A remarkable discovery: Atara (= Rapala) arata (Bremer, 1861), a butterfly genus and species recorded for the first time from Türkiye

Authors and affiliation

• John W. Tennent Scientific Associate, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
• Süleyman Erdeğer Fatih Mahallesi, Kadir Boylu Caddesi, 4661 Sokak, No:7 Kat 1 Isparta, Türkiye
• Onat Başbay Yıldızevler Mahallesi, 736. Sokak, Çankaya Elit Park Konutları, No:16 A/26 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
• Eddie John Coach House, Church Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7BB, UK

Abstract

The presence of the thecline lycaenid butterfly Atara arata (Bremer, 1881) is recorded from the region of Isparta in west-central Türkiye for the first time, representing a new country record of both genus and species some 7,500km west of its previously known westerly limits in eastern China. Several specimens were seen in a remote montane locality on several visits in the late spring and early summer of 2024, indicating a small resident colony. One worn male specimen was collected and dissected to confirm identity. Distribution, variation and habitat is briefly discussed. A lectotype is designated for Thecla tyrianthina Butler, 1881 (=Atara arata Bremer).

Keywords

butterflies, Turkey, distribution, lectotype

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