A taxonomic revision of Asterocampa Rob̈er 1916 (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae).
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1985.
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust Copy Link to ProQuest Copy |
| Abstract: | The hackberry butterflies (Nymphalidae: Asterocampa Rober) are taxonomically revised based on biological and morphological studies of all life stages of the insects. The geographic ranges of the species in the genus extend from Nicaragua and the Greater Antilles, north and westward through Mexico and the United States (except the Pacific Northwest) into southeastern Canada. The butterflies are typically found in close association with hackberry (Ulmaceae: Celtis spp.) which is their sole larval food plant. All of the hackberry butterflies are defined and described. A new subgenus is proposed to include species generally considered to form the Clyton species group (sensu Skinner, 1911) of hackberry butterflies. A new subspecies name is proposed for the Floridian population of Asterocampa celtis (Boisduval & Le Conte) which has mistakenly been called A. alicia (Edwards). There are at least 4 biological species in this group based on field observations, preliminary laboratory hybridization studies, and morphological comparisons. Cladistic methodology was employed to construct the classifica- tion presented. Asterocampa is defined in relation to other apaturine genera. The evolution of the genus is discussed in the context of the distributions of the taxa. Asterocampa probably evolved in North America following its introduction and subsequent isolation from eastern Asia. Significant evolutionary advances within the genus include radiation onto the Momisia species of Celtis, evolution of gregarious larvae, evolution of mimetic adult resemblance in Central America, and colonization of the Greater Antilles. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Entomology." |
| Physical Description: | vii, 217 leaves : illustrations (some color) ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 110-128). |