Artitropa principetome Collins & Larsen, 2013

Cock, Matthew J. W., Congdon, T. Colin E. & Collins, Steve C., 2015, Observations on the Biology of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera). Part 8. Hesperiinae incertae sedis: Dracaena Feeders, Zootaxa 3985 (3), pp. 301-348 : 325

Artitropa principetome Collins & Larsen, 2013

This recently described species is found on the islands of Principe and São Tomé, and its adult colour patterns and male genitalia indicate that it is most closely related to A. comus ( Collins & Larsen 2013) . The type series was reared by SCC from D. arborea from both islands in March 2008. The final instar caterpillars ( Figure 23 ) do not differ significantly between the two islands. However, they do differ from those of A. comus and A. reducta inasmuch as the heads of final instar caterpillars of A. principetome have a relatively weak lateral spot on the epicranium, level with the main spot on the front of the epicranium ( Figure 23 ), which is missing in the other two species.

Figures

FIGURE 23. Head, final instar caterpillar of Artitropa principetome, collected on Dracaena arborea; photographed 20 Mar 2008 [SCC, photos TCEC]. 1, Principe, anterolateral view; 2, Principe, anterior view; 3, São Tomé, anterolateral view; 4, São Tomé, anterior view.