First record of Doloessa hilaropis (Meyrick, 1897) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Galleriinae) from India

Abstract

This study reports the first occurrence of the species Doloessa hilaropis (Meyrick, 1897) in India, based on specimens recorded from Edapally, Ernakulam district, Kerala. The limited information available on D. hilaropis reflects the broader inadequacy of taxonomic and ecological studies on many moth taxa in India. With only a few documented records and a lack of comprehensive investigations, important aspects such as its biology, habitat preferences, and ecological significance remain poorly understood. Previously, the known geographical distribution of D. hilaropis was restricted to Thailand and Queensland, Australia. The present record considerably extends the known range of the species and contributes to the growing knowledge of the genus Doloessa in India.