Australian Trichopterygini (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) With Descriptions of Eight New Taxa.

Abstract

Three genera and 14 species of Trichopterygini (Lepidoptera : Geometridae : Larentiinae) are recognized from mainland Australia; no species is known from Tasmania. Eight of the taxa are new. Episteira Warren is recognized in the Australian fauna, including E. nigrifrons protima (Turner), comb. et stat. nov. Tympanota Warren is regarded as a distinct genus; most species are Malesian, and T. p. perophora (Turner), comb. nov., and T.p. podocarpi, subsp. nov., are Australian members. Sauris Guenee in Australia consists of three species-groups: lichenias group - S. lichenias Meyrick; commoni group - S. commoni, sp. nov.; hirundinata group - S. cirrhigera Warren. S. dentatilinea Warren, S. malaca (Meyrick), S. melanoceros (Meyrick). S. vetustata Walker, S. brevipalpis, sp. nov., S. melanosterna, sp. nov., S. nebulosa, sp. nov., S. plumipes, sp. nov.; and S. rectilineata, sp. nov. One different female with which no males were confidently associated is mentioned and figured but not named. Keys to species are given, and wing, leg and genital specializations are figured. The scanty locality records indicate a predominantly eastern and northern distribution. Host plants are known for S. malaca, S. cirrhigera and T podocarpi; larvae of these species are arboreal. The appendix lists all species that have been included in Sauris. All three genera are found in the Oriental Region and the Pacific, with Sauris extending to Niue I., and Episteira to the Tongan group. There are no close relationships with New Zealand Tatosoma Butler or the neotropical genera; this lack and the predominantly rain-forest habitat indicates a northern, post-Cretaceous origin.