Description of Gaiarana asterae gen. et sp. n. from Namaqualand-Richtersveld steppe (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae)

Researchers have identified and described a new genus and species of moth, Gaiarana asterae, from the Namaqualand-Richtersveld steppe ecoregion. This discovery adds to the region's rich biodiversity and is notable for its morphological similarities to the genus Trichiurana. The study provides detailed illustrations of adult specimens, their antennae, heads, legs, and genitalia, along with a map of collection sites. The findings contribute to our understanding of lepidopteran diversity in this unique steppe ecosystem, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape.

Friend, H. L., Volkova, J. S., Saldaitis, A., Sulak, H., Junnila, A., Yakovlev, R. V., Knyazev, S. A., Müller, G. C., Revay, E. E., Prozorova, T. A., & Prozorov, A. M. (2026). Description of Gaiarana asterae gen. et sp. n. from Namaqualand-Richtersveld steppe (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae). Ecologica Montenegrina, 97, 186–201. https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.97.17