Latest Articles from Nota Lepidopterologica Latest 17 Articles from Nota Lepidopterologica https://nl.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:11:42 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://nl.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Nota Lepidopterologica https://nl.pensoft.net/ Rediscovery of Clarina syriaca (Lederer, 1855) (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae, Macroglossinae) in Cyprus after 70 years; with notes on its biology and early life history from the Levant https://nl.pensoft.net/article/81819/ Nota Lepidopterologica 45: 305-314

DOI: 10.3897/nl.45.81819

Authors: Marios Aristophanous, Anthony R. Pittaway, Aristos Aristophanous

Abstract: Clarina syriaca (Lederer, 1855) was known from Cyprus by a single adult specimen collected in 1950. Recently, an adult and larva have been found, proving the existence of a breeding population. Clarina syriaca is thus confirmed as resident in Cyprus, as a relict population inhabiting riparian gallery forests, which act as isolated refugia surrounded by drier pine woodland or cultivated land. Information is provided on the early life history stages of C. syriaca, with further notes on its taxonomic status, biology, ecology, and host plants.

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Research Article Fri, 18 Nov 2022 14:47:27 +0200
A review of the distribution and ecology of the elusive Brown Hairstreak butterfly Thecla betulae (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) in the Iberian Peninsula https://nl.pensoft.net/article/76222/ Nota Lepidopterologica 45: 101-118

DOI: 10.3897/nl.45.76222

Authors: Eduardo Marabuto, Pedro Pires, Fernando Romão, Paulo Lemos, Thomas Merckx

Abstract: The Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae L.) is one of the least observed butterflies of the Palaearctic region, even though its distribution spans from Portugal in the west, to Russia and Korea in the far east. Adults are arboreal and seldom descend to ground level. As a result, this species is mostly monitored via the detection of eggs on the food plant during wintertime. In the Iberian Peninsula, this species was largely unknown until very recently, but a recent burst of regional studies in Spain has begun bridging this gap. However, their focused nature and a still incomplete knowledge on T. betulae in Portugal promoted the need for an integrative study at the Iberian scale. Here, we carried out a full literature review on the distribution, ecology and behaviour of T. betulae in Portugal and Spain. Complemented with field work in Portugal, we revealed an almost continuous distribution in the northern third of Iberia, whilst populations further south are mostly mountain-bound. In order to help with future discovery of new populations, we built a species-distribution model relating its occurrence with bioclimatic variables. This model accurately explains the current known occupation of the territory and highlights other areas where the species may potentially be found. Finally, we found evidence of a broadening of the species’ niche through the local use of an hitherto unknown food plant. This study sets a new knowledge baseline for future works and conservation of T. betulae through southern Europe.

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Research Article Thu, 3 Feb 2022 16:00:39 +0200
First description of the male and DNA barcode of Euphyia vallantinaria (Oberthür, 1890) from the Iberian Peninsula (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/75693/ Nota Lepidopterologica 45: 33-39

DOI: 10.3897/nl.45.75693

Authors: Juan J. Guerrero, Axel Hausmann, Rosa M. Rubio, Manuel Garre, Antonio S. Ortiz

Abstract: The male of Euphyia vallantinaria (Oberthür, 1890) has been recorded for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula and its genital morphology has been described and illustrated. DNA barcode data are presented and compared with the other European Euphyia species.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Jan 2022 12:31:00 +0200
Contribution to knowledge of the Balkan Macroheterocera: new and rare species for Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Albania https://nl.pensoft.net/article/64804/ Nota Lepidopterologica 44: 223-237

DOI: 10.3897/nl.44.64804

Authors: Stoyan Beshkov, Viktor Gashtarov, Vladimir Hula

Abstract: The Balkan Lepidoptera fauna is still not comprehensively known. We present here some new records for three Balkan countries. Polymixis xanthomista (Hübner, [1819]) is confirmed for the Balkan Peninsula from Albania, Eriogaster inspersa Staudinger, 1879 is reported new for the Republic of North Macedonia (second locality in Europe), and Mythimna languida (Walker, 1858) is new for Bulgaria. Some other species (Ctenoplusia accentifera (Lefèbvre, 1827), Anchoscelis luteogrisea (Warren, 1911), Griposia bouveti pinkeri (Kobes, 1973) and Egira anatolica (Hering, 1933)) are confirmed for these countries. We provide illustrations of the species and their genitalia when necessary for confirmation.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Oct 2021 09:33:50 +0300
Horisme exoletata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838) in southern Italy and description of its larva (Geometridae, Larentiinae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/53001/ Nota Lepidopterologica 43: 291-299

