THE AUSTRALIAN ENTOMOLOGIST

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Cover: Ornate false spider mites (Tuckerellidae) are early derivative members of

the economically important Tetranychoidea - spider mites, clover mites, flat

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Illustration by Juanita Choo, Department of Zoology and Entomology,

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Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4): 97-102 97

LARVAL DEVELOPMENT IN HETERONYMPHA MEROPE MEROPE

(FABRICIUS) (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE)

David G. James

Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Washington State University,

24106 North Bunn Road, Prosser, Washington 99350, USA

Abstract

In New South Wales, newly hatched larvae of Heteronympha merope merope (Fabricius) in

autumn are bimodal with respect to feeding behaviour. Non-feeding larvae failed to survive or

commence feeding when held in warm (28?C) temperatures and long (15 h) photoperiod (P).

Feeding larvae developed rapidly in these conditions to the final instar but were unable to

pupate. Post-hatching exposure (1-3 months) of feeding larvae to autumn-winter conditions of

cool temperatures and declining photoperiod, prior to transfer to 25°C, 15 h P, enabled

development through to adulthood. Larval development in H. merope is discussed with respect

to the apparent existence of diapause and host grass availability.

Introduction

Heteronympha merope merope (Fabricius), the common brown butterfly, is

widespread in southeastern Australia, occurring in a wide range of habitats

from metropolitan gardens to mountain forests (Common and Waterhouse

1981). In New South Wales adults first appear in October-November with

males exhibiting marked protandry (Edwards 1973). Edwards (1973)

suggested that females aestivate and showed that although mating occurred

soon after emergence in spring, ovarian development did not occur until

autumn, when eggs are laid on soft grass host plants. James (1988) presented

additional data confirming aestivation and summer reproductive dormancy in

H. merope. Females were unable to develop reproductively, regardless of

temperature and daylength, until early January, suggesting the existence of

an obligatory reproductive diapause. After a period of exposure to summer-

like conditions egg production is stimulated by cool temperatures and

shortening photoperiods (James 1988).

Oviposition by H. merope generally occurs during March-April (Edwards

1973, Fisher 1978), although James (1988) showed that females were gravid

as early as mid February in the lower Blue Mountains. Fisher (1978)

reported that eggs laid in April hatched after about 12 days. The larvae feed

actively but are still “early instars’ in June and July (Fisher 1978).

This paper provides information on the dynamics of larval development and

an apparent second diapause in the life cycle of H. merope.

Materials and Methods

Initial observations (1984)

Ten to 15 female H. merope collected in early March at Hazelbrook in the

Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, were allowed to oviposit on potted kikuyu

and other soft grasses in a constant growth cabinet (CGC) set at 25?C with a

10 hour photoperiod. The butterflies were confined in a steel-framed, muslin

covered cage and fed a 10% sugar/water solution. Eggs were collected,

98 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

placed on moistened filter paper in glass petri dishes and held at 28°C under

a 10 hour photoperiod. Upon hatching (20 March-6 April), ~100 larvae were

transferred with a fine brush to potted grass and held in a temperature

controlled glasshouse (range 22-30°C) under naturally declining photophase

(12-10 h).

Laboratory studies (1985)

Fifteen to 20 females collected in early April at Hazelbrook were allowed to

oviposit during 9-21 April on potted grass in a temperature controlled (range

22-30°C) glasshouse under naturally declining photophase (-10 h). The

butterflies were confined in a wooden framed, muslin covered cage and fed a

10% sugar/water solution. Eggs began hatching on 20 April and most of the

potted grass and eggs were transferred to a constant temperature room (CTR)

(28+1°C/15 h photophase (P)) (summer-like conditions) on 24 April. A

small number of eggs (~50) in a single pot of grass were kept outdoors at

Hazelbrook from 24 April until 16 August, when larvae were transferred to

summer-like conditions until adult emergence. The major group of feeding

larvae (-120) was maintained and monitored under the summer-like

conditions until 5 July, when remaining individuals (-60) were split equally

between (1) a CTR at 28?C/15 h P, (2) a glasshouse at 20-25?C and natural

daylength (-10 h) and (3) a CGC at 16-18?C/7 h P. The few larvae

remaining at the end of July were combined into a single colony on potted

grass and held under ambient laboratory conditions (15-23?C/natural P).

Laboratory studies (1998)

Twenty-four females were collected on 29 March from open woodland

adjacent to the Murrumbidgee River at Yanco in southern New South Wales.

The following day they were placed with potted kikuyu in a steel-framed,

muslin covered cage in a CTR set at 27.5?C/15 h P and fed a 10%

sugar/water solution. Three experiments. were conducted to determine

whether larvae undergo diapause as judged by the duration and success of

development under summer-like conditions, preceded or not by varying

exposure to ambient autumn/winter temperature/photoperiod.

On 6 April, approximately 40 newly laid eggs were removed from the

oviposition cage, placed on moistened filter paper in a glass petri dish and

incubated at 5°C (CTR) for four weeks, before transfer to 25?C/15 h P

(CTR). Similarly, a group of larvae (n-25) which refused to feed since

emergence 14 days earlier, were incubated at 5?C for two weeks before

transfer to 20°C/15 h P. Mortality and development of larvae were recorded

for both groups.

Two pots of kikuyu grass which recruited approximately 100 eggs each

during exposure to female H. merope over two days (30-31 March), were

held outdoors in wooden/muslin cages under ambient temperature and

photoperiod from 1 April to 20 July. Groups of larvae (14-25 individuals)

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 99

were collected from the cages on 14 April (~4 days after hatching), 18 May,

15 June and 20 July. They were held in plastic/muslin rearing containers

with potted grass in a CTR set at 25+1°C/15 h P. Larvae sampled on 14

April contained feeding and non-feeding individuals whilst subsequent

samples contained feeding larvae only. Mortality and development of larvae

in the summer-like conditions were recorded.

Results

Initial observations (1984)

Females laid eggs readily, attaching them to grass blades and stalks as well as

cage sides and on a few Compositae plants mixed in with the grass. Eggs

took 8-9 days to hatch and by 6 April most had hatched. Newly hatched

larvae were around 1.5 mm long and creamy white in colour. A distinct

bimodalism in feeding behaviour was observed, with ~30% of larvae feeding

within hours of emergence and becoming green in colour. The remainder

became immobile taking up positions close to the hatched egg and not

feeding. These larvae remained creamy-white in colour and died after 2 to 4

weeks. By 15 May, most feeding larvae were in late first or early second

instar, 1-1.5 cm long and green. Mortality of larvae increased rapidly during

June and the colony died out by early July.

Laboratory Studies (1985)

Newly emerged larvae again showed feeding or non-feeding behaviour. All

non-feeding larvae died within 2-3 weeks. The feeding larvae showed good

early development under summer-like conditions, with rapid growth and

little mortality during the first 4-5 weeks. During weeks 4-9, development

slowed and more than 50% of larvae died from moulting difficulties and

disease. Survivors reached their final instar by the end of June (9 weeks).

All larvae retained in the 28°C environment died by the third week of July.

