W. DONALD DUCKWOR Neotropical
Microlepidoptera XVIII:
Revision of the
Genus Peleopoda
(Lepidoptera:
Oecophoridae)
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY ? 1970 NUMBER 48
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SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO
ZOOLOGY
NUMBER 48
W. Donald Duckworth N e o t r o p i c a l
Microlepidoptera XVIII:
Revision of the
Genus Peleopoda
(Lepidoptera:
Oecophoridae)
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PRESS
CITY OF WASHINGTON
I97O
ABSTRACT
Duckworth, W. Donald. Neotropical Microlepidoptera XVIII : Revision of the
Genus Peleopoda (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae). Smithsonian Contributions to
Zoology, 48:1-30. 1970.?The oecophorid genus Peleopoda Zeller is revised and one
new species, P. convolute, is described. A key to the species based on structures of the
male and female genitalia is provided. All the species are reviewed regarding their
taxonomic history, distribution, identity, and morphology. Distribution maps, photo-
graphs of the adults, drawings of the male and female genitalia, and all known biologi-
cal information are included.
Official publication date is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded
in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1970
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 40 cents (paper cover)
W. Donald Duckworth Neotropical
Microlepidoptera XVIII:
Revision of the
Genus Peleopoda
(Lepidoptera:
Oecophoridae)
Introduction
The genus Peleopoda as herein defined consists of
thirteen species which have been previously associated
with at least five genera in a number of different fam-
ilies including the Gelechiidae, Xyloryctidae, Steno-
midae, and Oecophoridae. One species in the present
study is described as new. This report presents the
first review of this genus for the Nearctic and Neo-
tropical Regions and includes all the species known to
occur in these areas. Previous studies on species and
genera included here have been brief, largely lacking
in illustrations or keys, and primarily devoted to the
description of new taxa.
Undoubtedly, the lack of more comprehensive studies
on the part of previous workers has been due to the
paucity of specimens. A similar lack of material was
experienced during the course of the present study even
though efforts to obtain specimens have been made
by the author and many other people while conducting
field studies in both the Nearctic and Neotropical
Region. Due to these efforts a number of species are
now represented by a much larger series over a more
adequate portion of their geographical range. A large
number, however, are still known from only one or
two specimens and distribution data is inadequate
for most of the species.
Donald W. Duckworth, Department of Entomology, National
Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Wash-
ington, D.C. 20560.
The author wishes to acknowledge with thanks the
cooperation and aid of the following individuals and
institutions who, through their support and encourage-
ment, have materially aided the present study: Dr.
F. Fernandez Yepez, Facultad de Agronomia, Uni-
versidad Central de Venezuela; Dr. Robert L. Dressier,
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Canal Zone,
Panama; Dr. Leonce Bonnefil, Institute Inter-
americano de Ciencias Agricolas de la O.E.A., Tur-
rialba, Costa Rica; Dr. Marco T. Cabezas, Mr. Jose R.
Quezada, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Uni-
versidad de El Salvador, San Salvador; Dr. M. G.
Emsley, George Mason College of the University of
Virginia, Fairfax (formerly Assistant Director, The
William Beebe Tropical Research Station, Trinidad),
for support and assistance in various field research
studies; Mr. Allan Watson, Mr. P. E. S. Whalley, Brit-
ish Museum (Natural History) ; Dr. Fritz Kasy, Natur-
historisches Museum, Vienna; Dr. J. F. Hanneman,
Institut fiir Spezielle Zoologie and Zoologisches
Musuem der Humbolt Universitat zu Berlin; Dr. J. A.
Powell, University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Klaus
Sattler, British Museum (Natural History), formerly
with Zoologische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates,
Munich, for lending types and other specimens in their
charge for study. Special thanks are extended to my
colleagues Dr. O. S. Flint, Dr. P. J. Spangler, and Dr.
J. F. G. Clarke for specimens from their collecting
activities in Central and South America.
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
The author also wishes to acknowledge the assistance
of Mr. Andre Pizzini, staff illustrator, for the line
drawings and distribution maps. The photographic
work was done by the Smithsonian Photographic
Laboratory.
The study was aided in part by the National Science
Foundation on Grant GB-1800 and the Smithsonian
Research Foundation on Grant Sg. 0632089.
History
The genus Peleopoda was established by Zeller
(1877) for a new species, lobitarsis, which he de-
scribed from a single male from Panama. Busck
(1908) described a new genus of Gelechiidae, Dur-
rantia, for a Zeller species, piperatella, noting: "The
type has veins 7 and 8 in the forewings stalked; I
include as generic character 'or coincident' in order
not to exclude another closely related and very similar,
undescribed Texan species, which I believe con-
generic, in spite of this single difference." Walsingham
(1912) added four additional species to Durrantia
from Central and South America. In the same study
he described a new genus of Gelechiidae, Theatria,
with one included species, spudasma, which he related
to another genus, failing to note that the venational
characters were identical to those of the four species
of Durrantia he had described on the preceding two
pages.
Busck (1911) redescribed Peleopoda Zeller, noting
that though Zeller's generic description was totally in-
adequate for absolute determination he felt assured
in applying the name to the genus before him and
gave the characters accordingly. He included three
new species from French Guiana on which he based
his characterization of the genus.
Busck (1912) described yet another genus in the
Gelechiidae, Dolidiria, /or a single new species,
arcanella, noting: "The genus is nearest to and a
direct development from Durrantia Busck, differing
only in veins 7 and 8 of the forewings being coincident
instead of stalked."
Meyrick (1916) described a new genus of
Oecophoridae with the following comment: ". . . Mr.
Busck has regarded this genus as identical with
Peleopoda Zell., with which conclusion I do not agree;
Zeller's type species is indeed unknown to both of us,
but the accuracy and reliability of Zeller's work en-
titles us to read his description literally; . . . ; the
characters as given point to a genus allied to Cryptole-
chia and quite distant from the present, and the super-
ficial appearance as shown by the figure confirms this."
Meyrick (1922) in his review of the Oecophoridae
lists Peleopoda Zeller with one included species,
lobitarsis, and indicated that he had not studied
material of this genus and species and that the char-
acters in the original description were incomplete and
doubtful. In 1925 Meyrick described a new species of
Durrantia from Peru and noted: "Dolidiria Busck is
a synonym of Durrantia; the genus belongs to the
Xyloryctid group, and is closely allied to Odites." On
the same page Meyrick gives a revised description of
the genus Peleopoda Zeller and comments as follows:
"Having obtained a fine example of the type-species,
P. lobitarsis, from Jurimaguas, Peru, I find that my
conjectural reference of it to the Oecophoridae was
mistaken, and it is really nearly related to Durrantia,
and also to Xylorycta."
Meyrick (1930) described the second species
assigned to Peleopoda, semocrossa, from Bolivia and
indicated that it was closely related and similar to
lobitarsis. Busck (1934) listed Peleopoda and the two
described species in the Stenomidae part of the
"Lepidopterorum Catalogus" series. Gaede (1939)
listed Peleopoda in the Oecophoridae part of the same
series and only included one species, Lobitarsis.
Clarke (1955) listed Durrantia in the Xyloryctidae
and illustrated the wings and genitalia of the two
Meyrick species in his study of the Meyrick types in
the British Museum (Natural History).
Clarke (1956) described a new genus in the
Oecophoridae, Pseuderotis, for a new species, Can-
nescens, from Argentina. Clarke (1963) listed
Peleopoda in the Oecophoridae portion of his Meyrick
Types study and illustrated the wings and genitalia of
semocrossa.
