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Petelia
medardaria Herrich-Schäffer
Petelia medardaria Herrich-Schäffer,
1856, Samml. aussereur. Schmett., 1: p1.94.
Bargosa chandubija Walker,
1860, List Specimens lepid. Insects Colln Br. Mus., 21: 480.
Bargosa chacoraca Walker, 1860, Ibid. 21: 481.
Petelia medardaria Herrich-Schaffer;
Holloway, 1976: 74.
Diagnosis. This is one of the three smaller species with a strong discal spot on
the hindwing underside. It tends not to have strong medial fasciae on the
upperside, unlike the other two species, nor does it have a form with a diffuse
black zone at the apex of the forewing; when black does occur in this area it
consists of two subcostal black spots associated with the postmedial (see male
specimen illustrated). The most reliable diagnosis is in the male genitalia
where the uncus is distinctly, if weakly, two-humped, the valve somewhat broader
centrally as in the next species. In the female genitalia the ductus is shorter
in distracta and is more clearly differentiated from the bursa by an
asymmetrical swelling at the base of the latter.
Taxonomic notes. The original illustration of medardaria has the dark markings
associated with the postmedials referred to in the diagnosis.
Geographical range. Indian Subregion to Queensland and Bismarck Is.
Habitat preference. Most material on G. Kinabalu was taken in areas of
disturbed forest and cultivation at about 1000m. During the Mulu survey it was
taken frequently only in forest at 250m on the limestone G. Api. It is probably
primarily a lowland species, perhaps with some affinity for disturbed areas.
Biology. The larval chaetotaxy was described in great detail by Singh (1953). The
body is cyclindrical, slightly narrowed over the thoracic segments. It is very
finely granulated. The colour (alcohol-preserved specimens) is pale mottled
brown, the spiracles rimmed black. The host plants were in the rhamnaceous
genera Gouania, Ziziphus and Hovenia.
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