Genomics Reveals the Origins of Historical Specimens

Museomics help resolving the phylogeny of snowfinches (Aves, Passeridae, Montifringilla and allies)

Historical specimens from museum collections provide a valuable source of material also from remote areas or regions of conflict that are not easily accessible to scientists today. With this study, we are providing a taxon-complete phylogeny of snowfinches using historical DNA from whole skins of an endemic species from Afghanistan, the Afghan snowfinch, Pyrgilauda theresae. To resolve the strong conflict between previous phylogenetic hypotheses, we generated novel mitogenome sequences for selected taxa and genome-wide SNP data using ddRAD sequencing for all extant snowfinch species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and for an extended intraspecific sampling of the sole Central and Western Palearctic snowfinch species (Montifringilla nivalis). Our phylogenetic reconstructions unanimously refuted the previously suggested paraphyly of genus Pyrgilauda. Misplacement of one species-level taxon (Onychostruthus tazcanowskii) in previous snowfinch phylogenies was undoubtedly inferred from chimeric mitogenomes that included heterospecific sequence information. Furthermore, comparison of novel and previously generated sequence data showed that the presumed sister-group relationship between M. nivalis and the QTP endemic M. henrici was suggested based on flawed taxonomy. Our phylogenetic reconstructions based on genome-wide SNP data and on mitogenomes were largely congruent and supported reciprocal monophyly of genera Montifringilla and Pyrgilauda with monotypic Onychostruthus being sister to the latter. The Afghan endemic P. theresae likely originated from a rather ancient Pliocene out-of-Tibet dispersal probably from a common ancestor with P. ruficollis. Our extended trans-Palearctic sampling for the white-winged snowfinch, M. nivalis, confirmed strong lineage divergence between an Asian and a European clade dated to 1.5 - 2.7 million years ago (mya). Genome-wide SNP data suggested subtle divergence among European samples from the Alps and from the Cantabrian mountains.

Range-wide population genomic structure of the Karner blue butterfly, Plebejus (Lycaeides) samuelis

The Karner blue butterfly, Plebejus (Lycaeides) samuelis, is an endangered North American climate change-vulnerable species that has undergone substantial historical habitat loss and population decline. To better understand the species' genetic status and support Karner blue conservation, we sampled 116 individuals from 22 localities across the species' geographical range in Wisconsin (WI), Michigan (MI), Indiana (IN), and New York (NY). Using genomic analysis, we found that these samples were divided into three major geographic groups, NY, WI, and MI-IN, with populations in WI and MI-IN each further divided into three subgroups. A high level of inbreeding was revealed by inbreeding coefficients above 10% in almost all populations in our study. However, strong correlation between F ST and geographical distance suggested that genetic divergence between populations increases with distance, such that introducing individuals from more distant populations may be a useful strategy for increasing population-level diversity and preserving the species. We also found that Karner blue populations had lower genetic diversity than closely related species and had more alleles that were present only at low frequencies (<5%) in other species. Some of these alleles may negatively impact individual fitness and may have become prevalent in Karner blue populations due to inbreeding. Finally, analysis of these possibly deleterious alleles in the context of predicted three-dimensional structures of proteins revealed potential molecular mechanisms behind population declines, providing insights for conservation. This rich new range-wide understanding of the species' population genomic structure can contextualize past extirpations and help conserve and even enhance Karner blue genetic diversity.

What one genus of showy moths can say about migration, adaptation, and wing pattern

The Ornate Moth, Utetheisa ornatrix, has served as a model species in chemical ecology studies for decades. Like in the widely publicized stories of the Monarch and other milkweed butterflies, the Ornate Moth and its relatives are tropical insects colonizing whole continents assisted by their chemical defenses. With the recent advances in genomic techniques and evo-devo research, it is becoming a model for studies in other areas, from wing pattern development to phylogeography, from toxicology to epigenetics. We used a genomic approach to learn about Utetheisa's evolution, detoxification, dispersal abilities, and wing pattern diversity. We present an evolutionary genomic analysis of the worldwide genus Utetheisa, then focusing on U. ornatrix. Our reference genome of U. ornatrix reveals gene duplications in the regions possibly associated with detoxification abilities, which allows them to feed on toxic food plants. Finally, comparative genomic analysis of over 100 U. ornatrix specimens from the museum with apparent differences in wing patterns suggest the potential roles of cortex and lim3 genes in wing pattern formation of Lepidoptera and the utility of museum-preserved collection specimens for wing pattern research.

Mitochondrial genome data provide insights into the phylogenetic relationships within Triplophysadalaica (Kessler, 1876) (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae)

Due to the detrimental effect of formaldehyde on DNA, ethanol has replaced formalin as the primary preservative for animal specimens. However, short-term formalin fixation of specimens might be applied during field collection. In an increasing number of studies, DNA extraction and sequencing have been successfully conducted from formalin-fixed specimens. Here the DNA from five specimens of Triplophysadalaica (Kessler, 1876) were extracted and performed high-throughput sequencing. Four of the specimens underwent short-term fixation with formalin and were subsequently transferred to ethanol. One was continuously stored in ethanol. No significant difference of DNA quality and amount were observed among these samples. Followed by assembly and annotation, five mitochondrial genomes ranging in length from 16,569 to 16,572 bp were obtained. Additionally, previously published data of other individuals or species were included to perform phylogenetic analyses. In the reconstructed trees, all eight individuals of T.dalaica form a monophyletic group within the Triplophysa branch. The group is divided into three clades: (1) samples from the Yellow River, (2) those from the Yangtze River, and (3) those from the Haihe River, and the Lake Dali Nur. This study sheds initial light on the phylogeographic relationships among different populations of T.dalaica, and will support the research about its evolutionary history in the future.

Developing the Protocol Infrastructure for DNA Sequencing Natural History Collections

Intentionally preserved biological material in natural history collections represents a vast repository of biodiversity. Advances in laboratory and sequencing technologies have made these specimens increasingly accessible for genomic analyses, offering a window into the genetic past of species and often permitting access to information that can no longer be sampled in the wild. Due to their age, preparation and storage conditions, DNA retrieved from museum and herbarium specimens is often poor in yield, heavily fragmented and biochemically modified. This not only poses methodological challenges in recovering nucleotide sequences, but also makes such investigations susceptible to environmental and laboratory contamination. In this paper, we review the practical challenges associated with making the recovery of DNA sequence data from museum collections more routine. We first review key operational principles and issues to address, to guide the decision-making process and dialogue between researchers and curators about when and how to sample museum specimens for genomic analyses. We then outline the range of steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of contamination including laboratory set-ups, workflows and working practices. We finish by presenting a series of case studies, each focusing on protocol practicalities for the application of different mainstream methodologies to museum specimens including: (i) shotgun sequencing of insect mitogenomes, (ii) whole genome sequencing of insects, (iii) genome skimming to recover plant plastid genomes from herbarium specimens, (iv) target capture of multi-locus nuclear sequences from herbarium specimens, (v) RAD-sequencing of bird specimens and (vi) shotgun sequencing of ancient bovid bone samples.

Genomes from historical Drosophila melanogaster specimens illuminate adaptive and demographic changes across more than 200 years of evolution

The ability to perform genomic sequencing on long-dead organisms is opening new frontiers in evolutionary research. These opportunities are especially notable in the case of museum collections, from which countless documented specimens may now be suitable for genomic analysis-if data of sufficient quality can be obtained. Here, we report 25 newly sequenced genomes from museum specimens of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, including the oldest extant specimens of this species. By comparing historical samples ranging from the early 1800s to 1933 against modern-day genomes, we document evolution across thousands of generations, including time periods that encompass the species' initial occupation of northern Europe and an era of rapidly increasing human activity. We also find that the Lund, Sweden population underwent local genetic differentiation during the early 1800s to 1933 interval (potentially due to drift in a small population) but then became more similar to other European populations thereafter (potentially due to increased migration). Within each century-scale time period, our temporal sampling allows us to document compelling candidates for recent natural selection. In some cases, we gain insights regarding previously implicated selection candidates, such as ChKov1, for which our inferred timing of selection favors the hypothesis of antiviral resistance over insecticide resistance. Other candidates are novel, such as the circadian-related gene Ahcy, which yields a selection signal that rivals that of the DDT resistance gene Cyp6g1. These insights deepen our understanding of recent evolution in a model system, and highlight the potential of future museomic studies.

Phylogenetic Structure Revealed through Combining DNA Barcodes with Multi-Gene Data for Agrodiaetus Blue Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

The need for multi-gene analysis in evolutionary and taxonomic studies is generally accepted. However, the sequencing of multiple genes is not always possible. For various reasons, short mitochondrial DNA barcodes are the only source of molecular information for some species in many genera, although multi-locus data are available for other species of the same genera. In particular, such situation exists in the species-rich butterfly subgenus Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus). Here, we analyzed the partitioning of this subgenus into species groups by using three data sets. The first data set was represented by short mitochondrial DNA barcodes for all analyzed samples. The second and third data sets were represented by a combination of short mitochondrial DNA barcodes for part of the taxa with longer mitochondrial sequences COI + tRNA-Leu + COII (data set 2) and with longer mitochondrial COI + tRNA-Leu + COII and nuclear 5.8S rDNA + ITS2 + 28S rDNA sequences (data set 3) for the remaining species. We showed that the DNA barcoding approach (data set 1) failed to reveal the phylogenetic structure, resulting in numerous polytomies in the tree obtained. Combined analysis of the mitochondrial and nuclear sequences (data sets 2 and 3) revealed the species groups and the position within these species groups, even for the taxa for which only short DNA barcodes were available.

Lessons from the genomic analysis of Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera) holotypes in the MIZA collection (Maracay, Venezuela)

Genomic sequencing and analysis of holotypes from the MIZA collection (Maracay, Venezuela) and their comparison with other species and their type specimens advances our understanding of their taxonomy. Jemadia demarmelsi Orellana, [2010] is confirmed as a species-level taxon and its female is genetically verified. The following are species-level taxa, not subspecies: Amenis pedro O. Mielke & Casagrande, 2022, stat. nov. (not Amenis pionia (Hewitson, 1857)) and Jemasonia sosia (Mabille, 1878), stat. rest. (not Jemasonia hewitsonii (Mabille, 1878)). Amenis ponina rogeri Orellana, [2010], stat. nov. and Jemasonia pater ortizi (Orellana, [2010]), stat. nov. are subspecies, not species. Jemadia pseudognetus imitator (Mabille, 1891), comb. nov. (not Jemadia hospita (Butler, 1877)) and Damas cervelina Orellana & Costa, 2019, comb. nov. (not Megaleas Godman, 1901) are new combinations.

Thirteen new species of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from Texas

Analyses of whole genomic shotgun datasets, COI barcodes, morphology, and historical literature suggest that the following 13 butterfly species from the family Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) in Texas, USA are distinct from their closest named relatives and therefore are described as new (type localities are given in parenthesis): Spicauda atelis Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., Mission), Urbanus (Urbanus) rickardi Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., nr. Madero), Urbanus (Urbanus) oplerorum Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., Mission/Madero), Telegonus tsongae Grishin, new species (Starr Co., Roma), Autochton caballo Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., 6 mi W of Hidalgo), Epargyreus fractigutta Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., McAllen), Aguna mcguirei Grishin, new species (Cameron Co., Brownsville), Polygonus pardus Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., McAllen), Arteurotia artistella Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., Mission), Heliopetes elonmuski Grishin, new species (Cameron Co., Boca Chica), Hesperia balcones Grishin, new species (Travis Co., Volente), Troyus fabulosus Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., Peñitas), and Lerema ochrius Grishin, new species (Hidalgo Co., nr. Relampago). Most of these species are known in the US almost exclusively from the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Nine of the holotypes were collected in 1971-1975, a banner period for butterfly species newly recorded from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas; five of them collected by William W. McGuire, and one by Nadine M. McGuire. At the time, these new species have been recorded under the names of their close relatives. A Neotype is designated for Papilio fulminator Sepp, [1841] (Suriname). Lectotypes are designated for Goniurus teleus Hübner, 1821 (unknown, likely in South America), Goniloba azul Reakirt, [1867] (Mexico: Veracruz) and Eudamus misitra Plötz, 1881 (Mexico). Several taxonomic changes are proposed. The following taxa are species (not subspecies): Spicauda zalanthus (Plötz, 1880), reinstated status (not Spicauda teleus (Hübner, 1821)), Telegonus fulminator (Sepp, [1841]), reinstated status (not Telegonus fulgerator (Walch, 1775), Telegonus misitra (Plötz, 1881), reinstated status (not Telegonus azul (Reakirt, [1867])), Autochton reducta (Mabille and Boullet, 1919), new status (not Autochton potrillo (Lucas, 1857)), Epargyreus gaumeri Godman and Salvin, 1893, reinstated status (not Epargyreus clavicornis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), and Polygonus punctus E. Bell and W. Comstock, 1948, new status (not Polygonus savigny (Latreille, [1824])). Urbanus ehakernae Burns, 2014 and Epargyreus socus chota Evans, 1952 are junior subjective synonyms of Urbanus alva Evans, 1952 and Epargyreus clavicornis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869), respectively, and Epargyreus gaumeri tenda Evans, 1955, new combination is not a subspecies of E. clavicornis.

