Taxonomy

W. Malaysia, GTE. The holotype of Banisia fenestrifera Walker, [1863] 1864:78 is from Sarawak and is in OUMNH (Whalley, 1974a; pl. 2 fig. P, Whalley, 1976:168-172). Syn. Banisia astra Chu & Wang, 1991 is from China (Hainan) (Chu & Wang, 1991: 338, 345, pl. 2, fig 17); [syn. astro orig. [Eng ] misspel.]. Ms. stat. n. as a ssp. of fenestrifera (Shaffer, 1991 LepIndex). Syn. Trophoessa daphoena (Turner, 1911:99) TL Australia (Kuranda.). The type is in ANIC. Stat. n. as a ssp. of B. fenestrifera (Whalley 1976:171). Syn.Vernifilia hyalipuncta Schultze (1907:364). Syn. n. Whalley (1964:117). Syn. Banisia fenistrifera[sic] Walker; (Whalley, 1964:17). Subs. misspel. (Whalley, 1974:169). Nec Phalaena noctua myrtacea Drury, 1873: pl. 2, fig. 3; auct. misident.

Description

27mm. A bright orange-brown medium sized species with short black strigiform markings. In the middle of the FW there is usually a cluster of white and yellowish fenestrae. These marks are variable and may be absent or there can be be up to three equal or unequal white fenestrae and/or some associated small yellowish spots. Specimens from India tend to be more yellow with a better developed reticulate pattern (RTS:129). Note the abdominal brush organs and the large tufts of scales on the hind femurs of the males. The female has a triple frenulum and could be mistaken for Monodecus capillatus Whalley but that has scalloped edges to its wings.

Distribution & Habitat

Hainan Is., N.E. India, Andaman Is., Thailand, Vietnam (N & S), Sumatra, W. Malaysia, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, Kalimantan, Philippines, Bali, Sulawesi, Seram, West Papua, PNG, New Ireland, Australia (Q). Lowland to upper montane forest; <2000m.

Life History & Pest Status

The larvae feed on leaves of Palaquium gutta (Sapotaceae), gutta-percha.

Similar spp.

There are several sspp. mainly based on small genitalic differences. Whalley (1976: 168) gives a key to the males. Ssp. astra Chu & Wang, 1991 China. Ssp. daphoena Turner, 1911 Australia. Ssp. fenestrifera Walker, [1863] 1864 Thailand, Vietnam, Sumatra, W. Malaysia, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, Kalimantan, Bali, Sulawesi. Ssp. omissina Whalley (1976:). Sulawesi. Larger, fenestrae reduced. Ssp. triferina Whalley(1976), N.E. India. Ssp. 1 (unnamed), Andaman Is.