On the identity of the type species of Parasa (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae): investigations into the Nearctic Parasa chloris and related taxa.

Abstract

The pantropical Limacodid genus Parasa Moore [1860] comprises a charismatic group of moths, whose adults display green banding on the forewing while the larvae are often brightly colored, possessing stinging hairs. Three previously unidentified syntypes of the type species Parasa chloris (Herrich-Schäffer [1854]) were identified in the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, USA, having passed through several collections over the past ca. 180 years. Described from specimens with a vague provenance, the true type locality was unveiled utilizing COI barcoding of the lectotype designated herein, together with other barcoded specimens from North and Central America, morphological observations in adults and male genitalia, as well as distribution records from museum specimens and the citizen science database iNaturalist. Results suggest the type locality of P. chloris as north-eastern USA, likely from the southern states. In addition, the nomenclatural history of P. chloris is here discussed in detail, and its synonyms are clarified with regard the morphologically-similar, sympatric species Parasa indetermina (Griffith and Pidgeon, 1832 nec Boisduval), and Limacodes viridus Reakirt (1864) syn. rev. is here revived as a synonym of the latter. Taxonomic remarks are also made regarding species closely related to P. chloris (Parasa minima (Schaus, 1892), Parasa huachuca Dyar (1905) stat. nov., Parasa cuernavaca Dyar (1907) stat. rev., and Parasa maysi Schaus (1920)), resulting from COI barcoding, and morphological examinations of all primary type and additional material. This research represents the first step in delimiting Parasa in preparation for future taxonomic work testing the monophyly of this widespread genus.