Hidden diversity among Andean timberline endemics: integrative taxonomy of the Pedaliodes empusa clade from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae, Pronophilina)

The Pedaliodes empusa clade (‘empusa clade’) comprises a group of high-Andean butterflies endemic to Colombia and associated with timberline and paramo ecosystems of the Eastern Cordillera. The clade includes one relatively widespread species, Pedaliodes empusa, and three localized taxa, P. ralphi, P. guicana, and P. subaurea sp. nov. Here, we revise its systematics using an integrative taxonomic approach based on adult morphology, including male genitalia, and mitochondrial COI barcode data. Phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of the clade (pp = 1) and clarify relationships among its constituent species. Molecular analyses recover P. subaurea sp. nov. as sister to P. guicana with strong support (pp = 1), with COI genetic distances ranging from 3.6–4%, further supporting its recognition as a distinct species endemic to Andean timberline ecosystems. Detailed descriptions, diagnostic characters, and comparisons with closely related congeners are provided.