Oecophorid (Micro Lepidoptera) diversity from Shivalikhills of northwestern Himalaya
P.C.Pathania ¹, Rachita Sood ² & H.S. Rose ³
¹ Department of Entomology,
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004, India
² Department of Zoology,
Guru Nanak (PG) Girls College, Model Town, Ludhiana, Punjab 141002, India
3 Departmentof Life Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar,
Punjab 144003, India
E-mail: ¹ pathaniapc@yahoo.co.in
Date of online publication 26
July 2009
ISSN 0974-7907 (online) | 0974-7893
(print)
Editor: R.K. Varshney
Manuscript details:
Ms # o1984
Received 23 April 2008
Final received 23 June 2009
Finally accepted 25 June 2009
Citation: Pathania, P.C., Rachita Sood & H.S. Rose (2009). Oecophorid(Micro Lepidoptera) diversity from Shivalik hills of
northwestern Himalaya. Journal of Threatened Taxa1(7): 385-391.
Copyright: © P.C. Pathania, Rachita Sood & H.S. Rose 2009. Creative Commons Attribution 3.0Unported License. JoTTallows unrestricted use of this article in any medium for non-profit purposes,
reproduction and distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and
the source of publication.
Acknowledgement: We are thankful
to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (GOI), New Delhi, and Department of
Science and Technology, New Delhi for funding the projects on moths and to the ViceChancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala and Punjab
Agricultural University, Ludhiana for providing necessary facilities to run the
projects. We also thank to Dr. V.V. Ramamurthy, Principal Scientist, Division
of Entomology, I.A.R.I., New Delhi for giving
permission to visit National Pusa Collection and
valuable suggestions during the course of these studies.
Abbreviations: 1A - First anal vein; 2A -
Second anal vein; 3A - Third anal vein; 1A+2A - Vein representing fused first
and second anal vein; CuA1 - First cubital vein; CuA2
- Second cubital vein; CuP- Cubital posterior vein; M1 - First median vein; M2
- Second median vein; M3 - third median vein; R1 - First radial vein; R2 -
Second radial vein; R3 - Third radial vein; R4 - Fourth radial vein;R5 - Fifth
radial vein; Rs - Radial sector; Sc - Subcostal vein;
Sc+R1 - Stalk of subcostal and first radial vein.
Family Oecophoridae belongs to the superfamily Gelechioidea, which includes mostly small moths. The moths of this family have vertex and frons covered with smooth scales, antenna filiform, longer than half the length of forewing; labial palpus long, upturned; male genitalia with gnathos broader at base, unarticulated, tapering to slender
or rounded apex. The elevation of the Shivalik range extends up to 1500m above m.s.l., and is demarcated by the Kali River in Uttarakhand and the Indus in Jammu and Kashmir (Fig. 1) (Chitkara 1998). The
authors undertook survey-cum-collection tours to localities including Kangra, Palampur, Dharamshala, Tanyhar, Sarkaghat, Baijnath, Andhretta, Solan, Dharampur, Nauni, Sabathu, Renuka lake, Nahan, Paunta Sahib (Himachal
Pradesh), Jammu, Katra, MansarLake (Jammu & Kashmir), Dehradun, Haridwar, Vikasnagar (Uttarakhand), Kalka, Pinjore(Haryana), Pathankot, Hoshiarpur,Dasua, Dhar, Roopnagar, Dunera, Mirzapur, Nawanshahar and Anandpur (Punjab) during different seasons from November,
1997 to November, 2001, representing the Shivalikshills of northwestern Himalaya. The
present studies were undertaken to remedy negligence in the study of Microlepidoptera in India due to their small size.
