A new subspecies of Chrysozephyrus paona (Tytler,1915) from southern Yunnan, China (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

Abstract

A new subspecies of Chrysozephyrus paona (Tytler, 1915) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) is described from Mt. Daweishan (2000m) , southern Yunnan, China. The new subspecies is almost identical to the nominotypical subspecies in the markings on the underside of the wings, and in the male genitalia. But it is easily distinguished from the latter by the whitish discal areas of the upperside of both wings in the male, an extremely unique feature in the green Theclini. The habitat of the subspecies is primary evergreen broad-leaved forest. Male of this butterfly was found perching on leaves at the tops or tips of twigs of trees surrounding a gap in the forest during evening sunshine , protecting his territory against other males of the same species.