Molecular data from the holotype of the enigmatic Bornean Black Shrew, Suncusater Medway, 1965 (Soricidae, Crocidurinae), place it in the genus Palawanosorex

Although Borneo has received more attention from biologists than most other islands in the Malay Archipelago, many questions regarding the systematic relationships of Bornean mammals remain. Using next-generation sequencing technology, we obtained mitochondrial DNA sequences from the holotype of Suncusater, the only known specimen of this shrew. Several shrews collected recently in Sarawak are closely aligned, both morphologically and mitochondrially, with the holotype of S.ater. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial sequences indicate that the S.ater holotype and new Sarawak specimens do not belong to the genus Suncus, but instead are most closely related to Palawanosorexmuscorum. Until now Palawanosorex has been known only from the neighboring Philippine island of Palawan. Additional sequences from nuclear ultra-conserved elements from the new Sarawak specimens strongly support a sister relationship to P.muscorum. We therefore transfer ater to Palawanosorex. The new specimens demonstrate that P.ater is more widespread in northern Borneo than previously recorded. Continued sampling of Bornean mammal diversity and reexamination of type material are critical in understanding the evolutionary history of the biologically rich Malay Archipelago.

Erythrina stem borer moth in California - New taxonomic status and implications for control of this emerging pest

During the last 10 years, the Erythrina stem borer moth, Terastia meticulosalis, emerged as a pest of cultivated coral trees (Erythrina spp.) in California. Erythrina trees are valued for their moderate drought resistance and beautiful flame-like flowers. They are beloved enough to be considered Los Angeles's official "City Tree." Thus, they are a valuable horticultural crop and are grown by many nurseries and occur throughout the landscape in coastal southern California. Coral trees have been heavily affected by T. meticulosalis recently. Using whole genome sequencing techniques, we analysed the origins of this and other infestations of Erythrina in coastal areas and found that they have likely originated from the repeated expansions of the native range of the species in Arizona, a process possibly driven by climatic factors and/or movement of plants by humans. We also found sufficient genetic differences between the western population of the moth and the rest of the New World populations to describe a new western subspecies, T. meticulosalis occidentalis Sourakov & Grishin ssp. n. (type locality USA: CA, San Diego Co., La Jolla). These findings are of economic importance for future attempts to control the moth's impact on activities surrounding the horticultural use of Erythrina spp. by the Californian landscape and nursery industries.

Neotype designation for Papilio fulgerator Walch, 1775 (Hesperiidae: Eudaminae)

The discovery that a skipper butterfly Telegonus fulgerator (Walch, 1775), previously placed in the genus Astraptes Hübner, [1819], is a complex of many similar-looking species-level taxa with different COI barcodes, caterpillar foodplants and body patterns, and subtle differences in adult phenotypes raised a question about which species is the original T. fulgerator. To answer this question, being unable to locate its holotype, we designate the neotype of Papilio fulgerator Walch, 1775, a female specimen from Suriname in the Zoological State Collection, Munich, Germany. This neotype will form the foundation for a comprehensive revision of the T. fulgerator complex based on genomic sequencing and analysis augmented with phenotypic considerations.

Museomics and the holotype of a critically endangered cricetid rodent provide key evidence of an undescribed genus

Historical DNA obtained from voucher specimens housed in natural history museums worldwide have allowed the study of elusive, rare or even extinct species that in many cases are solely represented by museum holdings. This has resulted in the increase of taxonomic representation of many taxa, has led to the discovery of new species, and has yielded stunning novel insights into the evolutionary history of cryptic or even undescribed species. Peromyscus mekisturus, is a critically endangered cricetid rodent endemic to Mexico and is only known from two museum specimens collected in 1898 and 1947. Intensive field work efforts to attempt to determine if viable populations still exist have failed, suggesting that this species is extinct or is nearing extinction. In addition, a recent study using mitogenomes demonstrated that P. mekisturus forms a well-supported clade outside the genus Peromyscus and hypothesized that this taxon is the sister group of the genus Reithrodontomys. Here, we used target enrichment and high-throughput sequencing of several thousand nuclear ultraconserved elements and mitogenomes to reconstruct dated phylogenies to test the previous phylogenetic hypothesis. We analyzed the holotype and the only other known specimen of P. mekisturus and museum samples from other peromyscine rodents to test the phylogenetic position of the species. Our results confirm that the only two specimens known to science of P. mekisturus belong to the same species and support the hypothesis that this species belongs to an undescribed genus of cricetid rodents that is sister to the genus Reithrodontomys. We dated the origin of P. mekisturus together with other speciation events in peromyscines during the late Pliocene – early Pleistocene and related these events with the Pleistocene climatic cycles. In light of our results, we recommend a taxonomic re-evaluation of this enigmatic species to properly recognize its taxonomic status as a new genus. We also acknowledge the relevance of generating genomic data from type specimens and highlight the need and importance of continuing to build the scientific heritage of the collections to study and better understand past, present, and future biodiversity.

