Pyropteron hera (Špatenka, 1997)

(Figs 138–140)

Synansphecia hera Špatenka, 1997: Bonner Zoologische Beiträge, 47 (1/2): 51, 45 Fig. 7, 49 Fig. 12. Holotype: ♂, Turkey, eastern Taurus Mts, 1 km S Pürem Pass, N of Kahramanmaras, 37.58°N, 36.35°E, 1500 m (ZSM).

This species is closely related to P. mannii, but significantly larger. The female is unknown. A specimen from Adiyaman (Prov. Malatya, Turkey) differs from typical specimens by the distinctly bright orange-yellow apical area of forewing and anal tuft. It also shows a substantial barcode difference and may represent a distinct subspecies or even a closely related distinct species. However, this specimen was not available to us for closer examination; thus, the issue remains unresolved.

Barcodes. Specimens from the Taurus show little variation in their barcodes (0–0.6%). A specimen from Adiyaman (Prov. Malatya, Turkey), however, differs by a maximum of 4.4% and may represent a different species or subspecies.

Biology and habitat. The hostplant is unknown, but it is most likely a species of Geranium or Erodium (Geraniaceae) . Most localities where this species was found are in forests on mountain slopes with dry and stony soil. The males are attracted to various artificial pheromones from the morning up to early afternoon.

Distribution. So far only known from the highlands of the Taurus Mts in southern Turkey (Špatenka 1997, Špatenka et al. 1999, Garrevoet et al. 2007, our own findings).

Specimens examined: 10♂ paratypes, Turkey, Konya, 50km S Beysehir, vic. Bademli, 1300m, 8.VII.1992, leg. AL (CAL); 2♂, Turkey, Konya, 45km S Beysehir, Bakaran, 1420m, 2.VII.2002, leg. DB (BOLD DB-Lep-00028); 14♂, (Figs 138–139), Turkey, Alayli Daglari, 12km N Saimbeyli , 1200m, 19. VI .1998, leg. DB (CDB, SMNS); 1♂, Turkey, Adiyaman, Malatya, 20 km NE Goelbasi, Karanlikdere, 9.VI.2002, leg. de Freina (CCDB-04609 B02) (Fig. 140) (ZSM).