Latest Articles from Nota Lepidopterologica Latest 36 Articles from Nota Lepidopterologica https://nl.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:49:00 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://nl.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Nota Lepidopterologica https://nl.pensoft.net/ The genus Zizyphia Chrétien, 1908, with notes on its systematic position and the first record of Z. cleodorella Chrétien, 1908 from Europe (Lepidoptera, Depressariidae, Cacochroinae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/115542/ Nota Lepidopterologica 47: 19-28

DOI: 10.3897/nl.47.115542

Authors: Lauri Kaila, Ole Karsholt, Txema Revilla

Abstract: Zizyphia cleodorella Chrétien, 1908 is reported as new to Spain and Europe. The genus Zizyphia and the species Z. cleodorella is diagnosed and its separation from the closely related Z. zizyphella Amsel, 1935 is elaborated. The adult habitus and genital structure, and the species’ habitat are illustrated. The systematic position of the genus is discussed. Because Orophiinae Lvovsky, 1974 is a secondary homonym of Orophiini Thomson, 1863 (Coleoptera: Ciidae), and Cryptolechiinae is considered here as being unrelated to it, the name Cacochroini Leraut, 1993 is reinstated as a valid family-group name as Cacochroinae within Depressariidae (Gelechioidea), with Eutornini Lvovsky, 2019, syn. nov. as a subjective junior synonym of Cacochroini.

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Research Article Fri, 19 Jan 2024 10:12:18 +0200
Preheterobathmia gen. nov. – a new non-glossatan taxon from Myanmar amber tentatively assigned to Heterobathmiidae (Insecta, Lepidoptera) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/111080/ Nota Lepidopterologica 47: 1-10

DOI: 10.3897/nl.47.111080

Authors: Wolfram Mey

Abstract: The description of a new fossil taxon Preheterobathmia grimaldii gen. nov. et sp. nov. is provided from Myanmar amber. The new taxon is tentatively assigned to the extant family Heterobathmiidae based on corresponding architecture of the female genitalia. It displays an interesting mixture of plesiomorphies and apomorphies, which are discussed in a comparison between Preheterobathmia gen. nov. and Heterobathmia. The fossil provides new information to the phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancestral Lepidoptera.

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Research Article Fri, 5 Jan 2024 14:31:47 +0200
Xenotorodor stygioxanthus gen. nov., sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae, Torodorinae), described from an established population in Spain with discussion of taxonomic placement https://nl.pensoft.net/article/101457/ Nota Lepidopterologica 46: 103-123

DOI: 10.3897/nl.46.101457

Authors: Mark J. Sterling, David C. Lees, Dave Grundy

Abstract: The family Lecithoceridae is not well represented in the Palaearctic region, with very few taxa in Europe. Here we describe a new genus and species of lecithocerid moth, Xenotorodor stygioxanthus Sterling, Lees & Grundy, gen. nov., sp. nov. The taxon represents a subfamily new to Europe. We consider placement of the genus within Crocanthinae or Torodorinae. We place it in Torodorinae, notwithstanding the reduced gnathos in the male genitalia. DNA barcodes suggest that the taxon belongs within a distal clade of this subfamily. They are over 9.2% pairwise divergent from any hitherto cleanly sequenced Lepidoptera taxon and over 10.1% from nearest taxonomically identified neighbours in Neighbor Joining and ML trees. Characteristics of the DNA barcode and morphology of this new taxon suggest that refinement of synapomorphies for the family and two subfamilies is needed. We have nearly 100 records for this new species since 2020, all from a small area of Southern Spain, close to the Straits of Gibraltar. The life history and early stages of the species are unknown.

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Research Article Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:22:00 +0200
History of colonisation and updated distribution of the Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus, 1758) and its hostplants in mainland Portugal, Azores and Madeira https://nl.pensoft.net/article/89665/ Nota Lepidopterologica 46: 83-101

