Thyrocopa abusa Walsingham
Creators: name: Medeiros, Matthew J.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2009
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Lepidoptera
Oecophoridae
Thyrocopa
Thyrocopa abusa

description: 1. Thyrocopa abusa Walsingham
(Figs. 1–6, 58, 65, 100–101)
Thyrocopa abusa Walsingham, 1907b: 504, plate 15, fig. 1.
Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Oahu: Hawaiian Is: 1 3 (slide 4044 BMNH, genitalia and wings), 1899, Blackburn (BMNH), designated by Zimmerman, 1978: figs. 644, 666, 670 (as “ holotype ”). Paralectotypes: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Oahu: Hawaiian Is: 1 3, 1 Ƥ, Blackburn, 1899 (BMNH); Honolulu, Hawaiian Is: 1 3 (slide 5236 BMNH, wings), 29 Aug 1883, collector unspecified, (BMNH); Waianae Mts, 2,000- 3000’ [610–914 m]: 2 3, Apr 1892, Perkins (BMNH).
Thyrocopa abusa Walsingham; Zimmerman, 1978: 936, figs. 644, 652, 666, 667 (error in identification; fig. 667 is T. usitata), 670.
Thyrocopa usitata Butler, sensu Meyrick, 1883a: 33. Misidentification. (Zimmerman 1978: 936.)
Thyrocopa depressariella Walsingham, 1907b: 498, plate 14, fig. 17.
Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Kauai: Mtns. 3000–4000’ [914–1219 m]: 1 3 (slide 4052 BMNH), Jun 1894, Perkins (BMNH), designated by Zimmerman 1978: figs. 655, 672 (as “ holotype ”).
Paralectotypes: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Kauai: Mtns. 3000–4000‘ [914–1219 m]: 3 3, 4 Ƥ (one missing abdomen), May-Jun 1894, Perkins (BMNH); Mts. 3000–4000‘ [914–1219 m]: 3 3, Jun 1894, Perkins (BPBM).
Thyrocopa depressariella Walsingham; Zimmerman, 1978: 986, figs. 655, 672. NEW SYNONYMY.
Thyrocopa fraudulentella Walsingham, 1907b: 502, plate 14, fig. 24.
Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Hawaii Island: Mt. Kilauea: 1 3 (slide 4076 BMNH), Aug 1896, Perkins (BMNH), designated by Zimmerman 1978: figs. 657, 674 (as “ holotype ”).
Paralectotypes: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Maui: Haleakala 5000‘ [1524 m]: 1 3, May 1896, Perkins (BMNH). Hawaii Island: Kona, 4000‘ [1219 m]: 1 3, Aug 1892, Perkins (BMNH); Mt. Kilauea: 1 3, 1 Ƥ, Aug 1896, Perkins (BMNH); Olaa: 1 3, Sep 1896, Perkins (BMNH); Mt. Kilauea: 2 3 (slide 13), Aug 1896, Perkins (BPBM).
Thyrocopa fraudulentella Walsingham; Zimmerman, 1978: 986, figs. 657, 674. NEW SYNONYMY.
Thyrocopa immutata Walsingham, 1907b: 501, plate 14, fig. 23.
Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Kauai: Kaholuamano, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3 (slide 4155 BMNH), Apr 1895, Perkins (BMNH), designated by Zimmerman, 1978: figs. 658, 675 (as “ holotype ”).
Paralectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Kauai: Kaholuamano, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3, Apr 1895, Perkins (BMNH).
Thyrocopa immutata Walsingham; Zimmerman, 1978: 987, figs. 658, 675. NEW SYNONYMY.
Thyrocopa ingeminata Meyrick, 1915a: 371.
Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Oahu: Honolulu: 1 Ƥ (slide 9551 Clarke, BMNH), 1909, Perkins (BMNH), designated by Zimmerman, 1978: figs. 659, 688.
Paralectotypes: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Oahu: Honolulu: 3 Ƥ, 1909, Perkins (BMNH); Ko’olau Mts.: 2 Ƥ (one missing abdomen), 1908, Perkins (BMNH).
Thyrocopa ingeminata Meyrick; Zimmerman, 1978: 987, figs. 659, 688. NEW SYNONYMY.
Thyrocopa nubifer Walsingham, 1907b: 499, plate 14, fig. 18.
Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Hawaii Island: Kona, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3 (slide 4151 BMNH), 28 Jul 1892, Perkins (BMNH) (Walsingham, no. 25174), designated by Zimmerman 1978: figs. 661, 677 (as “ holotype ”). Paralectotypes: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Hawaii Island: Kona, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3, 1 Ƥ, Sep 1892 –1893, Perkins (BMNH); Kona, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3, 29 Jun 1892, Perkins (BPBM).
Thyrocopa nubifer Walsingham; Zimmerman, 1978: 988, figs. 661, 677. NEW SYNONYMY.
Thyrocopa pallida Walsingham 1907b: 502, plate 14, fig. 25.
