rubianus

5. Ssp. rubianus (Rothschild, 1904)¹⁹⁾ [♂, ♀]

(Distribution) [Map 3]

SOLOMON ISLANDS: New Georgia Group (Vella Lavella Is., Mbava Is., Kolombangara

Is., Ghizo Is., New Georgia Is., Ranongga Is., Rendova Is., Tetepare Is., Nggatokae Is.).

(Episodes of discovery and original description)

The first observation of this subspecies (♂) in flight was made by Woodford (1888), who was unable to collect it. Later, Meek visited Rendova Island to collect, and in February 1904, 2 ♂♂ (one of which was the holotype) and numerous females (probably 11 ♀♀) were collected for the first time. In the same year, Rotschild described a new subspecies, rubianus, after the Rubiana Islands where it was first discovered.

(Characteristics)

Both sexes are clearly different from the other subspecies in spots and coloration, and are

easily distinguishable.

(Spotted pattern)

♂: The patterns are greener than any other subspecies. The subapical patch in FW is remarkably reduced. (Many individuals have two small spots). In HW, the green spread evenly, and unlike other subspecies, external margin is burred, and submarginal semi-translucent golden spots are absent.

♀: The wing pale spots are larger and whiter and are not so yellow in base of wings as in other subspecies.

(Variation)

♂-f. noellann Rumbucher, 1973²⁴⁾ [Aberrant FW pattern] The subapical patch and the basal green patch are fused by the scattered green scales.

♂-f. ohyai Deslisle, 2004⁵⁾ [Aberrant HW pattern] One or two semi-translucent golden spots in submarginal region of HW are present.

♂-f. niclasi Schäffler, 2001²⁶⁾ (➡regis )

♀-f. gisoensis Haugum & Low, 1978¹²⁾ [Aberrant FW/HW pattern] All pale spots of both wings are abnormally enlarged.

♀-f. firmini Deslisle & Sclavo, 2015⁸⁾ [Aberrant FW/HW pattern] All pale spots of both wings are remarkably reduced, contrasting with the previous variation.

♀-f. szabadosi Deslisle & Sclavo, 2015⁸⁾ [Aberrant FW pattern] The subapical streaks, which is usually divided, is not separated and the discal spots are greatly reduced.

♀-f. jessicae Goussey, 2006¹⁰⁾ [FW/HW discoloration] Invaded discally (cell upper half part and spaces basally) on both FW by scattered blue scaling. Scaling can also be present on both sides of the abdominal border of HW.

(➡victoriae )