Rediscovery and life history of Bathromelas hyaloscopa (Meyrick & Lower, 1907) Lepidoptera: Psychidae: Oiketicinae

Abstract

The rarely seen Bathromelas Turner 1947, a monotypic Australian endemic genus with the species Bathromelas hyaloscopa (Meyrick & Lower, 1907), is rediscovered, and a new description is provided. The male genitalia, female, pupae of both sexes, late instar larvae, and the unique case design are all figured and described for the first time. The larval host plant is identified as Allocasuarina luehmannii (Casuarinaceae), with B. hyaloscopa regarded as a Casuarinaceae specialist, unusual as oiketicine psychids are typically polyphagous. Prior to this study the species was known from only three male specimens, with the most recent of those collected in 1938. The data for all known and new specimens is included, and a brief discussion on the systematic affinity of this genus is provided.