Work

Genomics Analysis Illuminates Morphology, Ecology, Phenology and Distribution of Two Cryptic Atrytonopsis Skippers (Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae)

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: ABSTRACT The Hesperiine genus Atrytonopsis Godman, 1900, occurs broadly across the American Southwest. Atrytonopsis margarita (Skinner, 1913) and Atrytonopsis python (W. H. Edwards, 1882) have look-alike appearances, concurrent flights, and geographic distributions which converge in New Mexico. Their similar wing markings and intertwined taxonomic history has made it challenging to fully understand the identity and occurrence of each. Burns (2015) revealed differences in genitalia, clarifying that they are distinct species. Genomic DNA analysis of more than 100 specimens now illuminates their genetic uniqueness, phylogenetic relationship, field identification challenges and details of their geographic distributions.

Source: bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

DOI: 10.64898/2026.06.16.732465

Authors: Steven J. Cary, Simon M. Doneski, Jing Zhang, Qian Cong, Nick V. Grishin

Institutions: University of New Mexico, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Colorado State University

OpenAlex ID: W7165490321

Cites: 23

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Related to: 10