Integrative taxonomy reveals overlooked cryptic diversity in the conifer feeding (Zeller, 1839) (Lepidoptera, Batrachedridae).

During efforts to generate DNA barcodes for all European Lepidoptera, (Zeller, 1839) was found to comprise two genetically distinct clusters. Morphological investigation and results from two nuclear markers and ddRAD sequencing furthermore support the existence of two distinct taxa which we treat as two separate species, and A lectotype for is designated. Available data indicate that the biology of both species also differs, with (L.) Karsten as a proved host-plant for and L. for Both species are mainly distributed on the European continent with occurring in boreal parts of North and Central Europe and introduced to Canada, reflecting a boreo-montane distribution pattern. is more widely distributed in temperate Northern and Central Europe.