Surprising discovery of an enigmatic geometrid in Croatia: Mirlatia arcuata, gen. nov., sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Geometridae)

By

Hausmann, Axel
László, Gyula M., 1970-
Mayr, Toni
Huemer, Peter

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1183

Pages

99--110

Subjects

Cold-adapted , DNA barcoding , Geometer moths , Mediterranean , tympanum

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1183.110163

 

Abstract

A new monotypic genus of Geometridae, Mirlatiagen. nov., and a new species, M. arcuatasp. nov., are described from Croatia. Based on external and genitalia characters, the new genus is tentatively placed in the subfamily Larentiinae. However, the new genus takes a highly isolated position by having unique characters of the tympanum and showing an unusually long pectination of female antennae. Genetic analysis of a fragmented DNA barcode (mtDNA; cytochrome c oxidase 1) did not result in a clear assignation to any geometrid subfamily or tribe. Adults, male and female genitalia, and habitat photos of the type locality of the new species are illustrated.