Pyropteron aistleitneri (Špatenka, 1992)

(Figs 17, 19, 129–131)

Synansphecia aistleitneri Špatenka 1992: Alexanor. Revue des lépidoptéristes français, 17 (7): 436, 437 Fig. 5, 445 Figs 14–15. Holotype: ♀, Spain, Prov. Granada, Sierra de Guillimona (ZSM).

This and the following species are close related. Despite the small difference in the DNA barcodes of an average less than 2%, both species seem well separated by external appearance and local distribution. Although both species utilize the same hostplant, they are limited to different altitudes. In the Sierra Nevada, P. aistleitneri occurs in direct proximity (6 km) to P. kautzi, but it remains limited to a much lower altitude (pers. observations Lingenhöle, Pühringer).

Diagnosis. In P. aistleitneri, the body is black with white markings, labial palps dorsally and ventrally densely suffused with white; especially frons, pericephalic scales and fore coxa laterally white; tegula caudally white; a white lateral spot on the meso-thorax below the forewing; a white lateral patch on mid- and hind tibia; abdominal tergites 2, 4 and 6 with white narrow caudal margins. In P. kautzi, the body, including labial palps, frons, lateral part of meso-thorax and entire fore coxa, is dark bronze-brown; pericephalic scales, tegula caudally and a lateral patch of mid- and hind tibia ochre-yellow; caudal margins of abdominal tergites 2, 4 and 6 yellowish. One specimen of P. aistleitneri from Sierra Nevada (2200 m) has the usually white markings pale yellow as P. kautzi, but is otherwise typical. Its location is just 6 km (airline distance) from the nearest P. kautzi -biotope (2870 m).

Variability. One specimen of P. aistleitneri from the Sierra Nevada (2200 m) has the usually white markings pale yellow as in P. kautzi, but is otherwise typical. Its location is just 6 km from the nearest P. kautzi habitat (2870 m).

Barcodes. Despite the considerable external differences, this species differs from its sister, P. kautzi, by only 2.0% in the barcode. A very homogenous species with intraspecific barcode differences of less than 0.2%.

Biology and habitat. The host plants are perennial Erodium spp. such as the closely related E. cheilanthifolium Boissier, E. glandulosum Cavanilles and E. saxatile Paul (Geraniaceae) (Pühringer & Pöll 2004a, pers. observation Laštůvka; Manceñido in litt. 2015). The latter is concluded from the sole occurence of E. saxatile (= E. valentinum (Lange) Greuter & Burdet) in Sierra de Maria and Sra de Espuña, where P. aistleitneri has been detected recently (pers. observation Pühringer & Pöll). The species occurs in dry and stony places on mountain slopes and in the summit areas of mountain ranges in altitudes of 1350–2200 m. It seems confined to lime stone or dolomite, whereas P. kautzi lives on crystalline floor.

Distribution. Endemic to mountain ranges of northern, central and southern Spain (Laštůvka & Laštůvka 1995, 2001, Pühringer & Pöll 2004 a, González-Estébanez & Manceñido-González 2012, pers. observation Pühringer & Pöll 2018).

Specimens examined. 11♂ (Figs 129–130), 1♀ (Fig. 131), Spain, Granada, Sierra Guillimona, 29.VI.2004, 22.VI.2009, 21.VI.2010, 25.VI.2011 (♀), 23.VI.2012, 20.VI.2014, 17.VI.2015, leg. Laštůvka (CDB, SMNS) ; 1♂, Spain, Granada, Sierra Nevada, Cañadillas, 2200 m, 2. VII .2018, leg. FP (photo IMG_033599-621); 9♂, ibid., 2170 m, 3. VII .2018, leg. FP; 3♂, Spain, Granada, Sierra Arana, 2000 m, 9. VII .2000, leg. FP & N. Pöll (BOX-2219 H02, DNAtax 02-20, photo 43/6/9-45, gen. prep. FP 01/18); 2♂, Spain, Granada, Sierra de Guillimona, Cuenca de Guillimona, 1980 m, 6. VII .2000, leg. FP (DNAtax 02-22, photo 43/4/10-12); 2♂, Spain, Albacete, Sierra de las Cabras SW Nerpio, 2050 m, 7. VII .2000, leg. FP (BOX-2219 H03, DNAtax 02-21, gen. prep. FP 01/17); 1♂, Spain, Almeria, Sierra de Maria, 1460 m, 26. VI .2018, leg. FP (male with antennae subapically white!); 9♂, ibid., 1680–1740 m, 27. VI .2018, leg. FP (photo IMG_033311-29); 2♂, Spain, Murcia, Sierra de Espuña, 1530 m, 28. VI .2018, leg. FP & N. Pöll (CFP) .