High mortality continued amongst the final instar larvae transferred to the

two milder environments and no pupation occurred. Twenty-two survivors

subsequently transferred to laboratory conditions died by early September

without pupating.

Twelve second and third instar larvae from the outdoor colony transferred to

summer-like conditions in mid-August, showed rapid growth and no

mortality, reaching the final instar within two weeks. All larvae pupated in

early September and emerged as adults at the end of the month.

Laboratory studies (1998)

Newly laid eggs, incubated at 5?C for four weeks, appeared to show

embryonic development (internal darkening), but failed to hatch when

subsequently held at 25?C/15 h P. Non-feeding first instar larvae, held at

5?C for two weeks, failed to feed and died within a week when subsequently

exposed to 20?C/15 h P. A single individual commenced feeding but died

after two weeks.

100 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

A sample of 50 larvae (four days old) held at 25?C/15 h P, yielded 36 (7296)

non-feeders and 14 (28%) feeders after 14 days. All of the non-feeders died

within three weeks. After four weeks only four feeders remained alive and

these died after eight weeks, after reaching the final instar (Table 1).

Outdoor larvae (second instars), transferred to 25?C/15 h P after one month

(18 May) developed fairly slowly and only 5496 reached third instar after

about six weeks (Table 1). The first pupae were formed after nine weeks

with 32% of larvae reaching this stage. The first adult emerged after 13

weeks and the last after 16 weeks, with 22% of larvae reaching adulthood

(Table 1). Larvae transferred to 25?C/15 h P after two months outdoors

(second instars) developed faster and had improved survivorship with 4596

pupating after 7-10 weeks. A total of 2796 reached adulthood after 10-12

weeks (Table 1). Outdoor larvae on 20 July (three months since hatching)

were still in the second instar and showed similar development and survival

rates to larvae transferred after two months (Table 1).

Table 1. Development of Heteronympha merope at 25°C/15 h P following transfer

of larvae hatched 10-14 April from outdoor conditions at Yanco, NSW during April-

June 1998.

Post-hatch period % larval % pupation % eclosed Mean (+SE)

outdoors mortality (n) adults (n) larval duration

(d)

NIL 100 (21) 0 0 -

14.iv - 18.v (34d) 68 (17) 32 (8) 22 (5) 101.644

14.iv - 15.vi (62d) 54 (12) 45 (10) 27 (6) 76.743

14.iv - 20.vii (88d) 43 (6) 57 (8) 36 (5) 72.243

Discussion

H. merope larvae in southern Australia develop very slowly during autumn

and winter, taking 6-7 months to reach pupation (Common and Waterhouse

1981, Fisher 1978). This study suggests that the development of larvae is

regulated by diapause.

First instar larvae occur in two behavioural forms, feeders and non-feeders.

The fate of non-feeding first instars is unknown and should be investigated

(do they die or do they gain feeding competency later in autumn/winter?).

The fact that non-feeding larvae in this study did not survive exposure to, or

begin feeding under summer-like conditions, suggests that they are in

diapause (see below).

Larvae of H. merope that feed upon hatching take advantage of the normally

favourable temperature conditions and usually abundant host grass resources

in April-May, and develop to second instars by early winter (Fisher 1978 and

this study). However, second instar larvae in mid-autumn, compared to the

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 101

same stage larvae in late autumn-late winter, differ in their competency to

complete development under summer-like conditions. Second instar larvae

in mid-autumn, exposed to long days and warm temperatures, are unable to

pupate, whilst larvae collected during late May-late August pupate

successfully under summer-like conditions. Thus, mid-autumn larvae appear

to be refractive with respect to full development. A refractory, conditioning

or restoration period (defined as a temporary inability to develop under

normally favourable environmental stimuli) is a key characteristic of

diapause (Danks 1987). If the prolonged larval period/dormancy in

H. merope was simply quiescence caused by the direct effect of cool

temperatures and short daylengths, inhibition of development under

favourable conditions would not occur at any time. Similarly, the inability of

non-feeding first instar larvae to survive, feed or develop under summer-like

conditions, is also indicative of diapause.

Feeding larvae gained competency to complete development after exposure

for only one month (14 April-18 May) to ambient conditions. Temperatures

were relatively high (mean daily maximum = 21°C, range 15-27°C) at this

time suggesting that declining daylength, rather than temperature, facilitated

diapause development (Tauber and Tauber 1976). The apparent diapause in

H. merope larvae does not appear to be instar-specific. Diapause was clearly

broken in second and third instar larvae that showed rapid development

under summer-like conditions, after collection from outdoors in August

1985. These larvae may have been first instar ‘non-feeders’ and perhaps

completed diapause development in that instar. In contrast, larvae exposed to

summer-like conditions from hatching, developed to the final instar before

reaching an apparent physiological ‘block’ to development.

Autumn germination and development of soft grasses, particularly in inland

areas of south eastern Australia, is critical to the development and survival of

H. merope larvae. However, the arrival of autumn ‘rains’ is sometimes

delayed and growth of grasses may not occur until late May/early June in

some years. The apparently fixed occurrence of non-feeding first instar

larvae of H. merope, may be an example of a ‘bet-hedging’ strategy to ensure

that a significant portion of the population survives until host grasses become

available. It would be interesting to compare the proportion of non-feeders

to feeders in coastal and inland populations of H. merope.

A number of insects have been reported to have two or more dormant stages

in their life cycle (Danks 1987 and references therein). Larval dormancy and

adult aestivation has been recorded in some carabid beetles (Thiele 1969),

sciomyzid flies (Berg et al. 1982), the lacewing Nineta flava (Canard 1982,

1983) and the moth Triphaena pronuba (Akhmedov 1977). Dormancies in

two stages does not appear to have been reported previously from nymphalid

butterflies.

102 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

References

AKHMEDOV, R.M. 1977. Temperature and photoperiod as factors in the development of

Triphaena pronuba in Azerbaijan. Zoologicheskii Zhurnal (Moscow) 56: 557-562.

BERG, C.O., FOOTE, B.A., KNUTSON, L., BARNES, J.K., ARNOLD, S.L. and VALLEY, K.

1982. Adaptive differences in phenology in sciomyzid flies. Memoirs of the Entomological

Society of Washington 10: 15-36.

CANARD, M. 1982. Diapause reproductrice photoperiodique chez les adultes de Nineta flava

(Scopili) (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae). Neuroptera International 2: 59-68.

CANARD, M. 1983. La sensibilite photoperiodique des larves de la chrysope Nineta flava.

Entomologia Experientalis et Applicata 34: 111-118.

COMMON, LF.B. and WATERHOUSE, D.F. 1981. Butterflies of Australia. Angus and

Robertson, Sydney.

DANKS, H.V. 1987. Insect Dormancy: An Ecological Perspective. Biological Survey of

Canada (Terrestial Arthropods), Ottawa.

EDWARDS, E.D. 1973. Delayed ovarian development and aestivation in adult females of

Heteronympha merope merope (Lepidoptera: Satyrinae). Journal of the Australian

Entomological Society 12: 92-98.

