Monolepta bifasciata (Hornstedt, 1788)

Figs 1–6

Chrysomela bifasciata Hornstedt, 1788: 3 (transferred to Monolepta; Jacoby 1884a: 53).

= Cryptocephalus multicolor Gmelin, 1790: 1712 (syn. by Weise 1924: 166).

= Crioceris quadrinotata Fabricius, 1801: 460 (syn. by Weise 1924: 166).

= Luperodes latefascia Motschulsky, 1858: 104 (syn. by Maulik 1936: 408)

= Monolepta parvonotata Jacoby, 1886: 97; syn. nov.

= Monolepta mustaphai Mohamedsaid, 1997: 204; syn. nov.

= Monolepta entimauensis Mohamedsaid, 1998: 248; syn. nov.

Type material. Chrysomela bifasciata . Type material is not available to us. We adopt Weise′ s (1924) statement that Crioceris quadrinotata Fabricius, 1801 is a junior synonym of this species, which type material is available.

Cryptocephalus multicolor . Type material is not available to us. We adopt Weise′ s (1924) statement that this species is a junior synonym of M. bifasciata (Hornstedt, 1788) .

Crioceris quadrinotata . Syntype: 1 ex. “C. 4-notata Sumatra Daldorff / Type ” (ZMUK; Fig. 0) .

Luperodes latefascia . Lectotype: ♂, “ Luperodes latefascia Motsch., Ind. Or” (ZISP; Fig. 1) . Paralectotypes, 4 ex., same data as lectotype (ZISP). All five syntypes were originally glued tightly together on one card. The lectotype, the male paralectotype and one female paralectotype are now each on one card, two female paralectotypes together on one card (Wagner & Bieneck 2012: 211).

Monolepta parvonotata . Syntype: ♀, “parvonotata Jac. ( Monolepta) / Type 18453 / Sumatra, Mt. Singgalang, Luglio 1878, O. Beccari / 1 st Jacoby Coll.” (MCZH; Fig. 2). Type locality: 0º23′ S / 100º19′ E. Jacoby gave no details on specimen numbers and next to the one in MCZH, there are further types in BMNH and MCGD. There are two specimens from the Jacoby collection in BMNH labelled ”co-type”. These are invalid types since they are not from the type locality.

Monolepta mustaphai . Holotype: ♂ “ Sabah, Pulau Banggi, 8-12. Mei 1996, Salleh, Zaidi, Ismail & Sham / Holotype Monolepta mustaphai n. sp. des. Mohammedsaid 1997” (UKM; Fig. 3) . Paratypes. 1 ♂, 2 ♀, same data as holotype (UKM). Type locality: 7º16′ N / 117º09′ E .

Monolepta entimauensis . Holotype: ♂ “ Sarawak: Lanjak Entimau, 28-29 Feb. 1992, Zaidi / Holotype Monolepta entimauensis n. sp., des. Mohamedsaid 1998 ” (UKM; Fig. 4) . Paratypes: 3 ♂, 4 ♀, same data as holotype (UKM). Type locality: 1º11′ N / 111º51′ E .

Note. Weise (1924: 166) also synonymized Monolepta rubrosignata Boheman, 1859: 182 with M. bifasciata . As photos of a syntype from NHRS (“ Manilla / Kinb. / Type / rubrosignata Bhm.,) clearly indicate, this species is not a Monolepta and belong most likely to Nadrana Baly, 1865 .

