A new subspecies of Neurellipes helpsi (Larsen, 1994) from Guinea, West Africa (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae: Lycaenesthini)

Abstract

The only known western population of Neurellipes helpsi (Larsen, 1994), found by the authors in the Ziama Massif, Guinea is clearly distinct from the nomino typical population, which was recorded in the Atewa Range in Ghana and a couple of stray specimens from Tano Ofin (Ghana) and Banco Forest (Ivory Coast). A male specimen of the Guinean population was illustrated in the revision of Anthene s.l. in 2010 but the taxon was not described due to insufficient material available. Beside the material collected by the second author, a new series of males was collected during a biodiversity assessment by the first author and his team in 2019. Examination of male genitalia revealed insignificant differences and for that reason, despite clear biogeographic distinction, the taxon is here recognized as a new subspecies of N. helpsi ziama n. ssp., what is known only from upland forest habitats in the Ziama Massif, found near streams and upland swamps. With 19 figures.