Abstract
Monopis jussii Kaila, Mutanen, Huemer, Karsholt & Autto, sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Tineidae) is described as a new species. It is closely related to the widespread and common M. laevigella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), but differs in its distinct COI DNA barcode sequences, four examined nuclear loci as well as details in forewing coloration and pattern. Most reared specimens of M. jussii have emerged from the nest remnants of the Boreal owl (Aegolius funereus (Linnaeus, 1758)), but also nests of the Ural owl (Strix uralensis Pallas, 1771) and the Great tit (Parus major Linnaeus, 1758) have been observed as suitable habitats. Based on the present knowledge, the new species has a boreo-montane distribution as it is recorded only from northern Europe and the Alps. Several extensive rearing experiments from Strix spp. nest remnants from southern Finland did not produce any M. jussii, but thousands of M. laevigella, suggesting that the species is lacking in the area or, more unlikely, that the nest of these owl species do not serve as good habitat for the new species. This unexpected species discovery highlights, once again, the usefulness of DNA barcoding in revealing the cryptic layers of biodiversity. To serve stability we select a neotype for Tinea laevigella [Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775, and discuss the complicated synonymy and nomenclature of this species.
Highlights
The lepidopteran fauna of Central and North Europe has been investigated for a longer time and more intensively than that of any other region in the world
While polymorphism in the mitochondrial DNA may result from multiple other phenomena, including mitochondrial introgression and retained ancestral polymorphism, many of those cases are likely to result from cryptic diversity
The European fauna is comparatively well understood, and the fauna of the entire continent has recently been taxonomically reviewed in two monographs (Gaedike 2015, 2019)
Summary
The lepidopteran fauna of Central and North Europe has been investigated for a longer time and more intensively than that of any other region in the world. Characteristic to the new discoveries is that they often concern unexpected cases of cryptic diversity among well-known and often widespread species. Examples of such recent findings, originally detected as deep intraspecific splits in DNA barcode sequences, include Leptidea reali Reissinger, 1990 (Dinca et al 2011), Olethreutes subtilana (Falkovitsh, 1959) (Segerer et al 2010), Phalonidia udana (Guenée, 1845) (Mutanen et al 2012a), Epinotia cinereana (Haworth, 1811) (Mutanen et al 2012b), Nemophora scopolii Kozlov, Mutanen, Lee & Huemer, 2016 (Kozlov et al 2017), several Elachista spp. While polymorphism in the mitochondrial DNA may result from multiple other phenomena, including mitochondrial introgression and retained ancestral polymorphism, many of those cases are likely to result from cryptic diversity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
