022 Genus Eagris Guenee

AFROTROPICAL BUTTERFLIES 17th edition (2018). MARK C. WILLIAMS. http://www.lepsocafrica.org/?p=publications&s=atb

Genus Eagris Guenée, 1862

In: Maillard, L., Notes sur l’Ile de la Reunion 2: 6, 19 (1-72) Paris. [2nd edition]. Type-species: Thymele sabadius Gray, 1832, by monotypy.

= Trichosemeia Holland, 1892. Annals and Magazine of Natural History (6) 10: 294 et nota (284-294). Type-species: Trichosemeia subolivescens Holland, by original designation.

Eagris lucetia. Image courtesy Jeremy Dobson.

The genus Eagris belongs to the Family Hesperiidae Latreille, 1809; Subfamily Pyrginae Burmeister, 1878; Tribe Tagiadini Mabille, 1878. Other genera of the Tribe Tagiadini in the Afrotropical Region are Procampta, Calleagris, Kobelana, Tagiades, Netrobalane, Caprona, Leucochitonea and Abantis.

Eagris (Flats) is an Afrotropical genus of ten species. Apparently the genus is structurally most closely related to Tagiades (Evans, 1937).

*Eagris decastigma Mabille, 1891 Purple Flat

Eagris decastigma Mabille, 1891. Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de Belgique 35: 62 (59-88, 106-121, 168-187).

Type locality: Sierra Leone. Distribution: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia. Habitat: Paths and clearings in dense forest (Larsen, 2005a). At altitudes from 900 to 1 000 m in Tanzania (Kielland, 1990d). Habits: In West Africa this is a rare species (Larsen, 2005a). Males perch on leaves on the verges of forest roads, making frequent flights along the roads (Larsen, 1991c). Both sexes visit flowers (Larsen, 1991c). Males are found settling on wet rocks in stream-beds in the darkest part of the forest (Kielland, 1990d) and also visit urine patches (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages:

Cock & Congdon, 2011 [pupa of subspecies purpura]

Larval food: Nothing published.

Eagris decastigma decastigma Mabille, 1891

Eagris decastigma Mabille, 1891. Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de Belgique 35: 62 (59-88, 106-121, 168-187).

Type locality: Sierra Leone. Distribution: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon. Specific localities: Guinea – Labe (Larsen, 2005a); Nimba Mountains (Larsen, 2005a). Ivory Coast – Tai (Larsen, 2005a); Sassandra (Larsen, 2005a); Gagnoa (Larsen, 2005a). Ghana – Atewa (ABRI, vide Larsen, 2005a); Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary (Larsen et al., 2007). Nigeria – Ibadan (Larsen, 2005a); Mamu Forest (Larsen, 2005a); Okwangwo (Larsen, 2005a); Oban Hills (Larsen, 2005a).

Eagris decastigma fuscosa Holland, 1893

Aegris [sic] fuscosa Holland, 1893. Entomological News 5: 27 (26-31).

Type locality: Gabon: “Valley of the Ogové”. Distribution: Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Angola. Specific localities: Gabon – Ogove Valley (TL); Mondah (Vande weghe, 2010); Bakouaka (Vande weghe, 2010); Bitam (Vande weghe, 2010). Angola – Kwanza Norte Province (Mendes et al., 2013).

Note: Larsen (2005a: 477) believes that the taxa fuscosa (Holland, 1893) and purpurea Evans, 1937 belong to a species distinct from decastigma Mabille, 1891.

Eagris decastigma purpura Evans, 1937

Eagris decastigma purpura Evans, 1937. A catalogue of the African Hesperiidae indicating the classification and nomenclature adopted in the British Museum: 32 (212 pp.).

Eagris decastigma purpura. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 33mm. Isombo, Ikelenge, Zambia. 8.III.79. A. Heath. (African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi).

Eagris decastigma purpura. Female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Ikelenge, Zambia. 18 June 2007. Images M.C. Williams ex Gardiner Collection.

Type locality: Uganda: “Durro Forest, Toro, 4,000 ft”. Distribution: Democratic Republic of Congo (north-east – Ituri), Sudan (south), Uganda, Kenya (west), Tanzania (west), Zambia. Specific localities: Uganda – Durro Forest (TL); Semuliki N.P. (Davenport & Howard, 1996). Kenya – Kitale (Larsen, 1991c); Mount Elgon (Larsen, 1991c); Kakamega Forest (Larsen, 1991c; female illustrated above). Tanzania – Kigoma District: Kemfu Forest; Kasye Forest (Kielland, 1990d). Zambia – A single male from the Lisombu River, Ikelenge (figured, above) (Heath et al., 2002).

Note: Larsen (2005a: 477) believes that the taxa fuscosa (Holland, 1893) and purpurea Evans, 1937 belong to a species distinct from decastigma Mabille, 1891.

*Eagris denuba (Plötz, 1879) Cream Flat

Antigonus denuba Plötz, 1879. Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung 40: 361 (353-364).

