First report of non-case making Antispila (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae) with taxonomic notes of Hydrangea-feeding species from Japan

Abstract

A new heliozelid moth, Antispila folimansiella Kim & Yagi sp. nov., is described in Japan. This species is characterized by feeding on Hydrangea petiolaris (Hydrangeaceae) and not making a case before pupation, which is an unusual habit in the “Shield Bearer Moths” (Heliozelidae). We compared the new species with other Hydrangea-feeding species by the shape of the genitalia, wing venation, and DNA (cytochrome c oxidase I barcode region). We also provide a redescription of A. hydrangifoliella with intraspecific variation of the wing venation and female genitalia.