SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología

A first record of Hypolimnas misippus (Linnaeus, 1764) from nortwest Africa (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

2026-07-01T09:48:16+02:00

The Lepidoptera fauna of Algeria is well documented in Mediterranean regions but remains poorly known across the country’s Saharan expanse. We report the first confirmed record of Hypolimnas misippus (Linnaeus, 1764) in northwestern Africa, based on a solitary male observed and photographed in the Ikenouine wetland in Illizi Province, southeastern Algeria. A notable migrant, the status of this species at the edges of its range remains fluid. The Ikenouine specimen is plausibly a naturally dispersed stray from sub-Saharan Africa. Several host plants associated with H. misippus are documented in the broader region. The presence of H. misippus at Ikenouine suggests that Saharan wetlands, including those in the Ahaggar and Tassili n’Ajjer massifs, may represent ecological refuges and dispersal stepping-stones along a northward route from sub-Saharan Africa. This record underlines the importance of continued field investigations in remote desert areas of Algeria to better understand Lepidoptera distributions and biogeographic patterns in the region.

First Record of Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) from India: An Extension of its Known Distribution in Eurasia (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea, Nymphalidae)

2026-07-01T09:48:15+02:00

This study reports the first confirmed record of Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) in India, marking a significant range extension of this species into the Eurasian region. A single specimen was documented during an opportunistic field survey conducted in April 2025 in the Dharamshala region of Himachal Pradesh. This observation expands the known geographical distribution of V. atalanta and provides preliminary insights into its local habitat preferences and potential larval host plants in the Western Himalayan ecosystem. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of the species’ ecological adaptability and biogeographical dynamics in South Asia.

Diversity and community structure of Rhopalocera in forest ecosystems along an elevational gradient from the north of Colombia´s Orinoco region (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)

2026-07-01T09:48:13+02:00

Papilionoidea were sampled in forest fragments along an altitudinal gradient in the Colombian Orinoquia at 132, 300, 500, 700, and 980 meters above sea level with the aim of describing diversity and changes in community structure and relating these to floristic composition. Van Someren Rydon traps and direct captures were used to collect Papilionoidea at each site, and the floristic inventory of woody plants was conducted on 1000 m2 plots and herbaceous plants on 1 m2 plots. A total of 152 specimens of Rhopalocera corresponding to six families, 54 genera and 66 species were collected. Species richness ranged from seven to 30 species in the five fragments, and the similarity was low according to the Bray-Curtis index, which ranged from 0.76 to 1, indicating low similarity in the species composition of Papilionoidea. Differences in richness were found between altitudes and a 97.8% correlation between plant communities and Papilionoidea. Additionally, we found that Bunsius oileus (Linnaeus, 1767), Anartia amathea (Linnaeus, 1758), and A. jatrophae (Linnaeus, 1763) are associated with 132 m.a.s.l., while Rhetus dysonii (Saunders, 1850) and Actinote pellenea (Hübner, [1821]) are associated with 980 m.a.s.l. The results suggest that the Lepidoptera community structurewas more strongly influenced by plant community structure than by changes in altitude. The associations of Lepidoptera with a wide range of anthropogenic tolerance at 132 and 980 m.a.s.l. would indicate that agricultural and livestock activities have probably caused changes in forest fragments in the Colombian Orinoquia.

First record of Aglossa caprealis (Hübner, [1809]) with description of male from India (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Pyralidne)

2026-07-01T09:48:12+02:00

This study documents the first occurrence of Aglossa caprealis (Hübner, [1809]) in India, with a specimen collected in the Shopian district of the Kashmir Valley. Based on observations from similar habitats, the species’ tentative range includes the Kashmir region, northern Jammu, and potentially extends to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. An IUCN Red List assessment using the GeoCAT tool classifies the species as Least Concern (LC), with an estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) of 207,099,692.893 km². This first confirmed record in the Indian subcontinent highlights a significant range expansion and provides critical insights into its South and Central Asian distribution.