Eagris denuba denuba. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Yekepah, Nimba Mountains, Liberia. 10 January 2014. J. Dobson. Images M.C. Williams ex Dobson Collection.

Type locality: Ghana: “Aburi”. Distribution: Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda (Davenport, 1996). Habitat: All types of forest, as well as disturbed forest (Larsen, 2005a). Habits: A common species, which may even be numerous occasionally. In West Africa it is commoner west of the Dahomey Gap than it is in Nigeria (Larsen, 2005a). Males patrol territories in the early morning, periodically perching on leaves with the wings held flat (Larsen, 2005a). Contests between males are conducted at a furious pace. Resting takes place on the underside of leaves (Larsen, 2005a). Both sexes come to flowers and males, additionally, feed from bird droppings and occasionally mud- 3 puddle (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

Eagris denuba denuba (Plötz, 1879)

Antigonus denuba Plötz, 1879. Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung 40: 361 (353-364).

Eagris denuba denuba. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Yekepah, Nimba Mountains, Liberia. 10 January 2014. J. Dobson. Images M.C. Williams ex Dobson Collection.

Type locality: Ghana: “Aburi”. Distribution: Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon (west), Gabon. Specific localities: Senegal – Basse Casamance (Larsen, 2005a). Guinea – Fouta Djalon (Larsen, 2005a). Sierra Leone – Freetown (Mabille, 1890). Ghana – Aburi (TL); Draw River (Larsen, 2005a); Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary (Larsen et al., 2007); Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (Larsen et al., 2009). Gabon – Kangwe (Vande weghe, 2010).

decolor Mabille, 1890 (as sp. of Eagris). Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France (6) 9: 155 (149-150, 155-156, 167-169, 183-184). Sierra Leone: “Free-Town (Afrique)”.

Eagris denuba obliterata Carpenter, 1928

Eagris lucetia obliterata Carpenter, 1928. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 76: 48 (25-54).

Eagris denuba obliterata. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Boter Becho, Ethiopia. 18 September 1997. Images M.C. Williams ex Gardiner Collection. 4

Eagris denuba obliterata. Female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Kibale Forest, Uganda. 22 October 2014. J. Dobson. Images M.C. Williams ex Dobson Collection.

Type locality: Sudan: “Didinga”. Distribution: Sudan (south), Ethiopia, Uganda (Davenport, 1996). Specific localities: Sudan – Didinga (TL).

Note: Larsen (2005a) is certain that obliterata is a species distinct from denuba.

*Eagris hereus (Druce, 1875) Beautiful Orange Flat

Tagiades hereus Druce, 1875. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1875: 417 (406-417).

Type locality: Angola. Distribution: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Angola, Central African Republic. Habits: Generally scarce and localized (Larsen, 2005a). Males aggressively defend territories from perches on leaves two to four metres above the ground. Individuals often come lower down to feed from flowers (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

Eagris hereus hereus (Druce, 1875)

Tagiades hereus Druce, 1875. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1875: 417 (406-417).

Type locality: Angola. Type material in NHM, London (Evans, 1937). Distribution: Cameroon (except west), Gabon, Congo, Angola, Central African Republic. Specific localities: Cameroon – Victoria (Strand, 1913). Angola – Kwanza Norte Province (Mendes et al., 2013).

birgitta Strand, 1913 (as sp. of Trichosemeia). Archiv für Naturgeschichte 78 (A.12.): 128 (121-131). Cameroon: “Victoria”.

Eagris hereus quaterna (Mabille, 1889)

Ceratrichia quaterna Mabille, 1889. Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France (6) 9: 156 (149-150, 155-156, 167-169, 5 183-184).

Type locality: Sierra Leone. Distribution: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon (west). Specific localities: Guinea – Conakry (Larsen, 2005a). Ivory Coast – Gagnoa (Larsen, 2005a); Tiassale (Larsen, 2005a); Adiopodoume (Larsen, 2005a); Banco (Larsen, 2005a); Tai (Larsen, 2005a); Nimba area (Larsen, 2005a). Ghana – Bia (Larsen, 2005a); Kakum (Larsen, 2005a); Ankasa (Larsen, 2005a). Nigeria – Agege (Larsen, 2005a); Ilaro (Larsen, 2005a); Benin (Larsen, 2005a); Okwangwo (Larsen, 2005a); Port Harcourt (Larsen, 2005a); Oban Hills (Larsen, 2005a).

*Eagris lucetia (Hewitson, [1875])

Resting males of Eagris lucetia. Mabira Forest (left) and Kibale Forest (right), Uganda. Images courtesy Jeremy Dobson (left) and Raimund Schutte (right).

Leucochitonea lucetia Hewitson, [1875] in Hewitson, [1872-7]. Illustrations of new species of exotic butterflies 5: 112 (127 pp.) London.

Eagris lucetia. Male (Wingspan 33 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Mabira Forest, Uganda. 14 June 2009. J. Dobson Images M.C. Williams ex Dobson Collection.

