Tortrix politana Haworth, [1811]

Argyrothaenia Diakonoff, 1939 [misspelling of Argyrotaenia]: 190.

Subargyrotaenia Obraztsov, 1961: 38.

The following description is specific to Caribbean Argyrotaenia. However, most characters mentioned also apply to extralimital species.

Labial palpus 1.5–2.0 × width of compound eye, second segment expanded apically; ocellus small, separated from compound eye by approximately width of ocellus; chaetosemata 0.25–1.00 × length of scales on frons; metathorax without dorsal scaling, patch of pale yellow setae present; costal fold absent; FWL 4.5–10.5 mm. Male genitalia with uncus variable, usually spatulate or subquadrate, occasionally narrow and acute; socii obsolete; tegumen moderate; arms of gnathos fused; transtilla without modifications; valva circular to subcircular, occasionally trigonal or trapezoidal, longitudinal fold of valva well-developed (except in A. ceramica). Female genitalia with papillae anales triangular or nearly so (occasionally narrowly rectangular), flattened and evenly roughened on ventral surface; colliculum present; signum present, usually long and J-shaped; capitulum present, with variable basal plate.

Argyrotaenia ceramica (Fig. 5A–E) closely resembles members of the A. ponera group (Brown and Cramer 1999) in having both an unusually elongate wing shape in comparison to its congeners and in male genitalia with a strongly curved phallus and a well-developed caulis. Argyrotaenia ceramica can be separated by its deeply notched juxta and relatively broader phallus (Fig. 14A). The female genitalia (Fig. 16A) are not likely to be confused with any known Caribbean Argyrotaenia. The signum is short (approximately 0.33 × width of corpus bursae) and straight with a roughened, irregular capitulum. Small males could be confused with males of Clepsis jamesstewarti (Fig. 12D), but the genitalia are distinct.

We found no morphological differences between the holotypes of A. ceramica Razowski, 1999 and A. granpiedrae Razowski & Becker, 2010. An incomplete COI barcode (408 bp) was recovered for a Cuban specimen. When complete Hispaniola sequences were aligned and cut to the same length, significant sequence divergence was observed (7.0–7.3%). We relegate A. granpiedrae to a subspecies of A. ceramica because of the lack of morphological differences, yet choose not to synonymize it based on observed differences in COI sequences (albeit incomplete), hoping that this will spur future work. Based on forewing pattern and male genitalia, A. ceramica appears to belong to the ponera group of species (Brown and Cramer 1999) from central Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Figure 5. 

Argyrotaenia adults. A A. ceramica holotype ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH) B A. ceramica paratype ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH) C A. ceramica paratype ♀, Haiti (CMNH) D A. ceramica ♀, Dominican Republic (CUIC) E A. ceramica granpiedrae stat. nov. Cuba (VBC) F A. vinalesiae ♀, Cuba (VBC) G A. jamaicana holotype ♂, Jamaica (CMNH) H A. jamaicana ♀, Jamaica (CUIC).

Argyrotaenia c. ceramica (Fig. 5A–D; Hispaniola) is morphologically indistinguishable from A. c. granpiedrae (Fig. 5E; Cuba), but differs in COI barcode (see remarks under species account).

Holotype ♂: Dominican Republic: Pedernales: 8 km NE Los Arroyos, 1940 m, 18°16'N, 71°44'W, 14 vii 1990, J. Rawlins, C.W. Young, S.A. Thompson [examined]. Razowski genitalia slide #10705 [examined] (CMNH). Paratypes 4♂♂, 2♀♀): Dominican Republic: Pedernales: 1♂, La Abeja, 38 km NNW Cabo Rojo, 18°09'N, 71°38'W, 1160 m, 14 vii 1987, J.E. Rawlins, R.L. Davidson [examined]. Razowski genitalia slide #10706 [not examined] (CMNH). 1♂, 5 km NE Los Arroyos, 18°15'N, 71°45'W, 1680 m, 15–16 vii 1990, C. Young, J.E. Rawlins, S. Thompson [photo examined] (ISEZ). Peravia [San José de Ocoa]: 1♂, 3 km SW La Nuez, tributary to Rio Las Cuevas, 18°40'N, 70°36'W, 1870 m, 5–6 viii 1990. J. Rawlins, S. Thomson [examined]. Razowski genitalia slide #10707 [examined] (CMNH). Haiti: Ouest: 1♂, 2♀♀, Kenskoff [Kenscoff], 3 v 1937, Roys, 4300' [examined]. Razowski genitalia slide #10708 (♀) [examined], #10709 (♂/♀) [not examined], #10710 (♂/♀) [not examined] (CMNH).

(30♂♂, 24♀♀). Dominican Republic: Independencia: 1♀, Sierra de Bahoruco, north slope, 2116 m, broadleaf forest with pine, 18°41'31"N, 71°35'35"W [18°17'30"N, 71°43'08"W], 8 xi 2002, W.A. Zanol, C.W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins (CMNH). 2♂♂, 5♀♀, 3 km ESE El Aguacate, north slope Sierra de Ba[h]oruco, 1980 m, pine woodland, 18°18'N, 71°42'W, 28–29 ix 1991, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson (1♂ CUIC, remainder CMNH). KAA diss. #0085(♀); #0087(♂), KAA_DNA_0009 (CMNH). 1♂, Sierra de Neiba, near crest, 5.5 km NNW Angel Feliz, 1750 m, dense cloud forest, 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 21–22 vii 1992, J. Rawlins, S. Thompson, C. Young, R. Davidson, KAA diss. #0088 (CMNH). 1♂, Sierra de Bahoruco, north slope, 13.3 km SE Puerto Escondido, 1812 m, 18°12'33"N, 71°30'47"W, 24–26 iii 2004, Pinus, Rubus, Garrya, open, R. Davidson, J. Rawlins, C. Young, C. Nunez, M. Rial (CMNH). 1♂, Sierra de Bahoruco, north slope, 13.5 km SE Puerto Escondido, 1807 m, broadleaf Pinus dense woodland, 18°12'24"N, 71°30'54"W, 24–26 iii 2004, R. Davidson, J. Rawlins, C. Young, C. Nunez, M. Rial (CMNH). 3♂♂, 2♀♀, Sierra de Bahoruco, north slope, 13.5 km SE Puerto Escondido, 1789 m, ecotonal Pinus grassland 18°12'18"N, 71°31'08"W, 24–25 xi 2004, J.E. Rawlins, C. Young, C. Nunez, V. Verdecia, W.A. Zanol, KAA diss. #0089 (CMNH). 1♂, 3♀♀, Sierra de Neiba, just south of crest, 5 km WNW Angel Feliz, 1780 m, cloud forest 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 13–15 x 1991, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson (CMNH), Razowski genitalia slide #10734 (♀) [examined], #10735 (♀) [examined], #10736(♀) [examined] (CMNH). 1♀, Sierra de Neiba, south slope near summit, 4.0 km N Angel Feliz, broadleaf cloud forest without pine, 1825 m 18°40'21"N, 71°46'05"W, 1–2 iv 2004, J. Rawlins, C. Young, R. Davidson, KAA_DNA_0013 (CMNH). La Estrelleta [Elías Piña]: 1♀, 4 km SE Rio Limpio, c. 760 m, 24–25 v 1973, Don Davis, Mignon Davis (USNM). 1♂, 1♀, Sierra de Neiba at crest, 5.5 km WNW N Angel Feliz, 1800 m, cloud forest, 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 15 x 1991, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins (♂ CMNH, ♀ CUIC). La Vega: 2♂♂, 2.5 km SW Pinar Bonito, 1430 m, riparian vegetation near stream in pine woodland 18°51'N, 70°43'W, 26 xi 1992, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, M. Klingler, S. Thompson (CMNH). 2♂♂, 4.1 km SW El Convento, 1710 m, secondary broadleaf forest, 18°50'37"N, 70°42'48"W, 14 xi 2002, W.A. Zanol, C.W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0092 (CMNH). 1♀, Constanza, 2–6 vi 1969, Flint & Gomez, KAA diss. #0084 (USNM). 1♂, 5♀♀, Convento, 12 km S of Constanza, 6–13 vi, 1969, Flint & Gomez (USNM). Pedernales: 11♂♂, 1 km S Los Arroyos, 1125 m, second growth forest, 18°14'N, 71°45'W, 18 x 1991, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0090 (CMNH). 1♀, 26 km N Cabo Rojo, 730 m, mesic deciduous forest with scattered pines, 18°06'N, 71°38'W, 16 vii 1992, C. Young, R. Davidson, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0086 (CMNH). 1♂, 5 km NE Los Arroyos, 1680 m, cloud forest, 18°15'N, 71°45'W, 30 ix 1991, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins (CMNH). Peravia [San José de Ocoa]: 2♂♂, 3♀♀, 3 km SW La Nuez, upper Rio Las Cuevas, 1880 m, cloud forest on river, 18°39'N, 70°36'W, 5–6 x 1991, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson (1♂, 1♀ CUIC; remainder CMNH). KAA diss. #0083(♀), KAA_DNA_0012 (CMNH). Haiti: Sud: 1♂, Ville Formon, 31 km NW Les Cayes, S slope Morne Formon, Massif de La Hotte, 1405 m, disturbed forest and fields, 18°20'N, 74°01'W, 7–8 ix 1995, R. Davidson, G. Onore, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0091, KAA_DNA_0010 (CMNH).

Male (n = 34). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex ochraceous-orange to maize yellow. Frons similarly colored. Labial palpus with scales on lateral surface of first and second segment bicolored, with basal half pale yellow and apical half ochraceous-orange, occasionally a few scales entirely black. Terminal segment similar in coloration, but with more prominent black scaling. Medial surface of palpus pale yellow. Scape concolorous with vertex; sensillae approximately 0.75 × width of flagellomere; dorsal scales of flagellum dark brown, occasionally pale yellow; second row of scales on each flagellomere expanded noticeably, giving appearance of thickened antennae. Thorax. Typical of genus. Dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax concolorous with vertex; tegulae also concolorous. Forelegs predominantly dark brown intermixed with pale yellow scales; femur with ochraceous-orange scales as well. Midlegs similar to forelegs but without ochraceous-orange scaling on femur, tarsi pale yellow to dark brown. Hindlegs pale yellow to white. Medial surface of legs pale yellow to white. Forewing pattern with two distinct forms, FWL 5.0–8.5 mm (mean = 6.3; n = 34); costa with basal quarter evenly curved, straight beyond. One form (Fig. 5B) more common, significantly smaller (mean = 6.2 mm; n = 31, including three paratypes), with dorsal surface of forewing with ground color pale yellow; basal fascia, median facia, and subapical blotch amber brown intermixed with dark brown scales; amber brown dots along inner margin; tornal blotch obsolete. Second form (Fig. 5A) less common, significantly larger (n = 3, including holotype; mean FWL = 8.0 mm), with a crimson red streak through wing from base to near apex; black scales are sometimes present in portions of streak. Fringe pale orange-yellow, brick red and dark gray scales present at apex in most specimens. Tornal blotch present. Dorsal surface of hindwing white to pale yellow, with light brown mottling throughout, becoming more densely mottled apically in some individuals. Fringe composed of long pale red-orange scales, becoming off-white along posterior third; shorter pale brown scales present along margin in some specimens (Fig. 5B) Ventral surface of forewing light brown basally, pale yellow near apex. Ventral surface of hindwing similar to dorsal surface. Abdomen. Vestiture warm brown, terminal segment pale yellow. Genitalia (Fig. 14A) with uncus uniform in width, unmodified, tapered at apex; arms of gnathos unmodified, evenly curved; tegumen unmodified; transtilla thin, complete, unmodified; valvae nearly triangular with long setae scattered at margins; presaccular gap and longitudinal fold obsolete; sacculus apparent at base to 0.5 × length of valvae, marginal beyond; plications obsolete; dense cluster of apically-widened, brush-like setae present at base of valvae; juxta deeply notched; phallus strongly curved, caulis prominent, well-developed; two to four cornuti present, approximately 0.8 × length of phallus, thin, nearly straight, deciduous. A cluster of five cornuti present observed in the corpus bursae of one dissected female (Fig. 16A).

Female (n = 26). Head. As in male except antennae with sensillae minute, approximately 0.25 × width of flagellomere, second row of scales on each flagellomere not expanded as in male. Thorax. As in male in coloring on legs and thorax. Forewing (Fig. 5C, D) with FWL 6.0–8.5 mm (mean = 7.3; n = 26). Dorsal surface of forewing ochraceous-orange to chocolate brown; markings as in male but with markings less well-defined and much less contrasting, except for a distinct patch of white scales halfway along inner margin. Frenulum with two or three bristles, asymmetrical in number in several specimens examined. Abdomen. Vestiture as in male. Genitalia (Fig. 16A) with papillae anales elongate, narrow, slightly curved laterally; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.5 × length of sternum VII; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.67 × length of sternum VII; sterigma broad, evenly curved; ductus bursa approximately 2 × length of sternum VII, broadening anteriorly; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.25 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursa round; signum thin, straight, 0.25–0.50 × length of corpus bursae; capitulum of signum rounded to irregular, strongly roughened.

Argyrotaenia ceramica ceramica is widespread at mid- and high elevations (700–2200 m) on Hispaniola (Fig. 24A).

Nothing is known of the biology of A. c. ceramica. However, due to the highly variable size of males, we hypothesize it may be an internal feeder. Collection dates range from April to November.

There is a discrepancy in the label data of one female specimen from Independencia. The label reads “Sierra de Bahoruco” but the coordinates are for the Sierra de Neiba. After comparing coordinates from specimens collected the previous night and discussing the situation with John Rawlins (CMNH), we interpret the coordinates to be incorrect. Dr. Rawlins kindly supplied us with the correct coordinates. COI sequence divergence among barcoded specimens of A. c. ceramica was between 0.1% and 1.7% (n = 4).

See the diagnosis under A. c. ceramica.

Holotype ♂: Cuba: S[an]t[ia]go [de Cuba]: Gran Piedra, 20 vi[i] 1990, V.O. Becker; Col. Becker 72991 [photograph examined]. Genitalia slide #409 [figure examined] (VBC, see remarks below). Paratypes (3♂♂, 1♀): same data as holotype [female genitalia figure examined] (VBC, see remarks below).

(1♂, 2♀♀). Cuba: S[an]t[ia]go [de Cuba]: 1♂, Gran Piedra, same data as holotype (VBC). KAA diss. #0161, KAA_DNA_0011 (VBC). 2♀♀, Sierra Maestra, Pico Cuba, 31 vii 1990, V. O. Becker [photographs examined] (ISEZ).

