Elucidating the species and species’ limits in the tiger moth genus Euchaetes Harris (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)

Euchaetes Harris, members of the subfamily Arctiinae, are endemic to the New World, with their diversity spanning the Neotropical and Nearctic regions.  The most complete checklist includes 21 species in the genus sensu lato, but Euchaetes is not currently convincingly monophyletic.  Several species of Euchaetes are not well described.  A taxonomic revision based on morphology is needed to address the systematic issues of the genus.  An initial examination of material and types confirmed verbal reports of three undescribed species.  Preliminary phylogentic analyses demonstrate that outgroup choice, character definition, and character weighting influence whether the genus is recovered as monophyletic.  The relationship of Euchaetes to Pagara Walker, Cycnia Hübner, and other genera historically thought to be related is re-evaluated in light of these analyses.