Eagris lucetia. Female. Left – upperside; right – underside. 6 Kakamega Forest, Kenya. 16 June 1996. Images M.C. Williams ex Gardiner Collection.

Type locality: Angola. Type material in the NHM, London (Evans, 1937). Distribution: Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Sudan (south), Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya (west), Tanzania (west), Angola, Zambia (north). Recorded, in error, from Nigeria (Larsen, 2005a). Specific localities: Uganda – Semuliki N.P. (Davenport & Howard, 1996). Kenya – Kakamega Forest (male and female illustrated above). Tanzania – Mpanda (Kielland, 1990d); Kigoma (Kielland, 1990d); Ufipa (Kielland, 1990d). Angola – Quedas do Duque de Bragança [Calandula] (09° 06' S; 15° 57' E; 1100 m), Malanje Province (Bivar de Sousa & Mendes, 2007); Kwanza Norte Province; Malanje Province; Namibe Province (Mendes et al., 2013). Zambia – Mwinilunga (Heath et al., 2002); Mufulira (Heath et al., 2002); Ndola (Heath et al., 2002); Kitwe (Heath et al., 2002); Mpongwe (Heath et al., 2002); Mbala (Heath et al., 2002). Habitat: Forest and forest margins. In Tanzania at altitudes of 800 to 2 000 m. (Kielland, 1990d). Habits: Males are usually found on forest margins where they defend perches high up by flying back and forth along a stretch of road or along a path (Larsen, 1991c). Males are relatively common but females are rarely seen (Larsen, 1991c). They readily come to flowers, especially those of Justicia flava (Acanthaceae) (Cock & Congdon, 2011). Early stages:

Cock & Congdon, 2011

Larval food: Allophylus africanus P.Beauv. var. africanus (Sapindaceae) [Le Pelley, 1959; Uganda; as Allophylus subcoriaceus Baker f.]. Allophylus ferrugineus Taub. var. ferrugineus (Sapindaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; as Allophylus macrobotrys Gilg]. Rhus laevigata var. villosa (L.f.) R. Fern. (Anacardiaceae) [Van Someren, 1974: 325; as Rhus villosa Oliv.]. Rhus pyroides Burch. var pyroides (Anacardiaceae) [Van Someren, 1974: 325; as Rhus vulgaris Meikle].

*Eagris multiplagata Bivar de Sousa & Mendes, 2007

Eagris multiplagata Bivar de Sousa & Mendes, 2007. Shilap Revista Lepidopterologia 35 (139): 312 (311-316).

Images courtesy of Torben Larsen

Type locality: Angola: “Kuanza Norte, Zenza do Itombe, 29-V-1971 (Bivar de Sousa – 14312)”. Diagnosis: Most similar to Eagris nottoana but has more hyaline spots, a lighter underside, and there

7 are genitalic differences. Description: “Forewing length: 16 mm male, 18 mm female. Sexual dimorphism pronounced. Male: Forewing costal fold present. Upper surface dark brown with blackish-brown spots, those on the forewing along one submedian, one median and one postdiscal irregular rows (last one the most well marked), those on the hindwing along one median and one postdiscal rows, plus a few isolated dots. Three minute hyaline points – the middle one (the more developed) outside displaced relatively to the two remaining spots – between the radials. Under surface much lighter, yellowish to tawny brown, the dark brown dots as in the upper surface though much more contrasted. Female: Ground colour of upper surface lighter than in the male though similar, and so, the dark brown dots remain clearly more contrasted. Large hyaline spots along the median area and seven minute hyaline subapical points. Under surface of forewing light brown, the hindwing mostly whitish, almost devoid of marginal outer pigment band (only a few vestigial dots are visible), the dark brown dots very well contrasted. Male genitalia: Uncus distally rounded with a mediolateral pair of extensions, in dorsal and lateral views. Aedeagus with enlarged distal area its borders clearly toothed. Valves slightly asymmetrical, wide, distally with three points (one clearly smaller), with one big, acute, proximal tooth plus 1-2 more distal smaller teeth. Subuncus conical, ringed (each ring composed by minute, strongly sclerotized, quite numerous denticulations).” Etymology: From the latin, multi: ‘many’ and plaga: ‘ulcer, wound, injury’, because of the occurrence of a greater number of hyaline marks when compared to the most similar species in the genus (Bivar de Sousa & Mendes, 2007). Distribution: Angola. Specific localities: Angola – Zenza do Itombe, Kuanza Norte Province (09° 17' S; 14° 13' E; ca 100 m) (TL). Habitat: Forest-dense savanna mosaic (Bivar de Sousa & Mendes, 2007). Habits: Found flying along a forest road (Bivar de Sousa & Mendes, 2007). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Eagris nottoana (Wallengren, 1857)# Rufous-winged Flat

Resting male of the Rufous-winged Flat ( Eagris nottoana). KwaZulu-Natal Image courtesy Steve Woodhall

Pterygospidea nottoana Wallengren, 1857. Öfversigt af Kongl. Vetenskaps-Akademiens Förhandlingar. Stockholm annis 1838-1845. Collecta (n.s.) 2 (4): 54 (55 pp.). Pterygospidea nottoana Wallengren, 1857. Trimen & Bowker, 1889. Pterygospidea phyllophila (Trimen, 1883). Trimen & Bowker, 1889. [Synonym of Eagris nottoana] Eagris nottoana Wallengren. Swanepoel, 1953a. Eagris nottoana (Wallengren, 1857). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Eagris nottoana (Wallengren, 1857). Pringle et al., 1994: 311.

