Sphingidae Taxonomic Inventory

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Unwanted guests: The first records of two established non-native moth species in the Caucasus, with notes on non-native fauna of Georgia

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2025
Authors:L. G. Japaridze, Seropian A.
Journal:Caucasiana
Volume:4
Start Page:137
Pagination:137-151
Date Published:21/10/2025
Keywords:ANTHERAEA, BARCODING, COI, DNA, FOODPLANT, GEORGIA, INVASIVE SPECIES, SATURNIIDAE
Abstract:

"This study aims to expand our current knowledge of biological invasions of Georgia by reporting the first records of two non-native moth genera Micromelalopha Nagano, 1916 (Notodontidae), and Antheraea Hübner, 1819 (Saturniidae) from the South Caucasus, based on three male specimens of Micromelalopha sieversi (Staudinger, 1892) and five male specimens of Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville, 1855). These findings are based on recent field collections, supported by morphological examination and DNA barcoding, and contribute to a better understanding of the region's shifting lepidopteran fauna and potential bio-invasion risks. Additionally, we provide the first comprehensive list of non-native animal species recorded in Georgia, based on literary and online sources."

DOI:10.3897/caucasiana.4.e168433
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith