Klimeschiopsis terroris auctt. from Spaina further case of cryptic diversity in European Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Gelechiinae)

A new species of Gnorimoschemini (Gelechiidae), Klimeschiopsis arnoldfransorum sp. nov., is described from specimens collected in Spain. The species is most closely related to Klimeschiopsis terroris (Hartig, 1938), with which it was hitherto mixed, but differs particularly by its small size with reduced yellowish-white forewing markings, the characters of the male and female genitalia, and the highly divergent DNA barcode (cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 1). Adult and genitalia of both sexes are figured. Finally, a checklist of the genus is provided.

Thiotrichasumpichi sp. nov. - a new species of Thiotrichinae (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) from south-eastern Europe

Thiotrichasumpichisp. nov. is described from Greece and Croatia. The systematic position of the new species within Thiotricha is discussed based on external and genitalia characters and from DNA barcodes of the mitochondrial COI gene (cytochrome c oxidase 1). Adults, details of external morphology, and male and female genitalia of the new species are illustrated.

An updated checklist of Azorean arthropods (Arthropoda)

Background

The Azores is a remote oceanic archipelago of nine islands which belongs to the Macaronesia biogeographical region hosting a unique biodiversity. The present Azorean landscape is strongly modified by the presence of man and only in small areas, where the soil or climate was too rough, have primitive conditions remained unchanged. Despite the fact that most of the Azorean native habitats are now lost, a large number of endemic species are still present and need urgent conservation. The present checklist of terrestrial and freshwater arthropods of the Azores Archipelago is based on all known published literature. The main goal of this work is to list, as rigorously as possible, all the known terrestrial and freshwater arthropods of the Azores. In this way, we are contributing to solve the 'Linnaean' shortfall, i.e. an incomplete taxonomic description of species-level diversity and the Wallacean Biodiversity Shortfall, the incomplete species distribution knowledge.

New information

The checklist includes new records of arthropods at island and archipelago levels that were published in the last twelve years. Compared to the last checklist of Azorean arthropods (Borges et al. 2010b), a total of 217 taxa (species and subspecies) are added.Currently, the total number of terrestrial and freshwater arthropod species and subspecies in the Azores is estimated to be 2420 taxa belonging to 14 classes, 53 orders, 440 families, 1556 genera, 2400 species and 149 individual subspecies.The most diverse orders of Azorean arthropods are: Coleoptera (585 taxa), Diptera (423 taxa), Hemiptera (338 taxa), Hymenoptera (163 taxa), Lepidoptera (159 taxa) and Araneae (133 taxa).A total of 276 endemic taxa are currently known (232 species and 44 subspecies), belonging to eight classes and 22 orders. São Miguel, Terceira and Pico are the islands with higher number of endemic species and subspecies. In the Azores, the number of native non-endemic taxa is 793 taxa, totalling 1069 indigenous taxa. Compared to the other nearest Macaronesian archipelagos (Madeira and Canaries), the Azorean arthropod fauna is characterised by a lower percentage of endemism (endemics/indigenous: 26% in Azores, 47% in Madeira Archipelago and 42% in Canary Islands) and a high proportion of exotic introduced taxa (39% in Azores, 19% in Madeira Archipelago and 8% in Canary Islands).Based on recent IUCN Red-listing of Azorean arthropods, a large fraction of the endemic taxa is under high threat.

A review of the Palearctic Ptycerata Ely, 1910 (= Caulastrocecis Chrtien, 1931, syn. nov.) based on morphology (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