Methodology
Adults were
collected during the night time with the help of portable light traps. Specimens were also collected by hanging a
source of light (125 - Watt mercury vapour lamp) on a
white sheet or white washed wall. The
collected Oecophorid moths were killed using 1,1,2,2,tetrachloro ethane or ethyl acetate. The methodology discussed by Lindquist
(1956), Tagestad (1974), Zimmerman (1978), Mikkola (1986) and Landry & Landry (1994) was followed
for the pinning, stretching and preservation of specimens. For
study of wings and genitalia standard techniques given by Zimmerman (1978) and
Robinson (1976), respectively, have been followed. To study the taxonomic descriptions on
various morphological characters (Robinson 1976; Park 1995; Hodges 1998), wing
venation (Common 1970; Zimmerman 1978) and external genitalia (Klots 1970), were consulted. Illustrations and diagrams were made using a
Camera Lucida attached to a stereoscopic light microscope. Colour photographs of all the species were taken before
dissection.
Observations
Preliminary
sorting and taxonomic segregation was done with the help of literature (Meyrick 1894, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1908a, 1909, 1910, 1911,
1912-1916,1913, 1914, 1916-1923, 1923-1930, 1930-1936, Fletcher 1921, 1929; Gaede 1937; Diakonoff 1952, 1954;Janse 1954; Roonwal et al.
1964; Clarke 1955,1965, 1969; Gaedike 1967; Hodges
1978; Moriuti et al. 1985; Nye & Fletcher 1991;
Robinson et al. 1994; Hampson 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996;Lovovsky 1996; Ueda & Moriuti1996). Holotypesof the new species have been deposited in the Lepidoptera Laboratory,
Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala. Taxonomic
segregation of moths recorded in this study was based on the morphological
details as presented below.
Order:
Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Gelechioidea
Vertex and frons decorated with smooth scales; labial palpus three segmented, upturned, third segment long,
acute; forewing with veins R4+R5 stalked; hind tibia with dorsal surface
furnished with long slender scales.
Oecophoridae Bruand, 1850, Mem. Soc.Emul. Doubs, (1) 3 (5-6): 45 (as Aecophoridae). Type-genus: Oecophora Latreille, [1796], Précis Caractéres genériques insetes:
146.
Vertex and frons covered with smooth scales; antenna filiform, longer than half the length of forewing; labial palpus long, upturned; male genitalia with gnathos broad basally, unarticulated, tapering to slender
or rounded apex.
Subfamily: Autostichinae
Autostichinae Le Marchand, 1947, Revue fr. Lepidopt., 11: 153.Type-genus: Autosticha Meyrick, 1886, Trans. ent.
Soc. Lond., 1886: 281.
Forewing with
CuA1 and CuA2 stalked or directed posteriorly from
cell or separate, CuP very weak on margin; abdominal tergal setae slender, sometimes deciduous.
I. Genus: Apethistis Meyrick
Apethistis Meyrick, 1908, J.
Bombay nat. Hist. Soc., 18: 459. Type-species: Apethistis metoeca Meyrick, 1908, ibidem., 18: 460, by original designation.
Vertex and frons dressed with semi-erect scales; labial palpus long, second segment small, scaled, third segment long
and acute; antenna long, filiform, about ¾ length of
forewing; legs with erect scales on tibia; forewing with veins R1, R2, R3 free,
R4+R5 stalked, R4 to costa, R5 to termen,
M1 and M2 free, CuA1+CuA2 stalked; hindwing with
Rs+M1 stalked, Rs to costa, M1 to termen,
M3 and CuA1 connate. Male genitalia with uncus furcate, long, sclerotized,
pointed apically; socii absent; gnathostwo arms, apex pointed; saccus absent; valva small, broad, costa with a
hook-like process, inner surface of cucullus densely setosed; aedeagus rounded
basally, swollen; vesica without any cornutus. Female genitalia with ductus bursae centrally placed; corpus bursaeovate in shape; signum present, kidney-shaped.
Description
of species recorded in this study are given below under their respective
subfamilies.
1. Apethistis insulsa (Meyrick)
Brachmia insulsa Meyrick, 1914, J.
Bombay nat. Hist. Soc., 22: 774.
Material
examined:
3 males, 2 females, 3.iv.1999; 3 males, 2 females, 22.iv.1999; 12 males, 2
females, 25.iv.1999; 1 female, 17.iv.2000; 11 males, 6 females, 18.iv.2000,
Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Dist. Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 700m; 8
males, 6 females, 26.iv.1999; 2 males, 27.iv.1999, Haridwar,
Dist. Dehradun, Uttarakhand,
800m, coll. P.C. Pathania.