FISHER, R.H. 1978. Butterflies of South Australia. Government Printer, Adelaide.

JAMES, D.G. 1988. Aestivation and reproductive dormancy in adult Heteronympha merope

merope (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Australian Entomological Magazine 15:

67-72.

TAUBER, MJ. and TAUBER, C.A. 1976. Insect seasonality: Diapause maintenance,

termination and post-diapause development. Annual Review of Entomology 21: 81-107.

THIELE, H.U. 1969. The control of larval hibernation and of adult aestivation in the carabid

beetles, Nebria brevicollis F. and Patrobus atrorufos Stroem. Oecologia 2: 347-361.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4): 103-110 103

A NEW SUBSPECIES OF BINDAHARA MEEKI ROTHSCHILD &

JORDAN (LEPIDOPTERA: LYCAENIDAE) FROM NEW IRELAND,

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

C.J. MULLER’ and D.P.A. SANDS?

'Centre for Ore Deposit Research, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252-79, Hobart, Tas 7001

(address for correspondence: PO Box 228, Dural, NSW 2158)

"CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Long Pocket Laboratories, Indooroopilly, Qld 4068

Abstract

Bindahara meeki kolmaui ssp. nov. is described and illustrated from Central New Ireland,

Bismarck Archipelago. Detailed morphological and structural comparisons are made with the

nominotypical subspecies from mainland Papua and Irian Jaya. The immature stages of

B. m. kolmaui are described and Salacia sp. nr disepala (Hippocrateaceae) is recorded as a

foodplant.

Introduction

The genus Bindahara Moore was previously considered to contain three

species, B. phocides (Fabricius), B. meeki (Rothschild & Jordan) and

B. arfaki Bethune-Baker, until Parsons (1998) showed that the latter two taxa

are conspecific, B. meeki having priority. Parsons (1998) recognised that

only males were known of B. meeki and only females of B. arfaki, hence

prior confusion can be attributed to the extreme sexual dimorphism.

Depositories are abbreviated as follows: ANIC — Australian National Insect

Collection, CSIRO, Canberra; CJMC - Private collection of C. J. Müller.

Bindahara meeki kolmaui ssp. nov.

(Figs 1-5, 7-9, 11)

Type material. Holotype O' (ANIC genitalia slide No. 13095), PAPUA NEW

GUINEA: Schleinitz Mts., 1260 m, Central New Ireland, 24.vii.1998, C. J. Müller (in

ANIC). Paratypes: 1 0’, same data as holotype but 27.vii.1998 (CIMC); 1 9, same

data as holotype but ex-ova, emerged 1.ix.1998, pupated 19.viii.1998 (ANIC); 1 9,

same data as holotype but 24.vii.1998 (CJMC).

Description. Male (Figs 1, 2, 5). Forewing length 20 mm; antenna 12 mm.

Head black with eye ringed white anteriorly; antenna black, ringed white,

with club tipped orange-brown, nudum proximal to club ventrally grey-

brown; labial palpus long, black dorsally, white beneath. Thorax black with

fine brown hairs above, beneath grey; legs pale grey. Abdomen black, white

ventrally. Forewing with costa bowed strongly near base, termen nearly

straight; above black with a broad area, excluding cell and central median

area, iridescent purple, visible only at certain acute angles, cilia black;

beneath, ground colour dark grey-brown, pale brown from base to

postmedian area beneath vein CuA,, nine white bars of variable width

running approximately normal to costa, termen and submarginal line tending

orange towards dorsum, postmedian pair of lines becoming congruous at vein

CuA,, median pairs of lines intersecting at costa. Hindwing with long orange

104 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

tail at vein CuA,, termen stepped abruptly, distally between veins CuA, and

CuA,, lobed at tornus; above black with bright orange tornal area from vein

M, irregularly to median area of dorsum, paler progressively towards inner

margin, lobe black with metallic blue centre, cilia black along apex and

anterior one-third of termen, orange along remainder, large disc-shaped sex

brand in basal area between cell and vein Sc+R,; beneath, ground colour

brown-black with a series of white bars orientated obliquely to costa, from

base to termen, postmedian and marginal lines merging and becoming

progressively orange towards tornus, median pale line very obscure, white

median bars congruent at junction of cell and vein M,, bottom of cell and

vein CuA, broadly orange, an irregular black bar oblique to dorsum from

median to postmedian area, two black spots, uppermost oval in shape,

proximally blue to white, lobe broadly black, metallic blue at tornus.

Genitalia (Fig. 11). Genitalic ring oval; sociuncus broad and U-shaped

anteriorly; brachium long, apically slender, strongly dipping; valva long,

slender, somewhat flattened laterally, median distal blunt processes laterally,

enlarged and squared apically; phallus elongate, pointed apically, with dense

setae subapically.

Female (Figs 3, 4). Forewing length 19 mm; antenna 10 mm. Head deep

grey, white anteriorly and ventrally; antenna black dorsally, whitish-grey

ventrally, club grey-brown; tipped orange-brown, labial palpus long, black,

beneath basal two segments white. Thorax grey with flimsy hairs laterally,

beneath whitish-grey; legs grey dorsally, white ventrally. Abdomen grey

dorsally, white ventrally. Forewing with costa bowed near base and inner

margin near tornus, termen fairly straight; above grey-black with broad white

median area extending from lower distal portion of cell to inner margin and

near base, boundary with ground colour gradational, basal area below cell

with scattering of grey scales; beneath, ground colour white, with a series of

black bars running normal to costa (broad bar in sub-basal area reaching to

near dorsum, two narrower black bars in median to postmedian area and

reaching to vein CuA,, two broad marginal and submarginal bars, meeting at

tornus). Hindwing with apex rounded, termen straight to vein CuA,, stepped

between vein CuA, and tornus and with long tail at vein CuA,, lobed

conspicuously; above white with distal one-third black, basal area with

scattered grey scales, vein 1A+2A heavily black, and to inner margin grey,

narrow white line just proximal of termen and also in centre of tail which is

otherwise black with faint traces of pale metallic blue, lobe black with

metallic blue centre, cilia black; beneath white with distal one-quarter black,

partially bisected by submarginal band of elongate bluish-white spots, a

black bar, running obliquely to costa from base to bottom of cell, an irregular

black bar from base to tornus, congruous with dorsum, a black bar, oblique to

dorsum from near base to vein 1A+2A, a narrow band of white subterminal

spots, two elongated metallic blue tornal spots, two white spots proximal to

these, postmedian area near tornus bright yellow, tail black with white centre,

dorsum broadly black, cilia black.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 105

rey

Figs 1-4. Adults of Bindahara meeki kolmaui ssp. nov. Odd numbers upperside,

even numbers underside. (1, 2) male; (3, 4) female.

106 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

Etymology. The new taxon is named in honour of Mr Gabriel Kolmau,

Kandauan Village, New Ireland, for his hospitality and friendship to one of

us (CJM) during field research undertaken in this study.

Figs 5-6. Adult male uppersides of Bindahara meeki subspecies, showing extent of

iridescent purple (stippled) and sex brand (filled). (5) B. m. kolmaui; (6) B. m. meeki.