DOI: 10.3897/nl.46.89665

Authors: Luís Palma, Sasha Vasconcelos, Ana Filipa Palmeirim, Juan Pablo Cancela

Abstract: The first observations of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in Iberia date from 1886, although breeding records emerged almost a century later: 1960 in Spain, 1980s–1990s in Madeira and Azores, and 2003 in mainland Portugal. We reviewed the history of the colonisation of mainland and insular Portugal by the Monarch butterfly and its hostplants (Gomphocarpus fruticosus, G. physocarpus and Asclepias curassavica). We also compiled available historical and recent occurrence records as a basis for countrywide surveys of the butterfly and hostplants, to update their current distributions in Portugal. Locations for only a few of the older records represented newly rediscovered populations in the field, although recent occurrences were often confirmed. Hostplants were scarce and monarchs absent in northern and central mainland Portugal, but both were quite common in the southwest. In Madeira, hostplants were found in two locations, while monarchs were common and widespread. In the Azores, small hostplant patches were observed on four of seven surveyed islands, whereas monarchs were rare and restricted to two islands. Abandoned/semi-abandoned orange orchards represent the butterfly’s stronghold in Portugal, with the species being increasingly scarce along rivers and road verges where hostplants are declining. Hostplant persistence is unstable, with many patches removed, while others have expanded or colonised new areas. Overall, hostplants appear to be declining, with implications for the persistence of monarch butterflies in the country.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Mar 2023 21:37:11 +0200
Stigmella naturnella (Klimesch, 1936) (Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae) a fast-spreading European leafminer of Betula, with a revised key to linear leafmines on Betula https://nl.pensoft.net/article/99360/ Nota Lepidopterologica 46: 37-82

DOI: 10.3897/nl.46.99360

Authors: Erik J. van Nieukerken

Abstract: Stigmella naturnella (Klimesch, 1936), a leafminer of Betula, is here recorded as new for France, Croatia, Ukraine, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Since 2018, it has expanded its range into the last two countries, partly based on numerous online observations. Its distribution history is reviewed, the species is diagnosed and its life history is described. A lectotype is designated for Nepticula naturnella Klimesch, 1936. The species is widespread in the Palearctic, from Japan to the North Sea, with a maximum of 1.63% variation in its DNA barcode. Legacy leafmine records for Germany are reviewed, resulting in the confirmation of its occurrence in Baden-Württemberg already in 1935, but other old records are rejected. It is one of the few Nepticulidae species that hibernate as adult, a possible contributing factor to its expansion. As the leafmines may be confused with other Betula mining species, a revised key to the leafmines of European Stigmella species on Betula is provided. Stigmella glutinosae (Stainton, 1858) and S. alnetella (Stainton, 1856), usually feeding in Alnus, are both recorded to occur occasionally on Betula and are included in the key.

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Research Article Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:59:30 +0200
In memoriam: Fidel Fernández-Rubio (13 Dec 1928–20 Apr 2022) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/95740/ Nota Lepidopterologica 45: 355-362

DOI: 10.3897/nl.45.95740

Authors: Enrique García-Barros, José Luis Viejo Montesinos, Miguel L. Munguira

Abstract: No abstract

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In Memoriam Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:20:50 +0200
Taxonomic notes on Palearctic taxa of Galacticidae, a little-known family of Lepidoptera (Galacticoidea) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/78574/ Nota Lepidopterologica 45: 169-190

DOI: 10.3897/nl.45.78574

Authors: Wolfram Mey

Abstract: Galacticidae is a poorly known family in the Palearctic Region. The range of the family covers the Mediterranean Zone of North Africa, as well as Western Asia, Eastern Russia, Central Asia and the Eastern Palaearctic. The included taxa are summarised in a checklist. Available type material was examined and redescriptions of some species are provided. Two genera are recognised and diagnosed: Homadaula Lower, 1899 with four species and Zarcinia Chrétien, 1915 with five species. Bahrlutia Amsel 1935, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Zarcinia and Galactica Walsingham, 1911 syn. nov., the name bearing type genus of the family, proves to be a junior synonym of Homadaula. The male and female genitalia are the principal characters for defining genera and diagnosing species in this family. The hitherto unknown genitalia of seven species are illustrated for the first time. Zarcinia stshetkini sp. nov. is described from Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Not all taxonomic problems could be solved. Three species remain as incertae sedis.

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Research Article Mon, 18 Apr 2022 09:30:36 +0300
Mitochondrial DNA-based phylogeography of the large ringlet Erebia euryale (Esper, 1805) suggests recurrent Alpine-Carpathian disjunctions during Pleistocene (Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/68138/ Nota Lepidopterologica 45: 65-86