Taxonomic discoveries enabled by genomic analysis of butterflies

The comparative genomics of butterflies yields additional insights into their phylogeny and classification that are compiled here. As a result, 3 genera, 5 subgenera, 5 species, and 3 subspecies are proposed as new, i.e., in Hesperiidae: Antina Grishin, gen. n. (type species Antigonus minor O. Mielke, 1980), Pompe Grishin and Lamas, gen. n. (type species Lerema postpuncta Draudt, 1923), and Curva Grishin, gen. n. (type species Moeris hyagnis Godman, 1900); in Lycaenidae: Fussia Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Polyommatus standfussi Grum-Grshimailo, 1891) and Pava Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Thecla panava Westwood, 1852); in Hesperiidae: Monoca Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Tagiades monophthalma Plötz, 1884), Putuma Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Tisias putumayo Constantino and Salazar, 2013), and Rayia Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Mastor perigenes Godman, 1900); Cissia wahala Grishin, sp. n. (Nymphalidae; type locality in Mexico: Oaxaca); in Hesperiidae: Hedone mira Grishin and Lamas, sp. n. (type locality in Peru: Apurímac), Vidius pompeoides Grishin, sp. n. (type locality in Brazil: Amazonas), Parphorus hermieri Grishin, sp. n. (Hesperiidae; type locality in Brazil: Rondônia), and Zenis par Grishin, sp. n. (Hesperiidae; type locality in Peru: Cuzco); in Pieridae: Glutophrissa drusilla noroesta Grishin, ssp. n. (type locality in USA: Texas, Cameron Co.) and Pieris marginalis siblanca Grishin, ssp. n. (type locality in USA: New Mexico, Lincoln Co.), and Argynnis cybele neomexicana Grishin, ssp. n. (Nymphalidae; type locality in USA: New Mexico, Sandoval Co.). Acidalia leto valesinoides-alba Reuss, [1926] and Acidalia nokomis valesinoides-alba Reuss, [1926] are unavailable names. Neotypes are designated for Mylothris margarita Hübner, [1825] (type locality in Brazil) and Papilio coras Cramer, 1775 (type locality becomes USA: Pennsylvania, Montgomery Co., Flourtown). Mylothris margarita Hübner, [1825] becomes a junior objective synonym of Pieris ilaire Godart, 1819, currently a junior subjective synonym of Glutophrissa drusilla (Cramer, 1777). Lectotypes are designated for Hesperia ceramica Plötz, 1886 (type locality in Indonesia: Seram Island), Pamphila trebius Mabille, 1891 (type locality Colombia: Bogota), Methionopsis modestus Godman, 1901 and Papias microsema Godman, 1900 (type locality in Mexico: Tabasco), Hesperia fusca Grote & Robinson, 1867 (type locality in USA: Georgia), Goniloba corusca Herrich-Schäffer, 1869, and Goniloba devanes Herrich-Schäffer, 1869; the type localities of the last two species, together with Pamphila stigma Skinner, 1896 and Carystus (Argon) lota (Hewitson, 1877), are deduced to be in South America. Type locality of Junonia pacoma Grishin, 2020 is in Sinaloa, not Sonora (Mexico). Abdomen is excluded from the holotype of Staphylus ascalon (Staudinger, 1876). Furthermore, a number of taxonomic changes are proposed. Alciphronia Koçak, 1992 is treated as a subgenus, not a synonym of Heodes Dalman, 1816. The following genera are treated as subgenera: Lafron Grishin, 2020 of Lycaena [Fabricius], 1807, Aremfoxia Real, 1971 of Epityches D'Almeida, 1938, Placidina D'Almeida, 1928 of Pagyris Boisduval, 1870, and Methionopsis Godman, 1901 of Mnasinous Godman, 1900. Polites (Polites) coras (Cramer, 1775) is not a nomen dubium but a valid species. The following are species-level taxa (not subspecies or synonyms of taxa given in parenthesis): Lycaena pseudophlaeas (Lucas, 1866) and Lycaena hypophlaeas (Boisduval, 1852) (not Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus, 1761), Satyrium dryope (W. H. Edwards, 1870) (not Satyrium sylvinus (Boisduval, 1852)), Apodemia cleis (W. H. Edwards, 1882) (not Apodemia zela (Butler, 1870)), Epityches thyridiana (Haensch, 1909), comb. nov. (not Epityches ferra Haensch, 1909, comb. nov.), Argynnis bischoffii W. H. Edwards, 1870 (not Argynnis mormonia Boisduval, 1869), Argynnis leto Behr, 1862 (not Argynnis cybele (Fabricius, 1775)), Boloria myrina (Cramer, 1777) (not Boloria selene ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)), Phyciodes jalapeno J. Scott, 1998 (not Phyciodes phaon (W. H. Edwards, 1864)), Phyciodes incognitus Gatrelle, 2004 and Phyciodes diminutor J. Scott, 1998 (not Phyciodes cocyta (Cramer, 1777)), Phyciodes orantain J. Scott, 1998 (not Phyciodes tharos (Drury, 1773)), Phyciodes anasazi J. Scott, 1994 (not Phyciodes batesii (Reakirt, [1866])), Cercyonis silvestris (W. H. Edwards, 1861) (not Cercyonis sthenele (Boisduval, 1852)), Paramacera allyni L. Miller, 1972 and Paramacera rubrosuffusa L. Miller, 1972 (not Paramacera xicaque (Reakirt, [1867])), Cissia cheneyorum (R. Chermock, 1949), Cissia pseudocleophes (L. Miller, 1976), and Cissia anabelae (L. Miller, 1976) (not Cissia rubricata (W. H. Edwards, 1871)), Tarsoctenus gaudialis (Hewitson, 1876) (not Tarsoctenus corytus (Cramer, 1777)), Nisoniades inca (Lindsey, 1925) (not Nisoniades mimas (Cramer, 1775), Xenophanes ruatanensis Godman & Salvin, 1895 (not Xenophanes tryxus (Stoll, 1780)), Lotongus shigeoi Treadaway & Nuyda, 1994, Lotongus balta Evans, 1949, Lotongus zalates (Mabille, 1893), and Lotongus taprobanus (Plötz, 1885) (not Lotongus calathus (Hewitson, 1876)), Oxynthes martius (Mabille, 1889) (not Oxynthes corusca (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Notamblyscirtes durango J. Scott, 2017 (not Notamblyscirtes simius W. H. Edwards, 1881), Hedone praeceps Scudder, 1872, Hedone catilina (Plötz, 1886), and Hedone calla (Evans, 1955) (not Hedone vibex (Geyer, 1832)), Atalopedes huron (W. H. Edwards, 1863) (not Atalopedes campestris (Boisduval, 1852)), Papias microsema Godman, 1900 (not Mnasinous phaeomelas (Hübner, [1829]), comb. nov.), Papias unicolor (Hayward, 1938) and Papias monus Bell, 1942 (not Papias phainis Godman, 1900), Nastra leuconoides (Lindsey, 1925) (not Nastra leucone (Godman, 1900)), Nastra fusca (Grote & Robinson, 1867) (not Nastra lherminier (Latreille, [1824])), Zenis hemizona (Dyar, 1918) and Zenis janka Evans, 1955 (not Zenis jebus (Plötz, 1882)), Carystus (Argon) argus Möschler, 1879 (not Carystus (Argon) lota Hewitson, 1877), and Lycas devanes (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869) (not Lycas argentea (Hewitson, 1866)). Borbo impar ceramica (Plötz, 1886), comb. nov. is not a synonym of Pelopidas agna larika (Pagenstecher, 1884) but a valid subspecies. Parnassius smintheus behrii W. H. Edwards, 1870 and Cercyonis silvestris incognita J. Emmel, T. Emmel & Mattoon, 2012 are subspecies, not species. The following are junior subjective synonyms: Shijimiaeoides Beuret, 1958 of Glaucopsyche Scudder, 1872, Micropsyche Mattoni, 1981 of Turanana Bethune-Baker, 1916, Cyclyrius Butler, 1897 of Leptotes Scudder, 1876, Mesenopsis Godman & Salvin, 1886 of Xynias Hewitson, 1874, Carystus tetragraphus Mabille, 1891 of Lotongus calathus parthenope (Plötz, 1886), Parnara bipunctata Elwes & J. Edwards, 1897 of Borbo impar ceramica (Plötz, 1886), Hesperia peckius W. Kirby, 1837 of Polites (Polites) coras (Cramer, 1775), and Lerodea neamathla Skinner & R. Williams, 1923 of Nastra fusca (Grote & Robinson, 1867). The following transfers are proposed: of species between genera (i.e., revised genus-species combinations): Nervia niveostriga (Trimen, 1864) (not Kedestes Watson, 1893), Leona lota Evans, 1937 (not Lennia Grishin, 2022), Leona pruna (Evans, 1937) and Leona reali (Berger, 1962) (not Pteroteinon Watson, 1893), Mnasinous phaeomelas (Hübner, [1829]) (not Papias Godman, 1900), Saturnus jaguar (Steinhauser, 2008) (not Parphorus Godman, 1900), Parphorus harpe (Steinhauser, 2008) (not Saturnus Evans, 1955), Parphorus kadeni (Evans, 1955) (not Lento Evans, 1955), and Calpodes chocoensis (Salazar & Constantino, 2013) (not Megaleas Godman, 1901); of subspecies between species (i.e., revised species-subspecies combinations): Melitaea sterope W. H. Edwards, 1870 of Chlosyne palla (Boisduval, 1852) (not Chlosyne acastus (W. H. Edwards, 1874)) and Panoquina ocola distipuncta Johnson & Matusik, 1988 of Panoquina lucas (Fabricius, 1793); and junior subjective synonym transferred between species: Rhinthon zaba Strand, 1921 of Conga chydaea (A. Butler, 1877), not Cynea cynea (Hewitson, 1876), Pamphila stigma Skinner, 1896 of Hedone catilina (Plötz, 1886), not Hedone praeceps Scudder, 1872, and Pamphila ortygia Möschler, 1883 of Panoquina hecebolus (Scudder, 1872), not Panoquina ocola (W. H. Edwards, 1863). Proposed taxonomic changes result in additional revised species-subspecies combinations: Lycaena pseudophlaeas abbottii (Holland, 1892), Satyrium dryope putnami (Hy. Edwards, 1877), Satyrium dryope megapallidum Austin, 1998, Satyrium dryope itys (W. H. Edwards, 1882), Satyrium dryope desertorum (F. Grinnell, 1917), Argynnis bischoffi opis W. H. Edwards, 1874, Argynnis bischoffi washingtonia W. Barnes & McDunnough, 1913, Argynnis bischoffi erinna W. H. Edwards, 1883, Argynnis bischoffi kimimela Marrone, Spomer & J. Scott, 2008, Argynnis bischoffi eurynome W. H. Edwards, 1872, Argynnis bischoffi artonis W. H. Edwards, 1881, Argynnis bischoffi luski W. Barnes & McDunnough, 1913, Argynnis leto letona (dos Passos & Grey, 1945), Argynnis leto pugetensis (F. Chermock & Frechin, 1947), Argynnis leto eileenae (J. Emmel, T. Emmel & Mattoon, 1998), Boloria myrina nebraskensis (W. Holland, 1928), Boloria myrina sabulocollis Kohler, 1977, Boloria myrina tollandensis (W. Barnes & Benjamin, 1925), Boloria myrina albequina (W. Holland, 1928), Boloria myrina atrocostalis (Huard, 1927), Boloria myrina terraenovae (W. Holland, 1928), Phyciodes anasazi apsaalooke J. Scott, 1994, Polites coras surllano J. Scott, 2006, and Curva darienensis (Gaviria, Siewert, Mielke & Casagrande, 2018). Specimen curated as the holotype of Acidalia leto valesinoides-alba Reuss, [1926] is Argynnis leto letona (dos Passos & Grey, 1945) (not A. leto leto Behr, 1862) from USA: Utah, Provo. A synonymic list of available genus-group names for Lycaeninae [Leach], [1815] is given. Unless stated otherwise, all subgenera, species, subspecies and synonyms of mentioned genera and species are transferred with their parent taxa, and others remain as previously classified.

Genomic DNA sequencing reveals two new North American species of Staphylus (Hesperiidae: Pyrginae: Carcharodini)

Two new skipper butterfly (Hesperiidae) species are described from the United States: Staphylus floridus Grishin, sp. n. (type locality in Florida, Volusia Co.) and Staphylus ecos Grishin, sp. n. (type locality in Texas, Brewster Co.). They are cryptic and hence escaped recognition. They differ from their sister species by the relative size and morphology of genitalia and by genotype-including and beyond the COI barcode-thus suggesting genetic isolation that argues for their species-level status. A lectotype is designated for Helias ascalaphus Staudinger, 1876. Staphylus opites (Godman & Salvin, 1896), stat. rest. is a species-level taxon and not a synonym of Staphylus vincula (Plötz, 1886), while Pholisora iguala Williams & Bell, 1940, syn. n. is a junior subjective synonym of S. vincula.

A large deletion at the cortex locus eliminates butterfly wing patterning

As the genetic basis of natural and domesticated variation has been described in recent years, a number of hotspot genes have been repeatedly identified as the targets of selection, Heliconius butterflies display a spectacular diversity of pattern variants in the wild and the genetic basis of these patterns has been well-described. Here, we sought to identify the mechanism behind an unusual pattern variant that is instead found in captivity, the ivory mutant, in which all scales on both the wings and body become white or yellow. Using a combination of autozygosity mapping and coverage analysis from 37 captive individuals, we identify a 78-kb deletion at the cortex wing patterning locus, a gene which has been associated with wing pattern evolution in H. melpomene and 10 divergent lepidopteran species. This deletion is undetected among 458 wild Heliconius genomes samples, and its dosage explains both homozygous and heterozygous ivory phenotypes found in captivity. The deletion spans a large 5′ region of the cortex gene that includes a facultative 5′UTR exon detected in larval wing disk transcriptomes. CRISPR mutagenesis of this exon replicates the wing phenotypes from coding knock-outs of cortex, consistent with a functional role of ivory-deleted elements in establishing scale color fate. Population demographics reveal that the stock giving rise to the ivory mutant has a mixed origin from across the wild range of H. melpomene, and supports a scenario where the ivory mutation occurred after the introduction of cortex haplotypes from Ecuador. Homozygotes for the ivory deletion are inviable while heterozygotes are the targets of artificial selection, joining 40 other examples of allelic variants that provide heterozygous advantage in animal populations under artificial selection by fanciers and breeders. Finally, our results highlight the promise of autozygosity and association mapping for identifying the genetic basis of aberrant mutations in captive insect populations.

Checking the checkered taxonomy of Plötz's checkered skippers (Hesperiidae: Pyrgini)

We present an analysis of the names proposed by Carl Plötz in 1884 for the New World species in the genus Pyrgus Hübner, [1819] facilitated by the genomic sequencing of extant primary type specimens comparatively with a larger sample of more recently collected specimens of these species and their relatives. The changes to nomenclature suggested here are only caused by the identity of primary type specimens as revealed by their phenotypes or through genomic sequencing. All neotypes are designated to stabilize nomenclature in agreement with the current usage of these names, which in unison agrees best with the information available about them. Lectotypes are designated for the following 5 taxa: Pyrgus (Scelothrix [sic]) bellatrix Plötz, 1884 (type locality Argentina: Buenos Aires), Pyrgus (Pyrgus) willi Plötz, 1884 (type locality in Brazil: Minas Gerais), Pyrgus (Pyrgus) albescens Plötz, 1884 (type locality in Mexico), Pyrgus (Syrichthus [sic]) lycurgus Plötz, 1884 (type locality in "Central America", likely southern Mexico), and Pyrgus occidentalis Skinner, 1906 (type locality USA: Texas, San Antonio). Neotypes are designated for the following 4 taxa: Pyrgus (Pyrgus) adepta Plötz, 1884 (Herrich-Schäffer in litt.) (type locality Colombia: Bogota), Pyrgus (Scelothrix [sic]) dion Plötz, 1884 (type locality Colombia: Bogota), Pyrgus (Scelothrix [sic]) adjutrix Plötz, 1884 (Herrich-Schäffer in litt.) (type locality in Mexico: Nuevo Leon), Pyrgus (Pyrgus) insolatrix Plötz, 1884 (Herrich-Schäffer in litt.) (type locality in "Central America", likely southern Mexico). As a result, P. lycurgus and P. insolatrix are objective synonyms. The following are junior subjective synonyms: P. dion of Burnsius adepta (Plötz, 1884), Pyrgus (Syrichthus [sic]) varus Plötz, 1884 of Burnsius orcus (Stoll, 1780) and P. adjutrix of Burnsius oileus (Linnaeus, 1767). Heliopetes (Heliopyrgus) willi (Plötz, 1884) is a species-level taxon and not a subspecies of Heliopetes (Heliopyrgus) domicella (Erichson, [1849])). Genomic analysis of the lectotypes of P. albescens, P. lycurgus, and P. occidentalis establishes them as conspecific with Burnsius communis (Grote, 1872), thus depriving a distinct species currently identified as Burnsius albescens from its name, that becomes a name for Burnsius communis albescens (Plötz, 1884) in accord with its lectotype identity; P. lycurgus and P. insolatrix are its junior subjective synonyms, but P. occidentalis is a junior subjective synonym of B. communis communis. A new name Burnsius albezens Grishin sp. n. (type locality USA: Arizona, Cochise Co., Portal) is proposed for the species misidentified as B. albescens. Furthermore, genomic comparisons reveal two other new species and one new subspecies of Burnsius Grishin, 2019: B. burnsi Grishin sp. n. (type locality Mexico: Veracruz, Huatusco), B. adepta inepta Grishin ssp. n. (type locality Ecuador: Pichincha, Tandapi), and B. orcynus Grishin sp. n. (type locality Curaçao: Hato Field) that are cryptic and can be confidently identified only by their genotype.