Further material examined. – Australia. 1 ex., N. Queensland, 4.XII .1938, Redlynch (BMNH); 2 ex., Qid. Tully, Mission Beach, 23.VIII .1976, D. C. Geijskes (RMNH). – Bangladesh. 1 ex., Bengal, Mandar, 23°41′ N / 90°21′ E, VII .91, Cardon (IRSN); 2 ex., Belgaum, 15°51′ N / 74°30′ E (BMNH); 3 ex., Bengal, Sarda, 23°41′ N / 90°21′ E, F. W. C (BMNH) . – Cambodia. 3 ex., Prek Toal (Tonie Sap Lake), 12°55′ N / 104°03′ E, 27.V .2003, Light trap, J. Constant et al. (IRSN). – East Timor. 29 ex., Raimundo, Timor, No 549 (ICTZ) . – India. 7 ex., Jawanlagiri, Ayur, Denkanikota, North Salem, 12°34′ N / 77°47′ E, III.–VII.1930, F.R. I. Sandal, Insect Survey (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Shimoga, 1865 ft., 13°55′ N / 75°34′ E, 25.V.1936, P. S. Nathan (BMNH) ; 10 ex., Nilgiri Hills, Cherangode, 11°25′ N / 76°30′ E, II.1950, Susai Nathan P. (IRSN) ; 2 ex., Coimbatore, 11°01′ N / 76°58′ E, 2.IX.1950, P. Susai Nathan (IRSN) ; 17 ex., S. Coorg-Ammanit, 3100 ft., 12°25′ N / 75°44′ E, II.–XI.1952, P. S. Nathan (IRSN) ; 4 ex., Anamalai Hills, Chinchona, 3500 ft., V.1964, P. Susai Nathan (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Anamalai Hills, Cinchona 350 ft., IV.1967, P. S. N (MNHU) . – Indonesia. 1 ex., Java, Batavia, 6°12′ S / 106°50′ E, Grabowsky (MNHU) ; 2 ex., O. Borneo, Pajau River, Mjöberg (NHRS) ; 3 ex., Flores, 8°03′ S / 120°09′ E, Wallace (BMNH) ; 4 ex., O. K. Sumatra, Dolokmerangir, coll. V. Eldik (RMNH); 10 ex., Java, Propeoek-Tegal, IX.1909, Valek Lucassen (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Palembang, Sumatra, 2°59′ S / 104°45′ E, M. Knappert (RMNH) ; 2 ex., Java, Delanggoe, W. Grippeling; N. C. Pilpers (RMNH); 16 ex., Sumatra, Deli, 3°35′ N / 98°39′ E, d Bury (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Semarang, 6°58′ S / 110°25′ E, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Bandong, 6°54′ S / 107°36′ E, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Lombok, 8°39′ S / 116°19′ E, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Celebes, 1°50′ S / 120°31′ E, Coll. Veth (RMNH); 8 ex., Soerol, 0°35′ S / 101°20′ E, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Maero Laboe, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Soepajang, 0°27′ S / 100°54′ E, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 2 ex., N. O. Sumatra, Tandjong Morawa, Serdang, 0°35′ S / 101°18′ E, Dr. B. Hadgen (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Rawas, 1°11′ S / 132°13′ E (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Nias, 1°07′ N / 97°31′ E, J. D. Pasteur (RMNH) ; 8 ex., Sumatra, Padang, 0°57′ S / 100°21′ E, J. D. Pasteur (RMNH) ; 2 ex., Serdang, Sumatra, 0°55′ S / 102°4′ E, Schag (RMNH) ; 3 ex., Boengamas, Palembang, 2°59′ S / 104°45′ E, J. C. Hasselt (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Batavia, 6°12′ S / 106°50′ E, Semme Link (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Soekaranda, Kampong, 0°37′ N / 94°29′ E, J. C. van Hasselt (RMNH) ; 3 ex., Java, Gedeh (MNHU); 1 ex., S. O. Borneo, Grabowsky (MNHU); 2 ex., Sumatra, Pagherang Pisang, X.1890.– III.1891, E. Modigliani (BMNH) ; 4 ex., Sumatra, Balighe, X.1890.