Matskási István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 94. (Budapest 2002)

Bálint, Zs.: Miscellaneous notes on Arcas Swainson, 1832 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae, Eumaeini)

schwarze submarginale Kappenflecke." An irregular median band on the hindwing ventrum with a gentle bend and two submarginal patches characterizes Areas cypria. All of these characters are readily visible on the figures accompanying the original description of Areas cypria and on more recent specimens from Colombia (Figs 12-13). I consider Thecla publica as a synonym of Areas cypria; consequently Theritas cypria GEYER, [1837], female = Thecla publica RÖBER, 1923. The taxon determined as Thecla paphia by RÖBER (1923) is most probably Areas delphia which, subsequent to RÖBER, was also recorded from Colombia (see below, cf. SALAZAR & CONSTANTINO 1995a: 124, LE CROM collection). The superspecies Areas tuneta (HEWITSON) (Figs 14-20) Remarks - BROWN (1993: 148) considered delphia and tuneta as allopatric taxa of the superspecies Areas tuneta. This view was not supported by any evidence; however, wing pattern and qualitatively identical genital morphology of Areas delphia and A. tuneta were stressed by NlCOLAY (1971: 101) and fully support BROWN's standpoint. The rarely encountered Arcas (tuneta) tuneta is distributed from Peru to southeastern Brazil according to BROWN (1993: 148), and the distribution of A. (tuneta) delphia is restricted to Mesoamerica. However, Areas tuneta also occurs in Ecuador, and both A. delphia and A. tuneta have been recorded in Colombia. Moreover, I learned from my colleagues (JOHNSON & SALAZAR, pers. comm.) that an additional member of the group is being described from Rio Abita, Hydric Chocó Province of Colombia (cf. NIELSEN et al. 2001: 99). In addition, the western Amazon Basin (Rondônia, Brazil) populations of the complex was very recently reviewed resulting in the descriptions of two sympatric species. After examination of the type specimen of Thecla tuneta I believe these are synonyms of Areas tuneta, what was also recorded from the region. The SE Brazilian population, however, proved to be different but, in spite that the population was characterized by NlCOLAY, it has no applicable scientific name. As Areas delphia occurs sympatrically and synchronically with the A. tuneta complex (SALAZAR & CONTANTINO 1995a, JOHNSON & SALAZAR, pers. comm.) I restrict the superspecies concept to Areas tuneta. The Mesoamerican Areas delphia can be easily separated on the basis of the male androconial cluster and wing markings, which is a general phenomenon amongst the species of the genus. Thus, I see this complex as follows: