New and noteworthy records of Plants, Lichens and Insects in Altai Territory and Republic of Altai (Southern Siberia). II

This study reports new geographical occurrences for seven species of vascular plants (Cyperus michelianus, Gymnocarpium continentale, Rhynchospora alba, Scheuchzeria palustris, Schoenoplectiella supina, Veronica × schmakovii, and V. × sessiliflora), eight species of lichens (Chaenotheca chlorella, Lathagrium dichotomum, Myrionora albidula, Scoliciosporum perpusillum, Physcia alnophila, P. tenella, Peltigera collina, and P. extenuata), and nine species of Lepidoptera in the Altai Territory and the Republic of Altai. For each recorded species, localities and ecological preferences are detailed. Plants Veronica × schmakovii, V. × sessiliflora, and Rhynchospora alba are recorded for the first time in the Altai Territory; Scheuchzeria palustris and Gymnocarpium continentale for the second time. Scheuchzeria palustris and Rhynchospora alba, identified as rare fog-dependent plants, are recommended for inclusion in the Red Book of the Altai Territory. Lichen Chaenotheca chlorella is recorded as a new species for Southern Siberia; Lathagrium dichotomum is recorded for the first time in the Altai Territory; Myrionora albidula, Scoliciosporum perpusillum, Physcia alnophila, and P. extenuata are reported as new lichen species for the Salair Ridge; Physcia tenella and Peltigera collina are new records for the Salair botanical-geographical province within the Altai Territory. New faunistic records for Lepidoptera include first reports for the Altai Territory of the tortricids Cydia medicaginis, Cochylis pallidana, and Aethes cnicana; the chimabachid Dasystoma salicella; the erebids Catocala helena, Catocala bella, and Hypena crassalis; the noctuid Conistra rubiginea; and the lasiocampid Dendrolimus pini. Additionally, the cossid Dyspessa salicicola is reported as a new species for Western Siberia. The sphingids Agrius convolvuli and Macroglossum stellatarum are newly recorded for the Republic of Altai, with the latter's spring discovery suggesting the potential formation of a stable local population. The noctuid Orthosia cerasi is also reported for the first time in the Republic of Altai. Furthermore, this study contributes rare quantitative data on population dynamics, presenting an estimated population size for a newly documented locality of the lichen Lathagrium dichotomum. This information is crucial for conservation planning and assessing the status of this Red Data Book listed species.