Lectotype: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Kauai: Kaholuamano, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3 (slide 4152 BMNH), Apr 1895, Perkins (BMNH) (Walsingham, no. 27645), designated by Zimmerman, 1978: figs. 662, 678 (as “ holotype ”). Paralectotypes: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: Kauai: Kaholuamano, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3, 1 Ƥ, Apr 1895, Perkins (BMNH); Kaholuamano, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3, Apr 1895, Perkins (BPBM); Mtns. 4000’ [1219 m]: 2 3, Jun 1894, Perkins (BMNH); Mts. 3000–4000’ [914–1219 m]: 2 3, Jun 1894, Perkins (BPBM). Molokai: +3000’ [914 m]: 1 Ƥ, 30 May 1893, Perkins (BMNH); c. 4000’ [1219 m]: 2 Ƥ, 22 May 1893, Perkins (BMNH); +3000’ [914 m]: 1 Ƥ, 13 Jun 1893, Perkins (BPBM).
Thyrocopa pallida Walsingham; Zimmerman, 1978: 989, figs. 662, 678. NEW SYNONYMY.
Diagnosis: The male genitalia of Thyrocopa abusa have a distinct raised median apical ridge dorsally on the uncus.
Description: Head: Scales light brown to brown, sometimes with apices lighter in color. Antenna (Fig. 58) ca. 0.7x forewing length; very dense, extremely short, piliform cilia on ventral side of flagellomere of male with scaling on dorsal surface; cilia of female flagellomere less dense and slightly longer. Labial palpus mottled light brown and brown, with third segment often darker than second; third segment ca. 0.8x length of second. Thorax: Brown, with scales sometimes lighter near apex. Forewing length 8–14 mm; forewing ground color light brown to brown, with darker scales scattered throughout; large amount of wing pattern variation, but usually discal area clouded with ill defined blackish spots in cell, costal fold and cell often darker than remainder of wing, occasionally with entire wing dark brown; often with curving, poorly defined whitish band through the terminal area; often with evenly spaced spots on the distal half of the costa and along termen at the vein endings. Hindwing very light brown; sometimes with spots at vein endings along termen; fringe very light brown. Abdomen: Very light brown. Male genitalia (Fig. 65) with uncus uncus moderately cleft apically, bearing dorsally raised median apical ridge; sacculus knobbed and scooped-out in appearance. Female genitalia typical for genus; signum short and wide.
Food plants: Swezey (1954) mentioned that T. abusa larvae were found in dead Pipturus (Hawaiian = mamaki) branches but that they are general scavengers. He also reported a variety of Hawaiian endemics and aliens (1910e): Acacia koa (Hawaiian = koa), Cyrtandra (Hawaiian = ilihia), Freycinetia (Hawaiian = ieie), guava, Ipomoea, Lantana, Pipturus (Hawaiian = mamaki), Ricinus. He commented “The brownish larvae, protected by a silken web or tunnel, bore into the dead twigs of many plants. They also feed on the bark and may feed to some extent upon the living tissues. See Swezey, 1910e:139 and 1912c:154, for details.” Larvae also were found “in silken tunnels in and beneath dried cow dung. Probably normally a dead-wood feeder; also often feeding on the living twigs; always protected by silken web or tunnel” (Swezey 1910e, 1912c).
Flight period: Year-round.
Distribution: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Hawaii Island.
Remarks: There is a high degree of variation in forewing pattern in this species (see Figs. 1–6). I have observed this species in great numbers, with numerous adults perching on leaves of introduced ginger plants in certain forest areas.
Two specimens labeled as “ abusa ” are deposited in the USNM, one male and one female. The male appears to be the source of the drawing by J.F.G. Clarke in Zimmerman (1978: 957, fig. 667). The aedeagus was left in place in the dissection and was not included in the drawing, and the drawing is somewhat stylized. This drawing seems to be of a different species: “an error in identification may be involved here…” (Zimmerman 1978: 957, fig. 667). After examining the specimen (slide USNM 86551, wings and genitalia), it clearly is not T. abusa; it is T. usitata and I have labeled it as such. The female from the USNM labeled as abusa is actually usitata. The bursa was lost in the dissection (slide USNM 86558).
