Neotropical Tineidae VIII: Falsivalva, a New Genus from Austral South America with Extreme Modification of the Male Postabdominal Terga (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

Abstract

Abstract.-Falsivalva, new genus is described and illustrated. In addition to the previously named type species, "Tinea" prensoria Meyrick, three new species, F. clavata, F. nephophila, and F. paraprensoria, are described. The most conspicuous synapomorphy of Falsivalva is the highly specialized tergum IX (tegumen) of the male, which is greatly enlarged and almost completely divided to resemble the male gonopods (valvae). It is suggested, but not observed, that these paired structures may function either to guide or clasp the female oviscapt during copulation. The genus occurs in both coastal and Andean Nothofagus forests primarily in southern Chile from approximately 35°S in Maule Province south to about 45° in Chiloe Island and east to Neuquen Province, Argentina. The biology is unknown.

First report of the old world genus Pelecystola in North America, with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Tineidae)

“…However, the two genera share little else in common. Th e male genitalia of Falsivalva diff er from that of Pelecystola and all other Tineidae in the extreme development of a greatly lengthened and almost completely divided tegumen (Davis and Davis 2009). In addition, the female genitalia of Falsivalva lack signa.…”