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The immature stages of the skipper butterfly Rhinthon bajula (Schaus, 1902) are described. The larval host plant in nature is Canna paniculata Ruiz & Pav. (Cannaceae). The egg is hemispherical and translucent lime green. To the naked eye, the body of the larva is smooth in all studied instars. The last instar has a plump body and is peppermint-green in color, with dorsal region whitish cream, patterned with several small circular markings. The head is dark brown with a pair of frontal white stripes. The pupa is elongated, without spines, with a long proboscis sheath, as long as the body, and is attached to the leaf by two silk girdles, one at the cremaster and the other at the thoracic region. The relationship between larval body shape and host plant use in Hesperiidae is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Hesperiidae from French Guiana are described. Emmelus benmesbahi Shuey, n. sp. (Eudaminae) represents an eastern extension of this previously monotypic genus. It looks very similar to Emmelus purpurascens but has distinctive genitalia. Damas woldi Shuey, n. sp. (Hesperiinae) is closely related to the widespread neotropical "Damas clavus", a species concept that likely includes other cryptic species across its expansive range. The new species differs consistently in wing pattern and genitalic characters with neighboring populations in the Amazon basin. Metrocles nigroalbum Shuey, n. sp. (Hesperiinae) is a uniquely patterned species that can be confused with no others. All three new species are from the Kaw Mountains and coastal areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talides basistrigata Eaton, 1932, originally described from Peru, was subsequently transferred to the genus Hylephila Billberg, 1820 by Evans (1955) and considered a subspecies of H. phyleus (Drury, 1773), arguing that basistrigata inhabits drier environments than phyleus. Currently, the taxonomic status proposed by Evans is retained. The aim of this study is to reinstate the taxonomic status of valid species for basistrigata based on an integrative analysis considering morphological, ecological, and genetic aspects. Genitalic structures were examined in specimens of both basistrigata and phyleus, mitochondrial COI gene sequences were obtained for both species, and field data were collected to understand their oviposition behaviour in the vicinity of Arequipa city, southwestern Peru. As a result of the morphological examination, notable differences were found between the male genitalia structures of both species, primarily in the caudal processes of the valvae, the arrangement of the pectines, and the shape of the uncus. Regarding the genetic analysis, a genetic distance of greater than 3% was observed between the two species, thus supporting the taxonomic status of species for basistrigata. Additionally, from an ecological perspective, it was recorded that both species employ distinct oviposition mechanisms and different host plants, exhibiting spatial sympatry and temporal synchrony on the western slope of the Andes in Peru. Male and female adults of basistrigata are redescribed, and a lectotype is designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]