Abstract
We describe Ministrymon janevicroy Glassberg, sp. n., from
the United States (Texas). Its wing pattern closely resembles that of the
widespread and well-known lycaenid, Ministrymon azia (Hewitson). The new
species is distinguished by the structure of its male and female genitalia, by
the patterning of the ground color on the basal half of the ventral hindwing
surface, and by the color of its eyes. Adults of Ministrymon janevicroy in
nature have olive green eyes in contrast to the dark brown/black eyes of
Ministrymon azia. Ministrymon janevicroy occurs in dry deciduous forest and
scrub from the United States (Texas) to Costa Rica (Guanacaste) with disjunct
populations on Curaçao and Isla Margarita (Venezuela). In contrast, Ministrymon
azia occurs from the United States to southern Brazil and Chile in both dry and
wet lowland habitats. Nomenclaturally, we remove the name Electrostrymon grumus
K. Johnson & Kroenlein, 1993, from the synonymy of Ministrymon azia (where
it had been listed as a synonym of Ministrymon hernandezi Schwartz & K.
Johnson, 1992). We accord priority to Angulopis hernandezi K. Johnson &
Kroenlein, 1993 over Electrostrymon grumus K. Johnson & Kroenlein, 1993,
syn. n., which currently is placed in Ziegleria K. Johnson, 1993. The English
name Vicroy’s Ministreak is proposed for Ministrymon janevicroy. We update
biological records of dispersal and caterpillar food plants, previously
attributed to Ministrymon azia, in light of the new taxonomy.