The genus Ptycerata Ely, 1910 is recognised as a senior synonym of Caulastrocecis Chrtien, 1931, syn. nov., and revised in the Palearctic region. Nine species are recognised as valid. Three new species are described: Ptycerata sumpichi sp. nov. (Italy), Ptycerata nupponeni sp. nov. (Russia: Altai) and Ptycerata transbaikalica sp. nov. (Russia: Zabaikalskiy kray). Three new synonyms are established: Aristotelia salinatrix Meyrick, 1926, syn. nov. of Ptycerata furfurella (Staudinger, 1871) comb. nov., Xystophora tripunctella Snellen, 1884 syn. nov. of Ptycerata pudicella (Mann, 1861) comb. nov.; Aristotelia condensata Meyrick, 1928 syn. nov. of Ptycerata interstratella (Christoph, 1872) comb. nov. Further new generic combinations are proposed: Ptycerata gypsella (Constant, 1893) comb. nov., Ptycerata cryptoxena (Gozmy, 1952) comb. nov., Ptycerata perexigella (Junnilainen, 2010) comb. nov. In order to stabilise nomenclature lectotypes are designated for Ptycerata busckella Ely, 1910, Gelechia furfurella Staudinger, 1871, Hypsolophus pudicellus Mann, 1861, Aristotelia condensata Meyrick, 1928 and Aristotelia interstratella Christoph, 1872. The female genitalia of P. interstratella are described for the first time. Ptycerata pudicella is recorded as new for Cyprus and Mongolia, and P. interstratella as new from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tadzhikistan and Iran. Ptycerata pudicellus is removed from the list of Lepidoptera found in Spain.

Diagnostics and updated checklist of Oriental Pseudopostega (Opostegidae), including the matrona species group with a new, extralimital species discovered in the Mediterranean

We provide diagnostics for eight species groups of Oriental Pseudopostega Kozlov (Lepidoptera: Opostegidae) and a pictorial key for their identification. We designate three new species groups, P. frigida and P. strigulata groups, and the P. auritella group for two Palaearctic species, and rename the P. nigrimaculella group as the P. matrona group. We assign P. euryntis (Meyrick), P. zelopa (Meyrick), and P. subviolaceae (Meyrick), three formerly unplaced species, to species groups based on re-examination of male and female genitalia. We list 22 currently known Oriental Pseudopostega species, and synonymize Pseudopostega spilodes (Meyrick), syn. nov., with P. machaerias (Meyrick). One new Mediterranean species with affiliations to the Oriental fauna, P. matrona Karsholt Remeikis, sp. nov., is described. The new species is illustrated with photographs of the adults and male genitalia. Additionally, we provide a distribution map of the P. matrona group, now extralimital to the Oriental region.

Monopis jussii, a new species (Lepidoptera, Tineidae) inhabiting nests of the Boreal owl (Aegolius funereus)

Monopis jussii Kaila, Mutanen, Huemer, Karsholt & Autto, sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Tineidae) is described as a new species. It is closely related to the widespread and common M. laevigella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), but differs in its distinct COI DNA barcode sequences, four examined nuclear loci as well as details in forewing coloration and pattern. Most reared specimens of M. jussii have emerged from the nest remnants of the Boreal owl (Aegolius funereus (Linnaeus, 1758)), but also nests of the Ural owl (Strix uralensis Pallas, 1771) and the Great tit (Parus major Linnaeus, 1758) have been observed as suitable habitats. Based on the present knowledge, the new species has a boreo-montane distribution as it is recorded only from northern Europe and the Alps. Several extensive rearing experiments from Strix spp. nest remnants from southern Finland did not produce any M. jussii, but thousands of M. laevigella, suggesting that the species is lacking in the area or, more unlikely, that the nest of these owl species do not serve as good habitat for the new species. This unexpected species discovery highlights, once again, the usefulness of DNA barcoding in revealing the cryptic layers of biodiversity. To serve stability we select a neotype for Tinea laevigella [Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775, and discuss the complicated synonymy and nomenclature of this species.

Megacraspedus cottiensis sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) from northern Italy – a case of taxonomic confusion

Megacraspeduscottiensissp. nov. is described from the western Alps (prov. Torino, Italy). The dorsal habitus and genitalia for both the male and brachypterous female are provided. The new species belongs to the M.faunierensis species group based on genitalia morphology and DNA barcodes, and was hitherto confused with M.neli Huemer & Karsholt, 2018 from the southwestern Alps. However, it clearly differs in morphology and DNA barcode sequences from that species and from M.faunierensis Huemer & Karsholt, 2018. The new species is suspected of being a regional endemic of the Cottian Alps.