Distribution: India, Pusa (Bengal) (Clarke 1969); Dehradun,Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
(present work).
Larval host
plant:
Unknown
2. Apethistis metoeca Meyrick
Apethistis metoeca Meyrick, 1908, J.
Bombay nat. Hist. Soc., 18: 460.
Material
examined:
1 male, 23.iii.1998; 1 male, 16.iv.1998; 2 males, 11.iii.1999; 1 male,
15.iii.1999; 1 male, 24.iii.1999; 3
males, 2 females, 25.iii.1999; 3 males, 3 females, 27.iii.1999; 1 male,
28.iii.1999; 1 male, 29.iii.1999; 1 male, 1 female, 30.iii.1999; 1 female,
31.iii.1999; Punjabi University, Patiala, Dist. Patiala, Punjab, 250m; 1
female, 6.iv.1999; 1 male, 17.viii.1999; 1 male, 19.viii.1999; 2 males,
24.viii.1999; 1 female, 29.viii.1999; 1 male, 27.ix.1999; 1 male, 12.x.1999; 2
males, 18.x.1999; 1 male, 21.iii.2000; 2 males, 29.iii.2000, Anandpur Sahib, Dist. Ropar,
Punjab, 400 m; 2 males, 16.x.1999, Forest Rest House, Chohal,
Dist. Hoshiarpur, Punjab, 400m; coll. P.C. Pathania; 3 males, 1 female, 9.xi.2001, Jammu University
Campus, Dist. Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 350m, coll. P.C. Pathaniaand H.S. Rose.
Distribution: Maskeliya (Ceylon) (Clarke 1969); Patiala, Anandpur Sahib, Hoshiarpur(Punjab); Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir) (present work).
Host plant: Unknown
Xyloryctinae Meyrick, 1890, Trans. R. Soc. S. Aust., 13: 23 (as Xyloryctidae).
Type-genus: Xylorycta Meyrick, 1890, Trans.
R. Soc. S. Aust., 13: 25 (key), 57.
Antenna simple;
forewing with CuA1 and CuA2 stalked, forewing with CuPabsent; abdomen with band of spiniform setae on
posterior part of terga two to six.
II. Genus: Cophomantella Fletcher
Cophomantella Fletcher, 1940,Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var., 52: 17.
Vertex and frons beset with smooth scales; labial palpuslong, second segment scaled, third segment long and acute; antenna filiform, long, longer than ¾ length of forewing; abdomen
with band of spiniform setae on posterior part of terga two to six, metathoracicleg with small hair like scales on hind tibia; forewing with veins R4+R5
stalked, R5 to costaor apex, R3 absent, M2 absent, CuA1+CuA2 stalked; hindwingwith Rs+M1 stalked, Rs to costa, M1 to termen, M2 absent, M3 +CuA1 stalked, CuPpresent or vestigial; male genitalia characteristic uncussomewhat thorn-like, long or small; socii absent; gnathos long, apically pointed; saccusabsent; juxta concave or parallel distally; valvae elongate, inner surface densely setose;aedeagus long and broad; vesicawith multishaped cornutuspresent or absent; female genitalia characteristic anterior apophysesrod-like; antrum broad; ductus bursae centrally broader, sclerotized,
coiled near corpus bursae; ductus seminalis open near coiling of ductus bursae; corpus bursae ovate
or subovate; signumpresent.
3. Cophomantella pumicata(Meyrick)
Cophomantis pumicata Meyrick, 1929, Exot. Microlepid., 3: 525.
Material
examined:
1 male, 22.ix.1999; 2 males, 2 females, 23.ix.1999; 3 males, 18.iv.2000; 4
males, 19.iv.2000, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun,
Dist. Dehradun, Uttarakhand,
700m, coll. P.C. Pathania.
Distribution: Bombay, Poona
(Clarke, 1965); Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
(present work).
Host plant: Unknown.
4. Cophomantella juxticata Rose and Pathania
Cophomantella juxticata Rose and Pathania,2003, Pb. Univ. Res. J (Sci.), 53:
107-108.
