Phegea53-1. Unexpected cryptic diversity revealed through integrative analysis within isolated populations of the Graylings (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) in the Western Balkans

The Balkan Peninsula is a European biodiversity hotspot, home to unique endemic species like the Graylings (genus Pseudochazara) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). In July 2017, the first author discovered an unknown Pseudochazara population near Krastë, central Albania, over 130 km from known populations in south-eastern Albania and north-western Greece. Another population was found in July 2022 near Lurë in the same massif. Initially classified as P. tisiphone Brown, 1981 in the atlas "Fluturat e Shqipërisë," this study shows these populations evolved allopatrically due to geographical isolation. We present new findings based on unpublished data from multiple expeditions between 2015–2023, and through an extended comparison with related Pseudochazara populations. We conducted a comprehensive biometric analysis of morphologic traits in males and females (habitus, androconial scales, and genitalia) alongside a systematic differentiation based on the mt COI gene from specimens collected in Albania and Greece. Our results show that the central Albanian populations found in the eastern belt of the Mirdita zone in the vast inner Albanides Massif are distinct from known P. tisiphone populations in the western ophiolitic belt, and the surroundings of the Pindos Massif in Greece. Systematic positioning indicated these populations form a distinct monophyletic cluster, closely related to sister species P. orestes and P. tisiphone, but genetically closer to P. orestes. Morphologically, they exhibit intermediate traits and unique androconial scales, similar to P. cingovskii Gross, 1971 from North Macedonia. Based on current taxonomic insights, we describe the unique populations from central Albania as a new cryptic species within the 'P. hippolyte' clade of the genus, Pseudochazara misjai Parmentier, sp. nov.

This paper further discusses our integrative analysis and emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts in Albania, hosting the exclusive habitats of this new species and being a stronghold for rare Pseudochazara species in Europe.