Pseudo-endemism and cryptic diversity in Lepidoptera - Case studies from the Alps and the Abruzzi

Abstract

The Alps are a hotspot of endemism for Lepidoptera with 230+ species occurring only in this area. In discussing endemism there is, however, a high risk of relying on biased spatial and taxonomic data. Pseudo-endemism may be much more widespread than expected as proved by a week-long excursion to Gran Sasso National Park and Monte Terminillo (Central Italy). Results of this research are five species hitherto only known from the Alps: Aspilapteryx spectabilis Huemer, 1994, Agonopteryx alpigena (Frey, 1870), Depressaria incognitella Heinemann, 1990, Pammene laserpitiana Huemer & Erlebach, 1999 and Epermenia theimeri Gaedike, 2001; and several additional taxa not yet known from central Italy. Not only is our knowledge of distribution incomplete, alpha-taxonomy of numerous Lepidoptera has been insufficiently explored to date. A transnational barcoding project of all Alpine Lepidoptera within the framework of the International Barcode of Life project (iBOL) is providing strong evidence of much higher levels of cryptic diversity than hitherto known. Examples of probably as yet undescribed Alpine taxa, based on combined molecular and morphological datasets, are demonstrated for the genera Callisto, Eulamprotes and Caryocolum. © TLM.