.

REMARKS.—In the original description of this species Meyrick notes, "Closely related and similar to the

typical lobitarsis, but differs in stalking of vein 9 with

7, and brown mark in cilia." Both this and the preceding species show a relationship in the genitalia to P.

lobitarsis; however, they are much closer to each other

than either is to P. lobitarsis. The distinguishing characters between P. semocrossa and P. navigatrix have

been given in the remarks concerning the latter species.

Peleopoda convoluta, new species

FIGURES 10-13, PLATE ID; MAP 1

Alar expanse, 23-29 mm.

Antenna yellowish white basally, light brown beyond.

Labial palpus yellowish white, second segment shaded

with brown exteriorly except apex. Head yellowish

white, face light brown medially, dark brown laterally.

Thorax 1 ight brown. Legs yellowish white, foreleg

heavily shaded with brown, midleg with brown shad-

\

FIGURES 8-9.—Peleopoda semocrossa (Meyrick): 8, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus

removed); 9, lateral view of aedeague.
NUMBER 48

ing on tibia and tarsi. Forewing yellowish white, costa

narrowly edged with dark brown on basal one-eighth,

spot at end of cell, spot in cell, spot in fold consisting

of a few brown scales, subterminal line of very faint

brown spots, terminal line of small brown spots from

apex to tornus, cilia yellowish white. Hind wing white,

cilia white.

MALE GENITALIA (WDD 3834, type).—Uncus bifid,

very long. Gnathal plate fused, small, with median

transverse groove. Anellus with dorsomedial notch

dividing dorsal half of plate into two lobes. Valvae

asymmetrical, one spatulate apically, the other with

large, upright costal lobe just before apex. Aedeagus

large, curved, dorsal surface incised from apex to

beyond midpoint, vesica without comuti.

FEMALE GENITALIA (WDD 3829).—Ostium bursae

sclerotized, not extruded beyond body wall. Ostium

membranous, twice as wide as ostium bursae. Ductus

bursae membranous, extremely long, convoluted. Corpus bursae membranous, signum a small, invaginated

dentate plate.

TYPE.—In the National Museum of Natural

History, USNM 70838.

TYPE LOCALITY.—Rancho Grande, Aragua, Venezuela.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Known only from the type locality.

REMARKS.—Described from the male holotype:

Rancho Grande, Aragua, Venez., 7 August 1943, Virgin Forest 1,100 m, R. Lichy; three male paratypes:

Venezuela, Ar., Rancho Grande, 1,100 m, 24-31-X.66,

S. S. and W. D. Duckworth, one male paratype with

same data except, 16-19.1.66; one male paratype with

same data except, 21-25-1.66; one female paratype

with same data except, 16-23.X.66; one female paratype: Venezuela: Ar., Rancho Grande, 22-30 June

1967, R. W. Poole, 1,100 m; one female paratype:

Venezuela: Ar., Rancho Grande, 1,100 m, 28-XI1966, F. Fernandez, Y. J. Salcedo.

This species is nearest P. navigatrix; it is readily

separated, however, by the shape of the valvae in the

male genitalia and the long, convoluted ductus bursae

in the female genitalia.

Peleopoda obiterella (Busck), new combination

FIGURES 14-17; PLATE 1E, MAP 2

Durrantia obiterella Busck, 1908, p. 207.

Ethmia chambersella Dyar (notDyar), 1902, p. 208.

Alar expanse, 20-26 mm.

Antenna white basally, light brown beyond. Labial

palpus white, second segment brown exteriorly except

apex. Head white, face brown adjacent to eye margins.

Thorax white with dorsum overcast pale brown with

scattered darker brown spots. Legs brown. Forewing

white, costa narrowly edged in dark brown at base,

spot in the cell, spot at end of cell, spot in fold dark

brown, terminal row of brown spots from costa at

apical four-fifths to tornus, indistinct submarginal row

of brown dashes paralleling terminal line, entire surface randomly sprinkled with brown scales; cilia white.

Hind wing white; cilia white, brown basally below

apex.

MALE GENITALIA (WDD 2695).—Uncus bifid, very

short. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus bandlike with a

median protuberance, without lateral lobes. Valvae

symmetrical, short, broad, greatest length approximately twice greatest width. Aedeagus slightly curved,

largely membranous ventrally, a small patch of spines

at approximately midpoint; vesica without comuti.

FEMALE GENITALIA (JFGG 11178, type).—Ostium

bursae short, sclerotized, not extruded beyond body

wall. Ostium with ventral edge slightly indented

medially. Ductus bursae long, membranous, signum a

diamond-shaped sclerotized plate with a longitudinal

invaginated groove.

TYPE.—In the National Museum of Natural

History.

TYPE LOCALITY.—Unknown.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Florida. Pensacola (February,

June, September).

