Diversity of the tussock moths (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Lymantriinae) of the wider Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany, with special reference to the fauna of Mozambique

Abstract

Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany, one of the African biodiversity hotspots, is defined by a high diversity of its fauna and flora. Despite numerous studies published about the Lepidoptera of this region, our knowledge of diversity and distributional patterns of moths still remains inadequate. Our study evaluates the tussock moth richness and endemism of the wider Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany region. We describe for the first time the variety of the tussock moth fauna of Mozambique, with seven newly recorded genera (Euproctoides Bethune-Baker, 1911; Heteronygmia Holland, 1893; Leucoma Hübner, 1822; Ogoa Walker, 1856; Paraproctis Bethune-Baker, 1911; Polymona Walker, 1855; Tamsita Kiriakoff, 1954).

Keywords

• Afrotropics
• biodiversity
• distribution patterns