epiphanes

7. Ssp. epiphanes Schmid, 1970²⁷⁾ [♂, ♀]

(Distribution) [Map 7]

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Makira (=San Cristobal, Bauro) Is. (Kirakira, Manibena (=Manipwena), Manowiriwiri, Lower Ravo River area (=Wainou, Wainoni)), Uki Ni Masi (=Ugi, Uki) Is., Santa Ana (=Owa Rafa) Is.

(Episodes of discovery and original description)

Despite previous explorations of the island by several people, it was never discovered. Even the famous collector Meek, one of them, visited in 1903 to collect specimens for the Tring Museum, but could not even be seen. Time passed without any further investigation, until finally, in 1964, Straatman made the almost miraculous discovery. He (1969) wrote: “The female butterfly … has the markings on its wings larger and more yellow than in any other form of O. victoriae; the male has the bright green and yellow markings on the forewings joined. Both sexes are slightly smaller as compared to those on other islands” As stated, he considered that this must be a subspecies. To confirm this, the following year he sent four pairs of specimens to Schmid at the Canadian Insect Research Institute, who agreed and recognized them as a new subspecies. In their initial correspondence, they provisionally named the new subspecies cristobali, after its habitat on the island of San Cristobal, but eventually named it epiphanes (an ancient imperial title, glorified by God). At the same time, Schmid obtained from Mrs Wilson 2♂♂ and 9♀♀ from the same island. Based on a total of 6♂♂ and 13♀♀ specimens, he selected individuals with representative spots as the holotype (♂) and paratypes, respectively, and officially presented them as a new subspecies in 1970.

(Characteristics)

Relatively newly discovered subspecies. Its distribution is the southern limit of this species. Both sexes are characterized by their rich yellow color.

(Spotted pattern)

♂: The subapical patch of FW is the largest among the subspecies, and the basal patch is also broadened. In many specimens, both patches are connected by scattered green scales. In HW, the submarginal patches are large, and the black marginal band is narrow. It is also characterized by its dense golden coloration throughout its patches.

♀: This resembles ssp. reginae, but the spots are larger and the pure yellow at the base of both FW and HW is the most extensive out of the subspecies. In some individuals, the basal streak of the cell of FW is suffused with green basally.

(Variation）

♂-f. julesi Deslisle & Sclavo, 2008⁷⁾: [Aberrant FW/HW pattern] A highly melanotic form; iridescent areas consequently greatly reduced.

♂-f. brossardi Deslisle, 1995⁴⁾ (➡victoriae )

♂-f. porteneuvei Deslisle & Sclavo, 2015⁸⁾: [Aberrant FW pattern] Mixing ♂-f. infanta and ♂-f. brossardi. The subapical patch of FW is extended, and some semi-translucent golden spots are scattered in it. (➡regis)

♂-f. belai Deslisle & Sclavo, 2008⁷⁾: [Aberrant FW pattern & discoloration] The basal patch is reduced, and the subapical patch has some red spots in it.

♀-f. nebulosa Deslisle & Sclavo, 2015⁸⁾: [Aberrant FW/HW pattern] Pale spots are remarkably reduced, and some are missing. This variation is same as ♀-f. nocturnus of ssp. regis.