Biology
DISTRIBUTION.?As pointed out previously the dis-
tributional data for Peleopoda are far from complete,
but the Neotropical character of the genus is readily
observable. The two species that occur in the Nearctic
Region {piperatella, obiterella) have distributions
which indicate only a fringe penetration at best. The
large concentration of species in Central America could
suggest that area as the center of origin for the group
with subsequent dispersal both north and south, but
primarily south.
NUMBER 48
It is very likely that the genus is more abundant in
South America than present information indicates. Un-
doubtedly, further collecting will produce additional
records of known species as well as new species.
LIFE HISTORY.?As is the case for a vast majority of
Microlepidoptera in the Neotropics very little is known
of the life histories of the species included here. Except
for Bourquin's (1957) casual account of his observa-
tions on P. cannescens there are no published studies
of the biology of any Peleopoda species. Host plant data
from specimens have been utilized wherever possible
and host plants have been listed for four species in-
cluding P. cannescens. From these data, species in the
genus are now known to feed on plants in the families
Malpighiaceae, Verbenaceae, Polygonaccae, and
Platanaceae. In addition, there is one questionable
record of P. resurgens on a species of Orchidaceae
which is discussed in further detail under that species.
Classification
While engaged in studies on the related family
Stenomidae, my attention was first directed to the
group of moths included in this study. Several of the
species and genera have been formally assigned to that
family at one time or another and specimens are most
usually found mixed with undetermined and unsorted
stenomid material in collections. The primary reason
for this is the possession by these species of a number
of characters which have been distinctive for the
Stenomidae, i.e., veins 6 and 7 of the hind wing stalked,
absence of pecten on the basal segment of the antennae,
and general shape of the wings. Examination of the
genitalia, however, indicates a clear relationship with
the family Oecophoridae and when studied carefully
there are supportive characters to be found in the vena-
tion for this placement.
The presence of spines on the gnathos and the gen-
eral shape and modification of the valvae in the male
genitalia are frequently encountered in the Oecopho-
ridae as is the long ovipositor in the female genitalia.
These characters rarely occur in the Stenomidae. Al-
though the stalking of veins 6 and 7 in the hind wing
is typically a stenomid characteristic the stalking or
coincidence of veins 7 and 8 in the forewing is oecoph-
orid as well as the tendency of veins 3 and 4 in the
hind wing to be approximate or stalked.
The question of proper placement of Peleopoda
within the family Oecophoridae is a very difficult
one. The family is in great need of study, particularly
the Neotropical representatives. The existing higher
classification is essentially that established by Mey-
rick (1922) in his world catalog for the family. Un-
fortunately, Meyrick did not include characters of
the genitalia in his studies and the five categories
into which he divided the family are virtually useless
since they are based on very superficial characters
of the antenna and termination point of vein 7 in the
forewing. Thus, until further comprehensive studies
are made, the relationships of the large number of
genera in the family must remain uncertain.
There is a possibility that future studies on the
Neotropical Oecophoridae will indicate that the spe-
cies included here should be further divided into either
genera or subgenera. There are several venation and
genitalic characters which could be evaluated in this
fashion. Without sufficient comparative information
for other Neotropical genera, however, it seems more
advisable to take a conservative approach for the time
being.
Genus Peleopoda Zeller
Peleopoda Zeller, 1877, p. 383.
Durrantia Busck, 1908, p. 197. [New synonymy.]
Theatric Walsingham, 1912, p. 116. [New synonymy.]
Doldiria Busck, 1912, p. 5.
Pseuderotis Clarke, 1956, p. 254. [New synonymy.]
TYPE SPECIES.?Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller.
Head with loosely raised scales; antenna slightly
serrulate in male, simple in female, basal segment with-
out pecten but in most species a row of spreading scales
at base; maxillary palpi developed, simple; labial pal-
pus long, recurved, extending beyond vertex, second
segment roughened beneath with appressed scales,
apical segment smooth, only slightly shorter than sec-
ond; tongue developed, scaled at base. Legs with hind
tibia thickened with dense scales. Forewing with 12
veins, 11 with fusion of 7 and 8; lb furcate; 2 arising
well before angle; 3, 4, and 5 separate or approximate;
6 to termen below apex; 7 and 8 stalked or coincident,
11 from middle of cell or before. Hind wing with 8
veins, 7 with fusion of 3 and 4; lb furcate at base;
area between fork point of attachment for hair pencil;
2 remote; 3 and 4 connate, stalked or coincident;
5 connate, approximate or remote to 3 + 4; 6 and 7
stalked.
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
MALE GENITALIA.?Symmetrical or asymmetrical;
uncus bifid; gnathal plate separate or divided, spiny;
valvae with moderate to large lobes from costae fre-
quently overlapping medially; anellus with or without
lateral lobes; aedeagus with ductus ejaculatorius at-
tached at base, cornuti present or absent.
FEMALE GENITALIA.?Ovipositor moderately long to
long, telescoping; ostium bursae typically sclerotized,
sometimes membranous, in some species extruded be-
yond body wall; ductus bursae typically membranous,
in one species partially sclerotized; corpus bursae mem-
branous, signa present or absent.
REMARKS.?This taxon can be easily separated from
the other genera of Oecophoridae by stalking of veins
6 and 7 in the hind wing and the bifid uncus in the
male genitalia. The lack of sufficient material makes
the definition of the genus on female characters ex-
tremely difficult at this time. The principal character
used by Zeller in establishing this genus, the elaborate
dorsal scale tufts on the tibia and tarsi of the hind leg,
although present to varying degrees, were found to be
seldom as elaborate and distinctive in the species other
than the type species, lobitarsis.
Key to the Species of Peleopoda Based on the Genitalia
1. Male 2
Female 15
2. Valvae symmetrical 3
Valvae asymmetrical 7
3. Gnathos separate 4
Gnathos fused 5
4. Valvae with thornlike process near apex; vesica of aedeagus with a single, long, sinuate
comutus P. piperatella (Zeller)
Valvae without thornlike process near apex; vesica of aedeagus without cornuti
P. fiaccescens (Meyrick)
5. Arms of uncus very short, length less than distance between their bases; aedeagus with
external spines 6
Arms of uncus long, length greater than distance between their bases; aedeagus without
external spines P. cannescens (Clarke)
6. Valvae with prominent costal process near base; aedeagus with scattered spines on
anterior dorsal margin P. thamnolopha (Meyrick)
Valvae without costal process; aedeagus with a small patch of spines near midpoint
P. obitereUa (Busck)
7. Vesica of aedeagus with cornuti 8
Vesica of aedeagus without cornuti 11
8. Vesica of aedeagus with two cornuti 9
Vesica of aedeagus with a single long comutus which exceeds the length of the aedeagus...
P. amabilis (Walsingham)
9. Gnathal plate partially or totally fused; valvae with various processes or lobes 10
Gnathal plate divided; valvae simple P. pugnax (Walsingham)
10. Aedeagus long, more than five times greatest width; one valva with small setiferous
ampulla on costa near midpoint P. arcanella (Busck)
Aedeagus short, much less than five times greatest width; valvae with saccular processes....
P. resurgens (Walsingham)
11. Aedeagus membranous ventrally from approximately midpoint; without prominent upright
process on costa of valva 12
Aedeagus sclerotized ventrally, dorsal surface incised from apex to beyond midpoint;
valva with prominent upright process on costa before apex.... P. convolute, new species
12. Spines on gnathal plate divided medially into two patches 13
Spines on gnathal plate not divided medially 14
13. Valvae with costal margins heavily sclerotized from base and developed into prominent
processes near midpoint; left valva with small setiferous lobe below costa
P. spudasma (Walsingham)
Valvae without costal margins sclerotized or developed into processes; left valva constricted
near midpoint, upturned approximately 90", apical half clublike
P. navigatrix (Meyrick)
NUMBER 4 8
Key to the Species of Peleopoda Based on the Genitalia?Continued
14. Valvae approximately equal in width at midpoint; aedeagus membranous ventrally from
before midpoint P. semocrossa (Meyrick)
Valvae unequal in width at midpoint, one valva less than half the width of the other;
aedeagus membranous ventrally after midpoint P. lobitartis (Zeller)
15. Ostium bursae extruded beyond body wall 16
Ostium bursae not extruded beyond body wall 20
16. Corpus bursae with signa; ductus bursae without diverticulum 17
Corpus bursae without signa; ductus bursae with sclerotized diverticulum at junction
with ostium bursae P. piptratella (Zeller)
17. Ductus bursae membranous; ostium without ventral medial cleft 18
Ductus bursae sclerotized from inception of ductus seminalis to midpoint; ostium with
ventral medial cleft extending to posterior edge of sternite 7.. P. pugnax (Walsingham)
18. Extruded portions of ostium bursae without flange 19
Extruded portion of ostium bursae three-fourths encircled with broad, sclerotized flange;
dorsal edge of ostium pointed with one side broadly and irregularly serrate
P. resurgent (Walsingham)
19. Ostium with ventral edge deeply excavated, ductus bursae short, convoluted
P. amabilis (Walsingham)
Ostium with ventromedial notch causing extruded portion of the ostium bursae to appear
heart-shaped in ventral view; ductus bursae short, broad P. arcaneUa (Busck)
20. Ostium bursae sclerotized 21
Ostium bursae membranous; ostium irregular in outline P. thamnolopha (Meyrick)
21. Ductus bursae without convolutions, shorter than abdomen 22
Ductus bursae with many convolutions, much longer than abdomen
P. convolute, new species
22. Ductus bursae long, membranous; corpus bursae distinctly differentiated from ductus
bursae P. cannetcent (Clarke)
Ductus bursae short; corpus bursae indistinctly differentiated from ductus bursae
P. obiUrella (Busck)
Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller
FIGURES 1-5; PLATE 1A; MAP 1
Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller, 1877, p. 287.
Alar expanse, 13 mm.
Antenna white basally, dark brown beyond. Labial
palpus white, second segment brown exteriorly except
apex. Head, thorax white, slightly tinged with yellow.
Legs white tinged with yellow, fore and midleg with
tibia and tarsi heavily shaded with brown, hindleg
with tibia and each tarsal segment heavily shaded with
brown, each bearing a dorsal yellow-brown scale tuft.
Forewing white tinged with yellow, costa narrowly
edged with yellow, spot at end of cell brown, cilia white,
yellow basally from costa at four-fifths to middle of
termen. Hind wing white, cilia white shaded yellow
at apex.
MALE GENITALIA (WDD 3928).?Uncus bifid, mod-
erate. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus a simple band with
posterior flap, without lateral lobes. Valvae asym-
metrical; one twice as broad as the other, approxi-
mately uniform in width to two-thirds, then narrowing
to rounded apex by excavation of ventral margin;
other narrow, approximately uniform width through-
out. Aedeagus large, curved membranous ventrally
from approximately one-half, dorsal portion expanded
into hoodlike flap at apex, vesica without cornuti.
FEMALE GENITALIA.?Unknown.
TYPE.?Lost.
TYPE LOCALITY.?Chiriqui, Panama.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Panama: Chiriqui (no date).
Peru: Jurimaguas (nodate).
REMARKS.?The type specimen of this species has
not been located during the course of the present study.
In the original description Zeller indicated the type
was in the Staudinger Museum, which now is located
at the Zoologisches Museum, Museum Fur Natur-
kunde de Humboldt?Universitat zu Berlin. Attempts
to locate the type in that collection have been unsuc-
cessful to date. The description and illustrations pro-
vided here were derived from the only other known
specimen. It is from the Meyrick collection now in the
British Museum (Natural History).
SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
FIGURES 1-5.?Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller: 1, wing venation; 2, lateral view of hind leg; 3,
lateral view of head; 4, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 5, lateral view
of aedeagus.
NUMBER 4 8
P. lobitarsis may easily be separated from the other
species of Peleopoda by the shape of the valvae and
the dorsal hoodlike flap at the apex of the aedeagus in
the male genitalia.
MAP 1.?Distribution of Peleopoda species.
A Peleopoda lobitarsis
?ft Peleopoda semocrossa
? Peleopoda navigatrix
? Peleopoda convoluta
Peleopoda navigatrix (Meyrick), new combination
FIGURES 6-7; PLATE \b; MAP 1
Xylorycta navigatrix Meyrick, 1912, p. 705.
Alar expanse, 25 mm.
Antenna white, labial palpus white, second segment
dark gray exteriorly except apex. Head, thorax white.
Forewing white with slight yellowish tinge, an irregu-
lar black patch on costa at base, an irregular triangu-
lar black patch occupying median third of costa and
extending half across wing, an indistinct light gray out-
wardly curved transverse line from costa at two-thirds
to dorsum before tornus, some faint gray suffusion to-
ward apex; cilia white. Hind wing white with slight
yellow tinge; cilia white.
Male genitalia (JFGC 4793, type). Uncus bifid,
long. Gnathal plate fused, spines divided at midpoint
into two patches. Anellus reniform, without lateral
lobes. Valvae asymmetrical; one narrow, bent approxi-
mately 90? at midpoint, apex forming an upright club
like structure, the other near uniform width to two-
thirds, then narrowing sharply to less than one-half,
then narrowing again just before rounded apex. Aedea-
gus long, curved 90? at basal one-fourth, membranous
ventrally from apical two-thirds to apex. Vesica with-
out cornutd.
FIGURES 6-7.?Peleopoda navigatrix (Meyrick) 6, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus
removed); 7, lateral view of aedeagus.
372-603 O?70 2
8 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
FEMALE GENITALIA.?Unknown.
TYPE.?In the British Museum (Natural History).
TYPE LOCALITY.?San Antonio, Colombia, 5,800 ft.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Known only from the type locality.
REMARKS.?This large and striking species is known
only by the type specimen from Colombia. It appears
to be closely related to the following species, P. semo-
crossa, but is readily separated by the development of
the apex of one valva into an upright, clublike struc-
ture. Since P. semocrossa is also known only by a single
speimen it is not possible to adequately determine the
relative positions of these two species at this time.
Peleopoda semocrossa Meyrick
FIGURES 8-9; PLATE l c ; MAP 1
Peleopoda semocrossa Meyrick, 1920, p. 13.
Alar expanse, 19 mm.
Antenna white, grayish beneath. Labial palpus
white, second segment shaded exteriorly with yellow
except apex. Head, thorax white. Legs white, hind legs
shaded with gray. Forewing white tinged slightly with
yellow, transverse streak at end of cell light gray; cilia
white, a brown bar at base on upper portion of termen,
very lightly edged dark brown on terminal margin in
middle, a slight gray tinge toward base above apex.
Hind wing white; cilia white.
MALE OENITALIA (slide JFGC 5606, type).?Uncus
bifid, moderate. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus a simple
band, without lateral lobes. Valvae asymmetrical, one
shorter, wide at base tapering to narrow rounded apex,
the other near uniform width to two-thirds, then nar-
rowing sharply to less than one-third. Aedeagus
slightly curved, membranous ventrally from basal
one-fourth, vesica without cornuti.
FEMALE GENITALIA.?Unknown.
TYPE.?In the British Museum (Natural History).
TYPE LOCALITY.?Cochabamba, Bolivia.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Known only from the type locality.
REMARKS.?In the original description of this spe-
cies Meyrick notes, "Closely related and similar to the
typical lobitarsis, but differs in stalking of vein 9 with
7, and brown mark in cilia." Both this and the preced-
ing species show a relationship in the genitalia to P.
lobitarsis; however, they are much closer to each other
than either is to P. lobitarsis. The distinguishing char-
acters between P. semocrossa and P. navigatrix have
been given in the remarks concerning the latter species.
Peleopoda convoluta, new species
FIGURES 10-13, PLATE ID; MAP 1
Alar expanse, 23-29 mm.
Antenna yellowish white basally, light brown beyond.
Labial palpus yellowish white, second segment shaded
with brown exteriorly except apex. Head yellowish
white, face light brown medially, dark brown laterally.
Thorax 1 ight brown. Legs yellowish white, foreleg
heavily shaded with brown, midleg with brown shad-
\
FIGURES 8-9.?Peleopoda semocrossa (Meyrick): 8, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus
removed); 9, lateral view of aedeague.
NUMBER 48
ing on tibia and tarsi. Forewing yellowish white, costa
narrowly edged with dark brown on basal one-eighth,
spot at end of cell, spot in cell, spot in fold consisting
of a few brown scales, subterminal line of very faint
brown spots, terminal line of small brown spots from
apex to tornus, cilia yellowish white. Hind wing white,
cilia white.
MALE GENITALIA (WDD 3834, type).?Uncus bifid,
very long. Gnathal plate fused, small, with median
transverse groove. Anellus with dorsomedial notch
dividing dorsal half of plate into two lobes. Valvae
asymmetrical, one spatulate apically, the other with
large, upright costal lobe just before apex. Aedeagus
large, curved, dorsal surface incised from apex to
beyond midpoint, vesica without comuti.
FEMALE GENITALIA (WDD 3829).?Ostium bursae
sclerotized, not extruded beyond body wall. Ostium
membranous, twice as wide as ostium bursae. Ductus
bursae membranous, extremely long, convoluted. Cor-
pus bursae membranous, signum a small, invaginated
dentate plate.
TYPE.?In the National Museum of Natural
History, USNM 70838.
TYPE LOCALITY.?Rancho Grande, Aragua, Vene-
zuela.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Known only from the type locality.
REMARKS.?Described from the male holotype:
Rancho Grande, Aragua, Venez., 7 August 1943, Vir-
gin Forest 1,100 m, R. Lichy; three male paratypes:
Venezuela, Ar., Rancho Grande, 1,100 m, 24-31-X.66,
S. S. and W. D. Duckworth, one male paratype with
same data except, 16-19.1.66; one male paratype with
same data except, 21-25-1.66; one female paratype
with same data except, 16-23.X.66; one female para-
type: Venezuela: Ar., Rancho Grande, 22-30 June
1967, R. W. Poole, 1,100 m; one female paratype:
Venezuela: Ar., Rancho Grande, 1,100 m, 28-XI-
1966, F. Fernandez, Y. J. Salcedo.
This species is nearest P. navigatrix; it is readily
separated, however, by the shape of the valvae in the
male genitalia and the long, convoluted ductus bursae
in the female genitalia.
Peleopoda obiterella (Busck), new combination
FIGURES 14-17; PLATE 1E, MAP 2
Durrantia obiterella Busck, 1908, p. 207.
Ethmia chambersella Dyar (notDyar), 1902, p. 208.
Alar expanse, 20-26 mm.
Antenna white basally, light brown beyond. Labial
palpus white, second segment brown exteriorly except
apex. Head white, face brown adjacent to eye margins.
Thorax white with dorsum overcast pale brown with
scattered darker brown spots. Legs brown. Forewing
white, costa narrowly edged in dark brown at base,
spot in the cell, spot at end of cell, spot in fold dark
brown, terminal row of brown spots from costa at
apical four-fifths to tornus, indistinct submarginal row
of brown dashes paralleling terminal line, entire sur-
face randomly sprinkled with brown scales; cilia white.
Hind wing white; cilia white, brown basally below
apex.
MALE GENITALIA (WDD 2695).?Uncus bifid, very
short. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus bandlike with a
median protuberance, without lateral lobes. Valvae
symmetrical, short, broad, greatest length approxi-
mately twice greatest width. Aedeagus slightly curved,
largely membranous ventrally, a small patch of spines
at approximately midpoint; vesica without comuti.
FEMALE GENITALIA (JFGG 11178, type).?Ostium
bursae short, sclerotized, not extruded beyond body
wall. Ostium with ventral edge slightly indented
medially. Ductus bursae long, membranous, signum a
diamond-shaped sclerotized plate with a longitudinal
invaginated groove.
TYPE.?In the National Museum of Natural
History.
TYPE LOCALITY.?Unknown.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Florida. Pensacola (February,
June, September).
REMARKS.?This species is nearest to P. thamno-
lopha on characters of the genitalia but is easily
separated by the simple valvae in the male and a
sclerotized ostium bursae in the female. P. thamnolo-
pha, on the other hand, has a well-developed costal
process on the valva in the male and a large mem-
branous ostium bursae in the female.
The rather involved nomenclatural activities asso-
ciated with this species have been summarized by Busck
(1908), and I will not reiterate them here except to
point out that my study verifies Busck's conclusions
entirely.
10 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
V"*1- ?-' T ,,
FIGURES 10-13.?Peleopoda convoluta, new species: 10, wing venation; 11, ventral view of
female genitalia; 12, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 13, lateral view of
aedeagus.
NUMBER 48 11
15
FIGURES 14-17.?Pcleopoda obiterella (Busck): 14, wing venation, 15, ventral view of female
genitalia (ovipositor missing); 16, caudal view of male genitalia (right valva and aedeagus
removed); 17, lateral view of aedeagus.
12 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
MAP 2.?Distribution of Peleopoda species.
A Peleopoda obiterella ? Peleopoda thamnolopha
Peleopoda thamnolopha (Meyrick),
new combination
FIGURES 18-21; PLATE IF, MAP 2
Asapharcha thamnolopha Meyrick, 1932, p. 286.
Alar expanse, 22-30 mm.
Antenna white basally, brown beyond. Labial palpus
white, second segment as in obiterella, apical segment
shaded with brown at apex. Head light brown, face
white medially, shaded light brown adjacent to eye
margins. Thorax light brown. Legs yellow brown,
darker toward tarsi. Forewing very pale brown, costa
narrowly orange yellow to slightly beyond midpoint,
beyond this point to apex a more broadly diffused band
of rose and gray roughly projecting scales to apex, in-
distinct brown spot at end of cell, terminal row of
brown spots from costa at four-fifths to tornus, entire
wing heavily shaded with irregularly scattered brown
scales; cilia whitish with gray subbasal line. Hind wing
yellowish white; cilia white.
MALE OENITALIA (WDD 2876).?Uncus slightly
bifid. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus bandlike narrowest
at midpoint. Valvae symmetrical, short, broad, greatest
length more than twice greatest width, with prominent
process from costa near base. Aedeagus broad, dorso-
ventrally flattened, anterior dorsal edge with scattered
spines; vesica without cornuti.
FEMALE GENITALIA (WDD 3405, type).?Ostium
bursae short, membranous, not extruded beyond body
wall. Ostium broad, irregular in outline. Ductus bursae
long, membranous. Corpus bursae membranous, sig-
num an irregular diamond shape slightly dentate plate.
TYPE.?In the Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna,
Austria.
TYPE LOCALITY.?La Trinidad, Costa Rica.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Guatemala: Volcan Santa Maria
(November). Costa Rica: La Trinidad (no date).
REMARKS.?This species is closely related to P.
obiterella (Busck), and the distinguishing characters
have been discussed in the remarks pertaining to that
species.
Meyrick originally described P. thamnolopha in the
African genus Asapharcha (Xyloryctidae) on the basis
of the wing venation. Examination of the type, a fe-
male, and the only other known specimen, a male in
the NMNH, clearly indicates placement in the Oeco-
phoridae. Future studies may indicate that P. tham-
nolopha and P. obiterella represent a separate genus.
At the present time, however, it seems more appropriate
to include them in Peleopoda.
Peleopoda cannescens (Clarke), new combination
FIGURES 22-25; PLATE 2A; MAP 3
Pseuderotis cannescens Clarke, 1956, p. 256.
Alar expanse, 17-18 mm.
Antenna white shaded with light brown basally,
light brown beyond. Labial palpus white, second seg-
ment shaded with brown exteriorly, apical segment
shaded with brown at tip. Head, thorax white shaded
with brown. Forewing white to pale yellow; costa
shaded with brown from midpoint to apex; a spot in
the middle of cell, one at end of cell, two in the fold,
dark brown; a terminal and subterminal series of
transverse spots, brown; entire wing randomly
sprinkled with brown scales; cilia white mixed with
pure yellow. Hind wing pale yellow, cilia pale yellow
mixed with white.
MALE GENITALIA (JFGC 10009, paratype).?Uncus
bifid, long. Gnathal plate fused. Anellus U-shaped.
Valvae symmetrical, apical half approximately half
the width of basal half. Aedeagus wide basally narrow-
ing to extremely acute apex; vesica without cornuti.
FEMALE GENITALIA (JFGC 10522, type) .?Ostium
bursae short, sclerotized, not extruded beyond body
wall. Ostium with ventral edge uniform. Ductus bursae
long, membranous. Corpus bursae membranous,
signum a very small weakly sclerotized plate with a
small invaginated keel.
NUMBER 48 13
FIGURES 18-21.?Peleopoda thamnolopha (Meyrick): 18, wing venation; 19, ventral view of
female genitalia; 20, caudal view of male genitalia (right valva and aedeagus removed); 21,
dorsolateral view of aedeagus.
14 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
FIGURES 22-25.?Peleopoda cannescens (Clarke): 22, wing venation; 23, ventral view of
female genitalia; 24, lateral view of aedeagus; 25, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus
removed).
NUMBER 48 15
TYPE.?In the National Museum of Natural
History.
TYPE LOCALITY.?Tigre, Argentina.
HOST PLANT.?Polygonom persicariodes H.B.K.
[Polygonaceae], Platanus orientalis L. [Platanaceae].
DISTRIBUTION.?Argentina: Tigre (no date).
Brazil: Nova Teutonia, 300-500 m (May, August,
September); Pelotas (October).
REMARKS.?This species is nearest P. arcanella in
size and maculation, but examination of the genitalia
indicates that, although there is an indication of rela-
tionship with the P. arcanella group, there are some
striking differences. P. cannescens has the gnathos
fused, the valvae symmetrical and the vesica of the
aedeagus unarmed in the males, whereas the P.
arcanella group has the gnathos separate, the valvae
asymmetrical, and the vesica armed. The females of
P. cannescens have the ostium bursae unextruded, the
bursa copulatrix more than three times the length
of the ovipositor, and a single, small signum in the
corpus bursae. In females of the P. arcanella group the
ostium bursae is extruded beyond the body wall, the
bursa copulatrix short, never more than twice the
length of the ovipositor, and the two signa in the corpus
bursae.
The life history of the species has been briefly
described by Bourquin (1957). The larva lives and
pupates beneath a white silk web on the leaves of
Polygonum persicariodes and Platnus orientalis. The
web causes a slight folding of the leaf and the larva
orients itself beneath the web either along the leaf
midvein or the central axis of the nest. Departure from
the nest when disturbed is accomplished through an
exit hole in the leaf.
MAP 3.?Distribution of Peleopoda cannescens.
It is very likely that Platanus orientalis is a secondary
host plant since it is an introduced ornamental tree in
Argentina. The case of Polygonum persicariodes is
more difficult to analyze. This plant is an extremely
widespread weed of moist environments from Mexico
to Argentina. It may represent another secondary host
or the primary host. On the other hand, P cannescens
may well be a general feeder and utilize a broad spect-
rum of plants as hosts.
Peleopoda arcanella (Busck), new combination
FIGURES 26-29; PLATE 2B; MAP 4
Dolidiria arcanella Busck, 1912, p. 5.
Alar expanse, 13-21 mm.
Antenna white basally, shaded with golden brown
beyond. Labial palpus white, second segment shaded
with brown exteriorly. Head, thorax white. Legs rang-
ing from white to brown, forelegs always darkest, hind
legs always lightest. Forewing ground color white fre-
quently suffused with very pale yellow; costa narrowly
edged with light yellow to golden brown from base
to apex; spot at end of cell and discal spot a patch of
golden brown with black center; entire wing randomly
sprinkled with black scales; cilia ranging from pure
white to alternating bands of pale yellow and brown.
Hind wing ranging from white to pale yellow; cilia
ranging from white to pale yellow tending to be dark-
est at wing apex.
MALE OENITALIA (slide WDD 2939).?Uncus bifid,
short. Gnathal plate fixed, spines divided medially into
two patches. Anellus wedge-shaped, lateral lobes
moderate. Valvae asymmetrical; one simple, approxi-
mately uniform in width throughout, somewhat con-
cave; the other shorter, approximately uniform in
width to midpoint, reduced sharply at midpoint form-
ing a fingerlike apical half, a small, setiferous ampulla
on costa near midpoint. Aedeagus long, slightly curved,
only slightly wider basally, vesica armed with two
cornuti, one long, needlelike, approximately half the
length of aedeagus, the other short, thornlike.
FEMALE GENITALIA (slide WDD 3824).?Ostium
bursae sclerotized, extruded beyond body wall. Ostium
with ventromedial excavation causing the extruded
portion of the ostium bursae to appear heart-shaped in
ventral view. Ductus bursae short, broad, membranous.
Corpus bursae membranous, signa consisting of two
sclerotized plates with median keel.
16 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
TYPE LOCALITY.?In the National Museum of Nat-
ural History.
TYPE LOCALITY.?Cabima, Panama.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Panama: Trinidad River (March,
(June); Porto Bello (April, September); Tabogilla
Id. (February); La Chorrera (May); Barro Colorado
Id. (March, April, May); Rio Agua Salud, C.Z., Nav.
Res. (March); Canal Zone nr. Gamboa (March).
Guatemala: Cayuga (no date). British Honduras: Rio
May, June); Alhajuelo (March, April); Cabima Temas (April). Mexico: Tamazunchale (July); 7 mi
27
FIGURES 26-29.?Peleopoda arcanella (Busck) : 26, wing venation; 27, ventral view of female
genitalia; 28, lateral view of aedeagus, 29, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed).
NUMBER 48 17
SW Pozo Rica, Ver. (July); 2 mi NE St. Miguel,
Cozumel Id., Quintana Roo (April). Venezuela:
Barinas Reserva Forestal, Ticaporo, 230 m (April),
San Estaban, Garabobo (December).
REMARKS.?Busk described a separate genus for this
species on the basis of veins 7 and 8 of the forewing
being coincident rather than stalked although he noted
its relationship with other species included in the genus
Durrantia (= Peleopoda). Examination of the geni-
talia clearly demonstrates the close relationship of P.
arcanella to other species included here and indicates
that the venation character is of specific significance
only.
MAP 4.?Distribution of Peleopoda arcanella.
This species appears most closely related to P. ama-
bilis, but has several distinguishing characters in the
genitalia. In the male genitalia P. arcanello has a
wedge-shaped anellus and one valva sharply narrowed
beyond the midpoint, whereas in P. amabilis the anel-
lus is rectangular and the valvae are much wider api-
cally than basally. In the female genitalia the extruded
portion of the ostium bursae is heart-shaped in P.
arcanella and irregularly excavate in P. amabilis.