DOI: 10.3897/nl.43.53001

Authors: Stefano Scalercio, Aldo Catania

Abstract: We report Horisme exoletata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838) for the first time in Continental Europe: Italy, Calabria. This is a species previously considered endemic to Sicily and Malta, and an addition to the shared fauna of the Calabria and Sicily regions. We provide data concerning the biology of this species in Malta, illustrating the caterpillar for the first time.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Sep 2020 13:44:25 +0300
Notes on some Catoptria Hübner, 1825 (Crambidae, Lepidoptera) from the Central Apennines (Italy), with the descriptions of Catoptria samnitica sp. nov. and the male of Catoptria apenninica Bassi, 2017 https://nl.pensoft.net/article/52520/ Nota Lepidopterologica 43: 253-263

DOI: 10.3897/nl.43.52520

Authors: Graziano Bassi, Peter Huemer

Abstract: Material collected in recent expeditions by staff of the Tiroler Landesmuseen, Innsbruck, allows an update of some high elevation Catoptria of the Central Italian Apennines. Catoptria samnitica sp. nov. and the male of Catoptria apenninica Bassi are described from morphology and DNA barcodes, and adults and genitalia are illustrated. Both species are considered as regional endemics of the Central Apennines.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Aug 2020 16:56:37 +0300
The distribution and status of Sage Skipper Muschampia proto (Ochsenheimer, 1808) (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae) at the limit of its range in the north-western Balkans https://nl.pensoft.net/article/51660/ Nota Lepidopterologica 43: 211-220

DOI: 10.3897/nl.43.51660

Authors: Toni Koren, Matea Martinović, Dubravko Dender

Abstract: We analysed the status and distribution of the Sage Skipper Muschampia proto (Ochsenheimer, 1808), a rather rare and local Hesperiidae species at the edge of its range in the north-western part of the Balkan peninsula, mainly Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. In order to determine the species’ presence in the region, we mapped the occurrence of its hostplant, Jerusalem Sage Phlomis fruticosa Linnaeus (Lamiaceae). We also summarized all the available knowledge on M. proto in the Balkan Peninsula and provided a literature overview for each country this species has been recorded in so far. In Croatia, the distribution of M. proto is very limited and is located only in the wider surroundings of Dubrovnik city. In the present paper, we also provide the first and only record of M. proto in Bosnia & Herzegovina, from a single locality close to the Croatian border in the Dubrovnik area. Due to its limited distribution in both countries, we propose that the conservation status of the species should be changed from none to vulnerable.

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Research Article Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:51:23 +0300
First record of Scopula orientalis (Alphéraky, 1876) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Romania, at the northern limit of the Balkans https://nl.pensoft.net/article/24316/ Nota Lepidopterologica 41(2): 189-197

DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.24316

Authors: Vlad Dincă, Levente Székely

Abstract: The geometrid moth Scopula orientalis (Alphéraky, 1876) has an apparently disjunct distribution in Europe, with local populations in the Balkans (Macedonia, Bulgaria and Albania where recently discovered), as well as in Ukraine and southern European Russia. In this study, based on morphological and mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 – COI) data, we report the presence of S. orientalis in south-eastern Romania (Dobrogea), at the northernmost limit of the Balkans. The flight time (September) of the recorded specimen, is the latest seasonal record for the Balkans, supporting the presence of at least a partial second generation. The Romanian specimen represented a unique COI haplotype which is differentiated by seven mutations from its genetically closest population in Sivas province, Turkey. The presence of S. orientalis in Romania reduces the distributional gap between the known Balkan and Ukrainian populations and highlights the potential for a more widespread distribution that needs documentation based on directed studies.

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Short Communication Mon, 30 Jul 2018 11:45:37 +0300
Large male bias in collection of Micropterix facetella Zeller, 1851 (Lepidoptera, Micropterigidae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/23626/ Nota Lepidopterologica 41(1): 119-123

DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.23626

Authors: David Plotkin, Vazrick Nazari, Nicholas T. Homziak, Akito Y. Kawahara

Abstract: N/A (submission is a Short Communication)

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Short Communication Wed, 16 May 2018 09:47:46 +0300
Natural history and immature stage morphology of Spialia Swinhoe, 1912 in the Iberian Peninsula (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/13539/ Nota Lepidopterologica 41(1): 1-22

DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.13539

Authors: Juan L. Hernández-Roldán, Juan C. Vicente, Roger Vila, Miguel L. Munguira

Abstract: We present new data on the ecology, natural history and geographic distribution of the recently described skipper Spialia rosae Hernández-Roldán, Dapporto, Dincă, Vicente & Vila, 2016 and compare its immature stage morphology with the sympatric species S. sertorius (Hoffmannsegg, 1804). Spialia rosae uses species of Rosa L. (Rosaceae) as larval host-plants and prefers montane habitats, while S. sertorius feeds on Sanguisorba minor Scop. (Rosaceae) and inhabits lower altitudes. Rosa corymbifera Borkh. and R. tomentosa Sm. are documented for the first time as foodplants of S. rosae. We report Microgaster australis Thomson, 1895 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) as a larval parasitoid of S. rosae. Details of the immature stages of S. rosae and S. sertorius are shown using scanning electron microscope photographs, confirming the similar immature stage morphology, at least as regards the Iberian S. sertorius. In both species, the egg has high radial ribs, the last instar larva has branched setae covering the head, and the pupa has setae with pointed tips, barrel-like cuticular formations, and hairy mesothoracic tubercles. By extensive sampling of the species of Spialia in the region of Segovia, Central Spain, we extend the previously known geographic distribution of S. rosae to 56 new 100 km2 MGRS squares, which represents a 155 % increase. Spialia rosae is present in the northern part of the interior plateau and in the main mountain systems of the Iberian Peninsula. The main threats to the populations of S. rosae are its limited distribution range and the possible effects of climate change due to its specialization in montane habitats. The conservation status of S. rosae was previously regarded as Data Deficient (DD). With the addition of new data the species can now be evaluated as Least Concern (LC).

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Research Article Fri, 5 Jan 2018 15:27:21 +0200
Bankesia desplatsella Nel, 1999 (Lepidoptera, Psychidae): a species new to the Italian fauna https://nl.pensoft.net/article/11432/ Nota Lepidopterologica 40(1): 125-130

DOI: 10.3897/nl.40.11432

Authors: Stefano Scalercio, Edgardo Bertaccini

Abstract: Bankesia desplatsella Nel, 1999, is recorded here as new to the Italian fauna from specimens collected in the Calabria and Abruzzi regions. We provide the first description of the larval case, putatively belonging to this species, add details to our knowledge of the species’ ecology, and analyse DNA barcodes of specimens from central and southern Italy. The female remains unknown.

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Short Communication Tue, 13 Jun 2017 11:48:40 +0300
The biology and preimaginal morphology of Italian endemic species Isturgia sparsaria (Hübner, 1809) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/10865/ Nota Lepidopterologica 40(1): 25-29

DOI: 10.3897/nl.40.10865

Authors: Hossein Rajaei, Michael Leipnitz, Siegfried Ortner

Abstract: The geometrid species Isturgia sparsaria (Hübner, 1809) is restricted to Italy and its biology is unknown. Recently, several individuals of this species have been successfully reared in captivity. Experiments with various potential host plants are reported. The larva was reared successfully on Genista tinctoria L. and Ulex europaeus L. (both from family Fabaceae). Adult insects, as well as ovum, larva, and pupa are illustrated and/or briefly described.

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Research Article Fri, 3 Feb 2017 16:06:49 +0200
Udea ruckdescheli sp. n. from Crete and its phylogenetic relationships (Pyraloidea, Crambidae, Spilomelinae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/9090/ Nota Lepidopterologica 39(2): 123-135

DOI: 10.3897/nl.39.9090

Authors: Richard Mally, Andreas H. Segerer, Matthias Nuss

Abstract: DNA barcode data reveal a distinct group of Udea specimens collected on Crete and previously misidentified as Udea fulvalis (Hübner, 1809) and U. languidalis ab. veneralis (Staudinger, 1870). Morphological examination of the specimens corroborates their status as a distinct species which is described as Udea ruckdescheli sp. n. Images of the adults and the genitalia of both sexes, as well as the DNA barcode sequences are presented. A phylogenetic analysis using molecular (COI, wingless) and morphological data indicates that the new species belongs to the Udea numeralis (Hübner, 1796) species group and is sister to the Udea fimbriatralis (Duponchel, 1833) species complex.

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Research Article Wed, 24 Aug 2016 10:13:47 +0300
A new species of Micropterix Hübner, 1825 from the Orobian Alps (Italy) (Lepidoptera, Micropterigidae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/5058/ Nota Lepidopterologica 38(2): 133-146

DOI: 10.3897/nl.38.5058

Authors: Hans Christof Zeller, Peter Huemer

Abstract: Micropterix gaudiella Zeller & Huemer, sp. n. is described from the southern part of the Orobian Alps (Piedmont, Italy) and compared with its likely closest relatives Micropterix isobasella Staudinger, 1871 and Micropterix stuebneri Zeller, Werno & Kurz, 2013. The new species is well characterized by its wing pattern and colour and by structures of the male genitalia. The species status is furthermore supported by molecular data of the DNA barcode region. The distance to its nearest neighbour Micropterix schaefferi Heath, 1975 is 2.65%. M. gaudiella is the seventh species of the genus Micropterix Hübner, 1825 probably endemic to the Alps.

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Research Article Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:32:00 +0300
Contribution to the knowledge of the butterfly fauna of Albania https://nl.pensoft.net/article/4818/ Nota Lepidopterologica 38(1): 29-45

DOI: 10.3897/nl.38.8814

Authors: Martina Šašić, Miloš Popović, Sylvain Cuvelier, Milan Đurić, Filip Franeta, Martin Gascoigne-Pees, Toni Koren, Dirk Maes, Branko Micevski, Nikola Micevski, Morten S. Mølgaard, Chris van Swaay, Irma Wynhoff, Rudi Verovnik

Abstract: Albanian insect fauna is one of the least studied in Europe. In 2012 and 2013 surveys were undertaken with the aim of improving the knowledge of the distribution of butterflies, particularly in the southern part of the country. This research has resulted in the publication of three new species records for Albania. Here we add two new species to the list of native butterflies of Albania, Melitaea ornata Christoph, 1893 and Cupido alcetas (Hoffmannsegg, 1804). We recorded a total of 143 species including several confirmations of historical published records. The total number of species has consequently increased to 198, which is comparable with butterfly diversity in neighbouring countries. Unlike its neighbours, Albania has preserved many of its traditional agricultural practices and consequently its rich fauna has been well protected during the last decades. However, with the opening up of the country to outside influences this will undoubtedly change as the process of intensification has already started in more populated coastal areas. It is therefore imperative to identify important butterfly areas in need of conservation and to take decisive measures to preserve traditional agricultural practices.

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Research Article Wed, 4 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0200
Pseudochazara amymone (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) in Albania: Variability analysis, androconial scales and new distributional data https://nl.pensoft.net/article/4625/ Nota Lepidopterologica 38(1): 1-22

DOI: 10.3897/nl.38.9230

Authors: Sylvain Cuvelier, Morten Mølgaard

Abstract: For the first time a comparison of variable external characters of a series of males and females of Pseudochazara amymone (Brown, 1976) from southern Albania is conducted. Pseudochazara amymone, flying together with P. mniszechii tisiphone (Brown, 1980), was local and quite common in steep valleys on ophiolite substrate on two separate mountains, one of which is a recently discovered locality by Eckweiler (2012), while the other one is a new locality. An analysis of external characters of all specimens from the two localities suggests no statistically significant differences. In the field, patrolling P. amymone males are easily distinguished from P. mniszechii tisiphone males but this is not the case for females, and therefore we provide determination keys for males and females of these two species. These are based on a statistical analysis of a specimen series from one Albanian P. mniszechii tisiphone population compared with all P. amymone in this study. Photographs of androconia, copula and some extreme forms of P. amymone are presented. To encourage further research in this poorly explored country a map is included, showing all historical records of Papilionoidea from literature, including our own observations.

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Research Article Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0200
Phyllobrostis minoica sp. n. from Crete (Greece) – an expected discovery (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutoidea, Lyonetiidae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/4242/ Nota Lepidopterologica 37(2): 161-165

DOI: 10.3897/nl.37.8098

Authors: Wolfram Mey

Abstract: Abstract. Phyllobrostis minoica sp. n. is described from Crete, Greece. It belongs to the P. daphneella group and seems to be related to P. jedmella Chrétien. The two species are clearly distinguishable by the external characters and by the male genitalia. The adult habitus and male and female genitalia of the new species are illustrated.

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Research Article Mon, 17 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0200