Male (n = 1). Head. Identical to A. c. ceramica. Thorax. Wing pattern identical to the more common form of A. c. ceramica. FWL 5.0 mm. Though smaller than the two specimens pictured in Fig. 5C, D, the specimen pictured in Fig. 5E is well within the size range observed in other A. c. ceramica. Abdomen. Identical to A. c. ceramica, including genitalia (see Razowski & Becker, 2010: figs 19, 20).

Female (n = 0). No specimens were examined, only photographs (see Razowski & Becker, 2010: fig. 46).

This subspecies is known from two high-elevation localities in southern Cuba (Fig. 24A).

Nothing is known of the biology of A. c. granpiedrae. All examined specimens were collected in July.

See the remarks under the species account of A. ceramica for why we consider A. granpiedrae to be a subspecies of A. ceramica. The holotype of A. granpiedrae and the female paratype are deposited in ISEZ, not in VBC as listed in Razowski and Becker (2010). The remaining male paratypes are likely in ISEZ as well. Two non-type females were also found in ISEZ that had been identified by Razowski as A. ceramica. It is unclear whether these were identified before or after A. granpiedrae was described. Razowski listed the holotype as having been collected in June, but we suspect the label was erroneously transcribed, as we examined a specimen with otherwise identical labels and accession numbers with the month of “vii” not “vi.”

Argyrotaenia vinalesiae (Fig. 5F) is most similar to A. amatana (Fig. 6), a widespread northern Caribbean species. It differs by its smaller size (4.5–5.0 mm in females), uniformly-colored forewing, and shorter, broader signum in the female genitalia (Fig. 17B) compared to A. amatana (Austin et al. 2019: fig. 4a). Male genitalia are indistinguishable from those of A. amatana.

Holotype ♂ [see remarks below]: Cuba: Pinar del Río: Viñales, 100 m, 20 viii 1990, V. O. BECKER Col; Col. BECKER 73817 [photograph examined] (VBC, see remarks below). Genitalia slide #404 [figure examined]. Paratype (♀): same data as holotype [photograph examined]. Genitalia slide #405 [figured examined] (VBC, see remarks below).

(2♀♀). Cuba: Pinar del Río: 2♀♀, same data as holotype (VBC). KAA diss. #0159; #0160, KAA_DNA_0034 (VBC).

Male. We were unable to examine any male specimens, so our redescription here is based on photographs of specimens in ISEZ and VBC and the figures available in Razowski and Becker (2010). Head. See Razowski and Becker (2010). Thorax. Scaling on dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax slightly darker than examined females. Forewing with basal quarter of costa gently curved, straight beyond; dorsal surface of forewing darker than female with more distinct banding: basal fascia and median fascia red-orange, fringe warm orange; dorsal surface of hindwing similar to female; ventral surface of wings unexamined. Abdomen. Vestiture similar to female. Genitalia (Razowski and Becker 2010: fig. 9) with uncus uniformly broad throughout, quadrate at apex; arms of gnathos moderate, unmodified, evenly curved; transtilla complete, narrowest mesad; valvae broad, circular; sacculus to 0.33×; presaccular gap moderate, uniform in width; juxta hexagonal with moderate notch, small setae present laterally; phallus (Razowski and Becker 2010: fig. 10) pistol-shaped, gently curved, caulis moderate; deciduous cornuti present (five observed in corpus bursae of one examined female), moderate in size, slightly undulate.

Female (n = 2). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex, frons, and labial palpus golden yellow to straw yellow. Scape with scales similarly colored; sensillae approximately 0.5 × width of flagellomere; scales on flagellomeres bicolored, alternating between a golden yellow apical row and a caramel brown basal row. Thorax. Typical of genus. Scales on dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax golden yellow; tegulae concolorous. Scaling on lateral surface of foreleg straw yellow, tarsi warm brown; scaling on midleg and hindleg pale yellow; medial surface of all legs with pale yellow scaling. Forewing (Fig. 5F) with basal quarter of costa gently curved, straight beyond; FWL 4.5–5.0 mm (mean = 4.8; n = 2); dorsal surface uniformly warm orange-yellow to golden yellow, fringe concolorous; dorsal surface of hindwing orange-yellow, strigulae absent, fringe concolorous; ventral surface of both wings similar to ventral surface but slightly paler. Abdomen. Vestiture concolorous with dorsal surface of hindwing, slightly darker terminally. Genitalia (Fig. 17B) with papillae anales triangular; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.5 × length of sternum VII; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.67 × length of sternum VII; sterigma lightly sclerotized, thin, broadly bowl-shaped; ductus bursae widening gradually anteriorly; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.2 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursae large, circular; signum moderate, moderately hooked at apex; capitulum moderately acute, opposite-facing.

Argyrotaenia vinalesiae is known from a series of specimens taken on a single night in Viñales, Cuba at an elevation of 100 m (Fig. 23).

Nothing is known of the biology of A. vinalesiae. The short series of this species was collected in August.

The holotype of A. vinalesiae is listed as a female in the original description, but the male adult and its genitalia illustrated are listed as the holotype. Both the holotype and paratype were found in ISEZ, not VBC as listed in Razowski and Becker (2010). The male specimen in ISEZ has a red holotype label, so we interpret the “female” in the description to be an error and the holotype to be male.

We were unable to find significant differences in male genitalia of A. vinalesiae and A. amatana. Despite their sympatry in western Cuba, differences in size and forewing pattern, as well as COI sequence divergences, support treating the two as distinct species (see remarks under A. amatana and A. jamaicana regarding these three species’ relationships).

Argyrotaenia jamaicana is strongly sexually dimorphic. Worn males could be confused with A. amatana because of their diminutive size, but the strongly concave costa at the distal third of the forewing of A. jamaicana (Fig. 5G) should easily separate them from males of A. amatana (Fig. 6E–H). Females are also similar to those of A. amatana, but also possess a strongly concave costa at the apical third of the forewing and have a less strongly contrasting forewing pattern (Fig. 5H) compared to females of A. amatana (Fig. 6A–D). Females could also be confused with females of A. felisana (Fig. 7E, F) from Hispaniola, another sexually dimorphic species, especially because some females of A. felisana also possess a strongly concave forewing costa (Fig. 7E). However, A. jamaicana females have a more orange overall hue in both the forewing and hindwing (Fig. 5H). Male genitalia of A. jamaicana (Fig. 15B) are likely to be confused with A. amatana, A. bisignata, and A. razowskiana. From A. amatana (Austin et al. 2019: fig. 3a), A. jamaicana differs in having a narrower uncus and longer terminal plate of the gnathos. From A. bisignata (Fig. 15A) it differs in having a much longer, thinner terminal plate of the gnathos and more curved phallus. From A. razowskiana (Fig. 15C) it differs in having a broader neck of the uncus and a more curved phallus. The female genitalia of A. jamaicana (Fig. 17A) most closely resemble those of the same three species, but can be separated by having smaller, less elongate papillae anales and a more evenly rounded capitulum. Both A. jamaicana and A. amatana occur on Jamaica, but they appear to be allopatric, with A. jamaicana restricted to mid- and high elevations and A. amatana to the immediate coast (Fig. 23).

Holotype ♂: Jamaica: Greenhills, Hardwar Gap, 27 iii 1936, E. Paine [examined]. Razowski genitalia slide #12274 [examined] (CMNH).

(17♂♂, 8♀♀). Jamaica: Portland: 2♂♂, 1♀, Green Hills, 11 iii [19]66, S.S. Duckworth, W.D. Duckworth (1♂ CUIC, remainder USNM). KAA diss. #0128(♀), (USNM). 3♂♂, Hardwar Gap, “Green Hills”, 16–17 vii 1963, Flint & Farr. One with JAP diss. #3182, USNM diss. ##68325 [examined] (USNM). 1♂, 1♀, 1 mi N Hardwar Gap, 12–20 xi 1966, E.L. Todd (♂ CUIC, ♀ USNM). KAA diss. #0127(♀) (USNM). St. Andrew: 1♀, Newcastle, Rothschild Bequest, B.M. 1939-1 (BMNH). 1♂, Newcastle, str. at mile 16.5, 30 vii 1962, O. Farr, R. Flint (USNM). 2♂♂, same as previous, but 18 vii 1963 (CUIC, USNM). 1♂, Chestervale, Yallahs River, 24–25 vii 1962, O. Farr, R. Flint, KAA diss. #0131 (USNM). 1♂, same as previous, but 17 vii 1963 (USNM). 1♂, Hermitage Dam, 22–23 vii 1962, O. Farr, R. Flint (USNM). St. Ann: 1♂, Moneague, Parthenium hysterophorus ex. 23 ii 1905, Wlsm, 77032. Walsingham Collection, 1910–427. [Tortrix partheniana type ♂]. St. Catherine: 4♂♂, 4♀♀, Mt. Diablo, Hollymount, 2754 ft., 21–24 iv [19]73, Don Davis, Mignon Davis (2♀♀ CUIC; remainder USNM, including 1♂ USNMENT01480198 and 1♀ USNMENT01480208). KAA diss. #0129 (♀) (USNM). 1♀, Worthy Park, 2.2 mi N on Camperdown Road, R.E. Woodruff, 18–25 ii [19]70, malaise trap (USNM).

Male (n = 17). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex straw yellow intermixed with a few light red-orange scales. Frons with scaling red-orange. Labial palpus with scales on lateral surface dull red-orange, with scattered straw yellow and brick red scales; medial surface pale yellow. Scape pale yellow to straw yellow; sensillae approximately same width as flagellomere, recurved, but not as strongly as in other Caribbean Argyrotaenia; dorsal scales of flagellum alternating between a basal row of mahogany red and apical row of red-orange scales. Thorax. Typical of genus. Dorsum of pro-and meso-thorax pale yellow to red-orange; tegulae concolorous, slightly darker in some specimens. Lateral surface of forelegs warm brown to dark brown, lateral surface of midlegs and hindlegs straw yellow to white, tarsi and tibial spurs occasionally warm brown. Medial surface of legs white. Forewing (Fig. 5G) costa with a conspicuous concavity at distal third, FWL 5.0–7.0 mm (mean = 5.9; n = 17). Scaling on dorsal surface of forewing with antemedian and postmedian interfasciae light yellow, strongly mottled with orange and ochraceous red throughout, banding obsolete in some specimens, well-developed in others; basal fascia, median fascia, and subapical blotch variable, sometimes nearly obsolete, visible only as faint brick red along costa, in other specimens jet black with a wash of blue-gray scales; fringe with apical half dark red-orange near apex, basal scales of fringe replaced with pale yellow scales towards tornus. Dorsal surface of hindwing golden orange; short fringe scales concolorous, longer scales pale yellow to off-white. Ventral surface of forewing orange, with white and ochraceous red markings along costa. Ventral surface of hindwing as on dorsal surface. Abdomen. Vestiture with scaling concolorous with hindwing, almost gold. Genitalia (Fig. 15B) with uncus moderate in width, narrowest at midpoint, slightly bulbous in distal third, apicoventral setae sparse, short; arms of gnathos unmodified, evenly curved, but with dorsal ridge giving appearance of it being strongly bent; tegumen moderate; transtilla thick, U-shaped; valva broadly circular; sacculus apparent at base to 0.5 × of valva, narrow beyond; dense cluster of slender deciduous setae at base of valva; presaccular gap relatively narrow; juxta hexagonal, shallowly notched; phallus evenly curved, caulis minute; approximately twelve cornuti in holotype, approximately 0.33 × length of phallus, thin, curved, deciduous.

Female (n = 8). Head. As in male except with extensive ochraceous red scaling on vertex, frons, and scape; lateral surface of labial palpus dull red-orange, with scattered brick red scales; sensillae short, porrect, no more than 0.5 × width of flagellum. Thorax. As in male but dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax with more extensive mahogany red scaling. Forewing with slightly more pronounced concavity along distal third of costa at subapical blotch; FWL 6.5–9.5 mm (mean = 7.6; n = 8). Dorsal surface of forewing (Fig. 5H) with banding more apparent than in male, mottling absent, basal fascia, median fascia, and subapical blotch mahogany red, but overlaid with purplish scaling, which is most noticeable under magnification. Submedian and subterminal interfascia straw yellow, but similarly overlaid with purplish scaling, obscuring most yellow scales. Fringe with apical lighter than male, apical half salmon pink, occasional brick red scales present. Dorsal surface of hindwing with fringe entirely concolorous with hindwing. Abdomen. Vestiture golden orange to warm brown. Genitalia (Fig. 17A) with papillae anales triangular, rounded laterally; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.5 × length of sternum VII; apophyses anteriores 0.75–1.0 × length of sternum VII; sterigma well-sclerotized, broadly bowl-shaped; ductus bursae widening gradually anteriorly; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.2 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursae large, ovoid; signum moderate in width, long, J-shaped; capitulum of signum prominent, evenly rounded.

Argyrotaenia jamaicana is known exclusively from Jamaica (Fig. 23) at mid- to high elevations (350–1230 m). It appears to be replaced by A. amatana on the immediate coast.

One male from BMNH was reared from Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae). It is likely a generalist. Capture dates range from February to November, suggesting several generations per year.

The above represents the first description of the female of A. jamaicana.

The holotype of Argyrotaenia minisignaria chalarostium was erroneously labeled as a female paratype of A. jamaicana. See the remarks under Claduncaria chalarostium for a full explanation. One male from BMNH is labeled as “Tortrix partheniana type ♂.” We can find no published record of this name and treat it as an unavailable manuscript name.

One male and one female were barcoded, but a sequence of > 500 bp was only recovered for the female, so we are unable to discuss sequence divergence within this species. See the remarks under A. amatana regarding this species’ relationship to it. COI sequence divergence between A. jamaicana (n = 1) and A. vinalesiae (n = 1) was 3.2%.

Argyrotaenia amatana is a highly variable species, making it difficult to diagnose externally. Specimens from the same populations can vary dramatically in coloration, size, and maculation. It is most likely to be confused with A. jamaicana and A. vinalesiae, its two closest Caribbean relatives based on COI sequence data (Figs 3, 4). Argyrotaenia amatana (Fig. 6) differs from A. vinalesiae (Fig. 5F) in having a distinctly banded and slightly larger forewing, and in having a thinner, more curved signum in the female genitalia (Austin et al. 2019: fig. 4a) compared to A. vinalesiae (Fig. 17B); the male genitalia of the two are indistinguishable. It differs from A. jamaicana (Fig. 5G, H) in lacking a distinct concavity along the distal third of the forewing costa (Fig. 6) and having a wider presaccular gap in the male genitalia (Austin et al. 2019: fig. 3a) compared to A. jamaicana (Fig. 15B); the female genitalia of the two are indistinguishable.

Figure 6. 