Peleopoda amabilis (Walsingham), new combination
FIGURES 30-37; PLATE 2C; MAP 5
Durrantia amabilis Walsingham, 1912, p. 115.
Alar expanse, 13-27 mm.
Antenna white basally, light brown beyond. Labial
palpus white, second segment shaded from pale yellow
to dark brown exteriorly. Head white to pale yellow.
Thorax white shaded dorsally from pale yellow to dark
brown. Legs white to pale yellow, tibia and tarsi fre-
quently shaded with brown. Forewing white to pale
yellow, costa, apex, termen, dorsum varyingly edged
with yellow to brown; in some specimens a few darker
scales at end of cell, and a few randomly sprinkled
over wing; cilia white to pale yellow, darker at wing
apex. Hind wing white; Cilia white, slightly darker at
apex.
MALE GENITALIA (JFGC 11197).?Uncus bifid,
short. Gnathal plate divided. Anellus rectangular;
lateral lobes asymmetrical, one approximately twice as
long as the other. Valvae asymmetrical, both expanded
apically with the apical width at least twice that of
width at midpoint; one valva with apically directed
saccular process. Aedeagus slightly bent, tapering from
base to apex; vesica armed with a single, long, slightly
sinuate cornutus which slightly exceeds the length of
aedeagus.
FEMALE OENITALIA (JFGC 11179).?Ostium bursae
long, sclerotized, extruded beyond body wall. Ostium
with ventral edge deeply excavated. Ductus bursae
short, membranous, convoluted. Corpus bursae mem-
branous, signa consisting of two sclerotized plates with
invaginated median keels.
TYPE.?In the British Museum (Natural History).
TYPE LOCALITY.?Volcan de Atitlan, Guatemala,
2,500-3,500 ft.
HOST PLANT.?Lantana catnara L. [Verbenaceae].
DISTRIBUTION.?Mexico: Cuernavaca, Morelos
(June); Tamazunchale (June); 25 m N. Tamazun-
chale, S.L.P., 400 ft. (August); Cordoba, Ver. (July,
September). Guatemala: Volcan de Atitlan, 2,500-
3,500 ft. (no date); Chejel (no date); Volcan Station
Maria (July). Venezuela: Aroa (nodate).
REMARKS.?This species is extremely variable in
both size and degree of maculation. In general, the
larger specimens are readily recognized on the basis
of their size; the smaller specimens, however, are fre-
quently difficult to separate from closely related species
such as P. pugnax on superficial characters such as
maculation. Examination of the genitalia readily
reveals characters distinctive for this species. In the
male the shape and armature of the valvae and the
single long sinuate cornutus in the aedeagus serve to
distinguish P. amabilis from all other species in the
genus. In the female the shape of the ventral edge of
the ostium and the long, sclerotized ostium bursae
readily separate the species from all others.
18 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
FIGURES 30-37.?Peleopoda amabilis (Walsingham): 30, wing venation; 31, corpus bursae of
female genitalia; 32, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 33, ventral view of
anellus; 34, ental view of right valva; 35, ental view of left valva; 36, lateral view of aedeagus;
37, ventral view of female genitalia (corpus bursae removed).
NUMBER 48 19
MAP 5.?Distribution of Peleopoda amabilis.
The host plant recorded for this species is based on
one reared specimen in the USNM collection from
Tamazunchale, Mexico. If P. amabilis occurs through
the range of L. camara its distribution will be far wider
than reported here. Lantana camara is widely dis-
tributed in tropical America and due to its ornamental
value has been naturalized in the Old World. In some
areas, such as Hawaii, it has become a troublesome
weed.
Peleopoda resurgens (Walsingham), new combination
FIGURES 38-41; PLATE 2D; MAP 6
Durrantia resurgens Walsingham, 1912, p. 115.
Alar expanse, 20-22 mm.
Antenna white basally, light brown beyond. Labial
palpus white, second segment shaded with brown
exteriorly. Head, thorax white. Legs white, forelegs
heavily shaded with brown exteriorly, mid and hind-
legs lightly shaded with brown. Forewing white to
pale yellow; three brown spots, one at middle of cell,
one at end of cell and one in the fold; a series of elon-
gate brown marks along termen from apex to tomus,
entire wing randomly sprinkled with brown scales;
cilia pale yellow. Hindwing and cilia pale yellow.
Male genitalia (JFGC 11177). Uncus bifid, moder-
ate. Gnathal plate partially divided, spines divided
into two patches. Anellus U-shaped. Valvae symmetri-
cal, of approximately uniform width throughout, a
costal lobe at apical two-thirds, a saccular process at
basal one-third. Aedeagus short, bent, tapering from
base to apex; vesica armed with two cornuti; one
short, thornlike, one long, sinuate, extending three-
fourths the length of aedeagus, spatulate at apex.
Female genitalia (WDD 3923, type). Ostium bursae
long, sclerotized, extruded beyond body wall. Ostium
with ventral edge slightly excavate, dorsal edge pointed
with one side broadly and irregularly serrate, with
broad, sclerotized flange encircling three-fourths of the
extruded portion. Ductus bursae short, membranous.
Corpus bursae membranous, signa consisting of two
sclerotized plates with invaginated median keels.
TYPE.?In the British Museum (Natural History).
TYPE LOCALITY.?Volcan de Atitlan, Guatemala,
2,500-3,500 ft.
HOST PLANT.?Laelia sp.? [Orchidaceae].
DISTRIBUTION.?Mexico: Maiz, S.L.P. (no date).
Guatemala: Volcan de Atitlan, 2,500-3,500 ft. (no
date); Grutas de San Pedro Martir, Escuintla
(August).
REMARKS.?This species is related to P. pugnax, but
it is readily distinguished by the development of costal
and saccular processes on the valvae and the size and
shape of the cornuti in the male genitalia. In the female
genitalia the shape of the dorsal edge of the ostium
readily separates P. resurgens from P. pugnax.
The host plant recorded for this species is based on
a single reared specimen in the NMNH labeled "reared
from Laelia leaf (cocoon on)." Since the other known
host plants in this genus are rather far removed from
the orchids, it is rather doubtful that Laelia is the
primary host. It would seem far more likely that the
Laelia was utilizing the same host plant and the speci-
men accidentally pupated on the Laelia leaf. Further
support for this speculation is provided by the fact that
species of Byrsonima, known to be a host for one species
of Peleopoda, are good orchid hosts and in Central
America are very likely to have Laelia and other Laelia-
like orchids growing on them. Under such circum-
stances a chance pupation on the orchid rather than
the primary host could easily occur.
I have one specimen of what undoubtedly is a new
species from Teffe, Brazil, which is very closely related
to P. resurgens. The lack of adequate material pre-
cludes the description of this taxon at this time; men-
tion is made here, however, in order to note its relation-
ship to this species. The valvae of the undescribed
species are much more elaborately developed and the
coloration of the wings is much darker than that of
P. resurgens.
20 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
FIGURES 38-41.?Peleopoda resurgent (Walsingham): 38, wing venation; 39, lateral view
of aedeagus; 40, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 41, ventral view of female
genitalia.
NUMBER 48 21
MAP 6.?Distribution of Peleopoda resurgent.
Peleopoda pugnax (Walsingham), new combination
FIGURES 42-45; PLATE 2E; MAP 7
Durrantia pugnax Walsingham, 1912, p. 114.
Durrantia acompsa Walsingham, 1912, p. 115. [New
synonymy.]
Stenoma monotona Amsel, 1956, p. 300.
Alar expanse, 12-26 mm.
Antenna whitish basally, lightly shaded with brown
beyond. Labial palpus whitish, second segment shaded
lightly with brown exteriorly. Head, thorax, legs
whitish. Forewing whitish with margins narrowly
shaded with brownish-yellow; a small brown spot at
end of cell; entire wing sprinkled with brown scales;
cilia pale yellow basally, white beyond. Hind wing
shining white, cilia white.
MALE GENITALIA (slide JFGC 11182).?Uncus bifid,
short. Gnathal plate divided. Anellus subrectangular,
lateral lobes very small. Valvae slighty asymmetrical,
simple, dilated apically. Aedeagus short, approximately
twice as broad basally as apically, vesica armed with
two cornuti, one short, broad with bladelike apex, one
long, slender, needlelike.
FEMALE GENITALIA (slide WDD 3562).?Ostium
bursae sclerotized, extruded beyond the body wall.
Ostium with ventral, medial cleft extending to posterior
edge of stemite 7. Ductus bursae sclerotized from in-
ception of ductus seminalis to midpoint, membranous
beyond. Corpus bursae membranous, signa consisting
of two sclerotized plates with invaginated median keel.
TYPE.?In the British Museum (Natural History).
TYPE LOCALITY.?San Geronimo, Baja Vera Paz,
Guatemale (pugnax). Tabernilla, Canal Zone,
Panama (acompsa). Maracay, Venezuela (monotona).
HOST PLANT.?In fruit of Byrsonima crassifolia (L.)
[Malpighiaceae].
DISTRIBUTION.?Panama: La Chorrera (April,
May); Tabernilla (June). Mexico: Cordoba, Vera-
cruz (July); Venadio, Sinola (no date, Teapa, Ta-
basco (March). Costa Rica: 9 mi NW Esparta (July);
San Jose (no date). Venezuela: Maracay (August,
November), Caracas (no date). Trinidad: Simla,
Arima Valley (February); no specific locality (Feb-
ruary). Colombia: Atlantico, Quatro Bocas (Jan-
uary). El Salvador: 13 km N San Salvador (Feb-
ruary) . Guatemala: Baja Vera Paz, San Geronimo (no
date).
REMARKS.?This species is closely related to P.
arcanella and P. resurgens. The male and female geni-
talia, however, provide a number of distinguishing
characters. In the males, the shape of the valve and
armature of the aedeagus readily separate P. pugnax.
In the females the ventral, medial cleft of the ostium
readily distinguishes this species.
I have examined the type of P. pugnax, a female
without abdomen, and that of P. acompsa and found
the two identical. The principal differences between
the two in the original descriptions are size and a slight
variation in maculation. The size factor is due to a sex
differential, P. pugnax being described from a single
female and P. acompsa from a single male. The macu-
lation difference is insignificant when a large series of
specimens from throughout the range of the species is
examined. Since the type of P. pugnax is without ab-
domen it was impossible to examine the genitalia, but
specimens from El Salvador which agreed in size and
maculation with the type had identical genitalia to
those of P. acompsa. A previous study (Duckworth,
1966) of Amsel types revealed the synonomy of P.
monotona with this species.
MAP 7.?Distribution of Peleopoda species.
Peleopoda pugnax A Peleopoda piperatella
22 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
43
FIGURES 42-45.?Peleopoda pugnax (Walsingham): 42, wing venation; 43, ventral view of
female genitalia; 44, lateral view of aedeagus; 45, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus
removed).
NUMBER 48 23
The known distribution of P. pugnax follows closely
the distribution of the host plant as given by Standley
(1923). Standley lists Byrsonima crassijolia (L.) as oc-
curring in Mexico from Sinaloa to Chiapas and Vera-
cruz, Central America, West Indies, and northern
South America.
Peleopoda piperatella (Zeller), new combination
FIGURES 46-49; PLATE 2F; Map 7
Cryptolechia piperatella Zeller, 1872, p. 39.
Harpalyce albella Chambers, 1874, p. 235. [New synonymy.]
Durrantia montivola Meyrick, 1927, p. 364. [New synonymy.]
Alar expanse, 18-20 mm.
Antenna white. Labial palpus white, second segment
shaded with brown exteriorly. Head, thorax white. Legs
white, fore- and midlegs shaded with brown in some
specimens. Forewing white, costa narrowly edged with
pale yellow in most specimens, maculation varies from
uniform white to white with pale yellow patch at end
of cell containing a few brown scales and entire wing
randomly sprinkled with few to many brown scales;
cilia white, in some specimens pale yellow basally.
Hind wing white; cilia white.
MALE GENITALIA (JFGC 11196).?Uncas bifid,
short; gnathal plate divided. Anellus reniform, with-
out lateral lobes. Valvae symmetrical; broad basally
tapering sharply near midpoint to rounded apex which
bears thornlike process from coastal edge. Aedeagus
long, near uniform width throughout, vesica armed
with one long, sinuate cornutus which slightly exceeds
the aedeagus in length, recurved apically with a short,
thornlike process at tip.
FEMALE GENITALIA (WDD 3826).?Ostium bursae
sclerotized, extruded beyond body wall. Ostium with
ventral edge broadly excavated. Ductus bursae mem-
branous, with sclerotized diverticulum at junction with
ostium bursae. Corpus bursae small, membranous,
without signum.
TYPE.?In the Museum of Comparative Zoology,
Harvard University.
TYPE LOCALITY.?Texas (pipertatella) ; Texas {al-
bella) ; Alpine, Texas, 7,000 ft. (montivola).
H O S T PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Texas: Dallas (no date) ; San An-
tonio (April); Brewster County, 7,000 ft. (April) ;
Alpine, 6,000-7,000 ft. (April, May); Bosque County
(March).
REMARKS.?This species is closely related to P.
flaccescens, but, there are a number of distinguishing
characteristics in the male genitalia. The shape of the
valvae is completely different with P. piperatella pos-
sessing a thornlike processs from the apex which is
absent in P. flaccescens. Also, the shape and armature
of the aedeagus are quite distinctive in the two species
and readily separate them. The female of P. flac-
cescens is not known so comparison of the female
genitalia is not possible.
Examination of the genitalia of the types of H. al-
bella Chambers and D. montivola Meyrick indicates
that these two species are synonymous with Zeller's
P. piperatella. The species is somewhat variable in
maculation and undoubtedly this variation was respon-
sible for the description of the two synonymns. For
many years Chamber's H. albella stood as a synonym of
Antaeotricha vestalis (Walsingham), a species of
Stenomidae. Duckworth (1964), however, removed
P. albella from synonymy and placed it in the genus
Durrantia.
Peleopoda flaccescens (Meyrick), new combination
FIGURES 50-52, PLATE 3A; MAP 8
Durrantia flaccescens Meyrick, 1925, p. 161.
Alar expanse, 17-18 mm.
Antenna white. Labial palpus white, second segment
light brown exteriorly except apex. Head, thorax white.
Legs white. Forelegs shaded with brown, especially
tibia and tarsi. Forewing white, costa narrowly edged
with pale yellow, spot at end of cell indistinct, pale
yellow; cilia white. Hind wing white; cilia white.
MALE GENITALIA (WDD 3831).?Uncus bifid,
short, setiferous. Gnathal plate divided. Anellus rec-
tangular, indented dorsally and laterally, without
lateral lobes. Valvae symmetrical; narrow, sharply
constricted near midpoint, then very wide before
tapering to acute apex. Aedeagus slightly curved, near
uniform width throughout except apex, vesica without
cornuti.
FEMALE GENITALIA.?Unknown.
TYPE.?In the British Museum (Natural History).
TYPE LOCALITY.?Jurimaguas, Peru.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Venezuela. Barinas Reserva Fores-
tal, Ticopora, 230 m (April). Peru: Jurimaguas (no
date).
24 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
47
FIGURES 46-49.?Peleopoda piper at ella (Zeller): 46, wing venation; 47, ventral view of female
genitalia; 48, lateral view of aedeagus; 49, caudal view of male genitalia (aedeagus removed).
