Diversity of Diurnal Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea) of Laguna Potosí and Surrounding Area, Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract. The Mexican state of Guerrero is fourth in butterfly diversity in Mexico. However, little is known about the superfamily Hesperioidea and communities of butterflies that live in coastal ecosystems. Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea of Laguna Potosi and surrounding area were surveyed monthly for 1 year (December 2009-November 2010) in pre-established transects in tropical dry forest; xerophytic shrubland; mangrove; coconut palm crop; secondary vegetation of tropical dry forest; and mixed environment of acacia forest, coconut palm, and mango crops. In total, 188 species in two superfamilies, six families, 18 subfamilies, and 127 genera were identified; seven species were endemic to Mexico, three to the tropical dry forest, and 32 were new records for Guerrero. Most species of butterflies were found in the family Hesperiidae (73), followed by Nymphalidae (52), Pieridae (20), Lycaenidae (19), Riodinidae (15), and Papilionidae (nine species). Most species were found in xerophytic shrubland (114) and tro...