The enigmatic case of the genus Argyresthia in the Azores Islands (Lepidoptera: Argyresthiidae)

The species composition of the genus Argyresthia Hübner, 1825 in the Azores is examined. Argyresthia brumella, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Terceira and Flores Islands. Argyresthia minusculella Rebel, 1940, syn. nov. and Tinea poecilella Rebel, 1940, syn. nov. are synonymized with Argyresthia atlanticella Rebel, 1940. The high variability of A. atlanticella is revealed through the polymorphic wing pattern and the intraspecific genetic divergence of the DNA barcode COI in the specimens examined.

DNA barcode library for European Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera) suggests greatly underestimated species diversity

For the first time, a nearly complete barcode library for European Gelechiidae is provided. DNA barcode sequences (COI gene – cytochrome c oxidase 1) from 751 out of 865 nominal species, belonging to 105 genera, were successfully recovered. A total of 741 species represented by specimens with sequences ≥ 500bp and an additional ten species represented by specimens with shorter sequences were used to produce 53 NJ trees. Intraspecific barcode divergence averaged only 0.54% whereas distance to the Nearest-Neighbour species averaged 5.58%. Of these, 710 species possessed unique DNA barcodes, but 31 species could not be reliably discriminated because of barcode sharing or partial barcode overlap. Species discrimination based on the Barcode Index System (BIN) was successful for 668 out of 723 species which clustered from minimum one to maximum 22 unique BINs. Fifty-five species shared a BIN with up to four species and identification from DNA barcode data is uncertain. Finally, 65 clusters with a unique BIN remained unidentified to species level. These putative taxa, as well as 114 nominal species with more than one BIN, suggest the presence of considerable cryptic diversity, cases which should be examined in future revisionary studies.

Commented checklist of European Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera)

The checklist of European Gelechiidae covers 865 species, belonging to 109 genera, with three species records which require confirmation. Further, it is the first checklist to include a complete coverage of proved synonyms of species and at generic level. The following taxonomic changes are introduced: Pseudosophronia constanti (Nel, 1998) syn. nov. of Pseudosophronia exustellus (Zeller, 1847), Metzneria expositoi Vives, 2001 syn. nov. of Metzneria aestivella (Zeller, 1839); Sophronia ascalis Gozmány, 1951 syn. nov. of Sophronia grandii Hering, 1933, Aproaerema incognitana (Gozmány, 1957) comb. nov., Aproaerema cinctelloides (Nel & Varenne, 2012) comb. nov., Aproaerema azosterella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854) comb. nov., Aproaerema montanata (Gozmány, 1957) comb. nov., Aproaerema cincticulella (Bruand, 1851) comb. nov., Aproaerema buvati (Nel, 1995) comb. nov., Aproaerema linella (Chrétien, 1904) comb. nov., Aproaerema captivella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854) comb. nov., Aproaerema semicostella (Staudinger, 1871) comb. nov., Aproaerema steppicola (Junnilainen, 2010) comb. nov., Aproaerema cottienella (Nel, 2012) comb. nov., Ptocheuusa cinerella (Chrétien, 1908) comb. nov., Pragmatodes melagonella (Constant, 1895) comb. nov., Pragmatodes albagonella (Varenne & Nel, 2010) comb. nov., Pragmatodes parvulata (Gozmány, 1953) comb. nov., Oxypteryx nigromaculella (Millière, 1872) comb. nov., Oxypteryx wilkella (Linnaeus, 1758) comb. nov., Oxypteryx ochricapilla (Rebel, 1903) comb. nov., Oxypteryx superbella (Zeller, 1839) comb. nov., Oxypteryx mirusella (Huemer & Karsholt, 2013) comb. nov., Oxypteryx baldizzonei (Karsholt & Huemer, 2013) comb. nov., Oxypteryx occidentella (Huemer & Karsholt, 2011) comb. nov., Oxypteryx libertinella (Zeller, 1872) comb. nov., Oxypteryx gemerensis (Elsner, 2013) comb. nov., Oxypteryx deserta (Piskunov, 1990) comb. nov., Oxypteryx unicolorella (Duponchel, 1843) comb. nov., Oxypteryx nigritella (Zeller, 1847) comb. nov., Oxypteryx plumbella (Heinemann, 1870) comb. nov., Oxypteryx isostacta (Meyrick, 1926) comb. nov., Oxypteryx helotella (Staudinger, 1859) comb. nov., Oxypteryx parahelotella (Nel, 1995) comb. nov., Oxypteryx graecatella (Šumpich & Skyva, 2012) comb. nov.; Aproaerema genistae (Walsingham, 1908) comb. rev., Aproaerema thaumalea (Walsingham, 1905) comb. rev.; Dichomeris neatodes Meyrick, 1923 sp. rev.; Caryocolum horoscopa (Meyrick, 1926) stat. rev.; Ivanauskiella occitanica (Nel & Varenne, 2013) sp. rev.; Apodia martinii Petry, 1911 sp. rev.; Caulastrocecis cryptoxena (Gozmány, 1952) sp. rev. Following Article 23.9.2 ICZN we propose Caryocolum blandella (Douglas, 1852) (Gelechia) nom. protectum and Caryocolum signatella (Eversmann, 1844) (Lita) nom. oblitum.

