Allozyme-based phylogeny of North American callophrys (S.L.) (Lycaenidae)

Abstract

In allozyme generated trees, test populations of species of the North American Callophrys (sensu lato) (a group of hairstreak/ elfin butterflies) clustered within the genera Mitoura, Callophrtjs, Incisalia, and Loranthomitoura. The pine-feeding species of Incisalia clustered weakly, but separately from non-pine feeding species of Incisalia (Deciduphagus). The trees present dissimilarities from recent taxonoinic arrangements of Mitoura species and subspecies. Larval food plants (Calocedrus, Juniperus, and Cupresstis), often used for distinguishing Mitoura taxa, do not necessarily follow the pattern of genetic relationships among populations. Mitoura thornei and M. muiri probably deserve no greater than subspecies status under M. loki and M. siva respectively. Mitoura grynetis and M. siva populations, considered conspecific by some workers, do not display a gradual geoclinal blend zone and are probably best considered separate taxa. A putative population ofM. gryneus from Arkansas may deserve species status.