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6 January 2025 Phylogenetics Confirms a Unique Instance of Endemicity in a Polyphagous Hawaiian Moth Pest and Uncovers a Remarkable New Species
Kyhl A. Austin, Daniel Rubinoff
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The species of Cryptophlebia occurring in Hawai‘i are reviewed, resulting in the discovery of a previously unrecognized native species, described here as C. alaula, sp. nov. The discovery of C. alaulaand its status as the putative sister species of C. illepida (Butler) supports the endemicity of C. illepida, a species whose status in Hawai‘i has historically been contested, and is often treated as an invasive pest of unknown origin. Cryptophlebia alaula is hypothesized to be a specialist on fruits and seeds of ‘a‘ali‘i (Dodonaea viscosa). This raises interesting questions regarding the evolution of monophagy and polyphagy in Cryptophlebia and patterns of speciation in Hawaiian Tortricidae more broadly. The conservation status of C. alaula is briefly discussed. All species occurring in Hawai‘i are described or redescribed, figured, with a key to species of both sexes provided.

Kyhl A. Austin and Daniel Rubinoff "Phylogenetics Confirms a Unique Instance of Endemicity in a Polyphagous Hawaiian Moth Pest and Uncovers a Remarkable New Species," Pacific Science 78(2), 119-137, (6 January 2025). https://doi.org/10.2984/78.2.1
Accepted: 19 April 2023; Published: 6 January 2025
KEYWORDS
Cryptophlebia
island biogeography
koa seedworm
macadamia nut borer
pest identification
polyphagy
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