Galagete, a new genus of autostichidae representing the first case of an extensive radiation of endemic Lepidoptera in the Galápagos Islands

Abstract

Galagete, gen. n. (type species: Gelechia protozona Meyrick) is described to include 11 species of Autostichidae apparently endemic to the Galápagos Islands. This group represents the first recognised case of an extensive radiation of endemic Lepidoptera in the archipelago. The following species are described as new: Galagete cinerea, G. consimilis, G. cristobalensis, G. darwini, G. espanolaensis, G. levequei, G. pecki, G. seymourensis, and G. turritella. Gelechia gnathodoxa Meyrick and Gelechia protozona Meyrick, both described from the Galápagos Islands, are transferred to Galagete and redescribed. Galagete is closely related to Taygete Chambers, a taxon previously placed in the Gelechiidae. Specimens of Galagete were reared from twigs and dead leaves of Scalesia species (Asteraceae) and from Galápagos tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus) scats.