Taxonomic changes suggested by the genomic analysis of Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera)

Our expanded efforts in genomic sequencing to cover additional skipper butterfly (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) species and populations, including primary type specimens, call for taxonomic changes to restore monophyly and correct misidentifications by moving taxa between genera and proposing new names. Reconciliation between phenotypic characters and genomic trees suggests three new tribes, two new subtribes, 23 new genera, 17 new subgenera and 10 new species that are proposed here: Psolosini Grishin, new tribe (type genus Psolos Staudinger, 1889), Ismini Grishin, new tribe (type genus Isma Distant, 1886), Eetionini Grishin, new tribe (type genus Eetion de Nicéville, 1895), Orphina Grishin, new subtribe (type genus Orphe Godman, 1901), Carystoidina Grishin, new subtribe (type genus Carystoides Godman, 1901), Fulvatis Grishin, new genus (type species Telegonus fulvius Plötz, 1882), Adina Grishin, new genus (type species Nascus adrastor Mabille and Boullet, 1912), Ornilius Grishin, new genus (type species Ornilius rotundus Grishin, new species), Tolius Grishin, new genus (type species Antigonus tolimus Plötz, 1884), Lennia Grishin, new genus (type species Leona lena Evans, 1937), Trida Grishin, new genus (type species Cyclopides barberae Trimen, 1873), Noxys Grishin, new genus (type species Oxynthes viricuculla Hayward, 1951), Gracilata Grishin, new genus (type species Enosis quadrinotata Mabille, 1889), Hermio Grishin, new genus (type species Falga ? hermione Schaus, 1913), Eutus Grishin, new genus (type species Cobalus rastaca Schaus, 1902), Gufa Grishin, new genus (type species Phlebodes gulala Schaus, 1902), Godmia Grishin, new genus (type species Euroto chlorocephala Godman, 1900), Rhomba Grishin, new genus (type species Eutychide gertschi Bell, 1937), Rectava Grishin, new genus (type species Megistias ignarus Bell, 1932), Contrastia Grishin, new genus (type species Hesperia distigma Plötz, 1882), Mit Grishin, new genus (type species Mnasitheus badius Bell, 1930), Picova Grishin, new genus (type species Vorates steinbachi Bell, 1930), Lattus Grishin, new genus (type species Eutocus arabupuana Bell, 1932), Gubrus Grishin, new genus (type species Vehilius lugubris Lindsey, 1925), Koria Grishin, new genus (type species Hesperia kora Hewitson, 1877), Corta Grishin, new genus (type species Eutychide lycortas Godman, 1900), Calvetta Grishin, new genus (type species Hesperia calvina Hewitson, 1866), Oz Grishin, new genus (type species Astictopterus ozias Hewitson, 1878), Praxa Grishin, new subgenus (type species Nascus prax Evans, 1952), Bron Grishin, new subgenus (type species Papilio broteas Cramer, 1780), Turis Grishin, new subgenus (type species Pyrgus (Scelothrix) veturius Plötz, 1884), Tiges Grishin, new subgenus (type species Antigonus liborius Plötz, 1884), Ocrypta Grishin, new subgenus (type species Notocrypta caerulea Evans, 1928), Tixe Grishin, new subgenus (type species Cobalus quadrata Herrich-Schäffer, 1869), Nycea Grishin, new subgenus (type species Pamphila hycsos Mabille, 1891), Nausia Grishin, new subgenus (type species Oenus [sic] nausiphanes Schaus, 1913), Flor Grishin, new subgenus (type species Stomyles florus Godman, 1900), Geia Grishin, new subgenus (type species Pamphila geisa Möschler, 1879), Rotundia Grishin, new subgenus (type species Enosis schausi Mielke and Casagrande, 2002), Volus Grishin, new subgenus (type species Eutocus volasus Godman, 1901), Pseudopapias Grishin, new subgenus (type species Papias tristissimus Schaus, 1902), Septia Grishin, new subgenus (type species Justinia septa Evans, 1955), Brasta Grishin, new subgenus (type species Lychnuchus brasta Evans, 1955), Bina Grishin, new subgenus (type species Cobalus gabina Godman, 1900), Balma Grishin, new subgenus (type species Carystoides balza Evans, 1955), Ornilius rotundus Grishin, new species (type locality in Brazil: Santa Catarina), Salantoia metallica Grishin, new species (type locality in Guyana: Acarai Mts.), Dyscophellus australis Grishin, new species (type locality in Paraguay: Sapucay), Dyscophellus basialbus Grishin, new species (type locality in Brazil: Rondônia), Telegonus subflavus Grishin, new species (type locality in Ecuador: Riobamba), Decinea colombiana Grishin, new species (type locality in Colombia: Bogota), Lerema lucius Grishin, new species (type locality in Panama: Colón), Cynea rope Grishin, new species (type locality in Nicaragua: Chontales), Lerodea sonex Grishin, new species (type locality in Peru: Cuzco), and Metiscus goth Grishin, new species (type locality in Costa Rica). Lectotypes are designated for the following 17 taxa: Telegonus gildo Mabille, 1888, Netrocoryne damias Plötz, 1882, Telegonus erythras Mabille, 1888, Telegonus galesus Mabille, 1888, Eudamus cretellus Herrich-Schäffer, 1869, Leucochitonea chaeremon Mabille, 1891, Antigonus aura Plötz, 1884, Pamphila voranus Mabille, 1891, Hesperia pupillus Plötz, 1882, Cobalus lumina Herrich-Schäffer, 1869, Cobalus stigmula Mabille, 1891, Megistias isus Godman, 1900, Cobalopsis latonia Schaus, 1913, Pamphila nubila Mabille, 1891, Metiscus atheas Godman, 1900, Mnasalcas amatala Schaus, 1902, and Hesperia ina Plötz, 1882. The lectotype of Hesperia infuscata Plötz, 1882 is invalid because it does not agree with the original description and illustration by Plötz, is not from the locality listed in the original description, and therefore is not a syntype. Neotypes are designated for the following five taxa: Telegonus corentinus Plötz, 1882, Hesperia dido Plötz, 1882, Hesperia distigma Plötz, 1882, Hesperia infuscata Plötz, 1882, and Hesperia pruinosa Plötz, 1882. As a result, the following five taxa are junior objective synonyms: Telegonus diophorus Möschler, 1883 of Telegonus corentinus Plötz, 1882, Pamphila puxillius Mabille, 1891 of Hesperia pupillus Plötz, 1882, Cobalus stigmula Mabille, 1891 of Hesperia distigma Plötz, 1882, Mnasalcas amatala Schaus, 1902 of Hesperia infuscata Plötz, 1882, and Hesperia pruinosa Plötz, 1882 of Hesperia uza Hewitson, 1877. Morys valerius valda Evans, 1955 is fixed as the type species of Morys Godman, 1900, and Pamphila compta Butler, 1877 is reaffirmed as the type species of Euroto Godman, 1900. Furthermore, the following taxonomic changes are suggested. Prosopalpus Holland, 1896, Lepella Evans, 1937, and Creteus de Nicéville, 1895 are placed in Aeromachini Tutt, 1906. Triskelionia Larsen and Congdon, 2011 is transferred from Celaenorrhinini Swinhoe, 1912 to Tagiadini Mabille, 1878. Kobelana Larsen and Collins, 2013 is transferred from Tagiadini Mabille, 1878 to Celaenorrhinini Swinhoe, 1912. The following nine genus-group names are resurrected from synonymy and treated as valid genera: Abaratha Moore, 1881 (not in Caprona Wallengren, 1857), Bibla Mabille, 1904 (not in Taractrocera Butler, 1870), Kerana Distant, 1886 and Tamela Swinhoe, 1913 (not in Ancistroides Butler, 1874), Metrocles Godman, 1900 (not in Metron Godman, 1900), Alerema Hayward, 1942 (not in Tigasis Godman, 1900), Metiscus Godman, 1900 (not in Enosis Mabille, 1889), Vistigma Hayward, 1939 (not in Phlebodes Hübner, [1819]), and Mnasalcas Godman, 1900 (not in Mnasitheus Godman, 1900). The genus-group names Daimio Murray, 1875 and Pterygospidea Wallengren, 1857 are resurrected from synonymy and treated as valid subgenera of Tagiades Hübner, [1819]. We confirm Apallaga Strand, 1911 as a valid genus. The following 24 genera are placed as subgenera, new status: Pseudonascus Austin, 2008 of Nascus Watson, 1893; Albiphasma Huang, Chiba, Wang and Fan, 2016 of Pintara Evans, 1932; Ctenoptilum de Nicéville, 1890 of Tapena Moore, [1881]; Odontoptilum de Nicéville, 1890 of Abaratha Moore, 1881; Caprona Wallengren, 1857 of Abantis Hopffer, 1855; Timochreon Godman and Salvin, 1896 of Zopyrion Godman and Salvin, 1896; Pulchroptera Hou, Fan and Chiba, 2021 of Heteropterus Duméril, 1806; Stimula de Nicéville, 1898 of Koruthaialos Watson, 1893; Udaspes Moore, [1881] and Notocrypta de Nicéville, 1889 of Ancistroides Butler, 1874; Cravera de Jong, 1983 of Xeniades Godman, 1900; Cobaloides Hayward, 1939 of Oligoria Scudder, 1872; Saniba O. Mielke and Casagrande, 2003 of Psoralis Mabille, 1904; Quinta Evans, 1955 of Cynea Evans, 1955; Styriodes Schaus, 1913 and Remella Hemming, 1939 of Mnasicles Godman, 1901; Repens Evans, 1955 of Eprius Godman, 1901; Morys Godman, 1900 of Lerema Scudder, 1872; Enosis Mabille, 1889 of Lychnuchus Hübner, [1831]; Penicula Evans, 1955 of Vistigma Hayward, 1939; Mnasinous Godman, 1900 of Methionopsis Godman, 1901; and Moeros Evans, 1955, Argon Evans, 1955, and Synale Mabille, 1904 of Carystus Hübner, [1819]. The following 20 genera are treated as junior subjective synonyms: Leucochitonea Wallengren, 1857 of Abantis Hopffer, 1855; Sapaea Plötz, 1879 and Netrobalane Mabille, 1903 of Caprona Wallengren, 1857; Parasovia Devyatkin, 1996 of Sebastonyma Watson, 1893; Pemara Eliot, 1978 of Oerane Elwes and Edwards, 1897; Ankola Evans, 1937 of Pardaleodes Butler, 1870; Arotis Mabille, 1904 of Mnaseas Godman, 1901; Chalcone Evans, 1955, Hansa Evans, 1955, and Propertius Evans, 1955 of Metrocles Godman, 1900; Jongiana O. Mielke and Casagrande, 2002 of Cobaloides Hayward, 1939; Pamba Evans, 1955 of Psoralis Mabille, 1904; Brownus Grishin, 2019 of Styriodes Schaus, 1913; Mnasilus Godman, 1900 of Papias Godman, 1900; Sucova Evans, 1955 of Mnasitheus Godman, 1900; Pyrrhocalles Mabille, 1904 and Asbolis Mabille, 1904 of Choranthus Scudder, 1872; Miltomiges Mabille, 1903 of Methionopsis Godman, 1901; Sacrator Evans, 1955 of Thracides Hübner, [1819]; and Lychnuchoides Godman, 1901 of Perichares Scudder, 1872. Arunena Swinhoe, 1919 is a junior subjective synonym of Stimula de Nicéville, 1898 (not of Koruthaialos Watson, 1893). The following 27 names are