Heliozela pitangavora Moreira & Fochezato sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae): a leaf miner micromoth associated with Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) in southern Brazil.

Heliozela pitangavora Moreira & Fochezato sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Adeloidea: Heliozelidae), a leaf miner of Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) is described in southern Brazil. Larvae, pupae and adults are characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy, in association with data on their life history. Mitochondrial DNA (COI) sequences are provided and compared with closely related species. Individual mines initially appear as small blotches on the adaxial surface of leaves during the summer, progressively enlarging as larvae feed on leaf parenchyma. Mature larvae build typical dehiscent shields by cutting the leaf lamina, and moulting into the final, highly modified, non-feeding instar. Pupation occurs later within these shields, in the soil litter, during autumn-winter. This is the first report for Heliozela Herrich-Säffer in Brazil, and the first record of such a host-plant species for the family worldwide.