Species level taxonomy of the Neotropical hairstreak genus Porthecla (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Theclinae: Eumaeini)

The species level taxonomy of Porthecla is revised. Six previously described species are recognized: P. ravus (Druce 1907); P. barba (Druce 1907); P. dinus (Hewitson 1867); P. porthura (Druce 1907); P. minyia (Hewitson 1867); P. gemma (Druce 1907), and another six new species are proposed: P. forasteira Faynel & Moser n. sp.; P. annette Faynel & Robbins n. sp.; P. johanna Faynel & Robbins n. sp.; P. peruensis Faynel & Moser n. sp.; P. prietoi Faynel & Busby n. sp. and P. willmotti Busby, Faynel & Moser n. sp. For each Porthecla species we present diagnostic characters, images of male and female adults, drawings of male and female genitalia, distribution maps, and notes on habitat and other biological traits. An identification key for males is provided. To stabilize names; lectotypes are designated for Thecla minyia Hewitson 1867, and Thecla gemma Druce 1907. Wing pattern resemblances between Porthecla and other genera are discussed.