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Susica
heringi Holloway
Susica heringi Holloway, l982a: 187.
Susica
heringi  (paratype) |
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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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