Athaumasta miltina ( Püngeler, 1902 )

Volynkin, Anton V. & Titov, Sergey V., 2022, On the distribution of Athaumasta miltina (Püngeler) in Southeast Kazakhstan (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Bryophilinae), Ecologica Montenegrina 57, pp. 24-31 : 25

Athaumasta miltina ( Püngeler, 1902)

( Figs 1–6 , 9–12 , 18 )

Polia miltina Püngeler, 1902 , Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift Iris, 15: 152. Type locality (fixed by Pekarsky (2017) by lectotype designation): [ Kyrgyzstan, Toguz-Toro District] “Fergana, Togus- torau”.

Type material examined. Lectotype (designated by Pekarsky 2017): male ( Fig. 1 ), “Asia centr. | Fergana | Togus-torau [Toguz-Toro] | Rückbeil 1901” / pink label “Type | miltina Püng. ♂ ” / “ Oederemia | Hmps.! | Boursin det.” / “Préparation | № M.B. 293 | Ch. Boursin ” ( MfN) . Paralectotype: male ( Fig. 2 ), “Asia centr. | Alexandergebirge [Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range] | Rückbeil, E. Juni ” / pink label “Cotype | miltina Püng. ♂ ” / “ Oederemia | Hps. | bei Cryphia | Hb. Boursin det.!” / “Préparation | № M.B. 294 | Ch. Boursin ” ( MfN) .

Additional material examined: KAZAKHSTAN: 3 males, 01.VII.2016, SE Kazakhstan, Almaty Region, Transili Alatau Mts , Sarytau Ridge S from Assy Plateau, cirque near Amanzhol Pass, ca. 3100m, Zakharov, D. leg., gen. prep. No.: AV2369 (prepared by Volynkin) ( CAV) ; 2 males, 21–22.VII.2022, SE Kazakhstan, Almaty Region, Raiymbek District, E Ketmen Ridge , Ketmen Pass , 43°19'39.32"N 80°19'9.41"E, 3000–3100m, mountain tundra with rock outcrops, Volynkin A. V . & Titov S. V . leg. ( CAV).

Diagnosis. The forewing length is 15.5–18.0 mm in males. The species varies in the forewing shape and colouration. In the male genitalia, the widths of the uncus, the harpe and the valva apex are variable. However, the vesica structure of A. miltina is relatively stable and diagnostic. Compared to the externally similar A. kyrkyza Pekarsky, 2017 and A. melyakhi Pekarsky, 2017 (illustrated by Pekarsky 2017), the vesica of A. miltina is semiglobular and lacking diverticula, and the cornutus with a markedly broader base. The female is unknown.

Bionomics. On the Ketmen Ridge, the species was collected in mountain tundra with rock outcrops at altitudes 3000–3100m ( Figs 15, 16 ). On the Transili Alatau Range, the species was found in the mountain cirque at the altitude ca. 3100m ( Fig. 17 ). Moths fly in July. The preimaginal stages and the food plants are unknown.

Distribution. The species is known from South-East Kazakhstan (Almaty Region) ( Fig. 19 ) and Kyrgyzstan ( Püngeler 1902; Lehmann & Bergmann 2005; Pekarsky 2017).

Figures

Figure 17. Habitat of Athaumasta miltina on Transili Alatau near Amanzhol Pass (SE Kazakhstan) (photo by A. Makarov).

Figure 18. Athaumasta miltina: adult in nature, Ketmen Ridge (SE Kazakhstan) (photo by S. Titov).

Figure 19. Distribution map of Athaumasta spp.

Figures 1–8. Athaumasta spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens: 1 and 2 in MfN; 3–6 in CAV; 7 and 8 in OP (after Pekarsky 2019).

Figures 9–14. Athaumasta spp.: adults. Depositories of the specimens dissected: 9 and 10 in MfN (after Pekarsky 2019); 11 and 12 in CAV; 13 and 14 in OP (after Pekarsky 2019).

Figures 15–16. Habitat of Athaumasta miltina on Ketmen Ridge (SE Kazakhstan) (photos by A. Volynkin).