Argyrotaenia amatana adults. A A. amatana ♀ (holotype of A. neibana syn. nov.), Dominican Republic (CMNH) B A. amatana ♀ (holotype of A. ochrochroa syn. nov.), Turks & Caicos (CMNH) C A. amatana ♀, The Bahamas (MEM) D A. amatana ♀, Cuba (USNM) E A. amatana ♂, Florida (CUIC) F A. amatana ♂, Cuba (USNM) G A. amatana ♂, Grand Cayman (BMNH) H A. amatana ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH).

Lophoderus amatana : Syntypes 3♀♀: USA: Florida: Palm Beach Co., Palm Beach, r.f. Nectandra [=Ocotea] [photos examined] (USNM). Argyrotaenia neibana: Holotype ♀: Dominican Republic: Ba[h]oruco: Sierra de Neiba, Los Guineos on upper Rio Colorado, 18°35'N, 71°11'W, 630 m, 11–12 viii 1990, mesic riparian woodland, J. Rawlins, S. Thompson [examined]. Razowski genitalia slide #1698 [examined] (CMNH). Argyrotaenia ochrochroa: Holotype ♀: TURKS & CAICOS: Providenciales: Erebus Hotel area, ca. 21°48'N, 72°15'W, 28–30 i 1978, at hotel lights, H. Clench, M. Clench [examined]. Razowski genitalia slide #10695 [examined] (CMNH).

(60♂♂, 33♀♀). The Bahamas: Cat Island: 1♂, vic. Ocean Dream Resort, E of Smith Town, 24.232273, -75.454536, 23 vi 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, D. Matthews, G. Goss, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-15, MGCL 238585 (MGCL). 1♀, same as previous, but MGCL 238590 (MGCL). 1♂, same as previous, but MGCL 238601 (MGCL). Crooked Island: 1♂, 1.5 mi. E of Landrail Pt., 22.813263, -74.321186, 10 vi 2013, M. Simon, G. Goss, M. Simon MGCL Accession No. 2013-21, MGCL 233031, KAA diss. #0001 (MGCL). 1♀, same as previous, but 6 vi 2013, M. Simon & G. Goss, MGCL 234816 (MGCL). 1♀, same as previous, but MGCL 232998 (MGCL). 1♀, Pittstown Point, 22.831211, -74.438717, 9 vi 2013, M. Simon, G. Goss, M. Simon MGCL Accession No. 2013-21, MGCL 232999 (MGCL). 1♀, N side of Horseshoe Beach nr. Gun Bluff, 22.835432, -74.323017, 6 vi 2013, M. Simon, G. Goss, M. Simon MGCL Accession No. 2013-21, MGCL 232997 (MGCL). 1♂, 0.5 mi. E of Ferry at Church Grove Settlement, 22.758933, -74.242501, 6 vi 2014, M. Simon & M. Simon, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-13, MGCL 236778 (MGCL). Eleuthera: 1♂, N of Queen’s Hwy, 2.4 mi. SE Governor’s Harbour, 25.174333, -76.2105, 26 vi 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, D. Matthews, G. Goss, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-15, D. Matthews Genitalia Prep. #1800, MGCL 239708 (MGCL). Grand Bahama: 1♂, vic. Owl’s Hole, 26.587496, -78.469854, 27 x 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, R. Rozycki, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-31, MGCL 241372 (MGCL). Great Exuma: 1♂, SW of Hoopers Bay, 23.518167, -75.823667, 26 v 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, D. Matthews, G. Goss, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-14, MGCL 235147, KAA diss. #0002 (MGCL). 1♂, same as previous, but MGCL 234182 (MGCL). 1♀, same as previous, but MGCL 235148, KAA diss. #0003 (MGCL). 1♀, Simons Pt., 23.31.50, 75.47.30 [23.53238, -75.79478], 18 iv 1986, T. L. McCabe (MEM). 1♀, same as previous, but 17 i 1980 (MEM). Great Inagua: 1♀, 3 mi. SW of Morton dock, 21.022222, -73.685556, 27 vii 2014, M. J. Simon, G. Goss, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-21, MGCL 237690 (MGCL). 1♀, 1.3 mi. NNE of Morton dock, 21.066111, -73.638056, 27 vii 2014, M. J. Simon, G. Goss, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-21, MGCL 238059, KAA diss. #0004 (MGCL). Long Island: 1♂, NE of Whitehouse, 23.407167, -75.160500, 1 vi 2014, J. Miller, G. Goss, M. Simon, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-14, MGCL 235953 (MGCL). 1♀, Deadman’s Cay, vic. airport, 23.1755, -75.096333, 29 v 2014, J. Miller, G. Goss, M. Simon, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-14, MGCL 235817 (MGCL). Mayaguana: 1♂, Pirates Well, Baycaner Beach, 22.435833, -73.102222, 31 vii–1 viii 2014, M. J. Simon, G. Goss, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-21, MGCL 237511, KAA diss. #0005 (MGCL). New Providence: 1♂, Adventure Learning Zoo off Marshall Rd., 25.004472, -77.353807, 10 iv 2014, J. Miller, M. Mundle, D. Matthews & Entomology Class, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-10, MGCL 235078 (MGCL). North Abaco: 1♀, 1 mi. S of Blackwood Village, 26.785115, -77.431319, 6 vi 2016, J. Miller, M. Simon, G. Goss, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2016-09, MGCL 246725 (MGCL). North Andros: 1♂, Stanyard Creek Road, 24.730556, -77.886111, 6–7 vi 2013, J. Miller, M. Simon, G. Goss, A. Shahan, J. Y. Miller coll[ectio]n, MGCL Accession #2010-45, MGCL 233013 (MGCL). San Salvador: 1♂, beach NE of Gerace Research Centre, 24.120114, -74.461898, 24 vii 2015, D. Matthews, T. A. Lott, R. W. Portell, San Salvador Island Survey ID, D. Matthews et al., MGCL Acc. #2015-57, MGCL 243204, KAA diss. #0006 (MGCL). South Andros: 1♀, farm road N The Bluff, 24.130088, -77.59068, 30 iii 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, R. Rozycki, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-9, MGCL 233852 (MGCL). Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman: 2♂♂, N coast of North Side, 9 vii 1938, C.B. Lewis, G.H. Thompson, Light Trap B, 17 iv–26 viii 1938, Oxf. Un. Cayman Is. Biol. Exped. (BMNH). 1♂, same as previous, but 5 vii 1938 (BMNH). 1♂, N coast of Rum Point, 4 v 1938, C.B. Lewis, G.H. Thompson, Light Trap, 17 iv–26 viii 1938, Oxf. Un. Cayman Is. Biol. Exped., KAA diss. #0038 (BMNH). 1♂, East end of East End, 16 v 1938, C.B. Lewis, G.H. Thompson, Light Trap B, 17 iv–26 viii 1938. Oxf. Un. Cayman Is. Biol. Exped., KAA diss. #0039 (BMNH). Cayman Brac: 2♀♀, West end of Cotton-tree Land, 22 v 1938, C.B. Lewis, G.H. Thompson, Light Trap B, 17 iv–26 viii 1938. Oxf. Un. Cayman Is. Biol. Exped, KAA diss. #0040 (BMNH). Cuba: Havana: 1♂, District of Habana [Havana], 1934, Father Roberto, Rothschild Bequest (BMNH). Guantánamo: 2♂♂, Baracoa, ix–[19]02, W. Schaus, 1905–244, one with KAA diss. #0037 (BMNH). 2♀♀, B[ara]coa, collection Wm. Schaus. KAA diss. #0197 (USNM). 1♂, Imías, La Farola, 700 m, vii 1990, V. O. Becker (VBC). Holguín: 3♂♂, Mayari, Loma de la Bandera, 12 vii 1990, V. O. Becker (VBC). 17♂♂, 8♀♀, Pinares de Mayari, 640 m, vii 1990, V. O. Becker (VBC). Cienfuegos: 1♂, nr. Pasa Caballos, 6 km S Cienfuegos, 13–14 ii 1981, 10 m, D.R. Davis (CUIC). Pinar del Río: 1♂, Mogote dos Hermanos, 3 km W Viñales, 7–8 ii 1981, ca. 150 m, D.R. Davis. USNM genitalia slide #142190 (USNM). 1♂, Las Animas, Sierra Rangel, 1500 ft., 28 iv [19]33, S.C. Bruner & A.R. Otero. E.E.A. Cuba, Ento. No. 10156. USNM diss. #68330 [examined] (USNM). 10♂♂, 1♀, Sierra del Rosario, 400 m, 5–15 vi 1990, V. O. Becker (VBC). Sancti Spíritus: 2♂♂, Topes de Collantes, Canchánchara Repressa, 21°54.4'N, 80°1.4'W, 9 xii 1994, D.R. Davis; KAA diss. #0036; USNMENT01480181 (USNM). Santiago de Cuba: 1♂, Loma del Gato, Sierra del Cobre, Oriente, 24–30 ix 1935, 2600 ft., J. Acuña, S.C. Bruner, L.C. Scaramuzza. E.E.A. Cuba Ento. No. 10584. USNM diss. #68331 [examined] (USNM). 1♂, La Gran Piedra, 1100 m, 18–21 vii 1990, O. Becker (VBC). 1♂, 1♀, Sierra Maestra, Pico Cuba, 1500 m, 31 vii 1990, V. O. Becker (VBC). 1♂, Turquino, 470 m, 27–29 vii 1990, V. O. Becker (VBC). Dominican Republic: Azua: 2♂♂, East side of crest, Sierra Martin Garcia, 7 km WNW Barrero, 18°21'N, 70°58'W, 860 m, 25–26 vii 1992, cloud forest adjacent to disturbed forest, C. Young, R. Davidson, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0095, #0096 (CMNH). Dajabon: 1♀, 13 km S Loma de Cabrera, ca. 400 m, 20–22 v 1973, Don & Mignon Davis; KAA diss. #0094; USNMENT01480185 (USNM). La Estrelleta: 1♀, 4 km SE Rio Limpio, ca. 760 m, 24–25 v 1973, Don & Mignon Davis (USNM). Pedernales: 1♀, 26 km N Cabo Rojo, 18°06'N, 71°38'W, 730 m, 16 vii 1992, mesic deciduous forest with scattered pines, C. Young, R. Davidson, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins, KAA_DNA_0001, KAA diss. #0093 (CMNH). Jamaica: Clarendon: 2♀♀, nr. Jackson Bay Cave, 1.5 mi SE Jack. Beach, 50 ft., 4 v 1973, Don Davis, Mignon Davis; USNMENT01480187 (USNM).

A redescription was given in Austin et al. (2019). However, having now seen specimens from the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the Turks & Caicos, we can say a little more about the range of forewing pattern variation in A. amatana. Surprisingly, forewing pattern (Fig. 6) is most variable among populations on small islands such as the Florida Keys, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. Both the strongly contrasting (Fig. 6E, G) and weakly contrasting (Fig. 6F, H) forms of the males exist together on these islands. Peninsular Florida, Cuba, and Hispaniola possess predominantly the weakly contrasting form of A. amatana males. Twelve deciduous cornuti were present in one specimen examined.

Argyrotaenia amatana is one of only four Caribbean Argyrotaenia species known from lower elevations (A. flavoreticulana, The Bahamas; A. kimballi, The Bahamas; A. vinalesiae, Cuba) and it is by far the most common species in collections. It is widespread in the northern Caribbean, with records from Florida, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands (Fig. 23). Most specimens were collected along the coast at elevations below 100 m. However, on both Cuba and Hispaniola there exist populations at much higher elevations (400–1500 m). On Jamaica, the species appears to be replaced by A. jamaicana at mid- to high elevations.

Polyphagous. The known hostplants for A. amatana are listed by Austin et al. (2019). This species can be found year-round at lower elevations, but may have a more restricted flight period at higher elevations on Cuba and Hispaniola.

We propose the synonymy of A. ochrochroa Razowski and A. neibana Razowski with A. amatana because the genitalia of the holotypes of these two species are indistinguishable from those of A. amatana. The forewings of the two species, though highly divergent, are within the range of variation of A. amatana (see Austin et al. 2019). Razowski (1999) did not refer to A. amatana in his diagnoses, and we suspect that this is because A. amatana had not been yet been recorded in the Caribbean when these two species were described.

Argyrotaenia ochrochroa Razowski, 1999 (Fig. 6B) is known from a single female collected in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. Razowski mistakenly listed it as being from the Dominican Republic and it was not given a detailed diagnosis. This error was repeated in subsequent publications. Razowski & Becker, 2000b compared its genitalia to those of Argyrotaenia nuezana, from which it can be easily separated by forewing pattern alone. Argyrotaenia ochrochroa looks much like A. amatana but with unusually distinct gray suffusions on the wings. The genitalia are indistinguishable from those of A. amatana from neighboring islands in The Bahamas.

The case of A. neibana (Fig. 6A) is slightly more noteworthy because of the higher elevation from which the female holotype was collected (630 m). Similar specimens from Hispaniola and Cuba range in elevation from 400–1500 m. On Hispaniola, none are known from the coast, but this may be an artifact of sampling bias more than a distributional anomaly. We found no significant differences between the holotype genitalia and those of A. amatana, corroborating Austin et al. (2019). Mid-elevation males from Hispaniola have genitalia indistinguishable from those of A. amatana. Forewing patterns of the examined Hispaniolan and Cuban specimens match closely with the “typical” form of A. amatana from Florida. Unfortunately, we were only able to examine photographs of mid- and high-elevation Cuban specimens in ISEZ and VBC and unable to dissect males for comparison.

Among Caribbean taxa, COI sequence data strongly support a clade composed of A. amatana, A. vinalesiae, and A. jamaicana (Figs 3, 4). Maximum COI sequence divergence was 0.5% among barcoded specimens of A. amatana used in this study (n = 3). Minimum COI sequence divergence between A. amatana (n = 3) and A. vinalesiae (n = 1) was 1.6%; and for A. amatana (n = 3) and A. jamaicana 2.8% (n = 1).

Argyrotaenia flavoreticulana is unlikely to be confused with any described Caribbean Archipini. Its straw yellow FW with obsolete banding (Austin et al. 2019: fig. 2a–c) separate it from all other Caribbean species in the tribe. See Austin et al. (2019) for a full diagnosis.

Holotype ♂: The Bahamas: Great Exuma: Simons Pt, 23.31.50, 75.47.30 [23.53238, -75.79478], 10 iv 1986, Tim L. McCabe, (CUIC) [examined]. Paratypes (2♂♂, 2♀♀): The Bahamas: Long Island: 1♂, blue hole E of Anderson, 23.533233, -75.237334, 31 v 2014, J. Miller, G. Goss, M. Simon, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-14, MGCL 236227, K.A. diss. #0008 (MGCL). 1♀, same as previous, but Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-14, D. Matthews Genitalia Prep. #1843 MGCL 236228 (MGCL). South Andros: 1♂, W of The Bluff Settlement, 24.106939, -77.557659, 29 iii 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, R. Rozycki, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-9, D. Matthews Genitalia Prep. #1825, MGCL 233628 (MGCL). Great Exuma: 1♀, Simons Pt, 23.31.50, 75.47.30 [23.53238, -75.79478], 17 i 1980, Tim L. McCabe(TM) [all examined].

