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653
New data on the genus Scythris Hübner, [1825] from
the Canary Islands (Spain),
with description of six new species
(Lepidoptera: Scythrididae)
Per Falck
Abstract
The Scythris petrella species-group in the Canary Islands is revised based on external morphology, genitalia
and DNA barcodes. Eleven species are recognized. Six species are described as new: Scythris aronaella Falck, sp.
nov. (Spain: Tenerife), Scythris moyaella Falck, sp. nov. (Spain: Gran Canaria), Scythris rupemella Falck, sp. nov.
(Spain: Gran Canaria), Scythris linealbella Falck, sp. nov. (Spain: Tenerife), Scythris solisella Falck, sp. nov. (Spain:
El Hierro and Tenerife) and Scythris ochrelinella Falck, sp. nov. (Spain: Tenerife). Scythris hierroella Klimesch,
1986, syn. nov. is treated as a synonym of Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908. Photographs of adults and genitalia
of all species are provided. All species are DNA barcoded. Analyses of the DNA barcodes support the
identifications and distinctiveness of each species as they all appear well-supported and genetically isolated.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Scythrididae, DNA barcodes, new records, new species, Canary Islands, Spain.
Nuevos datos sobre el género Scythris Hübner, [1825] de las Islas Canarias (España), con descripción de seis
nuevas especies
(Lepidoptera: Scythrididae)
Resumen
Se revisa el grupo de especies de Scythris petrella en las Islas Canarias basándose en la morfología externa, la
genitalia y los códigos de barras de ADN. Se reconocen once especies. Seis especies se describen como nuevas:
Scythris aronaella Falck, sp. nov. (España: Tenerife), Scythris moyaella Falck, sp. nov. (España: Gran Canaria),
Scythris rupemella Falck, sp. nov. (España: Gran Canaria), Scythris linealbella Falck, sp. nov. (España: Tenerife),
Scythris solisella Falck, sp. nov. (España: El Hierro y Tenerife) y Scythris ochrelinella Falck, sp. nov. (España:
Tenerife). Scythris hierroella Klimesch, 1986, syn. nov. se trata como sinónimo de Scythris petrella Walsingham,
1908. Se facilitan fotografías de adultos y genitalia de todas las especies. Todas las especies tienen códigos de barras
de ADN. Los análisis de los códigos de barras de ADN apoyan la identificación y el carácter distintivo de cada
especie, ya que todas parecen estar bien sustentadas y aisladas genéticamente.
Palabras clave: Lepidoptera, Scythrididae, código de barras de ADN, nuevos registros, nuevas especies, Islas
Canarias, España.
Introduction
Scythrididae are a medium sized family of Gelechioidea with approximately 669 species
worldwide (Nieukerken et al. 2011). Since then, a number of species have been described and actually
there are 923 species. The male genitalia are characterised by their extraordinary morphological
SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología, 51 (204) diciembre 2023: 653-680 eISSN: 2340-4078 ISSN: 0300-5267
https://doi.org/10.57065/shilap.788
diversification, including asymmetry and the female genitalia in having a very narrow ductus bursae
(Heikkilä et al. 2014, p. 583; Bengtsson, 1997). The Scythrididae fauna of the Canary Islands have
been treated in several publications (Walsingham, 1908; Klimesch, 1986; Bengtsson, 1997; Falck &
Karsholt, 2019) and until now twenty-one species are known of which eleven are considered to be
endemic.
In an attempt to arrange the species in a logical order, Bengtsson (1997) proposed a classification
based on male genital morphology, female genital morphology and other characters when known. One
of the species groups, the petrella species-group, includes S. arachnodes Walsingham, 1908, S. petrella
Walsingham, 1908, S. hierroella Klimesch, 1986, S. pseudoarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997, S. brithae
Falck & Karsholt, 2019 and S. grancanariella Falck & Karsholt, 2019 all endemic to the Canary
Islands. In the male genitalia the group is characterised by a sigmoid or meandering phallus, lateral,
rounded protrusion of tegumen, small valvae and asymmetrical segment VIII. In the female genitalia
the median fissure of sternum VII is characteristic. Their larva feeds on lichens, another characteristic,
and this has not been observed in any other species-groups.
In the present paper the petrella species-group is revised, and adults, male- and female genitalia
are figured of all known species. One additional species is described, which is impossible to arrange in
the classification made by Bengtsson (1997). All the species are barcoded.
Material and methods
Almost 700 specimens from Gran Canaria, El Hierro and Tenerife were examined. Most of the
specimens were netted during the daytime and only a few specimens attracted to an 8 watt super actinic
light. Genitalia were dissected and prepared following Robinson (1976). Adults were photographed
with a Canon EOS 700D camera equipped with a Canon EF 100 mm objective. The genitalia slide were
photographed using a Soptop CX40T Trinocular microscope in conjunction with a Toup Tek P10500A-
E3 / E3ISPM05000KPA-E3 / 5.0MP USB3 camera.
DNA samples were prepared from dried legs according to the prescribed standards and processed
at the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding (CCDB, Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of
Guelph) to obtain the 658 base-pair long barcode fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene (cytochrome
c oxidase I). Intra- and interspecific distances of DNA barcode fragments were calculated using
analytic tools of BOLD with the Kimura 2-parameter model of nucleotide substitution. Genetic clusters
are presented with their barcode index number (BIN; cf. Ratnasingham & Hebert, 2013). A neighbour-
joining tree (Figure 54) was constructed using analytic tools of BOLD with the Kimura 2-parameter
model and COI-5P Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit 1-5’ Region (15) as marker. Details of successfully
sequenced voucher specimens are publicly available through the dataset DS-SCYCA at
www.boldsystems.org and at dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-SCYCA.
The morphology and the DNA Barcodes of all the species are examined.
Abbreviations used
GP Genitalia preparation
PF Collection of Per Falck, Neksø, Denmark
MNCN Collection of Antonio Vives, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid, Spain
Checklist of Scythrididae know from the Canary Islands
Enolmis acanthella (Godart, 1824)
Scythris pinkeri Klimesch, 1986
Scythris polycarpaeae Klimesch, 1986
Scythris biacutella Bengtsson, 2002
Scythris arachnodes Walsingham, 1908
P. FALCK
654 SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023
Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908
= Scythris hierroella Klimesch, 1986, syn. nov.
Scythris pseudoarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997
Scythris brithae Falck & Karsholt, 2019
Scythris aronaella Falck, sp. nov.
Scythris grancanariella Falck & Karsholt, 2019
Scythris moyaella Falck, sp. nov.
Scythris rupemella Falck, sp. nov.
Scythris guimarensis Bengtsson, 1997
Scythris linealbella Falck, sp. nov.
Scythris solisella Falck, sp. nov.
Scythris ochrelinella Falck, sp. nov.
Scythris klimeschi Bengtsson, 1997
Scythris fasciatella (Ragonot, 1880)
Scythris boseanella Klimesch, 1986
Scythris nipholecta Meyrick, 1924
Scythris eucharis Walsingham, 1907
Scythris amplexella Bengtsson, 2002
Scythris camelella Walsingham, 1907
Scythris albidella (Stainton, 1867)
Scythris mus Walsingham, 1898
Eretmocera medinella (Staudinger, 1859)
Results
Scythris arachnodes Walsingham, 1908 (Figures 1-2, 31, 31a, 44)
Scythris arachnodes Walsingham, 1908, Proc. zool. Soc. Lond., 1907, 972
Type locality: SPAIN, Tenerife.
