Neuropterida and Mecoptera from the North-Western Caucasus

A groundbreaking study of Neuropterida and Mecoptera in the North-Western Caucasus, including Krasnodar Region and Adygea, has uncovered nine new species for the region and two for Russia. Notably, the thermophilic species Chrysoperla mutata was found at its northernmost known occurrence in Krasnodar, while Peyerimhoffina gracilis had its presence in Russia confirmed for the first time. The research also revealed an unusual habitat preference for Dendroleon pantherinus larvae, which were discovered in tinder fungus fruiting bodies—a previously unknown ecological niche. Additionally, the study updated distribution and altitudinal data for three species of Panorpidae (Mecoptera) and confirmed the occurrence of Sialis zhiltzovae from Krasnodar Region and Adygea for the first time. This comprehensive survey, based on extensive field collections in 2018, significantly advances our understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of these insect orders in the region.

Makarkin, V. N., Shchurov, V. I.,. (2019). Neuropterida and Mecoptera from the North-Western Caucasus. Caucasian Entomological Bulletin, 15(2), 299–316. https://doi.org/10.23885/181433262019152-299316