Stigmella alticosma Remeikis & Stonis 2016

2. Stigmella alticosma Remeikis & Stonis, 2016

(Figs 1, 4, 33, 37)

Stigmella alticosma Remeikis & Stonis; in Stonis et al. 2016d: 63.

Material examined. Holotype: 1 ♂, PERU, Dept. Lima, 10 km N of Oyón, Quabrada Quichas, Pueblo Quichas, 10°34'17"S, 76°46'03"W, elevation ca. 4000 m, 24–26.ii.1987, O. Karsholt, genitalia slide no. Diškus 188♂ (ZMUC).

Diagnosis. Belongs to the Stigmella schoorli group. The combination of a golden shining base of forewing and unequally developed horn-like cornuti (rate: 1:1.9; the longer cornutus 1.5 times exceeds the width of phallus) distinguishes S. alticosma from the most resembling members of the group (S. epicosma and S. paracosma sp. nov.). From similar S. schoorli and S. hamata, S. alticosma may be easily distinguished by the shiny median fascia of forewing and rounded inner lobe of valva.

Forewing dark brown with golden gloss and purple iridescence, with two silvery shining fasciae (median and apical) and (concolorous with thorax). The combination of: forewing possesing two silvery shining fasciae and shiny golden base, deeply divided uncus, specific set of two large but unequal horn-like cornuti in male genitalia (with cornuti ratio 1:2) distinguishes S. alticosma sp. nov. from all other Stigmella species.

Male (Fig. 33). Described in Stonis et al. 2016d: 63, figs 174, 175. Wingspan: about 5.0 mm.

Female. Unknown.

Male genitalia. Illustrated in Stonis et al. 2016d: 63, figs 177–179.

Bionomics. Adults fly in February. Otherwise biology unknown.

Distribution (Fig. 1). This species occurs in the high Peruvian Andes (Peru: Lima Departamento) at altitudes about 4000 m (Fig. 4).