A new species of butterfly was discovered by the Mashpi Lodge Research and Biology team, in collaboration with allied scientists.
A new species of butterfly was discovered by the Mashpi Lodge Research and Biology team, in collaboration with allied scientists, in the Mashpi-Tayra reserve, located in the Chocó Andino region northwest of Quito.
“The Argyrogrammana canabelonging to the family Riodinidae, is a unique species that is only found in the Neotropic (Central and South America) and has been named in honor of its place of initial discoverythe Cana population in southern Panama,” the researchers report in a statement.
“Although this species was ininitially collected in Panama, its subsequent discovery in the Mashpi-Tayra reserve was extraordinary and of great value. The identification of it in Ecuador made it possible to compare it with specimens from other regions, thus determining its status as a completely new species“, they noted.
The 15 millimeter long butterfly has a behavior which the researchers classified as “fascinating”. They explained that males choose one or several leaves from the treetops to attract females and defend their territory. When another specimen enters this one, a fight breaks out which defines which of the two leaves the area.
The study that led to the discovery was led by entomologists Keith Willmott and Jason Hall, from the University of Florida and the Smithsonian Institution. The discovery, highlights the team of experts, emphasizes the importance of monitoring programs that have been developed in Mashpi Lodge since 2017.
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“At Mashpi Lodge, we are proud to contribute to the knowledge and protection of endangered species. This discovery emphasizes the importance of scientific research and environmental conservation in the protection of our natural heritage” he highlighted Mateo Roldanresearch director of the entity.
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