Alcis periphracta Prout

Cleora periphracta Prout, 1926, Sarawak Mus. J., 3: 202.

Alcis periphracta Prout; Holloway, 1976: 81.

Diagnosis

This and Alcis praevariegata Prout have similar facies, with the medial area clearer of brown variegation than the rest of the wings, but praevariegata has this area a distinct, pale yellow, and the pale zone is more extensive on the hindwing.

Taxonomic Notes

This species is very closely related to A. colorifera Prout (Peninsular Malaysia, ?Sumatra) sharing features such as the short, setose valve process, ring-like distal part of the juxta, strong socii and a cornutus in the aedeagus vesica rather than a spine on the aedeagus itself. A. colorifera* is a richer brown, less variegated species with a shorter cornutus, narrower cucullus and less strongly ringed juxta. A. nilgirica Hampson from S. India also belongs to this group.

Sato (2008a) has reviewed the distribution of Alcis periphracta relative to that of colorifera Prout, and extended both considerably. The latter is found in Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Java.

Geographical Range

Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo.

Habitat Preference

Records have been made from 500m to 1930m. The species is perhaps most typical of the lower montane zone at about 1000m on G. Mulu, though it has been taken frequently at about 1600m on Bukit Retak, Brunei.

Genitalia: