FAMILY LIMACODIDAE
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Susica heringi Holloway
   
Susica heringi
Holloway, l982a: 187.


Susica heringi (paratype)


Diagnosis.
The species has fawn forewings with dark brown flecks and both fasciae evident. There is a black discal dot and the subbasal white streak on the anal vein is present if often obscure. The male genitalia are highly distinctive with extreme modification of the eighth sternite as illustrated. Some forms have the oblique forewing fascia broadly abscured with black.

Taxonomic notes. The sister-species, malayana Hering, known from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, has been taken recently in the Philippines. It may have been introduced there with oil palm from Malaysia.

Geographical range. Borneo.

Habitat preference. The species has been taken infrequently in lowland dipterocarp forest but not in heath forest or on limestone. Several were also taken in lower montane forest at 1000m on G. Mulu.

Biology. The larva of malayana, the sister species, was illustrated by Wood (1968). It is pale blue with a green dorsal stripe that is edged irregularly with darker colour; a similar green stripe occurs on each side between the laterals and dorsolateral scoli. Earlier instars are a more vivid colour with some of the dorsolaterals black-tipped. It is recorded from oil palm (Elaeis) and, though not a serious pest itself, is often associated with outbreaks of other more serious limacodid pests. It is illustrated in here.


 Susica malayana intermediate instar in the Philippines (M.J.W. Cock)

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