Notes on the subspecies, and synonyms of Hiperantha decorata (Gory, 1841)

(Figs 23 – 32)

Hiperantha decorata is the most closely related species to H. pikachu sp. nov. H. decorata was originally described as Paecilonota decorata by Gory (1841) probably based on a single specimen (as only a single length is given) from Brazil. The original description is good and includes a clear illustration (Fig. 23) that allows us to recognize the described species. H. decorata is a very variable species as evidenced by the existence of two non-nominate subspecies and five previously synonymized varieties or aberrations (Bellamy, 2008). In order to dismiss the possibility that H. pikachu sp. nov. corresponds to one of the previously described subspecies or varieties of H. decorata, we made a comparative analysis between the above-mentioned taxa (see Table 1). As a result, we conclude that the synonyms of H. decorata correspond to variations of the elytral pattern of the nominate form. Elytral patterns vary from immaculate (var. insignata), with only lateral spot (var. univittata), with lateral and preapical spot (nominate form), with spots fused, but not medially connected (var. chabrillacei), and spots fused to form a single U-shaped spot (var. rambouseki and var. mrazi). H. pikachu sp. nov. exhibits a totally different elytral pattern, which does not fit in any of the known varieties of H. decorata.

A specimen identified as Hiperantha decorata sanguinolenta Cobos, 1963 by A. Cobos 1970 (DZUP 465195) is conspecific with Hiperantha decorata (Gory, 1841) (ab. insignata). Confirmation of this possible synonymy awaits examination of the holotype of H. decorata sanguinolenta. We did not find type or identified specimens of H. decorata maura Cobos, 1963.

Other type material examined. H. decorata ab. insignata Hoscheck in Hoscheck & Théry, 1928. Holotype: “11054 // Type // Fry Rio Jan°. // H. decorata var. insignata Hosch Type. // NHMUK011520839 // Hiperantha decorata var. insignata Hoscheck in Hoscheck & Théry, 1928 HOLOTYPE det. Pineda & Matsumoto, 2020” (1 NHMUK). Paratype: “St. Catharina / E. A. Böttcher / Berlin” // “Typus” // “decora var. / insignata m. type / Det. Hoscheck. 192” (1 NHMB).

Distributional notes. Including H. pikachu sp. nov., the genus Hiperantha in Brazil currently includes 17 species and 4 subspecies (see Table 2). Besides the new taxon, only one species and two subspecies of Hiperantha have been so far recorded for the northeast region of Brazil (Bahia state).