An annotated checklist of Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera) of Israel with description of two new species

One hundred forty-six species of Gelechiidae including 36 new records are reported from Israel. Anarsia balioneura Meyrick, 1921 and Polyhymno chionarcha Meyrick, 1913 are recorded for the first time in the Palaearctic region. Two new species are described: Metzneria freidbergi sp. nov., and Scrobipalpa aravensis sp. nov. Six new synonyms are established: Stygmatoptera Hartig, 1936 syn. nov. of Polyhymno Chambers, 1874; Eulamprotes Bradley, 1971 syn. nov. of Oxypteryx Rebel, 1911; Polyhymno abaiella Amsel, 1974 syn. nov. of Polyhymno chionarcha, Meyrick, 1913; Gelechia haifella Amsel, 1935 syn. nov. of Athrips rancidella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854); Sophronia catharurga Meyrick, 1923 and Sophronia parahumerella Amsel, 1935 syn. nov. of Pseudosophronia exustellus (Zeller, 1847). The following new combinations are proposed: Anacampsis karmeliella (Amsel, 1935) comb. nov., Stomopteryx tesserapunctella (Amsel, 1935) comb. nov., Aproaerema languidella (Amsel, 1936) comb. nov., Aproaerema telaviviella (Amsel, 1935) comb. nov., Acompsia (Telephila) ballotellus (Amsel, 1935) comb. nov., Polyhymno dumonti (Hartig, 1936) comb. nov., Oxypteryx atrella (Denis Schiffermüller, 1775) comb. nov., Oxypteryx immaculatella (Douglas, 1850) comb. nov. and Chrysoesthia amseli (Bidzilya, 2008) comb. nov. A lectotype is designated for Lita rhamnifoliae Amsel Hering, 1931.The genitalia of both sexes of Sophronia sagittans Meyrick, 1923, Anacampsis karmeliella (Amsel, 1935), Stomopteryx tesserapunctella Amsel, 1935 as well as male genitalia of Stomopteryx lacteolella Caradja, 1924, Aproaerema telaviviella (Amsel, 1935), Acompsia ballotellus (Amsel, 1935), Polyhymno dumonti (Hartig, 1936) and Chrysoesthia amseli (Bidzilya, 2008) are illustrated and described for the first time. New or additional host plants are recorded for Metzneria aspretella Lederer, 1869, M. agraphella (Ragonot, 1895), M. ehikeella Gozmány, 1954 and Scrobipalpa suaedivorella (Chrétien, 1915). Photographs of the type specimens of most taxa described from Israel and Palestine are presented. The following species are removed from the list of Gelechiidae of Israel: Nothris sulcella Staudinger, 1879, N. skyvai Karsholt Šumpich, 2015, Anarsia spartiella Schrank, 1802, Megacraspedus cerussatellus Rebel, 1930, Oxypteryx atrella (Denis Schiffermüller, 1775), Isophrictis anthemidella (Wocke, 1871), Metzneria metzneriella (Stainton, 1851), Scrobipalpa otregata Povolný, 1972, Scrobipalpa nitentella (Fuchs, 1902), Scrobipalpa remota Povolný, 1972, Scrobipalpa salinella (Zeller, 1847) and Ephysteris diminutella (Zeller, 1847). Moreover, Stomopteryx remissella (Zeller, 1847) is recorded as new to the Altai Mountains of Russia, Anarsia balioneura Meyrick, 1921 is new to Cyprus and Libya, Polyhymno dumonti (Hartig, 1936) is new to Libya and Sudan, Scrobipalpa superstes is new to Greece, Stenolechia gemmella (Linnaeus, 1758) is new to Jordan and Polyhymno chionarcha is new to Saudi Arabia.

