Description, natural history and genetic variation of Caloptilia guacanivora sp. nov. Vargas-Ortiz & Vargas (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in the Atacama Desert, Chile

Abstract

Although considered the driest desert in the world, the Atacama provides unique habitats and a reservoir of biodiversity for plants and insects. Caloptilia Hübner, 1825 (Gracillariinae), is a highly diverse genus of leaf miner micromoths that has not yet been recorded in Chile. In this study, we describe a new species of Caloptilia from a relict, vulnerable ecotone in the transverse valleys of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Adults, immature stages and natural history, including the mine of Caloptilia guacanivora Vargas-Ortiz & Vargas sp. nov., are described and illustrated. The larva is a leaf miner of the vulnerable, native, guacano tree Morella pavonis (Myricaceae). DNA barcode sequences were used to infer the specific status of C. guacanivora sp. nov. Results indicate that the new species is monophyletic with a genetic distance of around 5% to the nearest congener. We also used genetic variation to make preliminary inferences on the population structure and demography of this new taxon. This data revealed the presence of haplotypes shared among distant valleys, suggesting an ancient polymorphism that is widespread throughout populations in the region.