A novel reference dated phylogeny for the genus Spodoptera Guenée (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae): new insights into the evolution of a pest-rich genus.

The noctuid genus Spodoptera currently consists of 31 species with varied host plant breadths, ranging from monophagous and oligophagous non-pest species to polyphagous pests of economic importance. Several of these pest species have become major invaders, colonizing multiple continents outside their native range. Such is the case of the infamous fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), which includes two recognized host strains that have not been treated as separate species. Following its accidental introduction to Africa in 2016, it quickly spread through Africa and Asia to Australia. Given that half the described Spodoptera species cause major crop losses, comparative genomics studies of several Spodoptera species have highlighted major adaptive changes in genetic architecture, possibly relating to their pest status. Several recent population genomics studies conducted on two species enable a more refined understanding of their population structures, migration patterns and invasion processes. Despite growing interest in the genus, the taxonomic status of several Spodoptera species remains unstable and evolutionary studies suffer from the absence of a robust and comprehensive dated phylogenetic framework. We generated mitogenomic data for 14 Spodoptera taxa, which are combined with data from 15 noctuoid outgroups to generate a resolved mitogenomic backbone phylogeny using both concatenation and multi-species coalescent approaches. We combine this backbone with additional mitochondrial and nuclear data to improve our understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus. We also carry out comprehensive dating analyses, which implement three distinct calibration strategies based on either primary or secondary fossil calibrations. Our results provide an updated phylogenetic framework for 28 Spodoptera species, identifying two well-supported ecologically diverse clades that are recovered for the first time. Well-studied larvae in each of these clades are characterized by differences in mandibular shape, with one clade's being more specialized on silica-rich C4 grasses. Interestingly, the inferred timeframe for the genus suggests an earlier origin than previously thought for the genus: about 17-18 million years ago.

Unveiling one of the rarest 'butterflies' ever (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae, Noctuidae).

Many insect species named by the Danish entomologist J.C. Fabricius remain enigmatic due to loss of the original type specimens, sketchy descriptions and lack of illustrations, but even some well-illustrated taxa remain unrecognized. This is the case for Hesperia busiris, a 'butterfly' illustrated by W.J. Jones, the identity of which has puzzled experts for 225 years. Here we argue that the description and illustrations of this species are a perfect fit to a colourful moth later described by F. Walker as Eusemia contigua. Furthermore, we present evidence that Walker unwittingly based his name on the same specimen as Fabricius, and that this is the only known example of this species. An extraordinary sequence of misconceptions led the geographic origin of this specimen to become thoroughly confused, so that it is currently unknown where on Earth this species may occur (although a substantial body of evidence points to West Africa) and if it is even still extant.

A total evidence phylogeny for the processionary moths of the genus Thaumetopoea (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae: Thaumetopoeinae).

Processionary moths belong to a group of about 100 species well known for their social behaviour and their urticating systems. The genus Thaumetopoea s.l. includes about 15 species and has been divided into three genera (Helianthocampa, Thaumetopoea s.s., and Traumatocampa) in the last revision, based on key morphological features of the adults and on the host plants of the larvae. We performed a total evidence approach to resolve the phylogeny of the genus Thaumetopoea s.l., analysing all valid taxa included in this group, plus a broad array of close relatives. Thaumetopoea was monophyletic and supported by several apomorphies. Further subclades corroborated by synapomorphies were identified. Our phylogeny suggests that Thaumetopoea must be regarded as a single genus. The mapping of key life history traits on the total evidence tree allowed us to sketch a plausible identikit of the Thaumetopoea ancestor and to track the evolution of the genus. The ancestor originated in the eastern Mediterranean area, and used broadleaved host plants. Subsequently, a switch to conifers occurred, just once, in a large subclade. The ancestor pupated in the soil, like several current species, but in a few taxa this trait was lost, together with the related morphological adaptations.

A review of the genera Amauta Houlbert, 1918 and Divana J.Y. Miller, 1982 (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) with description of a new genus.

The genera Amauta Houlbert, 1918 and Divana J.Y. Miller, 1982 are revised, with discussion of diagnostic features of males and females of all taxa. Details on their nomenclatural history, biogeography, and biology are included to solve several nomenclatural issues. Lectotypes are designated for Castnia (Amauta) papilionaris affinis Rothschild, 1919 and Castnia tricolor C. Felder & R. Felder, 1874. The status of the following taxa is revised: Amauta procera (Boisduval, [1875]) stat. rest., Amauta angusta (H. Druce, 1907) stat. rest., Castnia ambatensis Houlbert, 1917 syn. nov. of Castnia papilionaris papilionaris Walker, [1865], Castnia velutina Houlbert, 1917 syn. nov. of Castnia papilionaris papilionaris Walker, [1865], and Castnia diva chiriquiensis Strand, 1913 syn. nov. of Castnia diva diva Butler, 1870. Other taxa are revised, and their taxonomic status clarified. A new genus Vadina gen. nov. is proposed for Castnia hodeei Oberthür, 1881, which is removed (comb. nov.) from Telchin Hübner, [1825], whilst Amauta stat. rest. and Divana stat. rest., subsumed into Telchin in the most recent revision of the family, are herein reinstated as valid genera.