Life history

Foodplant (Fig. 10). Fruit of Salacia sp. nr disepala (Hippocrateaceae).

Egg. Diameter 0.85 mm, wider than high, white with bluish tinge, strongly

pitted with fine spines along pit peripheries.

Larva. Final instar (Fig. 7) 21 mm long, flattened laterally, especially

anteriorly, distally flanged and indented between segments, with conspicuous

setae, glossy blue-black, anteriorly and around periphery orange-brown,

posteriorly with flange blue-green, segments 6 to 8 white, becoming

progressively pink near maturity, segment 7 with a black dorso-lateral patch,

anal plate brown.

Pupa (Figs 8, 9). Length 15 mm, with covering of short fine setae, longer

anteriorly, indented above eyes, brown with segments 6 and 7 cream-brown,

faint dorsal line brown, dark brown dorso-lateral markings anteriorly.

Attached by cremaster and central girdle.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 107

Discussion

Bindahara meeki, described by Rothschild and Jordan (1905), is one of the

rarer species in the Australian region. It is fairly widely distributed from

Misool and mainland Irian Jaya to eastern Papua New Guinea, yet only six

specimens were known to Parsons (1998) from Papua. A further female is

known from Mumeng, Morobe Province, PNG, March 1990 (CJMC).

B. meeki kolmaui is a striking new taxon and its presence on New Ireland

suggests that B. meeki eventually will be discovered on the intervening island

of New Britain. Parsons (1998) records the vertical range of B. m. meeki in

Papua as 0-1800 m. The type series of B. m. kolmaui was taken at 1260 m

(Fig. 13) although it may occur at lower elevations in New Ireland.

Adults of B. m. kolmaui may be distinguished readily from the nominate

subspecies in both sexes. The male is more distinctly marked beneath than

that of B. m. meeki., the pale striae in the tornal region of the hindwing in the

latter taxon are replaced with dark, more extensive markings in the new

subspecies. Above, the narrow terminal area of iridescent purple in

B. m. meeki is replaced by a large area of similar colouring covering the

majority of the forewing (Figs 5, 6). The sex mark at the costal base of the

hindwing above is much larger in B. m. kolmaui than in the nominotypical

subspecies. Females are very well marked on the underside of both wings;

the vestigial bars in B. m. meeki are extended considerably in B. m. kolmaui,

giving a superficial resemblance to a miniature 'five-bar' Graphium Scopoli

(e.g. G. nomius (Esper), G. aristeus (Stoll): Papilionidae). The yellow and

metallic blue markings in the hindwing are extensive and bright in

B. m. kolmaui. In addition, the wing shape is different between females of

the two subspecies. Females of the nominate taxon possess much broader

and more rounded wings, the termen in B. m. kolmaui being comparatively

straight.

The male genitalia of B. m. meeki and B. m. kolmaui (Figs 11, 12) are very

distinct, suggesting that the two may not be conspecific. The sociuncus in

B. m. meeki is considerably broader and more rounded dorsally than in

B. m. kolmaui. In addition, the sociuncus is more flattened laterally in

B. m. meeki and the brachium is blunt and broad. The valvae of B. m. olmaui

are strongly flattened and unlike those of B. m. meeki are apically blunt

(sharply pointed in B. m. meeki). The phallus of B. m. kolmaui is tapered to a

sharp point apically, whilst in B. m. meeki it is comparatively blunt.

Adults of B. m. kolmaui were collected in the top of a flowering rainforest

tree (probably Acmena sp.) some 20 m above the ground. Specimens were

flying with Deudorix woodfordi Druce, D. niepelti Joicey & Talbot,

D. epijarbas (Moore) and an undescribed species of Deudorix Hewitson.

Several days spent in the canopy saw only very brief periods of sunshine and

once the sun was obscured insect activity lessened considerably. The

probable arboreal habits of Bindahara meeki may explain the paucity of

records.

108 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

Figs 7-10. Early stages and foodplant of B. m. kolmaui. (7) mature larva, dorsal

view; (8) pupa, dorsal view; (9) pupa, lateral view; (10) Salacia sp. nr disepala.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 109

Figs 11-12. Male genitalia of Bindahara meeki. (11) B. m. kolmaui. (a) lateral view;

(b) sociuncus, dorsal view; (c) valvae, ventral view. (12) B. m. meeki. (a) lateral

view; (b) sociuncus, dorsal view; (c) valvae, ventral view.

Fig. 13. Type habitat of B. m. kolmaui, Schleinitz Mts., 1260 m, central New Ireland.

110 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

A female of B. m. kolmaui was observed to oviposit on a fruit of Salacia sp.

nr disepala (Hippocrateaceae) which was scrambling through the canopy of a

tall rainforest tree. An egg collected was subsequently reared to adult and its

early stages recorded. This species is possibly the foodplant for the Deudorix

taxa observed in the area, as Salacia disepala (C. T. White) is a common host

for Deudorix epijarbas and D. diovis Hewitson and also for Bindahara

phocides yurgama Couchman in northern Queensland (Cooper et al. 1993;

pers. obs). Although Deudorix larvae generally pupate in the fruit

previously excavated by the larva, those of Bindahara phocides generally

pupate within narrow chambers constructed in dead wood. The mature

larvae may wander for days in search of a suitable pupation site and

eventually chew a small hole and pupate within. In captivity, the mature

larva of B. m. kolmaui wandered within its confines for six days before

finally boring into some soft, partially rotten wood provided. As the mature

larva neared pupation, it progressively became very pinkish in colour,

noticeable also in the larvae of B. phocides yurgama (pers. obs.) A

characteristic feature of B. phocides pupae is a resemblance in anterior view

to a small arboreal cricket (Gryllidae), no doubt a deterrent mechanism to

predators. This is also characteristic of the pupae of B. meeki.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Phil Ackery and Dick Vane-Wright (The Natural History

Museum, London) for allowing dissection of loaned material in their care

and John Tennent for invaluable help with communication. We are also

grateful to Max Moulds (Australian Museum) and Ted Edwards (ANIC) for

helpful comments on the manuscript.

References

COOPER, W.T., COOPER, W. and MONTEITH, G.B. 1993. New larval foodplants for two

Australian fruit-feeding lycaenid butterflies. Australian Entomologist 20(4): 113-114.

PARSONS, M.J. [1998]. The butterflies of Papua New Guinea. Their systematics and biology.

Academic Press, London; xvit+736 pp, xxvi+136 plates.

ROTHSCHILD, W. and JORDAN, K. 1905. On some new Lepidoptera discovered by

A.S. Mek in British New Guinea. Novitates Zoologicae 12: 448-478.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4): 111-114 111

THE LIFE HISTORY OF SABERA FULIGINOSA FULIGINOSA

(MISKIN) (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIIDAE) AND ADDITIONAL

HOSTPLANTS FOR THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GENUS IN

NORTHERN QUEENSLAND

C.J. MULLER’ and G.A. WOOD’

'PO Box 228, Dural, NSW 2158

PO Box 122, Atherton, Qld 4883

Abstract

The early stages of the white-fringed swift, Sabera fuliginosa fuliginosa (Miskin) are described

and illustrated. New hostplants are recorded for the yellow-streaked swift, S. dobboe autoleon

(Miskin) and the white-clubbed swift, S. caesina albifascia (Miskin).

Introduction

While examining foliage of the palm Calamus moti Bailey near El Arish,

(Tully district, northern Queensland) during 1994, two hesperiine larvae were

located. These were reared and proved to be Sabera fuliginosa fuliginosa

(Miskin). Subsequently, a gravid female from Kuranda confined to a plant of

C. moti oviposited successfully. The resultant larvae completed their life

cycle on that plant.

Life history

Foodplant. Calamus moti Bailey (Arecaceae).

Egg (Fig. 1). Hemispherical; diameter approximately 1 mm; dome-shaped

with very fine vertical ribs; cream when first deposited, some changing to

deep pink in 3-4 days.

Larva. First instar: length 3.5 mm; head shiny black, smooth, with shallow

longitudinal groove; prothoracic plate black; body pale straw-coloured; long

pale setae on posterior segments. Second to third instars: head black; body

translucent grey-green. Fourth instar: head with lower two-thirds and

longitudinal groove black, remainder very light brown; body translucent

grey-green. Fifth instar (Fig. 2): length 28 mm; head black with two light

brown lateral areas; longitudinal groove forming a black triangle joined at the

base and top by a deep brown lateral line; body translucent grey-green, dorsal

midline dark green.

Pupa (Fig. 3). Length 18 mm; light cream-brown covered with white, waxy

powder; attached by dark red-brown cremaster.

Discussion

As with the other Australian species in the genus, eggs of S. f. fuliginosa are

deposited singly on the upperside of leaves of the foodplant. Larvae

construct shelters using a section of the leaf margin, which they isolate at

either end and fold underneath. Folding is achieved by construction of a

silken hinge and tensioned silken threads. Further shelters are constructed,

becoming progressively larger as the larva grows. Mature larvae then form a

112 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

.Figs 1-3. Early stages of Sabera fuliginosa fuliginosa. (1) egg; (2) larva; (3) pupa.

Scale bars (1) = 1.5 mm, (2) = 4 mm, (3) = 4.2 mm.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 113

puparium which is detached from the foodplant and falls to the ground or

often into water. In the latter situation, the tightly sealed puparium

apparently maintains buoyancy. Larvae feed at night.

Only subtle morphological differences exist between the early stages of

Australian species of Sabera Swinhoe. The early stages of species occurring

outside Australia, where they are essentially restricted to mainland New

Guinea (Evans 1949; Parsons 1986, 1991, 1998), are poorly known. Parsons

(1998) noted that W. W. Brandt had taken larvae of S. caesina barina

Fruhstorfer together with those of Mimene melie (de Nicéville) (Hesperiidae)

in mainland Papua New Guinea. Parsons (1998) suggested that, based on

Brandt's sketches, the foodplant was possibly Licula sp. or Calamus sp. (both

Arecaceae). Parsons (1998) recorded Cordyline terminalis (L.) Kunth

(Agavaceae) as a foodplant for S. dobboe dobboe (Plotz) in Papua New

Guinea, based on Brandt's sketches, and one of us (CJM) has taken the early

stages of the subspecies S. d. hanova Evans from this plant in northern New

Britain and throughout New Ireland (0-700 m), Papua New Guinea.

Cordyline australis (G. Forster) Endl. (Agavaceae) is the primary hostplant

of S. dobboe autoleon wherever the butterfly and plant are sympatric in

northern Queensland. Ova and larvae were also found on Cordyline stricta

(Kunth) Endl. in rainforest near Tully and Julatten. All immature stages have

been collected on or near Cordyline cannifolia R. Br. throughout the

Atherton Tablelands. Cordyline terminalis (Common and Waterhouse 1981)

and Cordyline cultivars (Quick 1982) were the only previously recorded

hostplants for this taxon.

At Kennedy (near Cardwell) and near El Arish, larvae of S. caesina

albifascia have been taken from young Achontophoenix alexandriae

(F.Muell.) (Arecaceae) palms growing deep within the jungle. Larvae and

pre-pupae have also been collected front young Normanbya normanbyi

(W.Hill) L. Bailey (Arecaceae) palms at Diwan and Cape Tribulation. The

only previously known foodplant for this hesperiid in Australia was Calamus

carytoides C. Martius (Arecaceae) (Wood 1985).

Sabera species are remarkable in that, upon emerging, adults remain in an

upright position, with their long legs fully extended, whilst expanding their

wings. They are capable of flight within minutes of eclosion, possibly

minimising time spent on the forest floor or watercourse where they would

be very vulnerable to predators. Sabera larvae can withstand temporary

flooding of their habitats.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Bernie Hyland and Andrew Ford (CSIRO,

Atherton) for foodplant identifications.

114 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

References

COMMON, L.F.B. and WATERHOUSE, D.F. 1981. Butterflies of Australia. Angus &

Robertson, Sydney; xiv+682 pp.

EVANS, W.H. 1949. A catalogue of the Hesperiidae from Europe, Asia and Australia in the

British Museum (Natural History). British Museum (Natural History), London; xix+502 pp, 53

pls.

PARSONS, M.J. 1986. A new genus and twenty-six new species of butterflies (Lepidoptera:

Hesperiidae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae) from Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya. Tyo to Ga 37:

103-177.

PARSONS, M.J. 1991. Butterflies of the Bulolo-Wau valley. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu;

280 pp, 27 pls.

PARSONS, M.J. [1998]. The butterflies of Papua New Guinea. Their systematics and biology.

Academic Press, London; xvi+736 pp, xxvit+136 pls.

QUICK, W.N.B. 1982. Some notes on the early stages of the skipper Sabera dobboe autoleon

(Miskin). Victorian Entomologist 12(4): 44-45.

WOOD, G.A. 1986. The life history of Sabera caesina albifascia (Miskin) (Lepidoptera:

Hesperiidae). Australian Entomological Magazine 12(6): 112-113.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4): 115-123 115

THE GENUS PSYCHONOTIS TOXOPEUS IN THE SOLOMON

ISLANDS, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF FIVE NEW TAXA

(LEPIDOPTERA: LYCAENIDAE)

W. John Tennent

Biogeography and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Entomology, The Natural History

Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK

(address for correspondence: 1 Middlewood Close, Fylingthorpe, Whitby, North Yorkshire

YO22 4UD, England)

Abstract

Examination of Psychonotis Toxopeus material from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon

Islands shows that two distinct taxa have previously been included under Psychonotis kruera

(Druce). A lectotype for P. kruera, from Florida Island, is designated. Five new taxa are

described: P. julie sp. nov. (San Cristobal); P. eleanor sp. nov. (New Georgia Group); P. aihuru

sp. nov. (San Cristobal); P. slithyi sp. nov. (Malaita) and P. slithyi borogrovesi ssp. nov.