Material examined: SPAIN, Arona, 670 m, 10 11, 3 00, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia
slide 3011PF, 3012PF, 3009PF, 3010PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 0385PF/CILEP384-20,
0386PF/CILEP385-20, 0387PF/CILEP386-20; Las Manchas, 1050 m, 1 1, 5 00, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg.
P. Falck, genitalia slide 3013PF (PF, MNCN).
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Three specimens were sequenced, resulting in 658 bp, full length
DNA barcode fragments for one specimen, and fragments of 634 bp for two specimens. The barcodes
fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD: AEC6071. The intraspecific distance is 0%. The
minimum p-distance to nearest neighbour S. aronaella is 1.82 %.
Diagnosis: Wingspan 8.5-10 mm. S. arachnodes is characterized by the blackish brown colour and
two whitish zigzagging fasciae at 1/3 and 2/3. It resembles S. pseudoarachnodes, S. grancanariella,
and especially dark specimens of S. petrella. S. arachnodes can be distinguished from S.
pseudoarachnodes by the larger size, from S. grancanariella by the much darker ground-colour and
from S. petrella by the darker ground-colour and by that the inner fascia is not outwardly angulated,
however, it is not always possible to identify without genitalia dissection or barcoding. In the male
genitalia (Figures 31, 31a) the almost symmetrical valvae each with one long slightly tapering process
and two smaller protrusions and the shape of phallus with a straight middle part are characteristic. In
the female genitalia (Figure 44) the posterior margin of sternum VII with a median fissure with a
weakly sclerotized edge, and the anterior margin with a small, heavily sclerotized V-shaped structure,
laterally with a corrugated area are characteristic.
Biology: The larva lives in a silken tube under a rather opaque web, in appearance of a spider´s
web, on rocks and rough stones in walls, probably feeding on small lichens (Walsingham, 1908, p.
972). The specimens were flying actively or disturbed from rocks in sunny days.
Distribution: Known only from the island of Tenerife, Spain.
NEW DATA ON THE GENUS SCYTHRIS HÜBNER, [1825] FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS (SPAIN)
SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023 655
Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908 (Figures 3-8, 32, 32a, 33, 33a, 45-46)
Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, Proc. zool. Soc. Lond., 1907, 972-973
Type locality: SPAIN, Tenerife.
= Scythris hierroella Klimesch, 1986, Vieraea 16, 328, syn. nov.
Material examined: SPAIN, Gran Canaria, Los Tilos de Moya, 550 m, 1 1, 17-30-IX-2018, leg. P.
Falck, genitalia slide 2839PF, DNA sample Lepid Phyl 0712PF/CILEP711-20, same data but, 12 11, 4
00, 8-20-VIII-2020, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3409PF, 3410PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl
0705PF/CILEP704-20, 0706PF/CILEP705-20, 0713PF/CILEP712-20, 0714PF/CILEP713-20, same data
but, 1 1, 2 00, 9-22-VI-2021, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3505PF, 3506PF; Carreteria, 455 m, 14 11, 6
00, 8-20-VIII-2020, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3411PF, 3417PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl
0703PF/CILEP702-20, 0704PF/CILEP703-20, 0707PF/CILEP706-20, 0711PF/CILEP710-20, same data
but, 1 1, 1 0, 9-22-VI-2021, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3503PF, 3504PF; Teror, 500 m, 3 11, 1-13-IV-
2022, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3677PF; El Hierro, Erese, 700 m, 31 11, 29 00, 22-VII-3-VIII-2022,
leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3748PF, 3759PF, 3765PF, 3767PF, 3778PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl
1102PF/CILEP1101-22, 1104PF/CILEP1103-22; Frontera, 280 m, 6 11, 8 00, 22-VII-3-VIII-2022, leg.
P. Falck; Cruz de Las Reyes, 1360 m, 9 11, 7 00, 22-VII-3-VIII-2022, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide
3749PF, 3760PF, 3763PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 1105PF/CILEP1104-22, 1106PF/CILEP1105-22;
Tenerife, Arona, 670 m, 9 11, 1 0, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3002PF, 3006PF,
3008PF, 3015PF, same data but, 2 11, 4 00, 3-16-VIII-2021, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3509PF,
3512PF; Las Mercedes, 750 m, 1 1, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3021PF; Aguamansa,
1050 m, 40 11, 61 00, 13-26-VIII-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3081PF, 3088PF, 089PF, 3093PF,
3094PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 0399PF/CILEP398-20, 0400PF/CILEP399-20¸ La Guancha, 930 m,
3 11, 2 00, 13-26-VIII-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3082PF, 3092PF, DNA sample Lepid Phyl
0398PF/CILEP397-20; Las Manchas, 1050 m, 1 1, 3-16-VIII-2021, leg. P. Falck; Near Chirche, 1100 m,
2 11, 1 0, 3-16-VIII-2021, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3507PF; Güímar, 500 m, 11 11, 1 0, 3-16-VIII-
2021, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3508PF, 3516PF (all PF).
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Sixteen specimens were sequenced, resulting in 658 bp, full length
DNA barcode fragments for five specimens, fragments of 648 bp for eight specimens, and fragments of
632 bp, 603 bp and 573 bp for three specimens. The intraspecific divergence is high, and S. petrella is
divided into three well-separated sub-groups comprised by nine specimens from Gran Canaria
(maximum intraspecific distance 0.16%), four specimens from El Hierro (maximum intraspecific
distance 0.52%) and three specimens from Tenerife (maximum intraspecific distance 0.32%). The
maximum intraspecific distance between the sub-groups is 1.90% between Gran Canaria and El Hierro,
1.86% between Gran Canaria and Tenerife and 2.70% between El Hierro and Tenerife. The minimum
p-distance to nearest neighbour S. aronaella is 1.12%. The barcodes fall within Barcode Index
Numbers (BIN) BOLD: AEG7684 (Gran Canaria), AEW1054 (El Hierro) and AEC3981 (Tenerife).
Diagnosis: Wingspan 7.5-11 mm. S. petrella is characterized by the blackish brown colour of the
forewing, mottled with white, sometimes forming one or two spots near the apex, an outwardly
angulate, indistinct whitish fascia at 1/3 and an outer whitish fascia at 2/3. It exhibits considerable
variation both in size and mottling with white scales. It resembles S. arachnodes q. v.and especially S.
grancanariella, which usually is more greyish-white in appearance, but it is often impossible to
separate adults of the two species without dissection of the genitalia or barcoding. In the male genitalia
(Figures 32, 32a, 33, 33a) the almost symmetrical valvae each with one rather broad, tapering process
and one small hook-shaped process laterally, and the long, rather thin phallus with two deep bows near
the apex are characteristic. In the female genitalia (Figures 45-46) the posterior margin of sternum VII
with a median fissure with sclerotized edge, the anterior margin of sternum VII with a heavily
sclerotized V-shaped structure, laterally and posteriorly surrounded by a U-shaped sclerotization and a
small beak-shaped extension antero-laterally are characteristic.
