Dynamic Checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies
(Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) Hyperlinked to Systematics, Genetics and Distribution Papilionoidea Rationale
Dapporto (2010) studied European Zerynthia butterflies of the polyxena-group using morphological (male genitalia) and genetic characteristics. His results support the existence of two sister species in Europe. To name the species restricted to Italy south of the Po River, Dapporto reinstated the name Zerynthia cassandra (Geyer, [1828]), stat. rev. In the same article, he designated a neotype: “Italy: Prato: San Giorgio a Colonia: 20.V.2009, Leonardo Dapporto leg.”, which is deposited in the Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Firenze ‘La Specola’. Jutzeler (2024) reaffirmed the existence of a distinct Zerynthia species in Italy but challenged the name assigned by Dapporto. Through a detailed historical analysis, he argued that the taxon demnosia Boisduval, 1828 is the correct name for the Italian species, taking priority over cassandra Geyer, [1828], which, in his view, should be restricted to designate individual and localised forms of Zerynthia within the polyxena-group exhibiting pronounced pattern variation. While acknowledging the thoroughness of Jutzeler’s investigation, it is important to note that the name demnosia Boisduval, 1828 is not valid under Article 12 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). According to this article, any name published before 1831 must be accompanied by a description, a definition or an indication, such as a bibliographic reference or a previously published diagnosis, in order to be considered available. In Boisduval’s original 1828 publication of demnosia, no description was provided, only a vague origin: “Italie”. This mention is insufficient for taxonomic differentiation, as two Zerynthia species are found in Italy, one occurring north of the Po and the other south of it. Although Jutzeler’s investigation demonstrates that the name demnosia would be taxonomically appropriate, it cannot be used, as it is rendered unavailable under Article 12 of the Code.
Conclusion
To preserve nomenclatural stability, the name Zerynthia cassandra (Geyer, [1828]) is retained for the revised checklist.
References
Dapporto L. 2010. Speciation in Mediterranean refugia and post-glacial expansion of Zerynthia polyxena (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae). – Journal of Zoological Systemics and Evolutionary Research 48(3): 229–237. doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0469.2009.00550.x
Jutzeler D. 2024. Zerynthia cassandra (Geyer, 1828) or Zerynthia demnosia (Boisduval, 1828)? Which one is the correct name according to the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature? – Entomologica romanica 28: 12-21. (url)
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera Editors-in-Chief: Michel Taymans & Sylvain Cuvelier
