[Taxacom] sufficient evidence for new species

[John Grehan]

Dear colleagues,

I would be interested in any feedback opinion on what I admit might be
taxonomic heresy but I am in a bit of a dilemma. I have a situation where I
have single specimens of moths of the same genus, each from different
islands (Indonesian Lesser Sunda). In some cases I have genitalic
differences so there is no problem recognizing different species for each
island. But in two cases the abdomen had decayed (due to tropical field
conditions presumably) that the genitalia were not preserved. However, in
the other species I have also noted differences in the mouthparts. If for
the two decayed specimens their mouthparts (labial palps) were intact and
showed distinct differences, is there any major problem my describing these
as new species based on that difference? It seems to me that it would be
just as valid as genitalia or even any other consistent different, although
not usual practice.

These moths are extremely rarely caught (at light, although likely actually
present in high numbers) and it has taken years to obtain the single
specimens. Of course I could just wait until more specimens turn up, but
then I am getting on in years and don't want to chance missing the
opportunity. There is no overriding rule about this but I would be
interested in reactions (even to anticipate what I might have to confront
in due course). Many thanks. John Grehan