Biology: Klimesch (1986, p. 327) mentions that the larva lives under a web on lichen overgrown
rocks, but it is unclear if he reared the species himself. The specimens were flying actively in warm and
sunny days or disturbed from rocks or stone walls. In hot nights a few specimens were attracted to
P. FALCK
656 SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023
light. The adults were observed over a long period of time from the beginning of April until the end of
September.
Distribution: S. petrella is one of the most widely distributed species of the genus in the Canary
Islands, and it is known from the islands of El Hierro, Gran Canaria, La Palma (Baez, 2010) and
Tenerife, Spain.
Remarks: Klimesch (1986) treated the Scythrididae fauna of the Canary Islands and described
three new species. He also figured the adults and genitalia of two further species, one without naming it
(p. 326) and a second with the preliminary name Scythris sp. (hierroella Jäckh, in litt.). He did not
intend to describe S. hierroella, probably because the lack of males. Bengtsson (1997, p.139) raised S.
hierroella to species rank based on this description. However, he apparently had his doubts whether it
was a distinct species, as he stated, “Males of hierroella caught or reared together with females might
definitely solve the taxonomy of these two [S. hierroella and S. petrella, author´s comment] species”.
Examination of the male and female genitalia clearly shows that S. hierroella is conspecific with S.
petrella. However, there is a divergence in the DNA between the populations from Gran Canaria, El
Hierro and Tenerife, see the discussion below.
In some populations of S. petrella (e. g. Aguamansa, Tenerife and Cruz de las Reyes, El Hierro)
almost all the specimens are very dark with diffuse fasciae and with very little white mottling.
Scythris pseudoarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997 (Figures 9-10, 34, 34a, 47)
Scythris pseudoarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997, Microlepid. Eur., 2, 140
Type locality: SPAIN, Tenerife, Icod.
= Scythris pseudarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997, Microlepid. Eur., 2, 22, 140, 247, 273, lapsus calami
Material examined: SPAIN, Tenerife, Arona, 670 m, 14 11, 1 0, 13-26-VIII-2019, leg. P. Falck,
genitalia slide 3083PF, 3084PF, 3513PF, 3514PF, 3515PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl
0389PF/CILEP388-20, 0390PF/CILEP389-20, same data but, 1 1, 3-16-VIII-2021, leg. P. Falck; La
Guancha, 930 m, 1 1, 13-26-VIII-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3095PF, DNA sample Lepid Phyl
0388PF/CILEP387-20; Güímar, 500 m, 32 11, 2 00, 3-16-VIII-2021, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide
3511PF; Las Manchas, 1050 m, 1 1, 3-16-VIII-2021, leg. P. Falck (PF, MNCN).
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Three specimens were sequenced, resulting in 658 bp, full length
DNA barcode fragments for two specimens, and fragments of 633 bp for one specimen. The barcodes
fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD: AEC2342. The maximum intraspecific distance is
0.32%. The minimum p-distance to nearest neighbour S. aronaella is 1.78 %.
Diagnosis: Wingspan 7-7.5 mm. S. pseudoarachnodes is characterized by the blackish brown
colour of the forewing, mottled with white, sometimes forming one or two indistinct spots near the
apex, a zigzagging white fascia at 1/3 and an indistinct white fascia at 2/3. It resembles S. arachnodes
q.v., S. petrella and S. grancanariella q.v., in most cases it can be separated from similar species by the
smaller wingspan, but it is sometimes impossible to identify without genitalia dissection or barcoding.
In the male genitalia (Figures 34, 34a) the asymmetrical valvae, right one with one large slightly
tapering process and one small hook-shaped process, left one with one large parallel sided process and
one small pointed process, and the rather robust weakly meandering phallus with a slightly bifid apex
(almost looks like it is broken) are characteristic. In the female genitalia (Figure 47) the posterior
margin of sternum VII with a deep median fissure with the edge sclerotised anteriorly and the sub-
trapezoid, laterally incurved profile of segment VII is characteristic.
Biology: The type specimens were reared in August from larvae found on rocks with lichens
(Klimesch, 1986, p. 328). The adults were flying actively in the afternoon sunshine in August at
altitudes from 500 to 1050 m above sea level.
Distribution: Known only from a few localities on the island of Tenerife, Spain.
Scythris brithae Falck & Karsholt, 2019 (Figures 11-12, 35, 35a, 48)
Scythris brithae Falck & Karsholt, 2019, SHILAP Revta. lepid., 47(186), 329
Type locality: SPAIN, Gran Canaria, Los Tilos de Moya.
NEW DATA ON THE GENUS SCYTHRIS HÜBNER, [1825] FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS (SPAIN)
SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023 657
Material examined: SPAI N, Los Tilos de Moya, 500 m, 9 11, 2 00, 11-24-VI-2018, P. Falck,
genitalia slide 2730PF, 2731PF, 2860PF, 2860PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 0393PF/CILEP392-20,
0394PF/CILEP393-20, same data but, 20 11, 3 00, 8-22-VIII-2020, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide
3416PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 0701PF/CILEP700-20, 0702PF/CILEP701-20, same data but, 5 11,
1 0, 9-22-VI-2021, leg. P. Falck; Carreteria, 455 m, 15 11, 6 00, 8-20-VIII-2020, leg. P. Falck,
genitalia slide 3420PF, 3797PF (PF, MNCN).
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Four specimens were sequenced, resulting in DNA barcode fragments
of 648 bp, 632 bp, 628 bp and 622 bp. The barcodes fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD:
AEC2413. The maximum intraspecific distance is high 1.18%. The minimum p-distance to nearest
neighbour S. pseudoarachnodes is 3.69 %.
Diagnosis: Wingspan 7-10 mm. S. brithae is characterized by an outwardly oblique stripe at 1/3
from dorsum to the middle of the forewing. It is very similar to S. aronaella and it is impossible to
separate the two species without dissection of the genitalia or barcoding. In the male genitalia (Figs 35,
35a) the almost symmetrical valvae each with one long slightly tapering process and the two curved
bends of the phallus are characteristic. In the female genitalia (Figure 48) the funnel-shaped antrum and
the almost invisible median fissure of sternum VII are characteristic.
Biology: Early stages unknown. The adults were flying actively in the afternoon sunshine in June
and August.
Distribution: Known only from two localities in the northern part of the island Gran Canaria,
Spain.
Scythris aronaella Falck, sp. nov. (Figures 13-14, 36, 36a, 49)
Holotype 1: SPAIN, Tenerife, Arona, 670 m, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide
3001PF (MNCN). Paratypes: SPAIN, Tenerife, Arona, 670 m, 10 11, 7 00, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P.
