A faunal review examines the species limits and distributions of Holomelina H-S that occur in North America north of Mexico. Many of these species have highly variable and confusing phenotypes, and many of the holotypes are lost, destroyed, or missing. Specimens are curated under several names at various collections. Species limits and status are enigmatic, and original descriptions are typically inadequate for species determination. This study builds upon a phylogenetic assessment of generic limits of Virbia and Holomelina. Phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses suggest that these are congeners and that the North American fauna is a composite of two unrelated lineages.
To determine species’ limits of the 12 described species and 2 subspecies comprising the North American fauna, over 10,000 specimens were examined or obtained from major collections in the United States and Canada. Over 200 genitalic preparations were made of males and females representing all localities and phenotypes. Five of 9 extant types were examined. Two new species were found, one from the southeastern U.S. and one from the western U.S. Diagnostic features for the most phenotypically variable species complex, H. aurantiaca Hbn. (8 species) are discussed. The resulting electronic specimen-level database and interactive taxonomic key (Lucid) will be made accessible through the Insect Museum Website (University of Minnesota). Examples of these and additional taxonomic products will be presented.
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