Ethmia similatella Busck 1920

Ethmia similatella Busck, 1920:83

A variable member of the penthica complex which has the dividing line between brown and white on the forewing less sinuate, so that the lobes of brown are less rounded and extend less broadly into the pale dorsal area.

MAP 64.–Geographical distribution of members of the Trifurcella group of Ethmia.

E. similatella Busck E. cordia Powell

MALE.–Length of forewing 6.7–9.4 mm. Head: Labial, palpus elongate, exceeding base of antenna; length of second segment 1.3–1.4 times eye diameter, of third 1.0–1.15 times eye diameter. Antenna slightly dilated, width of shaft near base 0.19 eye diameter. General coloration as in E. penthica, with the pale areas usually tinged with grayish (usually somewhat less brownish than in E. scutula). Forewing: Moderately broad, length 2.9–3.1 times width. Color pattern similar to E. penthica, the longitudinal line dividing brown and whitish areas less sinuate so that the lobes of brown into white and the intervening white projections are less regularly U-shaped; outermost brown projection without an additional spot above tornus (present in penthica); white patch at apex present or absent. At times some ill-defined pale scaling in costal area near middle (similar to but less strongly developed than in E. semiombra). Hindwing: Modified with costal fold and hair pencil as in E. penthica. Ground color dark brown. Abdomen: Dorsal scaling dark brown, ventral paler, genital bright, deep ochreous (usually brighter than in E. penthica). Genitalia as in Figure 157 (drawn from plesiotype, Rio Temas, Guatamala, JAP prep. no. 1226; nine preparations examined); basal processes elongate, conspicuous; valva broad, costa evenly curved beyond “plume,” drawn out into a narrow tip at apex of distal spur row; vesica with an ill-defined, twisted plate and a bunch of about 20 small spurs.

FEMALE.–Length of forewing 7.0 to 10.2 mm. Generally as described for male; eye slightly smaller, about 0.95 that of male; labial palpus variable, length of second segment 1.4–1.6 times eye diameter, of third, 1.10–1.35 eye diameter. Antena not dilated, width of shaft basally about 0.16 eye diameter. Forewing pattern at times more contrasting than in male, with greater tendency for pale scaling in costal area. Hindwing costal area simple; ground color dark brown, slightly darker than in male. Genitalia similar to penthica, differing by lack of the median plate of the sterigma and by more extensive sclerotization of the antrum and base of the ductus, which is greatly variable (Figures 269 and 270, drawn from paratype, Cayuga, Guatemala, and plesiotype, Sinaloa, JAP preps. 2169, 2355; six preparations examined).

TYPE DATA.–Guatemala, Cayuga (W. Schaus); type male in U.S. National Museum.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.–Western Mexico (Sinaloa) to Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.

FLIGHT PERIOD.–Probably multivoltine; records available for February, April, and August in Guatemala, July and August elsewhere.

FOOD PLANT.–Unknown.

REMARKS.–The type series has greater development of whitish on the forewing than in either Mexican or Costa Rican examples. Specimens from both latter areas are smaller (forewing length: ♂ ♂, 7.1–8.5 mm; ♀ ♀ 7.0–8.6 mm), with heavier grayish in the pale areas and lacking the apical white patch. Possibly some of these differences are seasonal, since all the topotypical examples which bear dates on the labels were collected in February and April, while those from Mexico and Costa Rica were taken in July and early August. Differences in female genitalia, primarily in the degree of sclerotization in the basal part of the ductus, occur among several populations. Most Ethmia have not shown intraspecific variation of this magnitude.

Ethmia cordia Powell, new species

Another brown and white marmorea-like species, from eastern Mexico, with pale hindwings.

