Metallolophia variegata Holloway sp. n.
Diagnosis
♂♂ 16-17mm.
This and the next species are smaller than congeners, distinctively ashy grey.
The pale grey ground colour in variegata is strongly marked with black fasciae and discal rings, but has only a light general irroration of black scales, this mostly restricted to the dorsal half of the medial zone of the hindwing.
The underside is medium to pale grey with faintly darker ghosts of the upperside fasciation except for the discal and basal marks of the forewing mentioned in the generic introduction.
The male genitalia have the central process of the valve relatively small.
The saccular process is blade-like, with the dorsal edge invested with small, distally directed spines. Holotype ♂. SARAWAK: Gunung Mulu Nat. Park, R.G.S Exped. 1977-8 (J.D. Holloway et al.) Site 25, April, G. Api, 900m, 427550, lower montane forest, BM geometrid slide 10598.
Paratype
2 ♂♂ as holotype; 3 ♂♂ same general data as holotype but Site 23 and Site 24 (W. Melinau Gorge, 250m and 270m, FEG4, forest on limestone) and Site 14 (Camp 2.5, 1000m, Mulu, lower montane forest).
Geographical range
Borneo.
Habitat preference
Most records are from lower montane forest on G. Mulu or G. Api, but specimens were taken at lower elevations on the limestone of the latter.
Genitalia:
