Atlides is a genus of gossamer-winged butterflies (family Lycaenidae). Among these, it belongs belong to the tribe Eumaeini of the subfamily Theclinae. These small butterflies are widespread in the Americas, occurring almost anywhere between the southern United States and Argentina.[1]

Atlides
The great purple hairstreak (A. halesus) hides most of its brilliant color when sitting down
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Tribe: Eumaeini
Genus: Atlides
Hübner, [1819]
Synonyms

[1]
Riojana D'Abrera & Bálint, 2001 (may be nomen nudum)

Species edit

17 named and 5 (or more) undescribed species are known or assumed to belong to this genus:[1]

A. thargelia was recently proposed for separation as monotypic genus "Riojana", but it was subsequently argued to be a nomen nudum per Article 13.1 of the ICZN Code, because an appropriate genus description was not given. The matter has been submitted to the ICZN for discussion. Regardless the questions of nomenclature, A. thargelia is for the time being retained here; given that several undescribed relatives are known to exist, splitting off monotypic lineages now runs risk of leaving the remaining group paraphyletic.

Footnotes edit

  1. ^ a b c See references in Savela (2011)

References edit

  • Savela, Markku (2011): Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms – Atlides. Version of December 22, 2011. Retrieved April 1, 2012.

External links edit