Polynesia curtitibia Prout

Polynesia curtitibia Prout, 1922, Novit. zool., 29: 345.

Diagnosis

This and the species in the next genus could be confused with the ennomine genus Microplutodes Holloway: this lacks vein M2 and has a regular, evenly sized submarginal row of orange dots on the hindwing. The two species differ from Eois Hübner species (see above) in having less even, more blocked fasciation particularly in the forewing discal area.

Pseudopolynesia amplificata* Walker differs from P. curtitibia in having a broad, entire, grey-centred postmedial and lacking two definite red ‘tails’ to the hindwing.

Taxonomic Note

Xue & Scoble (2002) attempted to distinguish the tribe Asthenini from the Eupitheciini, but, as suggested in Part 10 of this series, harboured some doubts that the tribes were distinct. They suggested that asthenines are best distinguished by the presence of a distinctive signum consisting of spines or denticles arising from a central line or ridge formed by their bases. Also, in the male genitalia, the uncus tends to be reduced or lost, and the labides are narrow and seldom united. Bornean genera definitely included in this new concept of Asthenini are Poecilasthena Warren, Parasthena Warren and Polynesia Swinhoe. Xue & Scoble (2002) excluded Eois Hübner and Pseudopolynesia Holloway from their Asthenini, but did not comment on whether they might fall within a broader Eupitheciini + Asthenini grouping. This broader grouping is retained in the checklist, but the three Asthenini genera and the two of uncertain placement are listed at the end. Strutzenberger et al. (2010) confirmed the monophyly of Eois, and their molecular analysis assigned Old World and New World taxa sampled to sister-clades. They found no confirmation of a relationship of Eois with the Eupitheciini, but did demonstrate a strong host plant association of Eois with Piperaceae. Five Bornean species of Eois were included in their analysis and fell into a well supported clade with structure as follows; ((plumbacea, unidentified African species) (phaneroscia (memorata (pallidula, obliviosa)))). Strutzenberger & Fiedler (2011) have also attempted to date the initiation and diversification of the New World clade, and established the former at around 31 Mya in the middle of the Oligocene. This date would also apply to the Old World clade if the sister relationship of the two clades continues to be supported.

Genitalia: