List Spec. Lepid. Insects Colin. Br. Mus. 32: 581. Type-species: Andraca bipunctata Walker, 1865, List Spec. Lepid. Insects Colin. Br. Mus. 32: 582, by monotypy.

Andraca bipunctata Walker, 1865, List Spec. Lepid. Insects Colin. Br. Mus. 32: 582. TL: [India] [Darjeeling] “Hindustan”. Lectotype: male (ZMHU) [examined].

Andraca angulata sensu Wang et al. (2011).

Diagnosis. No problems were encountered with the determination of the species from most localities, because of the strongly acute hind wings; females are characterized by festooned hind wings. In spite of external differences of populations of southern China, no real characters were found that distinguished them into separate subspecies. Therefore all are considered to belong to one species; but it seems quite possible that they might be separated later based on more refined methods of investigation.

Biology

Mountain species. In China and Thailand A. bipunctata seems to be a winter flier from late Aug to Feb at the altitudes from 1,000 to 2,300m, but in Nepal and India this species develops 2 generations, which appear on the wing during Jun-Jul and Oct-Dec at altitudes from 800 to 2600 m. Preimaginal stages tend to be misidentified as A. trilochoides Moore and are illustrated in Zolotuhin (2012).

Distribution

China (Yunnan: northern Baoshan (Daoren Shan, Gaoligongshan), Yunxian (Dabingshan), Lancang (Fuli Mts.), Yulong (Wubaoshan); Guizhou: Jiangkou (Fanjingshan); Sichuan: Panzhihua (Daheishan); Myanmar (Chin State), northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Nan), Northern India (Sikkim, Darjeeling, Meghalaya), Nepal. The species was absent from a list given by Wang et al. (2011) and only recently has it been noted from China by Zolotuhin (2012).

Taxonomic notes. For a long time A. bipunctata has been synonymized with A. trilochoides, and in many modern references from China, it is impossible to separate the data about these 2 taxa. This confusion was explained by Zolotuhin (2012) recently and both taxa are considered to be separate species.

Andraca trilochoides Moore, 1865, List Spec. Lepid. Insects Colin. Br. Mus. 32: 582.TL: India, Darjiling. HOLOTYPE: male (BMNH) [examined].

Andraca röpkei Bryk, 1944, Ark. Zool. 35A 8: 17, pl. 3, fig. 22 (sic! not 21 as given in the text!). TL: N. E. Burma, Kambaiti, 2,000 m. Lectotype: male (RMS) [examined].

= Andraca henosa Chu & Wang, 1993, Sinozoologia 10: 242, fig. 26, pl. 2, fig. 26. TL: China, Yunnan, Yongshan. HOLOTYPE (by original designation): male (IZAS) [not examined]. Andraca bipunctata sensu Chu & Wang (1993) and Wang et al. (2011).

Diagnosis. Dark colored species with wing margin smooth. Somewhat similar to A. theae, but male genitalia are quite different (see Wang et al. 2011 for comparison), also the average size is larger.

Biology

The flight period in Vietnam occurs from Apr to Jul and again in Nov. However in China, where many more specimens are known, the species flies from late Apr to Aug and probably develops a few generations. It inhabits altitudes from 900 to 3,500 m, most typically altitudes of 1,600 to 2,400 m. Tea, Thea sinensis L., is recorded to be a host in India. Chu & Wang (1996: 18) recorded Camellia japonica L. (Theaceae) as a host of A. henosa, and Wang et al. (2011) confirmed that the species is a serious pest on a tea tree and related Camellia assamensis and C. oleifera C. Abel.