species-level taxa (some in new combinations) reinstated from synonymy: Salantoia gildo (Mabille, 1888) (not Salatis cebrenus (Cramer, 1777)), Bungalotis corentinus (Plötz, 1882) (not Bungalotis midas (Cramer, 1775)), Telegonus cretellus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869) (not Telegonus cassander (Fabricius, 1793)), Santa palica (Mabille, 1888) (not Chiothion asychis (Stoll, 1780)), Camptopleura cincta Mabille and Boullet, 1917 (not Camptopleura auxo (Möschler, 1879)), Camptopleura orsus (Mabille, 1889) (not Nisoniades mimas (Cramer, 1775)), Metron voranus (Mabille, 1891) and Metron fasciata (Möschler, 1877) (not Metron zimra (Hewitson, 1877)), Limochores catahorma (Dyar, 1916) (not Limochores pupillus (Plötz, 1882)), Pares viridiceps (Mabille, 1889) (not Thoon modius (Mabille, 1889)), Tigasis wellingi (Freeman, 1969) (not Tigasis arita (Schaus, 1902)), Rectava sobrinus (Schaus, 1902) (not Papias phainis Godman, 1900), Nastra subsordida (Mabille, 1891) (not Adlerodea asema (Mabille, 1891), previously in Eutychide Godman, 1900), Lerema pattenii Scudder, 1872 (not Lerema accius (J. E. Smith, 1797)), Lerema (Morys) ancus (Möschler, 1879) (not Cymaenes tripunctus theogenis (Capronnier, 1874)), Cobalopsis zetus (Bell, 1942) (not Cobalopsis nero (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Lerema (Geia) etelka (Schaus, 1902) (not Lerema (Geia) geisa (Möschler, 1879), previously in Morys Godman, 1900), Cymaenes isus (Godman, 1900) (not Cymaenes trebius (Mabille, 1891)), Vehilius labdacus (Godman, 1900) (not Vehilius inca (Scudder, 1872)), Papias amyrna (Mabille, 1891) (not Papias allubita (Butler, 1877), previously in Mnasilus Godman, 1900), Papias integra (Mabille, 1891) (not Papias subcostulata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1870)), Metiscus atheas Godman, 1900 (not Hesperia achelous Plötz, 1882), Dion agassus (Mabille, 1891) (not Dion uza (Hewitson, 1877), previously in Enosis Mabille, 1889), Picova incompta (Hayward, 1942) (not Lerema (Morys) micythus (Godman, 1900), previously in Morys Godman, 1900), Lucida melitaea (Draudt, 1923) (not Lucida lucia (Capronnier, 1874)), Methionopsis modestus Godman, 1901 (not Methionopsis ina (Plötz, 1882)), and Thargella (Volus) volasus (Godman, 1901) (not Eutocus facilis (Plötz, 1884)). The following 57 taxa are elevated from subspecies to species, new status (some in new combinations): Dyscophellus doriscus (Hewitson, 1867) (not Dyscophellus porcius (C. Felder and R. Felder, 1862), Phocides vida (A. Butler, 1872) (not Phocides urania (Westwood, 1852)), Tagiades (Daimio) ceylonica Evans, 1932 (not Tagiades litigiosa Möschler, 1878), Tagiades (Daimio) tubulus Fruhstorfer, 1910 (not Tagiades sambavana Elwes and Edwards, 1897), Tagiades (Daimio) kina Evans, 1934, Tagiades (Daimio) sheba Evans, 1934, Tagiades (Daimio) martinus Plötz, 1884, Tagiades (Daimio) sem Mabille, 1883, and Tagiades (Daimio) neira Plötz, 1885 (not Tagiades trebellius (Hopffer, 1874)), Tagiades (Daimio) korela Mabille, 1891 and Tagiades (Daimio) presbyter Butler, 1882 (not Tagiades nestus (C. Felder, 1860)), Tagiades obscurus Mabille, 1876, Tagiades ravi (Moore, [1866]), Tagiades atticus (Fabricius, 1793), Tagiades titus Plötz, 1884, Tagiades janetta Butler, 1870, Tagiades inconspicua Rothschild, 1915, and Tagiades hovia Swinhoe, 1904 (not Tagiades japetus (Stoll, [1781])), Tagiades silvia Evans, 1934 and Tagiades elegans Mabille, 1877 (not Tagiades gana (Moore, [1866])), Tapena bornea Evans, 1941 and Tapena minuscula Elwes and Edwards, 1897 (not Tapena thwaitesi Moore, [1881]), Darpa dealbata (Distant, 1886) (not Darpa pteria (Hewitson, 1868)), Perus manx (Evans, 1953) (not Perus minor (Schaus, 1902)), Canesia pallida (Röber, 1925) (not Carrhenes canescens (R. Felder, 1869)), Carrhenes conia Evans, 1953 (not Carrhenes fuscescens (Mabille, 1891)), Anisochoria extincta Hayward, 1933 and Anisochoria polysticta Mabille, 1876 (not Anisochoria pedaliodina (Butler, 1870)), Anisochoria verda Evans, 1953 (not Anisochoria minorella Mabille, 1898), Bralus alco (Evans, 1953) (not Bralus albida (Mabille, 1888)), Ephyriades jamaicensis (Möschler, 1879) (not Ephyriades brunnea (Herrich-Schäffer, 1865)), Koruthaialos (Stimula) frena Evans, 1949 (not Koruthaialos focula (Plötz, 1882)), Euphyes kiowah (Reakirt, 1866) (not Euphyes vestris (Boisduval, 1852)), Mnaseas inca Bell, 1930 (not Mnaseas bicolor (Mabille, 1889)), Metron hypochlora (Draudt, 1923) (not Metrocles schrottkyi (Giacomelli, 1911), previously in Metron Godman, 1900), Decinea huasteca (H. Freeman, 1969), Decinea denta Evans, 1955, and Decinea antus (Mabille, 1895) (not Decinea decinea (Hewitson, 1876)), Xeniades pteras Godman, 1900 (not Xeniades chalestra (Hewitson, 1866)), Xeniades difficilis Draudt, 1923 (not Xeniades orchamus (Cramer, 1777)), Xeniades hermoda (Hewitson, 1870) (not Tisias quadrata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Hermio vina (Evans, 1955) (not Hermio hermione (Schaus, 1913), previously in Lento Evans, 1955), Cymaenes loxa Evans, 1955, (not Cymaenes laureolus (Schaus, 1913)), Niconiades peri (Evans, 1955) (not Rhinthon bajula (Schaus, 1902), previously in Neoxeniades Hayward, 1938), Gallio danius (Bell, 1941) (not Vehilius seriatus (Mabille, 1891)), Gallio massarus (E. Bell, 1940) (not Gallio garima (Schaus, 1902) previously in Tigasis Godman, 1900), Cymaenes edata (Plötz, 1882), Cymaenes miqua (Dyar, 1913) and Cymaenes aequatoria (Hayward, 1940) (not Cymaenes odilia (Burmeister, 1878)), Lychnuchus (Enosis) demon (Evans, 1955) (not Lychnuchus (Enosis) immaculata (Hewitson, 1868), previously in Enosis Mabille, 1889), Naevolus naevus Evans, 1955 (not Naevolus orius (Mabille, 1883)), Lucida scopas (Mabille, 1891), Lucida oebasus (Godman, 1900), and Lucida leopardus (Weeks, 1901) (not Lucida lucia (Capronnier, 1874)), Corticea schwarzi (E. Bell, 1941) and Corticea sylva (Hayward, 1942) (not Corticea mendica (Mabille, 1898)), and Choranthus orientis (Skinner, 1920) (not Choranthus antiqua (Herrich-Schäffer, 1863), previously in Pyrrhocalles Mabille, 1904). Borbo impar bipunctata (Elwes and J. Edwards, 1897) is a valid subspecies, not a synonym of Borbo impar tetragraphus (Mabille, 1891), here placed in synonymy with Lotongus calathus (Hewitson, 1876), new synonym. We confirm the species status of Telegonus cassius (Evans, 1952) and Lerema (Morys) valda Evans, 1955. Euphyes chamuli Freeman, 1969 is placed as a subspecies of Euphyes kiowah (Reakirt, 1866), new status. The following 41 taxa are junior subjective synonyms, either newly proposed or transferred from synonymy with other species or subspecies: Telegonus mutius Plötz, 1882 of Euriphellus phraxanor (Hewitson, 1876), Telegonus erythras Mabille, 1888 of Dyscophellus damias (Plötz, 1882), Aethilla jaira Butler, 1870 of Telegonus cretellus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869), Paches era Evans, 1953 of Santa palica (Mabille, 1888), Antigonus alburnea Plötz, 1884 of Tolius tolimus robigus (Plötz, 1884) (not of Echelatus sempiternus simplicior (Möschler, 1877)), Echelatus depenicillus Strand, 1921 of E. sempiternus simplicior (not of T. tolimus robigus), Antigonus aura Plötz, 1884 of Theagenes dichrous (Mabille, 1878) (not of Helias phalaenoides palpalis (Latreille, [1824])), Achlyodes impressus Mabille, 1889 of Camptopleura orsus (Mabille, 1889), Augiades tania Schaus, 1902 of Metron voranus (Mabille, 1891), Pamphila verdanta Weeks, 1906 of Metron fasciata (Möschler, 1877), Niconiades viridis vista Evans, 1955 of Niconiades derisor (Mabille, 1891), Pamphila binaria Mabille, 1891 of Conga chydaea (A. Butler, 1877) (not of Cynea cynea (Hewitson, 1876)), Psoralis concolor Nicolay, 1980 of Ralis immaculatus (Hayward, 1940), Hesperia dido Plötz, 1882 of Cynea (Quinta) cannae (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869) (not of Lerema lochius (Plötz, 1882)), Proteides osembo Möschler, 1883 of Cynea (Cynea) diluta (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869) (not of Cynea (Quinta) cannae (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Cobalopsis brema E. Bell, 1959 of Eutus rastaca (Schaus, 1902), Psoralis panamensis Anderson and Nakamura, 2019 of Rhomba gertschi (Bell, 1937), Cobalus asella Herrich-Schäffer, 1869 of Amblyscirtes alternata (Grote and Robinson, 1867) (not of Amblyscirtes vialis (W. H. Edwards, 1862)), Papias trimacula Nicolay, 1973 of Nastra subsordida (Mabille, 1891), Pamphila bipunctata Mabille, 1889 and Sarega staurus Mabille, 1904 of Lerema pattenii Scudder, 1872 (not of Cymaenes lumina (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869), previously in Lerema Scudder, 1872), Hesperia aethra Plötz, 1886 of Lerema lineosa (Herrich-Schäffer, 1865) (not of Lerema (Morys) compta Butler, 1877), Megistias miaba Schaus, 1902 of Cobalopsis valerius (Möschler, 1879), Phanis sylvia Kaye, 1914 of Lerema etelka (Schaus, 1902) (not of Lerema (Geia) geisa (Möschler, 1879), previously in Morys Godman, 1900), Carystus odilia Burmeister, 1878, Pamphila trebius Mabille, 1891 and Megistias corescene Schaus, 1902 of Cymaenes lumina (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869), Hesperia phocylides Plötz, 1882 of Cymaenes edata (Plötz, 1882) (not of Lerema accius (J. E. Smith, 1797)), Pamphila xenos Mabille, 1898 of Vehilius inca (Scudder, 1872), Mnasilus guianae Lindsey, 1925 of Papias amyrna (Mabille, 1891), Pamphila nubila Mabille, 1891 of Papias integra (Mabille, 1891) (not of Cynea corisana (Plötz, 1882)), Enosis matheri H. Freeman, 1969 of Metiscus atheas Godman, 1900 (previously in Enosis Mabille, 1889), Hesperia infuscata Plötz, 1882 of Mnaseas derasa derasa (Herrich-Schäffer, 1870) (previously Arotis Mabille, 1904), (not of Papias subcostulata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1870)), Pamphila astur Mabille, 1891 of Metiscus angularis (Möschler, 1877) (not of Cymaenes tripunctus