Falck, genitalia slide 3004PF, 3005PF, 3007PF, 3014PF, 3016PF, 3017PF, 3087PF, DNA sample Lepid
Phyl 0383PF/CILEP382-20; Las Manchas, 1050 m, 2 11, 2 00, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P. Falck,
genitalia slide 3022PF, 3023PF, DNA sample Lepid Phyl 0384PF/CILEP383-20; Aguamansa, 1050 m,
4 11, 2 00, 13-26-VIII-2019, genitalia slide 3080PF, 3085PF, 3090PF, 3091PF, DNA sample Lepid
Phyl 0382PF/CILEP381-20; Güímar, 500 m, 19 11, 4 00, 1-13-VI-2022, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide
3736PF, 3737PF, 3738PF, 3739PF, 3740PF (PF, MNCN).
Description: Wingspan 8-10.5 mm. Labial palp slightly upturned, dark brown, whitish medially
and dorsally, segment 3 slightly shorter than segment 2. Antenna blackish brown about 2/3 the length
of the forewing, in the male with short ciliae about 0.7 of antenna diameter. Vertex, neck tuft, collar,
tegula and thorax dark brown, mottled with pale ochreous scales, especially around the neck and
thorax. Forewing dark brown mottled with white especially near the base and in apical half, sometimes
forming one or two indistinct blotches near apex; at 1/3 from dorsum an outwardly oblique, whitish
stripe sometimes forming an angulated incomplete fascia, at 2/3 an indistinct zigzagging white fascia;
fringe dark grey. Hindwing width about 1/2 of the forewing, dark grey; fringe dark grey. Abdomen
greyish, in the females segment VII-VIII are clearly more brownish.
Variation: Often there is a rather distinct white stripe in the median part of the forewing from near the
base to beyond the inner fascia.
Male genitalia (Figure 36): Valvae asymmetrical. Uncus anvil-shaped posteriorly with a median
V-shaped indentation; gnathos small, distal arm with pointed apex; tegumen sub-triangular with lateral,
rounded protrusions; valvae sub-rectangular with lateral processes, right one with two long and one
short slightly tapering processes, left one with one long tapering process and one smaller slightly bent
process; phallus rather robust, almost straight in anterior half, then meandering with two small and one
larger bends. Segment VIII (Fig. 36a) almost symmetrical; tergum VIII sub-triangular with two small
lateral protrusions; sternum VIII sub-rectangular, posteriorly with two digitate rounded processes.
Female genitalia (Figure 49): Papilla analis elongate, distally rounded; posterior apophysis
slender, three times as long as papilla analis; anterior apophysis slightly shorter than half the length of
P. FALCK
658 SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023
posterior apophysis; sternum VIII sub-rectangular, posterior margin with a hardly visible median
fissure, anterior margin with an irregular U-shaped indentation; sternum VII sub-rectangular, posterior
margin with deep median fissure with heavily sclerotized edge, anterior margin with sclerotized V-
shaped median structure; tergum VII sub-rectangular, anterior margin with lateral concavity.
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Four specimens were sequenced, resulting in 658 bp, full length DNA
barcode fragments for two specimens, and fragments of 637 bp and 621 bp for two specimens. The
barcodes fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD: AEC3980. The maximum intraspecific
distance is 0.83%. The minimum p-distance to nearest neighbour S. petrella is 1.12%.
Diagnosis: The incomplete outwardly oblique inner fascia is characteristic and separates S.
aronaella from most other members of the petrella-group, with the exception of S. brithae, where
examination of the genitalia or barcoding is necessary to make a safe determination.
In the male genitalia the asymmetrical valvae, the numbers and shapes of the lateral processes on
the valvae and the shape of the robust phallus are characteristic. In the female genitalia the weak
median fissure of the posterior margin of sternum VIII, the deep sclerotised median fissure of the
posterior margin of sternum VII and the shape of tergum VII are characteristic.
Biology: The early stages are unknown, but the larva probably feeds on lichens. The adults were
flying actively or disturbed from rock walls with abundant growth of lichens in warm and sunny days
from late May to the end of August at altitudes from 500 to 1050 m above sea level.
Distribution: Known only from scattered localities on the island of Tenerife, Spain.
Etymology: The species is named after the small town Arona situated near the type-locality.
Scythris grancanariella Falck & Karsholt, 2019 (Figures 15-16, 37, 37a, 50)
Scythris grancanariella Falck & Karsholt, 2019, SHILAP Revta. lepid., 47(186), 330
Type locality: SPAIN, Gran Canaria, Los Tilos de Moya.
Material examined: SPAIN, Gran Canaria, Los Tilos de Moya, 500 m, 1 1, 1 0, 11-24-VI-2018, leg.
P. Falck, genitalia slide 2732PF, DNA sample Lepid Phyl 0391PF/CILEP390-20; Carreteria, 455 m, 2
11, 1 0, 9-22-VI-2021, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3501PF, 3502PF, same data but, 4 11, 3 00, 1-13-
IV-2022, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3678PF; Teror, 550 m, 2 00, 1-13-IV-2022, leg. P. Falck, genitalia
slide 3680PF (PF, MNCN).
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): One specimen was sequenced, resulting in 613 bp DNA barcode
fragments. The barcode falls within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD: AEC5321. The minimum p-
distance to nearest neighbour S. petrella is 3.61 %.
Diagnosis: Wingspan 9.5-11 mm. S. grancanariella is characterized by the brown colour of the
forewing, heavily mottled with greyish white and an outwards angulated white fascia at 1/3. It
resembles S. arachnodes q.v., S. pseudoarachnodes and S. petrella q.v. It can be distinguished from S.
pseudoarachnodes by the larger wingspan and the greyish white colour of the forewing, but it is
sometimes impossible to identify it without genitalia dissection or barcoding. In the male genitalia
(Figures 37, 37a) the asymmetrical valvae, each with a large semi-oval process, left one with a long
narrow curved tapering process and the long slender weakly meandering phallus are characteristic. In
the female genitalia (Figure 50) the funnel-shaped antrum and the sclerotised circular dilatation of
ductus bursae are characteristic.
Biology: Early stages unknown. The adults were flying actively in the afternoon sunshine from the
beginning of April until the end of June.
Distribution: Known only from a few localities in the northern part of the island Gran Canaria,
Spain.
Scythris moyaella Falck, sp. nov. (Figures 17-18, 38, 38a)
Holotype 1: SPAIN, Gran Canaria, Carreteria, 455 m, 4-20-VIII-2020, leg. P. Falck, genitalia
slide 3418PF (PF). Paratypes: SPAIN, Gran Canaria, Carreteria, 455 m, 5 11, 4-20-VIII-2020, leg. P.
Falck, genitalia slide 3795PF, DNA sample Lepid Phyl 0699PF/CILEP698-20; Los Tilos de Moya, 500
NEW DATA ON THE GENUS SCYTHRIS HÜBNER, [1825] FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS (SPAIN)
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m, 3 11, 4-20-VIII-2020, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3419PF, DNA sample Lepid Phyl
0715PF/CILEP714-20, 0716PF/CILEP715-20 (PF, MNCN).
Description: Wingspan 8-9 mm. Labial palp slightly upturned, segment 2 yellowish white mottled
with brown apically, segment 3 brownish grey, slightly shorter than segment 2. Antenna about 3/4 the
length of the forewing, fuscous, in the male with short ciliae about the length of the antenna diameter.
