Towards a Complete DNA Barcode Library of Austrian Lepidoptera

This study presents the first comprehensive molecular assessment of the Lepidoptera fauna of Austria based on DNA barcodes (cytochrome <i>c</i> oxidase I, COI; 658 bp Folmer region). The barcode reference library comprises approximately 23,500 sequences, representing 3591 Linnaean species or about 85% of the known national species (ca. 4200 species). Congruence between morphological species identifications under the Linnaean system and barcode data was evaluated using the Barcode Index Number (BIN) system. A total of 244 species could not be unambiguously assigned, showing two to seven BINs that exhibit elevated genetic divergence and may partially represent cryptic diversity. These taxa, together with 40 currently unnamed lineages, require further integrative taxonomic assessment. The distinctiveness of the Austrian Lepidoptera fauna is discussed in the context of endemic genetic diversity. Finally, 17 new faunistic records for Austria are reported.