A new species of Trisyntopa Lower (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) associated with the nests of the hooded parrot ( Psephotus dissimilis , Psittacidae) in the Northern Territory

Abstract

Trisyntopa neossophila sp. n. (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), reared from the nest of the hooded parrot (Psephotus dissimilis Collett), is described using morphological characters. Aspects of its biology are reported and similarities to the biology of Trisyntopa scatophaga (White) found in the nests of the golden-shouldered parrot (Psephotus chrysopterygius Gould) are discussed and questions formulated to suggest further work on the parrot-moth relationship. The possibility that a moth was associated with the extinct paradise parrot (Psephotus pulcherrimus (Gould)) is considered in the light of the phylogenetic relationships between the parrots.