Chardonnay groundling (Scrobipalpa chardonnayi) from limestone mountains of Cyprus possible island endemism

NEWS - Chardonnay groundling (Scrobipalpa chardonnayi Huemer & Özden sp. nov.) from the limestone mountains of northern Cyprus and a possible island endemism shows a phylogenetic relationship with S. vasconiella Rössler 1877 and several related species, but differs phenotypically and in male and female genitalia and significant differences in DNA barcoding.

The lepidopteran fauna of Cyprus, the fourth largest Mediterranean island, includes about 900 species according to Fauna Europaea, but seems to be far from fully documented. This is especially true for the northern part of the island, which could not be studied effectively for decades due to the complex political situation.

Scrobipalpa may eventually prove to be endemic to Cyprus. The species has not been found in previous surveys in Lebanon or in the well-studied gelechiid fauna of Israel. The species could be endemic to the limestone mountains (Kyrenia mountains) of northern Cyprus, as this rock formation is absent in the southern part of the island.

S. chardonnayi is a medium-sized grayish species with several orange-brown spots and three typical gnorimoschemini black spots on the forewings. It differs from S. vasconiella in its less extensive orange-brown spots.

The male genitalia are distinguished by a longer and more slender valve without a truncated apex, a shorter saccule, a smaller vincular process, and a pointed saccule.

The female genitalia of S. chardonnayi differ from S. vasconiella by longer posterior and anterior apophyses, a laterally excavated anterior margin of the medial depression of segment VIII, and a longer, more slender and less curved signum with smaller basal teeth.

In addition, S. chardonnayi and S. vasconiella show significant differences in DNA barcoding of about 6%. Apart from the less pronounced orange-brown suffusion, the new species differs from the very similar S. brahmiella by a more slender tegument and valve, a pointed apex of the saccule, a strongly excavated medial depression of segment VIII in females and a small tooth at the base of the signum that is largely reduced or absent in S. brahmiella.

Other species at similar genetic distances differ markedly in genitalia characters. Significant differences in genitalia morphology were also found in several externally similar species, such as S. punctulata Li & Bidzilya 2019, S. intima Povolný 2001 and S. tannuolella Bidzilya, Huemer & Šumpich 2022.

Early stages and food plants are unknown. The species was recorded in mid-September and early June, but the generation sequence is still unknown. Habitat on the northern slopes of a large mountain range (Besparmak/Pentadactylos) consisting of carbonate rocks with Mediterranean maquis vegetation.

Distribution Cyprus (North), Kyrenia (girne) and Iskele Districts, so far known only from the exposed northern slopes of the Kyrenia mountains (Besparmak/Pentadactylos). The nickname comes from the Chardonnay grape variety and recalls its widespread presence in the type area.

Original research

Peter Huemer & Özge Özden (2024). Scrobipalpa chardonnayi Huemer and Özden, sp. nov.: a new presumably endemic species from Cyprus (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae). Zootaxa 5523 (4): 437-447, DOI:10.11646/zootaxa.5523.4.3

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