DOI: 10.3897/nl.45.68138

Authors: Frans Cupedo, Camiel Doorenweerd

Abstract: Most species of the butterfly genus Erebia are high altitude specialists, in which territorial fragmentation is associated with distinct genetic patterns. This is also true for the large ringlet, Erebia euryale (Esper, 1805), a species widespread across European mountain systems. Previous molecular studies revealed four lineages: two in the Alps, coinciding with the ssp. adyte and isarica, one in the Pyrenees and Cantabria (ssp. pyraenaeicola), and one in the Carpathians and the Balkans (ssp. syrmia). Two morphological subspecies inhabiting delimited ranges in the southern Alps (ssp. pseudoadyte and kunzi) were not included in these studies. To further our understanding of the relationships between populations, both the Alpine and the extra Alpine ones, we sequenced 1,496 bp of the COI gene in 16 Alpine and Jurassian populations and analysed them in combination with published Pyrenean and Carpathian sequences. The resulting haplotype network shows five lineages, congruent with the morphologic delineation of subspecies. Based on the current distribution ranges and genetic affinities, we reconstructed a pre-Würm phylogeographic scenario. This suggests an initial split resulting in an Alpine and a Carpathian clade, probably of Carpathian origin. Within the Alps, three subspecies subsequently differentiated, probably during several glacial cycles, generating ssp. adyte, pseudoadyte and kunzi. In parallel, the Carpathian clade underwent a second Alpine–Carpathian disjunction and differentiated into ssp. euryale and syrmia in the Carpathians, and ssp. ocellaris and isarica in the eastern Alps, revealing a heterogeneous origin of the E. euryale subspecies across the Alps. The Pyrenean and Jurassian populations are a relatively young divergence in the western part of the species’ range.

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Research Article Wed, 19 Jan 2022 16:54:54 +0200
The distribution pattern of mire specialist butterflies in raised bogs of the northern lowlands of Central Europe https://nl.pensoft.net/article/75182/ Nota Lepidopterologica 45: 41-52

DOI: 10.3897/nl.45.75182

Authors: Robert S. Sommer, Volker Thiele, Gennadi Sushko, Marcin Sielezniew, Detlef Kolligs, Dalius Dapkus

Abstract: Raised bogs are extreme and azonal ecosystems with a characteristic hydrological balance, microclimatic conditions and a specific flora and fauna. Recently, these ecosystems have increasingly become the focus of scientific and general attention because of their important ecosystem roles in the face of global warming and providing biodiversity refuges. From a biogeographical and evolutionary context, the peat bogs of the European Lowlands serve as palaeorefugia, acting as cold, edaphic island habitats for arcto-alpine or boreo-montane insect species in temperate biomes. Analysing 105 peat bog sites in the northern lowlands of Central Europe, we compare the diversity and geographic distribution pattern of a subset of six butterfly species, which appear to be tyrphobiontic or tyrphophile mire specialists. We demonstrate a decrease in mean species number in the European Lowlands on a gradient from the east (Northern Belarus, about 4 species) to the west (Northern Germany, about 1 species), and suggest that the decreasing species number may be mainly caused by human impact in the past. The individual distribution pattern shows a nearly complete gap in occurrence of the sensitive bog specialist species Colias palaeno and Boloria eunomia in Northern Germany and an increasing presence of those species in peat bogs of eastern Europe. Boloria aquilonaris shows a different pattern, which, in contrast to C. palaeno, is continuously distributed in all sampled regions and seems to be the more tolerant of tyrphobiontic butterflies in the face of human impact on peat bogs. In the light of other recent findings our results also suggest that Boloria aquilonaris and Plebejus optilete may serve as target species reflecting success in ecological restoration of peat bog ecosystems.

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Research Article Thu, 13 Jan 2022 17:44:17 +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
The ant associates of Lycaenidae butterfly caterpillars – revisited https://nl.pensoft.net/article/68993/ Nota Lepidopterologica 44: 159-174

DOI: 10.3897/nl.44.68993

Authors: Konrad Fiedler

Abstract: Based on a global compilation of data on ant associates of 523 Lycaenidae species, a synthesis is attempted as to which ants participate in these interactions. Ants from 63 genera have thus far been observed as visitors of facultative myrmecophiles or as hosts of obligate myrmecophiles among the Lycaenidae. Over 98% of records come from nectarivorous and trophobiotic ants in just three subfamilies, viz. Formicinae, Myrmicinae and Dolichoderinae, with the genera Crematogaster and Camponotus occupying the top ranks. Accumulation analysis suggests that rather few ant genera remain to be added to the list of associates. The representation of ant genera as attendants of lycaenid immatures is related to their global species richness, but with some notable exceptions. Ants that form ecologically dominant, large, long-lived colonies are over-represented as hosts of obligate myrmecophiles. The taxonomic diversity of lycaenid-ant associations is highest in the Oriental and Australian region, and lowest in the Neotropical and Afrotropical region. Among tropical African lycaenids, this is due to two butterfly lineages (genus Lepidochrysops and subfamily Aphnaeinae) that have massively radiated in the Neogene, but mostly maintaining their general affiliations with either Camponotus or Crematogaster ants, respectively. Many tropical and subtropical lycaenids nowadays form associations also with invasive alien tramp ants, giving rise to novel mutualistic interactions.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Sep 2021 12:11:59 +0300
Long-distance dispersal of migrant butterflies to the Arctic Ocean islands, with a record of Nymphalis xanthomelas at the northern edge of Novaya Zemlya (76.95°N) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/62249/ Nota Lepidopterologica 44: 73-90

