294 Genus Cupidesthes Aurivillius

AFROTROPICAL BUTTERFLIES. MARK C. WILLIAMS. http://www.lepsocafrica.org/?p=publications&s=atb Updated 1 January 2021

Genus Cupidesthes Aurivillius, 1895 Light Hairtails

Entomologisk Tidskrift 16: 215 (195-220, 255-268). Type-species: Cupidesthes robusta Aurivillius, by monotypy.

The genus Cupidesthes belongs to the Family Lycaenidae Leach, 1815; Subfamily Polyommatinae Swainson, 1827; Tribe Lycaenesthini Toxopeus, 1929. The other genera in the Tribe Lycaenesthini in the Afrotropical Region are Anthene, Neurellipes, Triclema, and Monile.

Cupidesthes (Light Hairtails) is a purely Afrotropical genus containing 18 species (Libert, 2010). Members of this genus are generally scarce butterflies, often caught as singletons and are difficult to identify with certainty. Moreover, it is also difficult to associate the males and females of a particular species (Collins & Larsen, in Larsen, 2005a). The genus was revised by Libert in 2010.

Species groups in the genus Cupidesthes (Libert, 2010: 206)

C. robusta group: C. robusta C. thyrsis group: C. thyrsis subgroup: C. thyrsis, C. caerulea C. lithas subgroup: C. lithas, C. paralithas, C. gabunica, C. hilarion, C. vidua C. mimetica group: C. mimetica subgroup: C. mimetica, C. henrii, C. hecqi, C. abriana C. paludicola subgroup: C. paludicola, C. jacksoni, C. salvatoris, C. amieti C. cuprifascia subgroup: C. cuprifascia, C. michelae

*Cupidesthes robusta Aurivillius, 1895 Robust Hairtail

Cupidesthes robusta Aurivillius, 1895. Entomologisk Tidskrift 16: 215 (195-220, 255-268). Cupidesthes robusta Aurivillius, 1895. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes robusta Aurivillius, 1895. Libert, 2010: 207.

Alternative common name: Robust Ciliate Blue. Type locality: Cameroon: “Kitta”. Holotype (male), 27 April 1891 (Sjostedt); genitalia Stempffer 2962; Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm. Neallotype (female), Ebogo, Nyong R., Central Cameroon (ABRI coll); A.B.R.I., Nairobi (Libert, 2010). Holotype in the Swedish Natural History Museum (images available at www2.nrm.se/en/lep_nrm/r). Distribution: Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo (north-east). Specific localities: Nigeria – near Umuhaia (Larsen, 2005a); Lekki Swamp near Lagos (Libert, 2010). Cameroon – Kitta in the Korup area (TL); Ebogo, Nyong River (Libert, 2010); Mount Cameroon (Libert, 2010); Yaounde (Libert, 2010).

1 Congo – Sembe (Libert, 2010). Central African Republic – Bimon (Libert, 2010); Yakoli (Libert, 2010). Democratic Republic of Congo – Epulu (Libert, 2010); Makusa (Libert, 2010); Beni (Libert, 2010); Lake Edward (Libert, 2010); Ituri Forest (Ducarme, 2018). Habitat: Nothing published. Habits: A very rare species (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

Note: More than one species may be included under this taxon (Larsen, 2005a).

*Cupidesthes thyrsis (Kirby, [1878])

Lycaenesthes thyrsis Kirby, [1878]. In: Hewitson, [1862-78]. Illustrations of diurnal lepidoptera. Lycaenidae: 224 (1: 1-228; 2: 95 pp.; Supplement: 1-48.). London. Cupidesthes thyrsis (Kirby, 1878). Ackery et al., 1995: 633. Cupidesthes thyrsis Kirby, 1878. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes thyrsis (Kirby, 1878). Libert, 2010: 210.

