Abstract:

Aim: Lepidoptera is the second largest order in insects. It exhibits high diversity and economic importance. Lepidopteran insects encompass many pest species, as well as others that have beneficial or ornamental value. China has a vast territory, spanning two major biogeographic regions, the Palearctic and the Oriental, with complex and diverse biota, and a large number of new species are described every year. The purpose of this study was to systematically summarize the new taxa recorded in China in 2024. 

Methods: Information regarding new species, new synonyms, new combinations, and new recorded species for China was obtained from related taxonomic journals. The scientific names and type localities of the new species, as well as other relevant information, were sorted out based on a total of 91 articles. The new taxa of Chinese Lepidoptera published by domestic and foreign researchers in 2024 were summarized. 

Results: A total of 248 new taxa were recorded, including 6 new genera, 230 new species, 12 new subspecies, 11 newly recorded genera and 58 newly recorded species in China. Additionally, 31 new combinations, 14 new synonyms, and 2 new replacement names were proposed. In addition, 2 genera, 5 species, and 2 subspecies have been restored to their original taxonomic status. All of the new species and subspecies belong to 73 genera and 22 families in Lepidoptera, of which 2 new genera and 163 new species belong to the Microlepidoptera, 4 new genera, 53 new species and 4 new subspecies belong to the Macrolepidoptera, 14 new species and 8 new subspecies belong to the butterflies. 

Conclusion: In 2024, the number of new and newly recorded species in Yunnan remained significantly higher than that in other regions of China, accounting for 39.67% and 56.14% of the total new and newly recorded species published in China, respectively. This was followed by Hainan (19.01% and 38.60%) and Xizang (19.01%和29.82%). Overall, the number of new species and newly recorded species collected in southern China in 2024 was still significantly higher than that in northern China.

Key words: Lepidoptera, new taxa, new combination, new synonym, newly recorded, China