MALE.–Length of forewing 7.9. to 8.3 mm. Head: Labial palpus elongate, exceeding base of antenna; second segment length 1.25 to 1.40 times eye diameter; third segment 0.88–0.92 as long as second (1.15–1.25 eye diameter), nearly straight; scaling appressed, white banded with brown, each segment with submedian and subapical bands, not complete interiorly. Antenna scarcely dilated, width of shaft basally about 0.19 eye diameter; dorsal scaling brown. Scaling of tongue, front, and crown white, a pair of lateral spots below eyes and occipital tufts at middorsum dark brown. Thorax: Dorsal scaling white, extreme base of tegula dark; notum with five rather large blackish spots: one in middle, lateral pairs adjoining apices of tegulae and at sides of scutellum. Underside whitish, prothoracic and mesothoracic legs heavily marked with blackish exteriorly; hind tibial fringe short, pale ochreous. Forewing: Length about 3.0 times width; costa curve appearing flattened on middle one-third; apex blunt, termen straight, moderately strongly angled back. Ground color divided by a sinuate, longitudinal line along Cu fold, dark brown above, white below to dorsum; dark ground of cell dipping below Cu as shallow lobes at basal one-fourth and middle, the white projected upward as a shallow triangulate lobe at end of cell; two dark spots in dorsal area, first near margin between dark lobes, second larger, beyond lower corner of cell; a white blotch on costa just before apex, costal half otherwise nearly unicolorous. A row of marginal, blackish dots, slightly darker than costal half of wing, from costa before apex to tornus, two in apical white blotch, three scarcely visible in dark terminal area, three or four in tornal area. Fringe concolorous with adjoining areas. Underside dark brown, the pattern of upperside faintly visible; dorsal area pale whitish ocherous. Hindwing: Slightly narrower than forewing; costa with a rather broad fold to end of cell, having on its exterior (ventral side of wing) a dark fringe and enclosing a whitish hair pencil. Ground color whitish basally becoming pale brownish distally. Fringe whitish. Underside whitish except costal fold area and apex brownish. Abdomen: Dorsal scaling pale brownish gray, ventral brownish basally becoming whitish distally, genital ochreous. Genitalia (Figure 158, drawn from paratotpotype, JAP prep. no. 1514; two preparations examined); similar to E. similatella, valva apex blunt, distal “plume” before end of costa with apical setation only, distal seta bunch an elongate, curved row of stout setae; vesica with an irregular platelike cornutus without a well-defined spur.

FEMALE.–Length of forewing 8.0 mm. Essentially as described for male; eye slightly smaller, labial palpus as large; antennal shaft narrower, about 0.8 that of male. Forewing very slightly broader, length 2.9–3.0 times width. Hindwing costal area simple; broader, ground color brown. Abdomen dorsum brown, genital ochreous reduced. Genitalia similar to less strongly sclerotized forms of similatella, sterigma with a small, median, pointed projection, antrum lightly sclerotized (Figure 268, drawn from paratopotype, JAP prep. no. 2070; one preparation examined).

TYPES.–Holotype male and allotype female: Mexico, Chichen Itza, Yucatan, May 27, 1955, and February 26, 1956 (E. C. Welling), deposited in California Academy of Sciences. Thirty-eight paratypes, all Yucatan, as follows: Chichen Itza, 2♂, V–5, 27–54, 1♂, VI–23–54, 3♂, V–19, 25–56 (E. Welling); Merida, 29♂, 3♀, VII–29/30–64 (P. J. Spangler); deposited in California Insect Survey, Carnegie Museum, and U.S. National Museum.

REMARKS.–This species is similar to E. penthica in color, but as discussed above, cordia may be a race of similatella. The pale hindwing will serve to distinguish the present species.

Ethmia scutula Powell, new species

A penthica-like species from the west coast of Mexico that has the dorsal pale area of the forewing clouded with brownish gray, the labial palpus only moderately elongate, and the antenna not dilated.

MALE.–Length of forewing 7.7 to 8.4 mm. Head: Labial palpus elongate, exceeding base of antenna; second segment length 1.20–1.35 times eye diameter; length of third 1.10–1.15 times eye diameter. Antenna not dilated, width of shaft near base 0.16–0.17 eye diameter. General coloration and pattern similar to E. penthica except the pale areas clouded with brownish gray. Forewing: Moderately broad, length 2.9–3.1 times width. Pattern as in penthica except tending to be less distinct in apical and tornal areas owing to infusion of brown in pale areas; the whitish dorsal area narrowly lacking its brownish cast adjacent to the dark markings and in apical patch. Hindwing: Modified with costal fold and hair pencil as in E. penthica. Ground color dark brown. Abdomen: Dorsal scaling dark brown, ventral paler, genital ochreous, about as pale as in penthica. Genitalia as in Figure 159 (drawn from paratype, Alamos, JAP prep. no. 1154; four preparations examined); basal processes elongate, conspicuous; valva narrow, with costal “plume” originating well subapicad and costa produced into a distinct apical peak beyond plume; vesica with a twisted, well-defined plate, without spurs or spines.