Type locality: Gabon: “Gaboon”; Equatorial Guinea: “Fernando Po”. Neotype (female), Fernando Po, Equatorial Guinea; N.H.M., London. Neallotype (male), Bitje, Ja River, Cameroon, 2000 ft, Dry Season (G.L. Bates); N.H.M., London (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (Island of Bioko), Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo (Ubangi, Uele, Tshopo, Equateur, Kinshasa, Sankuru, Lualaba), Uganda (west). Specific localities: Cameroon – Bitje, Ja River (Libert, 2010); Bamenda (Libert, 2010); Esseko (Libert, 2010); Maan (Libert, 2010); Moloundou (Libert, 2010); Bertoua (Libert, 2010). Equatorial Guinea – Bioko (Libert, 2010); Benito (Libert, 2010); Crystal Mountains (Libert, 2010). Gabon – Crystal Mountains (Libert, 2010); Ipassa (Libert, 2010); Fernan Vaz (Libert, 2010); Bateke Plateau (Libert, 2010); Kinguele (Vande weghe, 2010); Lambarene (Vande weghe, 2010); Mboumie (Vande weghe, 2010); Waka (Vande weghe, 2010); Rabi (Vande weghe, 2010); Lope N.P. (Vande weghe, 2010); Kongou (Vande weghe, 2010); Langoue (Vande weghe, 2010); camp Nouna (Vande weghe, 2010); camp PPG (Vande weghe, 2010); Ekouyi (Vande weghe, 2010). Congo – Sembe (Libert, 2010); Ouesso (Libert, 2010); Kouilou (Libert, 2010); Brazzaville (Libert, 2010). Central African Republic – Bangui (Libert, 2010). Democratic Republic of Congo – Kimuenza (TL of albida); Kinshasa (Libert, 2010); Lukolela (Libert, 2010); Mbandaka (Libert, 2010); Buta (Libert, 2010); Rungu (Libert, 2010); Beni (Libert, 2010); Sandoa (Libert, 2010); Kafakumba (Libert, 2010); Ituri Forest (Ducarme, 2018); Central Forest Block (Ducarme, 2018); Mt Mitumba (Ducarme, 2018). Uganda – Kayonza (Libert, 2010). Habitat: Habits: Flight period: Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

unicolor Aurivillius, 1923. In: Seitz, 1908-25 (as female ab. of Lycaenesthes thyrsis). Die Gross- Schmetterlinge der Erde, Stuttgart (2) 13 Die Afrikanischen Tagfalter: 439 (614 pp.). No locality.

albida Aurivillius, 1923 (as sp. of Lycaenesthes). In: Schultze & Aurivillius, 1923. Ergebnisse der Zweiten Deutschen Zentral-Afrika Expedition 1(17): 1232 (1113-1242). Type locality: [Democratic Republic of Congo]: “Kimuenza”. Known only from the holotype (female) (Larsen, 2005a). Distribution: Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa). Misattributed to the West African fauna by D’Abrera, 1980 (Larsen, 2005a). Specific localities: Democratic Republic of Congo – Kimuenza (TL). Larsen (2005a) states that Cupidesthes albida is possibly a form of Cupidesthes thyrsis (Hewitson, 2 1878). Treated as Cupidesthes albida Aurivillius, 1923 by d’Abrera, 2009: 800. Formally synonymized with Cupidesthes thyrsis (Kirby, 1878) by Libert, 2010: 210 n. syn.

*Cupidesthes caerulea Jackson, 1966

Cupidesthes caerulea Jackson, 1966. Annals and Magazine of Natural History (13) 8: 531 (523-531). Cupidesthes caerulea Jackson, 1966. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes caerulea Jackson, 1966. Libert, 2010: 212.

Type locality: Congo: “Soanke, Sembe”. Holotype (male), March 1960 (T.H.E. Jackson); N.H.M., London. Allotype (female), Kelle, Congo, May 1963 (T.H.E. Jackson); N.H.M., London (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic. Specific localities: Cameroon – Barombi (Libert, 2010); Ntale (Libert, 2010); Batanga (Libert, 2010); Kribi (Libert, 2010); Song Abwe (Libert, 2010); Yaounde (Libert, 2010); Mebengue (Libert, 2010); Nyazanga (Libert, 2010); Bitje (Libert, 2010); Djoum (Libert, 2010); Maan (Libert, 2010); Deng Deng (Libert, 2010); Bertoua (Libert, 2010). Gabon – Ipassa (Libert, 2010). Congo – Sembe, Soanke District (TL); Kelle (Libert, 2010). Central African Republic – Dzanga (Noss, 1998). Habitat: Habits: Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes lithas (Druce, 1890) Volta Hairtail

Lycaenesthes lithas Druce, 1890. Annals and Magazine of Natural History (6) 5: 24 (24-31). Cupidesthes lithas (Druce, 1890). Ackery et al., 1995: 633. Cupidesthes lithas Druce, 1890. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes lithas (Druce, 1890). Libert, 2010: 213.

Left – Cupidesthes lithas male (holotype) upperside, Ghana. Right – Cupidesthes voltae female (holotype) upperside. Images courtesy Torben Larsen.