Distribution

China (Yunnan: Gongshan (Dulongjiang), Yunlong (13 km N. Caojian, Wubaoshan), Mojiang (Dajianshan Mts.), Yao’an (Sanfengshan Mts.), Yongping (Qingshan, Qiongshan), Tenchong (Gaoligong Mts.), Wenshan (Meizhiqing), Yuanyang (Baiyanzishan), Dali (Xiaguan); Sichuan: W Mianning (Daxue Shan), NW Chengdu (Qingchenghoushan Mts.), Ganzi (Qionglai Shan Mts., 31–13'N, 102–23¸); Anhui: Taihu Mountain (=Tapieh Shan); Jiangxi-Fujian border: Wuyi Mts. (Zhixi)), Myanmar (north-eastern: Kambaiti), Northern Vietnam (Lao Cai: Mt. Fan-si-pan; Tarn Dao; Son La), northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Nan, Chiang Rai). The nominate subspecies is known from northern India (Sikkim, Darjeeling) and Nepal. One female with the label “China, Hainan island, Wuzhi Shan Mts., 20–11– 10-IV-2001” in coll. MWM is also attributed to the species but this finding shall to be confirmed after males will be found from Hainan.

Taxonomic Notes

The species was for a long time confused with A. bipunctata and in many cases it is impossible to separate the data about both taxa. This confusion was explained by Zolotuhin recently (2012) and both taxa were considered separate species. The species was listed for China as bipunctata in Chu & Wang (1993) and in Wang et al. (2011).

Andraca apodecta Swinhoe, 1907, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7)19: 49. TL: Padang, W. Sumatra. Lectotype: male (BMNH).

Diagnosis. The species is easily recognized due to large size, yellow- or reddish-brown ground color with darker vague pattern, smooth wing margin and especially by the absence of cornuti on a vesica.

Biology

The species is on the wing throughout the yr on the islands of Sumatra, Borneo and Sulawesi; and on the Asian continent it is known from Jul to mid-Sep, where it probably develops 1 generation per yr. Inhabits altitudes of 900–1,300 m on Sulawesi, 500–1,350 m on Sumatra, about 1,450 m on Borneo; on the continent it seems to be a mountain species with a preference for altitudes of about 1,600–1,800 m in Vietnam, 1,480–2,200 m in China and 1,550–2,000 m in Thailand. The caterpillars are collected on tea (Camellia, Theaceae) (Roepke, 1924) and Thea sinensis (Owada et al., 2002).

Distribution

China (Jiangxi-Fujian border: Wuyi Mts.; Shaanxi: Yuhuangding; Guangxi: Jinzhongshan; Yunnan: Sanfengshan), Laos, northern Vietnam (Mt. Fan-si-pan), northern Thailand (Chiang Mai; Nan), Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi.

Andraca melli Zolotuhin & Witt, 2009, Entomofauna Suppl. 16: 262, pl. 2, fig. 14; color pl. 24, figs. 11, 12.

TL: China, Prov. Guangdong, Mahn-tsi-shan. HOLOTYPE: male (ZMHU) [examined].

Andraca bipunctata sensu Chu & Wang, 1993: 241, fig. 25, pl. 2, fig. 25, and Zhu & Wang, 1996: 55, fig. 39, pl. 3, fig. 7, nec Walker, 1865.

Diagnosis. The smallest species of the genus. Shape of the hind wings of the males is diagnostic (distinctly angled at about 95°; both sides of outer margin (above and under the angle) are straight). Female can easily be identified by small size and rounded external margin of the hind wings.

Biology

Flight period in Thailand falls on Feb-May, Jul, Aug and Oct, therefore probably develops 2 or 3 generations. Inhabits altitudes of 80–1,800 m. Chu & Wang (1996: 18) recorded Thea sinensis, Camellia oleifera (Theaceae), Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall (Oleaceae), Ternstroemia japonica Thunb. (Ternstroemiaceae) as larval host plants for A. bipunctata [misidentification]. Wang et al. (2011) also listed Pentaphylax euryoides Gardner & Champion (Pentaphylacaceae).

Distribution

China (Zhejiang: W. Tianmushan (=Chekiang, West Tien-mu-shan), Linpingshan; JiangxiFujian border: WuyiShan, 50 km SE of Yungtan, 27°55′N, 117°25′E; Jiangxi: Lushan (Kuling); Guangdong: Nanling, Luofushan (=Lo-fa-shan (Lo-fau-shan)), Ruyuan, 40 km W Guang Zhou (=Canton), Longtoushan (=Drachenkopf (Dragon Head)); Guangxi: Nanning; Hainan: Lingshan, Wuzhishan; Sichuan: Gongga Shan: 29–41′N, 101– 58′E, 70 km NW Chengdu), northern Thailand (Chiang Nan: Bo Luang), Myanmar (25 E Putao). From Vietnam is known only from 2 females from Mt. Fan-si-pan therefore this finding should be confirmed by males.