REMARKS.—This species is nearest to P. thamnolopha on characters of the genitalia but is easily

separated by the simple valvae in the male and a

sclerotized ostium bursae in the female. P. thamnolopha, on the other hand, has a well-developed costal

process on the valva in the male and a large membranous ostium bursae in the female.

The rather involved nomenclatural activities associated with this species have been summarized by Busck

(1908), and I will not reiterate them here except to

point out that my study verifies Busck's conclusions

entirely.
10

SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

V"*1- •-' T ,,

FIGURES 10-13.—Peleopoda convoluta, new species: 10, wing venation; 11, ventral view of

female genitalia; 12, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 13, lateral view of

aedeagus.
NUMBER 48 11

15

FIGURES 14-17.—Pcleopoda obiterella (Busck): 14, wing venation, 15, ventral view of female

genitalia (ovipositor missing); 16, caudal view of male genitalia (right valva and aedeagus

removed); 17, lateral view of aedeagus.
12 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

MAP 2.—Distribution of Peleopoda species.

A Peleopoda obiterella • Peleopoda thamnolopha

Peleopoda thamnolopha (Meyrick),

new combination

FIGURES 18-21; PLATE IF, MAP 2

Asapharcha thamnolopha Meyrick, 1932, p. 286.

Alar expanse, 22-30 mm.

Antenna white basally, brown beyond. Labial palpus

white, second segment as in obiterella, apical segment

shaded with brown at apex. Head light brown, face

white medially, shaded light brown adjacent to eye

margins. Thorax light brown. Legs yellow brown,

darker toward tarsi. Forewing very pale brown, costa

narrowly orange yellow to slightly beyond midpoint,

beyond this point to apex a more broadly diffused band

of rose and gray roughly projecting scales to apex, indistinct brown spot at end of cell, terminal row of

brown spots from costa at four-fifths to tornus, entire

wing heavily shaded with irregularly scattered brown

scales; cilia whitish with gray subbasal line. Hind wing

yellowish white; cilia white.

MALE OENITALIA (WDD 2876).—Uncus slightly

bifid. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus bandlike narrowest

at midpoint. Valvae symmetrical, short, broad, greatest

length more than twice greatest width, with prominent

process from costa near base. Aedeagus broad, dorsoventrally flattened, anterior dorsal edge with scattered

spines; vesica without cornuti.

FEMALE GENITALIA (WDD 3405, type).—Ostium

bursae short, membranous, not extruded beyond body

wall. Ostium broad, irregular in outline. Ductus bursae

long, membranous. Corpus bursae membranous, signum an irregular diamond shape slightly dentate plate.

TYPE.—In the Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna,

Austria.

TYPE LOCALITY.—La Trinidad, Costa Rica.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Guatemala: Volcan Santa Maria

(November). Costa Rica: La Trinidad (no date).

REMARKS.—This species is closely related to P.

obiterella (Busck), and the distinguishing characters

have been discussed in the remarks pertaining to that

species.

Meyrick originally described P. thamnolopha in the

African genus Asapharcha (Xyloryctidae) on the basis

of the wing venation. Examination of the type, a female, and the only other known specimen, a male in

the NMNH, clearly indicates placement in the Oecophoridae. Future studies may indicate that P. thamnolopha and P. obiterella represent a separate genus.

At the present time, however, it seems more appropriate

to include them in Peleopoda.

Peleopoda cannescens (Clarke), new combination

FIGURES 22-25; PLATE 2A; MAP 3

Pseuderotis cannescens Clarke, 1956, p. 256.

Alar expanse, 17-18 mm.

Antenna white shaded with light brown basally,

light brown beyond. Labial palpus white, second segment shaded with brown exteriorly, apical segment

shaded with brown at tip. Head, thorax white shaded

with brown. Forewing white to pale yellow; costa

shaded with brown from midpoint to apex; a spot in

the middle of cell, one at end of cell, two in the fold,

dark brown; a terminal and subterminal series of

transverse spots, brown; entire wing randomly

sprinkled with brown scales; cilia white mixed with

pure yellow. Hind wing pale yellow, cilia pale yellow

mixed with white.

MALE GENITALIA (JFGC 10009, paratype).—Uncus

bifid, long. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus U-shaped.

Valvae symmetrical, apical half approximately half

the width of basal half. Aedeagus wide basally narrowing to extremely acute apex; vesica without cornuti.

FEMALE GENITALIA (JFGC 10522, type) .—Ostium

bursae short, sclerotized, not extruded beyond body

wall. Ostium with ventral edge uniform. Ductus bursae

long, membranous. Corpus bursae membranous,

signum a very small weakly sclerotized plate with a

small invaginated keel.
NUMBER 48 13

FIGURES 18-21.—Peleopoda thamnolopha (Meyrick): 18, wing venation; 19, ventral view of

female genitalia; 20, caudal view of male genitalia (right valva and aedeagus removed); 21,

dorsolateral view of aedeagus.
14

SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

FIGURES 22-25.—Peleopoda cannescens (Clarke): 22, wing venation; 23, ventral view of

female genitalia; 24, lateral view of aedeagus; 25, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus

removed).
NUMBER 48 15

TYPE.—In the National Museum of Natural

History.