Alternative common name: Volta Ciliate Blue. Type locality: [Ghana]: “W. Africa, Addah”. Holotype (male) in the N.H.M., London. Neallotype (female), Volta River, Ghana; N.H.M., London (Libert, 2010). Diagnosis: See Cupidesthes salvatoris. Distribution: Guinea (Collins & Larsen, in Larsen, 2005a), Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, 3 Togo, Nigeria (south-west). Recorded, in error, from Cameroon, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda (Libert, 2010). Specific localities: Guinea – Macenta (Libert, 2010); Nzerekoe (Libert, 2010); Seredou, Ziama (Libert, 2010); Nimba Mountains (Libert, 2010). Sierra Leone – Baranga (Libert, 2010); Lunia (Libert, 2010); Moyamba (Libert, 2010); Gola (Libert, 2010). Liberia – Kitoma (Libert, 2010); Kpaine (Libert, 2010); Yamein (Libert, 2010); Wanau (Libert, 2010); Zorzor (Libert, 2010); Sesera (Libert, 2010); Maloubli (Libert, 2010). Ivory Coast – Nimba Mountains (Libert, 2010); Peko Mountains (Libert, 2010); Man (Libert, 2010); Dassioko (Libert, 2010); Tiassale (Libert, 2010); Abidjan (Libert, 2010); Alepe (Libert, 2010); Assinie (Libert, 2010); Abegourou (Libert, 2010); Niable (Libert, 2010). Ghana – Addah (TL); Volta River (Libert, 2010); Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary (Larsen et al., 2007); Ankasa (Libert, 2010); Cape Three Points (Libert, 2010); Tano Ofin (Libert, 2010); Kumasi (Libert, 2010); Kibi (Libert, 2010); Accra (Libert, 2010). Togo – Kloto (Libert, 2010); Kpime (Libert, 2010). Nigeria – Lagos (Libert, 2010). Habitat: Forest. Habits: This is the commonest species of Cupidesthes in West Africa but is, nevertheless, not common (Larsen, 2005a). Usually found in ones or twos but occasionally colonies of up to 20 may be encountered. They seem to be fairly sedentary, usually perching on green leaves. The flight is slow, and often inside vegetation (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

voltae Sharpe, 1890 (as sp. of Lycaenesthes). Annals and Magazine of Natural History (6) 6: 105 (103- 106). Ghana: “Volta River”. Synonymized with Cupidesthes lithas by Belcastro & Larsen, 2005 (in Larsen, 2005a, syn. nov.

lithas Bethune-Baker, 1910 (as sp. of Lycaenesthes). Junior primary homonym of Cupidesthes lithas Druce, 1890.

*Cupidesthes paralithas Bethune-Baker, 1926 Precise Hairtail

Cupidesthes paralithas Bethune-Baker, 1926. Annals and Magazine of Natural History (9) 17: 399 (384-402). Cupidesthes paralithas Bethune-Baker, 1926. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes paralithas Bethune-Baker, 1926. Libert, 2010: 215.

Alternative common name: Precise Ciliate Blue. Type locality: Nigeria: “Uwet, Adiarbo (S. Nigeria)”; Cameroon: “Bamenda” [False locality?]. Lectotype (male), Uwet, southern Nigeria, March 1921; N.H.M., London. Paralectotype (female), Adiabo, southern Nigeria, May 1920; N.H.M., London (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Nigeria (south-east and Cross River loop). Probably misattributed to the Ivory Coast fauna by Ackery et al., 1995 (Larsen, 2005a). Specific localities: Nigeria – Uwet (TL); Onithsha (Larsen, 2005a); Adiabo (Libert, 2010); Mamu Forest (Libert, 2010); Awka (Libert, 2010); Obubra (Libert, 2010); Calabar (Libert, 2010). Habitat: Forest. Habits: An extremely rare species (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes gabunica (Aurivillius, [1899])

Lycaenesthes voltae var. gabunica Aurivillius, [1899]. In: Aurivillius, [1898-9]. Kungliga Svenska Vetenskapakademiens Handlingar 31 (5): 349 (1-561). Cupidesthes voltae gabunica Aurivillius, 1898. Stempffer, 1957: 169. [date of authorship erroneous] Cupidesthes voltae gabunica Aurivillius, 1898. Stempffer, 1967: 188. [date of authorship erroneous] Synonym of Cupidesthes lithas (Druce, 1890). Ackery et al., 1995: 633. nec Cupidesthes lithas Druce, 1890, f. gabunica Aurivillius, 1899. Larsen, 2005: 247. Cupidesthes arescopa Bethune-Baker, 1910. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes gabunica (Aurivillius, 1898). Libert, 2010: 216. [date of authorship erroneous]

Congdon & Collins, 1998: 104 [as C. arescopa orientalis].