FEMALE.–Unknown.

TYPES.–Holotype male: Mexico, 6 miles south of Culiacan, Sinaloa, August 6, 1964, at black and white lights (J. A. Chemsak and J. Powell); deposited in California Academy of Sciences. Four paratypes, all Mexico: 5 mi N Mazatlan, Sinaloa, 1♂, VII–24–64, 1♂, VIII–5–64 (J. A. Chemsak and J. Powell); Alamos, Sonora, 2♂, VII–25 to VIII–7–53 (F. S. Truxal); deposited in California Insect Survey, Los Angeles County Museum, and U.S. National Museum.

REMARKS.–This species may be distinguished from its sympatric close relatives by its shorter palpi and more heavily infuscated pale areas than in penthica and by possession of the apical white spot which is lacking or reduced to a trace in similatella. However, scutula is virtually indistinguishable superficially from some Central American similatella. The genital characters are quite distinctive, especially the produced apical area of the valve, and this may be seen on the whole specimen by brushing away some of the scaling.

Ethmia pala Powell, new species

A small moth from the west coast of Mexico, resembling hodgesella but with restricted white markings, intermediate in pattern towards penthica.

MALE.–Length of forewing 6.7 to 7.3 mm. Head: Labial palpus elongate, strongly curved, well exceeding base of antenna; second segment length 1.45–1.55 times eye diameter; third segment 0.75–0.80 as long as second (1.1–1.2 times eye diameter); smooth scaled, whitish, with basal half of second segment exteriorly, narrow subapical band and submedian, and subapical bands of third segment brownish black. Antenna slightly dilated, width of shaft basally about 0.20 eye diameter; dorsal scaling grayish brown, scape white basally. Scaling of tongue, front, and crown white, latter with a few intermixed brownish scales, a pair of small, lateral, brownish spots under eyes, at times some middorsal brownish in occipital tufts. Thorax: Dorsal scaling white, tegula basally and five rather large spots on notum dark brown: a median one and lateral pairs adjoining apices of tegulae and at sides of scutellum. Underside white, legs heavily marked with dark gray-brown exteriorly. Forewing: Length 3.0–3.1 times width; costa gently curved from base to apex, termen convex, moderately strongly angled back. Pattern divided by a line along Cu fold, strongly sinuate, as in E. hodgesella, with rounded lobes from dark costal half extended about halfway from Cu to dorsal margin, at basal one-fourth and beyond middle and nearly to margin at tornus, the intervening whitish lobes extended across Cu at middle and end of cell; a small, dark spot just beyond and below basal dark lobe; a white spot at end of cell, nearly detached from the subtending whitish lobe; apex rather broadly white, subtended by a narrow, dark band along termen; some scattered pale scaling in costal area; a row of blackish spots along termen, at midtermen beyond the white band blending with brownish gray fringe. Underside brown, a spot at base of cell and fringe at apex and tornus paler. Hindwing: Narrower than forewing; costa with a rather narrow, tightly appressed fold to beyond end of cell, with a thick grayish fringe above, exteriorly (ventral side of wing) and enclosing a white hair pencil from base; apex blunt, termen rather strongly angled back, tornal angle scarcely evident. Ground color uniform gray-brown; fringe paler. Underside grayish brown, somewhat mottled. Abdomen: Dorsal scaling pale grayish brown, tinged with ochreous basally, ventral and genital scaling paler, whitish gray (Not ochreous). Genitalia as in Figure 160 (drawn from paratype, Venadio, JAP prep. no. 802, two preparations examined); uncus lacking, anal sheath not sclerotized, basal processes short, valva attenuated apically, apical projection of costa elongate, narrow, with scarcely any setation; distal seta-bunch a dense, broad row of numerous heavily sclerotized spurlike setae; vesica with a poorly defined sclerotized band.

FEMALE.–Length of forewing 6.5 to 7.4 mm. Generally as described for male. Labial palpus relatively more elongate (second and third segments each 1.4–1.5 times eye diameter). Antenna scarcely narrower than male. Forewing slightly narrower, length 3.1–3.2 times width. Hindwing costal area simple. Abdominal scaling slightly darker, not tinged with ochreous. Genitalia as in Figure 272 (drawn from paratype, JAP prep. no. 2305; one preparation examined); sterigma a simple, three-sided hood; ductus with a weak sclerotization near base, tightly coiled; signum as in related species but with relatively smaller inner ridge and emargination.

