How do you tell the difference between...

[LaRiz]

Damon diadema and Damon variegatus.
I never really inspected D. diadema up close, but looking at pics, they look just like D. variegatus. Also, I used to see D. variegatus on most lists, but now it's mostly D. diadema for sale out there. Is the type D. variegatus, really D. diadema? Or are they seperate species?
john

 

[Alex S.]

Damon spp.

Hey John, they are different species, but the species formerly imported known as D. variegatus was re-identified as D. diadema.

Alex S.

 

[LaRiz]

Thanks Alex...

So there are no D. variegatus in the US then. All that was imported was/is D. diadema? I got my female about 2 years ago, at least. She's got to be _______. D. diadema, correct?
john

 

[Alex S.]

Damon spp.

Hey John, it is possible that both species have been imported, but for the most part, Damon diadema is the most common.

Alex S.