Material
examined:
1 male, 2 females, 3.iv.1999; 3 males, 4.iv.1999; 2 males, 5.iv.1999; 1 female,
11.iv.1999; 2 males, 2 females, 12.iv.1999, RenukaLake, Dist. Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, 740m, coll.
P.C. Pathania.
Host plant: Unknown.
5. Cophomantella lysimopa (Meyrick)
Cophomantis lysimopa Meyrick,
1933, Exot. Microlepid., 4: 357.
Material
examined:
2 males, 10.ix.1998; 3 males, 2 females, 11.ix.1998; 7 males, 11.ix.1999; 5
males, 2 females, 12.ix.1999; 1 male, 14.ix.1999, University of Horticulture
and Forestry, Nauni, Dist. Solan,
Himachal Pradesh, 1360m; 2 females, 16.ix.1999, Dharampur,
Dist. Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 1500m, coll. P.C. Pathania.
Distribution: Bombay, Mahableshwar (Clarke 1965); Nauni,Dharampur (Solan) (present
work).
Host plant: Unknown.
6. Cophomantella myadelpha (Meyrick)
Onebala myadelpha Meyrick,
1910, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc., 20: 459.
Cophomantis myadelpha Clarke, 1965, Cat. Type
Specimens Microlepid. BMNH described by
Edward Meyrick 5: 16.
Material
examined:
2 males, 5.vii.1999; 1 male, 11.vii.1999, Tanyhar,
Dist. Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, 1120m, coll. P.C. Pathania.
Distribution: Khasi Hills (Assam) (Meyrick1910); Tanyhar (Himachal Pradesh) (present work).
Host plant: Unknown.
Depressariinae Meyrick, 1883, Trans. ent. Soc. Lond., 1883:
123 (as Depressariidae).
Type genus: Depressaria Haworth, 1811, Lepid. Br., 505.
Forewing broad,
veins CuA1 and CuA2 stalked; hindwing subquadrate, discal cell usually
closed, veins Rs and M1 arising separately from cell.
III. Psorosticha Lower
Psorosticha Lower, 1901, Trans.
R. Soc. S. Aust., 25: 91.
Type-species: Psorosticha acrolopha Lower,
1901, ibidem, 25: 92, by monotypy.
Vertex and frons decorated with erect scales; labial palpus long, recurved, second
segment long, third segment small and acute; antenna long, filiform,
longer than ¾ length of forewing; metathoracic leg
with erect scales on hind tibia, forewing with veins R1, R2, R3 free, R4+R5
stalked, R5 to costa, M1, M2, M3 free, CuA1+CuA2
stalked; hindwing subquadrate,
with vein Rs to costa, M1 to termen,
M1, M2 free, M3+CuA1 stalked; male genitalia with uncus bilobed, broader at base; sociiabsent; gnathos turned towards inner surface; tegumen broad, sclerotized; valvae long and broad, setose, sacculus beset with a hook-like process; aedeagus broad; vesica with cornutus present; female genitalia characteristic papillae anales small, sparsely setose; ostium bursae open at side; ductus bursae long, weakly sclerotized; corpus bursaeglobular in shape; signum lacking.
7. Psorosticha zizyphi (Stainton)
Depressaria zizyphi Stainton, 1859, Trans.ent. Soc. Lond., (2) 5: 115.
Psorosticha acrolopha Lower, 1901, Trans. R. S. Aust.,25: 92.
Depressaria angusta Walsingham, 1886, in
Moore, Lepid. Ceylon, 3: 508.
Material
examined:
1 male, 9.viii.1998; 1 male, 12.iv.1999; 2 females, 4.ix.1999; 1 male,
5.ix.1999, RenukaLake, Dist. Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, 740m; 1
female, University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni,
Dist. Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 1360m; 1 male, Forest
Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand,
700m, 2 males, 12.viii.1999, Punjabi University, Patiala, Dist. Patiala,
Punjab, 250m; 2 males, 23.x.2001, Forest Rest House, Dhar,
Dist. Gurdaspur, 700m, coll. P.C. Pathaniaand Rachita Sood.
