Artaxa phaula Collenette comb. n.

Euproctis phaula Collenette, 1932, Novit. zool., 38: 71.

Diagnosis

This is a small, dull species with fawn forewings that grade yellower towards the costa and distal margin. The hindwings are dark grey. It easily becomes worn and is best identified from the genitalia: these have the processes flanking the uncus robust, and rather rounded valves with a rather square sclerotised plate basally, costally, that bears three distal spines. See also the next species, a close relative.

Geographical range

Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo.

Habitat preference

This is a lowland species, perhaps favouring heath and swamp forest types, but also that on limestone. During the Mulu survey it was taken frequently in such habitats in the area at the western end of the Melinau Gorge.

Genitalia: