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Stephensia armata
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Elachistidae
Genus:	Stephensia
Species:	S. armata
Binomial name
Stephensia armata Sruoga, 2003

Stephensia armata is a Central American moth of the family Elachistidae and Gelechioidea superfamily, discovered in 1998 at Las Cuevas Research Station, in Belize's Chiquibul Forest Reserve.

Physiology

The wingspan is approximately 6.6 millimetres (0.26 in), with a forewing length of 3 millimetres (0.12 in). It is distinguishable by the 2-3 teeth arming the valvae, from which it gets its name. The species is remarkable for the single transverse fascia of the forewing, and long lobes of the valvae and juxta.

Coloration is largely pale ochre or grey-brown. The underside and head are paler, while its back and wings are grey-brown or dark ochre. Pale ochre scales spread across every segment distally.

S. armata is distinct from congeneric American species of moth in the deep split between the juxta lobes, and its relatively small uncus. It is noticeably apomorphic in its phylogeny.

Habitat

Samples of S. armata were collected in April, during the rainy season in Belize. The local vegetation was largely evergreen, with some deciduous trees.

Discussion of nomenclature

S. armata is named on the convention assigning three genera to Lepidoptera, due to the researchers’ preference for a more stable taxonomy and the characteristics of Armata that place it squarely within Stephensia.

References

1. ^ Sruoga, V. & R. Puplesis (2003). "A remarkable new species of Stephensia Stainton (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) from Belize rainforest (Central America)" (PDF). Zoological Science. 20 (10). Zoological Society of Japan: 1273–1277. doi:10.2108/zsj.20.1273.

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• Moths described in 2003
• Endemic fauna of Belize
• Elachistidae
• Moths of South America
• Elachistidae stubs