A new species of oidaematophorus (lepidoptera: pterophoridae) from Chingaza National Natural Park in Colombia

Abstract

Oidaematophorus espeletiae, sp. nov., is described from the Chingaza páramo in Colombia. The life history, external characters of the adult, male and female genitalia, final instar larva, and pupa are described and illustrated. This moth species is widely distributed in the páramo. Larvae cause damage in meristem leaves of frailejones (Espeletia spp., Asteraceae). Identification and continuing studies of this moth are important to determine its potential role in the reported death of numerous frailejones in the area. The hosts, Espeletia grandiflora and E. uribei are some of the keystone species of the páramo ecosytem.