Research & Article

Recently discovered Poncetia lacrimisaddicta sp. n. is described and illustrated together with related Notodontidae. Adult males of P. lacrimisaddicta imbibed lachrymation from eyes of zebu with unusual persistence. Ethological and ecological details, and photographs of feeding individuals, are included. The moth seems to be restricted to Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. Doi Chiang Dao, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, and a few other high mountains of N. Thailand appear to be the only homes of four further Poncetia spp. The region is considered to be a center of species diversity for Poncetia; possible explanations for the moths' habitat restriction are presented. The wider significance of protected areas as sanctuaries for specialized, endemic forms of life is stressed, especially since these tend to be interlinked with further, often not yet known biota.