Larsen, 2005a [as C. arescopa orientalis; Kenya]. Collins noted that eggs were laid in large untidy clusters and then completely covered by anal hairs emanating from the female. On hatching the larvae consumed these hairs, then began feeding on the tea leaves.

Larval food: Thea sinensis (Theaceae) (tea) [Collins, vide Larsen, 2005a; Kenya; for C. arescopa orientalis].

Cupidesthes gabunica gabunica (Aurivillius, [1899])

Lycaenesthes voltae var. gabunica Aurivillius, [1899]. In: Aurivillius, [1898-9]. Kungliga Svenska Vetenskapakademiens Handlingar 31 (5): 349 (1-561). Cupidesthes voltae gabunica Aurivillius, 1898. Stempffer, 1957: 169. [date of authorship erroneous] Cupidesthes voltae gabunica Aurivillius, 1898. Stempffer, 1967: 188. [date of authorship erroneous] Synonym of Cupidesthes lithas (Druce, 1890). Ackery et al., 1995: 633. nec Cupidesthes lithas Druce, 1890, f. gabunica Aurivillius, 1899. Larsen, 2005: 247. Cupidesthes arescopa arescopa Bethune-Baker, 1910. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes gabunica gabunica (Aurivillius, 1898). Libert, 2010: 216. [date of authorship erroneous]

Type locality: Gabon: “Gabun”. Holotype (female), September 1891 (Mocquerys); Z.M.H.U., Berlin. Neallotype (male), Bitje, Ja River, Cameroon, 2000 ft, wet season, October 1909; N.H.M., London (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo. Specific localities: Togo – Badou (Libert, 2010). Nigeria – Awka Forest (Libert, 2010); Obubra (Libert, 2010); Elele (Libert, 2010); Umuhaia (Libert, 2010); Gashaka Gumpti (Libert, 2010). Cameroon – Bitje, Ja River (TL of arescopa); Yaounde (Libert, 2010); Sangmelima (Libert, 2010); Kribi (Libert, 2010); Maan (Libert, 2010); Bertoua (Libert, 2010); Deng Deng (Libert, 2010); Moloundou (Libert, 2010). Equatorial Guinea – Benito (Libert, 2010). Gabon – Bitam (Libert, 2010); Oyem (Libert, 2010); Lastourville (Libert, 2010); Lope (Libert, 2010); Waka (Libert, 2010); Bateke Plateau (Libert, 2010); Ogooue (Libert, 2010); Kinguele (Vande weghe, 2010); Mikongo (Vande weghe, 2010); zone SEGC (Vande weghe, 2010); camp Nouna (Vande weghe, 2010); camp PPG (Vande weghe, 2010). Congo – Etoumbi (Libert, 2010); Ketta (Libert, 2010); Mambili (Libert, 2010); Sembe (Libert, 2010).

arescopa Bethune-Baker, 1910 (as sp. of Cupidesthes). Transactions of the Entomological Society of

5 London 43: 9 (1-84). Type locality: Cameroon: “Bitje, Ja River”. Type in the N.H.M., London. Distribution: Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia. Records from Liberia and Ivory Coast (Clench, 1965; Stempffer & Bennett, 1953; Stempffer, 1966, 1969) are probably erroneous (Larsen, 2005a). Common name: Green Ciliate Blue. Habitat: Forest. Habits: Males fly rapidly amongst low vegetation on the verges of forest roads. Females fly more slowly but are found in the same places as the males. Males have also been observed flying higher up in the trees (Congdon & Collins, 1998). Early stages: Congdon & Collins, 1998: 104 [subspecies orientalis]. Larsen, 2005a [subspecies orientalis; Kenya]. Collins noted that eggs were laid in large untidy clusters and then completely covered by anal hairs emanating from the female. On hatching the larvae consumed these hairs, then began feeding on the tea leaves. Larval food: Thea sinensis (Theaceae) (tea) [Collins, vide Larsen, 2005a; Kenya]. Treated as Cupidesthes arescopa Bethune-Baker, 1910 by d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Formally synonymized with Cupidesthes gabunica gabunica (Aurivillius, 1899) by Libert, 2010: 216 n. syn.

Cupidesthes gabunica orientalis (Stempffer, 1962)

Anthene (Cupidesthes) arescopa orientalis Stempffer, 1962. Bulletin de l’Institut Français d’Afrique Noire (A) 24: 1169 (1135-1181). Cupidesthes arescopa orientalis Stempffer, 1962. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes gabunica orientalis Stempffer, 1962. Libert, 2010: 218 n. comb.