See Austin et al. 2019.

Argyrotaenia flavoreticulana is known from Great Exuma, Long Island, and South Andros Island in The Bahamas (Austin et al. 2019).

Nothing is known of the biology of A. flavoreticulana. Specimens have been collected from January to April.

Argyrotaenia kimballi is most similar to A. amatana, which also occurs in The Bahamas. It can be separated from the latter by its conspicuously bicolored median fascia, which is uniformly colored in A. amatana.

Holotype ♂: USA: Florida: Highlands Co., Archbold Biological Station, 10 ii 1958, R. W. Pease, Jr., genitalia on slide, no. 509-Obr. (AMNH) [photo examined]. Paratypes (5♂♂, 1♀): USA: 2♂♂, same as holotype but 25 xii 1957 and 5 i 1958 [not examined]. 3♂♂, same as holotype but 31 xii 1959, 5 i 1960, and 14 i 1960, S.W. Frost [not examined] (Collection of C.P. Kimball, possibly donated to AMNH after Kimball’s death). 1♀, same as holotype but 22 ii 1958 (genitalia on slide, no. 510-Obr.) [not examined] (AMNH).

(5♂♂). The Bahamas: North Andros: 1♂, Captain Bill’s Blue Hole, 24.742046, -77.862031, 13 vi 2012, Mark Simon, Gary Goss, Rick Rozycki & Michael Simon, M. Simon MGCL Accession No. 2012-28, MGCL 233014 (MGCL). 1♂, 2.4 mi. S of Staniard Creek, dirt road W of Queen’s Hwy., 24.797594, -77.888264, 27 x 2011, J.Y. Miller, M. Simon, G. Goss, D. Matthews, MGCL Accession No. 2011-32, MGCL 233015 (MGCL). South Abaco: 1♂, Schooner Bay, coppice trail, 26.167000, -77.181167, 30 x 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, R. Rozycki, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-31, D. Matthews Genitalia Prep. #1795, MGCL 238664 (MGCL); 1♂, Schooner Bay Institute, 26.161333, -77.187667, 31 x 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, R. Rozycki, D. Matthews, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-31, MGCL 241639 (MGCL); 1♂, vicinity of Sawmill Sink, 26.218346, -77.210170, 31 x 2014, J. Miller, M. Simon, R. Rozycki, D. Matthews, N. & M. Albury, Bahamas Survey MGCL Accession No. 2014-31, MGCL 241702 (MGCL).

See Austin et al. 2019.

Argyrotaenia kimballi is known in the USA from east Texas to Florida, north to Tennessee and Maryland. In the Caribbean, it has only been recorded from The Bahamas (Austin et al. 2019).

Argyrotaenia kimballi is reported to be a minor pest on Citrus in Florida (Bullock et al. 1997). Its food preference in the Caribbean is unknown, but it is likely a generalist.

Argyrotaenia bisignata (Fig. 7A–D) is most similar to A. felisana (Fig. 7E–H). It is most easily separated by distribution and male genitalia. Argyrotaenia bisignata is endemic to the Sierra de Bahoruco of the Dominican Republic and likely occurs in neighboring regions of Haiti (Fig. 24B). Argyrotaenia felisana occurs on every mountain range in the Dominican Republic except the western portion of Sierra de Bahoruco (Fig. 24B). Adults cannot be separated reliably by forewing pattern. Male genitalia of A. bisignata differ in possessing a significantly wider neck of the uncus (Fig. 15A) compared to A. felisana (Fig. 14E). In most specimens, dissection is not necessary; scales can be gently brushed from the tip of the abdomen to expose the critical structures. Female genitalia are typical of genus. Razowski (1999) mentioned the presence of a “minute basal sclerite at base of [corpus] bursae” and the absence of the basal sclerite of the ductus bursae. There is a sclerite near the base of the corpus bursae in the examined type material and one KAA dissection, but this character is present in other species of Argyrotaenia and may be variable. Females are best identified through association with males or by distribution.

Figure 7. 

Argyrotaenia adults. A A. bisignata holotype ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH) B A. bisignata, ♂ Dominican Republic (CMNH) C A. bisignata paratype ♀, Dominican Republic D A. bisignata paratype ♀, Dominican Republic (CMNH) E A. felisana holotype ♀, Dominican Republic (CMNH) F A. felisana ♀, Dominican Republic (CUIC) G A. felisana ♂, Dominican Republic (CUIC) H A. felisana ♂, Dominican Republic (CUIC).

Holotype ♂: Dominican Republic: Pedernales: 5 km NE Los Arroyos, 18°15'N, 71°45'W, 1680 m, 17–18 vii 1990, C. Young, J.E. Rawlins, S. Thompson [examined], Razowski genitalia slide #10711 [examined] (CMNH). Paratypes (16♂♂, 2♀♀): same as holotype or with dates 15–16 vii 1990 (1♂) or 28 vii 1990 (3♂♂, 1♀). Razowski genitalia slides #10712(♀) [slide examined]; #10713(♀), KAA_DNA_0004 [slide not examined]; 10714(♂) [slide not examined]; KAA diss. #0041 (♂, see remarks), KAA_DNA_0002; KAA diss. #0044(♂), KAA_DNA_0003 [9♂♂, 2♀♀ adults examined] (CMNH).

(5♂♂, 2♀♀). Dominican Republic: Pedernales: 5♂♂, 5 km NE Los Arroyos, 1680 m, 18°15'N, 71°45'W, 30 ix 1991, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins, cloud forest (4 CMNH, 1 CUIC). KAA diss. #0055 (CMNH). 1♀, La Abeja, 38 km NNW Cabo Rojo, 18°09'N, 71°38'W, 1250 m, 15 vii 1987, J.E. Rawlins, R.L. Davidson, green paratype label, not a paratype label (see remarks). 1♀, 5 km NE Los Arroyos, 18°15'N, 71°45'W, 1680 m, 17–18 vii 1990, C. Young, J.E. Rawlins, S. Thompson, green paratype label, not a paratype label (see remarks), Razowski genitalia slide #10715 [slide not examined].

Male (n = 15). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex pale yellow. Frons predominantly dark brown, intermixed with pale yellow and mahogany red scales. Labial palpus with scales on lateral surface of all three segments dark brown, occasionally with mahogany red scales toward apex of second segment; second segment expanded apically. Medial surface of palpus pale yellow. Scape dark brown basally, pale yellow apically; sensillae approximately 0.75–1.00 × width of flagellomere, recurved; dorsal scales of flagellum alternating between a dark brown and pale yellow row. Thorax. Typical of genus. Dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax concolorous with vertex; tegulae similar, but intermixed with dark brown and mahogany red scales. Forelegs and midlegs with lateral surface dark brown. Hindlegs entirely pale yellow to white. Medial surface of legs pale yellow to white. FWL 7.0–8.5 mm (mean = 7.2 mm; n = 15); basal quarter of costa gently curved, straight beyond except for minute concavity along subapical blotch at apical third. Dorsal surface of forewing (Fig. 7A, B) distinctly bicolored, with antemedian and postmedian interfascia nearly white, with faint strigulae throughout, but most noticeably in the subterminal area. Basal fascia, median fascia, and subapical blotch brick red to brown. Tornal blotch faint. This combination gives most males of this species a very “clean” appearance. There is a small, but usually distinctive dark brown dot at the end of the discal cell. Fringe with apical half brick red, tornal half off-white. Dorsal surface of hindwing pale yellow to white, becoming pale brown towards apex, with faint strigulae throughout, most noticeably at apex. Fringe with short pale brown scales along entire outer margin and longer off-white scales also present along posterior half. Ventral surface of forewing dark brown, pale yellow along costa from 0.5 × length to apex with dark brown dots. Ventral surface of hindwing white to pale yellow with dark brown dots, larger than on dorsal surface, concentrated along costal edge. Abdomen. Vestiture with basal segments pale yellow, apical segments dark brown. Genitalia (Fig. 15A) with uncus widening gradually, bulb approximately 2 × width of neck, unmodified, rounded at apex; arms of gnathos broad, unmodified, abruptly deflexed near terminal plate, which is notched at base; tegumen unmodified; transtilla complete, unmodified; valvae rounded; sacculus to 0.33 ×; dense cluster of similar setae present at base of valvae; juxta diamond-shaped with shallow notch; phallus pistol-shaped, slightly bent at apex; caulis reduced; approximately 14–16 cornuti present in two specimens examined (including holotype), 0.33 × length of phallus, moderate in width, slightly undulate, deciduous.

Female (n = 4). Head. As in male except lateral surface of palpus sometimes with more prominent mahogany red scaling, antennae with sensillae minute, approximately 0.25 × width of flagellomere. Thorax. As in male in coloring on legs, thorax occasionally dark brown. Forewing (Fig. 7C, D) larger, with FWL 7.5–8.5 mm (mean = 8.1 mm; n = 4); concavity at distal third slightly more apparent in most specimens. Dorsal surface of forewing similar in pattern (Fig. 7C), but often less contrasting in color: some specimens with antemedian and postmedian interfasciae heavily suffused with red-orange (Fig. 7D). Fringe with short dark gray scales present basally on apical half; long pale red to off-white scales present on tornal half. Frenulum with three bristles. Abdomen. Vestiture as in male. Genitalia (Fig. 16F) with papillae anales triangular; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.5 × length of sternum VII; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.67 × length of sternum VII; sterigma lightly sclerotized, quadrate; ductus bursa narrow at base, gradually widening to corpus bursae; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.15 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursa large, ovoid, with a small basal sclerite; signum long, thin, J-shaped; capitulum of signum globose, smooth.

Argyrotaenia bisignata is restricted to the Sierra de Bahoruco in the Dominican Republic (Fig. 24B). It is expected to occur in the Chaîne de la Selle of neighboring Haiti. Records are from 1250 to 2070 m elevation.

Nothing is known of the biology of A. bisignata. Specimens range in capture date from May to November, with most specimens examined taken in July.

Razowski included two female paratypes in his original description, but we have examined four females with paratype labels and have seen a fifth in ISEZ. According to ICZN Article 72.4.5, only the two listed in Razowski (1999) are to be considered paratypes (ICZN 1999). Because two female specimens with paratype labels share the same data labels, we have selected one as a paratype. We have affixed an additional label beneath the two specimens examined which were not included in Razowski (1999) explaining this. The same should be done with the specimen in ISEZ and any other such female specimens found.

One male paratype (KAA diss. #0041, KAA_DNA_0002) was found to differ from the rest of the type series in both forewing pattern and genitalia. COI barcoding suggests it is a close relative of A. cryptica, but differences in both forewing pattern and genitalia suggest that they may not be conspecific.

COI barcoding revealed 0% sequence divergence between the two specimens of A. bisignata sampled.

Argyrotaenia felisana (Figs 7E–H, 14E, 16E) most closely resembles A. bisignata (Figs 7A–D, 15A, 16F) in forewing appearance and genitalia. See the diagnosis under that species.

Holotype ♀: Dominican Republic: Independencia: Sierra de Neiba, just south of crest, 5 km WNW Angel Feliz, 1780 m, cloud forest, 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 13–15 x 1991, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson (CMNH) [examined], Razowski genitalia slide #10692 [examined] (CMNH).

(14♂♂, 35♀♀). Dominican Republic: Azua: 1♂, East side of crest, Sierra Martin Garcia, 7 km WNW Barrero, 18°21'N, 70°58'W, 860 m, 25–26 vii 1992, cloud forest adjacent to disturbed forest, C. Young, R. Davidson, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0076 (CMNH). Barahona: 1♀ (abdomen missing), nr. Filipinas Larimar Mine, 6–11 vii 1993, R.E. Woodruff, KAA_DNA_0060 (FSCA). 1♀, Eastern Sierra Bahoruco, Reserva Cachote, 11.3 km NNW Paraiso, 18°05'54"N, 71°11'21"W, 1230 m, cloud forest with tree ferns, 3 v 2006, R. Davidson, C. Nunez, D. Koenig, J. Hyland, J. Fetzner, C. Young, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0056, KAA_DNA_0005 (CMNH). Elías Piña: 1♂, Sierra de Neiba, 9.0 km WSW Hondo Valle, 18°41'34"N, 71°46'52"W, 1843 m, 25 vi 2003, disturbed montane woodland with pine, J. Rawlins, C. Young, R. Davidson, C. Nunez, P. Acevedo, M. de la Cruz, KAA diss. #0046 (CMNH). Independencia: 1♂, 2♀♀, same data as holotype (1♂ CUIC, remainder CMNH). KAA diss. #0045(♂, CUIC); #0070(♀), KAA_DNA_0014 (CMNH). 1♂, 15♀♀, Sierra de Neiba near crest, 5.5 km NNW Angel Feliz, 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 1750 m, 21–22 vii 1992, dense cloud forest, J. Rawlins, S. Thompson, C. Young, R. Davidson (1♀ CUIC, remainder CMNH). KAA diss. #0042(♂), KAA_DNA_0017; #0050(♀); #0081(♀) (CMNH). 1♂, 6♀♀, Sierra de Neiba, south slope near summit, 4.0 km N Angel Feliz, 18°40'21"N, 71°46'05"W, 1825 m, 1–2 iv 2004, broadleaf cloud forest without pine, J. Rawlins, C. Young, R. Davidson, #0051(♀), #0074(♂) (CMNH). 1♂, same data as previous except 1 v 2006, J. Hyland, C. Young, R. Davidson, D. Koenig, J. Fetzner, J. Rawlins (CMNH). 1♀, Sierra de Bahoruco, north slope, 13.5 km SE Puerto Escondido, 1789 m, ecotonal Pinus grassland 18°12'18"N, 71°31'08"W, 24–25 xi 2004, J.E. Rawlins, C. Young, C. Nunez, V. Verdecia, W.A. Zanol, KAA diss. #0054, KAA_DNA_0006 (CMNH). La Estrelleta [Independencia]: 1♂, Sierra de Neiba at crest, 5.5 km WNW N Angel Feliz, 1800 m, 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 15 x 1991, cloud forest, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0064 (CMNH). La Vega: 2♂♂, 1♀, La Palma, 12 km E of El Rio, 2–13 vi 1969, Flint & Gomez (1♂ CUIC, remainder USNM); KAA diss. #0077(♂), USNMENT01480223; USNMENT01480225 (♀) (USNM). 2♂♂, Convento, 12 km S of Constanza, 6–13 vi 1969, Flint & Gomez, KAA diss. #0079 (USNM). 1♂, Constanza, 2–6 vi 1969, Flint & Gomez (USNM). 1♀, Cordillera Central, 4.1 km SW El Convento, 18°50'37"N, 70°42'48"W, 1730 m, 31 v 2003, dense secondary evergreen forest with pine, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, C. Nunez, C. Young, P. Acevedo, KAA diss. #0080, KAA_DNA_0018 (CMNH). 1♂, same data as previous except 1710 m, 14 xi 2002, secondary broadleaf forest, W.A. Zanol, C.W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0047 (CMNH). 1♀, 2.5 km SW Pinar Bonito, 18°51'N, 70°43'W, 1430 m, 26 ix 1992, riparian vegetation near stream in pine woodland, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, M. Klingler, S. Thompson, KAA diss. #0071 (CMNH). Monseñor Nouel: 1♀, 1 km E Paso Alto de Casabito, 7 km NW La Ceiba, 1130 m, 19°02'N, 70°29'W, 28 vii 1992, cloud forest, R. Davidson, J. Rawlins, S. Thompson, C. Young (CUIC). Peravia [San José de Ocoa]: 1♂, 4♀♀, 3 km SW La Nuez, upper Rio Las Cuevas, 1880 m, 18°39'N, 70°36'W, 5–6 x 1991, cloud forest on river, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson (1♀ CUIC, remainder CMNH). KAA diss. #0043(♂), KAA_DNA_0016; #0082(♀), KAA_DNA_0015 (CMNH). Puerto Plata: 1♀, Pico El Murazo, north slope near summit, 19°41'N, 70°57'W, 910 m, 28 xi 1992, mesic deciduous forest, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, M. Klingler, S. Thompson, KAA diss. #0053, KAA_DNA_0019 (CMNH).

Male (n = 14). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex variable in color, usually with some combination of pale yellow, dark brown, or mahogany red. Frons dark brown, occasionally with mahogany red scales dorsally. Lateral surface of labial palpus with scales on first segment pale yellow, occasionally intermixed with dark brown scales; second and third segment dark brown and mahogany red. Medial surface of palpus intermixed with pale yellow and dark brown scales. Scape dark brown, nearly black, with a few mahogany red scales sometimes present apically. Sensillae approximately width of flagellomere, recurved; dorsal scales of flagellum alternating between a straw yellow and dark brown row. Thorax. Typical of genus. Dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax variable: either pale yellow, dark brown, or mahogany red or some combination thereof. Lateral surface of forelegs and midlegs dark brown; hindlegs pale yellow to white, tarsi and tarsal spurs warm brown. Medial surface of legs pale yellow to white. Forewing (Fig. 7G, H) with basal third of costa smoothly curved, straight beyond except for subtle concavity along subapical blotch at apical third; FWL 6.0–8.0 mm (mean = 6.8; n = 14). Dorsal surface of forewing with antemedian and postmedian interfasciae fascia light brown to white, with faint darker brown to black reticulations, which are most apparent near fringe. Basal fascia, median fascia, and subapical blotch dark brown or deep mahogany red; under magnification these areas tinted with gray or salmon pink scales, especially along inner margin. Tornal blotch faint to obsolete. Fringe with apical half salmon pink to mahogany red, occasionally with a few dark gray scales, tornal half concolorous with interfasciae. Dorsal surface of hindwing white to light brown, with faint dark brown strigulae, especially towards apex. Fringe with pale short brown scales present along entire margin, longer pale yellow scales present along entire margin, becoming darker at apex. Ventral surface of forewing warm brown, costa straw yellow with warm brown dots. Ventral surface of hindwing as on dorsal surface. Abdomen. Vestiture with first two segments pale yellow, remaining segments warm brown, becoming slightly darker terminally. Genitalia (Fig. 14E) with uncus extremely narrow at base, gradually widening to large bulb (acutely pointed in one population from near Constanza); apicoventral setae projecting laterally from bulb; arms of gnathos of unmodified, moderate, abruptly bent at terminal plate. Tegumen with small patch of sockets laterally; transtilla moderate, complete, unmodified; valvae ovoid; presaccular gap narrow, widening slightly at apex of valvae; sacculus to 0.33 × of valvae; juxta shallowly notched, with small patch of sockets laterally; phallus pistol-shaped, caulis reduced; approximately 5–18 cornuti observed: moderate, slightly undulate, approximately 0.25 × length of phallus, deciduous.

Female (n = 36). Head. As in male except scales on vertex predominantly pale yellow and antennal sensillae short, porrect, no more than 0.5 × width of flagellomere. Thorax. Dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax predominantly pale yellow, only rarely with dark brown of mahogany red scales, a few specimens with mahogany red posterior thoracic scale tuft. Tegulae concolorous with dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax. Legs as in male, but with hindlegs sometimes entirely warm brown. Dorsal surface of forewing (Fig. 7E, F) with slightly more pronounced concavity in some specimens (Fig. 7E) but nearly straight (Fig. 7F) in others; FWL 6.5–9.5 mm (mean = 8.0; n = 36); much wider dark brown or mahogany red median fascia as compared to male. Under magnification, the white antemedian and postmedian interfasciae almost completely overlaid by blue-gray and salmon pink scales, giving appearance of a much less contrasting overall forewing pattern and a slightly purple hue. Fringe with much more extensive dark gray scaling on apical half than in male, long brick red scales present from apex to near tornus. Frenulum with two or three bristles, asymmetrical in number in several specimens examined. Abdomen. Genitalia (Fig. 16E) with papillae anales triangular; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.5 × length of sternum VII; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.67 × length of sternum VII; sterigma broad, quadrate; ductus bursa approximately 1.5–2 × length of sternum VII, broadening anteriorly; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.25 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursae ovoid, with or without a minute sclerite at base; signum long, J-shaped; capitulum of signum globose, smooth.

Argyrotaenia felisana appears to be the most widespread Argyrotaenia in the Dominican Republic, occurring on all major mountain ranges, but has not been recorded in the western Sierra de Bahoruco, where it is replaced by A. bisignata (Fig. 24B). Collection localities range from 860 to 1880 m elevation.

Nothing is known of the biology of A. felisana. Examined specimens were collected from April to November, suggesting multiple generations per year.

The above represents the first description of the male of A. felisana. Initial associations based on wing pattern and shared locality data were subsequently confirmed with COI barcodes.

The specific epithet of this species is based on an incorrect transcription by Razowski. The holotype label reads “Angel Feliz”, but Razowski erroneously transcribed this part of the label as “Angel Felis” in the original description. However, because there is no clear evidence of inadvertent error within the original publication, the incorrect spelling must be retained (ICZN Article 32.5.1).

A series of five males from the vicinity of Constanza deposited in USNM differ in having a slightly spade-shaped uncus but otherwise agree with other males in genitalia and wing pattern. COI sequence divergence among barcoded specimens of A. felisana ranged from 0% to 3.3% (n = 9), but in the absence of significant observed morphological differences between populations, we choose to treat A. felisana as a single broadly distributed species on Hispaniola.

Argyrotaenia nuezana can be separated from all other Caribbean Archipini by its large size (FWL 8.5–10.5 mm), its dark chocolate brown color, and the presence of a dark L-shaped mark along the medial half of the inner margin of the median fascia in most specimens (Fig. 8A, B). In some females, this mark borders a distinctive rectangular patch of white scales (Fig. 8A). The male genitalia (Fig. 14D) are most similar to those of A. cubae (Fig. 14C) in that they both possess extremely wide folds of the valvae, but the uncus of A. nuezana expands apically. The female genitalia of A. nuezana (Fig. 16D) are typical of genus, but the signum is especially slender and strongly hooked.

Figure 8. 

Argyrotaenia adults. A A. nuezana holotype ♀, Dominican Republic (CMNH) B A. nuezana ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH) C A. cubae ♂, Cuba (VBC) D A. cubae ♀, Cuba (VBC) E A. browni sp. nov. holotype ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH) F A. browni sp. nov. paratype ♀, Dominican Republic (CUIC) G A. razowskiana sp. nov. paratype ♀, Dominican Republic (CMNH) H A. razowskiana sp. nov. holotype ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH).

Holotype ♀: Dominican Republic: La Vega: 24 km SE La Constanza, 18°44'N, 70°36'W, 2220 m, 16 viii 1990, grassland, J.E. Rawlins, S. Thompson [examined], Razowski genitalia slide #10694 [examined] (CMNH). Paratype (♀): Dominican Republic: Peravia [San José de Ocoa]: 3 km SW La Nuez, tributary to Rio Las Cuevas, 18°40'N, 70°36'W, 1870 m, 5–6 viii 1990. J Rawlins, S. Thompson [examined], Razowski genitalia slide #10693 [examined] (CMNH).

(12♂♂, 10♀♀). Dominican Republic: La Vega: 1♂, 6♀♀, 18 km SE Constanza, 18°46'N, 70°39'W, 2310 m, 25 xi 1992, M. Klingler, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, S. Thompson, pine woodland near head of small canyon (1♀ CUIC; remainder CMNH, including 1♀ with KAA_DNA_0008). KAA diss. #0027 (♀) (CMNH). 4♂♂, 2♀♀, Reserva Cientifica Valle Nuevo, Sector La Nevera, 3 km WNW La Nuez, 2200 m, 18°42'N, 70°36'W, 7 x 1991, C. Young, S. Thompson, R. Davidson, J. Rawlins, mesic pine woodland (1♂, 1♀ CUIC; remainder CMNH). KAA diss. #0023 (♂), #0024 (♀), #0028 (♂) (CMNH). 2♂♂, 1♀, Cordillera Central, Reserva Valle Nuevo, La Nevera, 15.3 km SE Valle Nuevo, 18°41'39"N, 70°35'28"W, 2244 m, 25 v 2003, wet montane forest with pine, R. Davidson, C. Young, C. Nunez, J. Rawlins, P. Acevedo (1♂ CUIC, remainder CMNH). 1♀, Cordillera Central, Valle Nuevo Station, 5.2 km ESE Valle Nuevo, 18°46'42"N, 70°38'22"W, 2277 m, 23 v 2003, open pine-shrub woodland, C. Young, J. Rawlins, C. Nunez, R. Davidson, C. Acevedo, KAA diss. #0026, KAA_DNA_0007 (CMNH). 2♂♂, 5.2 km ESE Valle Nuevo, Valle Nuevo Field Station, 18°46'40"N, 70°38'22"W, 2120 m, 12–13 xi 2002, pine forest and grassland, W.A. Zanol, C.W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins (CMNH). 3♂♂, Reserva Cientifica, Valle Nuevo, Sector La Nevera, 2150 m, 2 viii 1980, Allen Norrbom (1♂ CUIC, remainder CMNH).

Male (n = 12). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex primarily pale yellow, brick red anteriorly. Scales on frons with dorsal dark gray, nearly black, occasionally with portions pale yellow. Lateral surface of labial palpus with first segment pale yellow, second segment dark brown to black, third segment primarily straw yellow, occasionally entirely light brown. Some specimens have brick red scales present on second and third segments. Medial surface of palpus pale yellow. Scape variable, with any combination of aforementioned colors. Sensillae variable in length and shape, short (0.5 × width of flagellomere) and relatively porrect in some individuals, as wide as flagellomere and curved in others; scales on dorsal surface of flagellomeres variable in color, usually dominated by pale yellow and brick red, dark brown or black scales sometimes present. Thorax. Typical of genus. Scales on dorsum of pro- and mesothorax chocolate brown, tegulae chocolate brown to light brown. Foreleg and midleg dark brown to black, pale yellow at apex of segments; medial surface pale yellow to white. Hindleg as in foreleg and midleg, but occasionally all pale yellow to white. Forewing (Fig. 8B) with costa gently curved along basal third, straight or nearly so beyond; FWL 8.5–9.5 mm (mean = 9.0; n = 12); apex distinctly acute, dorsal surface with warm brown base, overlaid with chocolate brown to black basal fascia, median fascia and subapical blotch. In fresher specimens, there are chalky blue-gray scales on inner margin of median fascia and subapical blotch. There is often a distinctive dark L-shaped mark extending parallel to inner margin and intersecting it at two-thirds wing length. Fringe salmon pink with short chalky blue-gray scales at vein terminals. Ventral surface light brown to white, inner margin and apical half of costa pale yellow. Dorsal surface of hindwing light brown to white, strigulae becoming apparent towards apex; fringe with short pale brown scales present along entire margin, longer pale brown scales also present, but becoming distinctly paler along posterior margin. Ventral surface as on dorsal surface. Abdomen. Vestiture with basal segments pale yellow to white, apical segments warm brown. Genitalia (Fig. 14D) with uncus broad, neck gradually widening apically, bulb quadrate, approximately 2.0 × wider than base of neck; socius obsolete; arms of gnathos broad and of uniform width; terminal plate robust, short, notched at base; tegumen with small patch of sockets present laterally; transtilla complete, uniform in width, unadorned; valva broad, semicircular, membranous; sacculus to 0.33 ×, presaccular gap extremely wide, occupying approximately half of surface of valva; juxta diamond-shaped with shallow notch, sockets for setae present laterally; phallus pistol-shaped, bent at nearly 90° angle; caulis small; cornuti not observed in dissected specimens, but sockets present, presumably deciduous.

Female (n = 12). Head. As in male except antenna with sensillae minute, no more than 0.25 × width of flagellomere. Thorax. Thorax, foreleg, and midleg as in male. Hindleg only rarely brown, usually pale yellow to white. Forewing (Fig. 8A) length 8.5–10.5 mm (mean = 9.5; n = 12). Dorsal surface of forewing similar to that of male, but some specimens have a rectangular patch of white scales at midpoint of inner margin bordering dark L-shaped mark on the median fascia; patch more developed in some specimens than in others. Frenulum with 2–4 bristles, occasionally asymmetrical in number. Abdomen. Vestiture as in male. Genitalia (Fig. 16D) with papillae anales broad, triangular, rounded laterally; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.67 × length of sternum VII, very thin; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.75 × length of sternum VII, very thin; sterigma broad, deep (difficult to see in slide-mounted specimens); ductus bursae narrow at base, widening gradually to corpus bursae; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.25 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursae ovoid, with minute sclerite sometimes present at base of corpus bursae; signum long, thin, strongly hooked; capitulum with distinctly acute apex.

Argyrotaenia nuezana is restricted to the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic (Fig. 25B). All examined specimens are from La Vega and San José de Ocoa provinces, just south of Loma Alto de la Bandera at or above 1870 m elevation. Its range is likely restricted to this immediate area.

Capture dates range from March to November, suggesting multiple generations per year. Most include habitat labels mention the presence of pines, a putative host. The only native pine on Hispaniola is Pinus occidentalis Swartz (Pinaceae).

