From Asia to Europe: The first record of the blue tiger Tirumala limniace (Cramer, [1775]) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae) in the European continent

Abstract

Abstract The introduction of species by human action is one of the main causes of rarefaction and extinctions of species. This fact is especially relevant in insular ecosystems. Here, we reported for the first time the arrival of Tirumala limniace (Cramer, [1775]) from the Asian to European continent. A single specimen was recorded in the Balearic Islands, which a large list of introductions around their history. Some reasons could explain the occurrence of this species into the islands, but the most likely are the cargo and nursery trade as well as the release of specimens for weddings and other social events as well as escaped from a private butterfly’s garden. This record highlights the importance of implementing early detection of introduced species in insular ecosystems.