A COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF HYLES GALLII AND HYLES ZYGOPHYLLI (LEPIDOPTERA: SPHINGIDAE) IN THE DESERT AND FOOTHILL REGIONS OF UZBEKISTAN

The article presents a comparative morphological and taxonomic study of two closely related hawkmoth species, Hyles gallii and Hyles zygophylli, based on field research conducted in various regions of Uzbekistan (Qashqadaryo, Samarkand, and Karakalpakstan) between 2022 and 2024. The study utilizes both physical specimens and digital data from the iNaturalist and GBIF platforms. The research focuses on identifying stable diagnostic characters, including forewing venation, hindwing coloration, and abdominal markings. Morphometric analysis of larvae and adults is provided, highlighting the ecological adaptation of H. zygophylli to arid landscapes. The results offer a clarified identification key for these species within the Central Asian context.