DOI: 10.3897/nl.44.62249

Authors: Ivan N. Bolotov, Ivan A. Mizin, Alisa A. Zheludkova, Olga V. Aksenova, Yulia S. Kolosova, Grigory S. Potapov, Vitaly M. Spitsyn, Mikhail Y. Gofarov

Abstract: Although migrant butterflies are rare (or sporadically seen) guests on the Arctic Ocean islands, there is a slowly growing dataset on repeated occurrences of these insects in insular tundra and polar deserts. Altogether six long-distance migrant butterfly species were found to cross wide marine barriers north of the Arctic Circle (66.56°N), i.e. Vanessa atalanta, V. cardui, Nymphalis antiopa, N. xanthomelas, Aporia crataegi, and Pieris napi. Migrant individuals of V. cardui discovered on Svalbard (up to 78.27°N in 1978) reflect the farthest dispersal event of butterflies to the Arctic ever reported. Our record of N. xanthomelas at the northern margin of Novaya Zemlya (76.95°N) represents the northernmost finding of this species globally, reflecting the world’s second farthest record of northern poleward immigration of butterflies. This occurrence coincides with an exceptionally warm summer season, when the third highest July and second highest August air temperature occurred (since global records began in 1880). Furthermore, the immigration into Novaya Zemlya coincides with a population explosion and massive expansion of N. xanthomelas in Siberia in 2019–2020. Our air current reconstructions indicate that this species most likely immigrated into Novaya Zemlya from mainland regions situated south-southeast (Polar Urals, Yugorsky Peninsula, and western Yamal) and east (Taymyr) of the archipelago. Overall, our findings reveal that long-distance dispersal events of butterflies to the Arctic islands are always linked to massive expansions of the corresponding species in mainland areas.

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Research Article Wed, 17 Mar 2021 13:28:16 +0200
Carried with the wind: mass occurrence of Zeiraphera griseana (Hübner, 1799) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) on Vize Island (Russian High Arctic) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/63662/ Nota Lepidopterologica 44: 91-97

DOI: 10.3897/nl.44.63662

Authors: Maria V. Gavrilo, Igor I. Chupin, Mikhail V. Kozlov

Abstract: Vize Island, located in the northern part of the Kara Sea (79°30’N, 76°59’E), is one of the least studied islands of the Russian High Arctic in terms of its biota. Hundreds of live and freshly dead individuals of Larch Budmoth Zeiraphera griseana (Hübner, 1799) were observed on this island from 16 July–2 August 2020. This is the first and the only terrestrial invertebrate ever discovered on Vize Island. The moths were likely transported to the island by air currents from the northern part of the Krasnoyarsk region, where an outbreak of Z. griseana was reported on over 75,000 ha. The distance travelled by moths approached 1200 km. Thus, the high Arctic islands are less isolated from insect migrants than was commonly thought. These islands will be colonised by boreal insects as soon as changing environmental conditions allow the establishment of local populations.

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Research Article Wed, 17 Mar 2021 13:27:30 +0200
New taxa of extant and fossil primitive moths in South-East Asia and their biogeographic significance (Lepidoptera, Micropterigidae, Agathiphagidae, Lophocoronidae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/52350/ Nota Lepidopterologica 44: 29-56

DOI: 10.3897/nl.44.52350

Authors: Wolfram Mey, Théo Léger, Vu Van Lien

Abstract: We report some surprising recent distributional range extensions of one extant genus and two more families of primitive moths discovered in amber fossils from South-east Asia which were previously only known from Australia and/or the southwestern Pacific, with the possible exception of an undescribed Siberian fossil attributed to Lophocoronidae. During entomological field work in rain forests of central Vietnam a new species of Micropterigidae was discovered. It is described herein as Aureopterix bachmaensis sp. nov. based on male and female specimens collected at light in the Bach-Ma National Park. The identification was corroborated by a molecular analysis. This is the first record of this genus in the Northern Hemisphere, previously thought to be restricted to the Australian Region (including New Caledonia). First results of investigations of Burmese amber inclusions now reveal the presence of the Australian Region families Agathiphagidae and Lophocoronidae in the Cretaceous of Asia. The fossil taxon Agathiphagama perdita gen. nov., sp. nov. is established on the basis of two females and this is assigned to Agathiphagidae. The fossil genus Acanthocorona gen. nov. is established in Lophocoronidae and includes seven species described here as A. skalskii sp. nov., A. bowangi sp. nov., A. muelleri sp. nov., A. kuranishii sp. nov., A. sattleri sp. nov., A. spinifera sp. nov. and A. wichardi sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished by the male genitalia which are illustrated together with wing venation and other morphological characters. The disjunct ranges of these taxa are discussed in a historical biogeographic context. Vicariance and dispersal hypotheses explaining the disjunct pattern are discussed. The discovery of these new species suggests a broader ancestral range of Aureopterix, Agathiphagidae and Lophocoronidae. Their extant ranges may be regarded as remnants or relicts of a wider distribution in the Mesozoic, or at least in the case of Aureopterix they could be the results of recent or ancient dispersal processes, since the calibration of molecular splits does not so far accord with plate tectonics.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:42:26 +0200
DNA barcoding and genomics reveal Perizoma barrassoi Zahm, Cieslak & Hausmann, 2006 as new for the fauna of Central Europe (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/58871/ Nota Lepidopterologica 44: 17-28

