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Title: Empyreuma species and species limits: evidence from morphology and molecules (Arctiidae)

Author
item WELLER, SUSAN - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item Simmons, Rebecca
item CARLSON, ANDERS - SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE

Submitted to: Journal of Lepidopterists Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/22/2003
Publication Date: 4/22/2004
Citation: Weller, S.J., Simmons, R.B., Carlson, A.L. 2004. Empyreuma species and species limits: evidence from morphology and molecules (Arctiidae). Journal of Lepidopterists Society. 58(1)21:32.

Interpretive Summary: Empyreuma pugione (L.) and E. affinis Rothschild are pests of oleander and common subjects of behavioral studies. The species limits, however, between these and other members of the genus are poorly understood. This paper addresses this issue using morphological data and mitochondrial DNA sequences. Based on morphological results, two species are recognizable: one species in Jamaica and a widespread E. pugione. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA recognizes a third, morphologically cryptic species, restricted to the Bahamas. Though further sampling is required to confirm these results, this unique lineage needs to be considered when forming conservation strategies for the Caribbean islands.

Technical Abstract: Species limits within Empyreuma are addressed using a morphological study of male and female genitalia and sequence data from the mitochondrial gene COI. Four species (E. pugione, E. affinis, E. heros, E. anassa) have been recognized. Based on morphological studies, two species can be readily distinguished, E. anassa and the widespread, Caribbean E. pugione. Neither E. affinis nor E. heros can be distinguished by coloration or genitalic differences. Analysis of COI haplotypes suggests that the population of the Bahamas (E. heros) are weakly differentiated from other E. pugione haplotypes; however, the sequence divergence (0.09%) does not support recognition of a distinct species. We place both E. affinis (including both subspecies of E. affinis) and E. heros as new junior synonyms of E. pugione. This study includes a revised checklist of species, redescription of the genus, with notes on biology, illustrations of male and female genitalia, abdominal sclerites, and a discussion of the relationship of Empyreuma to other ctenuchine/euchromiine genera.