TYPES.–Holotype male and allotype female: Mexico, 6 miles south of Culiacan, Sinaloa, August 6, 1964 (J. A. Chemsak and J. Powell), deposited in California Academy of Sciences. Six paratypes, all Mexico, as follows: same data as holotype, 2♂ ♂, 2♀ ♀; “Venadio, Sinaloa,” 1♂, 1♀, B. P. Clark, donor (no further data); deposited in. collections of California Insect Survey and U.S. National Museum.

REMARKS.–The unique male genitalia place E. pala apart from the remainder of the Trifurcella group.

Ethmia clava Powell, new species

A brown and white moth resembling E. similatella, superficially differing by its larger size and relatively larger palpi, and by having the pale markings gray instead of white.

MALE.–Length of forewing 9.4–11.0 mm. External features generally as described for E. similatella, differing as follows: Head: Labial palpus somewhat more elongate, well exceeding base of antenna; second segment length 1.40 to 1.55 times eye diameter; third segment 1.1–1.2 times eye diameter; dark markings enlarged to all but narrow white bands, postmedian and apical on each segment. Antenna slightly dilated, width of shaft basally 0.21 eye diameter. Dark middorsal scaling of occipital tufts more extensive. Forewing: Length 3.3–3.5 times width; color pattern similar but darker, dorsal pale area gray, narrowly white adjacent to brown markings; costal area blackish brown, more extensive, the lobes into dorsal area reaching more than half way from Cu to dorsal margin, the pale area between them scarcely touching Cu; costal area with some indistinct gray blotches along costa and an apical spot; dorsal area with a brown spot just above dorsal margin preceding tornus, below pale spur at end of cell. Hindwing: Costal fold broad, with a large exterior brush, its hair scales blackish becoming whitish apically and enclosing a dense, elongate hair pencil, gray basally becoming ochreous apically. Ground color dark gray-brown. Abdomen: Darker brown than in similatella; genital tufts bright ochreous, relatively smaller. Genitalia as in Figure 162 (drawn from paratypes, Tepic, Cordoba, JAP prep. nos. 1091, 2093; two preparations examined); anal sheath moderately strongly sclerotized, valva broader than in related species, with a pointed projection along distal margin of saccullar area, “plume” subapical, broad, heavily sclerotized; distal seta-bunch a compact group of about eight spurlike setae; vesica without a well defined cornutus.

FEMALE.–Length of forewing 10.4 to 10.6 mm. Essentially as described for male; labial palpus relatively slightly shorter, second segment length 1.4–1.6, third 1.3 times eye diameter; antenna not dilated, width of shaft near base about 0.85 that of male. Hindwing costal area simple. Genital scaling bright ochreous, reduced from that of male. Genitalia (Figure 274, drawn from paratopotype, JAP prep. no. 2096; one preparation examined); similar to E. marmorea, sterigma a narrow ring, ostium subtended by a narrow, sclerotized sleeve and greatly enlarged, heavily sclerotized antrum, ductus with about six tight coils, signum with a slightly smaller emargination than in penthica and related species.

TYPES.–Holotype male and allotype female: Mexico, Cordoba, Veracruz, July 20, 1966 (J. S. Buckett and M. R. and R. C. Gardner); deposited in American Museum of Natural History and California Academy of Sciences. Twelve paratypes, all Mexico: same data as holotype, 9♂, 2♀, VI–29 to VII–25–66; Tepic, Nayarit, 1♂, IX–8–34 (C. C. Hoffmann); deposited in American Museum of Natural History, California Insect Survey, and U.S. National Museum.

Ethmia sphenisca Powell, new species

A moderately large, black and white Ethmia superficially resembling E. semilugens, from the high mountains of Arizona and northwestern and central Mexico.

