cytherea

7. Ssp. cytherea Kobayashi & Koiwaya, 1980¹¹⁾ [♂, ♀]

(Distribution) [Map 46]

INDONESIA [Irian Jaya] Kobowre Mts. (Mapia), Lake Tigi area, Lake Paniai area (Enarotali), Tembagapura, Jayawijaya Ｍts. (Baliem Valley (Wamena)).

(Episodes of discovery and original description)

This species was described by Heiichi Kobayashi and Satoshi Koiwaya based on 2♂♂ and 4♀♀ collected from February to March 1980 at Enarotali (alt. 1800 m), located at about 136°E in the central highlands of West Irian (Irian Jaya). The subspecies cytherea is a Greek goddess of love and beauty, corresponding to Venus in Roman mythology. Also known as Aphrodite.

(Characteristics)

This highland subspecies represents the easternmost distribution area of sp. tithonus. The spotted pattern is very specific and well stabilized in both sexes, making it easy to distinguish from other subspecies.

(Spotted pattern)

♂: Characterized by its monochromatic green, narrow radial band, short anal band on FW, and reduced semi-translucent golden spots and small black discal spots on HW.

♀: The ground color of wings is blackish brown, and FW spots are moderate and all present. HW is characterized by the presence of a black frame of cell-spot. Inner edge of dark outer margin is sharply defined.

(Variation)

♂-f. nicolasi Deslisle & Sclavo, 2008⁶⁾: [Aberrant FW/HW pattern] Upper side of both wings, black maculation suffused with iridescent green scales.