Megacraspedus cottiensis sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) from northern Italy – a case of taxonomic confusion

Abstract

Megacraspedus cottiensis sp. nov. is described from the western Alps (prov. Torino, Italy). The dorsal habitus and genitalia for both the male and brachypterous female are provided. The new species belongs to the M. faunierensis species group based on genitalia morphology and DNA barcodes, and was hitherto confused with M. neli Huemer & Karsholt, 2018 from the southwestern Alps. However, it clearly differs in morphology and DNA barcode sequences from that species and from M. faunierensis Huemer & Karsholt, 2018. The new species is suspected of being a regional endemic of the Cottian Alps.