Phylogenetic revision of the Charis cleonus complex (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)

Abstract

A revision of the Charis cleonus group of Neotropical riodinid butterflies is presented, including discussions on the taxonomy, biogeography and biology of its species, and illustrations of the adults and male and female genitalia (where known) of all taxa. We recognize twenty-two species, including nineteen new species: C. ariquemes sp.n., C. brasilia sp.n., C. breves sp.n., C. cacaulandia sp.n., C. cuiaba sp.n., C. humaita sp.n., C. ipiranga sp.n., C. iquitos sp.n., C. ma sp.n., C. manicore sp.n., C. manu sp.n., C. matic sp.n., C. maues sp.n., C. negro sp.n., C. palcazu sp.n., C. rocana sp.n., C. santarem sp.n., C. tapajos sp.n and C. tefe sp.n. A cladistic analysis using thirty-six characters of male and female genitalia and external facies generated a single most parsimonious cladogram highlighting the existence of two clades, the major and cleonus subgroups. As each species largely occupies a parapatric range, this cladogram provides the opportunity to reassess historical relationships among areas of endemism in the Amazon basin.