Vertex brownish. Collar yellowish brown. Tegula and thorax brown. Forewing dark brown; a median,
quite distinct, irregular yellowish white stripe from near the base to about fi, from dorsum at 1/3 an
oblique elongate yellowish white spot reaching median stripe, two irregular yellowish white spots, one
above tornus and one near apex sometime confluent, the stripe and spots are irregularly bordered by
darker brown scales; fringe dark grey. Hindwing width about 1/2 of the forewing, dark grey; fringe
dark grey. Abdomen greyish brown.
Male genitalia (Figure 38): Valvae almost symmetrical. Uncus bilobed, indented posteriorly;
gnathos small, distal arm broad tapering towards pointed apex; tegumen sub-triangular with small,
rounded lateral protrusions; valvae very short, sub-rectangular with a small rounded lateral protrusion;
phallus rather robust, bent before 1/2, tapering towards blunt apex. Segment VIII (Figure 38a)
symmetrical. Tergum VIII with two sclerotized, small posterolateral protrusions; sternum VIII X-
shaped.
Female genitalia: Unknown.
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Three specimens were sequenced, resulting in DNA barcode
fragments of 648 bp for all three specimens. The barcodes fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN)
BOLD: AEG7006. The maximum intraspecific distance is 0.16%. The minimum p-distance to nearest
neighbour S. petrella is 3.84%.
Diagnosis: S. moyaella resembles S. solisella, S. guimarensis and S. linealbella. It can be
distinguished from S. guimarensis and S. linealbella by the brown ground-colour and the yellowish
white wing pattern. It is not possible to separate S. moyaella and S. solisella without genitalia dissection
or barcoding. In the male genitalia the bilobed uncus, the very short valva and the large robust phallus
are characteristic.
Biology: Early stages unknown. The adults were flying actively in the afternoon sunshine.
Distribution: Known only from the northern part of the island of Gran Canaria, Spain.
Etymology: The species is named after the small-town Moya situated near the type-locality.
Scythris rupemella Falck, sp. nov. (Figures 19-20, 39, 39a, 51)
Holotype 1: SPAIN, Gran Canaria, Pie de la Cuesta, 500 m, 21-VIII-4-IX-2020, leg. P. Falck,
genitalia slide 3412PF (PF). Paratypes: SPAIN, Gran Canaria, Pie de la Cuesta, 500 m, 18 11, 3 00,
21-VIII-4-IX-2020, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3413PF, 3414PF, 3415PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl
0708PF/CILEP707-20, 0709PF/CILEP708-20, 0710PF/CILEP709-20 (PF, MNCN).
Description: Wingspan 7-7.5 mm. Labial palp slightly upturned, greyish brown, whitish medially
and dorsally, segment 3 slightly shorter than segment 2. Antenna about 3/4 the length of the forewing,
blackish brown, in the male with short ciliae about the length of the antenna diameter. Vertex, collar,
tegula and thorax brown. Forewing brown mottled with beige in apical area; at 1/3 an irregular diffuse
beige fascia, at 2/3 an irregular diffuse beige fascia not reaching costa; fringe dark grey. Hindwing
width about 1/2 of the forewing, dark grey; fringe dark grey. Abdomen dark grey mottled with beige
scales.
Male genitalia (Figure 39): Valvae asymmetrical. Uncus sub-rectangular bilobed, postero-laterally
pointed, posterior margin with V-shaped indentation; gnathos small, distal arm tapering towards
pointed apex; tegumen sub-triangular with rounded lateral protrusions; right valva short, sub-
rectangular, postero-laterally one long process with rounded apex, antero-laterally a small triangular
tip, left valva short, sub-rectangular, postero-laterally a long slightly broadening process with rounded
apex, antero-laterally a long tapering process slightly curved near pointed apex; phallus long and
narrow, weakly meandering in posterior half with three bends. Segment VIII (Figure 39a) symmetrical.
P. FALCK
660 SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023
Tergum VIII X-shaped with small lateral protrusion; sternum VIII sub-triangular, posteriorly with a
rather pointed, sclerotized process.
Female genitalia (Figure 51): Papilla analis elongate, distally rounded; posterior apophysis
slender, slightly longer than twice the length of papilla analis; anterior apophysis approximately 0.8 the
length of posterior apophysis; sternum VIII sub-rectangular with two sclerotized crescent structures,
anteriorly wrinkled, posterior margin with a small V-shaped median fissure; antrum triangular; ductus
bursae membranous, narrow; sternum VII sub-rectangular, posteriorly with deep median fissure edge
weakly sclerotised, anteriorly with sclerotised V-shaped median structure, anterior margin rounded and
sclerotised, laterally with small indentation; tergum VIII sub-rectangular.
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Three specimens were sequenced resulting in DNA barcode fragments
of 648 bp for all three specimens. The barcodes fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD:
AEG6553. The maximum intraspecific distance is 0.65%. The minimum p-distance to nearest
neighbour S. guimarensis is 4.30%.
Diagnosis: S. rupemella resembles S. petrella, S. arachnodes and S. pseudoarachnodes. It can be
distinguished by the brown ground-colour and the beige diffuse fasciae. In the male genitalia the
bilobed uncus, the long-pointed process on the left valvae and sternum VIII with a pointed sclerotised
process are characteristic. In the female genitalia the crescent structures in sternum VIII, the posteriorly
deep median fissure and rounded sclerotised margin of segment VII are characteristic.
Biology: Early stages unknown. The adults were disturbed from a vertical rock surface with
abundant lichen growth during warm and sunny days from the end of August until the beginning of
September.
Distribution: Known only from the type-locality nearby the small village Pie de la Cuesta situated
in the southern part of the island of Gran Canaria, Spain.
Etymology: The species is named after the Latin word: rupem (= rock). The name alludes to the
vertical rock surface at the type-locality.
Scythris guimarensis Bengtsson, 1997 (Figures 21-22, 40, 40a)
Scythris guimarensis Bengtsson, 1997, Microlepid. Eur., 2, 47
Type locality: SPAIN, Tenerife, Güímar.
Material examined: SPAIN, Tenerife, Güímar, 500 m, 3 11, 1-13-VI-2022, leg. P. Falck, genitalia
slide 3744PF, 3798PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 1096PF/CILEP1095-22, 1097PF/CILEP1096-22,
1098PF/CILEP1097-22 (PF).
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Three specimens were sequenced, resulting in 658 bp, full length
DNA barcode fragments for one specimen, and fragments of 614 bp and 587 bp for two specimens. The
barcodes fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD: AEU7743. The intraspecific distance is 0%.
The minimum p-distance to nearest neighbour S. petrella is 2.75%.
Diagnosis: Wingspan 7.5 mm. S. guimarensis is characterized by the blackish brown colour of the
forewing, three white spots, one near the base bordered by black scales, an outwardly oblique streak at
1/3 bordered by black scales and one spot above tornus. It resembles S. moyaella q.v., S. solisella q.v.
and certain forms of S. linealbella q.v. In the male genitalia (Figures 40, 40a) the symmetrical valvae,
the sub-quadrate, postero-laterally pointed uncus, the simple elongate apically rounded valvae and the
near base curved and tapering phallus are characteristic. Female genitalia unknown.
Biology: Hostplant lichens on stones (Bengtsson, 1997). The adults were flying actively in the
afternoon sunshine in June.
