Sumangala Distant

Zelazny, B. & Webb, M. D., 2011, 3071, Zootaxa 3071, pp. 1-307 : 184

Genus Sumangala Distant

Sumangala Distant, 1911: 642 . Type species: Sumangala delicatula Distant, 1911 , by monotypy

Diagnosis. Sumangala Distant is well characterized by the forewings having an unbranched first median sector, the base of which merges briefly with the base of Cu1 ( Fig. 122b). In several species Cu1 seems to be branched with the branch, however, not reaching the hind margin (e.g. Fig. 342f). Live specimens (4 species seen) have been observed to carry the wings in a tectiform position (see Fig. 2).

Gender. Distant did not explain the origin of the name ' Sumangala ', but indicated its gender by using the feminine form of a Latin adjective for naming the type species. Therefore, the gender should be considered to be feminine following article 30.2.3 of the Code. The origin of the genus name seems to be a local female first name and the genus was described by Distant together with the genus Alara another female first name in India.

Distribution. The species of this genus occur on the mainland of southern Asia, and on the islands of Sri Lanka, Taiwan, the Philippines and the western parts of Indonesia (see Fig. 119 and Table 9).

Grouping. The species of Sumangala are mainly characterized by different colourations and the structure of their male genitalia. While some species are obviously closely related, grouping the species appears not to be possible for the large majority without the help of a molecular phylogenetic analysis.