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Type: Article
Published: 2020-07-07
Page range: 374–382
Abstract views: 150
PDF downloaded: 4

A new genus and species of slug caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) from Taiwan

Department of Life Science, C307, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88 Tingzhou Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei, 116, Taiwan
Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton ACT 2601, Australia The Australian National Insect Collection, National Research Collections Australia, GPO Box 1700, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia.
Department of Life Science, C307, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88 Tingzhou Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei, 116, Taiwan
crypsis nettle caterpillar taxonomy translucent caterpillar Lepidoptera

Abstract

The genus Epsteinius Lin, Braby & Hsu gen. nov. is established to accommodate a new, diminutive species of limacodid moth, E. translucidus Lin, sp. nov., from central Taiwan. Although the new species is the sister taxon to Microleon Butler, 1885 according to molecular phylogenetic data, it differs fundamentally from that genus in adult morphology, wing color pattern, male and female genitalia, and larval morphology. Larvae of E. translucidus Lin, sp. nov. represent an interesting case in which crypsis is based on transparency through its body color, resting behavior, and feeding pattern.

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