Distribution: Known only from the type-locality situated nearby the small town Güímar, Tenerife,
Spain.
Scythris linealbella Falck, sp. nov. (Figures 23-25, 41, 41a, 52)
Holotype 1: SPAIN, Tenerife, Las Manchas, 1050 m, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia
slide 3018PF (MNCN). Paratypes: SPAIN, Tenerife, Arona, 670 m, 6 11, 1 0, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P.
NEW DATA ON THE GENUS SCYTHRIS HÜBNER, [1825] FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS (SPAIN)
SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023 661
Falck¸ Las Manchas, 1050 m, 14 11, 10 00, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 30198PF,
3020PF, DNA sample Lepid Phyl 0407PF/CILEP406-20; Las Mercedes, 750 m, 1 1, 21-V-3-VI-2019,
leg. P. Falck; Aguamansa, 1050 m, 11 11, 7 00, 13-26-VIII-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3078PF,
3079PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 0404PF/CILEP403-20, 0405PF/CILEP404-22, 0406PF/CILEP404-
22, same data but, 2 00, 1-13-VI-2022, leg. P. Falck; Güímar, 500 m, 5 11, 1 0, 1-13-VI-2022, leg. P.
Falck (PF, MNCN).
Description: Wingspan 7-8 mm. Labial palp slightly upturned, dark brown, paler dorsally, segment
3 slightly shorter than segment 2. Antenna about 2/3 the length of the forewing, fuscous, in the male
with short ciliae about 0.5 width of the antenna diameter. Vertex dark brown. Collar dark beige. Tegula
whitish, brown basally. Thorax dark brown. Forewing dark brown; a median distinct, off-white stripe
from the base to the fringe-line; fringe dark grey. Hindwing width about 1/2 of the forewing, dark grey;
fringe dark grey. Abdomen dark greyish brown. Variation: The median stripe is sometimes broken and
bordered by blackish brown scales (Figure 25).
Male genitalia (Figure 41): Valvae symmetrical. Uncus sub-trapezoid, posterior margin weakly
rounded; gnathos robust, corrugated, distal arm sickle-shaped; tegumen sub-triangular; valvae simple,
approximately twice as long as broad, apex rounded; phallus longer than valvae, S-shaped and tapering
towards apex. Segment VIII (Figure 41a) symmetrical. Tergum VIII sub-trapezoid; sternum VIII sub-
trapezoid, anteriorly and posteriorly with deep U-shaped indentations.
Female genitalia (Figure 52): Papilla analis elongate, distally rather pointed; posterior apophysis
slender, slightly more than twice the length of papilla analis; anterior apophysis approximately 0.8 the
length of posterior apophysis; sternum VIII sub-rectangular, posteriorly a median sub-trapezoid
sclerotisation, posterior margin with small V-shaped indentation; sternum VII sub-rectangular,
posteriorly with a small median fissure with postero-medial edge slightly concave, sclerotised; tergum
VII sub-rectangular.
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Four specimens were sequenced, resulting in 658 bp, full length DNA
barcode fragments for one specimen, fragments of 634 bp for two specimens and 631 bp for one
specimen. The barcodes fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD: AEC1613. The maximum
intraspecific distance is 0.67%. The minimum p-distance to nearest neighbour S. petrella is 3.49%.
Diagnosis: S. linealbella can be distinguished from all other Scythris species known from the
Canary Islands by the distinct white stripe, however, the white stripe is rarely broken, and such
specimens resembles S. moyaella q.v., S. solisella q.v. and S. guimarensis. It can be distinguished by the
small white stripe above tornus, in S. guimarensis the white spot above tornus is rounded. In the male
genitalia the posteriorly rounded uncus, the wrinkled part of gnathos and the S-shaped phallus are
characteristic. In the female genitalia the sclerotised median part of sternum VIII and the slightly
concave, sclerotised median fissure of segment VII are characteristic.
Biology: Early stages unknown. Adults were flying actively in warm and sunny days in rocky
areas.
Distribution: Known only from scattered localities on the island of Tenerife, Spain.
Etymology: The species is named after the white stripe on the forewing, in Latin linea alba (=
white stripe).
Remarks: Klimesch (1986, p. 326) described the above mentioned species, but without naming it.
Scythris solisella Falck, sp. nov. (Figures 26-29, 42, 42a, 53)
Holotype 1: SPAIN, Tenerife, Aguamansa, 1050 m, 13-26-VIII-2019, leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide
3801PF (MNCN). Paratypes: SPAIN, El Hierro, Frontera, 280 m, 3 00, 22-VII-3-VIII-2022, leg. P.
Falck, genitalia slide 3757PF, 3769PF; Cruz de Las Reyes, 1360 m, 11 11, 46 00, 22-VII-3-VIII-2022,
leg. P. Falck, genitalia slide 3758PF, 3761PF, 3764PF, 3766PF, 3768PF, 3770PF, 3771PF, 3776PF,
3777PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 1099PF/CILEP1098-22, 1100PF/CILEP1099-22,
1101PF/CILEP1100-22; Tenerife, Aguamansa, 1050 m, 19 11, 27 00, 13-26-VIII-2019, leg. P. Falck,
P. FALCK
662 SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023
genitalia slide 3796PF, 3076PF, DNA samples Lepid Phyl 0401PF/CILEP400-20, 0402PF/CILEP401-
20, 0403PF/CILEP402-20 (PF, MNCN).
Description: Wingspan 7.5-9 mm. Labial palp slightly upturned, segment 2 greyish brown paler
dorsally, segment 3 greyish brown, slightly shorter than segment 2. Antenna about 2/3 the length of the
forewing, fuscous, in the male with short ciliae about 0.7 of the antenna diameter. Vertex brownish.
Collar yellowish brown. Tegula and thorax brown. Forewing brown; a median quite distinct yellowish
stripe from the base to about 1/2, from dorsum at about 1/3 an outwardly oblique elongate yellowish
spot confluent with median stripe, above tornus an irregular yellowish spot, sometimes a small
yellowish dot near apex; fringe dark grey. Hindwing width about 1/2 of the forewing, dark grey; fringe
dark grey. Abdomen greyish brown. Fresh specimens have a bluish tinge. Variation: Specimens from El
Hierro differ consistently from specimens from Tenerife by the almost black ground-colour, the white
spots and the lack of a median stripe.
Male genitalia (Figure 42): Valvae symmetrical. Uncus sub-rectangular, posterior edge with
median concavity; gnathos small, distal arm thorn-shaped; tegumen sub-triangular; valvae sub-
rectangular, approximately twice as long as broad, slightly tapering distally, apex rounded, medially
with a small setosed flap; phallus clearly shorter than valvae, curved and tapering towards apex.
Segment VIII (Figure 42a) symmetrical. Tergum VIII sub-trapezoid posteriorly rounded; sternum VIII
sub-triangular posteriorly forked, antero-medially a small spike.
Female genitalia (Figure 53): Papilla analis elongate, distally pointed; posterior apophysis slender,
twice as long as papilla analis; anterior apophysis half the length of posterior apophysis; sternum VIII
sub-rectangular, anterior half wrinkled in median third; antrum funnel-shaped; sternum VII sub-
rectangular, posteriorly a small median fissure, edge slightly sclerotized; tergum VII sub-rectangular.
