Hyposmocoma kaupo Schmitz & Rubinoff, sp. nov.
Creators: name: Schmitz, Patrick
name: Rubinoff, Daniel
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2008
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Lepidoptera
Cosmopterigidae
Hyposmocoma
Hyposmocoma kaupo

description: Hyposmocoma kaupo Schmitz & Rubinoff, sp. nov.
Figs 1, 4, 5–7, 14
MATERIAL EXAMINED. Holotype ɗ: [1] ‘H[AWAI]I: East Maui, Kaupo gap Hale[akala]. N[ational]. P[ark]. | “burrito” case, I-16-04 | em[ergence], III-10-04, leg[it]. D[aniel]. Rubinoff’; [2] ‘ HOLOTYPE | Hyposmocoma | kaupo Schmitz & Rubinoff’. Specimen in perfect condition except for broken antennae. Deposited in the UHIM.
Paratypes: 16 ɗ, 11 Ψ, from Maui Island, Hawaii, USA: – 4 ɗ (two dissected, slides PS118 and PS120), 2 Ψ, same data as holotype: 10 ɗ (one dissected, slide PS113), 2 Ψ (dissected, slides PS115 and PS119), same data as holotype except date of emergence: II-18-04 (1 ɗ), II-29-04 (4 ɗ, 1Ψ), III-3-04 (1 ɗ), III-7-04 (2 ɗ, 1 Ψ), III-12-04 (2 ɗ): 2 ɗ, 5 Ψ, HI: Makawao Forest Reserve, Kahakapaa trail, on rocky bank, “burrito” case, XII-27-07, em. III-4-08 (1 ɗ, 2 Ψ), III-5-08 (1 Ψ), III-10-08 (1 ɗ), III-17-08 (1 Ψ), III-19-08 (1 Ψ), #DR07L1A, leg. W[ill]. Haines. Deposited in BPBM, MHNG, UHIM and USNM.
Specimens sequenced: 3 specimens from Maui Island, Hawaii, USA: 2 specimens, with same data as holotype: 1 specimen, HI: Makawao Forest Reserve, Kahakapaa trail, on rocky bank, “burrito” case, XII-27 - 0 7, #DR07L1A, leg. W. Haines.
DIAGNOSIS. Among the species of Hyposmocoma, H. kaupo can be separated by its distinct colouration. It is most similar to H. montivolans (Butler, 1882), which is endemic to the island of Oahu, in size and forewing pattern, but H. montivolans is still larger (holotype male forewing: 14 mm; Walsingham 1907) and the forewing ground colour is olive green whereas H. kaupo is greyish blue. Also it differs in male genitalia by having more than five spurlike setae on both valvae and a subapical projection on left valve which bears two spurlike setae. H. kaupo differs from H. kapakai and H. kaikuono in characters mentioned in the Diagnosis and Description of these species, below.
DESCRIPTION. MALE (n=15) (Figs 1, 4, 5–7). Wingspan 12.2–13.2 mm (Holotype: 12.7 mm). Head with greyish-blue white tipped scales converging toward midline on occiput. Haustellum with greyish blue, brown tipped scales. Maxillary palpus reduced. Labial palpus recurved with greyish-blue brown tipped scales, subapicaly white ring on second segment, and slender darkish brown third segment. Antenna flagellum darkish brown; scape with scales white tipped at the end; antennal pecten present with up to eight thin setae. Thorax mostly greyish-blue; darkish brown at collar and at apex medially, with yellowish-orange scales laterally, more or less conspicuous and forming sometimes small spots; apex of tegula and outer margin of metathorax darkish brown; metascutellum greyish-beige. Foreleg coxa with off-white and greyish-blue brown tipped scales; femur, tibia, and tarsomeres mostly darkish brown with off-white ring at apex of femur, tibia, and apex of tarsomeres I-V. Midleg as foreleg, but also with ring of greyish-blue scales on tibia postmedially and extended off-white rings, spurs off-white. Hindleg as midleg. Forewing mostly greyish-blue with pale tipped scales (darker for the specimens collected in the Makawao Forest Reserve); off-white scales at jointure of wing; darkish brown markings as a basal band, a small basocostal spot not reaching dorsal margin, a medium size patch postbasally (slightly below midline), a submedial patch above midline, a larger oval submedially along posterior margin without reaching it, a medium size patch medially in middle of wing just above submedial oval, and a pair of medium patches, sometimes joined, situated postmedially, the patch below reaching inner margin; small off-white spots at 1/2 and 3/4 on dorsal margin, with sometimes slightly off-white markings as small dots around darkish brown markings; fringe off-white to greyish beige with darker tipped scales. Hindwing greyish brown with greyish-beige fringe. Subcostal brush conspicuous (Fig. 4), on dorsal surface on anterior margin, dark brown extending 1/2 the length of hindwing. Abdomen dorsally uniform shiny grey; ventrally off-white, with tuft of long pale beige scales on each side of genitalia. Sclerotized hook arising from sclerotized ring on the right side of seventh abdominal tergum (pseuduncus sensu Zimmerman 1978), elongate, slightly curved, narrowing apically to blunt apex; minute sclerotized point on the left side. Seventh abdominal sternum with triangular fold in the middle pointing perpendicularly. Genital flaps (epiptygmata sensu Zimmerman 1978) on eighth abdominal sternum, rounded, broad, and thin.
Male genitalia (n=3) (Figs 5–7). Uncus and gnathos absent, but replaced by uncuslike processes (brachia sensu Zimmerman 1978) attached to tegumen (Zimmerman, 1978); right process elongate, curved ventrally, apically pointed, about 4 X longer than reduced left process. Tegumen wide, heavily sclerotized, dorsoventrally flattened, ventral connection broad. Vinculum vestigial. Valvae asymmetrical, with long and slender arms adorned with setae disposed comblike along dorsal margin, broadened distally, with prominent, uniformly spaced sclerotized spurlike setae, sequentially longer distally, varying in number (six or seven, depending on specimen studied), setae shorter on right valva, left valva with subapical triangular projection adorned with two spurlike setae. Phallus slightly bent to the right, stout, blunt tipped, heavily sclerotized, curved at right angle at about 2/3 length. Anellus with asymmetrical lobes, left lobe with broad bulbous projection at middle, then terminating in short point, right lobe delicate and slightly curved, bulbous at end, both adorned with small setae, two to three very long setae on apex, 2 X length of phallus.
FEMALE (n=4). Wingspan 12.4–13.3 mm. Frenulum with 3 acanthae. Antenna slightly thinner than that of male. Otherwise externally like males.
Female genitalia (n=2) (Fig. 14). Papillae anales short, lightly sclerotized and setose, slightly longer than wide, pointed lateroapically. Posterior apophyses very slender and straight, about 5 X length of papillae anales. Anterior apophyses slightly broader and about 1/ 3 X length of posterior apophyses. Ostium bursae heavily sclerotized, externally protruding, question-marked shaped, broad at base with sickle shaped apex. Ductus bursae short, of medium girth. Inception of ductus seminalis large, at about 1/3 length of corpus bursae. Apical margin of tergum VIII with slight broad emargination medially. Corpus bursae oval and elongate, with light scobination, lightly sclerotized from about middle to pointed proximal end; signum absent.
Larva cases (n=68). Burrito-shaped structures (in reference to the shape of a type of Mexican food that consists of a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling), 4.5–8.0 mm long, large and rounded with a curved pointed distal end, decorated with bits of sand, pebbles, and lichens intricated with silk filaments. Case background colour ranges from grey to brown.
ETYMOLOGY. The name of H. kaupo is derived from one of the type locality situated in Haleakala National Park on the Island of Maui.
BIOLOGY. All adults were reared from case-making larvae. Larvae were collected during the day in January at an elevation of 1085 meters on lichen covered rocks in the Kaupo Gap area of east Maui. Larvae were observed feeding and were reared on lichens growing on rocks. While a few larvae were actively crawling and feeding on the rocks during the day when we were collecting, most were hidden near the base of the rocks where grass partially concealed them. Adults had already emerged from some of the cases, suggesting that the flight period may begin earlier than our collection date, and certainly earlier than the first emergences we recorded. In captivity, adults left together readily mated during the daylight hours, and females oviposited on a rock in a screened cage. Young, case-bearing larvae appeared several weeks later but were not reared. Based on this apparently continuous life cycle, this species may be homodynamic.
