Systematic Study if the Hesperiidae of Mexico

     I have been conducting scientific research on the American Hesperiidae since 1930. In 1965 I began careful collecting and study of the Hesperiidae of Mexico. Previous recorded evidence at that time listed 450 known species of Hesperiidae for Mexico. To date I have either collected or examined specimens that have increased that number to 688. The main purpose in conducting this research was to prepare a publication that would give complete data on the taxonomy, synonymy, and distribution of all the known species of Hesperiidae found to occur in Mexico. When this study is completed such a publications will be prepared.

     Research conducted in Mexico in 1973-74, under grants 1211 and 1323, consisted of extensive collection over various areas of Mexico, chiefly in the states of San Luis Potosi, Veracruz, and Chiapas, together with the examination of specimens from Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Oaxaca received from other collectors. Scientific data were obtained on approximately 500 species, resulting in the discovery of 15 new species and 39 new records for Mexico. In order to make this study as complete as possible I made trips to Washington, D. C., to examine all the tropical American Hesperiidae in the National Museum of Natural History, to New York to spend some time in checking all the Mexican Hesperiidae in the American Museum on Natural History, and to other museums in the United States. In addition, complete data were obtained on all Mexican Hesperiidae from the British Museum. Thus the research covered the main collections of American Hesperiidae in the world. At present my collection of Mexican Hesperiidae is the most complete in existence.

     Collecting methods consisted of first locating favorable areas in Mexico and then spending considerable time in obtaining as many specimens as possible during the summer months. Each specimen collected was placed in a triangular envelops with complete data placed on it. During the winter months these specimens were relaxed and mounted. When dry they were then classified and placed in my collection. When new species or records were found, various articles were written for publication describing the new species and listing the new records.
    
     As a result of research in 1975, under grant 1455, nine more new species were discovered and seven more new records of hesperiids were found among specimens collected in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca. These are treated in the articles cited in the References (Freeman, 1979 a and b).
    
     Specimens are still being mounted and placed in my collection that were obtained during 1974 and 1975 to give more information on the distribution of the various species in Mexico. At present time my records show over 700 species to be found in that country. In the near future sufficient information will have been obtained to prepare the finished publication on all of the Hesperiidae from Mexico.

REFERENCES

FREEMAN, HUGH AVERY