Catalogue of the Castniidae in the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Dublin, with general comments on the history of the collection (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

2026-07-01T09:48:11+02:00

The material representing 35 specimens with 21 species and a total of 24 taxa belonging to the Castniidae (Lepidoptera) deposited in the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Dublin, Ireland, was studied. A brief comment on the history of the Natural History Museum and the origin of this small collection of Neotropical and Australian species is provided. General comments on natural history, distribution and other details for each mentioned species and subspecies are also included.

Integrative Taxonomic Characterization and first DNA Barcoding of Chrysozephyrus syla (Kollar, [1844]) and C. birupa (Moore, 1877) for Indian species (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

2026-07-01T09:48:10+02:00

Genus Chrysozephyrus Shirôzu & Yamamoto, 1956 (Tribe: Theclini) contains species with high morphological plasticity, often complicating accurate identification. This study provides an integrative taxonomic assessment of C. syla (Kollar, [1844]) and C. birupa (Moore, 1877) based on specimens from the Himachal Pradesh region of the Indian Himalayas. Significantly, this investigation provides the first formal description and illustration of the female genitalia of C. birupa, alongside the first comprehensive illustrations of both male and female genitalia for C. syla. To supplement these morphological findings, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences were generated, representing the first global DNA barcoding data for these species. Molecular analysis revealed a characteristic A + T bias (average 70.3%), consistent with Lepidoptera mitochondrial evolution. Preliminary phylogenetic reconstruction using Maximum Likelihood confirms the placement of these Indian taxa within the Theclini clade, showing low intergeneric genetic distances (5.0-6.5%) that align with recent genomic hypotheses suggesting potential synonymy within the Hypaurotis Scudder, 1876 group. These findings provide essential morphological and molecular baselines for rare high-altitude Lycaenidae and underscore the importance of integrating genital morphology with molecular tools for resolving the complex systematics of the tribe.

Description of a new species of the genus Metzneria Zeller, 1839 from the Iberian Peninsula (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

2026-07-01T09:48:09+02:00

A new species of the genus Metzneria Zeller, 1839 is described from the Iberian Peninsula. The distinguishing characteristics from other species of the genus are presented, including external morphology, genitalia and genetic analysis.

Alive and kicking in Central America and the Riviera Maya: first reports of Papilio demoleus Linnaeus, 1758 in Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico, with a warning to their citrus producers (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

2026-07-01T09:48:38+02:00

Papilio demoleus malayanus Wallace, 1865 is reported for the first time in Mexico, based on four specimens collected in Cancún, Quintana Roo, and 11 additional observations from the state Quintana Roo, documented on the citizen science platform iNaturalist.org. This species is a recognized pest of citrus crops, and its monitoring is recommended to prevent its spread within the country and to mitigate potential economic impacts on the citrus industry. Furthermore, records of this species from other countries in the Americas are presented, based on citizen researchers’ observations uploaded in iNatuaralist.org, including the first documented records for Costa Rica and Panama. Two new host plants are reported for Papilio demoleus, and various aspects of its ecology are discussed. Lastly, the importance of iNaturalist.org as an effective platform for detecting rare species, Lepidoptera pests, and other taxonomic groups is emphasized.

Checklist of Megalopygidae, Saturniidae and Arctiinae from Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia (Lepidoptera: Heterocera)

2026-07-01T09:48:36+02:00

This study presents a list of Lepidoptera species of the families Megalopygidae, Saturniidae and the subfamily Arctiinae collected in the municipality of Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia. Three zones differentiated by vegetation cover and degree of anthropogenic intervention were established, where 12 sampling nights were conducted using a portable LED light trap. A total of 175 individuals and 68 species/morphospecies were recorded. The subfamily Arctiinae presented 124 individuals distributed in 50 species, the family Saturniidae 34 individuals grouped in 12 species and the family Megalopygidae 17 individuals distributed in 6 species. This research contributes to the knowledge of the biodiversity of these groups of Lepidoptera in the department of Tolima and provides valuable information for the conservation of local ecosystems.

