Prada rothschildi

 

MORPHOLOGY

The descriptions below are on the genus level. For difference between the species we recommend to look at the pictures or look up the original species description.

 

External characteristics

Forewing length (mm): 15-18.

General morphology:
Antennae as long as half of length of forewing, apiculus very long, tending to be twisted, nudum 22 segments. Forewing elongate-triangular, costa almost straight, termen slightly curved, hind margin as long as or longer than termen; cell very long, longer than hind margin; vein M2 straight. Hindwing termen evenly rounded, inner margin as long as or longer than than costa; cell abnormally long, 2/3 of wing, apically constricted.

Wing coloration:

Upper side: Upper side forewing, plain black or base brilliant shining blue. Upper side hindwing black with shining blue base or with one or two yellow or whitish spots (may be obscure), pale area at base of costa

Underside: Underside forewing plain black or with some bluish or yellow spots. Underside hindwing too variable for simple description.

Secondary sexual characters:

 
Male of one species on upper side forewing with a large oval grey brand in cell, overlaid by a pale hair tuft, while on the underside there is a large speculum below vein CuA2, in the middle of which there is a dark indigo oval area.  

Species

 
Three species, restricted to New Guinea. To date, only eleven specimens are known.

Similar genera

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