MALE.–Length of forewing 10.0–13.0 mm. Head: Labial palpus elongate, well exceeding base of antenna; second segment length 1.30–1.35 times eye diameter; third segment 0.85–0.93 as long as second; smooth scaled, white, basal half of second segment black exteriorly, third segment with basal and apical black bands. Antenna only slightly dilated, width of shaft basally about 0.20 eye diameter; dorsal scaling dark gray. Scaling of tongue dark gray, of front and crown white, a small spot below eye and occipital tuft at middorsum broadly dark blue-black. Thorax: Dorsal scaling white, marked with blue-black; on tegulae basally and adjoining lateral areas of collar, notum with a large median spot, at times contiguous with lateral spots adjoining apices of tegulae, a pair of spots at sides of scutellum. Underside whitish, prothoracic and mesothoracic legs mostly dark gray exteriorly, hind tibial fringe rather short, pale brownish. Forewing: Length 3.2 times width; costa gently curved from base to apex, termen strongly angled back. Ground color divided by a sinuate longitudinal line from base to termen, dorsal area below line narrowly white, sending a pointed projection to Cu fold at basal one-fourth and another beyond Cu at end of cell, each projection containing a conspicuous black spot; remainder of wing costad of longitudinal line brownish black or black, only slightly paler toward costa; a white spot on costa just before apex, containing a marginal black dot; two other marginal dots in white area at tornus, the remainder not discernible in dark ground. Fringe concolorous with adjoining wing areas. Underside dark brownish gray; the dorsal white areas of upperside visible. Hindwing: About as broad as forewing; costal area with a narrow fold from base to end of cell, containing a thin, white hair pencil, apex rather acute, termen strongly angled back, straight, tornal angle visible. Ground color whitish gray, slightly darker distally; fringe irregularly grayish. Underside paler, mottled grayish in apical and costal areas. Abdomen: Dorsal scaling gray-brown, basal two segments tinged with dark ochreous; underside paler, genital scaling bright ochreous. Genitalia as in Figure 161 (drawn from paratype, Mexico City, JAP prep. no. 805; five preparations examined); uncus absent, apical “plume” of valva densely setose throughout, apical seta-bunch borne on a flaplike extension, containing two elongate, recurved and three or four smaller, heavy setae, preceded by a broad projection at end of saccular margin.

MAP 65.–Geographical distribution of Ethmia sphenisca Powell.

FEMALE.–Length of forewing 10.5 to 11.9 mm. As described for male; eye slightly smaller (diameter about 0.9 that of male), labial palpus as large; antenna scarcely smaller. Hindwing costal area simple. Genitalia with sterigma a simple ring produced ventrad, subtended by a long, sclerotized sleeve and an enlarged, membranous antrum and four membranous coils in ductus; signum not differing from E. marmorea and related species (Figure 275, drawn from paratype, Michoacan, JAP prep. no. 2299; two preparations examined).

TYPES.–Holotype male and allotype female: Mexico, 10 miles west of El Salto, Durango, 9,000 feet elevation, June 6 and July 9, 1964 (H. F. Howden and J. E. H. Martin), deposited in Canadian National Collection. Eight paratypes, as follows: Mexico: same data as holotype, 1♂, VI–26–64; 8 mi W El Palmito, Sinaloa, 1♀, VIII–19–64 (J. A. Chemsak and J. Powell); 60 mi E Zamora, Michoacan, 1♀, VI–24–57 (J. A. Chemsak); Mexico City, D. F., 1♂, July 1918 (R. Muller). Arizona: White Mountains, Apache Indian Reservation, Greenlee County, 7,000 feet, 1♂, VI–15–30, 1925 (O. C. Poling); Tonto Creek Campground, near Kohls Ranch, Gila County, 1♂, 1♀, VI–27–29–56 (Martin, Comstock, Rees); Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery, 6,400 feet, Gila County, 1♂, VI–30–56 (Martin, Comstock, Rees). Deposited in California Insect Survey, Canadian National Collection, Los Angeles County Museum, and U.S. National Museum.

REMARKS.–This species is similar to darker forms of E. marmorea, but complete lack of whitish scaling along the costa will distinguish E. sphenisca, which is not closely related to the rest of the Trifurcella group according to genitalia characters.

Ethmia heptastica Walsingham

Ethmia heptastica Walsingham, 1912:146, pl. 5, fig. 8.–Powell, 1959:145.

A dark brownish moth in southern Mexico with the general appearance of species in the penthica complex but with seven rather than five spots on the notum.

