Integrative taxonomy reveals overlooked cryptic diversity in the conifer feeding Batrachedra pinicolella (Zeller, 1839) (Lepidoptera, Batrachedridae)

Abstract

During efforts to generate DNA barcodes for all European Lepidoptera, Batrachedra pinicolella (Zeller, 1839) was found to comprise two genetically distinct clusters. Morphological investigation and results from two nuclear markers and ddRAD sequencing furthermore support the existence of two distinct taxa which we treat as two separate species, B. pinicolella and B. confusellasp. nov. A lectotype for B. pinicolella is designated. Available data indicate that the biology of both species also differs, with Picea abies (L.) Karsten as a proved host-plant for B. pinicolella and Pinus sylvestris L. for B. confusellasp. nov. Both species are mainly distributed on the European continent with B. pinicolella occurring in boreal parts of North and Central Europe and introduced to Canada, reflecting a boreo-montane distribution pattern. Batrachedra confusellasp. nov. is more widely distributed in temperate Northern and Central Europe.

Underestimated cryptic diversity in the Caryocolum tricolorella species complex (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

“…The majority of newly detected cryptic species seems to occur in allopatry, particularly in mountain areas of southern Europe, and they often cause ongoing taxonomic problems ( Mutanen et al 2012 ). In contrast only moderately few sibling species have been found in sympatry ( Hernández-Roldán et al 2016 ; Mutanen et al 2020 ; Berggren et al 2022 ).…”

Elm (Ulmus) leaf miners in North-East Kazakhstan

“…The species of leaf miners studied by the abovementioned scientists are characterised by small size, the formation of their main centres of invasion along railways or roads, and a sharp expansion in directions coinciding with transport routes. Leaf miners brought into the territory by rail and road transport were found exactly at the time of the full-fledged development of the region and the active supply of materials by transport (Berggren et al, 2022). This information is partially confirmed by the leaf miners' strategy of spreading throughout the territory of Kazakhstan, although a full-fledged study on this problem has not been conducted.…”