Andraca olivacea Matsumura, 1927, J. Coll.Agric. Hokkaido Univ. 19: 50, pl. 3, fig. 7. TL: Formosa, Horisha, Baibara. HOLOTYPE (by monotypy): male (coll. Sapporo Uni)(EIHU) [examined].

Andraca olivacens Mell, 1958, D. entomol. Z. (N.F) 5: 211. TL: [China, Fujian] Kuatun, NWFukien. Lectotype: male (ZFMK) [examined]. = Andraca hedra Chu & Wang, 1993, Sinozoologia 10: 243, fig. 28, pl. 2, fig. 28. TL: China, Hainan, Jiannfeng. HOLOTYPE (by original designation): male (IZAS) [examined].

= Pseudandraca ravida Yang, 1995, Insects of Baishanzu Mountain: 354, figs. 2, 7. TL: [China] Zhejiang Prov., Mt. Baishanzu, 550 m. HOLOTYPE: male (pointed out to be in coll. of Beijing Agricultural University but absent there [Prof. Xin-Li, personal communication]).

Diagnosis. Olive-greyish ground colour is unmistakable; southern populations have distinct reddish tint.

Biology

Unknown. Flight period occurs during FebMay, Jul-Aug, Oct and Dec, probably develops a few generations per yr. Inhabits altitudes from 950 to 1,600 m. Chu & Wang (1996: 18) recorded Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) as a larval host plant for A. hedra. For the nominate subspecies, the flight period occurs from Feb-mid Jul and from Aug-early Sep; probably develops a few overlapping generations per yr; inhabits altitudes from 400 to 1.160 m, mainly 470–650 m.

Distribution

China [Zhejiang: Baishanzu NR; Taiwan; Jiangxi: Guangze (Xipaihe vill: 27–54′N, 117– 20′E); Jiangxi-Fujian border; Wuyishan; Fujian: Longyan (Daimaoshan), Nanping (30 km SW); Shaanxi: Yangxian (Tsinling Mts.: 33–55′N, 107–44′E); Hunan: Yizhang (Hongxingqianshan); Guangdong: Nanling NR, Shimentai NR; Guangxi: Mao′ershan NR, Jingxiu (100 km SE Liuzhou); Hainan: Jianfengling NR, Wuzhiahan Mts.], Vietnam, Myanmar (50 km E Putao). Surprisingly not known so far from Thailand. The nominate subspecies is endemic to Taiwan.

Taxonomic Notes

A mysterious Pseudandraca ravida Yang, 1995, described from Mt. Baishanzu is considered here as a synonym of the species; the same conclusion is given by Kishida & Wang (2011: 139) without any explanation. It was described with a scarce diagnosis in English - “Male length of body 17–19 mm, expanse of wings 45 mm, greyish yellow to greyish brown. Allied to the type species of the genus P. gracilis (Butler) from Japan, but differs by the postmedial line of forewing distinctly oblique, not nearly vertical to the inner margin as the latter species, and others”. The type specimens were not found in spite of a special search, but genitalic illustration given (of a very bad quality) and number of topotypical specimens (Fig. 2H) collected at the same location by Xing Wang in Apr and Jul 2011 allow us to confirm this synonymy. In any case, studying the type material, or at least its photo of sufficient quality, is necessary to define the status of the taxon more precisely.

Andraca gongshanensis X. Wang, Zeng et M. Wang, 2011, ZooKeys 127: 36, fig 1E, 2E. TL: China, Yunnan Province, Gongshan Mt. HOLOTYPE: male (SCAU) [examined].

Diagnosis. Generally resembles A. olivacea; darker grey ground color with lighter yellow stripes on the wings are diagnostic. Male genitalia with uncus apex wedge-shaped, apex of valva constricted and truncate, sacculus without a strong dorsal spike.

Biology

Mountain species, collected from 2,100 m in July.

