mariae

2. Ssp. mariae Neukirchen, 1993¹¹⁾ [♂] [♀: akikoae Morita, 1994⁹⁾]

= akikoae Morita, 1994⁹⁾ [♂, ♀] (Batu Islands (Tanahmasa Is.))

(Distribution) [Map 60]

INDONESIA [N. Sumatra] Batu Islands (Tanahmasa Is., Tanahbala Is.).

(Episodes of discovery and original description)

It was first described by Neukirchen (1993) as a new subspecies mariae, based on a single ♂ collected by S. & W. Zöllen in the Batu Islands in February 1978. The following year, Morita also presented it as ssp. akikoae based on 4 ♂♂,３♀♀ collected on Tanahmasa Island in the same Islands. The subspecies is named after Maria Krings, grandmother of Mr. Neukirchen.

(Characteristics)

This subspecies was first described with only one ♂ specimen (♀ unknown) by Neukirchen¹¹⁾ and was redescribed by Morita⁹⁾ the following years. This subspecies has many similarities because it occurs just south of the habitat of ssp. jikoi.

(Spotted pattern)

♂: Resembles ssp. jikoi, green wedge-shaped patches on FW upper surface are small and all separated, the golden green patch on HW is also small and don’t extend to the subcostal space and no white spot on its apex. On the underside, cobalt-blue spots on both FW and HW are larger than in ssp. jikoi.

♀: The subapical white streaks on FW are larger but yellowish green wedge-shaped patches are smaller. On the underside, cobalt-blue spots on both wings are more distinct than in ssp. jikoi.