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High-quality reference genomes are critical resources for understanding biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts. We present the chromosome-level assembly of the Spanish moon moth, Actias isabellae (Graells, 1849), a nocturnal lepidopteran protected under the EU Habitats Directive. The assembly spans 0.56 Gb across 31 pseudomolecules, including the Z chromosome, with a contig N50 of 18.9 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 20.4 Mb. The mitochondrial genome was also assembled into a 15,247 bp circular sequence. Annotation identified 11,805 protein-coding genes and 2,238 non-coding genes, with a BUSCO completeness of over 94%. Notably, no W chromosome was detected, suggesting a ZZ/Z0 sex determination system. This reference genome provides an essential foundation for studying sex chromosome evolution in Lepidoptera and enables advanced population genomics monitoring of this protected species. More broadly, it contributes to ongoing efforts within the European Reference Genome Atlas and the Earth BioGenome Project to harness genomics for biodiversity conservation.

Diaphania hyalinata Linnaeus, 1767 (Lepidoptera, Crambidae), commonly known as the melonworm, is a major pest of cucurbits in the Neotropics. Yet, a comprehensive review of the parasitoid wasps that may act as biocontrol agents of this pest is still lacking. An extensive literature review was conducted to compile the current knowledge on the identity, distribution, and biology of parasitoid wasps associated with D. hyalinata across its range. Eggs, larvae, and pupae of D. hyalinata were collected in Guadeloupe and reared to document the local parasitoid diversity. Among the 37 parasitoids identified in our review, eight were recovered during our field survey, all of which are new records for the island. These parasitoids were photographed and DNA-barcoded to facilitate their potential use in future biological control programs targeting D. hyalinata. The species Trichogramma pretiosa Riley, 1879 (Trichogrammatidae; egg parasitoid) and Schoenlandella montserratensis Kang, 2021 (Braconidae; larval parasitoid) appear to be promising candidates for the biological control of D. hyalinata in Guadeloupe. It may be also worth evaluating the effectiveness of two additional larval parasitoids, Eiphosoma dentator Fabricius, 1804 (Ichneumonidae) and Apanteles impiger Muesebeck, 1958 (Braconidae), while assessing possible non-target effects on local fauna. However, it is important to consider that the presence of the hyperparasitoid Aphanogmus fijiensis Ferrière, 1933 (Ceraphronidae) could undermine biocontrol efforts. Overall, it would be valuable to gain a better understanding of the biological and environmental factors (such as agricultural practices and landscape features) that enhance the natural regulatory activities of this parasitoid community.

La mémoire collective l’a bien oublié, mais le bagne fut une réponse administrative et judiciaire aux poly-condamnés français des XIXe et XXe siècles. Les écrits de Henri Charrière (1906-1973) dit Papillon, adaptés deux fois au cinéma, ainsi que le reportage photographique du médecin saône-et-loirien Léon Collin (1880-1970) donnent un aperçu de cette époque révolue où l’on pouvait être condamné à la déportation et à la relégation à des milliers de kilomètres de la métropole. Parmi ces condamnés figure Jean-Baptiste Courtot (1859-1893) qui, après un énième vol, fut envoyé en 1893 en Guyane française. Il s’enfuira du camp peu après son arrivée et mourra dans la forêt équatoriale. Courtot est le seul bagnard connu de Meursault.

Thaumetopoea is a genus of Lepidoptera referred to as the processionary moths species, that comprises famous defoliators of forest trees. They are also a threat to human and animal health due to the urticating setae carried by their larvae. Their phylogenetic relationships were studied so far using morphological data, mitochondrial DNA and only a few nuclear markers. Results remained controversial so far, notably for the winter Conifer‐feeding species complex encompassing T. pityocampa and T. wilkinsoni. In particular, since the first identification of divergent mitochondrial clades, several new species were described and incongruent phylogenies were proposed in this group. We here explored the potential of nuclear RAD‐seq data to resolve these inconsistencies and compare the resultant phylogeny with the information provided by the mitochondrial COI gene. It allows to propose a robust phylogeny and decipher cases of mitochondrial introgressions and nuclear‐mitochondrial discordance, which raises doubts about the validity of some recently described species. Hence, we recommend caution before describing new taxa in this group from mitochondrial data alone. Species delineation between geographically bounded and genetically differentiated lineages cannot be addressed pertinently without dedicated sampling and associated population genomic and ecological studies.

The Neotropical butterfly genus Adelpha Hübner exhibits remarkable species diversity and striking convergence in wing colour patterns potentially explained by mimicry, making it an exceptional model for exploring trait evolution and its relationship with speciation. To date, unresolved phylogenetic relationships hinder a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary biology of the genus. Using a novel multi‐marker dataset combining one mitochondrial and 15 nuclear gene fragments, we generate the most comprehensive phylogeny of the genus Adelpha to revisit its systematics and investigate the evolution of mimicry colour patterns. Our dataset encompasses 83 of the 87 known extant species and six Limenitis species that were recently excluded from Adelpha (134 of c . 160 subspecies in total), collectively displaying 14 distinct mimicry patterns. We provide conclusive evidence that corroborates previous work on the polyphyly of Adelpha as historically conceived and describe the genus Adelphina Páez & Willmott n. gen . to stabilise the nomenclature. The comprehensive phylogeny provided in this study lays a solid foundation for future research into the processes driving diversification within these species interacting through mimicry. Ancestral character state reconstruction reveals the gradual evolution of mimicry patterns. The more common mimicry pattern IPHICLUS (forewing with orange subapical spot and white band) is inferred as ancestral, but repeated convergent evolution is also recovered. Evolutionary convergence is also observed for the second most abundant mimicry pattern, COCALA (orange‐white banded). Increased rates of mimicry pattern evolution are also found towards the equator. These results underscore the complexity of mimicry evolution in the Neotropical limenitidines, i.e., Adelpha and Adelphina n. gen. , emphasising the need to explore its interplay with other biotic and abiotic factors.

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