Distribution: India, Sri
Lanka, W. Malaysia, Java, Australia (Robinson et al. 1994); Renuka,Nauni (Himachal Pradesh), Dehradun(Uttarakhand) (present work).
Host plants: Zizyphus jujuba,
Citrus, Murraya koenigii(Robinson et al. 1994).
Stathmopodinae Janse, 1917, Check-List S. Afr. Lepid.Heterocera: 190 (as Stathmopodidae).
Type genus: Stathmopoda Harrich-Schäffer,
1853, Syst. Bearbeitung Schmett.
Eur., 5(14) key, 54; 1894, ibidem, 6: Microlepid; pl.9 figs 1722, included in Fletcher
1929 within the Schreckensteiniidae.
Abdominalterga with spiniform setae
on posterior margin of each segment; wall of aedeaguswith ventro-distal, sclerotizedprojection in male genitalia.
IV. Stathmopoda Herrich-Schäffer
Stathmopoda Herrich-Schäffer, 1853, Syst.Bearbeitung Schmett. Eur., 5:
14 (key), 54; 1849, ibidem, 6: Microlepid. pl. 9 figs. 17-22.
Type-species: Phalaena pedellaLinnaeus, 1761, Fauna Suecica (Edn 2): 367, by subsequent designation by Meyrick 1914, in Wytsman, Genera
Insect., 165: 10.
8. Stathmopoda auriferella (Walker)
Gelichia auriferella Walker, 1864, List Specimens Lepid. Insects CollnBr. Mus., 30:
1022. Stathmopoda adulatrix Meyrick,
1917, Exot. Microlepid., 2: 61.
Stathmopoda cirrhaspis Meyrick, 1922, Exot. Microlepid., 2: 585.
Stathmopoda crocophanes Meyrick, 1897, Proc.
Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 22: 324.
Stathmopoda divisa Walsingham, 1891, Trans. ent.
Soc. Lond., 1891: 121.
Stathmopoda ischnotis Meyrick, 1897, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 22: 324.
Stathmopoda tharsalea Meyrick, 1914, Ann.
Transvaal Mus., 4: 199.
Material
examined:
2 males, 10.ix.1998, University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Dist. Solan, Himachal
Pradesh, 1360m; 2 males, 2 females, 16.ix.1999, Dharampur,
Dist. Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 1500m; 2 males,
17.vii.1999, Tanyhar, Dist. Mandi,
Himachal Pradesh, 1120m; 1 female, 15.vi.2000, Youth Hostel, Ropar, Dist. Ropar, Punjab, coll.
P.C. Pathania and Rachita sood.
Distribution: W. Africa to Australa, Thailad, W. Malaysia,
Java, Philippines (Robinson et al. 1994); Nauni, Dharampur, Tanyhar (Himachal
Pradesh), Ropar (Punjab) (present work). China,
Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Russia (Far East).
Host plants: Cocos nucifera, Albizia altissiunum (Robinson
et al. 1994).
9. Stathmopoda balanarcha Meyrick
Stathmopoda balanarcha Meyrick,1916-1923,Exot. Microlepid., 2: 461.
Material
examined:
2 males, 24.iii.1998; 1 male, 2.iv.1998; 1 male, 5.ix.1998; 1 female, 15.ix.1998; 1 male, 26.ix.1999; 1 female,
5.x.1999; 1 male, 7.x.1999; 1 female, 24.x.1999; 1 male, 4.v.2000, Punjabi University,
Patiala, Dist. Patiala, Punjab, 250m, coll. P.C. Pathaniaand Rachita sood.
Distribution: Assam, Shillong (Meyrick 1916-1923);
Patiala (Punjab) (present work).
Host plant: Unknown
Oecophorinae Bruand, 1850, Mem. Soc. Emul. Doubs(1) 3 (5-6): 45 (as Oecophoridae).
Type-genus: Oecophora Latreille [1796],
Précis Caractéres genériques Insectes: 146.