TYPE LOCALITY.—Tigre, Argentina.

HOST PLANT.—Polygonom persicariodes H.B.K.

[Polygonaceae], Platanus orientalis L. [Platanaceae].

DISTRIBUTION.—Argentina: Tigre (no date).

Brazil: Nova Teutonia, 300-500 m (May, August,

September); Pelotas (October).

REMARKS.—This species is nearest P. arcanella in

size and maculation, but examination of the genitalia

indicates that, although there is an indication of relationship with the P. arcanella group, there are some

striking differences. P. cannescens has the gnathos

fused, the valvae symmetrical and the vesica of the

aedeagus unarmed in the males, whereas the P.

arcanella group has the gnathos separate, the valvae

asymmetrical, and the vesica armed. The females of

P. cannescens have the ostium bursae unextruded, the

bursa copulatrix more than three times the length

of the ovipositor, and a single, small signum in the

corpus bursae. In females of the P. arcanella group the

ostium bursae is extruded beyond the body wall, the

bursa copulatrix short, never more than twice the

length of the ovipositor, and the two signa in the corpus

bursae.

The life history of the species has been briefly

described by Bourquin (1957). The larva lives and

pupates beneath a white silk web on the leaves of

Polygonum persicariodes and Platnus orientalis. The

web causes a slight folding of the leaf and the larva

orients itself beneath the web either along the leaf

midvein or the central axis of the nest. Departure from

the nest when disturbed is accomplished through an

exit hole in the leaf.

MAP 3.—Distribution of Peleopoda cannescens.

It is very likely that Platanus orientalis is a secondary

host plant since it is an introduced ornamental tree in

Argentina. The case of Polygonum persicariodes is

more difficult to analyze. This plant is an extremely

widespread weed of moist environments from Mexico

to Argentina. It may represent another secondary host

or the primary host. On the other hand, P cannescens

may well be a general feeder and utilize a broad spectrum of plants as hosts.

Peleopoda arcanella (Busck), new combination

FIGURES 26-29; PLATE 2B; MAP 4

Dolidiria arcanella Busck, 1912, p. 5.

Alar expanse, 13-21 mm.

Antenna white basally, shaded with golden brown

beyond. Labial palpus white, second segment shaded

with brown exteriorly. Head, thorax white. Legs ranging from white to brown, forelegs always darkest, hind

legs always lightest. Forewing ground color white frequently suffused with very pale yellow; costa narrowly

edged with light yellow to golden brown from base

to apex; spot at end of cell and discal spot a patch of

golden brown with black center; entire wing randomly

sprinkled with black scales; cilia ranging from pure

white to alternating bands of pale yellow and brown.

Hind wing ranging from white to pale yellow; cilia

ranging from white to pale yellow tending to be darkest at wing apex.

MALE OENITALIA (slide WDD 2939).—Uncus bifid,

short. Gnathal plate fixed, spines divided medially into

two patches. Anellus wedge-shaped, lateral lobes

moderate. Valvae asymmetrical; one simple, approximately uniform in width throughout, somewhat concave; the other shorter, approximately uniform in

width to midpoint, reduced sharply at midpoint forming a fingerlike apical half, a small, setiferous ampulla

on costa near midpoint. Aedeagus long, slightly curved,

only slightly wider basally, vesica armed with two

cornuti, one long, needlelike, approximately half the

length of aedeagus, the other short, thornlike.

FEMALE GENITALIA (slide WDD 3824).—Ostium

bursae sclerotized, extruded beyond body wall. Ostium

with ventromedial excavation causing the extruded

portion of the ostium bursae to appear heart-shaped in

ventral view. Ductus bursae short, broad, membranous.

Corpus bursae membranous, signa consisting of two

sclerotized plates with median keel.
16 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

TYPE LOCALITY.—In the National Museum of Natural History.

TYPE LOCALITY.—Cabima, Panama.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Panama: Trinidad River (March,

(June); Porto Bello (April, September); Tabogilla

Id. (February); La Chorrera (May); Barro Colorado

Id. (March, April, May); Rio Agua Salud, C.Z., Nav.

Res. (March); Canal Zone nr. Gamboa (March).

