A new hidden species of the Cymothoe caenis-complex (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from western Africa

Date: Aug 13, 2009
Pub: Zootaxa 2197. 53-63

Author(s): Van Velzen, R., Larsen, T.B., & Bakker, F.T.

Abstract: Butterflies of the Afrotropical genus Cymothoe are characterised by sexual dimorphism. Females of the most common species of the genus, Cymothoe caenis
Drury, occur in many different forms in the equatorial zone, while only a
single form is present west of the Niger Delta in Nigeria, raising the question
as to whether the two populations need taxonomic,recognition. We present
molecular and genitalic evidence that the western populations of C. caenis s.l.
comprise a,distinct species: Cymothoe druryi sp. nov.

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