Labialpalpus often very slender, long; abdominal terga without spiniform setae or spiniform setae in broad band when present; male genitalia
with aedeagus wall without any sclerotizedprojection.
V. Genus: Tonica Walker
Tonica Walker, 1864, List
Specimens lepid. Insects CollnBr. Mus., 29: 788.
Type-species: Tonica terasellaWalker, 1864, ibidem, 29: 788, by monotypy.
Vertex and frons studded with semi-erect scales; labial palpus small, upturned, second segment small, scaled; third
segment long; antenna long, filiform, about ¾ length
of forewing; abdominal terga without spiniform setae; legs with erect scales on hind tibia;
forewings with a sinuous costa and scattered tufts of
raised scales, vein R2 absent, R3+R4+R5 stalked, arising from a common stalk,
R5 arising at the stalking of R4+R5, R4 to costa, R5
to termen, M2 absent, M3+CuA1 stalked; hindwing with Rs+M1 stalked, Rs to costa,
M1 to termen, M2 absent, M3+CuA1 stalked; male
genitalia characteristic uncus long; socii absent; gnathos present;
vinculum U-shaped; saccus absent; valvaesmall and broad; sacculus prominent, sclerotized, dorsomedially with
Y-shaped process; aedeagus broad, sclerotized,vesica with cornutus;
female genitalia characteristic papillae analeslarge, setose; corpus bursaelarge, irregular in shape, sclerotized; signum present.
10. Tonica niviferana (Walker)
Binsitta niviferana Walker, 1864, List Specimens Lepid. Insects CollnBr. Mus., 29:
832.
Material
examined:
4 males, 26.vi.1999, Norha Richard Holiday Home, Andhretta, Dist. Kangra, Himachal
Pradesh, 900m, coll. P.C. Pathania.
Distribution: Dehradun, Pusa (Roonwal et al. 1964); Andhretta (Himachal
Pradesh) (present work).
Host plant: Bombax malabaricum (Fletcher
1921).
11. Tonica zizyphi (Stainton)
Depressaria zizyphi Stainton, 1859, Trans.ent. Soc. Lond., (2) 5: 115.
Depressaria angusta Walsingham, 1886, in
Moore, Lepid. Ceylon, 3: 508.
Psorosticha acrolopha Lower, 1901, Trans. R. Soc. S. Aust.,25: 92.
Material
examined:
2 males, 4 females, 4.ix.1999; 2 males, 4.x.1999; 2 males, 6.x.1999; 1 female,
4.xii.1999, Renuka Lake, Dist. Sirmour,
Himachal Pradesh 740m; 2 males, 12.ix.1999, University of Horticulture and
Forestry, Nauni, Dist. Solan,
Himachal Pradesh, 1360m; 1 female, 17.vi.1998, Dharamshala,
Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, 1200m; 1 female,
21.x.1999, Youth Hostel, Ropar, Punjab, 350m, coll.
P.C. Pathania.
Distribution: India, Ceylon
(Fletcher 1921); Renuka, Nauni,Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), Ropar(Punjab) (present work).
Host plants: Citrus, zizypus and Murraya (Fletcher 1921).
VI. Genus: Periacma Meyrick
Periacma Meyrick, 1894, Trans.ent. Soc. Lond.: 21.
Type-species: Periacma ferialis Meyrick,1894, ibidem: 21, by original designation.
Vertex and frons decorated with semi-erect scales; labial palpus two segmented in male, upturned, second segment
exceptionally long and acute; antenna long, filiform,
longer than ¾ length of forewing; legs with semi-erect scales on tibia;
forewing with veins R4+R5 stalked, R5 to termen or
apex, M1 and M2 free, CuA1 and CuA2 free; hindwingwith Rs to costa, M1 and M2 free, M3 and CuA1
connate, 1A+2A forked at base; male genitalia with uncuslarge, broader apically, narrowed basally, sclerotized;socii absent; gnathos with
well developed ventral plate, with minute spines; tegumensmall or broad, saccus absent; valvaewith costa distinct, sclerotized,sacculus prominent with processes distally, cucullus with long, dense setae; aedeagussmall, with spine apically, coecum present, vesica without cornutus; female
genitalia characteristic papillae anales large, setose; ostium bursae broad, centrally placed; ductus bursae small; corpus bursaelarge; signum present.
12. Periacma circumclusa Meyrick
Periacma circumclusa Meyrick,
1916-1923, Exot. Microlepid., 2:
546.
Material
examined:
8 males, 16.vii.1999, Tanyhar, Dist. Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, 1120 m; 4 females, 23.x.2001,
Forest Rest House, Dhar, Dist. Gurdaspur,
Punjab, 700m, coll. P.C. Pathania and Rachita Sood.
Distribution: Assam, Sadiya (Meyrick 1916-1923); Tanyhar (Himachal Pradesh), Dhar(Punjab) (present work).
Host plant: Unknown.
13. Periacma continuata Meyrick
Periacma continuata Meyrick,
1916-1923, Exot. Microlepid., 2: 546.
Material
examined:
2 males, 24.vi.1999; 2 males, 27.v.2001, Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur, Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, 700m; 2 males, 27.vi.1999, Norha Richard Holiday Home, Andhretta,
Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, 900m, Coll. P.C. Pathania.
Distribution: S. India, Palni Hills (Meyrick 1916-1923); Palampur, Andhretta (Himachal
Pradesh) (present work).
Host plant: Unknown
Discussion
Meyrick (1908) proposed
the genus Apethistis with A. metoeca Meyrick as its
type-species from Ceylon (Maskeliya) in the family Gelechiidae, which was transferred to the family Oecophoridae by Hodges (1978). Out of fourteen species otherwise recorded in
this genus, eight i.e., Apethistis sitiens Meyrick (southern
India), A. cenchritis Meyrick,A. consummata Meyrick,A. inspersa Meyrick(Assam), A. officiosa Meyrick(Madras), A. purificata Meyrick(Sikkim), A. superans Meyrick(Kumaon) and A. insulsa(Meyrick) (Pusa, Bihar)
have been captured from the respective areas of India (Gaede1937; Clarke 1965). In fact, none of the
species has so far been reported from the Shivaliksin North-West India, from where besides the type-species i.e., A. metoeca Meyrick another
species i.e., A. insulsa (Meyrick)
have been collected for the first time.
According to Gaede (1937) and Clarke (1965), the genus Cophomantella Fletcher is represented by fifteen
species i.e., elaphopis Meyrick(Khasi Hills), lysimopa Meyrick (Bombay, Mahableshwar),myadelpha (Meyrick)
(N. Coorg), osphrantica (Meyrick) (Madras, PalniHills), pumicata Meyrick(Bombay, Poona), bythota (Meyrick)
(Aburi, Goldcost), eremota (Meyrick)
(Ceylon), syngonarcha Meyrick(Uganda, Masaka), bifrenata Meyrick (Africa), crypsizyga Meyrick (Nyassaland), cubiculata Meyrick (Seychellen), ephanozona Meyrick (Transvaal), homogramma Meyrick (Natal) and lychnocentra Meyrick (Australian), out of which the former five
species belong to India. In the present field surveys, four species have been captured andreported.
The Oecophorid genus, Periacma Meyrick proposed on the basis of the type-species P.ferialis Meyrick by Meyrick (1894) is unique in having two segmented labial palps in the male. It is mainly distributed in the Oriental Region (Moriutiet al. 1985; Ueda & Moriuti 1996). While reporting this genus as new to the
fauna of Nepal, the latter authors could not get sufficient material as the
latter species has been named and described on the basis of a lone male
specimen. In the current work, the congeneric nature
of the presently studied two species could not be made out on the basis of
their female genitalia, as the same has been examined only for one species
i.e., P. circumclusa Meyrick,
yet it can be safely stated that it broadly conforms to that of P. himalayanesis Ueda & Moriuti(Ueda & Moriuti 1996). Both the species i.e. P. himalayanesis and P. continuata are closer to each other in
view of structures such as the lamella antevaginalis,
the ductus bursae and the ductus seminalis which originates 1/3rd posteriorlyfrom the ductus bursae in
the female genitalia.
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