Contributions to the knowledge of Neotropical Lycaenidae: taxonomy of Johnsonita/ Salazar amp; Constantino, 1995 with descriptions of seven new species (Theclinae: Eumaeini).

ABSTRACT

The Transandean-Andean genus Johnsonita Salazar Constantino, 1995 is revised on the basis of wing and genitalia morphology. Apart from eight species formerly placed in Johnsonita (Thecla assula Draudt, 1919; Thecla auda Hewitson, 1867; Thecla catadupa Hewitson, 1869; Thecla chaluma Schaus, 1902, Thecla chlamydem Druce, 1907; Thecla pardoa d'Abrera, 1995; Johnsonita johnsoni Salazar Constantino, 1995 and Johnsonita johnbanksi Bálint, 2003), seven new species are described Johnsonita carpia Bálint, Boyer Pyrcz, sp. n. (Ecuador), Johnsonita iacinta Bálint, Boyer Pyrcz, sp. n. (Peru), Johnsonita ianusca Bálint, Lorenc-Brudecka Pyrcz, sp. n. (Ecuador), Johnsonita oxalida Bálint, Boyer Pyrcz, sp. n. (Peru), Johnsonita subcunicula Bálint, Cerdeña Pyrcz, sp. n. (Peru), Johnsonita turquisca Bálint, Boyer Pyrcz, sp. n. (Ecuador) and Johnsonita zubkova Bálint, Boyer Lorenc-Brudecka, sp. n. (Peru). One species, erroneously recorded from Bolivia under the name Thecla chaluma Schaus, 1902, is not formally described due to insufficient material. An identification key, type material revision, descriptions or redescriptions, and diagnosis for all the taxa recognized are given. Lectotypes for the nominal species Thecla assula Draudt, 1919 and Thecla chlamydem Druce, 1907 are designated. Male secondary wing characters are tabulated. A brief discussion on classification, life-history and male secondary characters of Johnsonita is presented.