First records of Anteos maerula (Fabricius, 1775) in the Páramos of Colombia: with notes on its systematic and biogeography (Lepidoptera: Pieridae, Coliadinae)

2026-07-01T09:48:34+02:00

The genus Anteos Hübner, [1819] and the species Anteos maerula (Fabricius, 1775) are reported for the first time in a Páramo ecosystem in Colombia. The presence of this species was recorded in several locations: the Páramo de la Cuchilla El Tablazo in Subachoque, Cundinamarca; the Páramo de Guerrero in Cáchira, Norte de Santander; the Páramo Sabana Rubia and Cerro Pintado in the Serranía del Perijá, Cesar; and the Páramo de García in Pamplona, Norte de Santander. In addition, its altitudinal range in Colombia has been extended to 3,532 m, exceeding the previously reported maximum limit of 1,000 m. It was also found that A. maerula has a wider temperature range than A. menippe (Hübner, [1818]) and A. clorinde (Godart, [1824]), which could facilitate its dispersal in diverse habitats. This suggests that it employs strategies such as thermal buffering and thermal tolerance to cope with temperature fluctuations. The phylogenetic relationship of (A. maerula + A. menippe) + A. clorinde is proposed. However, further study of the species and the genus in general is necessary to better understand its autoecology, systematic relationships, and biogeographic patterns. This study highlights the significant gap in knowledge of Lepidoptera fauna in several regions of Colombia and underscores the need to promote research in different ecosystems of the country. Similarly, it emphasizes the fundamental role of scientific collections and biodiversity databases in the conservation of natural heritage and the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Oxypteryx dubiella Huemer & Šumpich, sp. nov., a new species of Aristoteliinae from Spain (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

2026-07-01T09:47:38+02:00

Oxypteryx dubiella Huemer & Šumpich, sp. nov. (Gelechiidae, Aristoteliinae), is described from specimens collected in south and east of Spain (provinces Alicante, Almeria, Valencia). The new species differs from related congeneric taxa by several characters of male and female genitalia, as well as by the highly divergent DNA barcode (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1). Adults, and male and female genitalia are figured. Considering the isolated position within Oxypteryx Rebel, 1911 and in absence of a suprageneric revision of Aristoteliinae the generic combination is tentative.

Comparative Ultrastructure of Antennal and Mouthpart Sensilla in Larval Instars of Amata bicincta (Kollar, [1844]) and Areas galactina (Hoeven, 1840) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)

2026-07-01T09:47:36+02:00

This study compares the ultrastructural development of antennal and mouthpart sensilla across larval instars of Amata bicincta (Kollar, [1840]) and Areas galactina (van der Hoeven, 1840) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A. bicincta exhibits five larval instars, while A. galactina has eight. Key findings include species-specific sensilla reductions and modifications: A. bicincta loses antennal sensillum B3 after the first instar, and its spinneret transitions to a broad, leaf-like structure. A. galactina retains B5 in later stages but loses B3 entirely, and its spinneret becomes conical in the final instar. Additional variations include transient appearances and disappearances of galeal sensilla (MSB, LSB/CSB) in A. galactina. These results underscore the utility of larval ultrastructure in taxonomic and sensory ecology studies, as well as the importance of examining all larval stages.

First record of Choreutis nemorana (Hübner, [1799]) from Western Ukraine with a distributional checklist of the family in Ukrainian fauna (Lepidoptera: Choreutidae)

2026-07-01T09:47:34+02:00

The Choreutis nemorana (Hübner, [1799]) was discovered in Western Ukraine for the first time. The larvae of this species were found on Ficus carica L. in the city of Uzhhorod (Transcarpathian region). The adults were bred in laboratory conditions. Most of the life stages of Choreutis nemorana are illustrated. A distributional checklist of the Choreutidae family in Ukraine is provided.