Additional material examined: UNITED STATES: HAWAII: 1 3, 1899, Blackburn (BMNH). Kauai: 1600’ [488 m], Haupu Ridge: 1 3 (slide MJM24), 24 Nov 1978, S.L. Montgomery (BPBM); Kaholuamano, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 Ƥ, Apr 1895, Perkins (BMNH); Na Pali-Kona FR, Pihea Trail, 4200’ [1280 m]: 1 3, 11 Sep 1973, K. & E. Sattler; Kokee St. Park, nr. Kukui Tr.: 1 Ƥ (slide 07B69), 11 Oct 2007, M.J. Medeiros (BPBM). Oahu: 1800’ [549 m], Waianae Mtns, Mokuleia FR, 0.5 mi. N of Puu Pane: 1 3 (slide 31572 BMNH), 2 Ƥ, 25 Sep 1976, K. & E. Sattler (BMNH); 2200’ [671 m], Waianae Range, above Makua Valley: 2 Ƥ, 11 Sep 1976, K. & E. Sattler (BMNH); 2500’ [762 m], Waianae Range, Gulch NE of Puu Kanehoa: 5 Ƥ, 10 Oct 1976, K. & E. Sattler (BMNH); Honolulu: 1 Ƥ (“dead wood feeder”), ex. 1900, Perkins (BMNH); Honolulu (coast): 1 3 (fig. 3), 1 Ƥ (slide 31565 BMNH; this individual a longer signum than most conspecifics and may be misidentified), Jan 1901, Perkins (BMNH); Kaimuki: 1 3 (slide MJM 51), 20 Apr 1910, O.H. Swezey (BPBM); Kunia: 1 Ƥ, 20 Apr 1910, D.T. Fullaway (BPBM); Puu Manuwahua Trail, 2500’: 1 3 (slide MJM42), 7 Feb 1939, K. Salu(?) (BPBM); SE Ko’olau Range: 2 3, 1 Ƥ, July 1900, Perkins (BMNH); Waianae Mts., 915 m, Ohikilolo Ridge: 1 3 (slide MJM35), 26 May 1976, F.G. Howarth (BPBM); Waianae Mts., Kamaileunu Ridge, N. Puu Kawiwi, 760 m: 8 Ƥ, 19 Dec 1975, F.G. Howarth. Molokai: Kahanui (? last two letters illegible): 1 3 (slide 31579 BMNH), Sep 1893, Perkins (BMNH); Molokai FR, Hanalilolilo Trail, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 3 (slide 31580 BMNH), 2 Aug 1973, K. & E. Sattler (BMNH). Maui: Haleakala National Park, upper Kipahulu Valley, Charlie Camp, 1450 m: 1 3, 9–10 Jul 1983, WC & BH Gagne (BPBM); Kula 3200’ [975 m]: 1 3 (slide 06A34), 5 Ƥ (slides 03A18 & 05B01), 29 Dec 2003 – 4 Jul 2006, M.J. Medeiros (BPBM); Kula 3800’ [1158 m]: 44 Ƥ, 18–27 Aug 1973, K. & E. Sattler (BMNH); Makawao FR, 4200’ [1280 m]: 13 3 (slide 06A26), 7 Ƥ (slides 06A15 & 06A25), 23 May–3 Jun 2006, M.J. Medeiros & J.J. Anderson (BPBM); Puu Kukui Tr., Haela’au, 2980’ [908 m]: 1 Ƥ (slide 06B56), 5 Jul 2006, M.J. Medeiros & J.J. Anderson (BPBM); Waikoa 3000’ [914 m]: 1 3 (slide MJM22), 4 Ƥ, Aug 1941, C.M. Cooke Jr. (BPBM); Waiakoa: 1 3 (slide MJM23), 26 Apr 1945, E.C. Zimmerman (BPBM). Lanai: 2000’ [610 m]: 1 3, Feb 1894, Perkins (BMNH); Kanepuu Preserve: 1 3 (slide 07A20), 5 Ƥ (slide 07A13), 16 May 2007, M.J. Medeiros (BPBM); Polihua Rd.: 2 Ƥ, 15 May 2007, Rubinoff & Eiben (UHIM). Hawaii Island: 1300’ [396 m], S. Hilo Distr., Waiakea FR, Stainback Highway: 2 3 (slide 28757 BMNH), 21 Jun–1 Aug 1976, K. & E. Sattler (BMNH); Hakalau NWR, Maulua, 1312 m: 1 3 (slide MJM28), 1 Ƥ, 6 Oct 1999, P.L. Little (BPBM); HAVO, Aina Hou: 1 3 (slide 04A84), 21 Jul 2004, M.J. Medeiros (HAVO); Kona, 3500’ [1100 m]: 1 3, Jun 1892, Perkins (BMNH); Kona, 4000’ [1219 m]: 1 Ƥ (paratype of Thyrocopa mediomaculata), 4 Aug 1892, Perkins (BMNH); Puna District, Volcano, 3800’ [1158 m]: 1 3 (slide 28760), 1 Ƥ, 2 May 1973 – 7 Jul 1976, K. & E. Sattler (BMNH); Upper Waiakea FR, Pole #127, 3340’: 1 3 (slide Jon7), 12 Jun 1999, J. Giffin (BPBM); Upper Waiakea FR Res., Stainback Hwy, 1100 m: 1 3 (slide MJM16), 26 May 1984, F.G. Howarth, Stone, & W. Tyler (BPBM).
description: Published as part of Medeiros, Matthew J., 2009, A revision of the endemic Hawaiian genus Thyrocopa (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae: Xyloryctinae), pp. 1-47 in Zootaxa 2202 on pages 7-9, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.275119