Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2002
Synopsis 59
Introduction 60
Material and methods 60
Abbreviations of institutions 61
Acknowledgements 61
Redescriptions of Manoneura basidactyla and Ectoedemia fuscivittata 61
Revised checklist of Neotropical Nepticulidae 63
Discussion 63
Definition of species-groups, taxonomic notes 63
Leaf-mine collecting and hostplant data in equatorial America 66
Diversity and geography 66
References 67
Fieldwork in 2000–2001 has added substantially to our knowledge of the Nepticulidae of the upper Amazon basin and the Andes and increased the number of species known from the Neotropical Region from 58 to 74. Two species – Manoneura basidactyla (Davis) and Ectoedemia fuscivittata Puplesis & Robinson – are recorded from equatorial America for the first time here and are redescribed, with amplified descriptions and illustrations. A revised checklist of the Neotropical Nepticulidae is given together with an updated distribution map for Central and Southern America. Fomoria latipennata Puplesis & Robinson is transferred to Acalyptris, comb. n. Four new species-groups (Stigmella tiliella-group, S. barbata-group, Fomoria molybditis-group and Acalyptris latipennata-group) are defined. Hostplant data are reviewed and further hostplant genera from which mines or cocoons have been collected are noted. The diversity and distribution of the Neotropical Nepticulidae are discussed.