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): Six specimens were sequenced, resulting in 658 bp, full length DNA
barcode fragments for two specimens, and fragments of 637 bp, 634 bp, 632 bp and 588 bp for four
specimens. The barcodes fall within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD: AEC2342. The maximum
intraspecific distance is 0.51% (El Hierro population) and 0.16% (Tenerife population), the maximum
intraspecific distance between the populations is 0.99%. The minimum p-distance between the
populations is 0.65%. The minimum p-distance to nearest neighbour S. aronaella is 2.60%.
Diagnosis: S. solisella resembles S. moyaella q.v., S. guimarensis and S. linealbella. It can be
distinguished from S. guimarensis and S. linealbella by the distinct outward oblique spot at 1/3 and the
distinct tornal spot. In the male genitalia the sub-rectangular valvae with medial flap, the curved phallus
and the triangular sternum VIII forked posteriorly are characteristic. In the female genitalia the very
long posterior apophysis, the wrinkled median part of sternum VIII and the posterior margin with a
small median fissure of segment VII are characteristic.
Biology: Early stages unknown. Adults were flying actively in warm and sunny days in rocky
areas often together with S. petrella.
Distribution: Known only from a few localities on the islands of El Hierro and Tenerife, Spain.
Etymology: The species is named after the Latin word solem (= the sun) referring to the species
flying actively in sunny weather.
Remarks: The difference in the colouration between populations of S. solisella from El Hierro and
Tenerife is not unique. Several species from El Hierro generally have a darker grey or blackish
colouration than from other of the Canary Islands, e. g. Chersogenes klimeschi (Gozmány, 1975)
(Autostichidae), Agdistis bifurcatus Agenjo, 1952 (Pterophoridae), Pempeliella canariella Asselbergs,
2016 (Pyralidae).
Scythris ochrelinella Falck, sp. nov. (Figures 30, 43, 43a, 43b)
Holotype 1: SPAIN, Tenerife, Arona, 21-V-3-VI-2019, leg. P: Falck, genitalia slide 3003PF, DNA
sample Lepid Phyl 0397PF/CILEP396-20 (PF later MNCN).
Description: Male. Wingspan 11.5 mm. Labial palp slightly upturned, segment 2 dark brown,
whitish dorsally, segment 3 dark brown slightly shorter than segment 2. Antenna slightly more than 1/2
NEW DATA ON THE GENUS SCYTHRIS HÜBNER, [1825] FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS (SPAIN)
SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023 663
the length of the forewing, fuscous, with short ciliae about 0.5 of the antenna diameter. Vertex dark
brown. Collar and tegula brown mottled with beige. Thorax blackish brown. Forewing blackish brown,
lighter brown along dorsum, mottled with few white scales, especially near dorsum and in apical area;
from near the base to about 1/2 an ochre-coloured distinct median stripe, upwards bordered by white,
just below the stripe a small white spot and another white spot at the end of the cell; fringe dark grey.
Hindwing width about 1/2 of the forewing, dark grey; fringe dark grey.
Male genitalia (Figure 43): Valvae symmetrical. Uncus sub-rectangular, posterior margin with
broad U-shaped indentation, lateral lobes shortly setosed; gnathos triangular, distal arm short, pointed;
tegumen sub-triangular, postero-laterally with two large, triangular pointed projections; valvae narrow,
distally forked, each arm with a longitudinal flap; phallus slightly shorter than half the length of valvae,
curved. Segment VIII symmetrical. Tergum VIII (Figure 43b) sub-trapezoid; sternum VIII (Figure 43a)
sub-trapezoid, posteriorly with deep U-shaped indentation.
Female genitalia: Unknown.
DNA barcodes (Figure 54): The specimen was sequenced, resulting in DNA barcode fragments of
638 bp. The barcode falls within Barcode Index Number (BIN) BOLD: AEC1614. The minimum p-
distance to nearest neighbour an undescribed Scythris-species is 6.94%.
Diagnose: S. ochrelinella resembles superficially S. rondaensis Bengtsson, 1997. It can be
distinguished by the distinct ochre stripe bordered by black and white and the dark grey hindwing, in S.
rondaensis the forewing is black with two indistinct, smaller ochre dots, the hindwing is brownish and
more pointed. In the male genitalia the tegumen with lateral, triangular projections and the forked
valvae with longitudinal flaps on each arm are characteristic.
Biology: Early stages unknown. The specimen was flying actively in a warm and sunny day.
Distribution: Known only from the type-locality nearby the small town Arona, Tenerife, Spain.
Etymology: The species is named after the characteristic ochre-coloured stripe on the forewing.
Remarks: It is not possible to place S. ochrelinella into one of the Scythris species-groups erected
by Bengtsson (1997). S. rondaensis belongs to the cistorum species-group, which in the male genitalia
is characterized by strongly sclerotized, more or less asymmetrical parts in the male genitalia; valvae
with small lobes (Bengtsson, 1997, p. 124).
Discussion
The taxonomy of Scythris petrella is not entirely unproblematic, as it exhibits high variability in
the adult appearance and high intraspecific values in COI between populations from separate islands of
the Canary Islands. However, no differences were observed in the genitalia neither in males nor females
between the populations and there is no correlation between divergence in COI and populations with
entirely dark- (Aguamansa, Tenerife) nor entirely whitish speckled specimens (Arona, Tenerife). A
high intraspecific variation in COI between species from separate islands of the Canary Islands is
commonly observed (Falck et al. 2021, p. 298; Falck et al. 2022, p. 108; Falck & Karsholt, 2023). It
can be interpreted as a snapshot of the evolutionary process.
All the known Scythris-species from the Canary Islands are easily recognizable by the genitalia,
with only minor internal variation.
The molecular analyses support the taxonomic arrangement. All identified species are genetically
distinct from other species with p-distance values between species ranging from 1.12% (between S.
aronaella and S. petrella) to 6.94% (between S. ochrelinella and Scythris sp.). Although the minimum
divergence between S. aronaella and S. petrella, S. pseudoarachnodes and S. arachnodes (1.12%,
1.78% and 1.82% respectively) are below the 2% threshold suggested as a putative guideline for
species delimitation by Hebert et al. (2003), S. aronaella is described as a new species, because of the
distinct and constant differences in the morphology in the male- and female genitalia and in the
appearance of adults.
S. guimarensis Bengtsson, 1997 is transferred from the klimeschi species-group to the petrella
P. FALCK
664 SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023
species-group based on the close genetically relationship in the group and because it is also a lichen-
feeding species, however, there is a large diversity in the male genital morphology in the group.