DOI: 10.3897/nl.44.58871

Authors: Axel Hausmann, Peter Huemer, Kyung Min Lee, Marko Mutanen

Abstract: Perizoma barrassoi Zahm, Cieslak & Hausmann, 2006, previously considered a central Italian endemic, shows a much wider distribution with additional records from the Alps and the Pyrenees, in partial sympatry with its sister species, Perizoma incultaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1848) which is widespread in the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians and Dinaric mountains. The disruptive genetic patterns of both species involve the COI barcode gene as well as nuclear genomic data and are confirmed by correlated differential features in male and female genitalia. To fix nomenclatural stability a neotype is designated for P. incultaria.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:04:31 +0200
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
Euploea dorippus Klug, 1845: species, semispecies, subspecies, junior subjective synonym of Danaus chrysippus chrysippus (Linnaeus), and/or form – what does Klug’s dorippus represent? (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Danainae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/47936/ Nota Lepidopterologica 43: 117-138

DOI: 10.3897/nl.43.47936

Authors: Richard I. Vane-Wright

Abstract: The type material of the available name Euploea dorippus Klug, 1845, originated from northern Sudan, an area that lies beyond the core zone of the semispecies or subspecies currently known as Danaus chrysippus dorippus, and the description did not include examples of the phenotype currently referred to as Danaus chrysippus f. ‘dorippus’. Possible consequences for nomenclature of the infraspecific species group taxa and form names of Danaus chrysippus are discussed.

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Research Article Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:38:47 +0300
Nearctic walnut leafminers invade Europe: first Coptodisca lucifluella (Clemens, 1860) and now Coptodisca juglandiella (Chambers, 1874) (Lepidoptera, Heliozelidae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/38686/ Nota Lepidopterologica 43: 77-93

DOI: 10.3897/nl.43.38686

Authors: Attila Takács, Csaba Szabóky, Balázs Tóth, Miklós Bozsó, János Kutas, Szilárd Molnár, Ignác Richter

Abstract: The Nearctic leafminer of black walnut Coptodisca juglandiella (Chambers, 1874) was found in Hungary and reported as new for Europe. Larvae were found in leafmines on black walnut (Juglans nigra (L.)), white walnut (J. cinerea (L.)) and Arizona walnut (J. major (Torr.)); the latter two Juglans species are new host plant records for C. juglandiella. Mines of Coptodisca lucifluella (Clemens, 1860), another Nearctic invader, were found on leaves of bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis (Wangenh.) K.Koch) and Caucasian wingnut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Lam). Spach.) (a new hostplant record), in addition to common walnut (Juglans regia L.). Interestingly, C. lucifluella is thought to have performed a host plant shift after its introduction into Europe, whereas C. juglandiella apparently did not. Coptodisca juglandiella has three generations in Hungary. The autumn generations of both species produced many more mines than the spring generations. One hymenopteran parasitoid specimen was reared from C. juglandiella. Larvae, mines and adults of C. juglandiella and C. juglandiella can be easily distinguished, differences are presented and illustrated. The genitalia of C. juglandiella are described for the first time.

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Research Article Tue, 14 Apr 2020 17:34:00 +0300
Systematics and evolution of the African butterfly genus Mylothris (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/46354/ Nota Lepidopterologica 43: 1-14

DOI: 10.3897/nl.43.46354

Authors: Haydon Warren-Gash, Kwaku Aduse-Poku, Leidys Murillo-Ramos, Niklas Wahlberg

Abstract: We study the systematics and evolutionary history of the Afrotropical butterfly genus Mylothris (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) based on six gene regions (COI, EF1a, GAPDH, MDH, RpS5 and wingless). We find that the genus can be placed into five species groups, termed the jacksoni, elodina, rhodope, agathina and hilara groups. Within these species groups, we find that many species show very little genetic differentiation based on the markers we sequenced, suggesting they have undergone rapid and recent speciation. Based on secondary calibrations, we estimate the age of the crown group of Mylothris to be about 16 million years old, but that many of the species level divergences have happened in the Pleistocene. We infer that the clade has its origin in the forests of the Eastern part of Central Africa, and has spread out from there to other regions of Africa.

