atlas

3. Ssp. atlas (Rothschild, 1908)²¹⁾ [♀] [♂: goliath, (Rothschild, 1904)²⁰⁾]

= goliath, (Rothschild, 1904) ²⁰⁾ (Geelvink (=Etna) Bay area)

(Distribution) [Map 53]

INDONESIA [Irian Jaya] Onin Peninsula (Fakfak (=Kapaur)), Bomberai Peninsula (Bintuni Bay area), Etna Bay area.

(Episodes of discovery and original description)

It was Rothschild (1908) who officially described the species as atlas, based on 2 ♀♀ collected by Doherty in January and February 1897 at Kapaur on the Onin Peninsula. However, he had already described one ♂ collected near Geelvink Bay four years earlier in 1904 (the collector was either a native or a hybrid) and the two ♀♀ specimens. The subspecies is named after Atlas, the giant god of Greek mythology.

(Characteristics)

An almost unknown subspecies. The number of extant specimens is very scarce, and comparisons with other subspecies are insufficient, especially it is necessary to examine the relationship with ‘so-called highland ssp. atlas from Central (=Maoke) Mts.’ classified by Haugum & Low (1979) and lowland ssp. sorongensis.

(Spotted pattern)

♂: Resembles the nominotypical ssp., the black scales of cubital band are strongly shaded, but it is difficult to distinguish from other subspecies.

♀: Resembles ssp. sorongensis, but subapical streaks on FW are not so large and inconspicuous. On HW, the inside of pale band is brighter white with less shading of black scales.