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to the following for providing help during the preparation of the manuscript
for this paper: Dr. Bengt Åke Bengtsson (Färjestaden, Sweden) for photographs of type specimens and
their genitalia of Scythris arachnodes, S. petrella, S. hierroella, S. pseudoarachnodes, S. guimarensis
and S. rondaensis and other valuable information; Dr. Andreas Segerer (Zoologische Staatssammlung
München) for photographs of type specimens of S. hierroella; Dr. Sabine Gaal-Haszler
(Naturhistorisches Museum Wien) for trying to locate the type specimen of S. guimarensis; to Thomas
J. Simonsen (Naturhistorisk Museum, Århus); Ole Karsholt (Natural History Museum of Denmark)
who read the final manuscript carefully and improved both the English language and the content; Javier
Gastón (Bilbao, Spain), for the photographic review and adjustments, and finally Dr. Antonio Vives
(Madrid, Spain) for translating the abstract into Spanish, for editing the manuscript, and for his kind
help with obtaining permission to collect Lepidoptera in the Canary Islands for the Scientific Project of
SHILAP.
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Per Falck
Aarsdalevej, 22
DK-3730 Neksø
DINAMARCA / DENMARK
E-mail: per.falck@live.dk
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0030-9214
(Recibido para publicación / Received for publication 28-IV-2023)
(Revisado y aceptado / Revised and accepted 23-VI-2023)
(Publicado / Published 30-XII-2023)
Derechos de autor: El autor(es). Este es un artículo de acceso abierto distribuido bajo los términos de la Licencia de Reconocimiento 4.0 Internacional de
Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0), que permite el uso, distribución y reproducción sin restricciones en cualquier medio, siempre que se cite al autor original
y la fuente. / Copyright: The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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666 SHILAP Revta. lepid., 51 (204) diciembre 2023
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Figures 1-8. 1. Scythris arachnodes Walsingham, 1908, 1, Tenerife, 9 mm. 2. Scythris arachnodes
Walsingham, 1908, 0, Tenerife, 9 mm. 3. Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, 1, Tenerife, 11 mm. 4. Scythris
petrella Walsingham, 1908, 0, Gran Canaria, 10.5 mm. 5. Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, 0, Tenerife, 11
mm. 6. Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, 1, El Hierro, 9.5 mm. 7. Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, 1, El
Hierro, 10 mm. 8. Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, 0, El Hierro, 10 mm.
12
34
56
78
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Figures 9-16. 9. Scythris pseudoarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997, 1, Tenerife, 7.5 mm. 10. Scythris
pseudoarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997, 0, Tenerife, 7.5 mm. 11. Scythris brithae Falck & Karsholt, 2019, 1, Gran
Canaria, 9.5 mm. 12. Scythris brithae Falck & Karsholt, 2019, 0, Gran Canaria, 9.5 mm. 13. Scythris aronaella
Falck, sp. nov., 1, Tenerife, 10 mm. 14. Scythris aronaella Falck, sp. nov., 0, Tenerife, 9 mm. 15. Scythris
grancanariella Falck & Karsholt, 2019, 1, Gran Canaria, 9.5 mm. 16. Scythris grancanariella Falck &
Karsholt, 2019, 0, Gran Canaria, 11.5 mm.
910
11 12
13 14
15 16
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Figures 17-23. 17. Scythris moyaella Falck, sp. nov., 1, Gran Canaria, 9 mm. 18. Scythris moyaella Falck, sp.
nov., 1, Gran Canaria, 8 mm. 19. Scythris rupemella Falck, sp. nov., 1, Gran Canaria, 7 mm. 20. Scythris
rupemella Falck, sp. nov., 0, Gran Canaria, 7 mm. 21. Scythris guimarensis Bengtsson, 1997, 1, Tenerife, 7.5
mm. 22. Scythris guimarensis Bengtsson, 1997, 1, Tenerife, 7.5 mm. 23. Scythris linealbella Falck, sp. nov., 1,
Tenerife, 8 mm.
17 18
19 20
21 22
23
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Figures 24-30. 24. Scythris linealbella Falck, sp. nov., 0, Tenerife, 8 mm. 25. Scythris linealbella Falck, sp.
nov., 0, Tenerife, 7.5 mm. 26. Scythris solisella Falck, sp. nov., 1, Tenerife, 8 mm. 27. Scythris solisella Falck,
sp. nov., 0, Tenerife, 9 mm. 28. Scythris solisella Falck, sp. nov., 1, El Hierro, 8 mm. 29. Scythris solisella
Falck, sp. nov., 0, El Hierro, 8.5 mm. 30. Scythris ochrelinella Falck, sp. nov., 1, Tenerife, 11.5 mm.
24 25
26 27
28 29
30
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Figures 31-32. 31. Scythris arachnodes Walsingham, 1908, 1, GP3011PF. 31a. Segment VIII, GP3012PF. 32.
Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, 1(Tenerife), GP3082PF. 32a. Segment VIII, GP3082PF.
31 31a
32 32a
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Figures 33-34. 33. Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, 1(El Hierro), GP3778PF. 33a. Segment VIII,
GP3759PF. 34. Scythris pseudoarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997, 1, GP3580PF. 34a. Segment VIII, GP3583PF.
33 33a
34 34a
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Figures 35-36. 35. Scythris brithae Falck & Karsholt, 2019, 1, GP2860PF. 35a. Segment VIII, GP2860PF. 36.
Scythris aronaella Falck, sp. nov., 1, GP3005PF. 36a. Segment VIII, GP3005PF.
35 35a
36 36a
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Figures 37-38. 37. Scythris grancanariella Falck & Karsholt, 2019, 1, GP3502PF. 37a. Segment VIII,
GP3501PF. 38. Scythris moyaella Falck, sp. nov., 1, GP3419PF. 38a. Segment VIII, GP3419PF.
37 37a
38 38a
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Figures 39-40. 39. Scythris rupemella Falck, sp. nov., 1, GP3419PF. 39a. Segment VIII, GP3413PF. 40.
Scythris guimarensis Bengtsson, 1997, 1, GP3744PF. 40a. Segment VIII, GP3798PF.
39 39a
40 40a
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Figures 41-42. 41. Scythris linealbella Falck, sp. nov., 1, GP3019PF. 41a. Segment VIII, GP3019PF. 42.
Scythris solisella Falck, sp. nov., 1, GP3076PF. 42a. Segment VIII, GP3076PF.
41 41a
42 42a
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Figures 43-44. 43. Scythris ochrelinella Falck, sp. nov., 1, GP3003PF. 43a. Sternum VIII, GP3003PF. 43b.
Tergit VIII, GP3003PF. 44. Scythris arachnodes Walsingham, 1908, 0, GP3013PF.
43 43a
43b 44
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Figures 45-48. 45. Scythris petrella Walsingham, 1908, 0(Tenerife), GP3002PF. 46. Scythris petrella
Walsingham, 1908, 0(El Hierro), 3767PF. 47. Scythris pseudoarachnodes Bengtsson, 1997, 0, GP3084PF. 48.
Scythris brithae Falck & Karsholt, 2019, 0, GP2733PF.
45 46
47 48
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Figures 49-53. 49. Scythris aronaella Falck, sp. nov., 0, GP3085PF. 50. Scythris grancanariella Falck &
Karsholt, 2019, 0, GP3678PF. 51. Scythris rupemella Falck, sp. nov., 0, GP3415PF. 52. Scythris linealbella
Falck, sp. nov., 0, GP3020PF. 53. Scythris solisella Falck, sp. nov., 0, GP3766PF.
49 50
51 52
53
Figure 54. Neighbour-joining tree of DNA barcodes of fourteen species of Scythris.
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