Re-Examination: No True Tabidia Snellen, 1880 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in China, with Descriptions of Two New Genera and Three New Species

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Authors: Jia-Xin Wang, Jun Wu, Wanlu Liu, Yun-Li Xiao
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Abstract

Many species within the genus Tabidia Snellen, 1880 exhibit significant differences in wing pattern and genital morphology, which are inconsistent with the definition of Tabidia, indicating that the genus is not monophyletic. To address this, the present study revises the taxonomy of the Chinese species previously placed in Tabidia based on wing morphological characteristics, differences in male and female genitalia, and phylogenetic relationships inferred from the mitochondrial COI gene and mitochondrial genomes. As a result, two new genera are established: Melanoleucagen. nov. and Scintillagen. nov. These new genera are confirmed to belong to the tribe Agroterini Acloque, 1897. Furthermore, three cryptic new species are discovered: Melanoleuca luteamacula sp. nov., Melanoleuca qianshanensis sp. nov., and Melanoleuca yingshanensis sp. nov. Based on the morphological characteristics of adult appearance and genitalia, an identification key to the species of these two new genera is provided. Illustrations of adult specimens and their genital structures are provided, along with a world catalog of the species for the three relevant genera: Tabidia, Melanoleuca, and Scintilla.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy Diptera species taxonomy and behavior Hymenoptera taxonomy and phylogeny

Publication details

Journal / source
Insects
Volume
17
Issue
2
Pages
149–149
Publication date
28 January 2026
Language
EN