Ramphis libanoticus

Classification and Distribution

Ramphis libanoticus is a moth in the family Cosmopterigidae. It is found in Greece, Crete, Cyprus, Asia Minor (including Lebanon), and other regions.

Physical Characteristics

The wingspan of R. libanoticus is 9–11 mm. Adults are on wing from May to July and in October.

Host Plant and Larval Behavior

The larvae feed on Salvia triloba. They mine the leaves of their host plant.

Morphological Features

The species is similar to Ramphis ibericus, but can be distinguished by a narrow white line drawn on the thorax and white borders on the Tegulae at the back. On the front wings, the first Costal line runs less obliquely. The inner edge of the wing lacks a white basal line, and the raised spots are pale golden.

Genital Morphology

The male genital fitting is similar to that of Ramphis ibericus, with wider Valves as long as the Aedeagus. The right valvella is less than half as long as the distal part of the aedeagus. The female genital fitting is also similar to that of R. ibericus, but with more striking antevaginal plate strips under shorter lengths. The rear edge of the 7th sternite is indented in a V-shape, with triangular and uniform sclerotization.

References

* Moths described in 1969
* Cosmopteriginae
* Moths of Europe
* Moths of Asia