Cupidesthes gabunica orientalis. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 28mm. Kere Hill, Minziro F., Bukoba R., Tanzania, 1250m. 21.4.1994. T.C.E.C./MH. (African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi).

Cupidesthes gabunica orientalis. Female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 30mm. Minziro F., Bukoba dist., N.W. Tanzania. 6/1994. IB/PN. (African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi).

Type locality: Uganda: “Mawakota, Kamengo”. Holotype (male), August 1949 (T.H.E. Jackson); N.H.M., London. Allotype (female), Sango Bay, Katera, Uganda, November 1953 (T.H.E. Jackson); N.H.M., London (Libert, 2010). 6 Distribution: Congo, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya (west), Tanzania (north-west). Recorded, in error, from Zambia by Heath et al., 2002 (Libert, 2010). Specific localities: Congo – Etoumbi (Libert, 2010). Central African Republic – Bouchia (Libert, 2010); Moloukou (Libert, 2010); Yakoli (Libert, 2010). Democratic Republic of Congo – Mbandaka (Libert, 2010); Kuma (Libert, 2010); Kisangani (Libert, 2010); Paulis (Libert, 2010); Beni (Libert, 2010)Katako-Kombe in Sankuru (Libert, 2010); Kafakumba (Libert, 2010); Lupweshi River (Libert, 2010); Sandoa in Shaba (Libert, 2010); Ituri Forest (Ducarme, 2018); Semuliki Valley (Ducarme, 2018); Central Forest Block (Ducarme, 2018); Mt Mitumba (Ducarme, 2018). Uganda – Kamengo, Mawakota (TL); Sango Bay, Katera (Libert, 2010); Budongo (Libert, 2010); Katera (Libert, 2010); Jinja (Libert, 2010); Mbale near Mount Elgon (Libert, 2010). Kenya – Kakamega Forest (Libert, 2010). Tanzania – Minziro Forest (Congdon & Collins, 1998; male and female illustrated above); Buzenya Forest (single record) (Congdon & Collins, 1998); Munene Forest (single record) (Congdon & Collins, 1998).

*Cupidesthes hilarion Hulstaert, 1924

Cupidesthes hilarion Hulstaert, 1924. Revue de Zoologie et de Botanique Africaine 12: 180 (112-122, 173-194). Synonym of Cupidesthes arescopa arescopa Bethune-Baker, 1910. Ackery et al., 1995: 632. Cupidesthes hilarion Hulstaert, 1924. Libert, 2010: 219 b. sp.

Type locality: Cameroon: “Bitje, Kamerun”. Holotype (female), Bitje, Ja River, 2000 ft, Cameroon, June-July 1909 (Bates-Rosenberg); M.R.A.C., Tervuren. Distribution: Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo. Specific localities: Cameroon – Bitje, Ja River (TL); Dja (Libert, 2010); Mintom II (Libert, 2010). Gabon – Ogooue? (Libert, 2010). Congo – Kelle (Libert, 2010). Democratic Republic of Congo – Djeka-Mbudi (Libert, 2010); Sankuru (Libert, 2010). Habitat: Habits: Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes vidua Talbot, 1929

Cupidesthes vidua Talbot, 1929. Bulletin of the Hill Museum, Witley 3: 140 (139-142). Cupidesthes vidua Talbot, 1929. d’Abrera, 2009: 800. Cupidesthes vidua Talbot, 1929. Libert, 2010: 220.

Cupidesthes vidua. Male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 29mm. Hillwood, Ikelenge, Zambia. 1.XI.79. A. Heath. (African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi).

Cupidesthes vidua. Female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Wingspan: 35mm. Hillwood, Ikelenge, Zambia. 1.XI.79. A. Heath. (African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi).

Type locality: Angola: “South-east Angola: Moxico District, 4,000 feet”. Holotype (female), October 1928 (T.A. Barns); N.H.M., London. Neallotype (male), Hillwood Farm, Ikelenge, N W Zambia, 10- 12 October 2002 (T.C.E. Congdon, S.C. Collins); A.B.R.I., Nairobi (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Angola, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia. Specific localities: Angola – Moxico District (TL). Uganda – Mabira Forest, near Jinja (Libert, 2010). Kenya – Kibwezi (Libert, 2010). Zambia – Hillwood Farm, Ikelenge (Heath and Fisher) (Heath, et al., 2002; male and female illustrated above). Habitat: Habits: Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes mimetica (Druce, 1910) Black-spotted Hairtail

Lycaenesthes mimetica Druce, 1910. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1910: 373 (356-378). Cupidesthes mimetica (Druce, 1910). Ackery et al., 1995: 633. Cupidesthes mimetica Druce, 1910. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes mimetica (Druce, 1910). Libert, 2010: 222.

