DNA barcodes of the Greater Antillean butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) suggest a richer, more isolated fauna and higher endemism

Abstract

We provide the first comprehensive assessment of the Greater Antilles butterfly fauna from a molecular perspective. We gathered COI barcodes for 82% of the archipelago’s 367 species. Barcodes perform relatively well for species identification. A barcode gap separates 83% of the 270 species (represented by at least two sequences) from its nearest neighbour (NN). Of the 31 species represented by single barcodes, 26 have minimum distances from their NN above 2%. Maximum intraspecific distances are higher than 2% for 57 species (21%); however, values are lower within single islands suggesting that a part of these species has evolved into endemic lineages overlooked or unrecognized until today. Barcodes are diagnostic for only 80 of the currently accepted 180 subspecies represented by at least two sequences suggesting numerous conflicts with the infraspecific classification and highlighting its subjectivity. For 20 species, and several subspecies within them, we propose a split into two or more species and elevating several subspecies to the species category. Other data sources including novel or previously ignored morphological characters of adults and immature stages, natural history and/or additional nuclear sequences support these taxonomic changes.

Lepidoptera research in Puerto Rico: Reconnecting with historical legacies to guide future priorities

“…Relevant to Puerto Rico, recent analysis of DNA barcodes for butterflies by Núñez et al. (2023) suggests a higher degree of endemism and species richness than previously acknowledged in the Greater Antilles in general, as many current subspecies in the region may be treated more accurately as species.…”

“…Barcoding has also been used for analysis of the butterfly genus Dryas, including D. iulia iulia endemic to Puerto Rico, culminating in the reinstatement of a species (D. alcionea of Suriname and French Guiana) that had previously been treated as a subspecies (Núñez et al, 2022). Relevant to Puerto Rico, recent analysis of DNA barcodes for butterflies by Núñez et al (2023) suggests a higher degree of endemism and species richness than previously acknowledged in the Greater Antilles in general, as many current subspecies in the region may be treated more accurately as species.…”