A new species of Phyllocnistis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from southern Brazil, with life-history description and genetic comparison to congeneric species

Abstract

Male, female and immature stages of Phyllocnistis tethys Moreira & Vargas sp. nov. (Lepidoptera; Gracillariidae) from the Atlantic Rain Forest, coastal mountains of southern Brazil, are described and illustrated, using both optical and scanning electron microscopy. A preliminary analysis of mitochondrial (COI) DNA sequences including putative members of congeneric species is also provided. The immature stages are associated with the passion vine Passiflora organensis (Passifloraceae). The hypermetamorphic, endophyllous larva has four instars; the first, second and third instars are sap-feeders, associated primarily with the spongy parenchyma, and construct a blotch mine in the lower surface of the lamina; the fourth, non-feeding (spinning) instar constructs a flimsy endophyllous cocoon at the end of the mine, where pupation occurs. This is the first species of Phyllocnistis Zeller described from Brazil, and the first leaf-mining gracillariid associated with Passifloraceae.