Spheterista pernitida

[Sebbe]

Rediscoveries and Presumed Extinctions of Hawaiian Leaf-roller Moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

Presumed extinct. This species is known from a single female collected at Olaʻa on Hawaiʻi island in 1896 by Perkins (Walsingham 1907). However, in the absence of males, it is difficult to determine whether it belongs to Spheterista or another genus. If Spheterista, it likely fed on leaves or fruit of Cheirodendron or Polyscias (Araliaceae). The male mentioned by Walsingham (1907) as being “closely allied to pernitida” is almost certainly not conspecific. The male genitalia closely resemble those of the Urticaceae-feeding “Spheterista” (“S.” infaustana, “S.” urerana).

scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/items/e8321f10-f07c-49bb-a7fd-2ae5bd9132cf

[Sebbe]

Patterns of extinction across Hawaiian Lepidoptera offer lessons from a diverse, neglected, and vulnerable endemic fauna.

www.researchgate.net/publication/384487192_Patterns_of_extinction_across_Hawaiian_Lepidoptera_offer_lessons_from_a_diverse_neglected_and_vulnerable_endemic_fauna