Three New Skippers From French Guiana in the Genera Emmelus, Damas and Metrocles (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Eudaminae and Hesperiinae
Three new Hesperiidae species from French Guiana are described: Emmelus benmesbahi, an eastern range extension distinguished from its close relative by genitalia; Damas woldi, differing in wing pattern and genital traits from nearby Amazonian populations; and Metrocles nigroalbum, a uniquely patterned species. All occur in the Kaw Mountains and coastal areas.
Subject Tags
- Life Sciences
- Wildlife
- Biodiversity
Abstract
Three new species of Hesperiidae from French Guiana are described. Emmelus benmesbahi Shuey, n. sp. (Eudaminae) represents an eastern extension of this previously monotypic genus. It looks very similar to Emmelus purpurascens but has distinctive genitalia. Damas woldi Shuey, n. sp. (Hesperiinae) is closely related to the widespread neotropical “Damas clavus”, a species concept that likely includes other cryptic species across its expansive range. The new species differs consistently in wing pattern and genitalic characters with neighboring populations in the Amazon basin. Metrocles nigroalbum Shuey, n. sp. (Hesperiinae) is a uniquely patterned species that can be confused with no others. All three new species are from the Kaw Mountains and coastal areas of the country.
Citation
Shuey, J.A., 2024. Three New Skippers from French Guiana in the Genera Emmelus, Damas and Metrocles (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Eudaminae and Hesperiinae). The Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society, 78(2), pp.97-102. https://doi.org/10.18473/lepi.78i2.a2
TNC Authors
-
John Shuey
The Nature Conservancy