(Ulawa). Diversity of Psychonotis taxa in the Solomon Islands accords closely with the

distribution of other butterfly groups and with the geological history of the islands.

Introduction

The Australasian genus Psychonotis Toxopeus, 1930, occurs from Sulawesi

in the west to New Guinea, Australia, the Solomon Islands and New

Caledonia in the east In a review of the Oriental and Australian

Polyommatini, Hirowatari (1992) recognised nine species of Psychonotis,

three of which [P. caelius (C & R Felder, 1860); P. brownii (Druce &

Bethune-Baker, 1893) and P. hebes (Druce, 1904)] occur in New Guinea and

one, P. kruera (Druce, 1891), extends to the Solomon Islands. Parsons

(1998) also included the Solomon Islands in the distribution of P. caelius but

no specimens from there have been seen by the present author. Parsons

(1998) also referred to a male of an undescribed Psychonotis species from

New Ireland in The Natural History Museum, London (BMNH) and included

a line drawing of the valve and a colour illustration of both surfaces of the

adult.

Druce (1891) described P. kruera from a male from Florida Island and a

female from Malaita. There are few specimens of P. kruera in museum

collections and further material, collected in 1996 and 1997, shows that the

species is widespread throughout the western Solomon Islands, but that two

taxa had previously been included under the name kruera (see P. slithyi sp.

nov., below). It also transpired that the specimens from which P. kruera was

described, both now in the BMNH and both bearing 'Type' labels,

represented different species.

Although known Psychonotis species usually present no difficulties in

identification, some confusion is possible. Male genitalia are distinctive. In

particular, the shape of the posterior section of the valvae differs significantly

between species, especially when viewed dorsally and slightly obliquely.

Hirowatari (1992) illustrated the male genitalia of several New Guinea taxa,

116 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

including P. kruera and Parsons (1998) provided a comparison between the

valves of P. brownii and an undescribed Psychonotis species from New

Ireland. Further undescribed Psychonotis species, collected on islands of the

New Georgia Group and on San Cristobal, raise the total of known species in

the genus to 14. Male genitalia of Psychonotis species known from the New

Guinea region are figured below (figs 19-26). Colour illustrations of the new

taxa will appear in a forthcoming book on the butterflies of the Solomon

Islands.

Systematics

Psychonotis kruera (Druce, 1891)

(Fig. 20)

Material examined. Lectotype © [here designated], SOLOMON ISLANDS: ‘Florida

I., Solomon Is., Woodford / Godman-Salvin Coll. 1908-168 / Type / Thysonotis

kruera, Type, H H Druce’ (BMNH). Non-type material: Numerous specimens,

including the following genitalia preparations: 7 OO", Choiseul (BMNH (V) 4975,

4976, 4977, 4978, 5104, 5105, 5106); 3 d'd, Santa Isabel (BMNH (V) 5107, 5108,

5109); 1 o’, Guadalcanal (BMNH (V) 5110); 1 c, Florida (BMNH (V) 1119) (all

BMNH). PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1 0’, Bougainville (JT 478) (Australian National

Insect Collection, Canberra).

Description. Male forewing length 14 mm; upperside dark shining blue;

outer margins and hindwing inner margin narrowly bordered dark brown;

forewing underside plain white, costa and outer margin with broad dark

brown margins, unmarked; hindwing underside white, outer margin with

broad dark brown band enclosing submarginal series of small, iridescent

blue/green markings, often with reduced or vestigial series distad, especially

near tornus. Genitalia (fig. 20) typical of polyommatine lycaenids, but

unique in that upper section of diaphragma supports sclerotised band, weakly

connected to juxta and lateral processes of tegumen, thereby forming a ring

surrounding, but separate from, aedeagus (Eliot 1973). Male valve with

posterior ‘lobe’ rounded, not serrate. Female forewing upperside with pale,

shining silvery blue restricted to basal area and inner margin, the costa and

outer margins broadly dark brown; hindwing upperside pale silvery blue with

broad dark brown outer margin; underside similar to male.

Distribution. Western Solomon Islands and Bougainville, Woodlark and

Misima islands, Papua New Guinea.

Comments. The female specimen recorded by Druce (1891) becomes a

paratype of P. slithyi sp. nov. Both P. kruera and P. slithyi are subject to

individual variation and intermediate specimens may be difficult or

impossible to separate using exophenotypic characters alone, although male

genitalia of each species are distinctive (cf. figs 19 & 20). The abdomen of

the lectotype is missing. However, the markings are clearly those of western

populations (i.e. not intermediate) and the genitalia of another male from

Florida island in the BMNH are identical with those from western

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 117

populations. Selection of the Florida specimen as lectotype also results in the

least nomenclatural disruption, since the species is widespread throughout the

western Solomon Islands and parts of New Guinea, whilst the species

represented by Druce's female (P. slithyi) is apparently restricted to Malaita

and Ulawa. So far as is known, these two closely related taxa are allopatric

in distribution.

Psychonotis slithyi sp. nov.

(Figs 1, 4, 10, 13, 19)

Material examined. Holotype &', SOLOMON ISLANDS: Malaita, Auki to Fiu river,

SL-200 m, 22.x.1997, W. J. Tennent (gen. prep. BMNH (V) 5111) (BMNH).

Paratypes: 5 O'O', 2 99, same data as holotype (inc. gen. prep. BMNH (V) 5112);

40’, same data as holotype, 11.iv.1997 (inc. gen. preps. BMNH (V) 5113, 5114,

5115); 1 g', Malaita, north-east of Auki, SL-200 m, 9.iv.1997, W. J. Tennent (gen.

prep. BMNH (V) 5116); 2 99, Malaita, north, above Malu'u, SL-580 m, 24.x.1997,

W. J. Tennent; 1 9 [paralectotype of P. kruera], ‘N. W. Bay, Malaita I., Solomon Is.,

Woodford / Godman-Salvin Coll. 1908-168 / Type / T. kruera f, Type, H H Druce

(all BMNH); 1 0%, 1 2, Malaita, Dala, 50 m, 7-22.vi.1984, J. & M. Sedlacek (Bernice

P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu).

Description. Resembles P. kruera; male forewing length 14 mm; upperside

indistinguishable from P. kruera; underside marginal dark bands slightly

narrower than in P. kruera; hindwing underside with single series of

iridescent blue markings in marginal band (often with at least the suggestion

of double series in area of tornus in P. kruera). Genitalia (fig. 19)

distinctive; valve with posterior lobe deeply serrated, slightly splayed

(rounded, without terminal teeth in P. kruera). Female similar to P. kruera;

upperside blue slightly darker.

Distribution. Malaita.

Psychonotis slithyi borogrovesi ssp. nov.

(Figs 2, 5, 11, 14)

Material examined. Holotype &', SOLOMON ISLANDS: Ulawa, north, Harrina

village area, 40 m, 25.iii.1997, W. J. Tennent (BMNH). Paratypes: 9 OO", 4 99,

same data as holotype (inc. gen. preps. BMNH (V) 5117, 5118); 1 9, Ulawa, north,

Kellmei and Harrina village areas, SL-40 m, 24.iii.1997 (all BMNH).

