9-10mm. This is the sister-species to the Balinese M. hypomesta Prout,
resembling it closely in facies and differing from minuta as described
above. It shares with hypomesta a number of genitalic features: two
irregular digitate processes from the apex of the short aedeagus (these are much
shorter in hypomesta, and such processes are also seen in the most
easterly species in the genus); a triangular uncus without accessory processes
(longer, more slender and tapering in proximesta); a broad costa and
cucullus to the valve (the latter more setose in proximesta); a broad,
roughly triangular field of peg-like setae in the centre of the valve; a very
weak saccular spur. The Bornean species is additionally distinguished by a
slender setose spur extending ventrally from the cucullus, between it and the
central setation.
Holotype . SARAWAK: Gunung Mulu Nat. Park, R.G.S Exped. 1977-8 (J.D. Holloway et
al.) Site 13, February, Camp 2, Mulu, 500m, 401464, mixed dipt. for., BM
geometrid slide 12704.
Paratypes: 2 (slide 16355),
1 (slide 16467) as holotype; 13general data as holotype but from Sites 8, 14, 15, 20, 23, 24, 25.
Geographical range. Borneo.
Habitat preference. Much commoner than minuta, proximesta is
frequent in a range of lowland forest types and has also been recorded from
lower montane forest. It has been taken in heath forest but showed some
preference for forest on limestone during the Mulu survey.
9-10mm. This is the sister-species to the Balinese M. hypomesta Prout,
resembling it closely in facies and differing from minuta as described
above. It shares with hypomesta a number of genitalic features: two
irregular digitate processes from the apex of the short aedeagus (these are much
shorter in hypomesta, and such processes are also seen in the most
easterly species in the genus); a triangular uncus without accessory processes
(longer, more slender and tapering in proximesta); a broad costa and
cucullus to the valve (the latter more setose in proximesta); a broad,
roughly triangular field of peg-like setae in the centre of the valve; a very
weak saccular spur. The Bornean species is additionally distinguished by a
slender setose spur extending ventrally from the cucullus, between it and the
central setation.