Further additions to the grass moth (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) fauna of Croatia

Abstract

Six species of grass moths (Crambidae) were recorded for the first time in Croatia. Chilo luteellus, Chilo pulverosellus and Thopeutis galleriellus were recorded in the Neretva River delta, showing the importance and great biodiversity of this Ramsar site, one of the largest Mediterranean wetlands. Euchromius rayatellus was recorded near Žmanska Lakes, a wetland area on Island Dugi otok. Two montane species were also recorded for the first time in the country, Catoptria combinella from Mt. Risnjak and Udea cyanalis from four montane areas across Croatia. The known range of occurrence of each of the recorded species in the Balkan peninsula is accordingly expanded. The discovery of these species shows the need for additional Microlepidoptera surveys in the country. With these records, the fauna of Crambidae of Croatia has now risen to 218 species. This number is however probably far from final and new surveys are expected to reveal additional species for the fauna of Croatia.