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Research Article Tue, 11 Feb 2020 09:58:20 +0200
Genetic confirmation of Aricia artaxerxes (Fabricius, 1793) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) in the Czech Republic, its conservation significance and biogeographic context https://nl.pensoft.net/article/38853/ Nota Lepidopterologica 42(2): 163-176

DOI: 10.3897/nl.42.38853

Authors: Alena Sucháčková Bartoňová, Jiří Beneš, Zdeněk Faltýnek Fric, Martin Konvička

Abstract: We report here the first molecular evidence for the occurrence of Aricia artaxerxes (Fabricius, 1793) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in the Czech Republic. In Central Europe, this species may co-occur with its more common sibling, Aricia agestis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775). We sequenced the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 of darkly-coloured, putative A. artaxerxes specimens in the Czech Republic. We confirmed A. artaxerxes only from a limestone area in South Bohemia (Vyšenské kopce National Nature Reserve), which is probably the only locality of the species in the Czech Republic. This area is located at ca. 550 m A.S.L., showing that the elevation overlap with A. agestis could be high in Central Europe. Other surveyed individuals were confirmed as A. agestis, with a minimum p-distance of 1.98% between the two species. The South Bohemian area of occurrence is probably highly isolated (approx. 190 km) from localities of the species in neighbouring countries, highlighting the conservation importance of the A. artaxerxes population and of the insular calcareous areas in the Šumava Mountains foothills. We used database sequences of A. artaxerxes to place the Czech population into a wider phylogeographic context. The Czech population is monomorphic, consisting of a single haplotype, which is present from Scandinavia through Germany to Central Asia.

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Research Article Fri, 8 Nov 2019 10:39:20 +0200
Elevational record of Vanessa carye (Hübner 1812) (Lepidoptera Nymphalidae) in the northern Chilean Altiplano Highlands https://nl.pensoft.net/article/38549/ Nota Lepidopterologica 42(2): 157-162

DOI: 10.3897/nl.42.38549

Authors: Hugo A. Benítez, Amado Villalobos-Leiva, Rodrigo Ordenes, Franco Cruz-Jofré

Abstract: Vanessa carye (Hübner, [1812]) has been reported to have a wide latitudinal range from Venezuela to the south of Chile (Patagonia). Populations are established at 3500 m in Putre region of Chile, with occasional observations around 4500 m. This article reports a new elevational record of V. carye above 5200 m located at the Sora Pata Lake, northeast of Caquena, in the highlands of the Chilean altiplano. This finding is the highest population ever reported for this migratory butterfly and one of the highest in the genus Vanessa.

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Short Communication Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:33:24 +0300
Ornamental plantings of Arbutus unedo L. facilitate colonisations by Charaxes jasius (Linnaeus, 1767) in Madrid province, central Spain https://nl.pensoft.net/article/34620/ Nota Lepidopterologica 42(1): 63-68

DOI: 10.3897/nl.42.34620

Authors: Juan Pablo Cancela, Sasha Vasconcelos

Abstract: The distribution of butterfly species is limited by availability of larval host plants growing in suitable climatic conditions. The Two-tailed Pasha, Charaxes jasius (Linnaeus, 1767), is a Mediterranean butterfly with only sporadic historical records in Madrid, Spain’s most central province, where the host plant is uncommon and winters are colder than in most parts of the butterfly’s range. We show the first evidence of juvenile stages of the species in two towns of north-central Madrid and compile records of C. jasius from Madrid over the past four decades. Our results suggest that, in the absence of widespread host plants, C. jasius is using suburban ornamental plantings of its host plant to colonise a region which may be becoming more climatically suitable.

