0029. Hesperiidae of Rondonia, Brazil: Taxonomic comments on "night" skippers, with descriptions of new genera and species (Lepidoptera: Eudaminae)

Authors

  • George T. Austin

Keywords:

Central America, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, South America.

Abstract

Nineteen species of crepuscular and perhaps nocturnal eudamine skippers (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)included in Evans' (1952) group "D" genera Bungalotis Watson, Salatis Evans, Sarmientoia Berg, Dyscophellus Godman and Salvin, and Nascus Watson occur in the Cacaulandia area of central Rondonia, Brazil. Their relative abundance and phenology there are given. Taxonomic comments and comparisons with published information are made. Bungalotis lactos Evans, 1952, new status, is considered a species separate from Bungalotis borax Evans, 1952. New genera Nicephellus and Euriphellus are proposed for Eudamus nicephorus Hewitson, 1876, and Papilio euribates Stoll, 1782, respectively, removing both from Dyscophellus and creating new combinations. Discophellus porsena Bell, 1934, reinstated status, is raised from synonymy to a full species of Dyscophellus. The subspecies of Dyscophellus ramusis (Stoll, 1781), as presently recognized, are probably good species; Dyscophellus ramon Evans, 1952, new status, is considered a full species. Pseudonascus, new genus, is proposed for Papilio paulliniae Sepp, [1842], removing this species from Nascus and creating a new combination. Two new species, Bungalotis aureus from Ecuador and Dyscophellus mielkei from Rondonia, Brazil, are described. Male and female genitalia are illustrated for all taxa available from the Rondonian study site plus some from other areas.

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Published

2008-03-03