Covellana Martinez, Homziak, Plotkin & Castillo-Argaez 2026, gen. nov.

Covellana Martinez, Homziak, Plotkin & Castillo-Argaez gen. nov. Gender. Feminine. Type species. Covellana niomalan sp. nov. by present designation. Included species. The genus Covellana gen. nov. consists of a single species: Covellana niomalan sp. nov. This species was previously misidentified as Sosxetra grata, but our detailed morphological examination allowed us to recognize a new genus closely related to Desmoloma. Diagnosis. Covellana appears closely related to the genera Sosxetra and Desmoloma based on morphological evidence and is currently known from four well-preserved male specimens. However, its wing pattern differs noticeably from its relatives. The markings in Sosxetra are generally more distinct than in Covellana and Desmoloma. Unlike Sosxetra, Covellana lacks the broad, bright reniform spot that characterizes the former, and instead exhibits antemedial and subterminal lines resembling those of Desmoloma. The hindwing also shows significant differences among the three genera. Covellana lacks both the terminal dashes and the bright posterior fringe typical of Sosxetra, but possesses three small lumps along the costal margin, a feature more consistent with Desmoloma. The most important diagnostic traits of Covellana are found in the male genitalia. The valvae are unfused but extremely delicate and difficult to separate without causing damage. The genus is best distinguished by the structure of the phallus, which bears a vesica with a basal diverticulum and an aedeagus featuring an additional diverticulum in the middle. The female of the genus remains unknown. Description. Head. Palpus long, brown with large tufts; whitish-brown on last segment; frons concolorous with thorax; antenna bipectinate; basal ¹ / 6 and apical ¹ / 6 without pectinations. Thorax. Dorsum darker medially; ventrum pale brown; patagium reduced, same color as thorax. Leg. Pale brown; foreleg with long tufts matching thoracic color; mid- and hindlegs concolorous with thorax ventrally. Wing. Forewing length, male 34–39 mm; ground color dark reddish-brown to brown; diffuse black transverse lines; basal line broken, paler; antemedial, postmedial, and subterminal lines well-defined; orbicular spot faint; reniform spot broad, curved, sometimes “ 3 ” - shaped; fringe bright yellow; black terminal dashes at vein ends; hindwing similar in color to forewing; slightly paler along costa; costa with three small lumps; postmedial and subterminal lines distinct but interrupted medially; distal area with broad dark shade; outer fringe yellow from Sc + R 1 – CuA 1, remainder brown; terminal dashes as in forewing; posterior fringe brown. Abdomen. Dorsum dark brown, ventrum whitish-brown. Male genitalia. Valvae Dutch clog-like, not widely open; tegumen narrow with slender median lobes; juxta rectangular with swollen lower spots; saccus narrow, V-shaped; phallus short; aedeagus broad with a diverticulum; vesica elongate, bearing basal diverticulum. Female genitalia. Unknown. Genetic characterization. Comparison of the DNA barcode for C. niomalan to the 25,379 noctuoid records in the Barcode of Life Data System v 4 revealed that Covellana was genetically related to species of the genus Desmoloma (Fig. 1). This relationship is further supported by similarities in external morphology and resting position. Etymology. Covellana is dedicated to our mentor and friend, Dr. Charles V. Covell Jr., an American entomologist whose passion for butterflies and moths began at the age of 13. During the past 70 years, he has built an extraordinary legacy within the entomology community both nationally and internationally. Immature stages. Life cycle and host plant association in this species remain unknown. Biology. Unknown.