A new subfamily Crocanthinae based on the genus Crocanthes Meyrick and its related genera, with a world catalog of the subfamily (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae)

A new subfamily, Crocanthinae n. subf., is proposed for Crocanthes Meyrick and its allies, which have been considered as a monophyletic group with a unique genital character—an absent or remarkably reduced gnathos in the male genitalia. The subfamily includes Aprosoesta Turner, Lamprista Park, Pacificulla Park, Hannara Park, and Gonaepa Walker. Aprosoesta Turner st. rev. is resurrected as a valid genus with highly specialized characters. In this paper, five new species of Aprosoesta, A. subpancala sp. nov., A. cordispina sp. nov., A. strombiana sp. nov., A. vinnula sp. nov., and A. eremitatos sp. nov., and three new species of Crocanthes, C. gracilosa sp. nov., C. susuensis sp. nov., and C. hagenensis sp. nov., are described from Papua New Guinea or Papua, Indonesia as new to science. Consequently, 11 species of the genus Aprosoesta, 37 species of Crocanthes, two species of Hannara, three species of Lamprista, 23 species of Pacificulla, and six species of Gonaepa, are recognized. The genus Aprosoesta is divided into two species-groups: the pancala species-group and the vinnula species-group, and the genus Crocanthes is divided into four species-groups: the parsinopis species-group, the characotis species-group, the anacostola species-group, and the leucodonta species-group, with 12 species not assigned to these species-groups. In addition, 18 new combinations and two synonyms of species are proposed. Illustrations of adults of all known species, with few exceptions, and genitalia of all new species and previously known species, where available, are provided. A key to the species for the species-groups and genera, and a world catalogue of the subfamily are given.