14th edition (2015).

Genus Chondrolepis Mabille, 1904

In Mabille, 1903-4. In: Wytsman, P.A.G., Genera Insectorum 17: 170 (210 pp.). Type-species: Pamphila murga Mabille, by monotypy.

= Chioneigia Heron, 1909. Transactions of the Zoological Society of London 19: 172 (141- 178). Type-species: Chioneigia leggei Heron, by original designation.

The Snow-horned Skippers are a genus of submontane Afrotropical butterflies. There are nine described species. Generic review by de Jong, 1986. Males in this genus have very long antennae, with the upperside bright white. The antennal colouration is probably related to sexual signalling. In fresh specimens the eyes are red (Larsen, 1991c). The larvae utilize broad leaved grasses as foodplants (Larsen, 1991c).

*Chondrolepis cynthia Evans, 1936

Chondrolepis cynthia Evans, 1936 in Audeoud, 1936. Bulletin de la Société Lépidoptérologique de Genève 7: 185 (184-187).

Type locality: [Democratic Republic of Congo]: “forêt de Bugoi, Kivu occidental, 2600 m”. Distribution: Democratic Republic of Congo (east), Uganda (south-west). Specific localities: Democratic Republic of Congo – Bugoi Forest, west Kivu (TL). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Chondrolepis ducarmei Larsen & Congdon, 2012

Chondrolepis ducarmei Larsen & Congdon, 2012. Zootaxa 3322: 59 (49-62).

Type locality: Democratic Republic of Congo: “Bunyatenge, North Kivu (00°16'S 28°53'E)”. Holotype male captured by Robert Ducarme on 24 April 1996 at 1 800 m and is housed in the MRAC, Tervuren. The female is unknown (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). Diagnosis: Characterized by very large forewing discal spots of a deep ochreous tone, orange cilia and unique genitalia (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). Distribution: Democratic Republic of Congo (Mitumba Mountains – North Kivu Province). Specific localities: Democratic Republic of Congo – Bunyatenge (TL); Kirima, 1 700 m (00°11'N 29°06'E). Habitat: Submontane forest at about 1 700 to 1 800 m (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). Habits: An apparently rare and local species (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). Flight period: Recorded in April (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Chondrolepis leggei (Heron, 1909) Legge’s Snow-horned Skipper

1 Chioneigia leggei Heron, 1909. Transactions of the Zoological Society of London 19: 173 (141-178).

Type locality: [Uganda]: “Mubuku Valley, E. Ruwenzori”. Distribution: Democratic Republic of Congo (east), Uganda, Kenya (west), Tanzania (west). Specific localities: Uganda – Mubuku Valley, east Ruwenzori (TL). Kenya – Chepalungu (Larsen, 1991c); Kitale (Larsen, 1991c); Hoey’s Bridge (Larsen, 1991c); Kakamega Forest (Larsen, 1991c); Nandi Hills (Larsen, 1991c); Saiwa Swamp (Cock & Congdon, 2014). Tanzania – Lukandamira, 1600 m, on the slopes of Mount Mahale (Kielland, 1990d; single female). Habitat: Forest (Larsen, 1991c). Habits: A scarce species that usually remains in deep forest but individuals do come to clearings to feed from flowers (Larsen, 1991c). It also visits flowers at dusk (Larsen, 1991c) or dawn (Cock & Congdon, 2014). Early stages:

Cock & Congdon, 2014: 332. Describe leaf shelters, all larval instars and pupa. Illustrate penultimate and final instar larvae and pupa.

Larval food: Cenchrus trachyphyllus (= Pennisetum trachyphyllum) (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014]. Setaria species (Poaceae) [Larsen, 1991c: 424]. Setaria megaphylla (= Setaria plicatilis) (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014]. Setaria sulcata (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014].

*Chondrolepis nero Evans, 1937 Cameroon Snow-horned Skipper

Chondrolepis nero Evans, 1937. A catalogue of the African Hesperiidae indicating the classification and nomenclature adopted in the British Museum: 140 (212 pp.).

Type locality: Nigeria: “Kumbo, 5,500 ft”. Distribution: Nigeria, Cameroon. Recorded, in error, from Uganda by Davenport, 1996 (Larsen, 2005a). Specific localities: Nigeria – Kumbo (TL); Obudu Plateau (Larsen, 2005a). Habitat: Occurs only above 1 500 m, near submontane forest. Habits: Localized but sometimes common (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Chondrolepis niveicornis (Plötz, 1882) Common Snow-horned Skipper

Hesperia niveicornis Plötz, 1882. Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung 44: 33 (26-64, 195-233). Chondrolepis niveicornis (Plötz, 1883). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [date of authorship erroneous] Chondrolepis niveicornis (Plötz, 1883). Pringle et al., 1994: 329. [date of authorship erroneous]

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Chondrolepis niveicornis. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 30mm. Butler South, S. Rhodesia. 18.ix.52. K.M. Pennington. (Transvaal Museum – TM2849).

