flavescens

1. Ssp. flavescens (Rothschild, 1897¹³⁾) [♀] [♂: Kobayashi & Koiwaya, 1979⁹⁾]

(Distribution) [Map 34]

INDONESIA [Irian Jaya] Onin Peninsula (Fakfak), Bomberai Peninsula (Arguni Bay area), Kamrau Bay area (Kaimana), Lake Yamur – Urema River basin, Etna Bay area (Avona), Nomnagihe, Meno, Kobowre Mts.

(Episodes of discovery and original description)

It was collected by H. C. Webster on August 8, 1896 from the coast zone of Etna Bay, Irian Jaya and described by Lord Rothschild as a new subspecies of paradisea, leaving open the possibility of a female of O. goliath supremus, which was sill unknown at that time. The male was described 83 years later by Kobayashi & Koiwaya in 1979.

(Characteristics)

This subspecies was described in 1897 with 1 ♀. The ♂ was first described in 1979, 82 years later. The number of specimens is limited and has not been fully examined. Based on the similarity in the wing shape and the color of the pale band of HW, it may be continuous with ssp. chrysanthemum.

(Spotted pattern)

♂: Slightly smaller than the nominotypical ssp. with no difference other than more intense of green of maculae. The femur is yellow.

♀: Resembles ssp. chrysanthemum with black ground color and bright yellow pale band on HW, but all spots on FW are as in the nominotypical ssp. The femur yellow.

(Variation)

♂-f. multiconfluenta Deslisle & Sclavo, 2015²⁾: [Aberrant FW pattern] All three iridescent bands (radial, cubital, and anal bands) connected distally on FW.