New geometrid moths from Iraqi Kurdistan (Lepidoptera, Geometridae: Sterrhinae, Larentiinae)

Farhad A Khudhur ¹, Axel Hausmann ²

⁰Department of Forest Ecology; Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology; University of Mendel; Brno; Czechia.; Department of Biology; College of Science; University of Sulaimani; Sulaymaniyah; Kurdistan Region; Iraq. farhad.khudhur@univsul.edu.iq.

Zootaxa +

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December 8, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Three new geometrid moth taxa were discovered in Iraqi Kurdistan. This research details new species and subspecies, including Idaea medianocturna walaila, Lulavia mahwii, and Protorhoe drechseli nebuloides.

Area Of Science

Entomology
Zoology
Biodiversity of Lepidoptera

Background

The Kurdistan region of Iraq is a poorly studied area for insect biodiversity.
Geometrid moths (family Geometridae) are a diverse family of Lepidoptera with many undescribed species globally.

Purpose Of The Study

To describe three newly discovered geometrid moth taxa from Iraqi Kurdistan.
To provide detailed morphological descriptions and diagnostic features for the new taxa.

Main Methods

Field collection of Lepidoptera specimens in Iraqi Kurdistan by the first author.
Morphological examination of adult moths, including genitalia dissection.
Comparative analysis with existing geometrid moth species for differential diagnosis.

Main Results

Description of three new geometrid taxa: Idaea medianocturna walaila ssp. nov., Lulavia mahwii sp. nov., and Protorhoe drechseli nebuloides ssp. nov.
Presentation of images of adult moths and their genitalia for each new taxon.
Differential diagnoses distinguishing the new taxa from related species.

Conclusions

The discovery highlights the significant undocumented biodiversity of geometrid moths in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The described taxa represent important additions to the known fauna of the region and the family Geometridae.
Further entomological surveys in underexplored regions are crucial for comprehensive biodiversity assessment.