Cossidae of the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)

Abstract

The taxonomy of the family Cossidae (Lepidoptera) of the Socotra Archipelago is revised. Five species are recognized, including two new species (Mormogystia brandstetteri and Meharia hackeri), and dubious identifications and records are discussed. Adults and genitalia are illustrated and bionomic details, molecular evidence and a synonymic checklist of Socotra Cossidae genera is provided. A review of their distribution reveals that at least 80 percent of Socotro`s Cossidae species are unique to the archipelago which is renowned for its endemism.

Keywords

• Lepidoptera
• Cossidae
• <i>Meharia
• Mormogystia
• Aethalopteryx
• Azygophleps
• </i> new species
• Socotra
• Yemen