– XII.1891, E. Modigliani (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Sumatra, Si Rambe, 6°11′S / 106°48′ E, XII.1890.– III.1891, E. Modigliani (BMNH) ; 2 ex., Java occident, 4000 ft., 1893, H. Fruhstorfer (BMNH); 29 ex., Sumatra, Manna, 4°30′ S / 102°58′ E, 1902, M. Knappert, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 2 ex., Malabar, Fry Coll. 27.V.1903, light trap, J. Constant et al. (IRSN) ; 1 ex., G. Oerangan, Java, III.1906, Drescher (MNHU); 1 ex., N. O. Sumatra, Prov. Langkat, 1906, E. Heinze (MNHU); 1 ex., W. Sumatra, Kambang, 23.–24.XI.1908, Schoede (MNHU) ; 10 ex., Java, Bantam, Preanger, de Vos, IX.1909, Valck Lucassen (RMNH) ; 3 ex., Sumat., Matur. Fort De Kock, X.1913, Edw. Jacobson, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Sumatra, Sungai Penok, Korinchi Valley, 2600 ft., III.1914 (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Mt. Banahao, 20.VI.1914, G. Boettcher (MNHU) ; 2 ex., Java, Preang, Tjigembong, VIII.1915, B. Corporaal (RMNH) ; 3 ex., Medan, 3°30′ N / 98°37′ E, 1918, F. C. van Heurn (RMNH) ; 3 ex., Java, 1921, Madioen, Paroembangan, A. E. Kerkhoven (RMNH) ; 2 ex., Sumatra, Fort de Kock, 920 m, III.1921, E. Jacobson (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Java, Pelabokan Patoe, 1923, A. E. Kerkhoven (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Sipora Island, West Sumatra, 2°13′ S / 99°40′ E, X.1924, C. B. K & N. S (BMNH) ; 2 ex., Sumatra exp., 1927, Rensch (MNHU); 1 ex., Sunda–Exp., Semongkat Batos-Lanteh-Gbg., N– Hang, 8°36′ S/117°212′ E, 400 m, 10.I.1927, Rensch (MNHU) ; 9 ex., Sunda, Exp. Lombok, Narwada, 14.III.1927, Rensch (MNHU) ; 2 ex., O. Soembawa, Dormpoe, 24.– 25.V.1927, Rensch (MNHU) ; 1 ex., Sunda-Inseln, West Flores, VI.1927, Rensch (MNHU) ; 3 ex., Sunda, Exp. O. Flores, Geli Moetoe, 14.–20.VII.1927, Rensch (MNHU) ; 4 ex., Sunda-Ins., W-Flores, Rana Mese, 20.–30.VI.1927, Rensch (MNHU) ; 1 ex., M. Flores, Rana Mese, 20.–30. XI.1927, Rensch (MNHU) ; 13 ex., West Lombok, Narmada, 8°34′ S / 116°11′ E, 14.–20.III.1927, Rensch (MNHU) ; 2 ex., Lombok Segare, 8°22′ S / 116°10′ E, 5.VI.27, Rensch (MNHU) ; 2 ex., Fraserpet, Coorg ., F. R. I. Sandal, II.1930, Insect Survey (BMNH) ; 6 ex., Java, G. Oengaran, 31.IX.1933, P. H. V. Doesburg (RMNH); 2 ex., Ambon Island, 3°40′ S / 128°10′ E, 24.II.1964, A. M. R. Wegner (RMNH) ; 6 ex., North Sumatra, Alas Valley, Gumpang, 3.77°N / 97.5°E, 11.VI.1972, J. Krikken (RMNH) ; 25 ex., North Sumatra, Toba plateaue, Tigadolok, Holzweg Drei, 2°50′ N / 99°3′ E, 20.VI.1972, J. Krikken (RMNH) ; 1 ex., North Sumatra, Bivouac Two, Mt. Bandahara, 3°44′ N / 97°43E, 5.–10.VII.1972, J. Krikken (RMNH) ; 3 ex., North Sumatra, Alas Valley, Kutatjane, Tanah Merah; Balelutu, 3°31′ N / 97°47′ E, 3.–9.VIII.1972, J. Krikken (RMNH) ; 7 ex., Java, Semarang, 6°58′ S / 110°25′ E, 1973, P. H. V. Doesburg, E. R Jacobson (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Taronggo, 1°45′ S / 121°40′ E, 27.–30.III.1980, M. J. D. Brendell (BMNH) ; 28 ex., Sulawesi Tengah, Nr. Morowali, Ranu Lakes, 6°14′ S / 106°49′ E, 27.I.–28.IV.1980, M. J. D. Brendell (BMNH) ; 1 ex., North Central Sulawesi, 1°25′ S / 121°22′ E, V.1980 (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Indonesia, Sulawesi Utara, Dumoga Bone NP, site 14 1140 m, 7.