Revision of the genus Megacraspedus Zeller, 1839, a challenging taxonomic tightrope of species delimitation (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

The taxonomy of the Palearctic genus Megacraspedus Zeller, 1839 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) is revised, based on external morphology, genitalia and DNA barcodes. An integrative taxonomic approach supports the existence of 85 species which are arranged in 24 species groups (disputed taxa from other faunal regions are discussed). Morphology of all species is described and figured in detail. For 35 species both sexes are described; for 46 species only the male sex is reported, in one species the male is unknown, whereas in three species the female adult and/or genitalia morphology could not be analysed due to lack of material.

DNA barcode sequences of the COI barcode fragment with > 500 bp were obtained from 264 specimens representing 62 species or about three-quarters of the species. Species delimitation is particularly difficult in a few widely distributed species with high and allegedly intraspecific DNA barcode divergence of nearly 14%, and with up to 23 BINs in a single species. Deep intraspecific or geographical splits in DNA barcode are frequently not supported by morphology, thus indicating a complex phylogeographic history or other unresolved molecular problems.

The following 44 new species (22 of them from Europe) are described: Megacraspedusbengtssonisp. n. (Spain), M.junnilainenisp. n. (Turkey), M.similellussp. n. (Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey), M.golestanicussp. n. (Iran), M.tokarisp. n. (Croatia), M.nelisp. n. (France, Italy), M.faunierensissp. n. (Italy), M.gredosensissp. n. (Spain), M.bidentatussp. n. (Spain), M.fuscussp. n. (Spain), M.trineaesp. n. (Portugal, Spain), M.skouisp. n. (Spain), M.spinophallussp. n. (Spain), M.occidentellussp. n. (Portugal), M.granadensissp. n. (Spain), M.heckfordisp. n. (Spain), M.tenuiuncussp. n. (France, Spain), M.devoratorsp. n. (Bulgaria, Romania), M.brachypterissp. n. (Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro), M.barcodiellussp. n. (Macedonia), M.sumpichisp. n. (Spain), M.tabellisp. n. (Morocco), M.gallicussp. n. (France, Spain), M.libycussp. n. (Libya, Morocco), M.latiuncussp. n. (Kazahkstan), M.kazakhstanicussp. n. (Kazahkstan), M.knudlarsenisp. n. (Spain), M.tenuignathossp. n. (Morocco), M.glaberipalpussp. n. (Morocco), M.nupponenisp. n. (Russia), M.pototskiisp. n. (Kyrgyzstan), M.feminensissp. n. (Kazakhstan), M.kirgizicussp. n. (Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), M.ibericussp. n. (Portugal, Spain), M.steinerisp. n. (Morocco), M.gibeauxisp. n. (Algeria, Tunisia), M.multipunctellussp. n. (Turkey), M.teriolensissp. n. (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia), M.korabicussp. n. (Macedonia), M.skuleisp. n. (Spain), M.longivalvellussp. n. (Morocco), M.peslierisp. n. (France, Spain), M.pacificussp. n. (Afghanistan), and M.armatophallussp. n. (Afghanistan). Nevadia Caradja, 1920, syn. n. (homonym), Cauloecista Dumont, 1928, syn. n., Reichardtiella Filipjev, 1931, syn. n., and Vadenia Caradja, 1933, syn. n. are treated as junior synonyms of Megacraspedus. Furthermore the following species are synonymised: M.subdolellus Staudinger, 1859, syn. n., M.tutti Walsingham, 1897, syn. n., and M.grossisquammellus Chrétien, 1925, syn. n. of M.lanceolellus (Zeller, 1850); M.culminicola Le Cerf, 1932, syn. n. of M.homochroa Le Cerf, 1932; M.separatellus (Fischer von Röslerstamm, 1843), syn. n. and M.incertellus Rebel, 1930, syn. n. of M.dolosellus (Zeller, 1839); M.mareotidellus Turati, 1924, syn. n. of M.numidellus (Chrétien, 1915); M.litovalvellus Junnilainen, 2010, syn. n. of M.imparellus (Fischer von Röslerstamm, 1843); M.kaszabianus Povolný, 1982, syn. n. of M.leuca (Filipjev, 1929); M.chretienella (Dumont, 1928), syn. n., M.halfella (Dumont, 1928), syn. n., and M.arnaldi (Turati & Krüger, 1936), syn. n. of M.violacellum (Chrétien, 1915); M.escalerellus Schmidt, 1941, syn. n. of M.squalida Meyrick, 1926. Megacraspedusribbeella (Caradja, 1920), comb. n., M.numidellus (Chrétien, 1915), comb. n., M.albella (Amsel, 1935), comb. n., M.violacellum (Chrétien, 1915), comb. n., and M.grisea (Filipjev, 1931), comb. n. are newly combined in Megacraspedus.

