Description of a new Cymothoe Hübner, 1819 from northern Mozambique (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae).

van Velzen, R., Collins, S. C., Brattström, O. and Congdon, C. E. (2016) Description of a new Cymothoe Hübner, 1819 from northern Mozambique (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae). Metamorphosis, 27, pp. 34-41.

Abstract

A new species and two subspecies of Cymothoe from three forested mountains in northern Mozambique are described. It was first discovered on Mt. Namuli in November 2007, and subsequently on Mt. Mabu in 2008 and Mt. Inago in 2009. Ova were found on Rawsonia lucida Harw. & Sond. (Achariaceae), and larvae from all three mountains were successfully reared to the adult stage. Montane Cymothoe characteristically reside in forest clearings; they are relatively sedentary and generally do not move between forest patches if separated by a significant distance. The new taxa are far from all other known East African montane species, probably diverging in the Pliocene c. 4 million years ago. DNA barcode analysis suggests genetic divergence between individuals from Mt Mabu and those from the other two populations. An IUCN Red list status is allocated based on our current knowledge from the three field sites where is it known to occur. A conservation strategy is required to conserve this species, especially the relict population to be found on Mt. Inago. If action is not taken soon this local Mt. Inago population will disappear.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Brattstrom, Dr Oskar
• Authors: van Velzen, R., Collins, S. C., Brattström, O., and Congdon, C. E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Metamorphosis
• Publisher: Lepidopterists Society of Africa
• ISSN: 1018-6490
• ISSN (Online): 2307–5031