Pyropteron biedermanni Le Cerf, 1925

(Figs 95, 96, 112, 119)

Pyropteron biedermanni Le Cerf, 1925: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, (13): 210. Lectotype: ♂, Morocco, Daiet Achlef (MNHN).

This beautiful species is unmistakable in pattern and colouration. It occurs in a small range in the Middle Atlas Mts in Morocco.

Diagnosis. Both sexes differ from other members of the species group by the white subapical spot of the antenna and the narrow silver-white posterior margins of tergites 2, 4 and 6 (and 7 in male) abdomen, which is completely black otherwise except for the anal tuft (abdomen dusted or marked with yellow or red in related species). Furthermore, the distally bright red discal spot and the red apical area of the forewing are characteristic. A red discal spot and reddish suffused apical area of the forewing (in male) is also seen in P. ceriaeformis, which clearly differs by the colour of the abdominal cingulation. The genitalia of both sexes of P. biedermanni differ significantly from all congeners. Males have the crista sacculi of the valva nearly straight, stretching towards the apex, the distal portion without setae, but with a single triangular, large tooth medially (ventrad curved or angled in all congeners; with a smaller tooth present only in P. ceriaeformis). Females with the papillae anales and segment 8 much smaller and longer than in other members of the group, ductus bursae longer and narrower and corpus bursae conspicuously bean-shaped; however, in some analyses (not shown) it was sister to all other species in the P. doryliformis species group.

Biology and habitat. The hostplant is Rumex thyrsiflorus Fingerhuth (our own observations); adults are on the wing in May and June and fly in the immediate vicinity of this plant. We also observed oviposition and reared several specimens from this plant. Typical habitats are meadows and pastures, but often also anthropogenic places such as roadsides, parks and graveyards. This species is highly endangered by overgrazing of most habitats in the small distribution area.

Distribution. Endemic to the north-eastern parts of the Middle Atlas Mts, Morocco (Špatenka et al. 1999).

Specimens examined. 1♂ (Fig. 95), 1♀, Morocco, Middle Atlas, Ifrane, 1700m, e.l. larvae X.1996 adults 16. and 19.III.1997, leg. AL ; 2♂, ibid., 1500–1800m, 2.–5. VI.1996, leg. Blum; 4♂, 4♀, ibid., 1600m, 1.–5. VI.1996, leg. Bettag; 2♂, ibid., 8. VI.1999, leg. DB; 1♂, Morocco, Middle Atlas, prov. Kenifra, El Khemis, 1800m, 26. V.2005, leg. DB ; 1♂, 4♀ (Fig. 96), ibid., e.p. ex Rumex thyrsiflorus, pupae 26. V., adults 1. VI.2005, leg. DB (Bartsch gen. preps. 2019-29; 2019-30) (Figs 112, 119) (CDB, SMNS) ; 1♂, Morocco, Moyen Atlas, Ifrane, 1600 m, 15. VI.1996, leg. AK (BOX-2219 F05, DNAtax 10-16) ; 1♀, ibid., 1600 m, 3. VI.1996, leg. E. Bettag (CCDB-04684 H10) (CFP) .