Michel Taymans

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2026.
Toward a revised checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies, hyperlinked to the original descriptions at species, genus and family level (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Part VI: Rationale and framework for the Lycaenidae (addendum part II)
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2026(3): 25-30. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22302254

Abstract.
This second review of taxonomic and nomenclatural issues in Lycaenidae examines the status of family-group names in the light of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), historical classification schemes, recent phylogenetic evidence, and current usage. Emphasis is placed on the classification of subfamilies and tribes, for which conflicts among older names, synonymies, and prevailing usage have required careful assessment under the Code.
The classification of all species within the genera and subgenera of the subfamily Polyommatinae, excluding the tribe Polyommatini, which will be treated in a future contribution, is critically reviewed and justified. Particular emphasis is placed on the generic classification of the tribe Scolitantidini, for which alternative taxonomic arrangements have been proposed and which remains a matter of taxonomic debate.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2026.
A systematic and synonymic list of the Lycaenidae (part 2) of Western Palearctic butterflies hyperlinked to the original descriptions (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2026(3): 1-24. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22302023

Abstract.
The present paper deals with the classification of the West Palaearctic species of the subfamily Polyommatinae (Lycaenidae). This subfamily is subdivided into several subtribes, following an arrangement that differs from that adopted in most recent studies on lepidopteran phylogeny, which recognise only the subtribe Polyommatini for the West Palaearctic fauna. This approach has been adopted in order to provide a more coherent framework for the relationships among the various monophyletic groups.
Several nomenclatural issues, including those concerning Maculinea/Phengaris and Pseudophilotes/Palaeophilotes, had to be addressed and resolved. In dealing with these issues, particular emphasis was placed on nomenclatural and taxonomic stability, which was considered the primary criterion for the classification adopted here.
In most cases, the external morphology (habitus) allows the reliable identification of the species included in these groups. However, examination of the genitalia remains necessary in some cases to distinguish closely related taxa, such as Cupido alcetas and Cupido decolorata, or among taxa belonging to the Pseudophilotes baton-complex.
Despite the considerable progress made in recent years, several taxonomic and systematic issues remain unresolved. Further phylogenetic studies will be necessary to clarify the specific or subspecific status of several taxa and to establish a more satisfactory generic classification. In particular, for some genera or species groups with a worldwide distribution that are treated in the present work, a reliable classification can only be established through a comprehensive study including all species of the group.
In this context, regular updates to a comprehensive systematic and synonymic reference are essential. A dynamic, continuously maintained reference offers clear advantages over fixed, paper-based publications, which cannot be revised once published and may rapidly become outdated as new taxonomic and phylogenetic insights emerge.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2026.
Toward a revised checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies, hyperlinked to the original descriptions at species, genus and family level (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) Part V: Rationale and framework for the Lycaenidae
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2026(2): 27-35. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20759567

Abstract.
The present article aims to clarify and justify the classification adopted in the checklist for the subfamily Polyommatinae of the family Lycaenidae, with the exception of the tribe Polyommatini, which will be treated in a subsequent paper. Despite extensive taxonomic and phylogenetic research, the internal classification of Lycaenidae remains only partially resolved. In particular, the rank and delimitation of the major lineages traditionally recognised as subfamilies have been interpreted differently by various authors, reflecting differences in the morphological, molecular, and combined datasets on which their conclusions are based. As a result, alternative classifications continue to coexist in the literature, and some aspects of the higher-level taxonomy of the family remain subjects of ongoing debate.
Over the past decades, numerous phylogenetic studies have advanced competing hypotheses concerning the relationships among these groups. Analyses based on morphological characters, molecular data, or combinations of both have yielded alternative arrangements of the major clades and have often assigned them different taxonomic ranks, recognising them either as subfamilies or as tribes within more inclusive classifications. As a consequence, no single classification has gained universal acceptance, and the circumscription, placement, and relationships of several groups remain subjects of ongoing debate.In addition, some recent phylogenetic studies have proposed generic delimitations based primarily on molecular evidence, with limited consideration of morphological, ecological, biogeographical, or nomenclatural criteria. Although such approaches have provided valuable insights into evolutionary relationships, they may also contribute to nomenclatural instability when taxonomic changes are introduced without sufficient integration of other lines of evidence.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2026.
A systematic and synonymic list of the Riodinidae and the Lycaenidae (part 1) of Western Palearctic butterflies hyperlinked to the original descriptions (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2026(2): 1-26. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20156133

