Cupido amyntula maritima

Leblanc, 1985

Cupido amyntula maritima is a of the eastern tailed-blue described by Leblanc in 1985. The is currently recognized as a synonym of Elkalyce amyntula, with records from Vermont and the United States. It belongs to the Lycaenidae, a diverse group of small butterflies commonly known as gossamer-wings or blues.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cupido amyntula maritima: //kjuːˈpaɪdoʊ əˈmɪntʊlə ˌmærɪˈtiːmə//

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Distribution

Vermont, United States. Distribution records are sparse, with GBIF listing only Vermont-US and US as documented locations.

Similar Taxa

Cupido amyntula amyntulaThe nominate of the eastern tailed-blue, which C. a. maritima was described as distinct from based on coastal/maritime associations implied by the subspecific epithet.
Elkalyce amyntulaC. amyntula maritima is currently synonymized under this name following taxonomic revision; the Elkalyce was erected or revalidated to accommodate species formerly placed in Cupido.

More Details

Taxonomic Status

This is currently treated as a synonym of Elkalyce amyntula. The original description by Leblanc (1985) recognized it as a maritime or coastal variant of Cupido amyntula, but subsequent taxonomic work has not maintained its validity as a distinct subspecies.

Nomenclatural History

The combination Cupido amyntula maritima reflects older taxonomic arrangements. Modern treatments place the in the Elkalyce rather than Cupido, and do not recognize maritima as a valid subspecific name.