DNA barcoding reveals a new cryptic species of Denisia Hübner, 1825 (Lepidoptera, Oecophoridae) from the south-western Alps

Abstract

A new species of concealer moths (Oecophoridae), Denisia cryptica sp. nov., is described from specimens collected in the south-western Alps (Italy, France). It differs from similar congeneric taxa of the Denisia stipella species-group by a combined pattern of colour and markings of the forewing upperside, the colour of the head, particularly the yellow second segment of the labial palpi, and by highly divergent DNA barcode (cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 1) sequences. Male and female genitalia are like several other species, with only subtle diagnostic characters. Adult and partially genitalia of D. cryptica sp. nov. and the closest European species are shown for comparison. Finally, a complete checklist of European species of Denisia is added.