Species conservation profile of moths (Insecta, Lepidoptera) from Azores, Portugal

Background

The few remnants of Azorean native forests harbour a unique set of endemic moths (Insecta, Lepidoptera), some of them under severe long term threats due to small sized habitats or climatic changes. In this contribution, we present the IUCN Red List profiles of 34 endemic moths to the Azorean archipelago, including species belonging to two diverse families: Noctuidae (11 species) and Crambidae (eight species). The objective of this paper is to assess all endemic Azorean moth species and advise on possible future research and conservation actions critical for the long-trem survival of the most endangered species.

New information

Most species have a large distribution (i.e. 58% occur in at least four islands), very large extent of occurrence (EOO) and a relatively large area of occupancy (AOO). Only nine species are single-island endemics, three of them from Flores, three from São Miguel and one from Pico, São Jorge and Faial. Most of the species also experience continuing decline in habitat quality, number of locations and subpopulations caused by the ongoing threat from pasture intensification, forestry, invasive plant species and future climatic changes. The lack of new records may indicate that one of the species previously named is extinct (Eupitheciaogilviata). Therefore, we suggest as future conservation actions: (1) a long-term species monitoring plan and (2) control of invasive species.

Illustrated review of the leaf-mining Nepticulidae of the central Andes (Peru and Bolivia)

We review forty-five species of Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera) based on an analysis of samples collected in the central Andean region of Peru and Bolivia. Thirteen of these species are new to science, and are named and described here: Stigmella paracosma Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. expressa Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. acalyphae Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. lepida Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. misera Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. inca Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. eiffeli Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. arequipica Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., S. coronaria Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. azulella Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. sparsella Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., Manoneura forcipis Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., and Acalyptris murex Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov. Some of the central Andean species are recorded here as leaf-miners on Euphorbiaceae (Acalypha), Fabaceae (Collaea), Rosaceae (Polylepis), Malvaceae (Sida), Calceolariaceae (Calceolaria), Lamiaceae (Clinopodium), and Asteraceae (Ageratina and Trixis). We create eleven new species groups based on morphological characters designated in Stigmella and one in Acalyptris. A pictorial key to the species groups and distribution maps are provided. All new species are illustrated with 150 photographs and drawings of the adults and genitalia, and, where known and/or available, photographs of host-plants and leaf-mines.

Species-Level Para- and Polyphyly in DNA Barcode Gene Trees: Strong Operational Bias in European Lepidoptera

