Parrhasius moctezuma (Clench, 1971)

Sapkota, Sajan Kc Anisha, 2024, First record of the Mexican-M hairstreak Parrhasius moctezuma (Clench, 1971) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Texas, USA, and possible sighting of the tequila giant skipper Aegiale hesperiaris (Walker, 1856) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), Insecta Mundi 2024 (84), pp. 1-6 : 3-4

Parrhasius moctezuma (Clench, 1971)

Material examined. Photographic evidence. 1 ♀, USA, National Butterfly Center, Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas (26.176583, -98.365750, 38 m), 05-I-2023.

Diagnosis. Morphologically, P. moctezuma ( Fig. 2a–b ) can be distinguished from its sole U.S. congener, P. m-album ( Fig. 2c ), by its fainter blue area and an additional red spot on the margin of space 1 (anal region) on the ventral hindwing; the blue area is more intense in P. m-album ( Bordelon and Knudson 2006) . Furthermore, there is a prominent black spot at the base of the tornal orange spot on the ventral hindwing of P. moctezuma , which is usually subdued in P. m-album (see Warren et al. 2024). Geographically, the recorded range of P. m-album typically reaches its western limit in central Texas, creating allopatry between the two species.

Remarks. On the specified date and location, a female Parrhasius moctezuma ( Fig. 2a–b ) was observed actively foraging on flowers of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King and H.Rob. ( Asteraceae ) between 12:35 pm and 12:43 pm CT. Initially identified as P. m-album , the individual was later confirmed as P. moctezuma using Glassberg (2018). Despite an extensive search by numerous enthusiasts at the National Butterfly Center, the butterfly was not seen again after its initial sighting. Bordelon and Knudson (2006) speculated that P. moctezuma might eventually appear in the lower Rio Grande Valley. Although Nuevo León, Mexico, is a plausible origin as suggested by Mike Rickard (pers. comm. 2023), the individual’s fresh condition suggests perhaps a more local provenance, likely in south Texas. The species’ apparent tolerance to freezes, such as those occasionally experienced in south Texas, as reported by Andrew Warren (pers. comm. 2024), further supports the likelihood of its establishment in the region.

Distribution. Mexico to Nicaragua ( Nicolay 1979; Warren et al. 2024), Arizona ( Davenport 2017), Texas (New state record).

Figures

Figure 2. Adults of Parrhasius moctezuma (Clench, 1971) and P. m-album (Boisduval and LeConte, 1833). a) Parrhasius moctezuma observed at the National Butterfly Center, Mission, TX on 5-I-2023.b) Same individual.c) P. m-album observed at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL on 5-IV-2024 for comparison. Scale bars = 10 mm.