Resolving two centuries of mistaken identity: Reinterpretation of Papilio marcus Fabricius, 1787 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Hesperiidae).

Here, we untangle an oversight surrounding the application of the name Papilio marcus Fabricius, 1787 (Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae), currently in Troyus Warren & Turland, 2012, which has eluded taxonomists for nearly two centuries. First, we note that P. marcus is a junior primary homonym of Papilio marcus Schaller, 1785, a species currently in Morpho Fabricius, 1807 (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Second, we designate a lectotype for P. marcus Fabricius, 1787, and recognize it as conspecific with Papilio phyllus Cramer, 1777, a species currently in Vettius Godman, 1901. Therefore, P. marcus is also a junior subjective synonym of V. phyllus (new synonym). Third, aided by genomic sequencing of the lectotype of Vettius phyllides Röber, 1925, we find that this species is not conspecific with V. phyllus and represents instead a valid species of Troyus Warren & Turland, 2012, so that the relative epithet, currently considered as a junior subjective synonym of P. marcus, has to be reappreciated as Troyus phyllides (reinstated status, new combination). Moreover, T. phyllides is apparently the species that has been misidentified as P. marcus since 1832. As a result of this study, the name P. marcus Fabricius nec Cramer falls in synonymy with P. phyllus (currently in Vettius), and the species currently known as T. marcus becomes Troyus phyllides.

Insect taxonomy can be difficult: a noctuid moth (Agaristinae: Aletopus imperialis) and a geometrid moth (Sterrhinae: Cartaletis dargei) combined into a cryptic species complex in eastern Africa (Lepidoptera).

The systematic position of a large and strikingly coloured reddish-black moth, Cartaletis dargei Herbulot, 2003 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) from Tanzania, has remained questionable since its description. Here we present molecular and morphological evidence showing that Cartaletis dargei only superficially resembles true Cartaletis Warren, 1894 (the relative name currently considered a junior synonym of Aletis Hübner, 1820), which are unpalatable diurnal moths superficially resembling butterflies, and that it is misplaced in the family Geometridae. We transfer it to Noctuidae: Agaristinae, and combine it with the genus Aletopus Jordan, 1926, from Tanzania, as Aletopus dargei (Herbulot, 2003) (new combination). We revise the genus Aletopus to contain three species, but find that it is a cryptic species complex that needs to be revised with more extensive taxon sampling. Our results demonstrate the difficulties in interpreting and classifying biological diversity. We discuss the problems in species delimitation and the potential drivers of evolution in eastern Africa that led to phenotypic similarity in unrelated lepidopteran lineages.

Advantages of an easy-to-use DNA extraction method for minimal-destructive analysis of collection specimens.

Here we present and justify an approach for minimal-destructive DNA extraction from historic insect specimens for next generation sequencing applications. An increasing number of studies use insects from museum collections for biodiversity research. However, the availability of specimens for molecular analyses has been limited by the degraded nature of the DNA gained from century-old museum material and the consumptive nature of most DNA extraction procedures. The method described in this manuscript enabled us to successfully extract DNA from specimens as old as 241 years using a minimal-destructive approach. The direct comparison of the DNeasy extraction Kit and the Monarch® PCR & DNA Clean-up Kit showed a significant increase of 17.3-fold higher DNA yield extracted with the Monarch Oligo protocol on average. By using an extraction protocol originally designed for oligonucleotide clean-up, we were able to combine overcoming the restrictions by target fragment size and strand state, with minimising time consumption and labour-intensity. The type specimens used for the minimal-destructive DNA extraction exhibited no significant external change or post-extraction damage, while sufficient DNA was retrieved for analyses.

Synopsis of fruit-piercing moths of the genus Eudocima (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) from Colombia.

In order to provide information about the diversity and distribution of Eudocima species in Colombia, 261 specimens deposited in entomological collections were examined and identified. We found seven of the eight species of Eudocima recorded in the Neotropics: E. anguina, E. colubra, E. collusoria, E. memorans and E. serpentifera, all being recorded for the first time from the country. We provide a list of the species, comments on the biology and distribution data, illustrations of the adults, and keys for species identification.

Bryophila perloides Guenée, 1852 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Bryophilinae), an overlooked member of the European Noctuidae fauna, with upgrading of Bryopsis Boursin, 1970 to generic level (Taxonomic studies on the western Palaearctic Bryophilinae, No. 1).

