Taxonomy

Sabah, Poring, Por 4. The holotype of Banisia lepida Warren, [1909] 1908:326 from Sulawesi (Batoe Islands) is in the NHM (Mi7367), suggested comb. n. to Opula Walker, 1869 (RTS:134).

Description

28-34mm. The FW has an angular termen, a median fascia and a complex postmedian pattern in slightly darker brown. The reticulated HW has little distinct fasciation.

Distribution & Habitat

Myanmar, Sumatra, W. Malaysia, Singapore, Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak, Philippines, Java, Bali, Sulawesi, Moluccas, West Papua, PNG. Lowland to lower montane primary and secondary forest; <1500m.

Life History & Pest Status

Tho (1978) gives details of the life cycle. It is a borer in the stems and apical shoots of seedlings of Macaranga triloba & M. hypoleuca (Euphorbiaceae) before they are colonized by Crematogaster ants, which protect the plant from further damage.

Similar spp.

See Plates