Lessons from the genomic analysis of Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera) holotypes in the MIZA collection (Maracay, Venezuela)

Genomic sequencing and analysis of holotypes from the MIZA collection (Maracay, Venezuela) and their comparison with other species and their type specimens advances our understanding of their taxonomy. Jemadia demarmelsi Orellana, [2010] is confirmed as a species-level taxon and its female is genetically verified. The following are species-level taxa, not subspecies: Amenis pedro O. Mielke & Casagrande, 2022, stat. nov. (notAmenis pionia (Hewitson, 1857)) and Jemasonia sosia (Mabille, 1878), stat. rest. (not Jemasonia hewitsonii (Mabille, 1878)). Amenis ponina rogeri Orellana, [2010], stat. nov. and Jemasonia pater ortizi (Orellana, [2010]), stat. nov. are subspecies, not species. Jemadia pseudognetus imitator (Mabille, 1891), comb. nov. (not Jemadia hospita (Butler, 1877)) and Damas cervelina Orellana & Costa, 2019, comb. nov. (not Megaleas Godman, 1901) are new combinations.

Automated summary

Genomic sequencing and analysis of holotypes from the MIZA collection in Maracay, Venezuela, and comparison with other species and their type specimens contribute to our understanding of the taxonomy of these species. The study confirms Jemadia demarmelsi Orellana, [2010] as a separate species, and genetically verifies its female individual. Several taxonomic statuses are clarified, including the reclassification of Amenis pedro O. Mielke & Casagrande, 2022 and Jemasonia sosia (Mabille, 1878) as species-level taxa rather than subspecies. Additionally, new subspecies and combinations are proposed for Amenis ponina rogeri Orellana, [2010], Jemasonia pater ortizi (Orellana, [2010]), Jemadia pseudognetus imitator (Mabille, 1891), and Damas cervelina Orellana & Costa, 2019.