Stigmella pruinosa (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae), a species feeding on Guazuma and exhibiting extraordinary sexual dimorphism, now known to be occurring from Mexico to Colombia

Jonas R. Stonis; Andrius Remeikis; Sergio A. Vargas

doi:10.6001/biologija.v65i3.4084

Jonas R. Stonis
Andrius Remeikis
Sergio A. Vargas

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6001/biologija.v65i3.4084

Keywords: androconial scales, sexual dimorphism, leaf mines, Nepticulidae, pygmy moths, Stigmella pruinosa

Abstract

We document a sample of Stigmella pruinosa Puplesis & Robinson, 2000, collected for the first time in Colombia in 2019. We also provide updated data on the biology and significantly wider distribution of the species, and describe outstanding sexual dimorphism of S. pruinosa. The males possess seven different androconia on both sides of the forewing, upper side of hindwing, and the abdomen. Some of these androconia were previously either unknown or poorly illustrated.