Stigmella cuprata Meyrick 1915

34. Stigmella cuprata (Meyrick, 1915)

(Figs 2, 9, 32, 37)

Nepticula cuprata Meyrick, 1915: 255.

Stigmella cuprata (Meyrick, 1915) in Puplesis & Robinson 2000: 24, 25, figs 15, 90, 91.

Material examined. 1 ♂ (lectotype), 1 specimen (sex unknown; see Remarks), PERU, Matucana, 2370 m, vii.1914, Parish, genitalia slide no. 28848 BMNH (lectotype) (BMNH).

Diagnosis. Belongs to the S. nivea species group. The combination of closely juxtaposed processes of gnathos, one pointed apical processes of valva, distally narrowed and bilobed uncus, long vinculum, and a band of very large, horn-like cornuti distinguishes S. cuprata from all other members of the group.

Male (Fig. 32). Redescribed in Puplesis & Robinson 2000: 24, 25, fig. 15. Forewing length about 1.9 mm; wingspan about 4.3 mm.

Female. Not studied (see Remarks).

Male genitalia. Illustrated in Puplesis & Robinson 2000: figs 90, 91.

Bionomics. Adults fly in July. Otherwise biology unknown.

Distribution (Fig. 9). This species occurs in the Peruvian Andes (Peru: Matucana) at altitudes about 2370 m.

Remarks. Puplesis & Robinson (2000) have redefined Stigmella cuprata from the male lectotype. The other specimen of type series is probably a female. However, it extremely rubbed, badly pinned, and with few or no traces of pattern. It was impossible to tell whether it is likely to be conspecific with the lectotype and Puplesis & Robinson (2000) have therefore not dissected it. No external features remain that are distinct.