Abstract.
The present paper deals with the classification of the West Palaearctic representatives of the families Riodinidae and Lycaenidae, with particular emphasis on the subfamily Nemeobiinae and on three subfamilies of Lycaenidae: Aphnaeinae, Lycaeninae and Theclinae. Within the West Palaearctic fauna, Nemeobiinae is represented by a single species only, whereas Lycaenidae comprises a considerably larger number of taxa and several additional subfamilies. Owing to this diversity, the remaining West Palaearctic subfamilies of Lycaenidae will be treated separately in subsequent papers. The habitus generally allows an easy identification of most species included in these groups. However, the examination of genitalia remains necessary in certain cases, particularly within the genus Callophrys, or for distinguishing closely related taxa such as Lycaena candens and L. hippothoe. Despite the considerable progress achieved in recent years, several taxonomic and systematic problems still remain unresolved. Further phylogenetic studies will be required to clarify the specific or subspecific status of several taxa and to provide a more satisfactory generic arrangement, especially within the tribes Lycaenini and Eumaeini. Since these groups include closely related species occurring in both the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, future studies should adopt a comprehensive approach including taxa from the entire Holarctic region in order to achieve a more stable and natural classification. Several species groups continue to present substantial taxonomic difficulties, and the status of some taxa remains uncertain, whether they should be regarded as distinct species, subspecies, or evolutionary significant units (ESUs). This uncertainty applies, for example, to taxa such as Lycaena heracleana, Cigaritis estherae and Satyrium vandalusica. Regular updates to a comprehensive systematic and synonymic reference list are therefore essential. A dynamic, continuously maintained list offers clear advantages over fixed, paper-based publications, which cannot be revised once issued and may become outdated relatively quickly as new taxonomic insights emerge.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2026.
Toward a revised checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies, hyperlinked to the original descriptions at species, genus and family level (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Part IV: Rationale and framework for the Riodinidae and Lycaenidae (part I)
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2026(1): 39-43. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18985843

Abstract.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural issues concerning the butterfly families Riodinidae and Lycaenidae (partim) are reviewed in light of the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), historical classifications, recent phylogenetic studies and current usage. Particular attention is given to the classification of subfamilies and tribes, where older names and synonymies have sometimes conflicted with prevailing usage, requiring rigorous evaluation under the Code.
The classification all species of the genera and subgenera of the tribe Lycaenini is debated and justified, particularly for the species alciphron, hippothoe, and candens. The status of the species Lycaena dimorphus (Staudinger, 1881) are clarified. Lycaena japhetica Nekrutenko & Effendi, 1983 is added to the checklist.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2026.
A systematic and synonymic list of the Pieridae of Western Palearctic butterflies hyperlinked to the original descriptions (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea).
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2026(1): 1-38. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18986091

Abstract.
The family Pieridae includes species whose pale or vivid coloration has long attracted the attention of both scientists and collectors. The genus Colias offers a striking example, comprising highly colourful species that are especially prized by butterfly enthusiasts.
Pieridae also includes groups of species whose identification can sometimes be very difficult (for example, within the Pontia daplidice/edusa complex), or even impossible without recourse to genetic analyses.
Phylogenetic studies have consequently led to the splitting of several well-established species into multiple previously unrecognized entities. A well-known example is the division of Leptidea sinapis into three distinct species, L. sinapis, L. juvernica, and L. reali (Dincă et al. 2011). Examination of the genitalia allows sinapis to be separated from juvernica and reali, but it is ineffective for distinguishing between the latter two.
Phylogenetic studies have also led to taxonomic revisions among species associated with the Macaronesian fauna. Owing to the geographical isolation of several populations on individual islands, divergences in their genetic characters have in some cases been considered sufficient to recognize them as distinct species. As a result, the genera Gonepteryx (including cleobule, palmae, and maderensis), Pieris (with wollastoni and cheiranthi), and Euchloe (with hesperidum, grancanariensis, and eversi) have each seen an increase in the number of recognized species.
Despite these advances, several species groups continue to present substantial taxonomic difficulties, and the status of some taxa remains uncertain, whether they should be regarded as distinct species, subspecies, or evolutionary significant units (ESUs). This uncertainty applies, for example, to taxa such as Gonepteryx eversi, Euchloe pechi, and Zegris meridionalis.
Finally, the Pieris napi/bryoniae/adalwinda/maura/segonzaci/balcana complex is treated in this synonymic list according to the conclusions of Dapporto et al. (2022). All these taxa, whose habitus can sometimes be very distinctive, are undoubtedly closely related, and some occur in sympatry or parapatry. Multivoltinism further complicates identification, as different seasonal forms may occur and can sometimes be very similar.
All these cases are discussed in detail in Taymans & Cuvelier (2025).
Regular updates to a comprehensive systematic and synonymic reference list are therefore essential. A dynamic, continuously maintained list offers clear advantages over fixed, paper-based publications, which cannot be revised once issued and may become outdated relatively quickly as new taxonomic insights emerge.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2025.
Toward a revised checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies, hyperlinked to the original descriptions at species, genus and family level (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) Part II: Rationale and framework for the Hesperiidae.
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2025(3): 57-64. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17152671

Abstract.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural issues in the butterfly family Hesperiidae are reviewed with reference to ICZN rules, historical treatments, recent phylogenetic studies, and prevailing usage. Particular attention is given to subfamily and tribal classifications, where older names and synonymies have at times conflicted with prevailing usage, requiring careful evaluation under the Code. At the genus level, long-debated cases such as the priority of Muschampia versus Sloperia are reviewed, while at the species level, complex situations such as the Pyrgus alveus species group and the status of names like bellieri and foulquieri are considered in detail. For the subfamily Heteropterinae, the relationship between the older name Cyclopidinae and the later but widely used Heteropterinae illustrates the importance of balancing historical accuracy with nomenclatural stability. The review emphasizes the need for consistent application of ICZN provisions in order to promote stability and comparability across regional checklists. Nonetheless, several issues remain unresolved, and further progress will depend on broad genomic research, preferably based on whole genomes, together with extensive morphological studies that take into account the full variability of traits across populations.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2025.
A systematic and synonymic list of the Papilionidae of Western Palearctic butterflies hyperlinked to the original descriptions(Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2025(3): 17-56. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17152543

Abstract.
A systematic and synonymic list of the Papilionidae butterflies of the Western Palearctic is presented, with all names hyperlinked to their original descriptions. The work covers taxonomic hierarchy fromfamily to species level, incorporating historical synonyms, typification details, and bibliographic references, providing a comprehensive and navigable tool for lepidopterists and taxonomists.

Cuvelier S. & Taymans M. 2025.
First records of Neptis sappho (Pallas, 1771) in Albania.
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2025(3): 10-16. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17148337

Abstract.
Neptis sappho (Pallas, 1771), has a wide but fragmented range from Japan to Eastern Europe. Although previously undocumented in the literature, N. sappho was recently confirmed in Albania, occurring in habitats dominated by the invasive Robinia pseudoacacia. These records lie at the southern edge of its European range. Suitable habitats extend beyond the recorded sites, suggesting that N. sappho is likely more widespread in Albania than currently documented.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2025.
Toward a revised checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies, hyperlinked to the original descriptions at species, genus and family level (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) Part I: Rationale and framework for the Papilionidae.
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2025(2): 31-37. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15723397