–8.III.1985, J. D. Holloway (BMNH) ; 1 ex., N. Sulawesi, Dumoga Bone NP between base camp and Mopuya, 1°50′ S / 120°31′ E, 16.VIII.1985, J. Huijbregts (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Indonesia, Sumatra Utara, 15 km S. Brastagi, 3°22′ N / 98°34′ E, 21.III.1992, B. Gustafsson et. al (NHRS) ; 1 ex., Sumatra Utara, Aekpopo alt. 1600 m, 13.III.1995, Maruyama (CTJ) ; 1 ex., Irian Jaya, Wamena S, 1700 m, 4°12′ S / 139°01′ E, I.1999, A. Weigel (NME); 2 ex., Java (MNHU); 1 ex., Indonesia, Sumatra Utara, Silalahi, 4.V.1999, S. Tsuyuki (CTJ) ; 14 ex., Sumatra, Riau, Bukit Tigapuluh NP, 0°50′ S / 102°26′ E, I.2000, J. Bezděk (CJB) . – Malaysia. 11 ex., Borneo, Long Navang, 3°35′ N / 116°38′ E, Mjöberg (NHRS) ; 1 ex., Malacca, 2°12′ N / 102°15′ E, Coll. Chapuis (IRSN); 3 ex., Perak, 4°48′ N / 100°48′ E, Sharp Coll. (BMNH); 16 ex., Penang, Bowring (BMNH); 1 ex., Nord-Borneo, Coll. Waterstradt (MNHU) ; 1 ex., Kelantan, 5°06′ N / 101°53′ E, Coll. Veth (RMNH); 9 ex., Malakka, Perak, 2°12′ N / 102°15′ E (MNHU); 1 ex., W. Sarawak, Quop, 1°37′ N / 110°24′ E, III.1914, G. E. Bryant (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Malaya Peninsula, Barnam R., A. M. Lea & wife (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Sarawak, Puak, 3°48′ N / 114°26′ E, 3.V.1914, G. E. Bryant (BMNH) ; 2 ex., Selangor-Pahang, 3°30′ N / 101°31′ E, I.1915 (BMNH) ; 2 ex., Kuala Lumpur, Maxwell road, 3°08′ N / 101°41′ E, 10.I.1916 (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Pahang, Kuala Tahan, 4°22′ N / 102°24′ E, XI.1921, F. N. Chasen Coll. (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Kuantan, 3°49′ N / 103°19′ E, 10.II.1922, G. H. Corbett et al. (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Pahang, F. M. S. Sungai Tembeling, 4°18′ N / 102°36′ E, XI.1922 (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Kedah-Perak, 5°52′ N / 100°31′ E, III.1928 (BMNH); 2 ex., Pahang, Bentong, 3°31′ N / 101°54′ E, 22.XII.1931 (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Perak, F. M. S. Larut Hills, 3700 ft., 5N°/100°53′ E, II.1932, H. M. Pendlebury (BMNH) ; 3 ex., Sarawak, foot of Mt. Dulit, junction of rivers Tinjar & Lejok, 3°20′ N / 114°8′ E, 9.VIII.1932 (BMNH) ; 4 ex., Kuala Lumpur, VI.1935, ex. F. M. S. (BMNH); 16 ex., Pahang, F. M. S. Cameron Highland, 500 ft., 4°30′ N / 101°28′ E, VI.–VII.1935, H. M. Pendlebury (BMNH); 1 ex., Pahang nr. Karak, Chintamani, 3°24′ N / 102°02′ E, VIII.1935 (BMNH) ; 5 ex., Pahang, F. M. S. Fraser Hill, 4200 ft., 3°46′ N / 101°45′ E, VI.1936, H. M. Pendlebury (BMNH); 1 ex., Pahang F. M. S., Pekan, 3°30′ N / 103°23′ E, 25. IV.1939 (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Kuala Kangsar, 4°46′ N / 100°56′ E, 9.XI.1943 (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Sarawak, Bario, 3°44′ N / 115°28′ E, 2.XII.1965, Coll. G. H. L. Rotschild (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Sabah, Mt. Trus Madi, 1800 ft., 5°33′ N / 116°31′ E, 18.–28.VIII.1977 (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Perak, Bukit Larut, 4°47′ N / 100°45′ E, 9.IX.1986, Salleh & Ismail (UKM) ; 1 ex., Pahang, Cameron Highland, Tanah Rata, 4°28′ N / 101°22′ E, 25.IX.1986, Ismail & Md. Nor (UKM) ; 1 ex., Negeri Sembilan, Johol, 2°52′ N / 102°15′ E, 1.III.1987, T. K. Philips (BYUC) ; 2 ex., Sabah, Keningau area Tenom, alt. m 1230, 5°15′ N / 116°19′ E, 23.XI.1987, Krikken & Rombaut (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Pahang, T. Bera, 3°19′ N / 102°27′ E, 1.–3.XI.1990, Ruslan (UKM) ; 1 ex., Perak, Banding, 5°32′ N / 101°19′ E, 29.–30.VII.1991, Ismail et. al (UKM) ; 3 ex., Sabah, Pulau Banggi, 7°16′ N / 117°9′ E, 8.– 12.V.1996, Salleh, Zaidi, Ismail & Sham (UKM) ; 3 ex., Pahang prov. Kuala Tahan, 4°19′ N / 102°20′ E, 6.–9. XI.1999; 5.–9.III.2007, P. Kocarek et al. (CJB) ; 4 ex., West Pahang, 35 km see Ipoh, 1500 m, Cameron Highlands, Tanah Rata, 4°30′ N / 101°28′ E, 21.–24.IV.2001, M. Riha (CJB) ; 1 ex., W. Perak, 1200 m, 25 km, N. E. Ipoh, Banjaran Titiwangsa Mts. Koribu, 4°56′ N / 101°38′ E, 6.–12.V.2001, M. Riha (CJB) ; 1 ex., Perak, Cameron highlands, 4°22′ N / 101°20′ E, V.2011, Šipek & Vondráček (CJB) . – Papua-New Guinea . 16 ex., Papua, Kokoda, 8°53′ S/147°44′ E, IX.1933, 1,200 –1,300 ft., L. E. Cheesman (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Mafulu, 4000 ft., I.1934, L. E. Cheesman (BMNH) ; 23 ex., Neth., New Guinea Exp. Star Range, 5°00S′ / 140°50′ E, 1260 m, IV.–IX.1959, C. v. Heyningen (RMNH) ; 1 ex., Madang Dist., 5°14′ S / 145°48′ E, Finisterre Mts., Damanti 3550 ft., 2.–11.X.1964 (BMNH) ; 2 ex., SW Sokopa, Araban, 200 m, 4°35′ S / 152°07′ E, II.2000, A. Weigel (NME) . – Myanmar. 9 ex., Burma, Rangoon, 16°48′ N / 96°0′ E, V.10–33, H. L. Andrewes (BMNH) . – Philippines. 5 ex., N. Luzon, Semper, 17°36′ N / 118°12′ E, Coll. Chapuis (IRSN) ; 1 ex., Los Banos, 14°10′ N / 121°13′ E, P. I. Baker (NHRS) ; 7 ex., Phillipp., Jacoby Coll. (BMNH) ; 3 ex., Luzon, Jagor, 16°33′ N / 121°15′ E, 58402 (MNHU) ; 26 ex., Philippine, 16°33′ N / 121°15′ E, Luzon (MNHU) ; 1 ex., Mindoro (BMNH); 6 ex., Philippine, Mindanao, 7°51′ N / 124°51′ E (MNHU) ; 11 ex., Luzon Benguet, La Trinidad, 16°33′ N / 121°15′ E, V.1914, G. Roettcher (MNHU) ; 1 ex., Philippine Island, 1919 (BYUC) ; 1 ex., Luzon, Benguet, Kabayan, 16°33′ N / 121°15′ E, 21.XI.1997, L. F., Mey et al. (MNHU) . – Singapore. 1 ex., Singapore, 1°21′ N / 103°49′ E, 97–74, H. N. Ridley (BMNH) . – Sri Lanka. 1 ex., Bogawantalawa, 10°07′ N / 88°24′ E, III.– IV.1882 (BMNH) ; 3 ex., Ceylon, 7°18′ N / 80°36′ E, II.1884, Mus. Columbo (MNHU) ; 1 ex., Ceylon, Henaratgoda, XII.1889, H. P. Green (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Puttalam, 8°02′ N / 79°50′ E, 1899, W. Horn (MNHU) ; 1 ex., Ceylon, Polonnarowa, 7°55′ N / 81°0′ E, 27.II.1906, H. Schoede (MNHU) ; 4 ex., Ceylon, Diyatalawa; Kandy, 5°15′ N / 100°29′ E, VI.–IX.1908, G. E. Bryant; T. B. F (BMNH) . – Thailand. 9 ex., Bohol, Semper, 9°50′ N / 124°10′ E, Coll. Chapuis (IRSN) ; 2 ex., Tringano (BMNH); 5 ex., Japanoeli, A.L.v.H, Coll. Veth (RMNH) ; 12 ex., Restit. 1885, Coll. Chapuis (IRSN) ; 1 ex., Wellesley Prov., 1904-105, H. N. Ridley (BMNH) ; 2 ex., Penin. Siam, Patalung Trang, 7°25′ N / 99°54′ E, 3.V.1924, I. H. N. Evan (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Getassan, 1100 m, 1973, P. H. V. Doesburg (RMNH) ; 2 ex., Chumphon Prov., Pha To env., V.1998, Průdek & Šigut (CJB) .

