Periploca dipapha Hodges 1969

Periploca dipapha

A small, shining, yellowish-brown and pale yellow moth. All surfaces shining yellow at certain angles of light incidence, shining yellowish brown overlying pale yellowish white scales on outer surface of second and third segments of labial palpus, dorsal surface of scape (apex pale) and base of shaft of antenna, thorax, forewing, and femur, tibia, and tarsus of foreleg. Alar expense: 8.5 mm. Male genitalia: as in Figures 12 and 13 (RWH slide 1060). Aedeagus with three prominant conical projections on dorsal surface between two-thirds and three-fourths length, apex blunt with a dorsal, conical projection just before end; costal margin of valva nearly evenly convex, apex broadly acute; posterior margin of vinculum evenly rounded. Female genitalia: no specimens available.

FOOD PLANT.—Unknown.

HOLOTYPE.—Male, Madera Canyon, 4,880 ft, Santa Rita Mtns., Arizona, July 27, 1959, R. W. Hodges (RWH slide 1060). Cornell University type number 4268.

The male genitalia of dipapha may be separated from those of funebris by having the costal margin of the valva broadly rounded (sinuous in funebris) and only three preapical, conical projections on the dorsal surface of the aedeagus (funebris has a series of large projections and many small, triangular ridges in the same location).

The unique specimen of dipapha is not fresh, so the description of maculation will probably be modified as others turn up. Dark scales are likely to be more abundant than is indicated in the description.

Periploca dipapha is a moth in the family Cosmopterigidae. It was described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1969. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded from Arizona and Texas.

The wingspan is about 8.5 mm. The forewings and hindwings are shining yellow. Adults have been recorded on wing in July.