Genomics-based taxonomic refinement of Emesis Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)

Abstract

Expanded genomic sequencing of Emesis [Fabricius], 1807 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae Grote, 1895) reveals additional taxonomic insights. As a result of this study, one subgenus and 10 species are proposed as new (type species or type localities in parenthesis): Sinuata Grishin, new subgenus (Emesis sinuatus Hewitson, 1877) of Exoplisia Godman and Salvin, 1886; Emesis (Mandania) mandaca Grishin, new species (Mexico: Oaxaca); Emesis (Mandania) mantunga Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Tungurahua); Emesis (Tenedia) hidalga Grishin, new species (Mexico: Hidalgo); Emesis (Tenedia) vera Grishin, new species (Mexico: Veracruz); Emesis (Tenedia) nica Grishin, new species (Nicaragua); Emesis (Tenedia) temala Grishin, new species (Guatemala); Emesis (Tenedia) rica Grishin, new species (Costa Rica); Emesis (Diogenia) salvulpina Grishin, new species (El Salvador); Emesis (Aphacitis) aurilena Grishin, new species (Colombia: Magdalena); and Emesis (Aphacitis) spretoides Grishin, new species (Brazil: Rio de Janeiro). Furthermore, our analysis results in the following taxonomic changes: Emesis (Tenedia) zelotes Hewitson, 1872, reinstated status (not a subspecies of Emesis (Tenedia) ocypore (Geyer, 1837)) and Exoplisia (Sinuata) sinuatus (Hewitson, 1877), new combination (not Emesis). Finally, an updated synonymic list of Emesis is provided. The list covers seven valid subgenera and 84 valid species with 13 additional subspecies.

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