The above represents the first description of the male of A. nuezana. Association of the sexes was based on forewing pattern and shared localities and was subsequently confirmed with COI barcoding. COI sequence data of Caribbean species suggests that A. nuezana is sister to a Hispaniolan group of Argyrotaenia composed of A. bisignata, A. cryptica, A. felisana, A. paradisei, and A. razowskiana (Fig. 4). Whether or not this Hispaniolan group is monophyletic requires more extensive sampling of Argyrotaenia, especially in Central America.

Argyrotaenia cubae most closely resembles A. browni in both forewing pattern and genitalia. Overall, A. cubae (Fig. 8C, D) has a more strongly contrasting appearance to the forewing without any hint of red scaling on the interfasciae compared to A. browni (Fig. 8E, F). Male genitalia of A. cubae (Fig. 14C) differ from A. browni (Fig. 14B) in possessing more pointed valvae with a significantly wider presaccular gap and a longer, thinner uncus. Female genitalia of A. cubae (Fig. 16C) differ from A. browni (Fig. 16B) in possessing a longer, thinner signum with an evenly rounded capitulum and broader papillae anales.

Holotype ♂: Cuba: S[an]t[ia]go [de Cuba]: Sier[ra] Maestra, P[ico] Cuba, 1500 m, 31 vii 1990, V.O. Becker Col. 73584 [photograph examined], genitalia slide #016 [figure examined] (VBC, see remarks below). Paratype (1♀): same data as holotype (VBC) [not examined], genitalia slide #017 [figure examined] (VBC, see remarks below).

(3♂♂, 4♀♀) Cuba: S[an]t[ia]go [de Cuba]: 3♂♂, 1♀, same data as type series. KAA diss. #0162 (♂), KAA_DNA_0022; #0163(♀), KAA_DNA_0023 (VBC). Dominican Republic: Barahona: 1♀, Eastern Sierra Bahoruco, Reserva Cachote, 12.8 km NE Paraiso, 18°05'54"N, 71°11'21"W, 1230 m, cloud forest with tree ferns, 19–21 v 2004, C. Young, C. Nunez, J. Rawlins, J. Fetzner; KAA diss. #0103 (CMNH). 1♀, same as previous except 21–23 iii 2004; KAA diss. #0100; KAA_DNA_0062 (CMNH). La Vega: 1♀, 4.1 km SW El Convento, 18°50'37"N, 70°42'48"W, 1710 m, secondary broadleaf forest, 14 xi 2002, W.A. Zanol, C.W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins; KAA diss. #0102; KAA_DNA_0063 (CMNH).

Male (n = 3). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex, frons, and lateral surface of labial palpus pale brown to dark chocolate brown. Scales on medial surface of labial palpus pale brown to straw yellow. Scape concolorous with vertex; sensillae approximately width of flagellomere, strongly curved; dorsal scales of flagellum alternating between a dark reddish-brown and golden yellow row. Thorax. Dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax warm chocolate brown, tegulae concolorous. Forelegs with scaling on lateral surface concolorous with thorax; midlegs with scaling on lateral surface pale brown; hindleg entirely pale to straw yellow; medial surface of all legs with scaling straw yellow. FWL 8.5–9.0 mm (mean = 8.7 mm; n = 3). Dorsal surface of forewing (Fig. 8C) with basal third gently curved, straight or nearly so beyond; basal fascia, median fascia, subapical blotch, and terminal blotch chocolate brown; antemedian and postmedian interfasciae pale brown, salmon pink and light red-orange scales present under magnification; fringe pale red-orange intermixed with a few chocolate brown scales, especially on apical half. Dorsal surface of hindwing light brown; strigulae faint, but more apparent towards apex; fringe light brown, slightly darker at apex. Ventral surface of forewing pale brown, dorsal pattern faintly visible. Ventral surface of hindwing pale brown, strigulae more apparent than on dorsal surface. Abdomen. Vestiture concolorous with dorsal surface of hindwing, straw yellow at apex. Genitalia (Fig. 14C) with uncus uniform in width, unmodified, rounded at apex, apicoventral setae long, projecting laterally on neck; arms of gnathos of unmodified, moderate, evenly curved; tegumen moderate; transtilla moderate, complete, unmodified; valvae semicircular, pointed at apex; presaccular gap wide, occupying approximately 0.5 × surface of valvae; sacculus apparent at base to 0.75 × of valvae, narrow beyond; juxta minutely notched; phallus pistol-shaped, caulis reduced; cornuti short, rounded at base, slightly curved at tip; four deciduous cornuti present in one specimen examined.

Female (n = 4). Head. As in males but vertex and frons intermixed with mahogany red scaling. Antennal sensillae short, porrect, no more than 0.5 × width of flagellomere. Thorax. As in male but with tegulae intermixed with mahogany red scales. Forewing (Fig. 8D) similar in pattern to male, but specimens from Hispaniola with fasciae darker brown. FWL 8.0–9.0 mm (mean = 8.5 mm; n = 4). Abdomen. Vestiture as in males. Genitalia (Fig. 16C) with papillae anales elongate, triangular, slightly swollen posteriorly; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.4 × length of sternum VII; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.8 × length of sternum VII; sterigma broad, quadrate; ductus bursa approximately 1 × length of sternum VII, broadening anteriorly; ductus seminalis arising at 0.25 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursa ovoid; signum long, J-shaped; capitulum of signum evenly rounded, opposite-facing.

Argyrotaenia cubae is known from the Sierra Maestra range in southern Cuba, from the vicinity of Monumento Natural Miguel Domingo Fuerte on the eastern edge of the Sierra de Bahoruco in the Dominican Republic, and from the Cordillera Central in the Dominican Republic (Fig. 24C).

Nothing is known of the biology of A. cubae. Examined specimens were collected from March to November, suggesting multiple generations per year.

Both the holotype and paratype of Argyrotaenia cubae were found in ISEZ, not in VBC as listed in Razowski and Becker (2010). The females from the Dominican Republic agree well in forewing pattern, size, and genitalia to females from Cuba. Unfortunately, only one barcoded specimen yielded a COI sequence > 500 bp, so we are unable to discuss sequence divergence within this species with any level of significance.

Argyrotaenia browni most closely resembles A. cubae in both forewing pattern and genitalia. Argyrotaenia browni has a darker and redder overall hue to the forewing (Fig. 8E, F) compared to A. cubae (Fig. 8C, D). In addition, fresh specimens of A. browni are slightly more mottled and possess a distinct thin, black streak running parallel to the costa interrupting the median fascia. Male genitalia of A. browni (Fig. 14B) possess a broader uncus, more rounded valvae, and much narrower presaccular gap than A. cubae (Fig. 14C). Female genitalia of A. browni (Fig. 16B) possess a shorter, thicker signum, truncate capitulum, lateral edges of sterigma without significant sclerotization, and narrower papillae anales compared to A. cubae (Fig. 16C). Worn specimens could be confused with A. paradisei (Fig. 9E, F), with which it is sympatric on Sierra de Neiba. See the diagnosis of that species.

Holotype ♂: Dominican Republic: Independencia: Sierra de Neiba, south slope near summit, 4.0 km N Angel Feliz, 18°40'21"N, 71°46'05"W, 1825 m, 1–2 iv 2004, J. Rawlins, C. Young, R. Davidson, broadleaf cloud forest without pine (CMNH). HOLOTYPE Argyrotaenia browni Austin & Dombroskie [typed red label]. KAA diss. #0097 (CMNH). Paratypes (1♂, 2♀♀): Dominican Republic: Elias Piña [Independencia]: 1♀, Sierra de Neiba, 9.3 km SW Hondo Valle, 18°41'31"N, 71°47'03"W, 1901 m, 30 iv 2006, J. Rawlins, J. Hyland, R. Davidson, C. Young, D. Koenig, J. Fetzner, montane forest, Podocarpus, KAA diss. #0101 (CMNH). Independencia: 1♀, Sierra de Neiba near crest, 5.5 km NNW Angel Feliz, 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 1750 m, 21–22 vii 1992, J. Rawlins, S. Thompson, C. Young, R. Davidson, dense cloud forest. KAA diss. #0099, KAA_DNA_0021 (CUIC). La Estrelleta [Independencia]: 1♂, Sierra de Neiba at crest, 5.5 km WNW N Angel Feliz, 1800 m, 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 15 x 1991, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins, cloud forest, KAA diss. #0098, KAA_DNA_0020 (CMNH). All paratypes affixed with the following blue typed label: PARATYPE ♂/♀ Argyrotaenia browni Austin & Dombroskie, 2020.

(2♂♂, 2♀♀) Dominican Republic: La Vega [Monseñor Nouel]: 1♂, Loma del Casabito, 19°03'N, 70°31'W, 1390 m, wet cloud forest, 3 xi 2002, W.A. Zanol, C.W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0114, KAA_DNA_0032 (CMNH). 1♂ (abdomen missing), Cordillera Central, Loma Casabito, 15.8 km NW Bonao, 19°02'12"N, 70°31'08"W, 1455 m, evergreen cloud forest, east slope, 28 v 2003, J. Rawlins, C. Young, R. Davidson, C. Nunez, P. Acevedo, KAA_DNA_0033 (CMNH). La Vega: 1♀, Cordillera Central, Reserva Valle Nuevo, La Nevera, 15.6 km SE Valle Nuevo, 18°41'30"N, 70°35'24"W, dense cloud forest with pine, 2193 m, 25 iv 2006, J. Rawlins, C. Young, J. Fetzner, C. Nunez, KAA diss. #0125 (CMNH). Peravia [San José de Ocoa]: 1♀, 3 km SW La Nuez, upper Rio Las Cuevas, 18°39'N, 70°36'W, 1880 m, cloud forest on river, 5–6 x 1991, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, C. Young, S. Thompson; KAA diss. #0134; KAA_DNA_0061 (CMNH).

Male (n = 2). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex caramel brown. Scales on frons mahogany red intermixed with dark brown scales. Labial palpus with scales on lateral surface of all first and second segments predominantly dark brown, intermixed with pale yellow and mahogany red scales; third segment mostly pale yellow. Medial surface of palpus similar to lateral surface but with more pale yellow. Scape red-brown basally, pale yellow apically; sensillae approximately width of flagellomere, strongly curved; dorsal scales of flagellum alternating between scales of mahogany red and pale yellow. Thorax. Typical of genus. Dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax dark brown; tegulae variable, from mahogany red to dark brown to nearly white. Forelegs and midlegs dark brown with scattered pale yellow or mahogany red scales. Hindlegs variable, with some combination of dark brown, pale yellow, or mahogany scaling; tibial spurs of paratype bright orange. Medial surface of legs pale yellow to white. FWL 8.0–8.5 mm (mean = 8.3; n = 2); costa with basal third evenly curved, straight beyond. Ground color of forewing (Fig. 8E) chocolate brown, with antemedian and postmedian interfasciae warm brown with a slightly gray wash. More intricately colored under magnification, with submedian and postmedian fascia washed with salmon pink scales and bordered with light red-orange. Basal fascia, median fascia, subapical blotch, and tornal blotch intermixed with mahogany red scales. A diffuse black streak runs in the median area of the forewing to near the fringe. Fringe multicolored: short dark gray scales and longer salmon pink and brick red scales at apex, gradually replaced with short brick red scales and long salmon pink and light red-orange towards termen. Dorsal surface of hindwing pale brown, becoming darker towards apex, strigulae faint, becoming more apparent at apex. Fringe with pale brown scales present along entire margin, intermixed with a few brick red and gray scales at apex, longer off-white scales present along posterior half. Ventral surface of forewing warm brown, pale red-orange along costa. Ventral surface of hindwing white to pale brown with dark brown and salmon pink strigulae along costa to apex. Abdomen. Vestiture concolorous with dorsal surface of hindwing. Genitalia (Fig. 14B) with uncus moderate in width, uniform throughout, neck as wide as bulb, unmodified, rounded at apex, apicoventral setae long, projecting laterally; arms of gnathos moderate, unmodified, smoothly curved throughout; tegumen unmodified; transtilla complete, unmodified; valvae broadly rounded; sacculus to one-third; dense cluster similar setae present at costal half of base of valvae; juxta broadly rounded with shallow notch; phallus pistol-shaped, shallowly curved, caulis reduced; a single cornutus observed in one specimen, approximately 0.5 × length of phallus, moderate in width, straight, deciduous.

Female (n = 2). Head. As in male except lateral scales on palpus predominantly pale yellow. Sensillae minute, no more than 0.5 × width of flagellomere, porrect. Thorax. As in male but forewing (Fig. 8F) slightly larger: FWL 10.0–10.5 mm (mean = 10.3 mm; n = 2) and with black medial streak on dorsal surface of forewing more apparent. Fewer light red-orange scales on forewing, with markings more well-defined. Hindwing fringe with more extensive red and gray scaling at apex. Frenulum with three bristles. Abdomen. Vestiture as in male. Genitalia (Fig. 16B) with papillae anales narrow, slightly curved laterally; apophyses posteriores and anteriores both approximately 0.67 × length of sternum VII; sterigma lightly sclerotized, quadrate; ductus bursa 1.75 × length of corpus bursae, broad for almost entire length; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.2 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursa small for genus, ovoid; signum moderate, curved; capitulum of signum truncate.

We take great pleasure in naming this species in honor of Dr. Richard L. Brown, W.L. Giles Distinguished Professor at Mississippi State University and Director of the Mississippi Entomological Museum, in honor of his unparalleled career in Lepidoptera morphology and systematics and for his role as a mentor to both authors.

Argyrotaenia browni is known from the Cordillera Central and the Sierra de Neiba in the Dominican Republic (Fig. 24C) and is expected in neighboring regions of Haiti as well. Collection localities range from 1390 to 2193 m elevation.

Nothing is known of the biology of A. browni. Specimens were collected from April to November.

We examined four specimens of Argyrotaenia browni from the Cordillera Central which resemble the type series but differ slightly in forewing pattern and uncus shape. Both males and females have a more subdued, less contrasting forewing pattern. The dissected male possesses a blunter uncus, but otherwise agree well.

A male and female paratype were barcoded but only a > 500 bp sequence was recovered for the female. Maximum sequence divergence between the Cordillera Central specimens barcoded was 0.3%. Sequence divergence for the paratype female and Cordillera Central specimens was 3.6–4.0%. For these morphological and molecular reasons, we exclude these specimens from the type series. We do not believe we have enough evidence to describe these Cordillera Central populations as a separate species, although future studies are warranted.