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Short Communication Wed, 12 Jun 2019 10:44:25 +0300
An effective method for the close up photography of insect genitalia during dissection: a case study on the Lepidoptera https://nl.pensoft.net/article/27831/ Nota Lepidopterologica 41(2): 219-223

DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.27831

Authors: Dominic Wanke, Hossein Rajaei

Abstract: Characters of male and female genitalia in insects in general, especially in Lepidoptera, are essential for species identification as they display extensive morphological variation. In embedded genitalia, due to the positioning of the genitalia and the pressure of the cover glass, the appearance of some diagnostic characters might be confusing. This potentially leads to taxonomic misinterpretation. Additionally, the photography of genitalia structures in ethanol is difficult, due to drift or hardening of genitalia. A method is presented here to fix the position of the genitalia in ethanol, which allows comparative close up photography. The advantage of the method is demonstrated by illustrating the sacculus projection of three Triphosa species.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Nov 2018 12:28:22 +0200
Agrotis fatidica (Hübner, 1824) species-group revisited, with description of two new species from the Alps and the Pyrenees (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/23090/ Nota Lepidopterologica 41(1): 145-179

DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.23090

Authors: László Ronkay, Peter Huemer

Abstract: An integrative taxonomic analysis of the European species of the Agrotis fatidica species-group is presented with special reference to the European sister taxa of A. fatidica (Hübner, 1824); in addition, a general overview of the entire species-group is given. The remarkable differences found in the barcodes of the Central and Western European populations of A. fatidica (sensu lato) led us to recognise isolated species of the A. fatidica complex. Two new species, A. mayrorum sp. n. (Northern Italy and the French Alps) and A. mazeli sp. n. (French Pyrenees) are described. The neotype of A. fatidica is designated. Agrotis luehri von Mentzer & Moberg, 1987 is treated as a subspecies of A. fatidica (stat. n.).

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Research Article Wed, 27 Jun 2018 12:56:52 +0300
Critical evaluation of faunistic data: Three species of monotrysian moths (Eriocraniidae, Prodoxidae and Incurvariidae) erroneously reported from Russia https://nl.pensoft.net/article/25420/ Nota Lepidopterologica 41(1): 139-144

DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.25420

Authors: Mikhail V. Kozlov

Abstract: The published records of Eriocrania chrysolepidella Zeller, 1851, Incurvaria koerneriella (Zeller, 1839) and Lampronia aeneella (Heinemann, 1870) from Chuvash and Karelia Republics in Russia are based on misidentified specimens. This finding, along with earlier reports on the widespread occurrence of errors, even in the most authoritative works, calls for a critical approach to published data in order to stop spreading and citing false information across future publications.

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Short Communication Wed, 27 Jun 2018 08:40:02 +0300
Ethmia iranella Zerny, 1940 – a Spanish enigma (Lepidoptera, Ethmiidae) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/24971/ Nota Lepidopterologica 41(1): 125-127

DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.24971

Authors: Klaus Sattler

Abstract: Attention is called to the presence of Ethmia iranella in Spain and its occurrence in Italy is recorded for the first time.

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Short Communication Wed, 16 May 2018 10:35:51 +0300
Zygaenidae (Lepidoptera) of Thrace Region of Turkey https://nl.pensoft.net/article/21065/ Nota Lepidopterologica 41(1): 23-36

DOI: 10.3897/nl.41.21065

Authors: Feza Can Cengiz, Konstantin A. Efetov, Kamuran Kaya, Elena E. Kucherenko, Zühal Okyar, Gerhard M. Tarmann

Abstract: The Zygaenidae fauna of the Thrace Region (European Turkey) was studied by using attractant traps as well as by netting specimens in biotopes. Esters of 2-dodecenoic acid and stereoisomers of 2-butanol were used as sex attractants. Sixteen Zygaenidae species from five genera were found: Theresimima Strand, 1917 (1 species), Rhagades Wallengren, 1863 (2 species), Adscita Retzius, 1783 (3 species), Jordanita Verity, 1946 (4 species), and Zygaena Fabricius, 1775 (6 species). Rhagades (Rhagades) pruni (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Jordanita (Jordanita) globulariae (Hübner, 1793) were found as new for Turkey. The two species of the same genus Rh. (Rh.) pruni and Rh. (Wiegelia) amasina (Herrich-Schӓffer, 1851) were discovered in proximity to each other in different localities of the same Province Tekirdağ.

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Data Paper Thu, 18 Jan 2018 12:16:13 +0200
Book review: The Natural History of Burnet Moths, Part I https://nl.pensoft.net/article/20058/ Nota Lepidopterologica 40(2): 203-211

DOI: 10.3897/nl.40.20058

Authors: Gerhard M. Tarmann

Abstract: book review

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Book Review Fri, 3 Nov 2017 15:46:11 +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
Phylogeography of Koramius charltonius (Gray, 1853) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae): a case of too many poorly circumscribed subspecies https://nl.pensoft.net/article/7682/ Nota Lepidopterologica 39(2): 169-191

