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, Philodoria kauaulaensis Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (host: Myrsine lanaiensis, 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. Philodoria kolea, 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.
Highlights
Hawaii constitutes one of the most geographically isolated archipelagos and harbors thousands of unusual, highly threatened endemic species
Phytophagous insects that rely on endemic Hawaiian plants are of special risk as they depend on the survival of their native host plants
We describe two new species, Philodoria kauaulaensis and P. kolea, and the genitalic structures, immature stages and new host plant information for the two previously described Myrsine-feeding species, P. succedanea and P. auromagnifica
Summary
Hawaii constitutes one of the most geographically isolated archipelagos and harbors thousands of unusual, highly threatened endemic species. Phytophagous insects that rely on endemic Hawaiian plants are of special risk as they depend on the survival of their native host plants. The Hawaiian Islands measure just 0.02% of the area of the United States, but account for nearly 70% of the United States’ historically documented plant and animal extinctions (Wagner et al 1999). Over 360 Hawaiian animal and plant taxa are currently listed as either threatened or endangered under the federal and state Endangered Species Acts. More than 38% of native Hawaiian plants are threatened and 94% of Hawaiian insects are endemic (Evenhuis and Eldredge 1999).
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