Tirumala tumanana

Tirumala tumanana is a butterfly species within the Danainae subfamily of the family Nymphalidae. The butterfly is found in the extreme southern regions of the Philippines, including Sarangani and Balut Islands, as well as parts of Mindanao. It was first described by Georg Semper in 1886 based on specimens collected from Tumanao on Sarangani Island, located in the southern Philippines. Although Tirumala tumanana was originally considered a subspecies of Tirumala choaspes or Tirumala limniace due to its morphological similarities, recent studies focusing on male genitalia, wing patterns, and androconial organs have established it as a distinct and geographically isolated species.

Tirumala tumanana
Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Nymphalidae
Genus:	Tirumala
Species:	T. tumanana
Binomial name
Tirumala tumanana Semper, 1886

Description

• Wings: The wings of Tirumala tumanana are characterized by a unique pattern that distinguishes it from other species within the genus. The forewings feature a prominent subapical band composed of three bluish-white spots located in cells R3, M1, and M2. These spots are larger than the postdiscal spots found at the base of these cells, which are nearly obsolete in T. tumanana. In contrast, T. limniace has well-marked postdiscal spots that are typically larger than the subapical spots. Additionally, T. tumanana lacks an outer postdiscal pale spot in the forewing cell CuA2, a feature that is present in T. limniace. The underside of the wings is significantly darker, almost black, compared to the lighter underside of T. limniace.
• Male genitalia: The male genitalia of Tirumala tumanana differ markedly from those of Tirumala limniace. The phallus of T. tumanana is wide from base to apex, with a flat curve near the apex and a linear series of thorn-like processes. In contrast, the phallus of T. limniace has a right-angled offset apex that appears inflated and is covered with numerous microtrichia.
• Androconial organs: The androconial organs of Tirumala tumanana are also distinct. The pheromone transfer particles (PTPs) found within the alar organs of T. tumanana are polyhedral, closely resembling those of T. limniace but differing significantly from the rounded PTPs found in T. choaspes. This microstructure further supports the classification of T. tumanana as a separate species.

Distribution and habitat

Tirumala tumanana is endemic to the southern Philippines, where it inhabits forested areas at altitudes ranging from 350 to 1,900 meters. It is primarily found in the provinces of South Cotabato and Davao del Sur, including the T'boli region (Lake Maughan, Mt. Parker, Siman, Mt. Busa, Mt. Matutum) and Lake Sebu. Additionally, it occurs on the small islands of Sarangani and Balut, located just off the southern tip of Mindanao. Although historically recorded only in these regions, there are also records from Dapitan in the Zamboanga Peninsula, suggesting that the species may have once had a broader range. Furthermore, some informal observations indicate that Tirumala tumanana may occur in other areas, potentially expanding its known distribution. However, these sightings require further verification to confirm their accuracy, making it one of the more geographically restricted members of the genus Tirumala based on currently confirmed data.

Life history and ecology

The life history and larval food plants of Tirumala tumanana are not well-documented. However, based on its close relationship with Tirumala limniace, it is likely that the larvae feed on plants from the Apocynaceae family, particularly those in the Asclepiadoideae subfamily. Potential host plants may include species of Dregea, Asclepias, Calotropis, and Hoya, similar to those used by T. limniace. Further field studies are needed to confirm the specific host plants of T. tumanana and to gain a better understanding of its life cycle.

Conservation status

Given its restricted distribution and limited known range, Tirumala tumanana may be particularly susceptible to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. The butterfly's habitat in the southern Philippines is currently threatened by deforestation and land conversion, which could have significant impacts on its populations. The IUCN currently lists Tirumala tumanana as Vulnerable; however, this assessment is outdated (1996) and was made when the species was still considered a subspecies of Tirumala choaspes. A more current assessment is needed to accurately reflect the species' conservation status.

Conservation efforts focused on preserving the forested areas of South Cotabato and Davao del Sur, as well as the Sarangani and Balut Islands, are crucial for the survival of this species. Currently, no specific conservation measures are in place for T. tumanana, and further research is needed to assess its population status and potential threats.

Taxonomy and systematics

Tirumala tumanana was originally described as a distinct species by Georg Semper in 1886. Over the years, it was downgraded to a subspecies of Tirumala choaspes or Tirumala limniace by various taxonomists. However, based on recent morphological and molecular studies, including the detailed examination of male genitalia and androconial organs, T. tumanana has been reinstated as a full species. It is considered to be closely related to Tirumala limniace but distinct in several key characteristics, confirming its status as a unique species within the genus.