Styx infernalis Staudinger, 1876 (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae) – a unique butterfly from Peru
https://doi.org/10.69536/k9708-0625-5138-j
Abstract
The present article provides data on a rare and little-studied butterfly Styx infernalis Staudinger, 1876 (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae), collected by FGBU “VNIIKR” specialists during an entomological expedition to the Republic of Peru. It considers difficulties and contradictions in the taxonomy of this species, arising when studied by various researchers. S. infernalis has such an unusual appearance that since its description it has been attributed to different butterfly families: Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Riodinidae; moreover, it was even referred to as a separate family called Stygidae. It also highlights data on phylogenetic relationships, habitats and lifestyle of S. infernalis. It is noteworthy that S. infernalis is phylogenetically closer to the Old World than the New World riodinids. The article discusses the reasons for this interesting phenomenon. The detection of S. infernalis by FGBU “VNIIKR” specialists is of undeniable value. Firstly, another geographical point where this rare species lives became known, and secondly, data on its twilight lifestyle were confirmed (the butterfly was caught at twilight, although there is information in the literature about the daytime activity of this species). As an exclusive detection, this unique specimen was deposited in the entomological fund of FGBU “VNIIKR” and became one of the most valuable representatives of the butterfly collection. The article also provides photographs and collection points of other riodinids caught in Peru by FGBU “VNIIKR” specialists.
Keywords
About the Authors
M. G. Kovalenko
FGBU “All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center” (FGBU “VNIIKR”)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Senior Researcher, Ecology and Genetics of Insects and Mites Laboratory of the Research and Methodological Department of Entomology
J. A. Lovtsova
FGBU “All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center” (FGBU “VNIIKR”)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Senior Researcher, Research and Methodological Department of Entomology
Ya. N. Kovalenko
FGBU “All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center” (FGBU “VNIIKR”)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
PhD in Biology, Senior Researcher, Research and Methodological Department of Entomology
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Review
For citations:
Kovalenko M.G., Lovtsova J.A., Kovalenko Ya.N. Styx infernalis Staudinger, 1876 (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae) – a unique butterfly from Peru. Plant Health and Quarantine. 2022;(4):66-72. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.69536/k9708-0625-5138-j
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