New data on the subgenus Callophrys (Ahlbergia) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from East Asia, with description of a new species from China and confirmation of the record of C. (A.) ferrea from Russia

Abstract

A new species of elfin butterflies, Callophrys (Ahlbergia) abae sp. n., previously misidentified as the widely distributed North Asian species C. (A.) frivaldszkyi (Lederer, 1855), is described from Aba Prefecture in Sichuan Province, China. The new species differs from the latter in the absent androconial spot on the forewing, more distinct paler pattern of the ventral side of the wings, curved outer margin of the valva in the male genitalia and strongly sculptured lamella postvaginalis in the female genitalia. Additionally, the finding of C. (A.) ferrea (Butler, 1866) in Kunashir Island and thus Russia in general is confirmed on the base of an analysis of the male genitalia and the barcode region of COI gene.