Guatemala: Cayuga (no date). British Honduras: Rio

May, June); Alhajuelo (March, April); Cabima Temas (April). Mexico: Tamazunchale (July); 7 mi

27

FIGURES 26-29.—Peleopoda arcanella (Busck) : 26, wing venation; 27, ventral view of female

genitalia; 28, lateral view of aedeagus, 29, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed).
NUMBER 48 17

SW Pozo Rica, Ver. (July); 2 mi NE St. Miguel,

Cozumel Id., Quintana Roo (April). Venezuela:

Barinas Reserva Forestal, Ticaporo, 230 m (April),

San Estaban, Garabobo (December).

REMARKS.—Busk described a separate genus for this

species on the basis of veins 7 and 8 of the forewing

being coincident rather than stalked although he noted

its relationship with other species included in the genus

Durrantia (= Peleopoda). Examination of the genitalia clearly demonstrates the close relationship of P.

arcanella to other species included here and indicates

that the venation character is of specific significance

only.

MAP 4.—Distribution of Peleopoda arcanella.

This species appears most closely related to P. amabilis, but has several distinguishing characters in the

genitalia. In the male genitalia P. arcanello has a

wedge-shaped anellus and one valva sharply narrowed

beyond the midpoint, whereas in P. amabilis the anellus is rectangular and the valvae are much wider apically than basally. In the female genitalia the extruded

portion of the ostium bursae is heart-shaped in P.

arcanella and irregularly excavate in P. amabilis.

Peleopoda amabilis (Walsingham), new combination

FIGURES 30-37; PLATE 2C; MAP 5

Durrantia amabilis Walsingham, 1912, p. 115.

Alar expanse, 13-27 mm.

Antenna white basally, light brown beyond. Labial

palpus white, second segment shaded from pale yellow

to dark brown exteriorly. Head white to pale yellow.

Thorax white shaded dorsally from pale yellow to dark

brown. Legs white to pale yellow, tibia and tarsi frequently shaded with brown. Forewing white to pale

yellow, costa, apex, termen, dorsum varyingly edged

with yellow to brown; in some specimens a few darker

scales at end of cell, and a few randomly sprinkled

over wing; cilia white to pale yellow, darker at wing

apex. Hind wing white; Cilia white, slightly darker at

apex.

MALE GENITALIA (JFGC 11197).—Uncus bifid,

short. Gnathal plate divided. Anellus rectangular;

lateral lobes asymmetrical, one approximately twice as

long as the other. Valvae asymmetrical, both expanded

apically with the apical width at least twice that of

width at midpoint; one valva with apically directed

saccular process. Aedeagus slightly bent, tapering from

base to apex; vesica armed with a single, long, slightly

sinuate cornutus which slightly exceeds the length of

aedeagus.

FEMALE OENITALIA (JFGC 11179).—Ostium bursae

long, sclerotized, extruded beyond body wall. Ostium

with ventral edge deeply excavated. Ductus bursae

short, membranous, convoluted. Corpus bursae membranous, signa consisting of two sclerotized plates with

invaginated median keels.

TYPE.—In the British Museum (Natural History).

TYPE LOCALITY.—Volcan de Atitlan, Guatemala,

2,500-3,500 ft.

HOST PLANT.—Lantana catnara L. [Verbenaceae].

DISTRIBUTION.—Mexico: Cuernavaca, Morelos

(June); Tamazunchale (June); 25 m N. Tamazunchale, S.L.P., 400 ft. (August); Cordoba, Ver. (July,

September). Guatemala: Volcan de Atitlan, 2,500-

3,500 ft. (no date); Chejel (no date); Volcan Station

Maria (July). Venezuela: Aroa (nodate).

REMARKS.—This species is extremely variable in

both size and degree of maculation. In general, the

larger specimens are readily recognized on the basis

of their size; the smaller specimens, however, are frequently difficult to separate from closely related species

such as P. pugnax on superficial characters such as

maculation. Examination of the genitalia readily

reveals characters distinctive for this species. In the

male the shape and armature of the valvae and the

single long sinuate cornutus in the aedeagus serve to

distinguish P. amabilis from all other species in the

genus. In the female the shape of the ventral edge of

the ostium and the long, sclerotized ostium bursae

readily separate the species from all others.
18

SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

FIGURES 30-37.—Peleopoda amabilis (Walsingham): 30, wing venation; 31, corpus bursae of

female genitalia; 32, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 33, ventral view of

anellus; 34, ental view of right valva; 35, ental view of left valva; 36, lateral view of aedeagus;

37, ventral view of female genitalia (corpus bursae removed).
NUMBER 48 19

MAP 5.—Distribution of Peleopoda amabilis.

The host plant recorded for this species is based on

one reared specimen in the USNM collection from

Tamazunchale, Mexico. If P. amabilis occurs through

the range of L. camara its distribution will be far wider

than reported here. Lantana camara is widely distributed in tropical America and due to its ornamental

value has been naturalized in the Old World. In some

areas, such as Hawaii, it has become a troublesome

weed.

