The recently discovered primitive (non-Ditrysian) family Palaephatidae (Lepidoptera) in Australia

Abstract

The recently described primitive monotrysian heteroneuran moth family Palaephatidae was first discovered from southern South America and is here reported from Australia. The Australian palaephatid fauna consists of one endemic genus, Azaleodes Turner, with one named species, micronipha Turner, and three species here described as new: fuscipes, brachyceros and megaceros. All Australian species are very similar and it has not been possible to separate the females. The males possess an impressive array of hairpencils and pockets with specialised scales on wings and abdomen. One possible additional autapomorphy for the Palaephatidae is listed. The monophyly and systematic position of Azaleodes are discussed; it is concluded that Azaleodes is not the sister-group of the remaining, South American Palaephatidae but is monophyletic with Sesommata Davis and Metaphatus Davis.