Abstract.
This article provides a comprehensive taxonomic reassessment of the Papilionidae family, focusing on the tribes Parnassiini and Zerynthiini, with particular emphasis on the genera Driopa and Allancastria and their associated nomenclatural issues. Building upon recent morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies, we support the recognition of Driopa as a distinct genus within Parnassiini. The consistent structural differences in male genitalia not only distinguish Driopa from Parnassius sensu stricto, but also corroborate the genetic divergence revealed by phylogenetic analyses. The status of Driopa nebrodensis is examined in light of historical nomenclature, with nebrodensis (Turati, 1907) emerging as the valid name under the Principle of Priority and First Reviser rules. The complex case of Parnassius phoebus is revisited, with ICZN Opinion 2488 (2023) confirming the continued use of the name despite early misidentifications. For Zerynthia cassandra, the article defends its validity over Z. demnosia, the latter being unavailable under ICZN Article 12. Finally, we maintain Allancastria as a valid genus based on distinctive morphological traits despite its genetic proximity to Zerynthia. Within this genus, Allancastria cerisyi is retained under its original name and authorship, following the earliest valid description and in accordance with ICZN criteria. This work contributes to stabilizing the taxonomy of Palearctic Papilionidae, integrating historical literature with modern phylogenetic and nomenclatural frameworks.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2025.
Exploration of Mount Žeden and discovery of Proterebia phegea (Borkhausen, 1788), a new species for the fauna of North Macedonia.
Brief summary of current knowledge on Proterebia phegea.
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2025(2): 21-30. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15723544

Abstract.
The butterfly species Proterebia phegea (Borkhausen, 1788), previously unrecorded in North Macedonia, was discovered during field surveys on Mount Žeden in April 2025. This finding extends the known range of the species in the Balkan Peninsula, which includes populations in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Greece. Mount Žeden, located approximately 20 km west of Skopje, is characterised by a continental Mediterranean climate and diverse karstic topography, providing a unique habitat for various butterfly species. The discovery of P. phegea on Mount Žeden contributes to the understanding of the species' distribution and highlights the importance of this area for butterfly conservation.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2025.
A dynamic checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies hyperlinked to the original descriptions at species, genus and family level (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera 2025(1): 1-70. (url)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14733224

Abstract.
Numerous synonymous checklists or catalogs have been published for various countries or a more or less extensive region. These generally include a detailed list of species, in the genus/species binary format, followed by the name of the author and the date of publication. There are often more or less significant discrepancies among checklists. These differences are sometimes due to typing errors during editing but more often, they are the result of the taxonomic views of the authors. In the absence of an unanimously accepted list, professional or amateur lepidopterists have no clear guidelines regarding which reference to use in their work.
In this context, it seemed useful to establish an exhaustive list containing the complete taxonomic references of all butterfly (Papilionoidea) species from the Western Palearctic. This list is published as an internet webpage. This choice was dictated by the technical possibility to include links leading the reader with a simple click to pages related to the original description of the taxa. This will allow users to verify the components of the taxon and have direct access to the original text.
Each species has been placed in the different levels of the zoological classification from order to subgenus, including superfamily, family, subfamily, tribe, subtribe and genus and including the author, the year, the original combination, the type locality, the reference of the original publication and the Internet link(s). This project thus completes three recently published lists, which lacked links to the original descriptions of species or type localities. These are:
(i) an updated checklist for European butterflies (Wiemers et al. 2018)
(ii) a new comprehensive trait database for Europeand and Maghreb butterflies, Papilionoidea. (Middleton-Welling et al. 2020)
(iii) the Atlas of mitochondrial genetic diversity for Western Palearctic butterflies (Dapporto et al. 2022) which also deal with systematics.
Despite the objective efforts to develop the most reliable list possible, one must be aware that certain choices linked to the taxon, the author's references, the year of publication or its place in the classification may be subject of debate and revision. The authors therefore hope that the list will trigger numerous constructive criticisms in order to produce a list that generates the highest possible consensus among the lepidopterist´s community and it is therefore a useful tool. On the other hand, in recent years a number of new species have been described, often as a result of in-depth phylogenetic studies, based on molecular analyses. And it is also very likely that the validity or status of certain species will be reviewed when the techniques and methods of investigation are refined. It is therefore planned that the website will be updated regularly according to feedback, comments and new scientific publications.

Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 2024.
A dynamic checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies, hyperlinked to the original descriptions at species, genus and family level (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Lépidoptères - Revue des Lépidoptéristes de France 33(84): 18-21. (url)

Introduction.
Numerous synonymous checklists or catalogs have been published for various countries or a more or less extensive region. They generally include a detailed list of species, in the genus/species binary format, followed by the name of the author and the date of publication. There are often more or less significant discrepancies among checklists. These differences are sometimes due to typing errors during editing but, more often, they are the result of the taxonomic views of the authors. In the absence of an unanimously accepted list, professional or amateur lepidopterists have no clear guidelines regarding which reference to use in their work. In this context, it seemed useful to establish an exhaustive list containing the complete taxonomic references of all butterfly (Papilionoidea) species from the Western Palearctic Region. This list is published as an internet webpage on the following url: https://archwestpalepido.be/checklist_Papilionoidea.html.

Taymans M. 2018.
Notes sur Pieris (Artogeia) mannii (Mayer, 1851) et confirmation de son exansion en Belgique.
Cercle des Lépidoptéristes de Belgique - Belgische Lepidopterologische Kring 47(2-3-4): 46-52.

Introduction.
Les premières observations de P. mannii en Belgique datent de 2016. Depuis cette date, l'espèce continue sa progression dans notre pays d'est en ouest. Les entomologistes belges devront être attentifs lors de leur leurs observations et devraient être capables d'identifier au mieux ce nouveau venu. Afin de mieux connaitre cette espèce, il m'a semblé utile de publier un article reprenant d'une part une synthèse des connaissances sur l'espèce et, d'autre part, la progression migratoire effectuée par celle-ci vers le nord à partir de 2008.

Taymans P. & Taymans M. 1998.
Document de travail sur la répartition des rhopalocères de la province de Luxembourg.
Cercle des Lépidoptéristes de Belgique XXVII/4: 138-175. (url)

Méthode utilisée
I. Période entre 1990 et 1995 :
La Famenne et la Lorraine belge furent étudiées en détail dans le cadre du projet de Surveillance de l'Etat de l'Environment Wallon.
Pendant les premières années, la priorité avait été donnée dans le suivi de certains sites ciblés. Le recensement consistait à noter les espèces observées le long d'un itinéraire défini dans une localité. Le nombre annuel de visites devait être représentatif (7 à 8 visites par an en moyenne). Le but était multiple: établir un inventaire du site, étudiers les mœurs des espèces, comparer d'année en année les fluctuations des effectifs des populations et compléter nos connaissances au niveau de la répartition géographique de nos papillons.
Au fil des années, un petit groupe de lépidoptéristes locaux s'est constitué dans le but de prospecter la Lorraine belge. Leurs travaux ont permis de publier une synthèse sur cette région pour la période 1990-1994.
II. Période entre 1996 et 1998 :
Les résultats étant satisfaisants pour la Famenne et la Lorraine, il fut décidé de parcourir l'Ardenne afin de couvrir la majeure partie de la province de Luxembourg.
Le territoire étant beaucoup plus vaste et l'équipe réduite à deux personnes, une autre méthode fut adoptée.
En 1996, il fut décidé de silloner l'Ardenne un peu au hasard afin de se familiariser avec les différents milieux de cette région. Un site fut localisé dans chaque carrés U.T.M.
En 1997, un site par carré U.T.M. a été suivi de la même manière que celle décrite ci-dessus.
En 1998 nous avons recherché les papillons en fonction des lacunes relevés sur les cartes composées l'année précédente.
Les résultats obtenus semblent assez significatifs pour la plupart des papillons surtout en les juxtaposant avec les cartes publiées par C. Verstraeten dans les années 70. Il nous parraît donc opportun de les publier afin de préparer un atlas de répartition plus complet dans les prochaines années. En effet, nous espérons susciter des réactions permettant de compléter les lacunes présentées sur les cartes. Avis aux amateurs.
Il est également à souligner qu'il est possible d'obtenir des résultats avec un peu de volonté, malgré la vaste superficie d'une région, un court laps de temps et un nombre limité de recenseurs.
Nous avons donc aussi l'ambition de lancer un appel pour que les autres provinces de Wallonie fassent l'objet d'un tel travail, surtout pour les provinces de Hainaut et de Liège pour lesquelles nous ne possédons que très peu d'informations récentes.

Taymans Ch., Taymans P. & Taymans M. 1993.
Contribution à la cartographie belge des Rhopalocera du genre Pyrgus Hübner 1819 (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae).
Lambillionea 93: 3–28. (url)

Avant-propos
Dans le cadre des diverses activités prévues par le Programme de Surveillance de l'état de l'environment wallon, un Groupe de Travail Lépidoptères, instauré en 1989, s'attribua comme objectif principal de recenser annuellement toutes les espèces de Rhopalocères, présentes sur environ 40 sites-échantillons de la Région Wallonne et de comparer ensuite les listes des ces espèces, dressées d'une année à l'autre.
C'est dans un contexte analogue que ce Groupe de Travail décida de procéder à l'élaboration d'une cartographie pour les Rhopalocères du genre Pyrgus Hübner, 1819 existant sur tout le territoire belge, avec l'appui des autorités scientifiques compétentes de la Faculté des Sciences agronomiques (Zoologie générale et appliquée) de Gembloux et de l'U.C.L. (Unité d'Ecologie et de Biogéographie) de Louvain-la-Neuve.
Le travail fut concrétisé sur base:
- de l'analyse des données obtenues auprès de la Banque faunique du Centre de Calcul et d'Information de la Faculté de Gembloux.
- des renseignements recueillis dans la collection des Lépidoptères belges du Département Entomologie de l'I.R.S.N.B. de Bruxelles et de plusieurs autres collections privées d'entomologistes amateurs.
- d'une étude contradictoire des textes et annotations repris dans l'ancienne littérature entomologique ayant trait à l'historique des Pyrgus susceptibles d'avoir vécus en Belgique.
La présente étude a permis de mettre en évidence que, pour des raisons diverses, beaucoup de citations, reprises dans les périodiques ou anciens catalogues, ainsi que les données apposées sur les étiquettes des imagos des Pyrgus ou de leurs préparations génitales, doivent être compulsées en connaissance de cause et avec les réserves scientifiques d'usage.
Devant le caractère aléatoire de l'identification de certaines espèces de Pyrgus, tous les cas douteux furent soumis à un examen minutieux des armures génitales.
Les préparations en laboratoire des armatures génitales ♂♂ et ♀♀ furent effectuées conjointement par Paul Taymans et Michel Taymans.
Les représentations des imagos et des genitalia sont l'œuvre de Michel Taymans.

Taymans Ch., De Bast B., Verstraeten Ch., Baguette M. & Ph. Goffart, 1992.
Mise à jour de la cartographie des Rhopalocères de la Belgique: genre Pyrgus Hübner, 1919 (Lepidoptera, Hesperidae).
In Van Goethem J.L. & P. Grootaert (eds): "Faunal Inventories of sites for cartography and nature conservation", Proceedings of the 8th international Colloqium of the European Invertebrate Survey (EIS), Brussels, 9-10 september 1991: 173-176. (url)

Summary
The Lepidoptera Working Group intends to increase the knowledge about butterfly biogeography and ecology in Belgium. It plans to supply a scientific basis for conservation of species ind their habitats.
The two main projects are (1) to achieve an updated mapping of Belgian butterflies, and (2) to monitor yearly butterfly populations on a network of sites.
In connection with the project (1), one of us (Ch. TAYMANS) revised the Belgian distribution of the genus Pyrgus HUBNER, 1819. Species of this group are quite difficult to identify and genitalia preparation is sometimes required.
Using the faunistic data bank (Gembloux), it has been possible to tum back to museum specimens and to check old identifications. Eight species of Pyrgus have been quoted from Belgium in previous catalogues. Only five have been really recorded, the others resulting of misidentifications.
Moreover, field work between 1985 and 1991 update the distributions of the five Belgian species. Three species have disappeared, one is quite widely distributed and another is restricted to chalk grasslands in the Province of Namur.