theogenis (Capronnier, 1874)), Anthoptus macalpinei H. Freeman, 1969 of Anthoptus inculta (Dyar, 1918), Methionopsis typhon Godman, 1901 of Methionopsis ina (Plötz, 1882), Methionopsis dolor Evans, 1955 of Thargella volasus (Godman, 1901), Hesperia cinica Plötz, 1882 of Dubiella dubius (Stoll, 1781), Cobalus disjuncta Herrich-Schäffer, 1869 of Dubiella dubius (Stoll, 1781) (not of Vettius lafrenaye (Latreille, [1824])), and Saliana vixen Evans, 1955 of Neoxeniades parna (Evans, 1955). The following are new and revised genus-species combinations: Euriphellus cebrenus (Cramer, 1777) (not Salatis Evans, 1952), Gorgopas extensa (Mabille, 1891) (not Polyctor Evans, 1953), Clytius shola (Evans, 1953) (not Staphylus Godman and Salvin, 1896), Perus narycus (Mabille, 1889) (not Ouleus Lindsey, 1925), Perus parvus (Steinhauser and Austin, 1993) (not Staphylus Godman and Salvin, 1896), Pholisora litus (Dyar, 1912) (not Bolla Mabille, 1903), Carrhenes decens (A. Butler, 1874) (not Antigonus Hübner, [1819]), Santa palica (Mabille, 1888) (not Chiothion Grishin, 2019), Bralus nadia (Nicolay, 1980) (not Anisochoria Mabille, 1876), Acerbas sarala (de Nicéville, 1889) (not Lotongus Distant, 1886), Caenides sophia (Evans, 1937) (not Hypoleucis Mabille, 1891), Hypoleucis dacena (Hewitson, 1876) (not Caenides Holland, 1896), Dotta tura (Evans, 1951) (not Astictopterus C. Felder and R. Felder, 1860), Nervia wallengrenii (Trimen, 1883) (not Kedestes Watson, 1893), Testia mammaea (Hewitson, 1876) (not Decinea Evans, 1955), Oxynthes trinka (Evans, 1955) (not Orthos Evans, 1955), Metrocles argentea (Weeks, 1901) (not Paratrytone Godman, 1900), Metrocles scitula (Hayward, 1951) (not Mucia Godman, 1900), Metrocles schrottkyi (Giacomelli, 1911) (not Metron Godman, 1900), Niconiades derisor (Mabille, 1891) (not Decinea Evans, 1955), Paratrytone samenta (Dyar, 1914) (not Ochlodes Scudder, 1872), Oligoria (Cobaloides) locutia (Hewitson, 1876) (not Quinta Evans, 1955), Psoralis (Saniba) laska (Evans, 1955) (not Vidius Evans, 1955), Psoralis (Saniba) arva (Evans, 1955) and Psoralis (Saniba) umbrata (Erschoff, 1876) (not Vettius Godman, 1901), Psoralis (Saniba) calcarea (Schaus, 1902) and Psoralis (Saniba) visendus (E. Bell, 1942) (not Molo Godman, 1900), Alychna gota (Evans, 1955) (not Psoralis Mabille, 1904), Adlerodea asema (Mabille, 1891) and Adlerodea subpunctata (Hayward, 1940) (not Eutychide Godman, 1900), Ralis immaculatus (Hayward, 1940) (not Mucia Godman, 1900), Rhinthon braesia (Hewitson, 1867) and Rhinthon bajula (Schaus, 1902) (not Neoxeniades Hayward, 1938), Cymaenes lochius Plötz, 1882 (not Lerema Scudder, 1872), Paracarystus ranka (Evans, 1955) (not Thoon Godman, 1900), Tricrista aethus (Hayward, 1951), Tricrista canta (Evans, 1955), Tricrista slopa (Evans, 1955), Tricrista circellata (Plötz, 1882), and Tricrista taxes (Godman, 1900) (not Thoon Godman, 1900), Gallio madius (E. Bell, 1941) and Gallio seriatus (Mabille, 1891) (not Vehilius Godman, 1900), Gallio garima (Schaus, 1902) (not Tigasis Godman, 1900), Tigasis corope (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869) (not Cynea Evans, 1955), Tigasis perloides (Plötz, 1882) (not Cymaenes Scudder, 1872), Amblyscirtes (Flor) florus (Godman, 1900) (not Repens Evans, 1955), Vidius fraus (Godman, 1900) (not Cymaenes Scudder, 1872), Nastra celeus (Mabille, 1891) (not Vehilius Godman, 1900), Nastra nappa (Evans, 1955) (not Vidius Evans, 1955), Vehilius warreni (Weeks, 1901) and Vehilius limae (Lindsey, 1925) (not Cymaenes Scudder, 1872), Cymaenes lumina (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869) (not Lerema Scudder, 1872), Cobalopsis valerius (Möschler, 1879) (not Cobalopsis Godman, 1900), Cobalopsis dictys (Godman, 1900) (not Papias Godman, 1900), Lerema (Morys) venias (Bell, 1942) (not Cobalopsis Godman, 1900), Papias latonia (Schaus, 1913) (not Cobalopsis Godman, 1900), Dion iccius (Evans, 1955) and Dion uza (Hewitson, 1877) (not Enosis Mabille, 1889), Vistigma (Vistigma) opus (Steinhauser, 2008) (not Thoon Godman, 1900), Saturnus fartuga (Schaus, 1902) (not Parphorus Godman, 1900), Phlebodes fuldai (E. Bell, 1930) (not Vettius Godman, 1901), Mnasitheus padus (Evans, 1955) (not Moeris Godman, 1900), Naevolus brunnescens (Hayward, 1939) (not Psoralis Mabille, 1904), Lamponia ploetzii (Capronnier, 1874) (not Vettius Godman, 1901), Mnestheus silvaticus Hayward, 1940 (not Ludens Evans, 1955), Rigga spangla (Evans, 1955) (not Sodalia Evans, 1955), Corticea vicinus (Plötz, 1884) (not Lento Evans, 1955), Mnasalcas thymoetes (Hayward, 1942) (not Mnasicles Godman, 1901), Mnasalcas boyaca (Nicolay, 1973) (not Pamba Evans, 1955), Vertica brasta (Evans, 1955) (not Lychnuchus Hübner, [1831]), Carystina discors Plötz, 1882 (not Cobalus Hübner, [1819]), Zetka irena (Evans, 1955) (not Neoxeniades Hayward, 1938), and Neoxeniades parna (Evans, 1955) (not Niconiades Hübner, [1821]). The following are new or revised species-subspecies combinations: Tagiades neira moti Evans, 1934, Tagiades neira canonicus Fruhstorfer, 1910, Tagiades sheba vella Evans, 1934, Tagiades sheba lola Evans, 1945, Tagiades korela biakana Evans, 1934, Tagiades korela mefora Evans, 1934, Tagiades korela suffusus Rothschild, 1915, Tagiades korela brunta Evans, 1949, Tagiades ravi ravina Fruhstorfer, 1910, Tagiades atticus carnica Evans, 1934, Tagiades atticus nankowra Evans, 1934, Tagiades atticus helferi C. Felder, 1862, Tagiades atticus balana Fruhstorfer, 1910, Tagiades inconspicua mathias Evans, 1934, Tagiades hovia kazana Evans, 1934, Tagiades elegans fuscata de Jong and Treadaway, 2007, Tagiades elegans semperi Fruhstorfer, 1910, Metron hypochlora tomba Evans, 1955, Decinea denta pruda Evans, 1955, and Choranthus orientis eleutherae (Bates, 1934) (previously in Pyrrhocalles Mabille, 1904). In addition to the abovementioned changes, the following new combinations involve newly proposed genus group names: Fulvatis fulvius (Plötz, 1882) and Fulvatis scyrus (E. Bell, 1934) (not Salatis Evans, 1952); Adina adrastor (Mabille and Boullet, 1912) (not Bungalotis Watson, 1893); Nascus (Praxa) prax Evans, 1952, Nascus (Bron) broteas (Cramer, 1780), and Nascus (Bron) solon (Plötz, 1882) (not Pseudonascus Austin, 2008); Chirgus (Turis) veturius (Plötz, 1884); Paches (Tiges) liborius (Plötz, 1884), and Paches (Tiges) mutilatus (Hopffer, 1874) (not Antigonus Hübner, [1819]); Paches (Tiges) exosa (A. Butler, 1877); Tolius tolimus (Plötz, 1884) and Tolius luctuosus (Godman & Salvin, 1894) (not Echelatus Godman and Salvin, 1894); Ancistroides (Ocrypta) caerulea (Evans, 1928), Ancistroides (Ocrypta) renardi (Oberthür, 1878), Ancistroides (Ocrypta) waigensis (Plötz, 1882), Ancistroides (Ocrypta) aluensis (Swinhoe, 1907), Ancistroides (Ocrypta) flavipes (Janson, 1886), and Ancistroides (Ocrypta) maria (Evans, 1949) (not Notocrypta de Nicéville, 1889); Lennia lena (Evans, 1937), Lennia binoevatus (Mabille, 1891), Lennia maracanda (Hewitson, 1876), and Lennia lota (Evans, 1937) (not Leona Evans, 1937); Trida barberae (Trimen, 1873) and Trida sarahae (Henning and Henning, 1998) (not Kedestes Watson, 1893); Noxys viricuculla (Hayward, 1951) (not Oxynthes Godman, 1900); Xeniades (Tixe) quadrata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869), Xeniades (Tixe) rinda (Evans, 1955), Xeniades (Tixe) putumayo (Constantino and Salazar, 2013) (not Tisias Godman, 1901); Gracilata quadrinotata (Mabille, 1889) (not Styriodes Schaus, 1913); Hermio hermione (Schaus, 1913) (not Lento Evans, 1955); Cynea (Nycea) hycsos (Mabille, 1891), Cynea (Nycea) corisana (Plötz, 1882), Cynea (Nycea) popla Evans, 1955, Cynea (Nycea) iquita (E. Bell, 1941), Cynea (Nycea) robba Evans, 1955, Cynea (Nycea) melius (Geyer, 1832), and Cynea (Nycea) irma (Möschler, 1879); Eutus rastaca (Schaus, 1902) (not Eutychide Godman, 1900); Eutus yesta (Evans, 1955) (not Thoon Godman, 1900); Eutus mubevensis (E. Bell, 1932) (not Tigasis Godman, 1900); Gufa gulala (Schaus, 1902) (not Mucia Godman, 1900); Gufa fusca (Hayward, 1940) (not Tigasis Godman, 1900); Godmia chlorocephala (Godman, 1900) (not Onophas Godman, 1900); Rhomba gertschi (E. Bell, 1937) (not Justinia Evans, 1955); Mnasicles (Nausia) nausiphanes (Schaus, 1913) (not Tigasis Godman, 1900); Amblyscirtes (Flor) florus (Godman, 1900) (not Repens Evans, 1955); Rectava ignarus (E. Bell, 1932) (not Papias Godman, 1900); Rectava vorgia (Schaus, 1902) (not Cobalopsis Godman, 1900); Rectava nostra (Evans, 1955) (not not Vidius Evans, 1955); Lerema (Geia) geisa (Möschler, 1879) and Lerema (Geia) lyde (Godman, 1900) (not Morys Godman, 1900); Contrastia distigma (Plötz, 1882) (not Cymaenes Scudder, 1872); Mit (Mit) badius (E. Bell, 1930) (not Styriodes Schaus, 1913); Mit (Mit) gemignanii (Hayward, 1940), (not Mnasitheus Godman, 1900); Mit (Rotundia) schausi (Mielke and Casagrande, 2002), (not Enosis Mabille, 1889); Picova steinbachi (E. Bell, 1930) (not Saturnus Evans, 1955); Lattus arabupuana (E. Bell, 1932) (not Eutocus Godman, 1901); Gubrus lugubris (Lindsey, 1925) (not Vehilius Godman, 1900); Thargella (Pseudopapias) tristissimus (Schaus, 1902) (not Papias Godman, 1900); Koria kora (Hewitson, 1877) (not Justinia Evans, 1955); Justinia (Septia) septa Evans, 1955; Corta lycortas (Godman, 1900) (not Orthos Evans, 1955); Vertica (Brasta) brasta (Evans, 1955) (not Lychnuchus Hübner, [1831]); Calvetta calvina (Hewitson, 1866) (not Cobalus Hübner, [1819]); Neoxeniades (Bina) gabina (Godman, 1900) (not Orthos Evans, 1955); Oz ozias (Hewitson, 1878) and Oz sebastiani Salazar and Constantino, 2013 (not Lychnuchoides Godman, 1901); and Carystoides (Balma) balza Evans, 1955 and Carystoides (Balma) maroma (Möschler, 1877). Finally, unless stated otherwise, all subgenera, species, subspecies and synonyms of mentioned genera and species are transferred together with their parent taxa, and taxa not mentioned in this work remain as previously classified.

