The Geographical Distribution of High Mountain Macrolepidoptera in Europe

Abstract

This paper covers the traditional Macrolepidoptera. Several important families and genera, rich in endemic Microlepidoptera in the Alps (e.g. Huemer and Tarmann 1993; Huemer 1998), are not considered because of the lack of comparable data sets on their distribution in most south European high mountains. An overview of the alpine and xeromontane types is given including their biogeography, speciation and endemism. Biogeographical connections among European orobiomes are discussed on the basis of the distribution of the alpine and arctic-alpine Macrolepidoptera. The taxonomy and nomenclature follow Huemer and Tarmann (1993), with the exception of some of the Lycaenidae and Noctuidae.