DOI: 10.3897/nl.39.7682

Authors: Stanislav K. Korb, Zdenek F. Fric, Alena Bartoňová

Abstract: Koramius charltonius (Gray, 1853) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) is distributed in the mountains of Central Asia. We analysed genetic and phylogeographic patterns throughout the western part of its range using a mitochondrial marker (COI). We also analysed the wing pattern using multivariate statistics. We found that the species contains several unique haplotypes in the west and shared haplotypes in the east. The haplotype groups do not correspond to the wing pattern and also the described subspecies do not correspond to either the haplotypes or the groups circumscribed by the wing pattern. Currently, there are more than ten subspecies of K. charltonius in Central Asia; based on our analyses we suggest a reduction to only five of them. The following nomenclatural changes are applied: (1) K. charltonius aenigma Dubatolov & Milko, 2003, syn. n., K. charltonius sochivkoi Churkin, 2009, syn.n., and K. charltonius alrashid Churkin & Pletnev, 2012, syn. n. are new synonyms of K. charltonius romanovi (Grum-Grshimailo, 1885); (2) K. charltonius marusya Churkin & Pletnev, 2012, syn. n., K. charltonius eugenia Churkin, 2009, syn. n., K. charltonius anjuta Stshetkin & Kaabak, 1985, syn. n., and K. charltonius mistericus Kaabak, Sotchivko & Titov, 1996, syn. n. are new synonyms of K. charltonius vaporosus (Avinov, 1913); and (3) K. charltonius safronovi Korb, Shaposhnikov, Zatakovoy & Nikolaev, 2013, syn. n. is a new synonym of K. charltonius voigti (Bang-Haas, 1927).

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Research Article Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:19:08 +0300
A new species of the genus Spiniphallellus Bidzilya & Karsholt, 2008 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Anomologini) https://nl.pensoft.net/article/8382/ Nota Lepidopterologica 39(1): 79-83

DOI: 10.3897/nl.39.8382

Authors: Jari Junnilainen

Abstract: Spiniphallellus chrysotosella sp. n. (Gelechiidae: Anomologini) is described. The species is recorded from Bulgaria, Georgia, and Turkey. All three localities of S. chrysotosella are rather similar dry rocky slopes where Jasminum fruticans L., 1753 (Oleaceae) is a dominant shrub. It is also expected to be the host plant of the new species.

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Research Article Wed, 18 May 2016 13:06:13 +0300
New data on the distribution of Cossidae (Lepidoptera) in Mongolia https://nl.pensoft.net/article/8043/ Nota Lepidopterologica 39(1): 21-25

DOI: 10.3897/nl.39.8043

Authors: Roman V. Yakovlev, Ulagvanuly Beket, Thomas Witt

Abstract: We recorded a new species of Cossidae – Acossus terebrus (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1776) – for Mongolia (Tov Aimak). We also report on the most northern habitat of the cossid genus Gobibatyr Yakovlev, 2004 (North-West Mongolia, Bayan-Ulegej Aimak), which shows the permeability of the Mongolian Altai Mountain Range for some elements of the Dzungarian fauna. Additionally, our sampling resulted in adding new localities to the ranges of Catopta perunovi Yakovlev, 2007 and Cecryphallus nubila (Staudinger, 1895) (first discovered in Hovd Aimak).

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Short Communication Wed, 6 Apr 2016 16:11:22 +0300
Enantiomers of 2-butyl 7Z-dodecenoate are sex attractants for males of Adscita mannii (Lederer, 1853), A. geryon (Hübner, 1813), and Jordanita notata (Zeller, 1847) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae, Procridinae) in Italy https://nl.pensoft.net/article/6312/ Nota Lepidopterologica 38(2): 161-169

DOI: 10.3897/nl.38.6312

Authors: Konstantin A. Efetov, Gerhard M. Tarmann, Teodora B. Toshova, Mitko A. Subchev

Abstract: The R- and S-enantiomers of 2-butyl (7Z)-dodecenoate (alone or in mixtures), recently identified in the natural extracts of Illiberis rotundata pheromone glands, were used as lures in sticky traps to study the occurrence of Procridinae species in Italy in 14 localities during 2010 and 2011. Three species were attracted during the study – Adscita mannii (Lederer, 1853), A. geryon (Hübner, 1813), and Jordanita notata (Zeller, 1847). The most numerous species was A. mannii. Lures with (2S)-butyl (7Z)-dodecenoate attracted males of Adscita mannii and A. geryon, while those containing (2R)-butyl (7Z)-dodecenoate attracted males of Jordanita notata.

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Research Article Tue, 10 Nov 2015 10:23:22 +0200
Book Review: Die Widderchen des Iran [The burnet moths of Iran] https://nl.pensoft.net/article/5083/ Nota Lepidopterologica 38(1): 103-105

DOI: 10.3897/nl.38.5083

Authors: Raymond Guenin

Abstract: book review

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Book Review Tue, 12 May 2015 18:04:35 +0300