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We propose a revised higher classification for the genera of Hesperiidae (skipper butterflies) of the world. We have augmented our published DNA data matrix with 49 morphological characters in order to infer relationships for taxa not sampled in the molecular study. We use the results of a combined analysis to identify morphological synapomorphies of the suprageneric clades of Hesperiidae, and to hypothesize a phylogenetic classification of the world’s genera of Hesperiidae, the first of its kind for this diverse group. Monophyly of the family Hesperiidae is strongly supported, as are some of the traditionally recognized subfamilies. The results presented here largely corroborate those of our molecular study, but differ in several details. The Australian endemic Euschemon rafflesia is given subfamily status, as is Eudaminae. We recognize seven subfamilies of Hesperiidae: Coeliadinae, Euschemoninae (confirmed status), Eudaminae (new status), Pyrginae, Heteropterinae (confirmed status), Trapezitinae and Hesperiinae. We treat Pyrrhopygini, Tagiadini, Celaenorrhinini, Carcharodini, Achlyodidini, Erynnini and Pyrgini as tribes of Pyrginae. Circumscriptions of Achlyodidini and Pyrgini require further elucidation. Tribes of Hesperiinae include Aeromachini, Baorini, Taractrocerini, Thymelicini, Calpodini (reinstated status), Anthoptini (new tribe), Moncini and Hesperiini. The tribal placement of many Old World hesperiine genera remains ambiguous.

A comprehensive tribal-level classification for the worlds subfamilies of Hesperiidae, the skipper butterflies, is proposed for the first time. Phylogenetic relationships between tribes and subfamilies are inferred using DNA sequence data from three gene regions (cytochrome oxidase subunit I-subunit II, elongation factor-1a and wingless). Monophyly of the family is strongly supported, as are some of the traditionally recognized subfamilies, with the following relationships: (Coeliadinae + (‘‘Pyrginae’’ + (Heteropterinae + (Trapezitinae + Hesperiinae)))). The subfamily Pyrginae of contemporary authors was recovered as a paraphyletic grade of taxa. The formerly recognized subfamily Pyrrhopyginae, although monophyletic, is downgraded to a tribe of the ‘‘Pyrginae’’. The former subfamily Megathyminae is an infra-tribal group of the Hesperiinae. The Australian endemic Euschemon rafflesia is a hesperiid, possibly related to ‘‘Pyrginae’’ (Eudamini). Most of the traditionally recognized groups and subgroups of genera currently employed to partition the subfamilies of the Hesperiidae are not monophyletic. We recognize eight pyrgine and six hesperiine tribes, including the new tribe Moncini. � The Willi Hennig Society 2008.

With only very few exceptions, interest in butterfly conservation in south eastern Australia has focused on members of four major endemic radiations, the trapezitine skippers, satyrine nymphalids, and thecline and polyommatine lycaenids. In part, this bias reflects the evolutionary interest of these insects as globally significant elements of the Australian butterfly fauna, but also that many of the constituent species/subspecies are both narrowly distributed and ecologically specialised, and so are prime candidates for becoming threatened as local environments are changed. Collectively, they are some of the most diverse groups of Australian butterflies and have diversified to produce complexes of daunting taxonomic and ecological complexity. This variety has generated considerable interest. They have long been attractive to collectors, so many are reasonably well known, at least in general terms. Several of the major components of these radiations are linked with equivalent diversification of southern groups of plants used as larval food plants: some Trapezitinae are associated intimately with Lomandra and, within the Lycaenidae, most species of Ogyris are found on mistletoes (and so are absent from Tasmania, where these plants do not occur), and Jalmenus on Acacia, the largest plant genus in Australia. Somewhat intriguingly, however, the vast genus Eucalyptus so characteristic of Australia’s forests and woodlands, is food for caterpillars of very few butterfly species. The 600–700 species of Eucalyptus and its close allies support large numbers of moth species, together with substantial radiations of other plant-feeding insects such as Homoptera, Coleoptera and others but, whereas many butterflies occur in forest and woodland environments, they almost all depend on other plants for larval foods.

The trapezitine skipper Rachelia extrusa (C. and R. Felder) is recorded for the first time from Australia. A male and female taken in north Queensland are described and compared with specimens from the Papuan faunal region. The adult male and female, male genitalia, antennal club, labial palpus and wing venation are figured.

A new genus Proeidosa, with a single representative, Hesperilla polysema Lower, is separated from Pasma Waterhouse. The type species and early stages are figured and the life-history is described. New southern records are given for this rare endemic skipper. Its distribution is discussed and related genera are compared.

i A specimen from New South Wales identified as an aberrant form of Trapezites maheta praxedes (Plotz) is reported. Its maculation deviates from the basic pattern of Trapezitinae and indicates a certain homology in the marking of fore- and hindwings.