Revision of Afrotropical Udea Guenée in Duponchel, 1845, with description of five new species of the U. ferrugalis (Hübner, 1796) group (Lepidoptera, Crambidae, Spilomelinae)

The Udea species (currently six) present in the Afrotropical realm are revised based on adults. Phlyctaenia epicoena Meyrick, 1937 syn. nov. is found to be identical with U. ferrugalis (Hübner, 1796). delineatalis (Walker Melliss 1875) and hageni Viette, 1952 redescribed. In addition, five of described as new science: kirinyaga Mally sp. from Mount Kenya Kenya, nicholsae , meruensis momella all three Meru Tanzania, namaquana Karisch & South Africa. A phylogenetic analysis morphological data mitochondrial COI well nuclear wingless gene, where available, places group, which also comprises oceanic island St. Helena. Another endemic, Tristan da Cunha, a member numeralis sister . An additional synapomorphic character genitalia recognised for group. infuscalis (Zeller, 1852) melanostictalis (Hampson Poulton 1916) misplaced transferred Pyraustinae, Lirabotys comb. Achyra respectively. Adults, tympanic organs, both sexes, illustrated. checklist summarises now eight species.