Alternative common name: Black-spotted Ciliate Blue. Type locality: Cameroon: “Bitje, Ja river, Cameroons, 2000 ft”. Holotype (female) (G.L. Bates); N.H.M., London. Neallotype (male), Bitje, Ja River, 2000 ft, Cameroon, October-November 1913, wet season; genitalia Libert 108-150; N.H.M., London (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo. Recorded, in error, from Ivory Coast and Ghana (Libert, 2010). Habitat: Forest. Habits: A very rare species (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

Note: The taxon mimetica (Druce, 1910) is probably a species complex. At present too few specimens are available in collections to allow it to be unravelled (Larsen, 2005a). 8

Cupidesthes mimetica mimetica (Druce, 1910)

Type locality: Cameroon: “Bitje, Ja river, Cameroons, 2000 ft”. Holotype (female) (G.L. Bates); N.H.M., London. Neallotype (male), Bitje, Ja River, 2000 ft, Cameroon, October-November 1913, wet season; genitalia Libert 108-150; N.H.M., London (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Nigeria (west), Cameroon, Gabon, Congo. Specific localities: Nigeria – near Lagos (J. Boorman, vide Larsen, 2005a; single specimen). Cameroon – Bitje, Ja River (TL); Ekoum (Libert, 2010); Mount Febe (Libert, 2010); Mount Kala (Libert, 2010); Sangmelima (Libert, 2010); Djoum (Libert, 2010); Lolodorf (Libert, 2010); Goyoum (Libert, 2010); Bertoua (Libert, 2010). Gabon – Waka (Vande weghe, 2010). Congo – Ouesso (Libert, 2010).

mimetica Bethune-Baker, 1910 (as sp. of Cupidesthes). Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 43: 13 (1-84). Cameroon: “Bitje; Ja River”.

Cupidesthes mimetica albertina Libert, 2010

Cupidesthes mimetica albertina Libert, 2010. Libert, 2010. Révision des Anthene africains. A.B.R.I., Nairobi, Kenya and Lambillionea, Chênée, Belgique: 224.

Type locality: Democratic Republic of Congo: Kasungo, North Kivu. Holotype (male) May 2008 (R. Ducarme); M.R.A.C., Tervuren. Allotype (female) same provenance and collector but January 2008; M.R.A.C., Tervuren. Distribution: Democratic Republic of Congo (north-east). Specific localities: Democratic Republic of Congo – Kasungo, North Kivu (TL); Biakatu (Libert, 2010); Ituri Forest (Ducarme, 2018); Mt Mitumba (Ducarme, 2018).

*Cupidesthes henrii Libert, 2010

Cupidesthes henrii Libert, 2010. Libert, 2010. Révision des Anthene africains. A.B.R.I., Nairobi, Kenya and Lambillionea, Chênée, Belgique: 224.

Type locality: Ivory Coast: Tiassale, Abidjan. Holotype (female) December 1965 (T.H.E. Jackson); M.N.H.N., Paris. Allotype (male) same provenance aqnd collector but August 1965; genitalia Stempffer 6150; M.N.H.N., Paris. Distribution: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon. Specific localities: Ivory Coast – Tiassale, Abidjan (TL); Monogaga (Libert, 2010); Tai (Libert, 2010). Cameroon – Maan (Libert, 2010); Ebogo, south of Yaounde (Libert, 2010). Gabon – Waka, north of Mouila (Libert, 2010). Habitat: . Habits: . Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. 9 Associated ants: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes hecqi Libert, 2010

Cupidesthes hecqi Libert, 2010. Libert, 2010. Révision des Anthene africains. A.B.R.I., Nairobi, Kenya and Lambillionea, Chênée, Belgique: 226.

Type locality: Ghana: Bia. Holotype (female) February-March 2006 (R. Vorgas, S. Yevu); A.B.R.I., Nairobi. Allotype (male) Ho, Ghana 15 March 1953 (Th. Maessen); A.B.R.I., Nairobi (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Ghana. Specific localities: Ghana – Bia (TL); Ho (Libert, 2010); Kwamekyemkrom (Libert, 2010); Tano Ofin (Libert, 2010); Anfoega (Libert, 2010). Habitat: . Habits: . Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. Associated ants: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes abriana Libert, 2010

Cupidesthes abriana Libert, 2010. Libert, 2010. Révision des Anthene africains. A.B.R.I., Nairobi, Kenya and Lambillionea, Chênée, Belgique: 226.