The generic level segregation of the formerly unified taxa Nyctobrya Boursin, 1957 and Bryopsis Boursin, 1970 is discussed; the second one is reinstated as a genus, on the basis of apomorphic features in the male genitalia (Bryopsis stat. rev.). The large genus Bryophila Treitschke, 1825 is briefly characterized, in order to assess the specific identity of the formerly misinterpreted Bryophila perloides Guenée, 1852, the only European member of its species-group. So far as is known, B. perloides (stat. rev.) inhabits the southernmost, pericoastal area of Andalusia (Spain), and is known to date from five specimens. It is, thus, to be included in the Iberian and European checklists of Noctuidae. All other described species of the perloides species-group are North African. They are reviewed and their types checked; the adults, as well as their genitalia, are illustrated. Genitalia of all holotypes/syntypes are studied. Also, lectotypes are designated for B. perloides, B. squamosa Schwingenschuss, 1936 and B. barbaria Schawerda, 1934.

Thraumata, a new genus from South America with description of a new species from Peru (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae).

Thraumata gen. nov. is described to accommodate three South American species, two previously placed in Phuphena Walker, 1858, namely Thraumata petrovna (Schaus, 1904), comb. nov. and Thraumata subvenata (Schaus, 1914), comb. nov.; and one, Thraumata peruviensia sp. nov., newly described from Peru. Although the larval biology is unknown, these species share several features that suggest their placement in Eriopinae and, as a consequence, a potential association with ferns (Pteridophyta) as larval host plants.

Nomenclatural note on Alena Gyulai, Saldaitis amp; Zilli, 2019 nec Navás, 1916.

In the article by Gyulai et al. (2019) a primary homonymy was inadvertently established, that is amended herein as: Aliona nom. nov. pro Alena Gyulai, Saldaitis Zilli, 2019 [Lepidoptera], preoccupied by Návas, 1916 [Raphidioptera].

A new genus and species of Apameini (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Sichuan (China).

A new genus of Apameini (Noctuidae) from Western Sichuan, China, Alena gen. n. with a single species (Alena alena sp. n.), are described. The new species is strikingly similar in habitus to several unrelated Noctuidae.

Taxonomy of the rivorum species-group of Leucania Ochsenheimer, 1816 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The rivorum species-group of the genus Leucania (Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Leucaniini) is circumscribed and taxonomically revised, with the inclusion of three species. New taxonomic hypotheses were achieved through the morphological analysis of about 250 specimens allied to the type material of L. rivorum Guenée, 1852; L. pampa Schaus, 1894, stat. rev.; and Neleucania multistria Köhler, 1947, stat. rev., the last two resurrected from synonymy with L. rivorum and Dargida lithophilus (Butler, 1882), respectively. Adult habitus and morphology of the genitalia support the transfer of Neleucania multistria to Leucania, comb. nov. Lectotypes for L. rivorum and L. pampa are designated to ensure nomenclatural stability and recognizability of these taxa. Additionally, the similar, rust-colored species Leucania chejela (Schaus, 1921) is compared with species of the rivorum species-group, and is recorded from South America for the first time. All species of the rivorum group are re-described, with high-resolution images of taxonomic characters of the adults (head, patagium, and male and female genitalia), and updated distributional maps presented.

Haplopacha (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) reviewed: four new species, first descriptions of the genitalia of both sexes, and unique alar scale organs.

The collection of five specimens of Haplopacha at Ndumo Nature Reserve in South Africa highlights unknown species diversity in the monotypic genus. A total of four new species; H. riftensis sp. nov., H. tangani sp. nov., H. lunata sp. nov. and H. ndoumoi sp. nov., were identified in the Natural History Museum of London collection and the study of fresh specimens also revealed the presence of uniquely characteristic alar scale patches absent from the original species description of the genus type species H. cinerea. Based on the new species the descriptions of Haplopacha is amended. The identification of the new species was done using conventional light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the general morphology, wing venation and genitalia observations.

Italian natural history museums on the verge of collapse?

The Italian natural history museums are facing a critical situation, due to the progressive loss of scientific relevance, decreasing economic investments, and scarcity of personnel. This is extremely alarming, especially for ensuring the long-term preservation of the precious collections they host. Moreover, a commitment in fieldwork to increase scientific collections and concurrent taxonomic research are rarely considered priorities, while most of the activities are addressed to public events with political payoffs, such as exhibits, didactic meetings, expositions, and talks. This is possibly due to the absence of a national museum that would have better steered research activities and overall concepts for collection management. We here propose that Italian natural history museums collaborate to instate a "metamuseum", by establishing a reciprocal interaction network aimed at sharing budgetary and technical resources, which would assure better coordination of common long-term goals and scientific activities.