Elfin butterflies of the genus Rhamma Johnson (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Theclinae): A review of the Colombian species
Author
Prieto, Carlos
Author
Vargas, Maria A.
text
Zootaxa
2016
4093
3
323
342
journal article
10.11646/zootaxa.4093.3.2
9f88e467-a052-4233-af95-05206184d3d4
1175-5326
266589
F03731C8-DE0E-4CCA-9E11-A2DF5994C9A9
Rhamma hybla
(Druce, 1907)
(
Figures 1, 2
,
30
,
42
,
51
,
69
)
Thecla hybla
Druce, 1907: 578
, pl. 33, fig. 4; Johnson 1992: 142, fig. 153.
Holotype
examined.
Rhamma emeraldina
Salazar & Johnson, 1997: 3
, photoplate IX, D, deposited in FSCA. Image of the
holotype
examined.
Type
material.
Holotype
male,
Ecuador
, Hewitson Coll. 79-60,
Thecla, B.M.
Type
No. Rh.
603., Genitalia by K. Johnson
IX 1983
,
Hybla
, male symbol,
type
H. H Druce. Deposited in BMNH.
Taxonomic history and remarks.
We were able to examine topotypical specimens of
R. emeraldina
Salazar & Johnson, 1997
, and all diagnostic features discussed in the original description of this species fall within the range of variation of
R. hybla
. In Johnson
et al.
(1997), the authors illustrate a specimen from
Bolivia
identified as
R. cassidyi
(IX, E), however, based in our current knowledge of the group, this specimen is a male of
R. hybla
.
Distribution and variability.
This is the largest species of the genus. We have found it in several localities of the central cordillera in Antioquia where it is relatively abundant and with little morphological variation.
FIGURES 42–50
. Female genitalia (ductus bursae and bursa copulatrix):
42.
Rhamma hybla
(arrows point
a.
, strongly developed lamella postvaginalis, terminating in serrate configurations
b.
, ductus bursae lightly sclerotized in the middle so that it appears to be transparent and
c.
, dendritic, fan shaped signa)
43.
Rhamma adunca
;
44.
Rhamma arria
;
45.
Rhamma livida
;
46.
Rhamma oxida
;
47.
Rhamma comstocki
;
48.
Rhamma shapiroi
;
49.
Rhamma bilix
;
50.
Rhamma anosma
.
FIGURES 51–62
. Androconial brands (arrows point the scent pad):
51.
Rhamma hybla
;
52.
Rhamma adunca
;
53.
Rhamma arria
;
54.
Rhamma livida
;
55.
Rhamma oxida
;
56.
Rhamma comstocki
;
57.
Rhamma shapiroi
;
58.
Rhamma mishma
;
59.
Rhamma bilix
;
60.
Rhamma anosma
;
61.
Rhamma familiaris
;
62.
Rhamma commodus
.
Diagnosis.
Males and females are immediately distinguished from all other
Rhamma
by their large size (Forewing length>
14 mm
), green color and inconspicuous scent brand on the dorsal surface.
Material examined
(
18♂
, 1♀).
ANTIOQUIA
:
8♂
, CP: Bélmira, Páramo de Bélmira,
3200 m
,
05/01/2014
,
01/08/2015
, C. Prieto;
9♂
, CP: 1♀, Yarumal, La Marconia,
2700 m
,
28/07/2015
;
1♂
, CP: El retiro, San Sebastian,
2800 m
,
18/08/2007
.