Histia flabellicornis (Zygaenidae) in the Ryukyu Islands and adjacent countries

Abstract

Some geographical forms of Histiaflabellicornis are reviewed. In Vietnam, there are two forms (blue hindwing with a white patch and without a white patch), and their frequencies are variable in localities (Table 1). In a breeding of ova ex a female (a white patch is absent in hindwing) collected at Tarn Dao, Vinh Phu, all the offspring 13 ♂ 8 ♀ have blue hindwings without white patch (Figs 1-5). On the other hand, in another breeding ex a female (a white patch is present in hindwing) collected at Cue Phuong, Ninh Vinh, the offspring are separated in two forms (Figs 6-10): 17 ♂ 18 ♀ with a white patch in hindwing, and 23 ♂ 16 ♀ without a white patch (Table 2). Inoue (1992) recorded the 'holotype' of H. fl. nigrina [sic], ♀ : West China, BMNH. In the original description, however, Jordan ([1907]) clearly stated that "The Chinese form is small, the blue of hindwing being strongly reduced, especially in ♀ : nigrinus subsp. nov. (3a). West and Central China, rather rare." The specimen, stated as the 'holotype' of H. fl. nigrina [sic] Jordan by him, can be considered one of the syntypes of H. fl. nigrinus, and the lectotype has not been designated. It is difficult to separate H. fl. atrovirens Inoue, 1992 from Okinawa Is. and H. fl. obsoleta Inoue, 1992 from Amami-oshima Is. by the wing maculation.