Checklist of the genus Epichostis Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae) of the world, with descriptions of 11 new species from China

Abstract

A worldwide checklist of 23 Epichostis species is given. Twelve species are described from China, 11 of which are new to science: E. wufengensis sp. nov., E. magnimacularis sp. nov., E. proximitympanias sp. nov., E. termitruncatula sp. nov., E. termiprotrusa sp. nov., E. wenxianica sp. nov., E. hamatilis sp. nov., E. jiangkouensis sp. nov., E. setilata sp. nov., E. deltata sp. nov. and E. subrotunda sp. nov. Based on the fore wing pattern and shape, and on the male genitalia, these species are divided into three species groups: tympanias group, leptorthra group and antigama group. The generic characters are emended by giving descriptions of the male and female genitalia for the first time. Images of the adults and the genital structures are provided, along with a key to the known Chinese species.

Keywords:

• Lepidoptera
• Xyloryctidae
• Epichostis
• new species
• China

Acknowledgements

We express our cordial thanks to those who made great efforts in collecting the specimens. This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos 30570206, J0630963) and the Foundation of Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, State Education Ministry (Northwest A & F University).