Alternative common names: Snow-horned Skipper; Snow-horned Nightfighter. Type locality: Angola. Distribution: Nigeria, Cameroon, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (east), Sudan (south), Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya (west & central), Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe (eastern border). Specific localities: Nigeria – Obudu Plateau (Larsen, 2005a); Mambilla Plateau (Larsen, 2005a). Ethiopia – Kebre-Mengist (TL). Kenya – ?Chyulu Hills (Larsen, 1991c). Tanzania – E. Quaso, Masai (Butler, 1902); Wanzizi, Mpanda (Kielland, 1990d); Northern Highlands (Kielland, 1990d); Kitesa Forest (Kielland, 1990d); Njombe (Kielland, 1990d); Usambara Mountains (Kielland, 1990d). Malawi – Kondowi, Lower Nyika (Butler, 1896). Zambia – Ikelenge (Heath et al., 2002); Mwinilunga (Heath et al., 2002); Solwezi (Heath et al., 2002); Mufulira (Heath et al., 2002); Ndola (Heath et al., 2002); Chilanga (Heath et al., 2002); Luongo River (Heath et al., 2002); Kawambwa (Heath et al., 2002); Kanona (Heath et al., 2002); Mpika (Heath et al., 2002); Shiwa Ngandu (Heath et al., 2002); Misamfu River (Kasama) (Heath et al., 2002); Sunzu (Mbala) (Heath et al., 2002). Mozambique – Amatongas (Pringle et al., 1994); Mt Njesi (Congdon et al., 2010); Mt Namuli (Congdon et al., 2010). Zimbabwe – Mineni Valley (Trimen, 1894); Butler South (male illustrated above); Mount Selinda; Nyanga (Pringle et al., 1994); Laurenceville (the Cooksons); Chitora Hills (Cottrell); Sherugwi (Pinhey); Odzi (Pringle et al., 1994); Pungwe (D. and R. Plowes); Harare (A. Duke). Habitat: Damp and marshy places, and stream banks (Pringle et al., 1994) in forests and on forest margins (Kielland, 1990d). Also in woodland (Kielland, 1990d). In Nigeria in tall grass at the edges of submontane forest (Larsen, 2005a). In Tanzania from 800 to 2 200 m (Kielland, 1990d). Habits: A fairly common forest butterfly (Larsen, 1991c). Only active at dusk, except on warm cloudy days (Pringle et al., 1994). It flies low down, often weaving between vegetation in tangled undergrowth (Larsen, 1991c). The flight is fast in grassland but in the forest, when looking for flowers or females, the flight is ‘buzzing’ and the white antennae are then very conspicuous (Larsen, 2005a). Flight period: September and January to May (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: A marsh grass (Poaceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978: 196]. Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. (Poaceae) [Le Pelley, 1959; Uganda]. Panicum deustum Thunb. (Poaceae) [Pringle et al., 1994: 330].

murga Mabille, 1890 (as sp. of Pamphila). Annales de la Société Entomologique de France (6) 10: 31 (17-51). [Zimbabwe?]: “Cafrerie”. [False locality]. 3

chirala Trimen, 1894 (as sp. of Pamphila). Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1894: 76 (14-82). [Zimbabwe]: “Mineni Valley”.

albicornis Butler, 1896 (as sp. of Perichares). Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1896: 132 (108-136). [Malawi]: “Kondowi, Lower Nyika, 4110 feet”.

mirandus Butler, 1902 (as sp. of Kedestes?). Annals and Magazine of Natural History (7) 9: 33 (31-34). [Tanzania]: “E. Quaso, Masai”.

pseudonero Berger, 1984 (as ssp. of Chondrolepis niveicornis). In: Rougeot, 1984. Memoires. Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle. Paris (Zoologie) 128: 59 (1-93). Type locality: Ethiopia: “Éthiopie, Kébré-Mengist”. Note: Lamas, pers. comm., April, 2008, states that the taxon pseudonero Berger, 1984 is unavailable as it was never described. It is thus a nomen nudum.

*Chondrolepis obscurior de Jong, 1986

Chondrolepis obscurior de Jong, 1986. Zoologische Verhandelingen (231): 16 (40 pp.). Chondrolepis obscurior de Jong, 1986. Kielland, 1990d.

Type locality: Tanzania: “Mufindi, Lupeme, 6500'”. Distribution: Tanzania (southern highlands – Udzungwa Mountains). Specific localities: Tanzania – Lupeme, Mufindi, 1700-2000 m (TL); near the Kitulo Plateau (Congdon, vide Kielland, 1990d); Bundali Hills, Ileje District (Cock & Congdon, 2014). Habitat: Forest roadsides, forest edges and forest streams (Kielland, 1990d). Habits: The flight is rapid but specimens settle frequently, on the ground or on low vegetation (Kielland, 1990d). When disturbed it flies off at great speed (Kielland, 1990d). Females, when ovipositing on Festuca africana, prefer plants inside the forest or in shady spots rather than on the forest margin (Cock & Congdon, 2014). Flight period: Appears to be single brooded, with the adults most common in January and February (Cock & Congdon, 2014). Early stages:

Cock & Congdon, 2014: 336. Describe the leaf shelter, larvae and pupa. Illustrate leaf shelters, final instar larva and pupa.