Redescription

Total length. 3.70–5.10 mm (mean 4.40 mm; n = 10).

Head. Varied from pale yellow to reddish, brownish or black (Figs 1–5A), some specimens with black vertex and yellow frons (Figs 2b, 4b, 5 Ab). Antenna slender, yellow, last antennomere usually brownish. Second and third antennomere elongated, third slightly longer; ratio length of second to third antennomere 0.75–1.05 (mean 0.89); ratio length of third to fourth antennomere 0.43– 0.57 (mean 0.50; Fig. 5B).

Thorax. Pronotum very finely punctuated, yellow to yellowish-red. Pronotal width 1.15–1.65 mm (mean 1.40 mm), ratio length to width 0.61–0.65 (mean 0.63). Scutellum yellow, brownish or black, meso- and metathorax pale yellow to black. Elytron yellow, basal quarter to third including humerus, and corresponding lateral margins in about 80 % of material examined dark brown to black (Figs 1b, 4b, 5Ab), others pale reddish-brown (Figs 3b, 5 Aa), rarely black base strongly reduced (Fig. 2b). Elytron furthermore with transverse black to reddish-brown band, usually paler than at elytral base in the apical quarter (Fig. 1b) that does not reach the lateral margin, sometimes reduced to a circular spot, but rarely small (Fig. 2b) or absent (Fig. 3b). Very rarely elytron almost entirely yellow. Elytral length 2.90–4.00 mm (mean 3.45 mm), maximal width of both elytra together 2.00– 2.80 mm (mean 2.40 mm), ratio of maximal width of both elytra together to length of elytron 0.68–0.72 (mean 0.70). Legs yellow to pale brownish.

Abdomen. Pale yellow to yellowish-red or brown.

Male genitalia. Median lobe lanceolate, becomes little narrow towards apex (Figs 5C). Tectum long, broad. Median spiculae brush-like of similar size (Figs 5 Ca, Cb), lateral spiculae broad, lobe-like with curved base, ventral spiculae absent.

Female genitalia. Nodulus of spermatheca very small, cornu long and median part curved, evenly sclerotised (Fig. 5D). Two strongly different parts of bursa sclerites, dorsal pair with strong spines (Fig. 5 Ea), ventral part elongated, with smaller spines at outer margin (Fig. 5 Eb).

Diagnosis. In most specimens with characteristic colour pattern, possessing yellow elytra with two transverse reddish to blackish bands, where the subapical one is not reaching the elytral outer margins (can be reduced to spots in some specimens, and rarely completely yellow). Transverse elytral bands also occur in M. orientalis and M. flavofasciata, but in these bands are much wider or bicolorous (Figs 20, 23), and the apical one is reaching the outer margin. The genitalic characters are most similar to M. rubra, M. rufipennis and M. kuninghitam sp. nov. since all four species lacs the ventral spiculae in median lobes (Figs 5C, 8C, 37C, 51C) and the spermathecae (Figs 5D, 8D, 37D, 51D) possess a very small nodulus. In term of the body size, M. rubra (4.50–6.00 mm), and M. rufipennis (4.75–6.35 mm) are on average bigger than M. bifasciata (3.70–5.10 mm) and M. kuninghitam sp. nov. (3.70–4.35 mm), the ratio length to width of pronotum, in M. bifasciata and M. rubra is almost the same (mean: 0.63 vs 0.64) while in M. kuninghitam sp. nov. the pronotum is very narrow (0.71). In the few aberrant coloured specimens, only the genitalia allow a clear allocation to species.

Distribution. One of the most abundant species of Monolepta with very wide distribution throughout the Oriental Region, from India, southern China (literature data) up to the Australian Region in New Guinea and even North-East Australia (Fig. 6).