Discovered in the Yeṣiltepe-Ilgaz region of Kyrenia-Alsancak in Northern Cyprus, the butterfly named “Scrobipalpa chardonnayi” is clearly different from previously identified species in terms of morphology and genetics.
Near East University researchers have added another discovery to their list. Previously discovering a spider species specific to Cyprus that entered the literature with the name “Günsel”, Near East University researchers have now discovered a new unidentified night butterfly species in Northern Cyprus. The new discovery, revealed by the Founding Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Özge Özden and project partner Austrian Entomologist Dr. Peter Huemer, was also published in the scientific journal “Zootaxa”.
While biodiversity is rapidly decreasing worldwide due to the effects of climate change and human activities, new discoveries are of great importance in terms of protecting biodiversity. While recent studies have shown that wildlife populations have decreased by an average of 73 percent since 1970, scientists emphasize that protecting biodiversity is of vital importance. This important discovery made by the Near East University sheds light on the biodiversity of Cyprus and also introduced a new species to the scientific world.
The new discovery was made in the Yeṣiltepe-Ilgaz region of Alsancak, Kyrenia!
Prof. Dr. Özge Özden and Dr. Peter Huemer announced that the creature discovered to be a new species for the world is a moth species called “Scrobipalpa chardonnayi” belonging to the “Gelechiidae” moth family. The “Scrobipalpa chardonnayi” species, which is stated to be a member of the “Scrobipalpa” genus, which is a moth species and has more than 300 species worldwide, revealed the existence of a new species specific to Cyprus.
Gray-blue in color, with delicate orange-brown spots
The newly discovered butterfly named “Scrobipalpa chardonnayi” is clearly different from previously identified species in terms of morphology and genetics. Gray-blue in color, with delicate orange-brown spots and carrying three black spots specific to the Gnorimoschemini moth family, this species draws attention especially with the differences in male and female genital structures. DNA analyses also revealed that this butterfly has approximately 6 percent genetic difference from previously identified species.
The article was published in the journal Zootaxa
The details of this important discovery, which has entered the world literature, were published in the journal Zootaxa. Zootaxa, a respected academic journal known worldwide for animal taxonomy and systematics, brought this study to the literature as an important source that will contribute to scientific developments in the field.
Cyprus’ natural history continues to be recorded!
“It is a source of great pride for us that our researchers are pioneering research that will bring the natural riches of Cyprus to world science,” said Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, “Following the spider species we previously discovered and named ‘Günsel’ in the literature, we are now happy to introduce the biological diversity of Northern Cyprus to the scientific world with the discovery of a new night butterfly species called ‘Scrobipalpa chardonnayi’.” Reminding that the Near East University campus is also home to the Cyprus Herbarium and Natural History Museum, established as a result of more than 20 years of scientific study, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “In addition to geological materials of Cyprus dating back 250 million years, more than 20 thousand plant and living specimens are exhibited in our museum. We continue to record the natural history of Cyprus with the new butterfly species we discovered.” Prof. Dr. Günsel also said, “I congratulate our researchers who made this important discovery and hope that such studies will continue to increase.”
Stating that Near East University researchers continue to contribute to world science literature with their scientific studies, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “This new discovery, which sheds light on the unique biological diversity of Northern Cyprus, is an indicator of our university’s scientific capacity. This international collaboration carried out by Prof. Dr. Özge Özden and Dr. Peter Huemer has once again demonstrated the impact of academic studies that transcend borders.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “This discovery, made at a time when species are rapidly disappearing, is an important contribution to the efforts to protect biological diversity. I wholeheartedly congratulate all our researchers who contributed to this success.”
Prof. Dr. Özge Özden: “This discovery, made at a time when species are rapidly disappearing, is very important for our country and world science.”
Founding Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture of Near East University Prof. Dr. Özge Özden described the new night butterfly species they discovered by saying; “The new discovery we identified in the limestone mountains of Northern Cyprus is a small moth species that usually has narrow, fringed wings. The studies conducted reveal findings that species are rapidly disappearing worldwide.” Prof. Dr. Özden also said, “Discovering a new species in such a period is very important for our country and world science.” Reminding that they conduct scientific research in the field of biodiversity through international collaborations, Prof. Dr. Özden added; “The new night butterfly discovery we made is also the result of a joint project we carried out with Austrian Entomologist Peter Huemer. I would also like to thank our university administration, whose support we have always felt, and the Environmental Protection Department, who have never withheld their moral support.”