Taxonomy

Imaged specimen from Australia. The holotype of Pyralis polyphoralis Walker, [1866] 1865 from Australia, (Townsville) is in the NHM (Mi7423); Syn. Pyralis polygraphalis Walker, [1866] 1865:1245 nec Walker, [1866] 1865:1240. (Pyralis) (homonym) (Shaffer & Nielsen 1996). Syn. Addaea charidotis Turner, 1904:113 repl. name for A. polygraphalis Walker. Syn. n. (Shaffer & Nielsen, 1996). The syn type is from Queensland (Geraldtown, Johnstone River, not Swan River as given by Walker, [1866] 1865).

Description

16mm. A small species with distinct brown fasciation, especially the dark median fascia of FW & HW which widens to the posterior. Note the distinct pale patches on the FW Costa. Common (1990:100, fig. 31:5) gives a good monochrome photograph of the female. A. castaneata Warren, 1908: 325 from Milne Bay, PNG is very similar in patterning.

Distribution & Distribution

Japan, Sabah, Misool, Australia (Q, NT). Lowland primary and secondary forest; disturbed areas.

Life History & Pest Status

Larvae are gregarious in leaf shelters along with copious quantities of frass, feeding on Diospyros ferrea (Ebenaceae), in Australia (Common 1990:342).

Similar spp.

See Plates