Junonia zonalis

Felder, 1867

Northern Tropical Buckeye

Junonia zonalis, the northern tropical buckeye, is a in the Nymphalidae. It was formerly treated as a of Junonia evarete but was elevated to full species status based on phylogenetic and research. The species occurs in Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America.

Junonia zonalis - inat 31743134 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC0 license.

Tropical Buckeye. Junonia zonalis (40987673191) by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Tropical buckeye (Junonia zonalis) J by Charles J. Sharp
. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Junonia zonalis: /dʒuːˈnoʊniə zoʊˈnælɪs/

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Identification

Junonia zonalis is distinguished from the closely related common buckeye (Junonia coenia) and tropical buckeye (Junonia evarete) by genetic differentiation and geographic distribution. It can be separated from Junonia evarete, now restricted primarily to South America, by its occurrence in more northern tropical regions. Detailed morphological distinctions from similar Junonia require examination of wing pattern elements and genitalia.

Images

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical open including disturbed areas, roadsides, and edges of natural vegetation.

Distribution

Found in Florida (United States), throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America.

Similar Taxa

Junonia evareteFormerly considered as the tropical buckeye; now separated by evidence and restricted primarily to South America
Junonia coeniaCommon buckeye, a related North American with similar wing pattern but different geographic range and genetic differentiation
Junonia nigrosuffusaDark buckeye, another former of J. evarete elevated to status in the same taxonomic revision

More Details

Taxonomic History

Junonia zonalis was originally described by Felder in 1867. It was long treated as a of Junonia evarete (the tropical buckeye) along with Junonia nigrosuffusa. Phylogenetic and research led to the elevation of both to full rank, which restricted the range of J. evarete primarily to South America.

Nomenclatural Status

Some taxonomic databases list Junonia zonalis as a synonym of Junonia lavinia, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty and the need for further research on limits within the Junonia.