InsectNet forum

Here is my one lone but, very nice capture of Marpesia petreus.
I'm certain it probably has a subspecies name attached to it. The
tails ARE a bit shorter than those of the Floridian nominate. Just
a lucky capture for me !

Photographed in tandem with the 3rd example of my E. zonaria
series.

Trehopr1 wrote: Sun Mar 05, 2023 10:28 pm Here is my one lone but, very nice capture of Marpesia petreus.
I'm certain it probably has a subspecies name attached to it. The
tails ARE a bit shorter than those of the Floridian nominate. Just
a lucky capture for me !

Photographed in tandem with the 3rd example of my E. zonaria
series.

I am pretty sure this is not M petreus but the rarer M eleuchea Trehopr. The subspecies found on Hispaniola is M eleuchea dospassosi. M eleuchea does have shorter tails than M petreus. Also M petreus is not recorded from Hispaniola. The only records of petreus on Caribbean islands are thought to be strays from the mainland.

Wow, Dave thank you so very much in correcting this species identification !

I have to say that you are one of my "go-to guys" for (proper) species I.D. (adjustments) !!

Paul K is also quite good and has been invaluable in his assistance as well.

Trehopr1 wrote: Sun Mar 05, 2023 11:44 pm Wow, Dave thank you so very much in correcting this species identification !

I have to say that you are one of my "go-to guys" for (proper) species I.D. (adjustments) !!

Paul K is also quite good and has been invaluable in his assistance as well.

You're welcome Trehopr. Have just taken a photo of the only M eleuchea in my collection. It came from an older collection & is very fragile. Sadly no data so am guessing from descriptions I have read when I say I think mine belongs to subspecies pellenis from Jamaica. Forgot to compliment you on the magnificent setting job you did on your specimen. I doubt very few will have that subspecies in private collections & if so not such a superb specimen as yours.