The peculiar Asian ghost moth genus Bipectilus Chu & Wang: taxonomy and systematic position (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae s.str.)

Abstract Bipectilus Chu & Wang, 1985, from China, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam is redescribed. Eight species are recognized in the genus; two were described previously ( Gorgopis unimacula Daniel and Bipectilus yunnanensis Chu & Wang) and six new species are named. A key to the males is provided and all species and their genitalia are described and illustrated. One new combination is established and one lectotype is designated. Observations on the cuticular anatomy of Bipectilus are presented. The monophyly of Bipectilus is supported by several autapomorphies but the genus also possesses many plesiomorphic traits including spurs on the hind tibia in some species. Bipectilus is placed in the Hepialidae s.str. and the autapomorphies of that taxon are summarized. It is concluded that Bipectilus represents an early lineage within the family, and possibly represents the sister-group of all other Hepialidae s.str. All Asian species originally placed in Gorgopis Hübner are removed from this endemic Afrotropical hepialid genus.