Argyrotaenia razowskiana (Fig. 8G, H) is an externally unremarkable species. It more closely resembles males of Claduncaria mesosignaria (Fig. 11B) or Clepsis deroni (Fig. 12B) than any Caribbean Argyrotaenia. Male genitalia (Fig. 15C) are typical of genus and closely resemble several other Caribbean species but can be separated by the angled saccular margin at 0.33 × length (smoothly curved in all other Caribbean Argyrotaenia). Female genitalia (Fig. 17C) are typical of genus. The large size, plain brown forewing, hindwing without obvious strigulae, combined with typical Argyrotaenia genitalia should be sufficient to identify this species from any other archipine in the Caribbean.

Holotype ♂: Dominican Republic: La Vega: Cordillera Central, Valle Nuevo Station, 5.4 km ESE Valle Nuevo, 18°46'35"N, 70°38'20"W, 2260 m, 23 v 2003, C. Young, J. Rawlins, C. Nunez, R. Davidson, P. Acevedo, open, riparian grass-pine forest. HOLOTYPE Argyrotaenia razowskiana Austin & Dombroskie [typed red label] (CMNH). Paratypes (1♂, 2♀♀): Dominican Republic: La Vega: 1♂, 1♀, same data as holotype except 5.2 km ESE Valle Nuevo, 18°46'42"N, 70°38'22"W, 2277 m, open pine-shrub woodland. KAA diss. #0104 (♂, CUIC), KAA_DNA_0024; #0105 (♀, CMNH), KAA_DNA_0025. Peravia [San José de Ocoa]: 1♀, 3 km SW La Nuez, upper Rio Las Cuevas, 18°40'N, 70°36'W, 1850 m, 5–6 viii 1990, J. Rawlins, S. Thompson, KAA diss. #0106 (CMNH). All paratypes affixed with the following typed blue label: PARATYPE ♂/♀ Argyrotaenia razowskiana Austin & Dombroskie, 2020.

Male (n = 2). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex with basal half white to pale yellow, apical half straw yellow. Frons straw yellow to light orange-red. Lateral surface of labial palpus with a mixture of dark brown and mahogany red scales; pale yellow on medial surface. Labial palpus missing in paratype. Scape with a mixture of straw yellow, dark brown, and mahogany red scales. Sensillae approximately width of flagellomere, recurved; scales on flagellomeres bicolored, with alternating rows of straw yellow and dark brown rows. Thorax. Typical of genus. Scales on dorsum of pro- and mesothorax almost completely missing in both males examined; the few remaining pale yellow. Tegulae predominantly warm brown, intermixed with straw yellow and mahogany red scales. Forelegs and midlegs dark brown on lateral surface. Hindlegs pale yellow to white, with tarsi and tibial spurs warm brown. Medial surface of legs pale yellow. Forewing (Fig. 8H) with basal third of costa gently curved, straight beyond (minutely concave along distal third in paratype); FWL 8.5–9.5 mm (mean = 9.0; n = 2). Dorsal surface of forewing uniformly warm brown, with faint dark brown reticulations throughout, except subapical blotch dark brown. Under magnification, mahogany red scales are also visible in this area and thinly scattered elsewhere. Fringe with short scales salmon pink basally, brick red apically except near tornus; longer scales red-orange, pale yellow at tornus. Dorsal surface of hindwing light grayish brown, strigulae absent, slightly darker along outer margin; fringe with short pale brown scales along entire margin, longer pale yellow to off-white scales also present along entire margin, becoming slightly darker at apex. Ventral surface of forewing warm brown with straw yellow costa with dark brown spots. Ventral surface of hindwing as on dorsal surface. Abdomen. Vestiture warm brown. Genitalia (Fig. 15C) with neck of uncus moderate, uniform in width, widening slightly to form rounded bulb; arms of gnathos moderate, unmodified, slightly bent; tegumen unmodified; transtilla complete, unmodified; valvae broad, nearly circular; sacculus to 0.25 ×; presaccular gap moderate; juxta diamond-shaped with shallow notch, sockets for setae present laterally; phallus elongate, pistol-shaped; caulis minute; approximately ten cornuti in one specimen examined: moderate, straight, approximately 0.25 × length of phallus, presumably deciduous.

Female (n = 2). Head. As in male except scales on vertex and frons with apical half warm brown or mahogany red, not straw yellow; sensillae short, porrect, 0.25–0.5 × width of flagellomere. Thorax. As in male except forewing (Fig. 8G) with darker, slightly more red overall hue, subapical blotch less distinct, FWL 9.5 mm (n = 2); under magnification salmon pink and mahogany red scales much more prevalent; forewing fringe with less extensive salmon pink and brick red scaling compared to male. Dorsal surface of hindwing with less extensive warm brown scaling near apex. Abdomen. Vestiture as in male. Genitalia (Fig. 17C) with papillae anales triangular; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.5 × length of sternum VII; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.67 × length of sternum VII; sterigma lightly sclerotized, thin, broadly bowl-shaped; ductus bursae widening gradually anteriorly; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.2 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursae large, elongate ovoid; minute sclerite present near base; signum moderate in width, J-shaped; capitulum of signum prominent, evenly rounded.

We take great pleasure in naming this species after Dr. Józef Razowski in honor of his lifetime of immense contributions towards our current understanding of tortricid taxonomy.

Argyrotaenia razowskiana is known from La Vega and San José de Ocoa in the Dominican Republic, on the eastern edge of the Cordillera Central, south of Loma Alto de la Bandera (Fig. 23). Collection localities range from 1850 to 2277 m elevation.

Nothing is known of the biology of A. razowskiana. Capture dates are from May and August.

COI sequences for two specimens of A. razowskiana were identical.

Argyrotaenia cryptica (Fig. 9A–D) is unlikely to be confused with any other described Caribbean Argyrotaenia. Its narrow, elongate forewing with a distinctly acute apex, combined with its brick red fasciae serve to separate it from all other Caribbean Archipini. The male genitalia are most similar to those of A. paradisei (Fig. 15F), which possesses a shorter terminal plate of the gnathos and longer, more numerous cornuti compared to A. cryptica (Fig. 15D, E).

A. cryptica may represent a cryptic species complex and/or two or more lineages with high levels of incomplete lineage sorting. Several barcoded specimens with wildly different forewing patterns and genitalia clustered as A. cryptica. Unsurprisingly, barcoding may be of limited value in separating its two subspecies, which we describe based on subtle differences in wing pattern and genitalia, as well as distribution. We exclude the most extreme phenotypic examples from the type series of the two subspecies and restrict type series to a single locality or a set of closely situated localities. A Maximum Likelihood tree (Fig. 4) based on COI barcode sequence data strongly support that A. cryptica is sister to A. paradisei, a relationship supported by shared morphological traits. COI sequence divergence within barcoded specimens of A. cryptica was between 0.7% and 1.4% (n = 4), without respect to subspecies. Individual subspecies accounts follow.

Figure 9. 

Argyrotaenia adults. A A. cryptica sp. nov. holotype ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH) B A. cryptica sp. nov. paratype ♀, Dominican Republic (CMNH) C A. cryptica praeteritana ssp. nov. holotype ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH) D A. cryptica praeteritana ssp. nov. paratype ♀, Dominican Republic (CMNH) E A. paradisei sp. nov. holotype ♂, Dominican Republic (CMNH) F A. paradisei sp. nov. paratype, ♀, Dominican Republic (CMNH).

Argyrotaenia cryptica cryptica can be separated most easily from A. c. praeteritana by range: A. c. cryptica is found in the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic, while A. c. praeteritana is found in the Sierra de Bahoruco of the Dominican Republic (and possibly neighboring regions of Haiti; Fig. 24D). The forewing pattern tends to be a little more washed out and the hindwing tends to be darker in A. c. cryptica (Fig. 9A, B) compared to A. c. praeteritana (Fig. 9C, D). In the male genitalia (Fig. 15E), the terminal plate of the gnathos is slightly shorter and less ventrally curved than in A. c. praeteritana (Fig. 15D). The bulb of the uncus is also slightly narrower. Female genitalia differ chiefly in the shape of the capitulum and size of basal sclerite in corpus bursae: capitulum acutely pointed and basal sclerite small in A. c. cryptica (Fig. 17E), while capitulum hooked and basal sclerite large in A. c. praeteritana (Fig. 17F), but with so few specimens examined it is unclear how variable these characters are.

Holotype ♂: Dominican Republic: La Vega: 23 km SE Costanza, 18°45'N, 70°37'W, 2225 m, 24–25 xi 1992, grassland with pines and scattered marshes, R. Davidson, M. Klinger, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins HOLOTYPE Argyrotaenia cryptica cryptica Austin & Dombroskie [typed red label] (CMNH). Paratypes (6♂♂, 2♀♀): Dominican Republic: La Vega: 2♂♂, 18 km SE Costanza, 18°46'N, 70°39'W, 2310 m, 25 xi 1992, pine woodland near head of small canyon, M. Klinger, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, S. Thomas (1♂ CMNH, KAA_DNA_0030; 1♂ CUIC). 1♂, 5.2 km ESE Valle Nuevo, Valle Nuevo Field Station, 18°46'40"N, 70°38'22"W, 2120 m, 12–13 xi 2002, pine forest and grassland, W. A. Zanol, C. W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins (CMNH). 1♂, 1♀, Cordillera Central Valle Nuevo Station, 5.2 km ESE Valle Nuevo, 18°46'42"N, 70°38'22"W, 2277 m, 23 v 2003, open pine-shrub woodland, C. Young, J. Rawlins, C. Nunez, R. Davidson, P. Acevedo (♂ CUIC, ♀ CMNH). KAA diss. #0171(♀) (CMNH). 1♂, Cordillera Central Valle Nuevo Station, 5.4 km ESE Valle Nuevo, 18°46'35"N, 70°38'20"W, 2260 m, 23 v 2003, open riparian grass-pine forest, C. Young, J. Rawlins, C. Nunez, R. Davidson, P. Acevedo. KAA diss. #0115 (CMNH). 1♂, Cordillera Central, 4.1 km SW El Convento, 18°50'38"N, 70°42'51"W, 1733 m, 31 v 2003, montane forest with pines near pasture, J. Rawlins, R. Davidson, C. Young, C. Nunez, P. Acevedo (CMNH). 1♀, Reserva Científica Valle Nuevo, Sector La Nevera, 3 km WNW La Nuez, 2200 m, 18°42'N, 70°36'W, 7 x 1991, mesic pine woodland, C. Young, S. Thompson, R. Davidson, J. Rawlins, KAA diss. #0118, KAA_DNA_0031 (CMNH). All paratypes affixed with the following typed blue label: PARATYPE ♂/♀ Argyrotaenia cryptica cryptica Austin & Dombroskie, 2020.

Male (n = 7). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex white to maize yellow, a thin row of light orange scales sometimes present anteriorly. Scales on frons light red-orange. Labial palpus with scales of all three segments tricolored on lateral surface, intermixed with dark brown, mahogany red, and white scales; terminal segment occasionally entirely dark brown. Medial surface of palpus white with a few dark brown scales present anteriorly. Scape variable, with white, warm red-orange, or mahogany red scales, or some combination thereof. Sensillae approximately 1.5 × width of flagellomere, recurved; dorsal scales of flagellum alternating between a dark brown basal row and a pale buff apical row. Thorax. Typical of genus. Dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax red-orange intermixed with a few black scales; tegulae concolorous. Fore- and midlegs predominantly dark brown intermixed with pale yellow scales; hindlegs predominantly pale yellow to white intermixed with dark brown scales; tibiae and tibial spurs warm brown. Medial surface of legs pale yellow to white. FWL 7.5–9.5 mm (mean = 8.4; n = 7); costa with basal third very gently curved, straight beyond. Dorsal surface of forewing (Fig. 9A) with basal fascia, median fascia, and subapical blotch brick red; antemedian and postmedian interfasciae white (visible along costa), heavily suffused with pink-gray scales, obscuring much of the ground color; a few black scales scattered throughout, most conspicuous along costa. Fringe bicolored, apical half with long mahogany red scales and short dark gray scales, tornal half off-white with occasional small patches of dark gray scales; short portion of long scales along inner margin near tornus dark gray. Dorsal surface of hindwing gray, with faint strigulae towards apex. Fringe with short pale brown scales and longer off-white scales along entire margin. Ventral surface of hindwing warm brown, white and black spots present along costa. Ventral surface of hindwing as on dorsal surface but slightly paler and with strigulae more noticeable. Abdomen. Vestiture warm brown with terminal row of scales on each segment paler. Genitalia (Fig. 15E) with uncus moderate, unmodified, widening in apical half to bulb, apicoventral setae long; arms of gnathos unmodified, moderate, evenly curved, minutely hooked at apex, terminal plate robust, notched at base; tegumen widened slightly posteriorly, small patch of sockets for setae present laterally; transtilla broad, unmodified; valva circular; presaccular gap moderate, uniform in width; sacculus to 0.33 × of valva; juxta minutely notched. Phallus pistol-shaped, slightly downturned at apex, caulis minute, approximately eight cornuti observed: short, moderate in width, straight, approximately 0.25 × length of phallus, deciduous.

Female (n = 2). Head. As in male except with less extensive dark brown scaling on labial palpus, sensillae short, porrect, no more than 0.5 × width of flagellomere. Thorax. As in male but with less extensive pink-gray scaling on dorsal surface of forewing (Fig. 8B), which produces a more “washed-out” appearance. FWL 8.5–9.0 mm (mean = 8.7; n = 2). Fringe with less extensive gray scaling. Frenulum with two or three bristles, asymmetrical in number in one specimen examined. Abdomen. Vestiture similar to that of male. Genitalia (Fig. 16E) with papillae anales triangular, slightly rounded laterally; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.25 × length of sternum VII; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.75 × length of sternum VII; sterigma broad, well-sclerotized; ductus bursae broadening anteriorly; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.2 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursa ovoid, minute sclerite at base of corpus bursa; signum thin to moderate, J-shaped; capitulum of signum acutely pointed.

The specific epithet crypticus Latin meaning hidden, refers to the possibility that A. cryptica may represent a cryptic species complex (see remarks under species account).

Argyrotaenia cryptica cryptica is restricted to the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic (Fig. 24D). Collection localities range from 1733 to 2310 m elevation.

Nothing is known of the biology of A. c. cryptica. Capture dates of examined specimens range from May to November, suggesting at least two generations per year.

See the remarks under the species account of A. cryptica for comments on this subspecies’ relationship to A. c. praeteritana and A. paradisei.

See diagnosis under A. c. cryptica.

