Three butterfly genera across the Central Texas Suture Zone

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Genomics
• Taxonomy

Background:

• Butterflies in the Central Texas Suture Zone have been historically classified, with some taxa treated as subspecies.
• Genomic differentiation among these taxa suggests potential species-level distinctions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genomic differentiation of butterfly taxa in the Central Texas Suture Zone.
• To revise the nomenclature and taxonomy of several butterfly species based on genetic evidence.

Main Methods:

• Genome-scale analyses of butterfly specimens.
• Comparative genomic sequencing.
• Taxonomic revision based on genetic data.

Main Results:

• Several taxa previously considered subspecies exhibit species-level genomic differentiation.
• Two new subspecies, *Asterocampa louisa monterra* and *Asterocampa clyton plana*, are described.
• Multiple taxa, including *Asterocampa louisa*, *Libytheana bachmanii*, *Libytheana larvata*, *Polites (Wallengrenia) clavus*, and *Polites (Wallengrenia) jobrea*, are elevated to species status.
• Several subspecies statuses are revised or confirmed, including *Asterocampa clyton subpallida*, *Asterocampa leilia cocles*, *Asterocampa celtis montis*, *Asterocampa celtis jeffermont*, and *Asterocampa celtis alicia*.
• The subspecies status of *Libytheana carinenta fulvescens* is confirmed.
• A lectotype for *Libythea larvata* is designated.
• *Doxocopa laure laure* is recorded in the United States.

Conclusions:

• Genomic data supports the elevation of several butterfly subspecies to species rank.
• The study provides a revised taxonomic framework for several butterfly groups.
• This research contributes to a more accurate understanding of butterfly diversity and evolution in the region.