Phylogenetic Classification of the Atlides Section of the Eumaeini (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

Abstract

This paper provides the first phylogenetic classification of the Atlides Section (Lycaenidae: Theclinae, Eumaeini).  It is based on a recently published morphological phylogenetic study, in which the Atlides Section proved to be monophyletic in all analyses. In particular, that study identified a hindwing cleft anal lobe in all members of the Atlides Section that is lacking in all other Eumaeini (except for some species of Panthiades Hübner). The included genera are Theritas Hübner; Arcas Swainson; Lucilda d'Abrera & Bálint; Pseudolycaena Wallengren; Brangas Hübner; Atlides Hübner; and Denivia K. Johnson. Each is characterized by synapomorphies. Margaritheclus Bálint and Dabreras Bálint are new generic synonyms of Lucilda and Brangas, respectively. We recognize 71 species. Distribution and habitat are provided for each, and nomenclature is updated. Atlides centralis Salazar & Henao is a new synonym of Atlides browni Constantino, Salazar & K. Johnson; Brangas contrastus Bálint is a new synonym of Brangas felderi (Goodson); Denivia grava Bálint, K. Johnson & Kroenlein is a new synonym of Denivia deniva (Hewitson); Denivia ponsanota Bálint, K. Johnson & Kroenlein is a new synonym of Atlides zava (Hewitson); Denivia striata Bálint, K. Johnson & Kroenlein is a new synonym of Atlides zava (Hewitson); Margaritheclus boliboyeri Bálint & Wojtusiak is a new synonym of Margaritheclus boliboyerus Bálint & Wojtusiak; and Theritas gozmanyi Bálint & Wojtusiak is a new synonym of Theritas paupera (C. Felder & R. Felder). New combinations are Lucilda margaritacea (Draudt), Lucilda danaus (C. Felder & R. Felder), Lucilda dabrerus (Bálint), Lucilda boliboyerus (Bálint & Wojtusiak), Denivia curitabaensis (K. Johnson), Denivia augustinula (Goodson), Denivia theocritus (Fabricius), Denivia augustula (W.F. Kirby), Denivia arene (Goodson), Denivia monica (Hewitson), Denivia hemon (Cramer), Denivia phegeus (Hewitson), Denivia acontius (Goodson), Denivia chaluma (Schaus), Denivia viresco (H.H. Druce), Denivia silma (Martins, Faynel & Robbins), and Denivia lisus (Stoll).