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SUBFAMILY
BAGISARINAE |
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Amyna natalis Walker (Plate 2, Figs 41, 51) Berresa natalis Walker, [1859] 1858, List
Specimens lepid. Insects Colln Br. Mus., Diagnosis. This is a slightly smaller and greyer species than axis, and females of the two can be confused. Males of natalis have a prominent modification of the forewing in the form of a conspicuous fovea just basal to the antemedial (see note below on its function), and a somewhat sinuous costa. The forewing postmedial is more strongly crenate and doubled. The species is generally more robust. Geographical range. Indo‑Australian and Pacific tropics to Hawaii and as far east as Rapa I. Habitat preference. The species has not been taken in recent surveys but there is older material from Tenom in the lowlands of Sabah. Elsewhere, this is a species of disturbed and open habitats. Biology. The larva was described by Gardner (1941) as having the head green and its granules well defined, blackish. The body is pale green with indistinct lighter and darker lines dorsally and a whitish subspiracular one. The spiracles are pale with black rims. Common (1990) and Robinson et al. (2001) listed the following host plants: Amaranthus (Amaranthaceae); Crotalaria (Leguminosae); Abutilon, Malvastrum, Sida (Malvaceae); Waltheria (Sterculiaceae). Robinson (1975) also recorded Amaranthus and Malvastrum in Fiji. Heller & Achmann (1993) described and illustrated in detail the foveate structure in the forewing cell of the male and the ultrasonic song produced by it. The moths were observed to perch on plants and move their wings up and down quickly when it is made. The authors suggested that the wings twist, causing the forewing structure to act as a tymbal. |
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