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The Forester moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Agaristinae) of Papua Indonesia

by Rob de Vos

 

Argyrolepidia aequalis (Walker, [1865])

synonym:

dohertyi (Oberthür, 1894)

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Variation or subspecies?

On Biak Island the species seems to be different from the mainland of New Guinea. On the hindwing only the central patch is developed while the dorsal patch is almost completely reduced. On the forewing the transverse band is scattered into spots while mainland specimens have this band complete. Because only very few specimens from Biak are known it is hard to say if this is a consequent pattern or just due to variation. When more specimens are available we will be able to judge wether it concerns a subspecies or not.

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Distribution

 

 

 

 

STATUS: The species seems widespread over New Guinea, but it is not common.

PAPUA LOCALITIES: Biak Island: Bosnik; New Guinea: Ampas, Asike, Dotir (Wandammen), Andai, Foja Mts., Merauke, Moknduma, Sawia, Uskwar, Wembi, Wendesi. Details in gazetteer.

EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION: Papua New Guinea.

DATA SOURCES: KSP, ZMAN. Literature (see below)

 

 

 

 

 

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Literature

Poole, R.W., 1989. Noctuidae. Lepidopterorum Catalogus (new series), 118: 1-1314. E.J. Brill / Flora & Fauna Publications.