Papilio “turnus”

[eurytides]

Hi all,

“Turnus” is an old name associated with Papilio glaucus. When I look this up, I see references to Papilio turnus, Papilio glaucus turnus, and Papilio glaucus form turnus.

Does anyone know more about the usage of “turnus” or can provide the original description?

[adamcotton]

Papilio turnus was described by Linnaeus on 17 October 1771, Mantissa Plantarum Edition 2, p. 536, and is a junior subjective synonym of Papilio glaucus Linnaeus, 1758. Honey & Scoble (2001) designated the lectotype in the collection of the Linnean Society of London. A photo of this specimen is available on the Society website at https://linnean-online.org/14343/#?s=0&cv=0.

Adam.

[eurytides]

Thanks Adam. I was not aware of this lectotype. When Pavulaan and Wright described Papilio appalachiensis in 2002, they actually designated a neotype for Papilio turnus. Is this still valid?

[adamcotton]

When Pavulaan and Wright described Papilio appalachiensis in 2002, they actually designated a neotype for Papilio turnus. Is this still valid?

No, a neotype designation is invalid if there is extant original type material. Pavulaan & Wright obviously did not see Honey & Scoble (2001).

Adam.