Distribution. The species is known from Southwest China (Prov. Yunnan). Maybe an endemic of Gongshan Mts.

Oreta theae Matsumura, 1909, Thous. Insects Japan, Suppl. 1: 134, pl. 13, fig. 10. TL: Formosa, [Beipu]. Lectotype: male (Sapporo University) [examined], here designated.

Diagnosis. Expanse males from 35 mm, mostly 42–43 mm, females 42–46 mm, forewing length — (18) 21–22 in males and 22–25 in females. Male genitalia are diagnostic.

Biology

Thea sinensis, Camellia spp., Cleyera ochnacea DC, Eurya japonica Thunb. (Theaceae) and Melastoma candidum D. Don (Melastomataceae) are host plants (Sonan, 1937). Caterpillar of the nominate population was illustrated by Wang (1995: 20) and for mainland China—by Wang et al. (2011).

Distribution

Being formerly considered as endemic to Taiwan (Pingtung, Tai-tung, Taipei, Taoyuan, NanTou, Ilan, Taichung, Hsinchu), the species is also known now from Mainland China (Anhui: Huangshan; Hunan: Wuyunjie NR; Guangdong: Nangling NR). Also, 2 conspecific males are known from West-Nepal (10 km N of Surkhet, 2,000 m, 7-VIII-1996, leg. M. Hreblay & B. Szin—MWM) but probably they might be mislabelled.

Taxonomic Notes

An original Matsumura series of moths was examined in Sapporo University by V. Zolotuhin. The species is designated by the original Matsumura ground label with inscription “Andraca bipunctata Wk. var. Theae Mats.”. Most specimens originated from J. Sonan's collection and were collected from Taihoku in 1918; and therefore they are automatically rejected from the syntypic series. Only one male (Fig. 2I) satisfied the required data, and its label also bears an additional ink inscription in Taiwanese “Beipu” that in interpreted to mean Beipu town in Hsinchu County. This specimen is considered here as a lectotype of the species. At the same time, the specimen illustrated in the original description of Matsumura seems to be a female. The problem shall not be solved now. Subspecific separation is not clear, but only 2 bp are different between Taiwanese and South Chinese individuals in the COI sequences (658 bp).

Andraca nobilorum Zolotuhin, 2012, Zootaxa 3262: 32, figs. 21, 22. TL: Central Vietnam, Prov. Kon Turn, Distr. Kom Plong, vill. Mang Canh, 1,250 m. HT: male (MWM) [examined].

Diagnosis. Light yellow ground colour and black basal patches on the fore wings are diagnostic.

Biology

Mountain species, collected from 1,250 m in Jun.

Distribution

The nominate subspecies is known from Central Vietnam (Prov. Kon Turn). Maybe endemic of Annam Mts. or TayNguyen Plateau. Another population is known from Guangxi and described here as a new subspecies.

Diagnosis. This new geographical subspecies differs from the nominate Andraca nobilorum (Fig. 2A, 2D, 2F) by the absence of an indistinct darker marker in the apex of the forewing, the apex of valve being thinner and pointed.

Male

Medium sized moths with forewing length 18–19 mm (Figs. 2B–C). Head. Small; antennae brown, bipectinate except distal 1/3; vertex covered with short pale gray scales; compound eyes dark brown, naked and large; labial palpi upturned and porrect, covered with brown scales except for orange scales ventrally.

Thorax. Dorsal surface brown with a pale yellow semi-circular spot interiorly. Forewing ground color pale yellow-brown, apex slightly falcate, with a small, obscure, irregular spot; termen slightly arched, curved near apex, fringe dark fuscous; inner margin slightly prominent at basal 1/3; antemedian fascia arched, short, near inner margin; discocellular and postmedian fasciae wavy, postmedian fascia with upper 1/2 liking a lying horizontally “V”; a bigger black spot at basal area and a smaller one at the end of the discal cell; submargin with a brown kidney-shaped spot. Hind wing ground colour pale yellow-brown with densely scaled basally; antemedian fascia black brown, upper half part vague; discocellular and postmedian fasciae black brown, wavy, upper part of postmedian absent; two black dots near middle of submargin; inner margin brown with black markings. Underside of forewing with distinct discocellular fascia, discal cell with a black dot. Underside of hindwing with distinct, well defined discocellular and postmedian fasciae, discal cell with a black dot.

