Milionia zonea explained

Milionia zonea, commonly known as pine moth, is a species of moth in the family Geometridae.^[1] It was first described in 1888 by the English entomologist, Herbert Druce.^[2] The species was considered to be a synonym of Milionia basalis however it was listed as a valid species in 2005 by Japanese entomologist, Hiromitsu Inoue, based on its distinct genetic characteristics.^[3]

It is a diurnal (day flying) looper moth, found in Taiwan, Japan through to Sundaland and the Philippines.^[4] In 2016 it was detected in Hong Kong.

It has sapphire blue wings, wide orange banding stripes on its fore and hind-wings, several round black spots on the orange stripes of its hind wings, and a wingspan of .^[1]

Subspecies

It has two subspecies:

• Milionia zonea pryeri
• Milionia zonea zonea

Notes and References

1. Web site: Wu . Shipher . February 23, 2023 . Milionia zonea (M .pryeri) (Druce, 1888) .
2. Web site: Savela . Markku . February 2, 2023 . Milionia zonea pryeri Druce. 1888 .
3. Web site: Milionia zonea pryeri Druce, 1888. Taiwan Encycopedia of Life. zh-tw. 24 February 2022.
4. Holloway, J.D. (2011). The Moths of Borneo: part 2; Families Phaudidae, Himantopteridae and Zygaenidae; revised and annotated checklist. Malayan Nature Journal 63 (1-2): 1-548.