A new species of Pyla Grote and redescription of Pyla aequivoca Heinrich (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae)

A new species of phycitine pyralid, Pyla arenaeola, is described from sandy habitats in central Noah America. The female of this new species was previously associated with males of Pyla aequivoca Heinrich. Pyla aequivoca is redescribed, and Pyla gaspeensis McDunnough is placed as a synonym of Pyla aequivoca [new synonymy]. Pyla arenaeola is restricted to loose sandy soils, especially dunes of the Great Lakes shoreline. Its distribution appears to be associated with dunes formed since the last Wisconsin glaciation including fossil dunes on the shores of glacial Lake Agassiz. The larvae feed on bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Sprengel (Ericaceae) while concealed in silk-lined sand tubes.