<i>Junonia orithya here</i> Lang (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae): a first documented observation in western Syria?

Species of the genus Junonia are widely regarded as vigorous migrants, with Junonia orithya here Lang no exception. From probable semi-permanent populations in the southern Negev (established populations in the Hejaz, Saudi Arabia being the likely origin), migrants move north. Here, we report on the first known appearance of J . orithya in northwestern Syria, close to the borders with the Mediterranean Turkish provinces of Hatay and Osmaniye in which the species has also been recorded. To the east, in central and eastern areas of Syria, we highlight the importance of the Euphrates River, its tributary the Khabur, and the Tigris River as conduits for migrant butterflies (including J . orithya ) moving northwards through Iraq. Migrant J . orithya have yet to achieve permanent populations in the countries of the Levant or in southeastern Turkey (Türkiye). We also discuss Junonia hierta , placing on record the presence in the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin of specimens of J . hierta cebrene Trimen collected in Beirut by Cremona in 1896.