A revision is given of the Oriental genus Matapa Moore. Two species, M. intermedia and M. deprivata, and one subspecies, M. intermedia nigrita, are described as new. A key to the nine species known at present is provided. Figures are given of male and female genitalia, and of forewings of males. The phylogeny of the genus and its geographic history are discussed. It is shown that three monophyletic groups can be distinguished, which all originated in mainland Southeast Asia. The occurrence of one species in India is the result of a geologically speaking recent invasion. There are indications of a double colonization of Celebes from the Philippines.