Two new species of Hermeuptychia from North America and three neotype designations (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

Two new species of Hermeuptychia Forster, 1964 are described. Hermeuptychia sinuosa Grishin, sp. n. (type locality Guatemala: El Progreso, Morazán) is an isolated member of the genus that does not readily fit into known species groups, as suggested by its distinct male and female genitalia and COI DNA barcode sequences. It is distinguished from its congeners by prominently wavy submarginal lines, rounder wings and distinctive genitalia, and can typically be identified by a white dot, instead of an eyespot, near the ventral hindwing apex. Hermeuptychia occidentalis Grishin, sp. n. (type locality Mexico: Guerrero, Acapulco) belongs to the Hermeuptychia sosybius group as indicated by the presence of androconia on the dorsal surface of the wings, genitalia and COI DNA barcodes, and in addition to DNA characters, differs from its relatives in the shape of the uncus and female genitalia. Neotypes of Oreas strigata canthe Hübner, [1811] (type locality Suriname: Gelderland, Suriname River), Megisto acmenis Hübner, 1823 (type locality Argentina: Buenos Aires), and Satyrus cantheus Godart, [1824] (type locality USA: Florida, Pinellas Co., St. Petersburg) and lectotype of Euptychia celmis var. bonaërensis [sic] Burmeister, 1878 (type locality Argentina: Buenos Aires) are designated. These designations establish Hermeuptychia canthe as a valid species widely distributed in South America from Colombia to Bolivia and Southeast Brazil, Euptychia celmis var. bonaërensis [sic] Burmeister, 1878 as a junior objective synonym of Yphthimoides acmenis, and S. cantheus as a junior subjective synonym of Hermeuptychia sosybius (Fabricius, 1793). Papilio camerta Cramer, 1780 is treated as nomen dubium requiring further studies to determine an identity that is consistent with the original description, as it may be conspecific with Paryphthimoides poltys (Prittwitz, 1865) instead of being a Hermeuptychia species as currently assumed.

Mining museums for historical DNA: advances and challenges in museomics

Historical DNA (hDNA), obtained from museum and herbarium specimens, has yielded spectacular new insights into the history of organisms. This includes documenting historical genetic erosion and extinction, discovering species new to science, resolving evolutionary relationships, investigating epigenetic effects, and determining origins of infectious diseases. However, the development of best-practices in isolating, processing, and analyzing hDNA remain under-explored, due to the substantial diversity of specimen preparation types, tissue sources, archival ages, and collecting histories. Thus, for hDNA to reach its full potential, and justify the destructive sampling of the rarest specimens, more experimental work using time-series collections, and the development of improved methods to correct for data asymmetries and biases due to DNA degradation are required.

Genomics-guided refinement of butterfly taxonomy

Continuing with comparative genomic exploration of worldwide butterfly fauna, we use all protein-coding genes as they are retrieved from the whole genome shotgun sequences for phylogeny construction. Analysis of these genome-scale phylogenies projected onto the taxonomic classification and the knowledge about butterfly phenotypes suggests further refinements of butterfly taxonomy that are presented here. As a general rule, we assign most prominent clades of similar genetic differentiation to the same taxonomic rank, and use criteria based on relative population diversification and the extent of gene exchange for species delimitation. As a result, 7 tribes, 4 subtribes, 14 genera, and 9 subgenera are proposed as new, i.e., in subfamily Pierinae Swainson, 1820: Calopierini Grishin, trib. n. (type genus Calopieris Aurivillius, 1898); in subfamily Riodininae Grote, 1895: Callistiumini Grishin, trib. n. (type genus Callistium Stichel, 1911); in subfamily Nymphalinae Rafinesque, 1815: Pycinini Grishin, trib. n. (type genus Pycina Doubleday 1849), Rhinopalpini Grishin, trib. n. (type genus Rhinopalpa C. & R. Felder 1860), Kallimoidini Grishin, trib. n. (type genus Kallimoides Shirôzu & Nakanishi 1984), Vanessulini Grishin, trib. n. (type genus Vanessula Dewitz 1887), and Doleschalliaini Grishin, trib. n. (type genus Doleschallia C. & R. Felder 1860); in tribe Mesosemiini Bates, 1859: Eunogyrina Grishin, subtrib. n. (type genus Eunogyra Westwood, 1851); in tribe Satyrini Boisduval, 1833: Callerebiina Grishin, subtrib. n. (type genus Callerebia Butler, 1867), Gyrocheilina Grishin, subtrib. n. (type genus Gyrocheilus Butler, 1867), and Calistina Grishin, subtrib. n. (type genus Calisto Hübner, [1823]); in subfamily Euselasiinae Kirby, 1871: Pelolasia Grishin, gen. n. (type species Eurygona pelor Hewitson, [1853]), Myselasia Grishin, gen. n. (type species Eurygona mys Herrich-Schäffer, [1853]), Eurylasia Grishin, gen. n. (type species Eurygona euryone Hewitson, 1856), Maculasia Grishin, gen. n. (type species Euselasia albomaculiga Callaghan, 1999), and Eugelasia Grishin, gen. n. (type species Eurygona eugeon Hewitson, 1856); in subtribe Mesosemiina Bates, 1859: Ectosemia Grishin, gen. n. (type species Papilio eumene Cramer, 1776) and Endosemia Grishin, gen. n. (type species Papilio ulrica Cramer, 1777); in tribe Symmachiini Reuter, 1896: Tigria Grishin, gen. n. (type species Mesene xypete Hewitson, 1870) and Asymma Grishin, gen. n. (type species Symmachia virgatula Stichel, 1910); in tribe Riodinini Grote, 1895: Putridivora Grishin, gen. n. (type species Charis argyrea Bates, 1868), Chadia Grishin, gen. n. (type species Charis cadytis Hewitson, 1866), Inkana Grishin, gen. n. (type species Charis incoides Schaus, 1902), and Oco Grishin, gen. n. (type species Symmachia ocellata Hewitson, 1867); in subtribe Zabuellina Seraphim, Freitas & Kaminski, 2018: Teenie Grishin, gen. n. (type species Calydna tinea Bates, 1868); Boreographium Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Papilio marcellus Cramer, 1777, parent genus Eurytides Hübner, [1821]), Esperourus Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Papilio esperanza Beutelspacher, 1975, parent genus Pterourus Scopoli, 1777), Hyppasonia Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Papilio hyppason Cramer, 1775, parent genus Heraclides Hübner, [1819]), Sisymbria Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Pieris sisymbrii Boisduval, 1852, parent genus Pontia [Fabricius], 1807), Greenie Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Thecla sheridonii [sic] Edwards, 1877, parent genus Callophrys Billberg, 1820), Magda Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Erebia magdalena Strecker, 1880, parent genus Erebia Dalman, 1816), and in genus Eresia Boisduval, 1836: Notilia Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Eresia orthia Hewitson, 1864), Levinata Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Eresia levina Hewitson, 1872), and Ithra Grishin, subgen. n. (type species Phyciodes ithra Kirby, 1900). Furthermore, we resurrect 6 genera, change the rank of 36 currently used genera to subgenus, synonymize 3 subtribes, 42 genera or subgenera, assign 3 genera to tribes and subtribes, and transfer 34 additional species to genera different from those these taxa are presently assigned to, present evidence to support 7 taxa as species instead of subspecies, and 1 taxon as a subspecies instead of species. Namely, the following taxa are valid genera: Terias Swainson, 1821 (not in Eurema Hübner, [1819]), Erythia Hübner, [1819] and Marmessus Hübner, [1819] (not in Euselasia Hübner, [1819]), Eucorna Strand, 1932 (not in Voltinia Stichel, 1910), Cremna Doubleday, 1847 (not in Napaea Hübner, [1819]), and Hallonympha Penz & DeVries, 2006 (not in Zabuella Stichel, 1911). The following taxa are best treated as subgenera: Zegris Boisduval, 1836 of Anthocharis Boisduval, Rambur, [Duménil] & Graslin, [1833]; Baltia Moore, 1878 and Pontieuchloia Verity, 1929 of Pontia [Fabricius], 1807; Phrissura Butler, 1870 of Appias Hübner, [1819]; Saletara Distant, 1885 of Catophaga Hübner, 1819; Leodonta Butler, 1870 of Pereute Herrich-Schäffer, 1867; Takashia M. Okano & T. Okano, 1985 of Polycaena Staudinger, 1886; Corrachia Schaus, 1913 of Styx Staudinger, 1876; Ionotus Hall, 2005 and Voltinia Stichel, 1910 of Cremna Doubleday, 1847; Hermathena Hewitson, 1874 of Ithomiola C. & R. Felder, 1865; Lucillella Strand, 1932 of Esthemopsis C. & R. Felder, 1865; Mesenopsis Godman & Salvin, 1886 and Xenandra C. & R. Felder, 1865 of Symmachia Hübner, [1819]; Pirascca J. Hall & Willmott, 1996 of Pterographium Stichel, 1910; Imelda Hewitson, 1870 of Echenais Hübner, [1819]; Calicosama J. Hall & Harvey, 2001 of Behemothia Hall, 2000; Polygrapha Staudinger, 1887 and Fountainea Rydon, 1971 of Anaea Hübner, [1819]; Siderone Hübner, [1823] and Phantos Dias, 2018 of Zaretis Hübner, [1819]; Harsiesis Fruhstorfer, 1911 of Platypthima Rothschild & Jordan, 1905; Vila Kirby, 1871 of Biblis Fabricius, 1807; Diaethria Billberg, 1820 and Perisama Doubleday, 1849 of Callicore Hübner, [1819]; Antigonis C. Felder, 1861 of Haematera Doubleday, 1849; Asterope Hübner, [1819], Nica Hübner, [1826], Peria Kirby, 1871, and Callicorina Smart, 1976 of Temenis Hübner, [1819]; Anthanassa Scudder, 1875, Castilia Higgins, 1981, Telenassa Higgins, 1981, Dagon Higgins, 1981, and Janatella Higgins, 1981 of Eresia Boisduval, 1836; and Wallengrenia Berg, 1897 of Polites Scudder, 1872. The following taxa are junior subjective synonyms: Maniolina Grote, 1897 of Erebiina Tutt, 1896; Melanargiina Wheeler, 1903 of Satyrina Boisduval, 1833; Phyciodina Higgins, 1981 of Melitaeina Herrich-Schäffer, 1843; Cunizza Grote, 1900 of Hesperocharis C. Felder, 1862; Reliquia Ackery, 1975 of Pontia [Fabricius], 1807; Tatochila A. Butler, 1870, Piercolias Staudinger, 1894, Hypsochila Ureta, 1955, Theochila W. D. Field, 1958, Pierphulia W. D. Field, 1958, and Infraphulia W. D. Field, 1958 of Phulia Herrich-Schäffer, 1867; Mesapia Gray, 1856 of Aporia Hübner, [1819]; Catasticta Butler, 1870 of Archonias Hübner, 1827; Sandia Clench & P. Ehrlich, 1960 andXamia Clench, 1961 of Incisalia Scudder, 1872; Hades Westwood, 1851 of Methone Doubleday, 1847; Semomesia Westwood, 1851, Mesophthalma Westwood, 1851, Perophthalma Westwood, 1851 and Leucochimona Stichel, 1909 of Mesosemia Hübner, [1819], Xynias Hewitson, 1874 of Mesenopsis Godman & Salvin, 1886; Stichelia J. Zikán, 1949 of Symmachia Hübner, [1819]; Chimastrum Godman & Salvin, 1886 of Mesene Doubleday, 1847; Alethea Nielsen & Salazar, [2018] of Pirascca J. Hall & Willmott, 1996; Panaropsis J. Hall, 2002 of Pterographium Stichel, 1910; Comphotis Stichel, 1910 of Phaenochitonia Stichel, 1910; Colaciticus Stichel, 1910 of Baeotis Hübner, [1819]; Nahida Kirby, 1871 of Ithomeis Bates, 1862; Machaya Hall & Willmott, 1995 of Pachythone Bates, 1868; Percnodaimon Butler, 1876 and Erebiola Fereday, 1879 of Argyrophenga Doubleday, 1845; Hestinalis Bryk, 1938 of Mimathyma Moore, 1896; Catacore Dillon, 1948 of Diaethria Billberg, 1820; Mesotaenia Kirby, 1871 and Orophila Staudinger, 1886 of Perisama Doubleday, 1849; Paulogramma Dillon, 1948 of Catagramma Boisduval, 1836; Panacea Godman & Salvin, 1883 of Batesia C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862; Napeocles Bates, 1864 of Siproeta Hübner, [1823]; Texola Higgins, 1959 and Dymasia Higgins, 1960 of Microtia H. Bates, 1864; Tisona Higgins, 1981 of Ortilia Higgins, 1981; Abananote Potts, 1943 and Altinote Potts, 1943 of Actinote Hübner, [1819]; Episcada Godman & Salvin, 1879 of Ceratinia Hübner, 1816; and Appia Evans, 1955 of Pompeius Evans, 1955. The following genera are placed in taxonomic hierarchy: Prestonia Schaus, 1920 belongs to Euremini Grote, 1898; Petrocerus Callaghan, 1979 belongs to Theopina Clench, 1955; and Paralasa Moore, 1893 belongs to Ypthimina Reuter, 1896. The following taxa are distinct species rather than subspecies (of species shown in parenthesis): Pyrisitia westwoodii (Boisduval, 1836) (not Pyrisitia dina (Poey, 1832)), Biblis aganisa Boisduval, 1836 (not Biblis hyperia (Cramer, 1779)), Phystis variegata (Röber, 1913) and Phystis pratti (A. Hall, 1935) (not Phystis simois (Hewitson, 1864)), Phocides batabano (Lucas, 1857) and Phocides bicolora (Boddaert, 1783) (not Phocides pigmalion (Cramer, 1779)), Lobotractus mysie (Dyar, 1904) (not Lobotractus valeriana (Plötz, 1881)). Nahida coenoides (Hewitson, 1870) is conspecific with Ithomeis aurantiaca H. Bates, 1862. Additional new and revised combinations are: Teriocolias deva (E. Doubleday, 1847), Teriocolias reticulata (A. Butler, 1871), Hesperocharis leucothea (Molina, 1782), Methone euploea (Hewitson, [1855]), Methone eucerus (Hewitson, 1872), Methone hypophaea (Godman & Salvin, 1878), Methone eubule (R. Felder, 1869), Methone onorata (Hewitson, 1869), Methone authe (Godman, 1903), Methone dolichos (Staudinger, [1887]), Methone baucis (Stichel, 1919), Methone eucrates (Hewitson, 1872), Napaea danforthi A. Warren & Opler, 1999, Napaea dramba (J. Hall, Robbins & Harvey, 2004), Napaea sanarita (Schaus, 1902), Napaea agroeca Stichel, 1910, Napaea tumbesia J. Hall & Lamas, 2001, Napaea umbra (Boisduval, 1870), Napaea phryxe (C. & R. Felder, 1865), Napaea cebrenia (Hewitson, [1873]), Napaea loxicha (R.G. Maza & J. Maza, 2016), Napaea maya (J. Maza & Lamas, 2016), Napaea necaxa (R.G. Maza & J. Maza, 2018), Napaea totonaca (R.G. Maza & J. Maza, 2016), Mesene aeolia (Bates, 1868), Pterographium hypochloris (Bates, 1868), Phaenochitonia florus (Fabricius, 1793), Ourocnemis carausius (Westwood, 1851), Ourocnemis principalis (Hopffer, 1874), Ourocnemis renaldus (Stoll, 1790), and Ourocnemis aerosus (Stichel, 1924), Hallonympha maculosa (Bates, 1868), Exoplisia aphanis (Stichel, 1910), Phystis fontus (A. Hall, 1928), Phocides batabano okeechobee (Worthington, 1881), and Phocides batabano batabanoides (W. Holland, 1902). Finally, we confirm the combination Zabuella castanea (Prittwitz, 1865) and find Pyrgus centaureae dzekh Gorbunov, 2007 as a new subspecies for North America.