Eagris nottoana nottoana. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 35mm. Durban, Nat. H. Millar. (Transvaal Museum – TM2766).

Eagris nottoana nottoana. Female (Wingspan 41 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Manguzi Forest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 15 April 2006. J. Dobson. Images M.C. Williams ex Dobson Collection.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Caffraria”. Holotype in the Swedish Natural History Museum (images available at www2.nrm.se/en/lep_nrm/n). Distribution: Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland, Madagascar. Habitat: Forest, dense woodland, and coastal bush. In Tanzania, from sea-level to 2 200 m (Kielland, 1990d). Habitat of subspecies smithii, in Madagascar, unknown (Lees et al., 2003). Habits: Common in South Africa and Mozambique but rarer in the northern parts of its range (Cock & Congdon, 2011). The flight is rapid. Both sexes feed from flowers. Specimens settle, with expanded wings, on the upper- or undersurface of leaves. Males defend territories, often around a particular bush (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: All year, but commoner from August to May (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark, in Dickson & Kroon, 1978: 214; plate 5 [as Eagris nottoana knysna; East London, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa]. “Egg: Laid singly on the surface of a leaf, and covered with abdominal scales; 0,9 mm diameter by 0,8 mm high, pale white at first; changing to green. There are 12 to 13 water-white longitudinal ribs. Incubation period 7 to 10 days. Empty shell not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 2 to 4 mm in 9 days; 2nd instar 4 to 65 mm in 9 to 9 days; 3rd instar 6 to 10 mm in 6 to 9 days; 4 th instar 10 to 16 mm in 7 to 11 days; 5 th instar 16 to 27,5 mm in 14 to 20 days. Larva is concealed within a purse-like structure or within leaves bound together. Moulting and pupation takes place within these ‘hide-outs’. Pupa: 12 to 13 mm. Emergence after 11 to 20 days. The species is multi- brooded.”

Henning, Henning, Joannou & Woodhall, 1997: 67 (photograph of pupa).

Cock & Congdon, 2011: 23 [ssp. nottoana]

Larval food: Dombeya cymosa Harv. (Sterculiaceae) [Platt, 1921]. Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn. (Erythroxylaceae) [Henning, Henning, Joannou & Woodhall, 1997: 9 67]. Grewia occidentalis L. (Tiliaceae) [Platt, 1921]. Grewia similis K.Schum. (Tiliaceae) [Kielland, 1990d]. Rinorea arborea (Thouars) Baill. (Violaceae) [Paré, in Henning, Henning, Joannou & Woodhall, 1997: 67]. Scutia myrtina (Burm.f.) Kurz (Rhamnaceae) [Platt, 1921; Van Someren, 1974: 325; Dickson & Kroon, 1978: 183; as Scutia commersoni Brongn.].

Eagris nottoana nottoana (Wallengren, 1857)# Northern Rufous-winged Flat

Eagris nottoana nottoana. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 35mm. Durban, Nat. H. Millar. (Transvaal Museum – TM2766).

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Caffraria”. Holotype in the Swedish Natural History Museum (images available at www2.nrm.se/en/lep_nrm/n). Distribution: Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa (Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape Province), Swaziland. In South Africa its distribution covers 50 quarter degree squares (333 records) [see http://vmus.adu.org.za]. It is regarded as moderately widespread. Specific localities: Kenya – Rabai (Larsen, 1991c); Sokoke (Larsen, 1991c); Kilifi (Larsen, 1991c); Mariakani (Larsen,

10 1991c); Kitale (Larsen, 1991c); Kakamega (Larsen, 1991c); Ngong (Larsen, 1991c); Masai Mara (Larsen, 1991c). Tanzania – Very rare in the west (Mpanda) (Kielland, 1990d); not uncommon, but very local, in the east and north (Kielland, 1990d); Dendene coastal forest (Kielland, 1990d); Pugu Hills (Kielland, 1990d); Oldeani (Kielland, 1990d); the Mbulu forests (Kielland, 1990d); North Pare Mountains (Kielland, 1990d). Malawi – Mount Mulanje (Congdon et al., 2010). Zambia – Mpongwe (Heath et al., 2002); Lusaka (Heath et al., 2002); Feira (Heath et al., 2002). Mozambique – Maputo (Trimen, 1883). Zimbabwe – Harare (Pringle et al., 1994). Limpopo Province – Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve (“Malta Forest”); Soutpansberg (I. Coetzer); Manoutsa (G. Henning). Mpumalanga – Skukuza, Kruger National Park (Kloppers). KwaZulu-Natal – Umkomaas (Swanepoel, 1953); Durban (Swanepoel, 1953; male illustrated above); Stanger (Swanepoel, 1953); Kosi Bay Nature Reserve (Pringle & Kyle, 2002); Tembe Nature Reserve (Pringle & Kyle, 2002); Ndumo Nature Reserve (Pringle & Kyle, 2002).

