Princeps Aegeus (Donovan) and Its Allies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae): Systematics, Phylogeny and Biogeography.

Abstract

The systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of the amynthor and gambrisius groups of Australasian Princeps Hubner are discussed. Nine species are recognized: amynthor group: amynthor (Boisduval), schmeltzii (Herrich-Schaffer), godeffroyi (Semper); gambrisius group: inopinatus (Butler), bridgei (Mathew), weymeri (Niepelt), gambrisius (Cramer), tydeus (C.& R. Felder), aegeus (Donovan). The new combination P. amynthor amphiaraus (C.& R. Felder) is proposed at the subspecies level. Several new synonymies are established and the taxon heringi Niepelt is regarded as a hybrid tydeus x fuscus (Goeze). The form names in P. aegeus are rationalized, only three female forms being recognized and the remainder having only varietal status.