Dynamic Checklist of the Western Palearctic butterflies
(Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) Hyperlinked to Systematics, Genetics and Distribution Papilionoidea Rationale
Recent publications (Condamine et al. 2018; Korb 2020; Leraut P. 2016; Tian et al. 2023) on the biology, morphology and molecular phylogeny of the Parnassiini have provided clear evidence that this tribe is composed of several highly homogeneous species groups, which could justify the establishment of multiple distinct genera. Surprisingly, many scientists continue to adhere to Staudinger's early 20th-century classification, which is based solely on wing patterns and still assigns all species to the single genus Parnassius. Korb (2020) has expertly synthesised the various aspects of this issue and produced a compelling annotated checklist. Among other distinguishing traits, species in the Driopa group (with Papilio mnemosyne Linnaeus, 1758 as the type species) display a male genitalia structure notably distinct from that of other groups, especially when compared to Parnassius s. str. (with Papilio apollo Linnaeus, 1758 as the type species). The differences are as follows:
What is the original status, authorship and date of L. morsei?
Two publications from 1882 compete for priority:
a) Leucophasia morsei Fenton, 1882. In: Ishikawa, Papilio 2(3): 35–36, fig 3-4. The publication date printed in the journal is March 1882.
b) Leptosia morsei Fenton, [1882]. In: Butler, Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1881: 855. The publication date printed in the journal is 15 November 1881, but the actual distribution date was very likely in 1882.
There is therefore considerable uncertainty regarding the actual distribution dates of these works. The approach adopted here is to follow Bozano et al. (2016), the most recent monograph treating the Dismorphiinae of the Palaearctic fauna.
Conclusion
In the checklist (Taymans & Cuvelier 2025), L. sinapis (Linnaeus, 1758), L. reali Reissinger, [1990], L. juvernica Williams, 1946, L. duponcheli (Staudinger, 1871) and L. morsei (Fenton, 1882) are adopted.
References
Bozano G., Coutsis J., Herman P., Allegrucci G., Cesaroni D. & Sbordoni V. 2016. Guide to the Butterflies of the Palearctic Region. Pieridae part 3, Subfamily Coliadinae (tribes Rhodocerini, Euremini and Catopsilia), Subfamily Dismorphiinae. — Milano: Omnes Artes (Ed.). 70 p.
Dincă V., Lukhtanov V., Talavera G. & Vila R. 2011. Unexpected layers of cryptic diversity in Wood White Leptidea butterflies. — Nature Communications 2(1): (324) 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms1329
Fenton M. [1882]. In: Butler A. G., On Butterflies from Japan; with which are incorporated Notes and Descriptions of new Species by Montague Fenton. — Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1881: 846-856. (url)
Fenton M. 1882. In: Ishikawa C., Notes on variations in some Japanese Lepidoptera. — Papilio, Organ of the New York Entomological Club 2(3): 35-37, fig. (url)
Lorković Z. 1993. Leptidea reali Reissinger, 1989 (=lorkovicii Real 1988), a new European species (Lepid., Pieridae). — Natura Croatica 2(1): 1-26. (url)
Mazel R. 2000. Le polymorphisme de deux « espèces-jumelles » Leptidea sinapis L. et L. reali Reissinger en France (Lepidoptera : Pieridae). — Linneana Belgica 17(7): 277-285. (url)
Mazel R. 2001. Le polymorphisme de deux « espèces-jumelles » Leptidea sinapis L. et L. reali Reissinger en France (Lepidoptera : Pieridae), Deuxième partie. — Linneana Belgica 18(1): 37-43. (url)
Mazel R. 2001. Leptidea sinapis L., 1758 – L. reali Reissinger, 1989, le point de la situation (Lepidoptera: Pieridae, Dismorphiinae). — Linneana Belgica 18(4): 199-202. (url)
Taymans M. & Cuvelier S. 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. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14733224
Archives of Western Palearctic Lepidoptera Editors-in-Chief: Michel Taymans & Sylvain Cuvelier
