Stephensia armata is a Central American moth of the family Elachistidae and Gelechioidea superfamily, discovered in 1998 at Las Cuevas Research Station, in Belize's Chiquibul Forest Reserve.[1]
| Stephensia armata | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Elachistidae |
| Genus: | Stephensia |
| Species: | S. armata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Stephensia armata Sruoga, 2003
| |
Physiology
editThe wingspan is approximately 6.6 millimetres (0.26 in), with a forewing length of 3 millimetres (0.12 in). It is distinguishable by the 2-3 teeth arming the valvae, from which it gets its name. The species is remarkable for the single transverse fascia of the forewing, and long lobes of the valvae and juxta.[1]
Coloration is largely pale ochre or grey-brown. The underside and head are paler, while its back and wings are grey-brown or dark ochre. Pale ochre scales spread across every segment distally.[1]
S. armata is distinct from congeneric American species of moth in the deep split between the juxta lobes, and its relatively small uncus. It is noticeably apomorphic in its phylogeny.[1]
Habitat
editSamples of S. armata were collected in April, during the rainy season in Belize. The local vegetation was largely evergreen, with some deciduous trees.[1]
Discussion of nomenclature
editS. armata is named on the convention assigning three genera to Lepidoptera, due to the researchers’ preference for a more stable taxonomy and the characteristics of Armata that place it squarely within Stephensia.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Sruoga, V. & R. Puplesis (2003). "A remarkable new species of Stephensia Stainton (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) from Belize rainforest (Central America)" (PDF). Zoological Science. 20 (10). Zoological Society of Japan: 1273–1277. doi:10.2108/zsj.20.1273.