Type locality: Cameroon: Maan. Holotype (male) March 2002 (ABRI coll.); A.B.R.I., Nairobi. Allotype (female) same data but November 2002 (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Cameroon (south). Specific localities: Cameroon – Maan (TL). Habitat: . Habits: . Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. Associated ants: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes paludicola (Holland, 1891)

Lycaena paludicola Holland, 1891. Psyche, a Journal of Entomology. Cambridge, Mass.6: 52 (50-53). Cupidesthes paludicola (Holland, 1891). Ackery et al., 1995: 633. Cupidesthes paludicola Holland, 1891. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes paludicola (Holland, 1891). Libert, 2010: 227.

Type locality: Gabon: Kangwe. Holotype (female), (A.C. Good); C.M.N.H., Pittsburgh. Neallotype (male), Lukolela (Equateur), Democratic Republic of Congo, 10 May 2005 (F. Cuypers); M.R.A.C., Tervuren (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Gabon, Congo (south), Democratic Republic of Congo. Misattributed to the Ivory Coast fauna by Stempffer, 1966 (Larsen, 2005a). Specific localities: Gabon – Kangwe (TL); Waka (Libert, 2010); Mondah Forest, near Libreville (Libert, 2010). Congo – Koubotchi (Libert, 2010). Democratic Republic of Congo – Lukolela, Equateur (Libert, 2010). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

brunneus Grose-Smith & Kirby, 1893. In: Grose-Smith & Kirby, 1892-7 (as sp. of Lycaenesthes). Rhopalocera exotica, being illustrations of new, rare and unfigured species of butterflies 2: 106 (261 pp.). London. No locality.

*Cupidesthes jacksoni Stempffer, 1969 Jackson’s Hairtail

Cupidesthes jacksoni Stempffer, 1969. Bulletin de l’Institut Fondamental de l’Afrique Noire (A) 31: 947 (927-950). Cupidesthes jacksoni Stempffer, 1969. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes jacksoni Stempffer, 1969. Libert, 2010: 229.

Alternative common name: Jackson’s Ciliate Blue. Type locality: Ivory Coast: “Gagnoa, forêt de Bayota”. Holotype (male), Bayota Forest, Gagnoa, Ivory Coast, April 1966 (B.K. Watulege); genitalia Stempffer 6152; N.H.M., London. Allotype (female), Issia, Ivory Coast, August 1966 (B.K. Watulege); N.H.M., London. Diagnosis: See Cupidesthes salvatoris. General remarks: This is generally a scarce species (Collins & Larsen, in Larsen, 2005a). Distribution: Guinea, Liberia (east), Ivory Coast, Ghana (Collins & Larsen, in Larsen, 2005a). Specific localities: Guinea – Ziama (Safian et al., 2020). Liberia – Sapo National Park (Libert, 2010). Ivory Coast – Bayota Forest, Gagnoa (TL); Banco near Abidjan (H. Warren-Gash, vide Larsen, 2005a); Issia (Libert, 2010); Danane (Libert, 2010); Tai (Libert, 2010); Alepe (Libert, 2010); Agboville (Libert, 2010); Dassioko (Libert, 2010). Ghana – Atewa Range (Maessen, vide Larsen, 2005a); Kakum (Larsen, 2005a); Ankasa (Larsen, 2005a); Draw River (Larsen, 2005a); Bia (Larsen, 2005a); Bibiani (Libert, 2010); Cape Three Points (Libert, 2010); Obuassi (Libert, 2010); Tano Ofin (Libert, 2010); Subri (Libert, 2010); Suhin (Libert, 2010). Habitat: Wet forest (Larsen, 2005a). Habits: A rare species (Larsen, 2005a). Both sexes have been found on the flowers of Eupatorium (Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes salvatoris Belcastro & Larsen, 2005 Salvatore’s Hairtail

Cupidesthes salvatoris Belcastro & Larsen, 2005. In: Larsen, 2005a. Butterflies of West Africa: 549. Cupidesthes salvatoris Belcastro & Larsen, 2005. d’Abrera, 2009: 798. Cupidesthes salvatoris Belcastro & Larsen, 2005. Libert, 2010: 230.

Cupidesthes salvatoris. Male (holotype), Sierra Leone (x3.4). Left – upperside; right – underside. 11 Images courtesy Torben Larsen.

Cupidesthes salvatoris. Female, Sierra Leone (x3). Left – upperside; right – underside. Images courtesy Torben Larsen.

