|
Spaniocentra
Prout
Type species: pannosa
Moore, Sri Lanka.
This genus has features
typical of the Rhomboristiti (Geometrini) and is best defined
on genitalic features.
In the male the valves
are ovate, the costal margin expanded over the distal half. Subcostally there is
a setose flap on the interior lamina that increases basad, often to end in a
digitate process. There is at least one massive spine arising from the sacculus,
sometimes two. The aedeagus is usually broad, often spined or with cornuti in
the vesica.
In the female the ductus
is short, broad, sclerotised, the sclerotisation often extending into the bursa.
The lamellae vaginales are modified to form a pouch.
The biology of the type
species was briefly noted, and the larva illustrated, by Moore (1884-1887).
The larva is green, slender, twig-like, with a conical prothoracic protruberance.
The spiracles are black. The pupa is green with the abdominal segments speckled
black. The host-plant is Loranthus (Loranthaceae).
The genus is diverse in
the Oriental tropics and subtropics, with a few species in the Moluccas and New
Guinea. Several of the Oriental species were reviewed and described by Holloway
(1982).
<<Back
>>Forward <<Return
to Contents page
|