Peleopoda resurgens (Walsingham), new combination

FIGURES 38-41; PLATE 2D; MAP 6

Durrantia resurgens Walsingham, 1912, p. 115.

Alar expanse, 20-22 mm.

Antenna white basally, light brown beyond. Labial

palpus white, second segment shaded with brown

exteriorly. Head, thorax white. Legs white, forelegs

heavily shaded with brown exteriorly, mid and hindlegs lightly shaded with brown. Forewing white to

pale yellow; three brown spots, one at middle of cell,

one at end of cell and one in the fold; a series of elongate brown marks along termen from apex to tomus,

entire wing randomly sprinkled with brown scales;

cilia pale yellow. Hindwing and cilia pale yellow.

Male genitalia (JFGC 11177). Uncus bifid, moderate. Gnathal plate partially divided, spines divided

into two patches. Anellus U-shaped. Valvae symmetrical, of approximately uniform width throughout, a

costal lobe at apical two-thirds, a saccular process at

basal one-third. Aedeagus short, bent, tapering from

base to apex; vesica armed with two cornuti; one

short, thornlike, one long, sinuate, extending threefourths the length of aedeagus, spatulate at apex.

Female genitalia (WDD 3923, type). Ostium bursae

long, sclerotized, extruded beyond body wall. Ostium

with ventral edge slightly excavate, dorsal edge pointed

with one side broadly and irregularly serrate, with

broad, sclerotized flange encircling three-fourths of the

extruded portion. Ductus bursae short, membranous.

Corpus bursae membranous, signa consisting of two

sclerotized plates with invaginated median keels.

TYPE.—In the British Museum (Natural History).

TYPE LOCALITY.—Volcan de Atitlan, Guatemala,

2,500-3,500 ft.

HOST PLANT.—Laelia sp.? [Orchidaceae].

DISTRIBUTION.—Mexico: Maiz, S.L.P. (no date).

Guatemala: Volcan de Atitlan, 2,500-3,500 ft. (no

date); Grutas de San Pedro Martir, Escuintla

(August).

REMARKS.—This species is related to P. pugnax, but

it is readily distinguished by the development of costal

and saccular processes on the valvae and the size and

shape of the cornuti in the male genitalia. In the female

genitalia the shape of the dorsal edge of the ostium

readily separates P. resurgens from P. pugnax.

The host plant recorded for this species is based on

a single reared specimen in the NMNH labeled "reared

from Laelia leaf (cocoon on)." Since the other known

host plants in this genus are rather far removed from

the orchids, it is rather doubtful that Laelia is the

primary host. It would seem far more likely that the

Laelia was utilizing the same host plant and the specimen accidentally pupated on the Laelia leaf. Further

support for this speculation is provided by the fact that

species of Byrsonima, known to be a host for one species

of Peleopoda, are good orchid hosts and in Central

America are very likely to have Laelia and other Laelialike orchids growing on them. Under such circumstances a chance pupation on the orchid rather than

the primary host could easily occur.

I have one specimen of what undoubtedly is a new

species from Teffe, Brazil, which is very closely related

to P. resurgens. The lack of adequate material precludes the description of this taxon at this time; mention is made here, however, in order to note its relationship to this species. The valvae of the undescribed

species are much more elaborately developed and the

coloration of the wings is much darker than that of

P. resurgens.
20 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

FIGURES 38-41.—Peleopoda resurgent (Walsingham): 38, wing venation; 39, lateral view

of aedeagus; 40, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 41, ventral view of female

genitalia.
NUMBER 48 21

MAP 6.—Distribution of Peleopoda resurgent.

Peleopoda pugnax (Walsingham), new combination

FIGURES 42-45; PLATE 2E; MAP 7

Durrantia pugnax Walsingham, 1912, p. 114.

Durrantia acompsa Walsingham, 1912, p. 115. [New

synonymy.]

Stenoma monotona Amsel, 1956, p. 300.

Alar expanse, 12-26 mm.

Antenna whitish basally, lightly shaded with brown

beyond. Labial palpus whitish, second segment shaded

lightly with brown exteriorly. Head, thorax, legs

whitish. Forewing whitish with margins narrowly

shaded with brownish-yellow; a small brown spot at

end of cell; entire wing sprinkled with brown scales;

cilia pale yellow basally, white beyond. Hind wing

shining white, cilia white.

MALE GENITALIA (slide JFGC 11182).—Uncus bifid,

short. Gnathal plate divided. Anellus subrectangular,

lateral lobes very small. Valvae slighty asymmetrical,

simple, dilated apically. Aedeagus short, approximately

twice as broad basally as apically, vesica armed with

two cornuti, one short, broad with bladelike apex, one

long, slender, needlelike.

FEMALE GENITALIA (slide WDD 3562).—Ostium

bursae sclerotized, extruded beyond the body wall.

Ostium with ventral, medial cleft extending to posterior

edge of stemite 7. Ductus bursae sclerotized from inception of ductus seminalis to midpoint, membranous

beyond. Corpus bursae membranous, signa consisting

of two sclerotized plates with invaginated median keel.

TYPE.—In the British Museum (Natural History).

TYPE LOCALITY.—San Geronimo, Baja Vera Paz,

Guatemale (pugnax). Tabernilla, Canal Zone,

Panama (acompsa). Maracay, Venezuela (monotona).

HOST PLANT.—In fruit of Byrsonima crassifolia (L.)

[Malpighiaceae].

DISTRIBUTION.—Panama: La Chorrera (April,

May); Tabernilla (June). Mexico: Cordoba, Veracruz (July); Venadio, Sinola (no date, Teapa, Tabasco (March). Costa Rica: 9 mi NW Esparta (July);

San Jose (no date). Venezuela: Maracay (August,

November), Caracas (no date). Trinidad: Simla,

Arima Valley (February); no specific locality (February). Colombia: Atlantico, Quatro Bocas (January). El Salvador: 13 km N San Salvador (February) . Guatemala: Baja Vera Paz, San Geronimo (no

date).

REMARKS.—This species is closely related to P.

arcanella and P. resurgens. The male and female genitalia, however, provide a number of distinguishing

characters. In the males, the shape of the valve and

armature of the aedeagus readily separate P. pugnax.

In the females the ventral, medial cleft of the ostium

readily distinguishes this species.

I have examined the type of P. pugnax, a female

without abdomen, and that of P. acompsa and found

the two identical. The principal differences between

the two in the original descriptions are size and a slight

variation in maculation. The size factor is due to a sex

differential, P. pugnax being described from a single

female and P. acompsa from a single male. The maculation difference is insignificant when a large series of

specimens from throughout the range of the species is

examined. Since the type of P. pugnax is without abdomen it was impossible to examine the genitalia, but

specimens from El Salvador which agreed in size and

maculation with the type had identical genitalia to

those of P. acompsa. A previous study (Duckworth,

1966) of Amsel types revealed the synonomy of P.

monotona with this species.

MAP 7.—Distribution of Peleopoda species.

Peleopoda pugnax A Peleopoda piperatella
22 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

43

FIGURES 42-45.—Peleopoda pugnax (Walsingham): 42, wing venation; 43, ventral view of

female genitalia; 44, lateral view of aedeagus; 45, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus

removed).
NUMBER 48 23

The known distribution of P. pugnax follows closely

the distribution of the host plant as given by Standley

(1923). Standley lists Byrsonima crassijolia (L.) as occurring in Mexico from Sinaloa to Chiapas and Veracruz, Central America, West Indies, and northern

South America.

Peleopoda piperatella (Zeller), new combination

FIGURES 46-49; PLATE 2F; Map 7

Cryptolechia piperatella Zeller, 1872, p. 39.

Harpalyce albella Chambers, 1874, p. 235. [New synonymy.]

Durrantia montivola Meyrick, 1927, p. 364. [New synonymy.]

Alar expanse, 18-20 mm.

Antenna white. Labial palpus white, second segment

shaded with brown exteriorly. Head, thorax white. Legs

white, fore- and midlegs shaded with brown in some

specimens. Forewing white, costa narrowly edged with

pale yellow in most specimens, maculation varies from

uniform white to white with pale yellow patch at end

of cell containing a few brown scales and entire wing

randomly sprinkled with few to many brown scales;

cilia white, in some specimens pale yellow basally.

Hind wing white; cilia white.

MALE GENITALIA (JFGC 11196).—Uncas bifid,

short; gnathal plate divided. Anellus reniform, without lateral lobes. Valvae symmetrical; broad basally

tapering sharply near midpoint to rounded apex which

bears thornlike process from coastal edge. Aedeagus

long, near uniform width throughout, vesica armed

with one long, sinuate cornutus which slightly exceeds

the aedeagus in length, recurved apically with a short,

thornlike process at tip.

FEMALE GENITALIA (WDD 3826).—Ostium bursae

sclerotized, extruded beyond body wall. Ostium with

ventral edge broadly excavated. Ductus bursae membranous, with sclerotized diverticulum at junction with

ostium bursae. Corpus bursae small, membranous,

without signum.

TYPE.—In the Museum of Comparative Zoology,

Harvard University.

TYPE LOCALITY.—Texas (pipertatella) ; Texas {albella) ; Alpine, Texas, 7,000 ft. (montivola).

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Texas: Dallas (no date); San Antonio (April); Brewster County, 7,000 ft. (April) ;

Alpine, 6,000-7,000 ft. (April, May); Bosque County

(March).

REMARKS.—This species is closely related to P.

flaccescens, but, there are a number of distinguishing

characteristics in the male genitalia. The shape of the

valvae is completely different with P. piperatella possessing a thornlike processs from the apex which is

absent in P. flaccescens. Also, the shape and armature

of the aedeagus are quite distinctive in the two species

and readily separate them. The female of P. flaccescens is not known so comparison of the female

genitalia is not possible.

Examination of the genitalia of the types of H. albella Chambers and D. montivola Meyrick indicates

that these two species are synonymous with Zeller's

P. piperatella. The species is somewhat variable in

maculation and undoubtedly this variation was responsible for the description of the two synonymns. For

many years Chamber's H. albella stood as a synonym of

Antaeotricha vestalis (Walsingham), a species of

Stenomidae. Duckworth (1964), however, removed

P. albella from synonymy and placed it in the genus

Durrantia.

Peleopoda flaccescens (Meyrick), new combination

FIGURES 50-52, PLATE 3A; MAP 8

Durrantia flaccescens Meyrick, 1925, p. 161.

Alar expanse, 17-18 mm.

Antenna white. Labial palpus white, second segment

light brown exteriorly except apex. Head, thorax white.

Legs white. Forelegs shaded with brown, especially

tibia and tarsi. Forewing white, costa narrowly edged

with pale yellow, spot at end of cell indistinct, pale

yellow; cilia white. Hind wing white; cilia white.

MALE GENITALIA (WDD 3831).—Uncus bifid,

short, setiferous. Gnathal plate divided. Anellus rectangular, indented dorsally and laterally, without

lateral lobes. Valvae symmetrical; narrow, sharply

constricted near midpoint, then very wide before

tapering to acute apex. Aedeagus slightly curved, near

uniform width throughout except apex, vesica without

cornuti.

FEMALE GENITALIA.—Unknown.

TYPE.—In the British Museum (Natural History).

TYPE LOCALITY.—Jurimaguas, Peru.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Venezuela. Barinas Reserva Forestal, Ticopora, 230 m (April). Peru: Jurimaguas (no

date).
24 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

47

FIGURES 46-49.—Peleopoda piper at ella (Zeller): 46, wing venation; 47, ventral view of female

genitalia; 48, lateral view of aedeagus; 49, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed).
NUMBER 48 25

FIGURES 50-52.—Peleopoda flaccescens (Meyrick): 50, wing venation; 51, caudal view of

male genitalia (aedeagus removed and apical portion of right valva missing); 52, dorsolateral

view of aedeagus.

REMARKS.—This species is nearest the preceding

species P. piperatella, and the distinguishing characters have been discussed in the remarks pertaining to

that species.

This species is known only by the type and one additional specimen in the NMNH from western Venezuela. At first glance the distribution might appear

rather disjunct; both localities, however, are at the

eastern base of the Andes at approximately the same

altitude and in the same type habitat. It is very likely

that the species range is even greater than indicated

by the known distribution.

Clarke (1955) illustrates the male genitalia and

left wings of the type in the British Museum (Natural

History) and the male specimen in the NMNH agrees

completely with it.

MAP 8. Distribution of Peleopoda species. A Peleopoda

flaccescens • Peleopoda spudasma
26 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

Peleopoda spudasma (Walsingham),

new combination

FIGURES 53-55; PLATE 3B ; Map 8

Theatria spudasma Walsingham, p. 116.

Alar expanse 17-19 mm.

Antenna white basally, slightly shaded with brown

beyond. Labial palpus white, second segment slightly

shaded with brown exteriorly. Head white. Thorax

white, lightly shaded with brown dorsally. Legs white,

forelegs shaded with brown. Forewing yellow-white,

costal one-half suffused with brown, a dark brown

marginal shade extends along termen and is broken

into brown spots from apex to beginning of costal cilia;

spot at end of cell, spot in middle of cell, spot in fold,

dark brown, cilia yellow-white, heavily shaded with

dark brown at tornus. Hind wing white, cilia white.

MALE GENITALIA (WDD 3825).—Uncus bifid, each

arm somewhat bulbous at apex and with dorsolateral

keel. Gnathal plate fused, spines divided at midpoint

into two patches. Anellus small, trifoil, without lateral

lobes. Valvae asymmetrical, costal margins heavily

sclerotized from base developed into prominent process

near midpoint, bases of sacculus broad, fan-shaped, left

valva with small setiferous lobe below costa, dentate

flange on dorsum of sacculus. Aedeagus short, sharply

curved at midpoint, ventrally membranous from midpoint; vesica without cornuti.

FEMALE GENITALIA.—Unknown.

TYPE.—In the British Museum (Natural History).

TYPE LOCALITY.—Bugaba, Chiriqui, Panama, 800-

1,500 ft.

