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Macrocilix Butler
Type species: mysticata Walker, N. India.
Both genus-group synonyms referred to Macrocilix by Watson (1968)
represent distinct genera. Dipriodonta Warren was revived by Wilkinson
(1970a), and Sewa Swinhoe is revived below. Only two species can
confidently be placed in Macrocilix: the type species and M.
maia Leech.
The ground colour is creamy white, with a characteristic brown, ochreous
and black postmedial band on the forewing, including, in maia, subdorsal
blue patches. A similar but broader patch occurs on the hindwing, the blue
investing the tornal angle. The male antennae are strongly bipectinate, those of
the female moderately so.
In the male abdomen the eighth sternite has characteristic lateral 'wings'. The genitalia have the uncal structure very broad, quadrate. The
valves are small and triangular, and the saccus is long.
In the female the ovipositor lobes are pincer-like, each with a ventral
lobe. The ductus is relatively short but convolute. The bursa is pyriform with a
broad, circular signum, umbonate or with a transverse ridge.
The larva of the type species was illustrated by Sugi (1987). It tapers
from the head to the anal process and has prominent setae. It is dark grey, fawn
and whitish, marked in a disruptive transverse manner. The photograph is not
very clear and appears to feature an early instar.
The host-plant is Quercus (Fagaceae).
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