Description. Male forewing length 13 mm; indistinguishable from

P. s. lithyi; genitalia similar to P. s. slithyi. Female distinctive; upperside

blue dull, restricted to basal areas, leaving broad marginal border; underside

marginal borders slightly broader than P. s. slithyi.

Distribution. Ulawa.

Comment. The island of Ulawa has a surprisingly high level of endemic

butterfly taxa, considering its geographical proximity to Malaita (Tennent

1998).

118 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

2B. ba qmm

Figs 1-18. Psychonotis species, upper and undersides. (1, 10) P. s. slithyi o

(holotype); (4, 13) ditto, 9 (paratype); (2, 11) P. slithyi borogrovesi © (holotype);

(5, 4) ditto, 9 (paratype); (3, 12) P. eleanor d (holotype); (6, 15) ditto, 9 (paratype);

(7, 16) P. julie oO (holotype); (8, 17) ditto, 9 (paratype); (9, 18) P. waihuru 9

(holotype). Scale bar = 1 cm.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 119

Psychonotis julie sp. nov.

(Figs 7, 8, 16, 17, 21)

Material examined. Holotype &', SOLOMON ISLANDS: San Cristobal, above

Hauta, 500-700 m, 3.iv.1997, W. J. Tennent (BMNH). Paratypes: 4 00", 3 99, same

data (inc. gen. prep. BMNH (V) 5119); 1 0%, 1 9, same data, 1.iv.1997 (male gen.

prep. BMNH (V) 5120) (all BMNH).

Description. Male forewing length 14 mm; upperside dark shining blue, with

narrow black margins; underside with restricted blue-green basal suffusion;

forewing underside white; apex black; inner margin broadly black; broad

black postmedian transverse stripe from costa to outer margin; hindwing

underside white; tornal markings consisting of marginal elongated and barely

confluent black spots, extending in thin line along outer margin; iridescent

blue-green markings indistinct, confined to tornal spots. Genitalia typical of

Psychonotis, valve irregular in shape, terminating in unserrated narrow

pointed lobe (fig. 21). Female upperside similar to a species of Erysichton

Fruhstorfer, forewing upperside with apex, outer margin and tornus broadly

black; prominent white discal patch; posterior section of wing bright silver-

blue; hindwing upperside dusted blue, particularly near inner margin; outer

margin with wide dark band; underside similar to male.

Distribution. San Cristobal.

Comment. P. julie is unlike any other known Psychonotis species.

Psychonotis eleanor sp. nov.

(Figs 3, 6, 12, 15, 22)

Material examined. Holotype 0’, SOLOMON ISLANDS: New Georgia group,

Kolombangara, inland from Vanga Point, SL-400 m, 25.viii.1996, W. J. Tennent

(gen. prep. BMNH (V) 5121) (BMNH). Paratypes: 1 9, same data; 2 O'C', 2 99,

Kolombangara, Vanga Point, SL-40 m, 23.viii.1996, W. J. Tennent (inc. gen. prep.

BMNH (V) 5122); 1 9, same data, 26.viii.1996; 1 9, same data, 27.viii.1996; 1 9,

New Georgia, north coast, Menakasapa (Paradise), SL-20 m, 1.ix.1996,

W.J. Tennent; 1 9, New Georgia Group, Vella Lavella, southeast corner, SL-40 m,

I.J. Woods, 6.viii.1997 (all BMNH).

Description. Male forewing length 13 mm; upperside bright shining blue

(dark blue in other members of the kruera species-group); margins brown,

broader at fw apex (uniformly narrow in P. kruera); underside similar to

P. kruera; hindwing underside with iridescent tornal markings in single line,

prominent. Genitalia (fig. 22) superficially similar to P. kruera (cf. fig. 20),

larger, posterior of valve with less rounded (i..e. more ‘open’) shape. Female

upperside pale shining blue (darker in P. kruera and P. slithyi); borders

brown, broad; forewing upperside with cubital vein and section of veins 2, 3

and 4 nearest cubital vein distinctly white; underside similar to male.

Distribution. New Georgia, Kolombangara, Vella Lavella and probably

other islands of the New Georgia Group.

120 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

Comment. P. kruera has not been recorded from the New Georgia Group

and is apparently replaced there by P. eleanor.

Psychonotis waihuru sp. nov.

(Figs 9, 18)

Material examined. Holotype 9$, SOLOMON ISLANDS: San Cristobal, above Hauta,

500-700 m, 3.iv.1997, W. J. Tennent (BMNH).

Description. Female forewing length 12 mm; similar to P. slithyi; upperside

blue more dull; underside similar to other kruera species-group; forewing

underside with marginal dark border narrow in comparison with P. kruera

and P. slithyi, ending cleanly at tornus (becoming diffuse, slightly broader

and extending slightly along the inner margin in P. kruera and P. slithyi);

hindwing underside with iridescent markings small, inconspicuous. Male

unknown.

Distribution. San Cristobal.

Comments. This taxon represents the first record of the kruera species-group

from the island of San Cristobal and is named after John Waihuru, village

chief at Hauta, whose interest in nature and embrace of ecotoursim is a good

example of a realistic alternative to the ubiquitous and destructive logging

practices which pervade the western Pacific islands. San Cristobal is one of

the most interesting of the large mountainous and forested Solomon islands,

and supports a high percentage of endemic butterfly taxa (Tennent 1998).

Discussion

Some minor variation in phenotype was observed in P. kruera from different

islands although it was not possible, with the material available, to properly

assess whether even further taxa are involved. On the face of it, this seems

unlikely. In comparison with some of the other Solomon islands, which

support a high or moderately high proportion of endemic taxa (e.g. New

Georgia Group, Malaita, San Cristobal etc.), the islands of Choiseul, Santa

Isabel and the Florida group have few endemic taxa (Tennent 1998). It is

probable that this is a result of their role as ‘stepping stones’ in the spread of

fauna from west (i.e. Bougainville) to east and it has even been suggested

(e.g. Diamond 1983) that these islands may have formed a land-bridge as

recently as 2 mya. Guadalcanal may also have been part of this ‘bridge’ and

a bathymetric high linking these islands suggests they would certainly have

been closer together during recent periods of sea level fluctuation, although

much of Guadalcanal has been submerged in recent times, probably during

the last 100,000 years (P. Coleman, pers. comm.). Malaita, Ulawa and San

Cristobal are geologically recent (M. Petterson, pers. comm.) and support a

relatively high level of endemic taxa (Tennent 1998). The known

distribution of Psychonotis taxa in the Solomon Islands, with one taxon

occurring on Choiseul, Santa Isabel, Florida, Guadalcanal and Savo

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 121

EU Nery tes uo

21 2 i i

22 a P i

Figs 19-22. Psychonotis male genitalia: a, genitalia (lateral view); b. right valve

(lateral view); c, posterior of valve (dorso-lateral view); d, aedeagus. (19) P. slithyi

(Malaita); (20) P. kruera (Choiseul); (21) P. julie (San Cristobal); (22) P. eleanor

(Kolombangara).

P. kruera) and distinct species on the New Georgia Group (P. eleanor),

Malaita and Ulawa (P. slithyi) and San Cristobal (P. julie, P. waihuru)

122 Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4)

Figs 23-26. Psychonotis male genitalia: a, genitalia (lateral view); b. right valve

(lateral view); c, posterior of valve (dorso-lateral view); d, aedeagus. (23) P. caelius

(New Ireland); (24) P. hebes (New Guinea); (25) P. brownii (New Britain); (26)

Psychonotis sp. (New Ireland), genitalia.

Australian Entomologist, 1999, 26 (4) 123

(P.kruera) and distinct species on the New Georgia Group (P. eleanor),

Malaita and Ulawa (P. slithyi) and San Cristobal (P. julie, P. waihuru)

closely parallels the distribution of other butterfly groups as well as the

islands’ geological history.

Acknowledgments

I thank Mr Moses Biliki, Ministry of Forests, Environment and Conservation,

Honiara; Mrs Audrey Ruza, Ministry of Education and Human Resources

Development, Honiara; Mr Tim and Mrs Relma Turner, Honiara; Mr Ian

Woods, USA Peace Corps, Vella Lavella; Dr Patrick Coleman, Geology and

Geophysics Department, University of Western Australia, Perth; Dr Mike

Petterson, British Geological Survey, Edinburgh; Mr Phil Ackery,

Department of Entomology, BMNH, London; Dr Marianne Horak,

Department of Entomology, CSIRO, Canberra; Dr Scott Miller, Bernice

P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu. Initial field work in the Solomon Islands in

1996 was partially funded by the Exploration Board of Imperial College of

Science, Technology and Medicine, London, The Linnean Society, London

and the Royal Entomological Society, London. Significant funding for that

and subsequent visits was provided by the Trustees of the Godman

Exploration Fund.

References

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of a 1974 ornithological expedition to the Solomon Islands]. National Geographical Society

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Zoological Society of London 1891: 357-372.

ELIOT, J.N. 1973. The higher classification of the Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera): a tentative

arrangement. Bulletin of the British Museum of Natural History (Entomology) 28: 373-505.

HIROWATARI, T. 1992. A generic classification of the Tribe Polyommatini of the Oriental

and Australian Regions (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Polyommatinae). Bulletin of the University

of Osaka Prefecture (B) 44 (Supplement): 1-102.

PARSONS, M.J. 1998. The butterflies of Papua New Guinea: Their systematics and biology.

Academic Press, London; 736 pp, xxvit+104 pls.

TENNENT, W.J. 1998. Biodiversity and biogeography of Solomon Islands butterflies.

Unpublished MSc Thesis, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK; 180 pp.

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THE

AUSTRALIAN

ENTOMOLOGIST

VOLUME 26

1999

Published by:

THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAND

THE AUSTRALIAN ENTOMOLOGIST

The Australian Entomologist is a non-profit journal published in four parts

annually by the Entomological Society of Queensland. The journal is devoted to

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THE AUSTRALIAN ENTOMOLOGIST

Contents

Volume 26, 1999

AUSTIN, A.

Use of Odonata as prey by sand wasps, Bembix spp. (Hymenoptera:

Sphecidae).

DANIELS, G.

An overlooked generic name in the Dynastinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

DREW, R.A.I., HANCOCK, D.L. and ROMIG, M.C.

New species and records of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae)

from north Queensland.

EASTWOOD, R.

An aberrant food-plant record for Jalmenus evagoras (Donovan)

(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae).

JAMES, D.G.

A note on unsuccessful overwintering of larvae of Danaus plexippus (L.)

(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales.

JAMES, D.G.

Larval development in Heteronympha merope merope (Fabricius)

(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

KAY, 1.R. and HARDY, A.T.

Asparagus: a new host record for Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)

(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

LACHLAN, R.B.

A new species of Delias Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) from the Star

Mountains, Papua New Guinea.

LACHLAN, R.B.

A new genus and species of hawk moth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) from

Papua New Guinea.

MOULDS, M.S. and LANE, D.A.

A new hawk moth from northern Australia with notes on its life history

(Lepidoptera: Sphingidae).

MÜLLER, C.J.

A new species of Leuciacria Rothschild & Jordan (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

from montane New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

MÜLLER C.J. and SANDS, D.P.A.

A new subspecies of Bindahara meeki Rothschild & Jordan (Lepidoptera:

Lycaenidae) from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

iii

103

MÜLLER, C.J. and WOOD, G.A.

The life history of Sabera fuliginosa fuliginosa (Miskin) (Lepidoptera:

Hesperiidae) and additional hostplants for the other members of the genus

in northern Queensland.

NORTON, R.A. and KINNEAR, A.

New Australian records of xerophilic acariform mites (Oribatida and

111

Prostigmata). 53

ORR, A.G.

Evidence for unpalatability in the genus Delias Hübner (Lepidoptera:

Pieridae) and its role in mimetic assemblages. 45

ORR, A.G.

Possible postcopulatory mate guarding in Ornithoptera euphorion (Gray)

(Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). 71

ORR, A.G. and KITCHING, R.L.

A checklist of macrolepidoptera collected from rainforest and former forest

areas on basalt soils on the Atherton Tableland. 15

SAMSON, P.R., JOHNSON, S.J. and WILSON, P.R.

The life history of Praetaxila segecia punctaria (Fruhstorfer) (Lepidoptera:

Lycaenidae: Riodininae). 57

SIMMUL, T.L. and CLARKE, A.R.

Parasitism of Acacicola orphana (Erichson) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

in Tasmania. 65

TENNENT, W.J.

The genus Psychonotis Toxopeus in the Solomon Islands, with

descriptions of five new taxa (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). 115

RECENT LITERATURE 32, 64, 124

BOOK REVIEWS 36, 56

Publication dates: Part 1 (pp 1-32) 2 July 1999

Part 2 (pp 33-64) 24 November 1999

Part 3 (pp 65-96) 10 December 1999

Part 4 (pp 97-124) 24 December 1999

ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTICES

Items for insertion should be sent to the editor who reserves the right to alter, reject or

charge for notices.

FOR SALE: Butterflies from all parts of the world. Papua New Guinea,

Peru, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Africa, Brazil, Colombia, etc.

Papilionidae inc. Parnassius, Delias, Charaxes etc. Free catalogue. David

Hall, 6 Rule St, Cambridge Park, N.S.W., 2747. Ph. 02 4731 2410.

ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKS. Pemberley Books are specialist suppliers of

entomological literature across the world. Send for our free catalogue

which lists a wide range of antiquarian, second-hand and new natural

history titles. Pemberley Books, Ian Johnson, 34 Melrose Close, Hayes,

Middlesex, UB4 OAZ, England. Tel/Fax: +44 181 561 5494. E-mail:

ij @pembooks.demon.co.uk

WANTED. Any information regarding Rhytiphora macleayi (Coleoptera:

Cerambycidae), particularly from private collections. Mark Hura, 111

Oleander Drive, Parafield Gardens, S.A., 5107.

NOTES FOR AUTHORS

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