D3350: Mystery moth no. 3259 from South Africa

Most species of Lepidoptera, particularly microlepidoptera, cannot be identified based exclusively on data about their larvae. A Few larvae have diagnostic morphological characters, behaviors, and/or life histories; that have been used to facilitate their identification. However as as more larvae are associated with adults through rearing or comparing DNA, attributes once thought to be diagnostic for a species or higher-taxa have proven to be incorrect assumptions. When the mission is to prevent exotic, potentially invasive, species from establishing in a novel biotic region, we are sometimes left with little more than a guess on the identity of larvae of microlepidoptera found feeding on imported commodities. Sometimes, however, through perseverance and serendipity, we make a breakthrough. This is the case for a fairly commonly intercepted dark pink, caterpillar from South Africa feeding on species of Brunia L. and Berzelia Brongn. (Bruniaceae) and Erica L. (Ericaceae) that has been a mystery for at least 40 years. After analyzing four DNA-barcode haplotypes and associated adult morphology, and garnering data from seven world experts, we can name this species and correct its higher-level classification.