Notamblyscirtes is a monotypic genus of skipper butterflies belonging to the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Hesperiinae. It was established by Alexander B. Klots in 1940. The genus name itself signifies a distinction from the related genus Amblyscirtes, indicating that its members are "not" typical Amblyscirtes in some morphological or genetic characteristics.
Etymology The name Notamblyscirtes is a compound derived from:
- Not-: A prefix, likely from the Greek notos (south) or used here to denote "not" or "different from," indicating a taxonomic distinction from the genus Amblyscirtes. Given its use in biological nomenclature, "not" (as in "not Amblyscirtes") is the more probable interpretation, highlighting its separation as a distinct genus.
- Amblyscirtes: A pre-existing genus name for certain skippers, itself derived from the Greek amblys (blunt, dull, indistinct) and skirtes (a leaper, jumper). This original name often refers to the appearance or flight characteristics of these butterflies.
Therefore, Notamblyscirtes can be understood to mean "not an Amblyscirtes (leaping with blunt characteristics)," emphasizing its unique status relative to that group.
Taxonomy and Species The genus Notamblyscirtes contains a single recognized species:
- Notamblyscirtes simius (Edwards, 1881)
This species, commonly known as the Simius Roadside Skipper, is sometimes synonymized with or considered a subspecies within Amblyscirtes, but its placement in Notamblyscirtes by Klots in 1940 recognizes specific morphological differences warranting generic separation. It is primarily found in parts of North America.