DISTRIBUTION. Known only from the Hawaiian island of Maui, presumed to be endemic to east Maui. Although its range may be broader, collections from other parts of Maui have yielded genetically distant species.
REMARKS. The differences in wing size and those of the forewing colouration and details of genitalia are morphological characters useful in distinguishing H. kaupo as a distinct species. This species status is strongly supported by the divergence in two DNA fragments from COI and the much slower evolving EF1 (Reed & Sperling 1999) (see Table 1).
Hyposmocoma kapakai Schmitz & Rubinoff, sp. nov. Figs 2, 8–10, 15, 17
MATERIAL EXAMINED. Holotype ɗ: [1] ‘H[AWAI]I: Oahu, Halona blowhole | “burrito” case, II-2-08 | em[ergence], III-5-08, #DR08B1A| leg[it]. P[atrick]. Schmitz’; [2] ‘ HOLOTYPE | Hyposmocoma | kapakai Schmitz & Rubinoff’. Specimen in perfect condition except for broken right hindleg. Deposited in the UHIM. Paratypes: 8 ɗ, 11 Ψ, from Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA: – 3 ɗ, 4 Ψ, same data as holotype except date of emergence: III-11-08 (2 Ψ), III-12-08 (1 Ψ), III-14-08 (1 ɗ), III-17-08 (1 Ψ), III-19-08 (1 ɗ), III-31-08 (1 ɗ): 1 ɗ, 2 Ψ, HI: Oahu, Makapu’u Point Trail, “burrito” case, I-7-06, em. I-29-06 (1 Ψ), II-13-06 (1 Ψ), II-25-06 (1 ɗ), #DR06A4, leg. W. Haines, M. Heddle. 5 ɗ (one dissected, slide PS111), 5 Ψ (one dissected, slide PS116), HI: Oahu, Blowhole by Sandy Beach, “burrito” case, I-7-06, em. II-6-06 (2 Ψ), II-10-06 (3 Ψ), II-24-06 (1 ɗ), II- 27-06 (3 ɗ), III-9-06 (1 ɗ), #DR06A3, leg. W. Haines, M. Heddle. Deposited in BPBM, MHNG, MHNG, UHIM and USNM.
Specimens sequenced: 6 specimens from Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA: 1 specimen, same data as holotype: 2 specimens, HI: Oahu, Blowhole by Sandy Beach, “burrito” case, I-7-06, #DR06A3, leg. W. Haines, M. Heddle: 3 specimens, HI: Oahu, Makapu’u Point Trail, “burrito” case, I-7-06, #DR06A4, leg. W. Haines, M. Heddle.
DIAGNOSIS. H. kapakai is most similar in wing markings to H. kaikuono sp. nov., H. kaupo sp. nov., and H. montivolans (Butler, 1882), but it differs from H. kaupo and H. kaikuono in male genitalia by having no projection on left valva, and from H. kaupo in female genitalia by having a membranous rather than sclerotized corpus bursae. Also forewing background colour of H. kapakai differs from these species by being paler with brownish markings.
DESCRIPTION. MALE (n=6) (Figs 2, 8–10). Wingspan 10.9–11.3 mm (Holotype: 11.1 mm). As H. kaupo, except forewing, thorax, and abdomen paler; markings on forewing more brownish; antennal pecten with up to five thin setae; sclerotized hook with broad and stout apex.
Male genitalia (n=1) (Figs 8–10). As for H. kaupo, except left valva without triangular projection; six spurs on valvae more flattened dorsoventrally.
FEMALE (n=7). Wingspan 10.9–13.2 mm. Frenulum with 3 acanthae. Antenna slightly thinner than that of male. Otherwise externally like males.
Female genitalia (n=1) (Fig. 15). As for H. kaupo, except without sclerotized area on posterior half of corpus bursae; corpus bursae smaller; ostium bursae broader, apex less acute.
Larva cases (n=87) (Fig.17).The case type is a burrito-shaped structure as in H. kaupo (3.8–7.3 mm in length). The background colour of the cases ranges from beige for the specimens collected on rocks near the sand beach to greyish-brown for those collected on the rocky shoreline.
ETYMOLOGY. From the Hawaiian kapakai, or seaside, referring to the collection place of the cases of this species situated near the sea.
