Vulcaniella cognatella

Vulcaniella cognatella is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the splendor butterfly ( Cosmopterigidae ).

Features

The moths reach a wingspan of 7-9 millimeters. Vulcaniella cognatella similar Vulcaniella pomposella. The raised silvery spots on the wing inner edge are often tinted pale golden and slightly purple. The first three segments of the abdomen ocher-brown shine. A reliable differentiation is possible only through an examination of the genitals.

The genital armature of the males is similar to that of Vulcaniella pomposella. The right brachium is more curved inwards, tapering distally abruptly. It has a knob-like apex. The left brachium is more just. The Valven are narrow and parallel walls. The right Valvella is slim and curved to one side. It is as long as the distal portion of aedeagus and longer than the Valven. The left Valvella is short and plump. The distal part of the aedeagus is slightly curved.

The genital armature of females is similar Vulcaniella pomposella, but differs by the broader and more shallow V-shaped Antevaginalplatte and the rear sclerotization of sternite 7. This sclerotization is indistinct triangular and has two slanting inward lateral bars and a broad weak development of the central strip.

Dissemination

Vulcaniella cognatella is located in the eastern Mediterranean (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Sardinia). In the northeast, the range extends to the Ukraine.

Biology

The biology of the species is unknown. Moths were collected from June to July.

Documents

• Cosmopterigidae
• Splendor falter