Abdomen. Slender, yellowish brown, each segment with dark brown band posteriorly. Tergite VIII bell-shape, sternite VIII irregularly hexagonal (Fig. 2E).

Male genitalia (Fig. 2G). Uncus broader, duck beak-shaped with long sparsely hairs; gnathos consists of 2 elongate, inflated median arms; valva shuttle-shape with long hairs sparsely, apex very acute, distal 1/3 valva well sclerotized with a nearly triangular inner projection inwards basal valva; sacculus strongly sclerotized, folded upwardly; saccus short and broad; aedeagus slight arched with stronger densely apical spines.

Female

Unknown.

HOLOTYPE ♂ Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, 2011-VIII-09, 1,200 m, Min Wang & HouShuai Wang leg., deposited in Department of Entomology, SCAU; PARATYPES, 1 ♂, same data as holotype, deposited in Institute of Entomology, HUNAU. 1 ♂, male, Dayaoshan Nature Reserve (23°45′N, 109°45′E, 1,200 m in altitude), Jingxiu, Guangxi, China, 2005-IV, V. Siniaev leg., deposited in MWM.

Biology

Type specimens were collected in Damingshan National Nature Reserve on 9-VIII-2011by the light trap in the field surveys conducted. Hosts and preimaginal instars are unknown.

Distribution

China (Guangxi).

Etymology

In the Chinese mythology, Houtu is a Godness of the Earth. Her color was yellow and she was patronized under the Temple of Sun and under most constellations.

Remarks

The images of adult and of the genitalia of the holotype Andraca nobilorum from Central Vitenam (Fig. 2A, 2D, 2F) are provided here for comparing with the new subspecies. Zolotuhin (2012) reported a specimen of A. nobilorum from Dayao Shan, Guangxi with a differing by more than 2% in mitochodorial COI gene partial sequences (658 bp) from the holotype. In this paper, we consider that the specimen from Dayao Shan should belong to this new subspecies and define it as a paratype.

Tinea, Tokyo 8: 190.

Type-species: Andraca gracilis Butler, 1885, by original designation.

Andraca flavamaculata Yang, 1995, Ins. Baishanzu Mt.: 354, figs. 3, 8.TL: [Mt. Baishanzu, 1,100 m, Zhejiang Prov., China]. HOLOTYPE: male (asserted to be in coll. Beijing Agricultural University, not it is not found there.

Andraca nabesan Kishida & Owada, 2002, Spec. Bull. Jap. Soc. Coleopt. 5: 467, figs. 4, 7. TL: Vietnam, Cao Bang, Cao Lang. HOLOTYPE: male (NSMT).

Diagnosis. The species is characterised in external characters by distinct contrasting citrusyellow spots of the greyish ground color of the wings especially distinct in R-Cu cell of the forewing. Male genitalia are also very characteristic, especially in the shape of the valva and in the presence of a strong sharpened basal inner process.

Biology

Flight period from Mar to beginning of Sep. Inhabits altitudes from 1,100 to 3,200 m. Preimaginal stages, females and food plants unknown. For the subspecies nabesan, flight period was given by Owada et al. (2000) to be only in Feb; in MWM, the moths were collected from Apr to Jul and again in Nov and Jan, probably develops 2 generations. Inhabits altitudes from 1,600 to 2,250 m, but mainly 1,600–,800 m. Preimaginal stages, females and hosts are still unknown.

Distribution

Known only from the southern China (Zhejiang: Mt. Baishanzu; Jiangxi: Guangze (Xipaihe vill); border Jiangxi/Fujian: WuyiShan; Fujian [Fukien]: Kuatun; Yunnan: Yunlong (Fengshuining Mts.); Sichuan: Gongga Shan, 70 km NW Chengdu; Guangdong: Nanling NR; Guangxi: Mao′ershan NR, Jiuwandashan NR; Hunan: Mangshan NR) and Vietnam (Tarn Dao; Lao Cao; Cao Bang; Mt. Fan-si-pan).