Psilogramma increta Walker complex; *rupprechtorum* Eitschberger

Psilogramma increta is now confirmed as a distinct species (e.g. Hogenes & Treadaway, 1998; Kitching & Cadiou, 2000; Beck & Kitching, 2006). Kitching et al. (2000) considered the Bornean species to be increta when they described P. villani Kitching, Treadaway & Hogenes from the Philippines and Sulawesi. Brechlin (2001), Eitschberger (2001a) and Brechlin & Kitching (2010b) have treated more easterly populations of the increta complex. Sundanian populations do show differences from those of the Asian mainland, but the nomenclatural situation requires further resolution, as does that for menephron itself as discussed above: The name currently applicable to Bornean material is rupprechtorum Eitschberger (2001a), but this may prove to be conspecific with other Sundanian taxa in the group named by Eitschberger (I.J. Kitching, pers. comm.). The larva and pupa of what is probably the same species as in Borneo has been illustrated by Leong (2009e). It is a somewhat emerald green, with attenuating chevrons of pale and dark green down its dorsal surface extending onto the flanks, broken at their angles by a narrow, yellowish dorsal line. There is a row of white tubercles across T2, and the anal horn also bears a mixture of small and large spines. The host plant was Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae).

Geographical Range

Oriental tropics to Sundaland.

Habitat Preference

(Lowland to lower montane).