Hawaiian Philodoria (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae, Ornixolinae) leaf mining moths on Myrsine (Primulaceae): two new species and biological data

By

Kobayashi, Shigeki
Johns, Chris
Lopez Vaamonde, Carlos
Doorenweerd, Camiel
Kawakita, Atsushi
Ohshima, Issei
Lees, David Conway 1959-
Hanabergh, Sofia
Kawahara, Akito Y

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2018

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

773

Pages

109-141

Subjects

DNA barcoding , leaf mine form , Myrsine knudsenii , Myrsine wawraea , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.773.21690

 

Abstract

This paper provides new taxonomic and biological data on a complex of gracillariid moths in the endemic genus Philodoria Walsingham, 1907 that are associated with Myrsine (Primulaceae) in the Hawaiian Islands, United States. Two new species, Philodoriakauaulaensis Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (host: Myrsinelanaiensis, M.lessertiana, and M.sandwicensis) and P.kolea Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (host: M.lessertiana) are described. Biological data are provided for two previously described species that also feed on Myrsine: P.auromagnifica Walsingham, 1907 and P.succedanea Walsingham, 1907. For the first time we detail and illustrate genital structures, immature stages, biology, and host plants of P.auromagnifica and P.succedanea. Philodoriakolea, P.auromagnifica, and P.succedanea occur in sympatry on the island of Hawaii (Big Island), but each species differs in behavioral characters: P.kolea utilizes leaves of seedlings and forms a serpentine mine, whereas the latter two utilize leaves of larger plants, and form linear or serpentine to blotch mines. More broadly, leaf mine forms and diagnostic characteristics of the Myrsine-feeding species complex of Philodoria (as currently known) are reviewed and illustrated.