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Idaea themeropis West
Eois
themeropis West,
1930, Novit. zool., 35: 257.
Sterrha
themeropis obrepta Prout,
1938, Gross-Schmett. Erde, 12: 228.
Idaea
themeropis West;
Holloway, 1976: 65.
Idaea themeropis 
(x 1.16) |
Idaea themeropis
(x 1.16)
|
Diagnosis. This is one of the largest Bornean species, a somewhat
greyish fawn, with the oblique forewing medial usually, but variably prominently
darker, as is the hindwing medial. Smaller specimens could be confused with I.
sakuraii, and dissection is recommended, though the male hind-tibial pencil
is larger, a paler brown.
Taxonomic notes. Specimens from higher altitudes on G. Kinabalu (Radio Sabah site at
2600m) are significantly larger (14mm on average, compared with 10mm or below)
than those from lower altitudes and from other Bornean mountains: typical
Philippines material is also about 10mm on average. These larger specimens also
tend to be greyer and more heavily marked, especially the medial fasciae. Both
forms are illustrated above. Instances of distinct, large high altitude,
sister-species endemic to Kinabalu of more widely distributed species at lower
elevations are seen in Garaeus Moore and Apophyga Warren in the
Ennominae (Holloway, 1993[4]) and in several genera of the Larentiinae (Hypocometa
clauda Warren, Poecilasthena
character Prout stat.
rev., Papuarisme lagadani
sp. n.). However the male genitalia of high and low forms of themeropis in
Borneo share the unusually strongly falcate ventral margin of the valve cucullus
that is not seen in typical themeropis where the apex of the valve is
more paddle-shaped. The male second sternite is rugose within a slight pouch.
The female genitalia have a reduced but elongate bursa, immaculate, but with a
broad zone near the ostium more strongly sclerotised and with a short
diverticulum.
Geographical range. Philippines; Borneo (ssp. obrepta).
Habitat preference. The species is found over an altitude range from
about 1700m to 2600m, the higher elevations being attained on G. Kinabalu. The
species has also been recorded from Bukit Monkobo in Sabah and G. Mulu in
Sarawak.
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