Lignicida grisechana Holloway sp. n.

Diagnosis

♂, ♀♀ 21-22mm. This is a larger species than echana (18mm) with grey forewings rather than rosy ochreous brown ones. The anterior half of the distal margin of the forewing is diagnostically darkened. Males of echana are not available for comparison, but the abdomen is described in the generic account. In females, the bursa of grisechana is much more elongate and narrow than in echana, where it is oval, and the signum is more definite and in a lateral rather than apical position. There are two conspicuous, longitudinal bands of sclerotisation in the ductus.

Holotype ♂

BORNEO, BM noctuid slide 17698.

Paratype

1 ♂ Bidi, SARAWAK, 1907-1908 (C.J. Brooks); 1 ♀ N. BORNEO, Bukit Kretam area (J.D.H. Hedley); 1 ♀ BRUNEI: 300m, Ulu Temburong, rainforest, 30.6.1979 (Lt Col. M.G. Allen); 1 ♀ SARAWAK: Gunong Mulu Nat. Park, R.G.S. Exped. 1977-8 (J.D.Holloway et al.), Site 7, Long Pala (Base), 50m, 324450, alluvial / secondary forest.

Geographical range

Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra (HS / ZSM), Thailand (VK).

Habitat preference

This is an uncommon lowland species, but it is unclear whether it is restricted to forested localities.

Genitalia: