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Issue: Vol. 5543 No. 2: 3 Dec. 2024
Type: Article
Published: 2024-12-03
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5543.2.10
Page range: 287-295
Abstract views: 133
PDF downloaded: 2

Rediscovery of the Endangered Pseudophilotes fatma (Oberthür, 1890) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Algeria after 71 years, with an update on its distribution and designation of a lectotype

Laboratory “Biodiversity; Biotechnology; and Sustainable Development”; Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences; University of Batna 2; Fesdis 05078; Batna; Algeria
Scientific Associate; Department of Life Sciences; Natural History Museum; London SW7 5BD; England; Honorary Associate; Oxford University Museum of Natural History; Parks Road; Oxford OX1 3PW; England
Forest Conservation of Batna Province; Nouvelle cité administrative la verdure; Batna 05000; Batna; Algeria
Algerian Wildlife Watchers Association; Cité El-Hay; BT 53; nº 8; Hassi Bahbah 17002; Djelfa; Algeria
Lepidoptera Fatma’s Blue geographic distribution lectotype Maghreb North Africa

Abstract

Pseudophilotes fatma (Oberthür, 1890) is a Palearctic butterfly species endemic to the Maghreb region, characterised by a highly restricted distribution and “Endangered” conservation status. Recent field observations in Batna Province, northeastern Algeria, have documented new localities for P. fatma, marking its rediscovery after a 71-year absence. We updated the global distribution map for this species and highlight the urgent need for conservation actions to ensure its persistence. A lectotype is designated for Lycæna bavius var. fatma Oberthür, 1890.

 

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