Eteobalea siciliae

Eteobalea siciliae is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the splendor butterfly ( Cosmopterigidae ).

Features

The moths reach a wingspan of 13-14 millimeters. The species is similar Eteobalea dohrnii, but differs by two distinct dark brown Frans lines at the apex of the forewing.

In the males, the Tegumen distal tapered and has on the back edge a "U "-shaped bulge. The right brachium is slightly curved and about twice as long as the left. It is wider at the top, heavily sclerotized and has on the inside of a large basal lobe. The left brachium is almost straight and has a rectangular top. The Valven are short and boots shaped. The right Valvella is short, triangular and has a sclerotized bar at the apex. The aedeagus is bent. The bulbous part is nearly circular, the tubular member is parallel-walled and has a sharp point. On the outside there is a strongly sclerotized spot, which is located across the top of the right Valvella.

The genital armature of females has not been described.

Similar Species

Eteobalea siciliae differs from Eteobalea dohrnii by the large basal lobe on the inner side of the right Brachiums and the sclerotized bar at the top of the right Valvella.

Dissemination

Eteobalea siciliae is native to the Mediterranean region and there before in Sicily, Algeria and Turkey. Evidence from Spain are doubtful.

Biology

The biology of the species is unknown. Moths were collected in June and August to early September.

System

From the literature the following synonym is known:

• Stagmatophora siciliae Riedl, 1966

Documents

• Cosmopterigidae
• Splendor falter