Yunnan butterflies

[cjb17]

Hello! I am new to the world of Lepidoptera, and am still learning the ABCs of identification. I got my first group of butterflies from Yunnan, China, spread them, and have identified most of them and am stuck on these two. I know the first one is a little ratty and headless, but that's how he came. 2nd picture--underside. Third picture, about 50-60mm with damaged antenna, and semi-transparent wings. Even a genus would be helpful for these because, as I said, I am learning as a I go.

[Adam Cotton]

The headless specimen appears to belong to genus Symbrenthia (Nymphalidae) although I would not like to be definitive on this.

As for the last photograph, it is a Parnassius species, either stubbendorfii or glacialis (I can't be certain from the photograph), but cannot have originated in Yunnan.

Sadly so many Chinese specimens have no data or blatantly incorrect data, as in this case. The nearest population of this group of Parnassius species is found in Sichuan near Kangding, and all other populations are further north of there.

Adam.

[cjb17]

Based on most of the other butterflies that came with the lot, I think that they all come from someplace much further northeast than the data states. Looking at my specimen, I am pretty sure now that the bottom one is Parnassius glacialis. I don't think I can identify the species on the top one, but I think you're right that it belongs to Symbrenthia. Thank you so much for your help!

On a related topic, what are some of the best online/in print identification guides out there for Leps? Like I said, I am new to this and looking for clues to get me launched.

[wollastoni]

The Nymphalidae is Symbrenthia brabira

[homard]

Parnassius sp. should be Stubbendorfii of course, Adam!
Glacialis (or Citrinarius as it should be named nowadays) has a bright yellow collar and a yellow
wool on the abdomen. For the ssp. of course I cannot say a word - w/o the locality data...

[Adam Cotton]

homard,

Indeed it is probably stubbendorfii, but I couldn't be absolutely certain from the upperside photo provided. Some of the subspecies of Parnassius citrinarius are not as obviously easy to distinguish, especially the Chinese subspecies, where the yellow markings can be much smaller.

By the way, you are correct, citrinarius Motschulsky, 1866 has priority over glacialis Butler, 1866. The latter name was published on 11 October, whereas citrinarius was published some time after 15th March the same year. Most people still use the junior synonym, and I really should have used the correct name (slaps own wrist!).

Adam.

[homard]

Adam,
glad you agreed (with the reservations ) I have Citrinarius only from Japan, several ssp. which are not too much different
With one of the Japanese colleagues, we were cleared that Citrinarius has a priority above Glacialis That is hard to accept for me after a lifelong usage of Glacialis, :DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[timmsyrj]

Homard, having caught Adam out with the correct name for glacialis, you've then left yourself wide open for Adam to get his own back by using capitals on species name. I'm surprised Adam let that one pass him by.

Rich

[Adam Cotton]

Aren't I kind