Chrysorthenchesnew genus, conifer‐associated plutellid moths (Yponomeutoidea, Lepidoptera) in New Zealand and Australia

Abstract

Abstract Chrysorthenches new genus is erected for 10 species (8 New Zealand, 2 Australian from Tasmania) with host plants in the conifer families Podocarpaceae and Cupressaceae. Chrysorthenches differs in 12 characters—most notably its lack of socii and gnathos, the form of the sternum 9 lobe, and in cocoon structure—from Orthenches Meyrick, in which previously described species were placed. The two Tasmanian species have 1‐segmented maxillary palpi, a specialised condition contrasting with the 4‐segmented, scaled condition in New Zealand species. The genus is presumed to predate spreading of the Tasman Sea floor. The genus is assigned to Plutellidae of authors within the Yponomeutoidea. Included species are Orthenches porphyritis Meyrick, 1886 (type species, New Zealand), O. drosochalca Meyrick, 1905 (New Zealand), O. glypharcha Meyrick, 1919 (New Zealand), O. polita Philpott, 1918 (New Zealand), O. virgata Philpott, 1920 (New Zealand) (5 new combinations); and C. argentea Dugdale (New Zealand), C. haloc...