A new genus and species of a large ghost moth (Lepidoptera, Exoporia, Hepialidae) is described from south—central Peru based on a single pair of adults, male and female. Viridigigas ciseskii, new genus, new species, is recorded from two locations along the eastern versant of the Amazonian Andes. Its phylogenetic position within the Hepialidae is currently inconclusive with some features suggestive of affinity with two other genera, Puermytrans Viette, 1951 (Chile), and Phassodes Bethune-Baker, 1905 (Fiji). The forewing pattern is distinct from all other Hepialidae, consisting of green with numerous sub-circular dark brown to yellowish—brown spots of irregular shape enclosed by up to three concentric dark brown lines. In the male a prominent scent gland is present at the base of the fore wing and the metatibia support well-developed, elongate androconia.
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1 December 2016
A Remarkable New Genus and Species of Ghost Moth from Peru (Lepidoptera: Exoporia: Hepialidae)
John R. Grehan,
John E. Rawlins
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Annals of Carnegie Museum
Vol. 84 • No. 1
December 2016
Vol. 84 • No. 1
December 2016
basal scent gland
forewing pattern
green coloration
metatibial androconia
new genus
new species
Peruvian Andes