NUMBER 48 25
FIGURES 50-52.?Peleopoda flaccescens (Meyrick): 50, wing venation; 51, caudal view of
male genitalia (aedeagus removed and apical portion of right valva missing); 52, dorsolateral
view of aedeagus.
REMARKS.?This species is nearest the preceding
species P. piperatella, and the distinguishing charac-
ters have been discussed in the remarks pertaining to
that species.
This species is known only by the type and one ad-
ditional specimen in the NMNH from western Vene-
zuela. At first glance the distribution might appear
rather disjunct; both localities, however, are at the
eastern base of the Andes at approximately the same
altitude and in the same type habitat. It is very likely
that the species range is even greater than indicated
by the known distribution.
Clarke (1955) illustrates the male genitalia and
left wings of the type in the British Museum (Natural
History) and the male specimen in the NMNH agrees
completely with it.
MAP 8. Distribution of Peleopoda species. A Peleopoda
flaccescens ? Peleopoda spudasma
26 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
Peleopoda spudasma (Walsingham),
new combination
FIGURES 53-55; PLATE 3B ; Map 8
Theatria spudasma Walsingham, p. 116.
Alar expanse 17-19 mm.
Antenna white basally, slightly shaded with brown
beyond. Labial palpus white, second segment slightly
shaded with brown exteriorly. Head white. Thorax
white, lightly shaded with brown dorsally. Legs white,
forelegs shaded with brown. Forewing yellow-white,
costal one-half suffused with brown, a dark brown
marginal shade extends along termen and is broken
into brown spots from apex to beginning of costal cilia;
spot at end of cell, spot in middle of cell, spot in fold,
dark brown, cilia yellow-white, heavily shaded with
dark brown at tornus. Hind wing white, cilia white.
MALE GENITALIA (WDD 3825).?Uncus bifid, each
arm somewhat bulbous at apex and with dorsolateral
keel. Gnathal plate fused, spines divided at midpoint
into two patches. Anellus small, trifoil, without lateral
lobes. Valvae asymmetrical, costal margins heavily
sclerotized from base developed into prominent process
near midpoint, bases of sacculus broad, fan-shaped, left
valva with small setiferous lobe below costa, dentate
flange on dorsum of sacculus. Aedeagus short, sharply
curved at midpoint, ventrally membranous from mid-
point; vesica without cornuti.
FEMALE GENITALIA.?Unknown.
TYPE.?In the British Museum (Natural History).
TYPE LOCALITY.?Bugaba, Chiriqui, Panama, 800-
1,500 ft.
HOST PLANT.?Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION.?Venezuela: Rancho Grande, Ara-
gua, 1100 m (January) Panama: Bugaba, Chiriqui,
800-1,500ft. (nodate).
REMARKS.?This species does not appear to be
closely related to any other species in the genus. The
female is unknown and of the two existing male speci-
mens of the species, only one has an intact abdomen.
Very likely additional specimens of both sexes would
permit a clearer assessment of the relationship with
other species in the genus.
P. spudasma is readily separated from the other
species in the genus by the shape of the arms of the
uncus and the valvae with heavily sclerotized costa
developed into a prominent process in the male geni-
talia.
Although the localities are somewhat disjunct, I
have compared the specimen from Venezuela with
1>
FIGURES 53-55.?Peleopoda spudasma (Walsingham): 53, wing venation; 54, caudal view of
male genitalia (aedeagus removed); 55, lateral view of aedeagus.
NUMBER 48 27
the type specimen and they agree perfectly in all as-
pects. The type is without abdomen so it was impos-
sible to compare characters of the genitalia.
Literature Cited
Amsel, H. G.
1956. Microlepidoptera Venezolana. Boletin de En-
tomologia Venezolana, 10:1-336.
Bourquin, F.
1957. Notas sobre la metamorfosis de Pseuderotis cannes-
cens Clarke, 1956 (Lepidop. Oecophoridae). Re-
vista de la Sociedad Entomologica Argentina, 19:
47-48.
Busck, A.
1908. A Generic Revision of American Moths of the
Family Oecophoridae, with Descriptions of New
Species. Proceedings of the United States Na-
tional Museum, 35:187-207.
1911. Descriptions of Tineoid Moths (Microlepidoptera)
from South America. Proceedings of the United
States National Museum, 40:205-230.
1912. Descriptions of New Genera and Species of Mi-
crolepidoptera from Panama. Proceedings of the
United States National Museum, 59:1-10.
1934. Stenomidae. In Lepidopterorum Catalogus, 67:
1-73.
Chambers, V. T.
1874. North American Microlepidoptera. The Cana-
dian Entomologist, 6:229-249.
Clarke, J. F. Gates
1955. Catalogue of the Type Specimens of Microlepi-
doptera in the British Museum (Natural History),
Described by Edward Meyrick. Volume 2. Lon-
don, England. British Museum.
1956. Microlepidoptera of Argentina, VI (Oecophori-
dae). Entomological News, 67:254-256.
1963. Catalogue of the Type Specimens of Microlepi-
doptera in the British Museum (Natural History),
Described by Edward Meyrick. Volume 4. Lon-
don, England. British Museum.
Duckworth, W. Donald
1964. North American Stenomidae (Lepidoptera: Gele-
chioidea). Proceedings of the United States Na-
tional Museum, 116:23-72.
1966. New Synonmy and New Assignments in Western
Hemisphere Stenomidae. Proceedings of the En-
tomological Society of Washington, 68:195-198.
Dyar, H. G.
1902. A Review of the Genus Ethmia with Descriptions
of New Species. Journal of the New York En-
tomological Society, 10:202-208.
Gaede, M.
1939. Oecophoridae II. In Lepidopterorum Catalogus,
92:209-476.
Meyrick, E.
1912. Descriptions of South American Micro-Lepidop-
tera. Transactions of the Entomological Society
of London, 1912:673-718.
1916. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 1:545. Marlborough,
England: Published by the author.
1922. Lepidoptera-Heterocera. In P. Wytsman, Genera
Insectorum, 180:1-224.
1925. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 3:161. Marlborough,
England: Published by the author.
1927. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 3:364. Marlborough,
England: Published by the author.
1930. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 4:13. Marlborough,
England: Published by the author.
1932. Exotic Microlepidoptera, 4:286. Marlborough,
England: Published by the author.
Walsingham, Lord (Thomas de Grey)
1912. Lepidoptera-Heterocera. In Godman and Sal-
vin, Biologia Centrali-Americana, 42(4): 1-482.
Zeller, P. C.
1872. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Nordamericanischen
Nachtfalter, besonders der Microlepidoptera.
Verhandlungen der K. K. Zoologisch-botanischen
Gesellschaft in Wien, 22:1-134.
1877. Exotische Microlepidoptera. Horae Societatis
Entomologicae Rossicae, 13:1-491.
28 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
PLATE 1.?Left wings: A, Peleopoda lobitarsis Zeller; B, Peleopoda navigatrix (Meyrick); c,
Peleopoda semocrossa (Meyrick); D, Peleopoda convoluta, new species; E, Peleopoda obiterella
(Buack); r, Peleopoda thamnolopha (Meyrick).
NUMBER 48 29
PLATE 2.?Left wings: A, Peleopoda cannescens (Clarke); B, Peleopoda arcanella (Busck);
c, Peleopoda amabilis (Walsingham); D, Peleopoda resurgens (Walsingham); E, Peleopoda
pugnax (Walsingham); F, Peleopoda piparatella (Zeller).
30 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ZOOLOGY
PLATE 3.?Left wings: A, Peleopoda flaccescens (Meyrick); B, Peleopoda spudasma (Walsing-
ham); c, Range of the genus Peleopoda.
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