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The Gymnoscelis imparatalis Walker complex
As stated in the introduction, there is a complex of species clustered
around G. imparatalis with rather distinct female genitalia: the globular
bursa contains a subbasal short zone of sclerotisation with spines, then a more
distal ribbon of sclerotisation with short lateral blades that runs around the
vertex of the bursa and is, in some species, interrupted distally into two
separate longitudinal sections.
The nomenclature attached to this complex is abundant, and the
characteristics distinguishing the various taxa are subtle: degree of
development of the two cornuti of the aedeagus vesica; shape, sclerotisation and
scobination of the ductus bursae; development of the basal sclerotisation and
distal ribbons in the bursa.
A fairly distinctive member of the group is G. tristrigosa Butler
(probably = ischnophylla Turner, with sspp. tongaica Prout and nasuta
Prout) that ranges from Sri Lanka and Taiwan to Fiji, Tonga and New
Caledonia (Holloway, 1979). It is pale in ground colour with clearly marked dark
fasciae. The aedeagus vesica cornuti are smaller than those of other taxa. The
ductus bursae is relatively long, narrow, as is the distal ribbon in the bursa:
the latter is also unbroken. The species has not been recorded from Borneo but
may well occur there, considering its general range.
There is a group of taxa that may all be conspecific in the Australasian
tropics (Seram, New Guinea, Queensland). They are characterised by relatively
large cornuti in the aedeagus vesica, itself broad, a relatively long ductus
bursae and a complete, narrow distal ribbon in the bursa. Names involved are aenictopa
Turner, coquina Warren and grisea Warren. One of the Bornean
species appears closely related (see below).
The larvae of species in the complex were described by Bell (MS). Those
of imparatalis tend to be whitish or yellowish with delicate pink
markings, particularly laterally but extending dorsally, with brown marks at the
posterior of each segment. That of tristrigosa is greenish yellow with
large chocolate-brown patches dorsally on each segment, and also laterally.
The larvae feed on young foliage and flower often webbing them, and have
been recorded from the following hosts (Pholboon, 1965; Robinson, 1975; Yunus
& Ho, 1980; Inoue et al., 1982; Bell, MS; unpublished IIE records): Heptapleurum
(Araliaceae: tristrigosa (Bell)); Mangifera (Anacardiaceae); Tabernaemontana
(Apocynaceae); Hodgsonia (Cucurbitaceae); Cinnamomum (Lauraceae);
Cassia (Leguminosae); Fagraea (Loganiaceae); Memecylon (Melastomataceae);
Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae tristrigosa); Citrus (Rutaceae); Nephelium
(Sapindaceae). These records are probably mostly for imparatalis, except
where indicated.
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