Holotype ♂: Dominican Republic: Pedernales: 9.7 km NE Los Arroyos, 18°16'N, 71°44'W, 2070 m, 15–16 vii 1990, J. Rawlins, C.W. Young, S.A. Thompson, Razowski genitalia slide #10732 HOLOTYPE Argyrotaenia cryptica praeteritana Austin & Dombroskie [typed red label]. HOLOTYPE Argyrotaenia cineriptera Razowski [red label; see etymology below] (CMNH). Paratypes (7♂♂, 1♀): Dominican Republic: Independencia: 4♂♂, Sierra de Bahoruco, Loma del Toro, 18°17'16"N, 71°42'46"W, 2310 m, 7–8 xi 2002, meadow in pine woods, W. A. Zanol, C. W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins (1♂ CUIC, remainder CMNH). KAA diss. #0113 (CMNH). 1♂, Sierra de Bahoruco, north slope, 13.5 km SE Puerto Escondido, 18°12'24"N, 71°30'54"W, 24–26 iii 2004, broadleaf Pinus dense woodland, R. Davidson, J. Rawlins, C. Young, D. Nunez, M. Rial (CUIC). 1♂, Sierra de Bahoruco, north slope, 18°41'31"N, 71°35'35"W [18–17–30N, 71–43–08W], 2116 m, broadleaf forest with pine, 8 xi 2002 W.A. Zanol, C.W. Young, C. Staresinic, J. Rawlins, KAA_DNA_0028 (CMNH). Pedernales: 1♂, 1♀, same data as holotype, Razowski genitalia slide #10731(♂); #10733(♀), KAA_DNA_0029 (CMNH). PARATYPE Argyrotaenia cineriptera Razowski [green label; see etymology below]. All paratypes affixed with the following typed blue label: PARATYPE Argyrotaenia cryptica praeteritana ♂/♀ Austin & Dombroskie, 2020.

Male (n = 8). Head. Typical of genus. Scape on vertex white to pale yellow, dark gray with white apices in one specimen examined. Scales on frons straw yellow to red-orange. Lateral surface of labial palpus variable, sometimes entirely warm brown intermixed with pale yellow scales, other times red-orange with terminal segment dark brown. Medial surface of labial palpus pale yellow. Scape equally variable, ranging from pale yellow to red-orange. Sensillae approximately 1.5 × as long as width of flagellomere; recurved in some individuals but not so in others; dorsal scales of flagellum alternating between a warm brown basal row and a nearly white apical row; apical row expanded slightly. Thorax. Typical of genus. Scales on dorsum of pro- and mesothorax variable, pale yellow or warm brown, but most commonly mahogany red. Tegulae concolorous with pro- and mesothorax except with a few pale yellow scales present apically. Forelegs entirely dark brown on lateral surface in specimens from Pedernales, suffused with mahogany red in specimens from Independencia. Midlegs and hindlegs warm brown intermixed with pale yellow scales, especially so on hindlegs. Forewing (Fig. 9C) with basal third very gently curved, straight beyond; FWL 7.5–9.0 mm (mean = 8.7; n = 8). Dorsal surface of forewing similar to A. c. cryptica (see description for that subspecies), but less washed out, giving a “grainier” appearance to it. Fringe without the red scaling present in A. c. cryptica. Dorsal surface of hindwing white in specimens from Pedernales, darker in specimens from Independencia. Ventral surfaces of both wings identical to A. c. cryptica. Abdomen. Vestiture warm brown with terminal row of scales on each segment white. Genitalia (Fig. 15D) with uncus moderate at neck, broadening to a rounded bulb with long apicoventral setae; socius obsolete; arms of gnathos moderate, unmodified, evenly curved; terminal plate moderate, distinctly curved, notched at base; tegumen with small patch of sockets present laterally; transtilla complete, uniform in width, unmodified; valvae nearly circular; sacculus to 0.33 × presaccular gap moderate, uniform in width throughout; juxta diamond-shaped with shallow notch, sockets present laterally. Phallus pistol-shaped, elongate, slightly downturned at apex; caulis small; approximately ten cornuti observed in one specimen: short, moderate in width, slightly undulate, approximately 0.2 × length of phallus, deciduous.

Female (n = 1). Head. As in male except with vertex and frons pale yellow to white, lateral surface of labial palpus pale yellow intermixed with a few warm brown scales; sensillae short, porrect, no more than 0.5 × as long as width of flagellomere. Thorax. As in male; forewing (Fig. 9D) as in male, FWL 7.5 mm. Abdomen. As in male. Genitalia (Fig. 17F) with papillae anales broad, triangular, rounded slightly laterally; apophyses anteriores and posteriores similar in length to those of A. c. cryptica (sternum VII removed prior to examination); sterigma moderate, bowl-shaped, thin laterally; ductus bursae narrow at base, widening gradually to corpus bursae; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.2 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursae ovoid, with distinct, tooth-like sclerite at base; signum long, slightly hooked; capitulum irregularly rounded with conspicuous hook at apex.

The specific epithet is from praeteritus, Latin meaning “passed over,” referring to the fact that this taxon was known to Razowski, but unpublished. His manuscript name for it was ‘cineriptera’.

Argyrotaenia cryptica praeteritana is restricted to the Sierra de Bahoruco in the Dominican Republic (Fig. 24D). It likely occurs in neighboring regions of Haiti. Collection localities range from 1807 to 2310 m elevation.

Nothing is known of the biology of A. c. praeteritana. Examined specimens were collected in March, July, or November, suggesting multiple generations per year.

Razowski was the first to identify this species but did not publish on it. He had identified and labeled three specimens to serve as the type series. We did not remove these labels but added additional holotype/paratype labels beneath them. There is a discrepancy in the label data of one male specimen from Independencia. The label reads “Sierra de Bahoruco” but the coordinates are for the Sierra de Neiba. After comparing coordinates from specimens collected the previous night and discussing the situation with John Rawlins (CMNH), we interpret the coordinates to be incorrect. Dr. Rawlins kindly supplied us with the correct coordinates. See the remarks under the species account of A. cryptica for comments on this subspecies’ relationship to A. c. cryptica and A. paradisei.

Undamaged males of Argyrotaenia paradisei (Fig. 9E) are unlikely to be confused with any other Caribbean Argyrotaenia. Worn specimens, however, could be confused with males of A. browni (Fig. 8E), with which it is sympatric, but lack the strongly contrasting off-white interfasciae present in A. paradisei. The genitalia (Fig. 15F) are distinct, however. The uncus of A. paradisei possesses a distinct bulb with setae only in the apicoventral area. In A. browni (Fig. 14B), the neck of the uncus is of uniform width throughout and possesses ventral setae across its entire length. Females of A. paradisei (Fig. 9F) are strikingly different from males and look like paler versions of A. felisana (Fig. 7E, F). Female genitalia (Fig. 17D) are typical of genus but have an unusually large basal plate the of signum; females are best identified through association with males.

Holotype ♂: Dominican Republic: Independencia: Sierra de Neiba near crest, 5.5 km NNW Angel Feliz, 18°41'N, 71°47'W, 1750 m, 21–22 vii 1992, dense cloud forest, J. Rawlins, S. Thompson, C. Young, R. Davidson HOLOTYPE Argyrotaenia paradisei Austin & Dombroskie [typed red label] (CMNH). Paratypes (5♂♂, 2♀♀): Dominican Republic: Independencia: 4♂♂, 1♀, same data as holotype (1♂ CUIC, remainder CMNH). KAA diss. #0049(♀), KAA_DNA_0064; #0116(♂), KAA_DNA_0026 (CMNH). San Juan: 1♂, Sierra de Neiba, Sabana del Silencio, 10.1 km SSW El Cercado, 18°39'07"N, 71°33'26"W, 2017 m, 16–17 xi 2004, cloud forest with juniper, Danthonia, J. Rawlins, C. Young, C. Nunez, V. Verdecia, W. Zanol, KAA diss. #0117, KAA_DNA_0027 (CMNH). 1♀, Sierra de Neiba, 9.3 km SSW El Cercado, 18°39'19"N, 71°32'49"W, 1968 m, 18–19 xi 2004, J. Rawlins, C. Young, C. Nunez, V. Verdecia, W. Zanol, KAA diss. #0073, KAA_DNA_0057 (CUIC). All paratypes affixed with the following typed blue label: PARATYPE ♂/♀ Argyrotaenia paradisei Austin & Dombroskie, 2020.

Male (n = 6). Head. Typical of genus. Scales on vertex pale yellow to straw yellow, a few dark brown or mahogany red scales sometimes present anteriorly. Frons with scaling mahogany red or dark brown. Labial palpus with lateral surface predominantly dark brown to black, a few mahogany red scales sometimes present on second segment; medial surface pale yellow. Scape dark brown to straw yellow. Sensillae approximately 1.5 × width of flagellomere, recurved; dorsal scales of flagellum alternating between a dark brown basal row and a straw yellow apical row. Thorax. Typical of genus. Dorsum of pro- and meso-thorax dark brown; tegulae concolorous with a few white scales posteriorly. Lateral surface of legs dark brown, hindlegs sometimes intermixed with pale yellow scales; medial surface of legs pale yellow to white. Forewing (Fig. 9E) with costa gently curved along basal third, straight or nearly so beyond, minutely concave along subapical blotch in some specimens; FWL 7.5–8.0 mm (mean = 7.8; n = 6). Dorsal surface of forewing with basal fascia, median fascia, subapical blotch, and tornal blotch dark red-brown with faint black reticulations throughout; antemedial and postmedial interfasciae off-white, but also with dark reticulations, contrasting strongly with ground color in most specimens. Overall forewing appearance for most specimens has a very crisp, yet strongly mottled appearance to it. Under magnification, blue-gray scales are sometimes present in median fascia. Fringe dark brick red with longer salmon pink scales, pale yellow at tornus. Dorsal surface of hindwing warm brown with distinct strigulae. Fringe with short pale brown scales present along entire margin, longer pale yellow scales also present, but becoming pale brown at apex and along posterior margin. Ventral surface of forewing dark brown, white spots present along costa. Ventral surface of hindwing as on dorsal surface, but slightly paler and more contrasting strigulae. Abdomen. Vestiture with segments dark brown ventrally, terminal row of scales on each segment white. Genitalia (Fig. 15F) with uncus moderate in width, widening apically to form rounded bulb, long apicoventral setae projecting laterally from bulb; arms of gnathos unmodified, moderate in width, terminal plate robust, minutely hooked apically, notched at base; tegumen unmodified, with small patch of sockets present laterally; transtilla moderate, even in width throughout, complete, unmodified; valvae nearly circular; presaccular gap moderate in width, even to apex; sacculus to 0.33 × of valvae; juxta shallowly notched, rounded laterally, sockets present laterally of notch; phallus pistol-shaped, slightly down-curved apically, caulis reduced, approximately 15–20 cornuti observed in two specimens examined, moderate in width and length, slightly undulate, approximately 0.25 × length of phallus.

Female (n = 2). Head. As in male except lateral surface of labial palpus with black scaling restricted to ventral and apical portions of second segment, predominantly mahogany red on lateral surface of other segments, scattered straw yellow scales present. Antenna with sensillae only observable ventrally, no more than 0.5 × width of flagellomere. Thorax. Thorax, foreleg, and midleg as in male. Forewing (Fig. 9F) length 8.0–8.5 mm (mean = 8.3; n = 2). Dorsal surface of forewing with basal fascia, median fascia, and subapical blotch dark brown, but heavily suffused with mahogany red and purple-gray scales under magnification; antemedian and postmedian interfasciae pale brown; fringe as in male but paler. In one paratype postmedian interfascia suffused with dark brown scales as to obscure it entirely. Dorsal surface of hindwing paler than male, but with strongly contrasting dark cubital pecten; strigulae less contrasting compared to male; fringe with less extensive long pale brown scales at apex and along posterior margin. Ventral surface of forewing pale brown, white along portions of costa, dark brown at apex. Ventral surface of hindwing white with strigulae strongly contrasting. Frenulum with two or three bristles. Abdomen. Vestiture as in male. Genitalia (Fig. 17D) with papillae anales broad, triangular, rounded laterally; apophyses posteriores approximately 0.5 × length of sternum VII, widened anteriorly; apophyses anteriores approximately 0.75 × length of sternum VII, widened anteriorly; sterigma deep, lightly sclerotized ventrally; ductus bursae narrow at base, widening gradually to corpus bursae; ductus seminalis arising at approximately 0.2 × length of ductus bursae; corpus bursae ovoid, with basal sclerite not observed; signum long, moderate, slightly curved (broken in Fig. 17D); capitulum globose, evenly-rounded, opposite-facing.

We take great pleasure in naming this species after Dr. Chris Paradise, professor and chair of biology at Davidson College, who was the undergraduate advisor and a mentor of KAA.

Argyrotaenia paradisei is known from two localities in the Sierra de Neiba of the Dominican Republic (Fig. 24D). It likely occurs in neighboring regions of Haiti. Collection localities range from 1750 to 2017 m elevation.

Nothing is known of the biology of A. paradisei. Capture dates of examined specimens are June, July, and November, suggesting at least two generations per year.

This is among the most strongly sexually dimorphic Caribbean Argyrotaenia. DNA barcoding was required to associate sexes. See remarks under A. cryptica regarding this species’ relationship to that species. Maximum COI sequence divergence within sampled A. paradisei was 0.1% (n = 4). One sequence (KAA_DNA_0059) clusters with A. paradisei based on COI data, but significant differences in both forewing pattern and genitalia make us question if it is conspecific.

Cladotaenia ochrochlaena Razowski, 1999

Claduncaria Razowski, 2000, in Razowski & Becker, 2000a: 208

Cladotaenia Razowski, 1999 (homonym of Cladotaenia Cohn, 1901): 312

Because we expand the concept of Claduncaria, which is endemic to the Greater Antilles, a new generic diagnosis and description is presented here.

Male genitalia (Fig. 18) either with uncus either apically broadened or divergently bifid; terminal plate of gnathos either vertically bifid or simple; transtilla with lateral processes. Female genitalia (Fig. 19) with ductus bursae not coiled; capitulum absent; signum absent or reduced.

Labial palpus 1.5–2 × width of compound eye; second segment expanded apically; ocellus small, separated from compound eye by approximately 1–1.5 × width of ocellus; chaetosemata 0.25–0.75 × length of scales on vertex; metathorax without dorsal scaling, with a small patch of pale yellow setae present instead. Costal fold absent; costa with basal third gently curved, straight beyond or nearly so. Male genitalia with a vertically bifid terminal plate of gnathos and broad, apically rounded valvae (ochrochlaena group) or simple terminal plate of gnathos and elongate, apically acute valvae (mesosignaria group); uncus either divergently bifid or apically broadened; socii present as small setose raised nubs (absent in Cla. rufochlaena); transtilla with lateral processes; phallus pistol- or dagger-shaped, sharp at apex, caulis variable. Female genitalia with papillae anales laterally notched and with distinct ventroposterior grooves (ochrochlaena group) or large and posteriorly swollen (mesosignaria group); sterigma well-sclerotized; colliculum present; signum reduced or absent entirely; capitulum absent. Some species sexually dimorphic in forewing coloration.