Micromelalopha sieversi (Staudinger, 1892)

Japaridze, Lasha-Giorgi & Seropian, Armen, 2025, Unwanted guests: The first records of two established non-native moth species in the Caucasus, with notes on non-native fauna of Georgia, Caucasiana 4, pp. 137-151 : 137-151

Micromelalopha sieversi (Staudinger, 1892)

Figs 1 , 2

Micromelalopha sieversi : Dai et al. 2024: 50, figs 1 A – B ( ♂)

Material examined.

Georgia • 2 ♂; Dighomi Massive , Tbilisi; 21 Jun. 2023; leg: A. Seropian; JLGT • 1 ♂; Sanzona , Tbilisi; 2 August 2025; leg. L-G. Japaridze; JLGT .

Diagnosis.

For diagnosis, see Wu and Fang (2003).

Barcoding.

We obtained a single sequence ( BOLD: ACQ 7797), identical to those of M. sieversi from China ( BOLD: ACQ 7797).

Remarks.

In China, where this species originates, it is an important pest of poplar trees. Commonly, it occurs in 3–4 generations in north-east China, and in 5–7 generations in central and southern China ( Dai et al. 2024). Specimens collected in 2023 and 2025 confirm the establishment of a stable population of this species, at least in the capital of Georgia. So far, no substantial harm to local Populus spp. has been documented. It is the first record of the genus Micromelalopha in the Caucasus.

Figures

Figure 1. Micromelalopha sieversi, male, Tbilisi (Dighomi massive), live specimen, not for scale.

Figure 2-3. General habitus of (2: Micromelalopha sieversi, male, Tbilisi (Sanzona); 2: Antheraea pernyi (CaBOL - ID 1021655), male. Baghdati). Scale bars: 5 mm (2); 35 mm (3).