Taxonomy

Thailand, Khao Yai NP, S. Rd. The holotype of Pyralis trifascialis Moore, 1877:614 is from Port Blair, Andaman Is. Ms. comb. n. to Calindoea (Shaffer,1992 LepIndex).

Description

30mm. This is a distinctive species, relatively simply marked in orange-brown. The FW tornal area is yellow and this continues onto the HW as a broad yellow HW margin. The FW apices are cut off by a white line and are a yellow/ochre color. RTS:131 mentions a similar sp. from Sumatra which differs by having several fine sinuous lines on its HW.

Distribution & Habitat

Andaman Is., Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam. Lowland to lower montane forest; <700m.

Life History & Pest Status

The final instar larva of C. trifascialis was described and illustrated for the first time, including chaetotaxy, by Darling (2003). When disturbed the larvae emit a defensive secretion from two large exocrine glands that open dorsolaterally on the first abdominal segment. The larva has two arm-like protuberances that project outward from the body just in front of the gland openings. These are wetted by secretion when the larva activates its glands, and appear to function specifically for diffusion of the fluid. A primary component of the secretion is a cyanogen compound, but the fluid also contains other potential deterrents effective against ants. It feeds on Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxburgh (Dipterocarpaceae), possibly mainly young leaves (Darling 2003). Larvae live in tent-like feeding retreats and skeletonize the leaves while concealed within the retreat. Shelters of increasing size are constructed throughout larval development. When feeding is completed, the final instar larva rolls a leaf which falls from the plant and is capable of movement prior to palpation (Darling et al, 2001, Darling, 2003).

Similar spp.

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