MALE.–Length of forewing 7.4 to 11.0 mm. Head: Labial palpus elongate, strongly curved, well exceeding base of antenna; second segment length 1.5–1.6 times eye diameter; third segment 0.75–0.82 as long as second (1.15–1.33 times eye diameter), smooth scaled, whitish, second segment with a broad median and narrow subapical blackish band, third segment with submedian and subapical black bands. Antenna slightly dilated, width of shaft about 0.20 eye diameter; dorsal scaling dark gray. Scaling of tongue, front, and crown whitish, small spot below eye and occipital tufts at middorsum blue-black. Thorax: Dorsal scaling whitish tinged with grayish; seven well-defined, subequal blue-black spots: a pair adjoining collar between tegulae, a pair adjoining tegulae apices, a median one between them, a pair at sides of scutellum. Underside whitish, legs marked with grayish brown exteriorly; hind tibial fringe rather elongate, pale brownish. Forewing: Moderately broad, length 2.9 to 3.3 times width; costa evenly, gently curved from base to apex; termen rather strongly angled back. Ground color divided by a longitudinal line along Cu fold, costal half dark brown, the line forming two irregular, squarish spurs of dark from cell into pale dorsal area at basal one-fourth and middle; a dark dot just beyond and below basal spur; dorsal area uniformly pale grayish brown except narrowly whitish adjoining dark costal half, extended as an irregular spur at end of cell, the dividing line becoming obscure beyond, some pale infusion extending along termen. Fringe brown. Underside brown. Hindwing: About as broad as forewing; costa narrowly folded on basal half, enclosing a thin, whitish or pale brownish hair pencil; apex rather acute, termen strongly angled back, straight, tornal angle evident. Ground color uniform dark brown, fringe scarcely paler; underside similar. Abdomen: Dorsal scaling dark brown, basal two terga tinged with dark ochreous; ventral scaling dull whitish, genital pale, dull ochreous. Genitalia as in Figure 163 (drawn from plesiotype, Venadio, Sinaloa, JAP prep. no. 799; four preparations examined); uncus lacking, basal processes elongate, setose, originating dorsad of the elongated fultura plates; apical “plume” of valva a broad membranous flap with sparse, broad, bified scalelike setae; distal seta-bunch a compact group of three broad, flat setae at the apex of a sclerotized projection; vesica with a lightly sclerotized, ill-defined cornutal plate.

MAP 66.–Geographical distribution of Ethmia heptastica Walsingham.

FEMALE.–Length of forewing 9.0–10.7 mm. Essentially as described for male; eye smaller, and as a result labial palpus relatively slightly longer; antenna scarcely narrower. Hindwing costal area simple. Genitalia as in Figure 273 (drawn from plesiotype, Mazatlan, JAP prep. no. 2788; four preparations examined); sterigma a broad, depressed plate, ostium rimmed anteriorly by a narrow, curved band, base of ductus with a weakly sclerotized band, antrum small, with a weakly sclerotized band, signum a broad, shallow fold with lateral flanges, its inner ridge notched as in E. marmorea and related species, yet serrate on either side of the notch as well.

TYPE DATA.–Mexico, Tonalapa, Guerrero, June (H. H. Smith); unique female type in British Museum. Tonalapa is a village 26 km south of Iguala, according to Selander and Vaurie (1962).

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.–West coast of Mexico from Sonora (“30 E of Carbo”) and Sinaloa (Culiacan, Mazatlan) south to Cuernavaca and northern Guerrero.

FLIGHT PERIOD.–June, July, August.

FOOD PLANT.–Unknown.

REMARKS.–This species is similar in appearance to members of the marmorea-penthica series, but heptastica is distinguishable superficially by the seven, rather than five, thoracic spots. Both male and female genital characters place heptastica distinct from any of the other brown and white forewing species.

Inasmuch as Walsingham based the name on a unique female, which I have not seen, there can be room for doubt as to the identification. However, the material available is little variable, matching heptastica in the seven thoracic spots and the smoky suffusion on the pale dorsal area of the forewing; and examples from Sinaloa compare well in genital features with a male from Cuernavaca, Morelos, which is near the type locality.

Ethmia oterosella Busck

Ethmia oterosella Busck, 1934:165, pl. 36, fig. 4.

A small Cuban Ethmia superficially resembling E. macelhosiella in wing pattern and color.

