Surprising discovery of an enigmatic geometrid in Croatia: Mirlatiaarcuata , gen. nov., sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Geometridae).

A new monotypic genus of Geometridae, Mirlatia gen. nov. , and a new species, M.arcuata sp. nov. , are described from Croatia. Based on external and genitalia characters, the new genus is tentatively placed in the subfamily Larentiinae. However, the new genus takes a highly isolated position by having unique characters of the tympanum and showing an unusually long pectination of female antennae. Genetic analysis of a fragmented DNA barcode (mtDNA; cytochrome c oxidase 1) did not result in a clear assignation to any geometrid subfamily or tribe. Adults, male and female genitalia, and habitat photos of the type locality of the new species are illustrated.