2017 Volume 68 Issue 1 Pages 20-33
A new thyridid genus Shafferiella is described, based on S. macarangae n. sp. as the type species. Adult specimens of the new species were collected from the larvae on Macaranga bancana and M. trachphylla (Euphorbiaceae) , also known as the ant plant, on Borneo Island, Malaysia. The immature stages are reported for the first time. Eggs are laid on the host leaf in a group, consisting of 83.3 eggs, on average. The egg is of the upright type, with distinct longitudinal ribs. The early instar larvae feed on the underside of the leaf of the host plant spinning a silken nest along leaf veins, and the mid- to last-instar larvae make cylindrical cases by cutting linearly and rolling up from the edge to the medial vein of the leaf, and live and feed inside the retreats. The larva has a globular sac inside the first abdominal segment, but the function of this organ remains unknown. Pupation takes place inside the lastinstar larval retreat after reinforcing one side of the retreat with woven silk. Characteristics of the male genitalia and wing markings of the new genus are discussed, in comparison with those of two related thyridid genera, Collinsa and Pharambara. The larval morphology and behavior are also discussed in relation to those of other thyridids.
