Florida’s avocado spanworm is not Epimecis detexta (Walker), and other changes to USA Epimecis Hübner taxonomy (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae)

Abstract

The avocado spanworm, a common foliar pest of avocados in Florida, has long been misidentified as Epimecis detexta (Walker), a species that may be restricted to Jamaica. Here, we describe Epimecis guacamolearia Matson, new species, to resolve this longstanding taxonomic misapplication. The new species is compared with E. detexta and E. semicompleta (Warren) as part of a proposed detexta-group within Epimecis Hübner. A lectotype is newly designated for Bronchelia detexta Walker. We also provide an overview of Epimecis taxonomy in the USA, including a summary of historical name misapplications, illustrations of adults and larvae of each species, and an examination of diet breadth across the genus using records from the long-term rearing program in Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, which yield new insights.