Geographical patterns of evolution in Neotropical Lepidoptera: differentiation of the species ofMelinaeaandMechanitis(Nymphalidae, Ithomiinae)*

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Abstract
Biosystematic analysis incorporating abundant new field data from many parts of the Neotropics has led to an ordered revision of the mimetic ithomiine generaMelinaeaandMechanitis.The various polytypic species of these general probably served as prime movers for the differentiation of other mimetic butterflies in Quaternary forest refuges. The revisions are presented in the form of supplements to the works of Richard M. Fox on these genera, with analyses based on his divisions. Seven species (or monophyletic species‐groups) and sixty‐three well‐differentiated geographic subspecies (six of these described here for the first time) are recognized inMelinaea.Specimens are illustrated which demonstrate intergradation between refuge‐derived subspecies. Five species and fifty‐two differentiated subspecies are recognized inMechanitis, whose members are more abundant and gregarious, more plastic, and apparently more vagile than those ofMelinaea, resulting in fewer clear‐cut mimetic associations, more extensive blurring of differentiation patterns, and apparently fewer incipient biological species in this genus than inMelinaea.