Alternative common name: Salvatore’s Ciliate Blue. Type locality: Sierra Leone: “Freetown, Guma Valley Forest”. Holotype (male) 31 January 1987 (C. Belcastro leg.); in coll. African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi. Neallotype (female), Peninsula Mountain, 400 m, western Sierra Leone, November 1991 (S. Collins); A.B.R.I., Nairobi (Libert, 2010). Paratypes: One male, 3 females Sierra Leone, Freetown, Guma Valley, various dates 1987 (leg. et coll. C. Belcastro); 2 males, 3 females Sierra Leone, Freetown, Guma Valley (leg. et coll. African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi). Diagnosis: The upperside of the male of Cupidesthes salvatoris is bright sky blue; the male of Cupidesthes lithas has a violet tone and is larger; the male of Cupidesthes jacksoni is deep ultramarine on the upperside, with more restricted blue markings (Collins & Larsen, in Larsen, 2005a). General remarks: It is named for Salvatore Belcastro, one of Claudio Belcastro’s two sons (Collins & Larsen, in Larsen, 2005a). Distribution: Sierra Leone. Specific localities: Sierra Leone – Guma Valley Forest, Freetown (TL); Moyamba (Larsen, 2005a); Peninsula Mountain (Libert, 2010); Mount Gola (Libert, 2010). Habitat: Nothing published. Habits: This appears to be a very scarce species (Collins & Larsen, in Larsen, 2005a). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes amieti Libert, 2010

Cupidesthes amieti Libert, 2010. Libert, 2010. Révision des Anthene africains. A.B.R.I., Nairobi, Kenya and Lambillionea, Chênée, Belgique: 231.

Type locality: Cameroon: Bela. Holotype (male) March 1989 (M. Libert); genitalia Libert 106-237; M.N.H.N., Paris. Distribution: Cameroon (south-west). Specific localities: Cameroon – Bela (TL). Habitat: . Habits: . Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. Associated ants: Nothing published.

12 *Cupidesthes cuprifascia Joicey & Talbot, 1921

Cupidesthes cuprifascia Joicey & Talbot, 1921. Bulletin of the Hill Museum, Witley 1: 95 (40-166). Cupidesthes cuprifascia Joicey & Talbot, 1921. d’Abrera, 2009: 800. Cupidesthes cuprifascia Joicey & Talbot, 1921. Libert, 2010: 231.

Type locality: [Democratic Republic of Congo]: “Bafwasende, Upper Congo”. Holotype (male), April, 1920 (T.A. Barns); N.H.M., London. Neallotype (female), Biakatu, 1050 m, Democratic Republic of Congo, April 2000 (R. Ducarme); M.R.A.C., Tervuren (Libert, 2010). Distribution: Cameroon, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo (north-east). Specific localities: Cameroon – Abakoum near Lomie (Libert, 2010); Akonolinga (Libert, 2010); Ebogo (Libert, 2010); Lolodorf (Libert, 2010); Maan (Libert, 2010); Mount Kala near Yaounde (Libert, 2010). Gabon – Tchimbele (Libert, 2010); Waka (Libert, 2010). Democratic Republic of Congo – Bafwasende (TL); Biakatu (Libert, 2010); Irumu (Libert, 2010); Mapimbi (Libert, 2010); Makusa (Libert, 2010); Ituri Forest (Ducarme, 2018). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published.

*Cupidesthes michelae Libert, 2010

Cupidesthes michelae Libert, 2010. Libert, 2010. Révision des Anthene africains. A.B.R.I., Nairobi, Kenya and Lambillionea, Chênée, Belgique: 233.

Type locality: Cameroon: Maan. Holotype (male) December 1999 (S.C. Collins); A.B.R.I., Nairobi. Allotype (female) Ebogo, Cameroon, March 2002 (S. Collins); A.B.R.I., Nairobi. Distribution: Cameroon, Gabon (north-west), Congo, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo (west). Specific localities: Cameroon – Maan (TL); Ebogo (Libert, 2010); Mount Ngoekele near Yaounde (Libert, 2010); Metet (Libert, 2010); Bitje (Libert, 2010); Meyo Messi (Libert, 2010); Nyazanga (Libert, 2010); Dja (Libert, 2010); Sangmelima (Libert, 2010); Lolodorf (Libert, 2010). Gabon – Nouna near Belinga (Libert, 2010). Congo – Sembe (Libert, 2010); Odzala (Libert, 2010); Kelle (Libert, 2010); Kuila (Libert, 2010); Mvouti (Libert, 2010). Central African Republic – Boukoko near Mbaiki (Libert, 2010). Democratic Republic of Congo – Mbata Siala (Libert, 2010). Habitat: . Habits: . Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. Associated ants: Nothing published.