HOST PLANT.—Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION.—Venezuela: Rancho Grande, Aragua, 1100 m (January) Panama: Bugaba, Chiriqui,

800-1,500ft. (nodate).

REMARKS.—This species does not appear to be

closely related to any other species in the genus. The

female is unknown and of the two existing male specimens of the species, only one has an intact abdomen.

Very likely additional specimens of both sexes would

permit a clearer assessment of the relationship with

other species in the genus.

P. spudasma is readily separated from the other

species in the genus by the shape of the arms of the

uncus and the valvae with heavily sclerotized costa

developed into a prominent process in the male genitalia.

Although the localities are somewhat disjunct, I

have compared the specimen from Venezuela with

1>

FIGURES 53-55.—Peleopoda spudasma (Walsingham): 53, wing venation; 54, caudal view of

male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 55, lateral view of aedeagus.
NUMBER 48 27

the type specimen and they agree perfectly in all aspects. The type is without abdomen so it was impossible to compare characters of the genitalia.

Literature Cited

Amsel, H. G.

1956. Microlepidoptera Venezolana. Boletin de Entomologia Venezolana, 10:1-336.

Bourquin, F.

1957. Notas sobre la metamorfosis de Pseuderotis cannescens Clarke, 1956 (Lepidop. Oecophoridae). Revista de la Sociedad Entomologica Argentina, 19:

47-48.

Busck, A.

1908. A Generic Revision of American Moths of the

Family Oecophoridae, with Descriptions of New

Species. Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 35:187-207.

1911. Descriptions of Tineoid Moths (Microlepidoptera)

from South America. Proceedings of the United

States National Museum, 40:205-230.

1912. Descriptions of New Genera and Species of Microlepidoptera from Panama. Proceedings of the

United States National Museum, 59:1-10.

1934. Stenomidae. In Lepidopterorum Catalogus, 67:

1-73.

Chambers, V. T.

1874. North American Microlepidoptera. The Canadian Entomologist, 6:229-249.

Clarke, J. F. Gates

1955. Catalogue of the Type Specimens of Microlepidoptera in the British Museum (Natural History),

Described by Edward Meyrick. Volume 2. London, England. British Museum.

1956. Microlepidoptera of Argentina, VI (Oecophoridae). Entomological News, 67:254-256.

1963. Catalogue of the Type Specimens of Microlepidoptera in the British Museum (Natural History),

Described by Edward Meyrick. Volume 4. London, England. British Museum.

Duckworth, W. Donald

1964. North American Stenomidae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea). Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 116:23-72.

1966. New Synonmy and New Assignments in Western

Hemisphere Stenomidae. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 68:195-198.

Dyar, H. G.

1902. A Review of the Genus Ethmia with Descriptions

of New Species. Journal of the New York Entomological Society, 10:202-208.

Gaede, M.

1939. Oecophoridae II. In Lepidopterorum Catalogus,

92:209-476.

Meyrick, E.

1912. Descriptions of South American Micro-Lepidoptera. Transactions of the Entomological Society

of London, 1912:673-718.

1916. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 1:545. Marlborough,

England: Published by the author.

1922. Lepidoptera-Heterocera. In P. Wytsman, Genera

Insectorum, 180:1-224.

1925. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 3:161. Marlborough,

England: Published by the author.

1927. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 3:364. Marlborough,

England: Published by the author.

1930. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 4:13. Marlborough,

England: Published by the author.

1932. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 4:286. Marlborough,

England: Published by the author.

Walsingham, Lord (Thomas de Grey)

1912. Lepidoptera-Heterocera. In Godman and Salvin, Biologia Centrali-Americana, 42(4): 1-482.

Zeller, P. C.

1872. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Nordamericanischen

Nachtfalter, besonders der Microlepidoptera.

Verhandlungen der K. K. Zoologisch-botanischen

Gesellschaft in Wien, 22:1-134.

1877. Exotische Microlepidoptera. Horae Societatis

Entomologicae Rossicae, 13:1-491.
28 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

PLATE 1.—Left wings: A, Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller; B, Peleopoda navigatrix (Meyrick); c,

Peleopoda semocrossa (Meyrick); D, Peleopoda convoluta, new species; E, Peleopoda obiterella

(Buack); r, Peleopoda thamnolopha (Meyrick).
NUMBER 48 29

PLATE 2.—Left wings: A, Peleopoda cannescens (Clarke); B, Peleopoda arcanella (Busck);

c, Peleopoda amabilis (Walsingham); D, Peleopoda resurgens (Walsingham); E, Peleopoda

pugnax (Walsingham); F, Peleopoda piparatella (Zeller).
30

SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY

PLATE 3.—Left wings: A, Peleopoda flaccescens (Meyrick); B, Peleopoda spudasma (Walsingham); c, Range of the genus Peleopoda.

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