phyllophila Trimen, 1883 (as sp. of Nisoniades). Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1883: 362 (347-363). [South Africa]: “Natal (Coast Districts)”; Mozambique: “Delagoa Bay”.

flavipalpis Plötz, 1884 (as sp. of Nisoniades). Jahrbuch des Nassauischen Vereins für Naturkunde 37: 37 (1-55). [Africa]: “Copiapa”.

melancholica Mabille, 1890 (as sp. of Eagris). Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France (6) 9: 155 (149-150, 155-156, 167-169, 183-184). [South Africa]: “Natal”.

quadrimaculata Neustetter, 1916 (as sp. of Sarangesa). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift, Iris 30: 106 (95-108). [Uganda].

Eagris nottoana knysna Evans, 1947# Southern Rufous-winged Flat

Eagris nottoana knysna Evans, 1947. Annals and Magazine of Natural History (11) 13: 643 (641-648). Eagris nottoana knysna Evans, 1946. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [date of authorship erroneous] Eagris nottoana knysna Evans, 1946. Pringle et al., 1994: 311. [date of authorship erroneous]

Type locality: South Africa: “Knysna, Cape of Good Hope”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province – coast, Western Cape Province – south-east). In South Africa its distribution covers 19 quarter degree squares (41 records) [see http://vmus.adu.org.za]. It is regarded as moderately widespread. Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Van Staden’s (Swanepoel, 1953); Coldstream (Swanepoel, 1953); Somerset East (Swanepoel, 1953); Bathurst (Swanepoel, 1953); Port Alfred (Swanepoel, 1953); Grahamstown (Swanepoel, 1953); East London (Swanepoel, 1953); Tsomo River (Swanepoel, 1953); Bashee River (Swanepoel, 1953); Cintsa East (Williams & Dobsons’). Western Cape Province – Knysna Forests (TL); Wilderness (Swanepoel, 1953); Plettenberg Bay (Swanepoel, 1953); George (Pringle et al., 1994).

Eagris nottoana smithii (Mabille, [1887])

Tagiades smithii Mabille, [1887] in Grandidier [1885-7]. Histoire, Physique, Naturelle et Politique de Madagascar: 18: 354 (18 [1887]: 364 pp.; 19 [1885]: 55pls).

Type locality: Madagascar: “Madagascar”. Distribution: Madagascar (south-west).

*Eagris sabadius (Gray, 1832) Spotted Sylph

Hesperia sabadius Gray, 1832. In Griffith, E., The animal kingdom arranged in conformity with its organisation, by the Baron Cuvier, with additional descriptions of all the species hitherto named and of many not before noticed 15: pl. 99, fig. 2 (796 pp.) London.

Type locality: None given. Distribution: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique (Timberlake et al., 2007), Zimbabwe (Kielland, 1990d), Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Seychelles, Comoro Islands. Erroneously recorded from South Africa by Trimen, 1866a (as Nisoniades sabadius) (MCW). Habitat: Montane forest in Zambia (Heath et al., 2002). In Tanzania it is common in montane forest, from 800 to 2 600 m (Kielland, 1990d). In Kenya it is said to occur in forest and woodland (Larsen, 1991c). In Madagascar in forest and on forest margins (Lees et al., 2003). Habits: The flight is fast and erratic but specimens settle frequently on leaves with the wings held flat (Kielland, 1990d; Davis & Barnes, 1991). Specimens are often found flying on forest margins and appear light in colour on the wing. Specimens may settle from high up to low down (Larsen, 1991c). Males are territorial, often making flights of some duration, before returning to a favourite perch (Larsen, 1991c). A female was seen feeding on Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl flowers at Chamarel, Mauritius (Lawrence, 2016). Early stages:

Guillermet, 2010 [larva; ssp. sabadius]

Cock & Congdon, 2011:13 and 18 [subspecies astoria and andracne]

