A taxonomic revision of the Elachista bedellella (Sircom) complex (Lepidoptera : Elachistidae : Elachistinae)

The Elachista bedellella Sircom complex is diagnosed and its taxonomy is revised. The female genitalia, when known, are found to be of good diagnostic value in defining species. In the male genitalia there are subtle, yet decipherable interspecific differences in the shape of the juxta and the cornutus that correlate with differences in the outer appearance of different populations. As a result, eight species are recognised, including the following new species: Elachista antonia sp. n. from Greece (Crete), E. slivenica sp. n. from Bulgaria, E. dorinda sp. n. from Turkey, E. versicolora sp. n. from Russia (Transbaikalia) and E. camilla sp. n. from Russia (Kuray). The identity of E. lugdunensis Frey is clarified and it is considered a valid species, and E. coeneni Traugott-Olsen, 1985 is confirmed to be a junior synonym of it. E. bedellella, E. lugdunensis and E. titanella Kaila & Jalava, 1994 (stat. n.) are diagnosed and illustrated.