Lasiocampa trifolii ([Denis Et Schiffermüller] 1775)

Bombyx trifolii [Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775, Ankündung Syst. Werkes Schmett. Wienergegend: 57. TL: [Austria] Vienna District. Types: none.

Distribution (Map 23): northern Africa, Saudi Arabia, Asia Minor, Central Asia, Europe to Siberia, Cauca-

sus, Transcaucasus, Kazakhstan. - In Iran: East Azerbaijan, Golestan and Khorasan.

Bionomics. The species is univoltine throughout its range. Flight period August to October. Inhabits lowlands

to mid altitudes in Iran from 250 to 1440 m; more typical of arid biotopes and lowlands. Larvae are polypha-

gous and recorded from Ammodendron (Papilionaceae), Caragana fruticosa, Astragalus spp ., Medicago sp.

( Fabaceae), Calligonum (Polygonaceae), Haloxylon (Chenopodiaceae), Artemisia sp. ( Asteraceae). Pupation

in parchment-like cocoon on the soil or on bark. Surprisingly this species is rare from Iran in spite of its abun-

dance in the Kopetdagh Mts., and in the Transcaucasus near Iran.

Material Examined: 1 male, Nordpersien. Umg. Schahabad, Nationalpark, 1300 m, 21.–22.VIII 1977, leg. de Freina (MWM). (HMIM): East Azerbaijan: Bostan Abad, 1675 m, 24.VIII.1994, leg. Sarafrazi & Ebrahimi.; Vayeghan, Kaleybar, 1440 m, 5–6.VIII.1992, leg. Parchami & Badii. Golestan: Gavandar, Maraveh Tapeh, 250 m, 30.IX.1999, leg. Ebrahimi E. & Badii M.; Kalaleh, Gharehsar, 380 m, 1.X.1992, leg. Ebrahimi E. & Badii M. Khorasan: Neyshabur= Nischabour, 26.IX.1972, leg. Pazuki & Abai.

MAP 23. Lasiocampa trifolii ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775).