Larval food: Abutilon exstipulare (Malvaceae) [Guillermet, 2010; Reunion]. Abutilon longicuspe Hochst ex A. Rich. (Malvaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Muguga Forest, Kenya; ssp. astoria]. Allophylus species (Sapindaceae) [Larsen, 1991c: 394]. Allophylus abyssinicus (Hochst.) Radlk. (Sapindaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; ssp. astoria]. Allophylus ferrugineus Taub. (Sapindaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; ssp. astoria]. Allophylus rubifolius (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Engl. (Sapindaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; ssp. astoria]. Bombacaceae [Cock, vide Larsen, 1991c: 394]. Cardiospermum grandiflorum Sw. (Sapindaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; ssp. astoria]. Ceiba speciosa (Malvaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Nairobi; ssp. astoria]. Celtis sp. (Ulmaceae) [Bampton, vide Cock & Congdon, 2011; requires confirmatioin according to them]. Dombeya sp. (Malvaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Madagascar; ssp. andracne]. Dombeya burgessiae Gerrard ex Harv. (Malvaceae) [Heath et al., 2002: 3]. Dombeya populnea (Malvaceae) [Guillermet, 2010]. Grewia sp. (Tiliaceae) [Sevastopulo, 1974]. Grewia forbesii Harv. ex Mast. (Tiliaceae) [Van Someren, 1974: 325]. Grewia similis K.Schum. (Tiliaceae) [Van Someren, 1974: 325]. Hibiscus sp. (Malvaceae) [Larsen, 1991c: 394]. Hibiscus boryanus (Malvaceae) [Guillermet, 2010; Reunion]. Hibiscus calyphyllus Cav. (Malvaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; ssp. astoria]. Hibiscus columnaris (Malvaceae) [Guillermet, 2010: Reunion]. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvaceae) [Williams, 1989; Mauritius]. Litsea glutinosa (Lauraceae) (exotic) [Guillermet, 2010; Reunion; requires confirmation according to Cock & Congdon, 2011]. Molinaea arborea (= M. alternifolia) (Sapindaceae) [Guillermet, 2010: Reunion]. Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A. Dyer (Malvaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; ssp. astoria]. Pavonia urens Cav. (Malvaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; ssp. astoria]. Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) [Bampton, vide Cock & Congdon, 2011; requires

12 confirmation according to them]. Rhus species (Anacardiaceae) [Sevastopulo, 1974]. Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2011; Kenya; ssp. astoria].

Eagris sabadius sabadius (Gray, 1832)

Type locality: Reunion. Distribution: Mauritius, Reunion. Specific localities: Mauritius – Not common (Davis & Barnes, 1991).

sabadius Boisduval, 1833 (as sp. of Thymele). Nouvelles Annales du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris 2: 211 (149-270). Mauritius; Reunion: “Bourbon”.

mauritiana Mabille & Boullet, 1916 (as var. of Eagris sabadius). Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France 1916: 246 (243-247). Mauritius: “Ile Maurice”.

Eagris sabadius aldabranus Fryer, 1912 Spotted Sylph

Eagris sabadius var. aldabranus Fryer, 1912. Transactions of the Linnean Society of London (2) 15: 20 (1-28).

Type locality: Seychelles: “Aldabra”. Distribution: Seychelles (Aldabra Atoll). Specific localities: Seychelles – Aldabra (TL). Habitat: Fryer (1912) found large numbers in Pemphis acidula bush. Notes: Known from only fives males and a worn female, all captured during the NW Monsoon period over 100 years ago (Lawrence, 2014). Listed as data deficient (Gerlach & Matyot, 2006).

Eagris sabadius andracne (Boisduval, 1833)

Hesperia? andracne Boisduval, 1833. Nouvelles Annales du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris 2: 215 (149-270).

Eagris sabadius andracne. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Anjajavy, Madagascar. 24 May 2005. Images M.C. Williams ex Gardiner Collection.

Eagris sabadius andracne. Female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Ranomafana, Madagascar. 23 March 2016. J. Dobson. Images M.C. Williams ex Dobson Collection.

Type locality: Madagascar: “Madagascar”. Distribution: Madagascar (widespread).

hyalinata Saalmüller, 1878 (as sp. of Plesioneura). Bericht über die Senckenbergischen Naturforschen Gesellschaft 1878: 87 (71-96). Madagascar: “Madagaskar”.

Eagris sabadius astoria Holland, 1896

Eagris astoria Holland, 1896. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 18: 763 (741-767).

Eagris sabadius astoria. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Gatamayu Forest, Kenya. 11 May 1997. Images M.C. Williams ex Gardiner Collection.

Eagris sabadius astoria. Female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Gatamayu Forest, Kenya. 2 June 2002. Images M.C. Williams ex Gardiner Collection.

Type locality: Kenya: ‘East Africa’ (Cock & Congdon, 2011).

14 Distribution: Uganda (east), Kenya (central and west), Tanzania (north). Specific localities: Kenya – Nairobi Forest (Butler, 1901); Ruarka River (Butler, 1901). Tanzania – Kilimanjaro (Karsch, 1896); North Usambara (Karsch, 1896); near Mlalo (Karsch, 1896); Northern Highlands and the eastern mountains, south to the Njombe Highlands and the Rubeho Mountains (Kielland, 1990d); Mufindi [8°30'S, 35°40'E] (Cock & Congdon, 2011).

epira Karsch, 1896 (as sp. of Eagris). Entomologische Nachrichten. Berlin 22: 372 (372-378). [Tanzania]: “Kilimandjaro; Nord Usambara; Umgegend von Mlalo”.

plicata Butler, 1901 (as sp. of Eagris). Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1900: 941 (911- 946). [Kenya]: “Nairobi forest; Ruarka River”.

