Andraca chrysocollis Zolotuhin

Zolotuhin, Vadim V., 2012, Taxonomic remarks on Andraca Walker, 1865 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) with descriptions of five new species, Zootaxa 3262, pp. 22-34 : 31-32

Andraca chrysocollis Zolotuhin , sp. nov.

Fig. 13

Type material. Holotype: ď, Philippines, Northern Luzon, Ifugao, Banaue vic., 20 km N Lagawe, Sekundärwald/Reisfelder, 16°54’N, 121°06’E, 22.IX–16.X 1988, 1200 m, leg. Cerny & Schintlmeister (MWM). Paratypes: ď, Philippines, Northern Luzon, Ifugao, Banaue vic., 20 km N Lagawe, Sekundärwald/Reisfelder, 16°54’N, 121°06’E, 22.IX–16.X 1988, 1200 m, leg. Cerny & Schintlmeister (MWM); ď, Philippines, Luzon, Quezon Forest National Park, Flachlandurwald, 14°01’N, 122°11’E, without date, 250 m, leg. Cerny & Schintlmeister (GU 9002 - MWM). ď, Philippines, Luzon, Mountain Prov., Mt. Bontoc, 7–15.IV 2002 ( CMSW). ď, Philippines, N. Luzon, CAR border Abra / Kalinga, E of Malibcong Basiwag, 17°33’N, 120°59’E, 1600 m, 16–17.I 2007, leg. JH Lourence (Jan Lourence). 2 ďď, N. Luzon, Ifugao, Banaue, 1200 m, 12. XII, 1988, coll. Treadaway ( SMFL); 1 m, N. Luzon, Ifugao, Banaue, 1200 m, 27. I. 1989, coll. Treadaway ( SMFL).

Description. Wingspan males 39–42 mm, fore wing length— 20–22 mm. Very similar in wing shapes, ground colour and wing pattern on A. apodecta but pattern more vague, bluish scales mainly in basal part of the forewing. Discal spot very small, dark grey, pointed with a few bluish scales. Bright yellow coloration of collar (patagiae) is typical. Female is still unknown. Male genitalia (Fig. 33). Uncus is short but strong triangular to pyramidal. Branches of gnathos infused, distinct, but short and rather wide at a middle. Valva narrowed and tapered apically; both costal process and harpe are minute. Both valvae are symmetrical. Aedeagus slender, elongated, without distinct caudal widening; vesica tubular without cornuti.

Diagnosis. In external characters can be easily recognized from related species by bright yellow collar. In doubtful cases, genitalic preparation is useful, the absence of cornuti on vesica is characteristic (but also absent in A. apodecta ). The only species of Andraca known so far from Luzon.

Bionomics. Flight period April and September-October but probably develops few generations per year. Inhabits altitudes from 250 to 1200 m. Female, preimaginal stages and food plants are unknown.

Distribution. Apparently endemic to Luzon.

Comments. The name refers to the bright yellow coloration of the collar of moths.