|
Tasta
micaceata Walker
Tasta micaceata Walker, 1862, List Specimens lepid. Insects
Colln Br. Mus., 26: 1570.
Dissophthalmus iridis Butler,
1880, Ann. Mag. nat. Hist.(5), 6: 219.
Tasta micaceata Walker; Holloway, 1976: 84, part (fig 668).
Diagnosis. This is a dark species like its two montane relatives described next,
but smaller (12-14mm). It is best distinguished on features of the male
genitalia: the coremata are well developed, elongate, with a dense array of
hairlike setae; the process from the vinculum is ‘Y’, shaped rather than
‘U’ shaped. The aedeagus vesica lacks cornuti, but has a sclerotised and
convolute diverticulum (also seen in the next two species). The major digitate
processes on the valve are arranged at two thirds in a short arc with its
concavity towards the ventral margin.
Taxonomic notes. Sumatran material (slides 15509, 16508) and that from S. Thailand (slide
16510) has more elaborate scaling to the coremata on the valve. A sibling
species may be involved.
Geographical range. Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, S. Thailand.
Habitat preference. Most records are from lowland forest but there have
been several from lower montane forest up to 1200m.
<<Back
>>Forward <<Return
to Contents page
|