The proliferation of DNA data is revolutionizing all fields of systematic research. DNA barcode sequences, now available for millions of specimens and several hundred thousand species, are increasingly used in algorithmic species delimitations. This is complicated by occasional incongruences between species and gene genealogies, as indicated by situations where conspecific individuals do not form a monophyletic cluster in a gene tree. In two previous reviews, non-monophyly has been reported as being common in mitochondrial DNA gene trees. We developed a novel web service “Monophylizer” to detect non-monophyly in phylogenetic trees and used it to ascertain the incidence of species non-monophyly in COI (a.k.a. cox1) barcode sequence data from 4977 species and 41,583 specimens of European Lepidoptera, the largest data set of DNA barcodes analyzed from this regard. Particular attention was paid to accurate species identification to ensure data integrity. We investigated the effects of tree-building method, sampling effort, and other methodological issues, all of which can influence estimates of non-monophyly. We found a 12% incidence of non-monophyly, a value significantly lower than that observed in previous studies. Neighbor joining (NJ) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods yielded almost equal numbers of non-monophyletic species, but 24.1% of these cases of non-monophyly were only found by one of these methods. Non-monophyletic species tend to show either low genetic distances to their nearest neighbors or exceptionally high levels of intraspecific variability. Cases of polyphyly in COI trees arising as a result of deep intraspecific divergence are negligible, as the detected cases reflected misidentifications or methodological errors. Taking into consideration variation in sampling effort, we estimate that the true incidence of non-monophyly is ∼23%, but with operational factors still being included. Within the operational factors, we separately assessed the frequency of taxonomic limitations (presence of overlooked cryptic and oversplit species) and identification uncertainties. We observed that operational factors are potentially present in more than half (58.6%) of the detected cases of non-monophyly. Furthermore, we observed that in about 20% of non-monophyletic species and entangled species, the lineages involved are either allopatric or parapatric—conditions where species delimitation is inherently subjective and particularly dependent on the species concept that has been adopted. These observations suggest that species-level non-monophyly in COI gene trees is less common than previously supposed, with many cases reflecting misidentifications, the subjectivity of species delimitation or other operational factors.

Revision of the genus Istrianis Meyrick, 1918 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) with special regard to the Palaearctic region

Twenty-one species of the genus Istrianis are recognized as valid in the world fauna, 11 of which are described as new: I. pseudomyricariella sp. nov. (Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Tadzhikistan), I. nilssoni sp. nov. (Greece), I. kravchenkoi sp. nov. (Palestine), I. sattleri sp. nov. (Pakistan), I. armatus sp. nov. (Yemen), I. lvovskyi sp. nov. (Mongolia), I. sruogai sp. nov. (Turkmenistan, Tadzhikistan), I. piskunovi sp. nov. (Ukraine), I. falkovitshi sp. nov. (Turkmenistan), I. kyrgyzsquamella sp. nov. (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), I. yemeniasquamella sp. nov. (Yemen). Teleia myricariella var. arenicolella Caradja, 1920 is re-called from synonymy of I. myricariella (Frey, 1870) and considered as a valid species: Istrianis arenicolella (Caradja, 1920) sp. rev. One new synonym is established: Teleia amilcarella Lucas, 1933 syn. nov. of I. arenicolella. One new combination is proposed: I. steganotricha (Meyrick, 1935), comb. nov. (ex Telphusa). Redescriptions and identification keys for all the Palaearctic species and for two new species from Yemen are provided, accompanied by illustrations of the adults, and male and female genitalia.

A review of the genus Nothris Hübner, 1825, with description of new species (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The West Palaearctic genus Nothris is reviewed. Eight species are distinguished, and adults and genitalia are described and figured. Two species are described as new for science: Nothris gregerseni sp. n. and N. skyvai sp. n. New synonymies are established: Nothris discretella Rebel, 1889 syn. n. and N. verbascella clarella Amsel, 1935 stat. n. are considered synonyms of N. verbascella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775); and N. magna Nel & Peslier, 2007 syn. n. is synonymized with N. sulcella Staudinger, 1879. Most Nothris species occur in Turkey.

DNA barcoding as a screening tool for cryptic diversity: an example from Caryocolum, with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

We explore the potential value of DNA barcode divergence for species delimitation in the genus Caryocolum Gregor & Povolný, 1954 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae), based on data from 44 European species (including 4 subspecies). Low intraspecific divergence of the DNA barcodes of the mtCOI (cytochrome c oxidase 1) gene and/or distinct barcode gaps to the nearest neighbor support species status for all examined nominal taxa. However, in 8 taxa we observed deep splits with a maximum intraspecific barcode divergence beyond a threshold of 3%, thus indicating possible cryptic diversity. The taxonomy of these taxa has to be re-assessed in the future. We investigated one such deep split in Caryocolum amaurella (Hering, 1924) and found it in congruence with yet unrecognized diagnostic morphological characters and specific host-plants. The integrative species delineation leads to the description of Caryocolum crypticumsp. n. from northern Italy, Switzerland and Greece. The new species and the hitherto intermixed closest relative C. amaurella are described in detail and adults and genitalia of both species are illustrated and a lectotype of C. amaurella is designated; a diagnostic comparison of the closely related C. iranicum Huemer, 1989, is added.

