Description and life history of a new cecidogenous species of Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Momphidae) from Brazil

Abstract

Male, female, pupa, and last-instar larva of Palaeomystella beckeri (Moreira and Basilio) a new species from the Atlantic forest, southern Brazil, are described and illustrated with the aid of optical and scanning electron microscopy. Larvae induce galls on apical branches of Tibouchina trichopoda (DC.) Baill. (Melastomataceae) within which pupation occurs. Gall description and preliminary data on life history are also provided.