Delias ottonia

Delias ottonia belongs to Pieridae and the pasithoe group. Named populations include nominate ottonia on Mindanao and semperorum on Basilan. [1][2]

The 2009 diagnosis compares Basilan semperorum with nominate ottonia from western Mindanao. Basilan males have narrower bluish-grey dorsal forewing bands; the Mindanao males’ bands are broader and more heavily scaled with white. The male Basilan yellow hindwing patch is squarer, while the Mindanao patch broadens toward the inner margin. [5]

In Basilan females, the white forewing band and yellow hindwing patch are narrower on both surfaces than in the compared Mindanao females. [5]

The nominate population is recorded from Mount Kitanglad and Mount Matutum on Mindanao. Surigaoensis occurs around Tandag in northern Mindanao, and semperorum is recorded from Basilan. [2]

Semper described ottonia in 1890. Schroeder and Treadaway named semperorum in 2009, honouring the contributions of Carl and Georg Semper to Philippine butterfly studies. [2][5]

In semperorum males, the dorsal forewing band is bluish-grey and its ventral counterpart is white. Both are narrower than in the compared nominate males. [5]

The illustrations preserve the wing outline, forewing band and yellow hindwing patch of the depicted population.

Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight, dampness and large changes in temperature or humidity. Handle the frame, clean only its exterior, and inspect for loose fragments, moisture and pests. Retain the specimen’s original labels and follow the enclosure maker’s care instructions. [4]