Aedophron rhodites (Eversmann, 1851)

Pl. 2, fig. 14; male genitalia Pl. 6, fig. 32.

Heliothis rhodites Eversmann, 1851, Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscow, 24: 635 (TL.: [Russia]: Sarepta). Synonymy: Cleophana aurorina Herrich-Schäffer, 1852

References: Hampson 1903; Gutleb & Wiesser 2001 ( Aedophron rhodites).

Bionomics: Univoltine. The species inhabits dry steppe biotopes on medium elevations (1000-1700 m). Moths flying from May to June. Larvae feed on Phlomis spp.

Distribution: Mediterranean-Asiatic. South Europe, Near East, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Central Asia (Turkmenistan). - In Iran (Pl. 11, fig. 62) occurs in provinces Kordestan, Khorasan, Zanjan and Kermanshah.

Material examined: Kordestan: Straβe Zanjan-Bijar, 53 km S Zanjan, 1700 m, 28-29.VI.1975; leg. Ebert G. & Falkner. Khorasan: Shar Leq (=Shar Logh), Park-e-Melli-e-Golestan, 1000 m, 11-26.V.2001, leg. Wieser & Stangelmaier (G. Stangelmaier private collection, Austria); Almeh, Park-e-Melli-e-Golestan, 1650 m, 17-18.VII.1996, leg. Ebrahimi & Nazari V. Zanjan: Zanjan, 50 km SW Zanjan-Bijar, 1700 m, 28.VI.1975, leg. Pazuki A. Kermanshah: Kermanshah, 18.VI.1975, leg. Abai M.