andromache

4) Sp. andromache (Staudinger, 1892)⁷⁾

Ssp. nishikawai Kobayashi, 1992

f. loc. goramensis Morita, 2000

Not only one of the smallest in the Amphrysus-Species-Group, but also one of the smallest in all Troides species. It was previously thought to be endemic to the highlands of northern Kalimantan (=Borneo), but Kobayashi (1992)⁴⁾ and Morita (2000)⁶⁾ each found it in the central and southern highlands of the same island. It is now classified into two subspecies and 1 local form. As this species migrates southwards, the ground color of FW of ♀ darkens. Such phenomenon is of great interest because it is also observed in Troides amphrysus, which occurs on the same island.

(Distribution) [DCD 23]

Kalimantan (=Borneo) Island.

(Vertical distribution)

300 – 1,700 m a. s. l.

(Spotted pattern)

♂: FW with long inner margin and concaved outer margin, characteristic of Amphrysus-Specie-Group. HW broad, short, almost as broad as it is long, less deeply scalloped, these characteristics give this species a unique wing shape. FW is glossy black with dark blue or deep violet blue sheen. HW has semi-translucent golden marking and black marginal border and projections. On the underside of FW are six grayish white cuneiform discal patches pointed inwards, being slightly yellow on the inner side. Reddish hair tufts are present on neck, but not on the lateral thorax. The upper surface of abdomen is dark brown with blackish brown sex-brand, underside is yellow.

♀: The ground color of FW varies from grayish white to dark brown depending on the habitat. The more northerly the origin, the more likely it is whitened. FW have a broad zigzag band of darker than the ground color running longitudinally from the apex to the inner margin of wing, and a darker brown outer marginal band. HW closely resembles these of Troides amphrysus flavicollis, with smaller yellow spot. The upper surface of abdomen is dark brown, while the under surface is striped with black and yellow.

(Larval foodplant)

Aristolochia foveolata.⁵⁾