Tortrix Moths (Tortricidae) are small moths that fold their wings back into a cylindrical shape when resting. They are a widespread and abundant group, with over 10 000 described species, and probably very many more undescribed species. Their larvae feed on plant matter, and many species are serious agricultural pests.
In a paper published in the journal Zootaxa on 23 May 2013, Soraya Jaikla, Nantasak Pinkaew, Akekawat Vitheepradit and Nathawat Klangsap of Kasetsart University describe two new species of Tortrix Moth collected by light trapping at the Trat Agroforestry Research and Training Station in Trat Province, eastern Thailand. Both the new species are placed in the genus Fibuloides, which is widespread in south and east Asia.
The first species is named Fibuloides tratensis, meaning coming from Trat. The species is described from ten specimens of both sexes, collected at different times throughout the year at the Trat Agroforestry Station. It is a 5 mm light brown Moth with mottled dark brown markings on its forewings, the juveniles of the species are unknown.
Fibuloides tratensis, (A) male and (B) female. Scale bars are 2 mm. Jaikla et al. (2013).
The second new species is named Fibuloides bulla, meaning bubble, a reference to the shape of the cucullus, part of the male reproductive equipment. The species is described from three male and one female specimens, collected between August and October at the Trat Agroforestry Station. It is a 5 mm grey brown Moth with mottled dark brown markings on its forewings, the juveniles of the species are unknown.
Fibuloides bulla, (A) male and (B) female. Scale bars are 2 mm. Jaikla et al. (2013).
See also A new species of Leafroller Moth from Costa Rica, New species of Owlet Moth from Sichuan Province, China, Five new species of Snout Moth from China, New Tiger Moths discovered in east Asia and New species of Leaf-Mining Moth from northern Chile.
Follow Sciency Thoughts on Facebook.