Eagris sabadius comorana Evans, 1937

Eagris sabadius comorana Evans, 1937. A catalogue of the African Hesperiidae indicating the classification and nomenclature adopted in the British Museum: 31 (212 pp.).

Type locality: Comoro Islands. Distribution: Comoro Islands.

Eagris sabadius isabella Turlin, 1995

Eagris sabadius isabella Turlin, 1993 and 1995. Lambillionea 93 (4) (Tome I): 361 (345-361) and Lambillionea 95 (2) (Tome I): 208 (197-210).

Type locality: Comoro Islands. Distribution: Comoro Islands.

Eagris sabadius maheta Evans, 1937

Eagris sabadius maheta Evans, 1937. A catalogue of the African Hesperiidae indicating the classification and nomenclature adopted in the British Museum: 30 (212 pp.).

Type locality: Seychelles: “Mahé”. Distribution: Seychelles (Seychelles granitic islands). Specific localities: Seychelles – Mahe (TL), Silhouette (Lawrence, 2014). Habitat: Forest edges above 250 m a.s.l. (Lawrence, 2014). Habits: A strong flier, which frequently settles on leaves with the wings held flat. Males often patrol along sunlit paths (Lawrence, 2014). Flight period: Mostly from November to April (Lawrence, 2014).

Eagris sabadius ochreana Lathy, 1901

Eagris ochreana Lathy, 1901. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1901: 34 (19-36).

Eagris sabadius ochreana. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Mount Namuli, Mozambique. 26 May 2006. Images M.C. Williams ex Gardiner Collection.

Eagris sabadius ochreana. Female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Mount Namuli, Mozambique. 25 April 2008. Images M.C. Williams ex Gardiner Collection.

Type locality: [Malawi]: “Zomba”. Distribution: Kenya (south-east), Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia (north-east), Mozambique (Timberlake et al., 2007), Zimbabwe (Kielland, 1990d). Specific localities: Kenya – Makadara Forest (Sevastopulo, 1974); Shimba Hills (Larsen, 1991c); Teita Hills (Larsen, 1991c); Chyulu Hills (Larsen, 1991c). Malawi – Zomba (TL); Lujeri Estate, Mulanje (male illustrated above); Thyolo Cholo near Satemwa Estate (female illustrated above); Mt. Mulanje (Congdon et al., 2010). Zambia – Makutu Mountains (Heath et al., 2002: 3); Mafinga Mountains (Heath et al., 2002: 3); Nyika Plateau (Heath et al., 2002: 3). A single male taken at Ndole Bay (Lake Tanganyika) has atypical facies (Heath et al., 2002: 3). Mozambique – Mount Chiperone (Timberlake et al., 2007); Mount Namuli (Congdon et al., 2010); Mount Mabu (Congdon et al., 2010).

Note: Kielland (1990d:231) states that specimens resembling subspecies ochreana Lathy, 1901 are sympatric with specimens referable to subspecies astoria Holland, 1896 in Tanzania. He believes that ochreana is merely a form of astoria but does not formally sink ochreana to astoria.

*Eagris subalbida (Holland, 1893) Chocolate Flat

Sarangesa subalbida Holland, 1893. Entomological News 5: 26 (26-31).

Type locality: Ghana: “Accra, West Africa”. Distribution: Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda. Recorded, in error, from Sierra Leone by Evans, 1937 (Larsen, 2005a). Habitat: Forest in good condition (Larsen, 2005a).

16 Habits: This is quite a scarce butterfly that flies inside dense forest (Larsen, 2005a). Males perch on the upperside of leaves but roost on the underside of a leaf, with the wings held flat. Contests between males take place at great speeds, about 1,5 metres above the ground. Males are known to feed from flowers and bird droppings (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

Eagris subalbida subalbida (Holland, 1893)

Sarangesa subalbida Holland, 1893. Entomological News 5: 26 (26-31).

Type locality: Ghana: “Accra, West Africa”. Distribution: Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria (east), Cameroon. Specific localities: Guinea – Nimba Mountains (Larsen, 2005a). Ghana – Accra (TL); Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary (Larsen et al., 2007). Cameroon – Alen (Strand, 1913); Molundu (Aurivillius, 1925).

albiventer Strand, 1913 (as var. of Trichosemeia terastigma). Archiv für Naturgeschichte 78 (A.12.): 44 (30-84). Cameroon: “Alén”.

obscura Aurivillius, 1925 (as var. of Sarangesa thecla). Ergebnisse der Zweiten Deutschen Zentral- Afrika-Expedition 1 (18): 1255 (1243-1359). Cameroon: “Süd-Kamerun: Molundu”.

Eagris subalbida aurivillii (Neustetter, 1927)

Sarangesa aurivillii Neustetter, 1927. Internationale Entomologische Zeitschrift 21: 32 (7-8, 14-16, 23-24, 32).

