Taxonomy and distribution of the Lyela species group of the genus Coenonympha Hübner, [1819] (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

Abstract

Based on a survey of available published information and occurrence records, and a molecular analysis (total genomic DNA) of specimens from collections including several types, the classification and taxonomy of the Lyela species group is re-examined. Our results confirm that Lyela Swinhoe, 1908 is subordinate within Coenonympha Hübner, [1819], but Lyela could be retained as a separate subgenus of Coenonympha. Based on molecular, phenotypic, and distribution data, five largely allopatric species within Lyela are recognized: Coenonympha (Lyela) myops (Staudinger, 1881), Coenonympha (Lyela) tekkensis (Staudinger, 1886) stat. nov., Coenonympha (Lyela) macmahoni (Swinhoe, 1908), Coenonympha (Lyela) amirica (Wyatt, 1961), and Coenonympha (Lyela) babatagi (Tshikolovets, [1998]) stat. nov.

All species are illustrated, and available information about distribution, phenology and biology is presented, including a digital data table with all available records. The need for further data and field surveys is emphasized for a better understanding of the group.