Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20302/NC.2025.34.8
A remarkable discovery: Atara (= Rapala) arata (Bremer, 1861), a butterfly genus and species recorded for the first time from Türkiye
W. John Tennent
orcid.org/0000-0001-7096-4946
; Honorary Associate, Oxford Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW, UK
*
Süleyman Erdeğer
; Fatih Mahallesi, Kadir Boylu Caddesi, 4661 Sokak, No:7 Kat 1 Isparta, Türkiye
Onat Başbay
orcid.org/0009-0004-4217-302X
; Yıldızevler Mahallesi, 736. Sokak, Çankaya Elit Park Konutları, No:16 A/26 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Eddie John
; Coach House, Church Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7BB, UK
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The presence of the thecline lycaenid butterfly Atara arata (Bremer, 1881) is recorded from the region of Isparta in west-central Türkiye for the first time, representing a new country record of both genus and species some 7,500km west of its previously known westerly limits in eastern China. Several specimens were seen in a remote montane locality on several visits in the late spring and early summer of 2024, indicating a small resident colony. One worn male specimen was collected and dissected to confirm identity. Distribution, variation and habitat is briefly discussed. A lectotype is designated for Thecla tyrianthina Butler, 1881 (=Atara arata Bremer).
Keywords
butterflies; Turkey; distribution; lectotype
Hrčak ID:
330292
URI
Publication date:
31.7.2025.
Visits: 745 *