Type locality: Uganda. Distribution: Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Uganda, Rwanda. Gabon – Kinguele (Vande weghe, 2010); Ipassa, Ivindo National Park (Vande weghe, 2010); Waka National Park (Vande weghe, 2010); Bitam (Vande weghe, 2010).

theclides Holland, 1896 (as sp. of Sarangesa). Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1896: 8 (2-107). Gabon: “Gaboon”.

*Eagris tetrastigma (Mabille, 1891) Black Flat

Ceratrichia tetrastigma Mabille, 1891. Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de Belgique 35: 65 (59-88, 106-121, 168-187).

Type locality: Cameroon: “Cameroons intérieur”. Distribution: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Uganda. Habitat: Both primary and secondary forest (Larsen, 2005a). Habits: An uncommon species that seems to occur in very localized populations (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

Eagris tetrastigma tetrastigma (Mabille, 1891)

Ceratrichia tetrastigma Mabille, 1891. Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de Belgique 35: 65 (59-88, 106-121, 168-187).

Type locality: Cameroon: “Cameroons intérieur”. Distribution: Nigeria (east), Cameroon, Congo, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Uganda (west). Specific localities: Nigeria – Okwangwo (Larsen, 2005a); Oban Hills (Larsen, 2005a). Angola – Cabinda Province (Mendes et al., 2013).

tristifica Aurivillius, 1925 in Seitz, 1908-25 (as sp. of Trichosemeia?). Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, Stuttgart (2) 13 Die Afrikanischen Tagfalter: 579 (614 pp.). No locality given.

Eagris tetrastigma subolivescens (Holland, 1892)

Tricosemeia subolivescens Holland, 1892. Annals and Magazine of Natural History (6) 10: 294 (284-294).

Type locality: [W. Africa]: “Matabililand”. [False locality.] Distribution: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria (west). Specific localities: Guinea – Fouta Djalon (ABRI, vide Larsen, 2005a). Sierra Leone – Loma Mountains (C. Belcastro, vide Larsen, 2005a; single male). Liberia – Sapo (H. Warren-Gash, vide Larsen, 2005a). Ghana – Kakum National Park (Larsen, 2005a); Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary (Larsen et al., 2007).

Note: The population in the Loma Mountains, Sierra Leone, may represent an undescribed subspecies or species (Larsen, 2005a).

*Eagris tigris Evans, 1937 Western Tiger Flat

Eagris tigris Evans, 1937. A catalogue of the African Hesperiidae indicating the classification and nomenclature adopted in the British Museum: 33 (212 pp.).

Type locality: Uganda: “Bugoma Forest, Unyoro, 3,700 ft”. Distribution: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Angola, Sudan (south), Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda. Habitat: Forest of good quality (Larsen, 2005a). Habits: Scarce throughout its range, and especially scarce in West Africa (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

Eagris tigris tigris Evans, 1937

Eagris tigris Evans, 1937. A catalogue of the African Hesperiidae indicating the classification and nomenclature adopted in the British Museum: 33 (212 pp.).

Type locality: Uganda: “Bugoma Forest, Unyoro, 3,700 ft”. Distribution: Democratic Republic of Congo (east), Uganda (west). Specific localities: Uganda – Bugoma Forest, Unyoro (TL).

18 Eagris tigris kayonza Evans, 1956

Eagris tigris kayonza Evans, 1956. Annals and Magazine of Natural History (12) 8: 882 (881-885).

Type locality: Uganda: “Kayonza, Kigesi”. Distribution: Uganda (south-west – Kigezi district). Specific localities: Uganda – Kayonza, Kigezi (TL).

Note: Larsen (2005a) does not believe this taxon to be a valid subspecies but does not formally sink it.

Eagris tigris liberti Collins & Larsen, 2005

Eagris tigris liberti Collins & Larsen, 2005. In Larsen, 2005. Butterflies of West Africa: 557.

Eagris tigris liberti. Male (holotype), Nigeria. Left – upperside; right – underside. Images courtesy Torben Larsen.

Type locality: Nigeria: “Oban Hills”. Holotype (male) March, 1995 (T.B. Larsen leg., coll. African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi). Diagnosis: Larger than the nominate subspecies; hyaline spots better developed; hindwing upperside margin paler (Larsen, 2005a). The populations in the Central African Republic are intermediate between those of the nominate subspecies and subspecies liberti (Larsen, 2005a). Etymology: Named for Michel Libert in recognition of his contributions to the study of Afrotropical butterflies (Larsen, 2005a). Distribution: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Angola (Evans, 1937), Sudan (south). Specific localities: Ivory Coast – Danane (Larsen, 2005a); Goupoupleu (Larsen, 2005a). Ghana – Wli Falls (Larsen, 2005a); Kyabobo (Larsen, 2005a); (Larsen, 2005a); Atewa Range (Larsen, 2005a); Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary (Larsen et al., 2007). Nigeria – Oban Hills (TL); Bassa (Larsen, 2005a); Okwangwo (Larsen, 2005a). Gabon – Langoue, Ivindo National Park (Vande weghe, 2010). Central African Republic – Bangui (Larsen, 2005a). Angola – Kwanza Norte Province (Mendes et al., 2013).