Genomic evidence suggests further changes of butterfly names

Further genomic sequencing of butterflies by our research group expanding the coverage of species and specimens from different localities, coupled with genome-scale phylogenetic analysis and complemented by phenotypic considerations, suggests a number of changes to the names of butterflies, mostly those recorded from the United States and Canada. Here, we present evidence to support these changes. The changes are intended to make butterfly classification more internally consistent at the genus, subgenus and species levels. I.e., considering all available evidence, we attempt to assign similar taxonomic ranks to the clades of comparable genetic differentiation, which on average is correlated with the age of phylogenetic groups estimated from trees. For species, we use criteria devised by genomic analysis of the genetic differentiation across suture zones and comparison of sympatric populations of closely related species. As a result, we resurrect 4 genera and 1 subgenus from subgeneric status or synonymy, change the rank of 8 currently used genera to subgenus, synonymize 7 genus-group names, summarize evidence to support 19 taxa as species instead of subspecies and 1 taxon as subspecies instead of species, along with a number of additional changes. One new genus and one new subspecies are described. Namely, the following taxa are treated as genera Tharsalea Scudder, 1876, Helleia Verity, 1943, Apangea Zhdanko, 1995, and Boldenaria Zhdanko, 1995. Tetracharis Grote, 1898 is a valid subgenus (not a synonym of Anthocharis Boisduval, Rambur, [Duménil] & Graslin, [1833]) that consists of Anthocharis cethura C. Felder & R. Felder, 1865 (Müller, 1764), Anthocharis midea (Hübner, [1809]), and Anthocharis limonea (A. Butler, 1871). The following are subgenera: Speyeria Scudder, 1872 of Argynnis Fabricius, 1807; Aglais Dalman, 1816 and Polygonia Hübner, [1819] of Nymphalis Kluk, 1780; Palaeonympha Butler, 1871 of Megisto Hübner, [1819]; Hyponephele Muschamp, 1915 of Cercyonis Scudder, 1875; Pyronia Hübner, [1819] and Aphantopus Wallengren, 1853 of Maniola Schrank, 1801 and Pseudonymphidia Callaghan, 1985 of Pachythone. Lafron Grishin, gen. n. (type species Papilio orus Stoll, [1780], parent subfamily Lycaeninae [Leach], [1815]) is described. Dipsas japonica Murray, 1875 is fixed as the type species of Neozephyrus Sibatani & Ito, 1942. The following taxa are junior subjective synonyms: Falcapica Klots, 1930 of Tetracharis Grote, 1898; Habrodais Scudder, 1876, Favonius Sibatani & Ito, 1942, Neozephyrus Sibatani & Ito, 1942, Quercusia Verity, 1943, Chrysozephyrus Shirôzu & Yamamoto, 1956, and Sibataniozephyrus Inomata, 1986 of Hypaurotis Scudder, 1876; Plesioarida Trujano & García, 2018 of Roeberella Strand, 1932; Papilio temenes Godart, 1819 (lectotype designated herein) of Heraclides aristodemus (Esper, 1794), Speyeria hydaspe conquista dos Passos & Grey, 1945 of Argynnis hesperis tetonia (dos Passos & Grey, 1945), and Erycides imbreus Plötz, 1879 of Phocides polybius polybius (Fabricius, 1793). The following are revised genus-species combinations: Pachythone lencates (Hewitson, 1875) Pachythone flocculus (Brévignon & Gallard, 1993), Pachythone floccus (Brévignon, 2013), Pachythone heberti (P. Jauffret & J. Jauffret, 2007), Pachythone marajoara (P. Jauffret & J. Jauffret, 2007) and Cissia cleophes (Godman & Salvin, 1889). The following species are transferred between subgenera: Anthocharis lanceolata Lucas, 1852 belongs to Anthocharis Boisduval, Rambur, [Duménil] & Graslin, [1833] instead of Paramidea Kuznetsov, 1929 and Danaus eresimus (Cramer, 1777) belongs to Danaus Kluk, 1780, and not to Anosia Hübner, 1816. The following taxa are distinct species rather than subspecies (of species shown in parenthesis): Heraclides ponceana (Schaus, 1911) (not Heraclides aristodemus (Esper, 1794)), Colias elis Strecker, 1885 (not Colias meadii W. H. Edwards, 1871), Argynnis irene Boisduval, 1869 and Argynnis nausicaa W. H. Edwards, 1874 (not Argynnis hesperis W. H. Edwards, 1864), Coenonympha california Westwood, [1851] (not Coenonympha tullia (Müller, 1764)), Dione incarnata N. Riley, 1926 (not Dione vanillae (Linnaeus, 1758)), Chlosyne coronado (M. Smith & Brock, 1988) (not Chlosyne fulvia (W. H. Edwards, 1879)), Chlosyne chinatiensis (Tinkham, 1944) (not Chlosyne theona (Ménétriés, 1855)), Phocides lilea (Reakirt, [1867]) (not Phocides polybius (Fabricius, 1793)), Cecropterus nevada (Scudder, 1872) and Cecropterus dobra (Evans, 1952) (not Cecropterus mexicana (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Telegonus anausis Godman & Salvin, 1896, (not Telegonus anaphus (Cramer, 1777)), Epargyreus huachuca Dixon, 1955 (not Epargyreus clarus (Cramer, 1775)), Nisoniades bromias (Godman & Salvin, 1894) (not Nisoniades rubescens (Möschler, 1877)), Pholisora crestar J. Scott & Davenport, 2017 (not Pholisora catullus (Fabricius, 1793)), Carterocephalus mandan (W. H. Edwards, 1863) and Carterocephalus skada (W. H. Edwards, 1870) (not Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas, 1771)), Amblyscirtes arizonae H. Freeman, 1993 (not Amblyscirtes elissa Godman, 1900), and Megathymus violae D. Stallings & Turner, 1956 (not Megathymus ursus Poling, 1902). Resulting from these changes, the following are revised species-subspecies combinations: Heraclides ponceana bjorndalae (Clench, 1979), Heraclides ponceana majasi L. Miller, 1987, Argynnis irene dodgei Gunder, 1931, Argynnis irene cottlei J. A. Comstock, 1925, Argynnis irene hanseni (J. Emmel, T. Emmel & Mattoon, 1998), Argynnis nausicaa elko (Austin, 1984), Argynnis nausicaa greyi (Moeck, 1950), Argynnis nausicaa viola (dos Passos & Grey, 1945), Argynnis nausicaa tetonia (dos Passos & Grey, 1945), Argynnis nausicaa chitone W. H. Edwards, 1879, Argynnis nausicaa schellbachi (Garth, 1949), Argynnis nausicaa electa W. H. Edwards, 1878, Argynnis nausicaa dorothea (Moeck, 1947), and Argynnis nausicaa capitanensis (R. Holland, 1988), Argynnis zerene atossa W. H. Edwards, 1890, Dione incarnata nigrior (Michener, 1942), Chlosyne coronado pariaensis (M. Smith & Brock, 1988), Cecropterus nevada aemilea (Skinner, 1893), Cecropterus nevada blanca (J. Scott, 1981), Telegonus anausis annetta (Evans, 1952), Telegonus anausis anoma (Evans, 1952), Telegonus anausis aniza (Evans, 1952), Epargyreus huachuca profugus Austin, 1998, Carterocephalus mandan mesapano (Scudder, 1868) and Carterocephalus skada magnus Mattoon & Tilden, 1998. American Coenonympha subspecies placed under C. tullia other than Coenonympha tullia kodiak W. H. Edwards, 1869, Coenonympha tullia mixturata Alpheraky, 1897 and Coenonympha tullia yukonensis W. Holland, 1900 belong to C. california. Heraclides ponceana latefasciatus Grishin, ssp. n. is described from Cuba. Argynnis coronis carolae dos Passos & Grey, 1942 is considered a subspecies-level taxon. Unless stated otherwise, all subgenera, species, subspecies and synonyms of mentioned genera and species are transferred together with their parent taxa, and others remain as previously classified.