MALE.–Length of forewing 6.7–7.8 mm. Head: Labial palpus moderately elongate, slightly exceeding base of antenna; second segment slightly longer than eye diameter, third segment straight, 0.85 as long as second; smooth scaled, whitish, indistinctly blotched with brownish exteriorly, white interiorly. Antenna not dilated, width of shaft near base about 0.16 eye diameter; dorsal scaling pale brown, occiptal tufts without a defined spot. Thorax: Dorsal scaling concolorous with head, no defined spots (all specimens available damaged at middorsum). Underside whitish, prothoracic leg marked with dark brown, mesothoracic and metathoracic legs with pale brownish. Forewing: Length 3.3–3.4 times width; costa slightly more strongly curved basally, apex rather acute, termen strongly angled back, tornal angle scarcely evident. Ground color divided by a line along Cu fold, dorsal half whitish, costal half blackish along Cu, blending to brown through cell and to whitish at costa; terminal area mostly whitish brown; two indistinct, flat spurs of pale brown extend beyond Cu in basal half, the dividing line thence angled towards apex to form a distinct, white spur at end of cell, beyond which the line becomes indistinct; some scattered black scales tend to form lines along the veins on costal half and beyond cell. Fringe whitish. Underside pale brownish. Hindwing: Slightly narrower than forewing, costa with a tightly appressed, narrow fold to end of cell, enclosing an elongate brush of yellowish white hair scales; apex acute, termen strongly angled back. Ground color whitish, becoming pale brownish distally. Fringe whitish. Underside white. Abdomen: Dorsal scaling grayish, ventral white, genital whitish. Genitalia as in Figure 164 (drawn from plesiotype, Santiago, JAP prep. no. 1609; one preparation examined); uncus lacking, basal processes large; valva narrow distally, lacking distal seta bunch, subapical “plume” large, setate on the broad distal half, subtended by a group of unsually elongate, fine setae on inner face of valva.

FEMALE.–Length of forewing 7.4–8.0 mm. Externally essentially as described for male, differing as follows (one specimen): eye slightly smaller, labial palpus second segment slightly longer, third segment shorter than in male. Hindwing costal area simple, ground color slightly darker, mostly pale brown. Genitalia not studied; signum figured by Busck (1934), serrate, similar to E. heptastica, but without a median notch.

TYPE DATA.–Estacion Experimental Agronomica, Santiago de las Vegas, Cuba; holotype female in U.S. National Museum.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.–Cuba (Santiago and Trinidad Mountains).

FLIGHT PERIOD.–June, July, October.

FOOD PLANT.–The type is labeled “leaf tier on bejuco de canasta” by Mr. Otero. This was reported by Busck (1934) to be “Stenospermum hamilifolia”; a misspelling of Stegnospermum halimifolia Benth. (Phytolaceae). Either this plant (“Bejuco de canasta Blanco”) or Trichostigma octandrum (L.) (Phytolaccaceae (“Bejuco de canastas”) appears to be a possible host if Busck’s identification originated from an inference from the common name on the label (c.f. Roig y Mesa, 1953).

REMARKS.–The genital characters place this species as distinct from all other known Ethmia but most similar to members of the Trifurcella group.

The Prattiella Group

Eye index ±1.0. Labial palpus short, II segment 0.8 eye diameter; rough scaled. Antenna of male slightly dilated, index ±0.21. Forewing moderately broad; pattern transverse dot rows. Hindwing of male unmodified. Abdomen scaling undifferentiated. Uncus and gnathos absent; basal processes membranous, narrow; valva with cucullus “plume” with flat sclerotized nonbifid scales on distal margin; vesica-manica simple; vesica armed. Papillae anales membranous, setate; posterior apophyses elongate; sterigma ornate, antrum enlarged with sclerotized band; ductus bursae sclerotized basally, six membranous coils beyond; signum a broad cone.

A single species of southern Texas and northern Mexico which shows close similarity to no other species.

Ethmia prattiella Busck

Ethmia prattiella Busck, 1915:85.–Barnes and Busck, 1920, pl. 26.–McDunnough, 1939:83.

A rarely collected species of Texas and eastern Mexico with white forewings marked by tiny black dots.