BIOLOGY. Adults were reared from case-making larvae collected during the day in January on the coast at sea level. Larvae were reared on fish food and carrots. Larvae were sparsely distributed along shoreline region. Parasitoids were reared from some larvae and have been identified as belonging to the Eulophidae (Hymenoptera).
DISTRIBUTION. Currently known only from the southeast coastal region of the island of Oahu to which it is presumed to be endemic. Rearing of larvae with similar cases from upland areas of Oahu has yielded dissimilar species that we have not been able to identify.
REMARKS. The differences in wing size and those of the forewing colouration and details of genitalia are morphological characters useful in distinguishing H. kapakai as a distinct species. This species status is strongly supported by the divergence in two DNA fragments (see Table 1)..
Hyposmocoma kaikuono Schmitz & Rubinoff, sp. nov. Figs 3, 11–13, 16
MATERIAL EXAMINED. Holotype ɗ: [1] ‘H[AWAI]I: Molokai Isl[and]. | Kamehameha H[igh]w[ay]. | near Honouli, Malo’o Bay | C[oa]st. on l[i]ch[e]n on rocks | I-02-06, em[e]rg[ence], II-17-06 | [Will] Haines, coll[ector]. Log #DR06A1’; [2] ‘ HOLOTYPE | Hyposmocoma | kaikuono Schmitz & Rubinoff’. Specimen in perfect condition except for broken right antenna and labial palpi, and small hole in right forewing. Deposited in the UHIM.
Paratypes: 2 ɗ, 11 Ψ, from Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA: – 1 ɗ (dissected, slide PS110), 3 Ψ (one dissected, slide PS117), same data as holotype: 1 ɗ, 4 Ψ, same data as holotype except date of emergence: II-22 - 0 6 (2 Ψ), II-24-06 (2 Ψ), III-9-06 (1 ɗ). Deposited in BPBM, MHNG, UHIM and USNM.
Specimens sequenced: 2 specimens from Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA, with same data as holotype.
DIAGNOSIS. H. kaikuono is most similar in wing pattern to H. kapakai sp. nov., H. kaupo sp. nov., and H. montivolans (Butler, 1882), but it differs from H. kaupo and H. kapakai in male genitalia in having five spurlike setae on both valvae and having a subapical projection on left valve bearing only one spurlike setae (H. kaupo bears two spurlike setae on projection, H. kapakai and H. montivolans have no projection), and from H. kaupo in female genitalia by having the corpus bursae membreanous. H. kaikuono differs also from these species by having a short and thin sclerotized hook.
DESCRIPTION. MALE (n=3) (Figs 3, 11–13). Wingspan 10.1–12.1 mm (Holotype: 11.6 mm). As H. kaupo, except forewing, thorax, and abdomen lighter; markings on forewing more brownish; antennal pecten present with seven thin setae; sclerotized hook short and thin.
Male genitalia (n=2) (Figs 11–13). As for H. kaupo, except five spurlike setae on valvae; left valva with subapical projection bearing one of the spurlike setae.
FEMALE (n=7). Wingspan 10.9–13.2 mm. Frenulum with 3 acanthae. Antenna slightly thinner than that of male; antennal pecten present with three to five thin setae. Otherwise externally like males. Female genitalia (n=1) (Fig. 16). As for H. kaupo, except without sclerotized area on posterior half of corpus bursae.
Larva cases (n=69). The case type is a burrito-shaped structure as for H. kaupo (4.4–7.3 mm in length). The background colour of the cases is greyish-brown.
ETYMOLOGY. From the Hawaiian kaikuono, or bay, referring to the collection place of the cases of this species at sea level.
BIOLOGY. Adults were reared from case-making larvae collected during the day in January on rocks covered with lichen at sea level. Larvae were reared on fish food and carrots.
DISTRIBUTION. Currently known only from the Hawaiian island of Molokai, and presumed to be endemic to Molokai.
REMARKS. The differences in wing size and forewing colouration and details of the genitalia are morphological characters useful in distinguishing H. kapakai as a distinct species. This species status is strongly supported by the divergence in two DNA fragments (see Table 1).
description: Published as part of Schmitz, Patrick & Rubinoff, Daniel, 2008, Three new species of Hyposmocoma (Lepidoptera, Cosmopterigidae) from the Hawaiian Islands, based on morphological and molecular evidence, pp. 49-58 in Zootaxa 1821 on pages 51-57, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.274378