Common brimstone (Gonopteryx rhamni)

The aim of the research program was the generation of DNA barcodes of as many species of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) of Vorarlberg as possible, creating an innovative data basis for future research. This approach should enable an unambiguous species determination of each individual including (in many cases yet unknown) larval and pupal stages. DNA barcoding can be a starting point for the identification of new species and neobiota, as well as for studies on larval biology and genetic diversity. Additionally, cryptic changes in species diversity caused by climatic or anthropogenic factors can be revealed.

In the course of the project, a DNA library of 1489 Lepidoptera species from Vorarlberg was created with a total of 1896 COI barcodes. A comparison with existing barcodes from BOLD showed that 1477 species can be clearly identified with their barcode. The value of DNA barcoding for faunistic studies was made clear by the recognition of 36 new species for Vorarlberg, a total that included two new records for Austria (Ectoedemia heckfordi, Metalampra italica). The barcoding is continued in various other projects, which lead to another publication of 39 species new for Vorarlberg in 2019. All data will be included in the revised version of the Red List of Endangered Lepidoptera.