The lepidopteran fauna of the South Algerian mountains is described, and a major part of the species is figured. Most of the 194 species (about 70 %) are eremic species of a wide distribution. Apparently, the proportion of Mediterranean species decreased considerably during the last 50 years. There are only a few endemic Lepidoptera in the region in contrast to flora. About 50 years ago many relict populations still existed of species which normally inhabit less arid areas. It seems that they more or less disappeared or have been reduced considerably. New taxon: Salvatgea garamantica n. sp.
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