Review of the Eulamprotes wilkella species-group based on morphology and DNA barcodes, with descriptions of new taxa (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

The Eulamprotes wilkella species-group is revised based on morphological characters and on DNA barcodes of the mtCOI (Cytochrome c Oxidase 1) gene. Adult morphology combined with sequence information for 9 species supports the existence of 12 species, 7 of which are described as new to science: E. mirusella Huemer & Karsholt sp. nov. (France), E. baldizzonei Karsholt & Huemer sp. nov. (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia), E. atrifrontella Karsholt & Huemer sp. nov. (Turkey), E. wieseri Huemer & Karsholt sp. nov. (Kyrgizia), E. altaicella Huemer & Karsholt sp. nov. (Russia: Altai, Buryatia, Tuva Republic), E. kailai Karsholt & Huemer sp. nov. (Kazakhstan, Kyrgizia, Russia: Buryatia, Tuva Republic) and E. gemerensis Elsner sp. nov. (Slovakia). E. buvati Leraut, 1991 syn. nov. is synonymized with E. ochricapilla (Rebel, 1903).

New species in the Old World: Europe as a frontier in biodiversity exploration, a test bed for 21st century taxonomy

The number of described species on the planet is about 1.9 million, with ca. 17,000 new species described annually, mostly from the tropics. However, taxonomy is usually described as a science in crisis, lacking manpower and funding, a politically acknowledged problem known as the Taxonomic Impediment. Using data from the Fauna Europaea database and the Zoological Record, we show that contrary to general belief, developed and heavily-studied parts of the world are important reservoirs of unknown species. In Europe, new species of multicellular terrestrial and freshwater animals are being discovered and named at an unprecedented rate: since the 1950s, more than 770 new species are on average described each year from Europe, which add to the 125,000 terrestrial and freshwater multicellular species already known in this region. There is no sign of having reached a plateau that would allow for the assessment of the magnitude of European biodiversity. More remarkably, over 60% of these new species are described by non-professional taxonomists. Amateurs are recognized as an essential part of the workforce in ecology and astronomy, but the magnitude of non-professional taxonomist contributions to alpha-taxonomy has not been fully realized until now. Our results stress the importance of developing a system that better supports and guides this formidable workforce, as we seek to overcome the Taxonomic Impediment and speed up the process of describing the planetary biodiversity before it is too late.

Plesiozela, gen. nov. from temperate South America: apparent sister-group of the previously known Heliozelidae (Lepidoptera : Incurvarioidea : Heliozelidae)

Plesiozela, gen. nov. is described from temperate South America, including two species P. nielseni, sp. nov. and P. patagonica, sp. nov. The adult moths, including their genitalia, are described and figured and the systematic position of the new genus within the family is discussed. Plesiozela considered to represent the sister-group of a clade comprising all previously known heliozelid genera, from which it differs in retaining a cephalic vestiture of exclusively erect piliform scales and long, folded and 5-segmented maxillary palps.

Revision of the genus Ogygioses (Palaeosetidae)

The systematics and external morphology of the oriental genus Ogygioses are reviewed. Monophyly of the genus is demonstrated by the two segmented labial palpi, loss of the jugal lobe in the forewing, stalking of the forewing R4 with the base of R2 + 3 and a specialised scale arrangement on the forewing base. Sculpturing of the egg chorion differs from that of other Exoporia in exhibiting elongate tubercles regularly dispersed over the surface. The genus is retained tentatively in the Paleosetidae on the basis of the loss of all tibia1 spurs, including the epiphysis, and the extreme reduction of the maxillae. Four species are recognised: O. caliginosa Issiki & Stringer, O. eurata Issiki & Stringer, O. issikii Davis, sp. nov., from Taiwan, and O luangensis Kristensen, sp. nov., from Thailand. Adults are diurnal with the males forming hovering groups, or leks, similar to some species of Hepialidae.