MALE.–Length of forewing 8.4 mm. Head: Labial palpus rather short, not much upcurved, not attaining base of antenna; second segment slightly curved, length about 0.8 eye diameter; third segment straight, as long as second; scaling white, roughened on second segment. Antenna slightly dilated, width of shaft basally slightly about 0.21 eye diameter; dorsal scaling whitish basally becoming pale brownish gray beyond. Scaling of tongue, front, and crown white, faintly tinged with brownish posteriorly. Thorax: Dorsal scaling white, pairs of small blackish spots on notum adjoining collar near tegulae and at sides of scutellum. Underside white, femora, tibiae, and tarsi mostly pale brownish gray exteriorly. Forewing: Length about 3.1 times width; costa gently curved from base to apex, latter acute, termen strongly angled back. Ground color white, markings of small black dots (about 0.4 eye diameter) as follows: a row of about five dots from base toward apex through costal half of cell (the fourth spot sometimes reduced to a trace), the basal two each subtended by a spot in cell at base and just beyond; a curving row of about six dots from dorsal area at basal one-fourth upward into cell to end of cell and thence toward tornus; a single spot in terminal area beyond cell; a row of about ten dots at margin, subtending fringe, from well before apex to tornus. At times one or more of the dots reduced or obsolete. Fringe entirely white. Underside pale brownish gray. Hindwing: As broad as forewing; costal area simple, without fold or hair pencil, nearly straight; apex narrow, termen strongly angled back. Ground color uniform pale brown; fringe white. Underside similar, with scattered whitish scaling. Abdomen: Scaling shining whitish gray; genital tuft white. Genitalia as in Figure 165 (drawn from plesiotype, Hidalgo, Mexico, JAP prep. no. 1629; one preparation examined); uncus lacking, basal processes elongate, slender; valva with short apical “plume” and a row of 12 heavily sclerotized, bladelike setae on distal margin; vesica with a row of toothlike cornuti.

MAP 67.–Geographical distribution of Ethmia prattiella Busck.

FEMALE.–Length of forewing 8.5 to 8.7 mm. As described for male, differing as follows: eye slightly smaller (about 0.9 that of male), labial palpus slightly smaller (second segment about 0.77–0.88 eye diameter), antenna not dilated, width of shaft basally about 0.15 eye diameter. Forewing slightly narrower, length about 3.3 to 3.5 times width. Genitalia as in Figures 277–279 (drawn from plesiotype, Coahuila, JAP prep. no. 2591; one preparation examined); sterigma complex, produced ventrally, contiguous with broad sclerotized area of ductus, signum with a single, narrow keel.

TYPE DATA.–“Zavalla Co., Tex; April” (F. C. Pratt); the unique female type in the U.S. National Museum bears the additional data: Nueces River, Zavalla [now Zavala] County, IV–26–10.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.–West-central Texas to eastern central Mexico. Only three specimens in addition to the type have been available for study: 1♂, Junction, Kimble County, Texas, IV–3–68 (A. Blanchard); 1♀, 3 mi S Gloria, Coahila, Mexico, VII–28–59 (E. E. Remington); 1♂, 10 mi S Jacala, Hidalgo, Mexico, I–6–41 (G. E. Bohart).

FLIGHT PERIOD.–January (central Mexico), April (Texas), and July (northern Mexico).

FOOD PLANT.–Unknown.

REMARKS.–This species bears a superficial resemblance to E. apicipunctella, but the male genitalia characters place E. prattiella well distinct from any known species, perhaps closest to the Trifurcella group.

The Joviella Group

Eye index ±1.2. Maxillary palpus moderately large, four segments, lengths about 3:3:3:5. Labial palpus moderately elongate, II segment index 1.4; smooth scaled. Antenna of male dilated, index 0.26–0.30. Forewing moderately broad; pattern transverse dots. Hindwing of male with hair pencil enclosed in Sc pinch-fold. Abdomen with specialized scaling on I-II terga. Uncus and gnathos absent; basal processes membranous, narrow; valva with cucullus “plume,” setate apically; with modified scalelike setae that are bifid apically; with distal notch, fultura-manica simple; vesica armed. Papillae anales membranous, setate; posterior apophyses elongate; sterigma simple; antrum enlarged; ductus bursae membranous, one loose coil; signum simple spurs.

Two small species in Central America and northern South America and the lesser Antilles. The pair shows no close similarity to other groups and phenetic assessments yielded varying indications of relationships among the Trifurcella, Confusella, and Punctessa groups.

Ethmia linda Busck

Ethmia similatella is a moth in the family Depressariidae. It is found from western Mexico (Sinaloa) to Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica.

The length of the forewings is 6.7–10.2 mm (0.26–0.40 in). The color pattern similar to Ethmia penthica, but the longitudinal line dividing the brown and whitish areas is less sinuate (wavy) so that the lobes of brown into white and the intervening white projections are less regularly U-shaped. The ground color of the hindwings is dark brown. Adults are on wing in February, April and August in Guatemala and July and August elsewhere. There are probably multiple generations per year.

The larvae feed on Varronia guanacastensis.