On the proposed replacement neotype of Telegonus fulgerator (Walch) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae): a reply to Zhang et al. (2022)

Abstract

In this article, we respond in detail to a recently published criticism of our previous designation of a neotype for the neotropical butterfly Telegonus fulgerator (Walch). It is our view that these criticisms are largely based on subjective claims that lack solid evidence, and conclude that there is no compelling reason for invalidating our neotype.

Key words:

• COI barcodes
• cryptic species
• ICZN Code
• taxonomic stability
• type locality
• wing maculation

Acknowledgements

We thank Richard C. Brusca, Therese A. Markow, Frank Krell and an anonymous reviewer for helpful comments that improved the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Associate Editor: Dr Andrew V. Z. Brower