Splitting the leafmining shield-bearer moth genus Hübner (Lepidoptera, Heliozelidae): North American species with reduced venation placed in new genus, with a review of heliozelid morphology.

The new genus is described to harbour Nearctic heliozelid moths with reduced venation, previously placed in Hübner, 1825, with type species van Nieukerken & Wagner, 2012. The erection of this genus has become possible now that monophyly has been supported by a recent phylotranscriptomics analysis. Six species are combined in this genus: (van Nieukerken & Wagner, 2012), , (Chambers, 1874), , (Chambers, 1874), , (Braun, 1927), , (Braun, 1927), , (Clemens, 1860), and two candidate species are recognised. DNA barcode COI sequences of Malaise trapped specimens suggest a rich fauna of in Central America. All are leafminers, with Vitaceae as main host family, and single species feeding respectively on Hydrangeaceae and Myricaceae. The species are briefly diagnosed, and data on biology, DNA barcodes and distribution are provided. To place the genus in context, a review of heliozelid morphology and phylogeny is presented and a key to Nearctic genera is given. The genus is confined to North and Central America, possibly also occurring in South America. is also an invasive species on grapevine in Italy. The genus is sister to Walsingham, 1895. Another species is removed from : (Busck, 1900), , feeding on (Myrtaceae), from Florida.