Distribution and fauna characteristics of Zeuzerinae (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) in the New World
Abstract
The New World fauna of Zeuzerinae remains insufficiently studied in faunistic and biogeographical terms, despite the economic importance of some species and the broad distribution of the subfamily. It currently comprises 45 valid species in 10 genera, including the introduced species Zeuzera pyrina. The present study is based on museum material, literature data, and verified publicly available occurrence records. Using these data, we characterise the geographical distribution of the subfamily in the New World, identify the principal distribution patterns of its species, evaluate taxonomic diversity across major biogeographical units, countries, and biomes, identify the main centres of endemism, compare faunal similarity among regions, and assess the distinctiveness of the New World fauna in relation to other parts of the world.