Pyropteron kautzi (Reisser, 1930)

(Figs 18, 20, 132–134)

Chamaesphecia kautzi Reisser, 1930: Zeitschrift des Österreichischen Entomologen-Vereines, 15 (11): 104, pl. 13. Lectotype: ♂, Spain, Granada, Sierra Nevada, Monte del Lobo, 2784 m (SMNK).

This enigmatic species is an endemic of the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain on crystalline substrate. For a long time, it was known only from the 6 female specimens that make up the type series. The male was discovered and described by Pühringer & Pöll (1999). The same authors also discovered the life history and habitat and captured several males with the help of artificial pheromones (Pühringer & Pöll 2004b). The lectotype was designated by Špatenka (1992). Later, this specimen as well as three paralectotypes in the SMNK were damaged by collection pests, but not destroyed, as stated by Pühringer & Pöll (2004b). The lectotype lacks the left pair of wings and the abdomen (Fig. 134). The subsequent designation of another lectotype in the NHMW by Pühringer & Pöll (2004b) is invalid. For differentiation from P. aistleitneri see there.

Barcodes. This species is sister to P. aistleitneri . As to be expected by the small, relictary distribution it is a very homogenous species with an intraspecific barcode difference of less than 0.3%.

Biology and habitat. The species occurs in stony, cold and stormy places in summit areas (2380–3000 m) of the Sierra Nevada where the hostplant, Erodium cheilanthifolium, is growing. In the raw habitat, where you wouldn’t suspect a moth approaching, you don’t even need a net to catch the specimens. They can be more easily taken with a jar when flying to the pheromone just above the ground or sometimes even crawling there! A male was observed in early afternoon suckling on flowers of E. cheilanthifolium and esp. Cerastium (Caryophyllaceae), flying targeted from plant to plant (FP). Larvae were detected in two size classes during the flight time of the moth and therefore assumed to undergo a three-year development (Pühringer & Pöll 2004b).

Distribution. Sierra Nevada, Southern Spain (Laštůvka & Laštůvka 1995, 2001, Pühringer & Pöll 1999; Pühringer & Pöll 2004b).

Specimens examined. 3♂ (Figs 132–133), Spain, Granada, Sierra Nevada, Pico del Veleta, 3000m, 12.VII.2000, leg. Pühringer & Pöll (CDB, SMNS) . 1♂, ibid., 2800 m, 30.VII.1998, leg. N. Pöll & FP (CCDB-02114 C11, gen. prep. FP 98/62); 1♂, 1♀, ibid., 2900–2950 m, pupae in roots of Erodium cheilanthifolium (4.VII.), e.p. 8.–9.VII.2000, leg. FP & N. Pöll (photo 43/5/16-6/8 (♀), 44/2/4-19 (♂)) ; 6♂, ibid., 2950 m, 11.VII.2000, leg. FP & N. Pöll; 5♂, ibid., 2950–3000 m, 12.VII.2000, leg. FP & N. Pöll; 23♂, ibid., 2950–3000 m, 14.VII.2000, leg. FP & N. Pöll (CCDB-02113 F05, DNAtax 02-14); 9♂, ibid., 2950 m, 16.VII.2000, leg. FP & N. Pöll (BOX-2219 H01, gen. prep. FP 01/20); 5♂, ibid., 2870–2900 m, 4.VII.2018, leg. FP (photo IMG_033682-702); 17♂, ibid., 2870 m, 7.VII.2018, leg. FP (photo IMG_033877-93); 1♂, 1♀, ibid., 2890 m, pupae in roots of Erodium cheilanthifolium (7.VII.), e.p. 23.–25.VII.2018, leg. FP (photo IMG_034172-82 (♀)) ; 1♂, Spain, Granada, Sierra Nevada, San Juan, 2770 m, 13.VII.2000, leg. FP & N. Pöll (BOX-2219 G12, gen. prep. FP 01/19) ; 14♂, Spain, Almería, Sierra Nevada E, Cerro Almirez, 2410–2500 m, 5.VII.2018, leg. FP (photo IMG_033754-78) ; 5♂, Spain, Almería, Sierra Nevada E, W Pico del Buitre, 2380–2400 m, 5.VII.2018, leg. FP (CFP) .