Eidophasia insulella (Walsingham 1900) and Eidophasia hufnagelii (Zeller 1839), two rare European moths: description of genitalia confirms generic placement (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Abstract

The taxonomic position of two species Plutella hufnagelii Zeller 1839 and Caunaca insulella Walsingham 1900, in the family Plutellidae: has been unclear. In current fauna studies, these species are usually placed in the genera Rhigognostis and Eidophasia respectively. In this paper, I address the taxonomic position of P. hufnagelli and C. insulella and describethe genitalia of both sexes. Analysis of genital structure confirms the correct placement of these species into the genus Eidophasia.

Keywords

• lepidoptera
• plutellidae
• eidophasia hufnagelii
• eidophasia insulella
• taxonomy