Larval food: Festuca africana (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014: 336]. Hickelia africana (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014: 336].

*Chondrolepis similis de Jong, 1986

Chondrolepis similis de Jong, 1986. Zoologische Verhandelingen (231): 15 (40 pp.). Chondrolepis similis de Jong, 1986. Kielland, 1990d.

Type locality: Tanzania: “Mufindi, Luisenga River, 1700 m”. Distribution: Tanzania (southern highlands – Udzungwa Mountains). Specific localities: Tanzania – Luisenga River, 1700 m (TL). Habitat: Forest at 1 500 to 1 900 m (Kielland, 1990d). Habits: A rarer species than obscurior, with which it flies (Kielland, 1990d). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

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*Chondrolepis telisignata (Butler, 1896)

Perichares telisignata Butler, 1896. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1896: 133 (108-136).

Chondrolepis telisignata. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 25mm. Nyika, Zambia. 18/viii/1977. Fisher. (Gardiner Collection).

Type locality: [Malawi]: “Kantorongondo Mt., Nyika, 5900 feet”. Distribution: Uganda (Davenport, 1996) (requires confirmation according to Cock & Congdon, 2014), Kenya (central, south), Tanzania (south), Malawi (north), Zambia. Specific localities: Kenya – Aberdares (Larsen, 1991c); Mount Kenya (Larsen, 1991c); Moyo Ridge/Mweiga (Larsen, 1991c); Ol’Doinyo Sabuk (Larsen, 1991c); Teita Hills (Larsen, 1991c); ?Sotik area (Larsen, 1991c); Chyulu Hills(Larsen & Congdon, 2012); Tigoni (Cock & Congdon, 2014); Muguga (Cock & Congdon, 2014); Ngong Hills (Cock & Congdon, 2014); Thompson’s Falls (Cock & Congdon, 2014). Tanzania – Mount Rungwe (Kielland, 1990d); Njombe (Kielland, 1990d); Mufindi (Kielland, 1990d); Kalimbasi Mountain (Kielland, 1990d); Luhombero Mountain (Kielland, 1990d); Image Mountain, Uzungwa Range (Kielland, 1990d); Mount Mangalisa (Kielland, 1990d); Mafwemiru Forest, Rubeho Mountains (Kielland, 1990d). Malawi – Kantorongondo Mountain, Nyika (TL). Zambia – Nyika (Heath et al., 2002; male illustrated above). Habitat: Dense montane and semi-montane forest (Larsen, 1991c). In Tanzania from 1 500 to 2 500 m (Kielland, 1990d). Habits: Apparently quite common in the bamboo zone on the western side of the Aberdares in Kenya (De Jong, 1986) but generally a rather scarce skipper (Larsen, 1991c). Flies low down in deep shade, the white antennae of the male then being very conspicuous (Larsen, 1991c). Early stages:

Cock & Congdon, 2014: 329. []. Describe leaf shelters, all larval instars and pupa. Illustrate the penultimate and final instar larva and the pupa.

Larval food: ?Cenchrus (= Pennisetum) sp. (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014; Thompson’s Falls, Kenya]. Helictotrichon elongatum or Ehrharta erecta var. abyssinica (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014; Ngong Hills, Kenya]. Setaria species (Poaceae) [M.J.W. Cock, vide Larsen, 1991c: 424]. Setaria megaphylla (= plicatilis) (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014; Muguga, Kenya]. Setaria sulcata (= poiretiana) (Poaceae) [Cock & Congdon, 2014; Tigoni, Kenya].

5 *Chondrolepis uluguru Larsen & Congdon, 2012

Chondrolepis uluguru Larsen & Congdon, 2012. Zootaxa 3322: 56 (49-62).

Type locality: Tanzania: “Uluguru Mts (Nyachilo – 07°00'S 37°39'E)”. Holotype male captured by T.C.E. Congdon on 13 February 2004 and housed in the African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi. Diagnosis: The bright rusty scaling on the costa and base of the forewing set both sexes apart from all other members of the genus (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). General notes: This species was discovered during an expedition to the Uluguru Mountains in 2004 by Congdon and African Butterfly Research Institute staff. Distribution: Tanzania (higher parts of the Uluguru Mountains). Specific localities: Tanzania – Nyachilo (TL). Habitat: Submontane forest at about 1 600 m (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). Habits: An apparently rare species (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). Flight period: Recorded in January, February and March (Larsen & Congdon, 2012). Early stages:

Cock & Congdon, 2014: 334. [Nyachilo, Tanzania]. Briefly describe leaf shelters, larva and pupa. Illustrate penultimate and final instar larva and pupa.

Larval food: Setaria palmifolia complex (Poaceae) [Larsen & Congdon, 2012].

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