New addition to the Distribution of two species of Curetis Hübner, [1819] from southern West Bengal, India (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea, Lycaenidae)

2026-07-01T09:47:33+02:00

The present study extends the distributional range of two Curetis Hübner, [1819] species in the southern part of West Bengal state, India. This study reports Curetis saronis Moore, 1877 for the first time from the coastal mangrove forests of India. Curetis bulis (Westwood, 1852) is reported for the first time from the Chhotanagpur plateau region of India and is the first report from West Bengal outside the Himalayan ranges.

Target and non-target Lepidoptera species captured in semiochemical-baited traps for Zygaenidae in two NATURA 2000 protected areas in Bulgaria (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

2026-07-01T09:47:32+02:00

Semiochemical lures known to attract Zygaenidae species were screened by means of sticky Delta traps and CSALOMON® VARL funnel traps in two Natura 2000 protected areas in Bulgaria - Nikopolsko plato (near Lozitsa village) (northern central Bulgaria) and Lozenska planina Mts, in 2015-2018 and 2023, respectively. As a result, Rhagades (Rhagades) pruni, Theresimima ampellophaga, Zygaena (Agrumenia) carniolica and Z. (Zygaena) filipendulae were recorded in the vineyards near Lozitsa vill. while Adscita (Eurasiterna) geryon, A. (Tarmannita) mannii, Jordanita (Tremewania) notata and Rh. (Rh.) pruni were registered in Lozenska planina Mts. Rhagades (Rh.) pruni was newly recorded in northern central Bulgaria. In addition to Zygaenidae species, a total of 62 non-target species belonging to following Lepidoptera families: Coleophoridae, Crambidae, Erebidae, Gelechiidae, Geometridae, Noctuidae, Nolidae, Nymphalidae, Oecophoridae, Pieridae, Plutelliidae, Pyralidae, Tortricidae and Yponomeutidae, were recorded. Sex attractants for one Coleophoridae, one Cambidae, one Geñechiidae and two Noctuidae species were established for the first time. Two Augasma species are new records for the fauna of the Balkan Peninsula.

Discovery of Graellsia isabelae (Graells, 1849) in a high-mountain biotope of the Catalan Pyrenees (Spain) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

2026-07-01T09:47:29+02:00

This work was conducted in two stages separated by approximately 33 years, which is why it is presented in two parts. The first stage took place between 1993 and 1995, within the framework of the author’s Doctoral Thesis research (Ylla, 1997). The author transferred 28 cocoons of Graellsia isabelae (Graells, 1849) to a forest of Pinus uncinata Miller located above the village of Queralbs, at 1600 m a.s.l., (El Ripollès, Gerona, Catalonia, Spain). The objective was to test the hypothesis that “the pupa of G. isabelae cannot withstand the cold winter temperatures typical of this ecosystem”. If verified, this would explain why the species has failed to establish stable populations in high-altitude P. uncinata forests. However, the results did not support the hypothesis. Thirty years later, the situation remains unchanged: G. isabelae has still not been detected in P. uncinata forests. It will likely be necessary to repeat the study over several additional seasons in order to obtain a more robust dataset. This new research has been carried out in 2026, and the last results are presented in the second part of this paper.

T. Revilla. Pyraloidea de la España peninsular e Islas Baleares

2026-06-04T12:52:16+02:00

R. Gonella Gómez. Atlas de las mariposas diurnas y nocturnas de la península ibérica, Baleares y Canarias

2026-06-04T19:43:06+02:00

General News

J. de la Maza Elvira & R. G. de la Maza Elvira. An Illustrated Atlas of Mexican Butterflies Papilionidae

2026-06-05T19:50:37+02:00

Book Reviews

J. Tabell, R. Siloaho & L. Sippola. The Casebearer Moths (Coleophoridae) of Northern Europe

2026-06-05T19:59:43+02:00

Books reviews

J. Nowacki. The Noctuids of Poland (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea: Nolidae, Erebidae, Euteliidae, Noctuidae)

2026-06-05T09:03:37+02:00

Book reviews

General News

2026-06-02T19:46:13+02:00

General News