Scopula decorata (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Wanke, Dominic, Hausmann, Axel, Lee, Kyung Min, Murillo-Ramos, Leidys, Sihvonen, Pasi & Rajaei, Hossein, 2023, Systematics and integrative taxonomic revision of the tribe Scopulini Duponchel, 1845 in Iran (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Sterrhinae), Zootaxa 5359 (1), pp. 1-96 : 22-25

publication ID	https://doi.org/ 10.11646/zootaxa.5359.1.1
publication LSID	lsid:zoobank.org:pub:11CC5175-7CCE-453F-88EB-3490E82F4972
persistent identifier	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/D52D6D50-FF96-FFD8-FF6F-FB45FCC6D99E
treatment provided by	Plazi
scientific name	Scopula decorata (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
status

Treatment

Scopula decorata (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) View in CoL

( Plate 5, Figs 12–13; Plate 14 View PLATE 14 , Fig. 3; Plate 23 View PLATE 23 , Fig. 3; Map 5)

Geometra decorata Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775 . Systematisches Verzeichniss der Schmetterlinge der Wienergegend / herausgegeben von einigen Lehrern am k. k. Theresianum: 117. Syntype (s) lost ( Austria, Vienna distr.).

Geometra violata Thunberg, 1784 . Diss. entomol. sistens insecta Suecica 1: 14. Lectotype ♁ ( Sweden: Uppland ) (UZIU). Valid at subspecific rank.

Idaea decorata congruata Zeller, 1847 . Isis 1847 (7): 508. Syntypes (Sicily: Syracus ) (MNHU, NHMUK). Valid at subspecific rank.

Acidalia violata var. armeniaca Thierry-Mieg, 1916 . Misc. ent. 23: 52. Syntype (s) ♁ ( Armenia: Kirghiz ) (MNHN). Valid at subspecific rank.

Scopula decorata eurhythma Prout, 1935 . In: Seitz, A. (Ed.), Die Grossschmetterlinge der Erde 4 (Supplememt): 47. Holotype ♁ ( China, Shantung Promontory : Wei-hai-wei) (NHMUK). Valid at subspecific rank.

Scopula decorata przewalskii Viidalepp, 1975 . Nasekom. Mongol. 3 (6): 446. Holotype ♁ ( Mongolia, central Aimak: 125 km S Ulan Bator). Valid at subspecific rank.

Synonymies (for more details on nomenclature see Scoble 1999 and Hausmann 2004): Phalaena cinerata Fabricius, 1787 ( Germany); Phalaena Geometra caerulata Gmelin, 1790 ( Sweden); Geometra decoraria Hübner, 1799 (according to Hausmann (2004: 280): incorrect subsequent spelling); Idaea congruaria Heydenreich, 1851 according to Hausmann (2004: 280): incorrect subsequent spelling); Acidalia ornata var.? aequata Staudinger, 1879 (northern Turkey, Pontus: Amasia); Acidalia decorata var. leukiberica Wehrli, 1927 ( Spain. Castilia: Escorial); Acidalia decorata var. rebeli Drenowski, 1930 ( Bulgaria: Alibotusch-Bereng); Scopula decorata f. drenowskii Sterneck, 1941 ( Bulgaria: Alibotusch).

For the list of unavailable names, see Hausmann (2004).

Material examined: 105 ♁/ ♀ (see appendix).

Diagnosis. Wingspan ♁ ♀ 20–29 mm. In Iran, Scopula decorata can externally be confused with S. ornata , S. orientalis , S. subtilata and in rare cases maybe with S. transcaspica . Therefore, characters are compared against these species only. Ground colour ( Plate 5, Figs 12–13) creamy white (similar in S. subtilata ; white in S. ornata and S. orientalis ; variable in S. transcaspica ). Forewing apex spotted (similar in S. subtilata and S. transcaspica ; white in S. ornata and S. orientalis ). Dotted lines of the terminal area, dark grayish-brown (greyish-blue in S. ornata , S. subtilata and S. transcaspica ; grayish-brown in S. orientalis ). Double spots along postmedial line brown (similar in S. ornata and S. subtilata ; grayish-brown in S. orientalis ; absent in S. transcaspica ) (see Plate 5, Figs 8–15; Plate 6, Figs 1–6).

In the male genitalia socii long, crossed (slender in S. ornata ; broad, rounded in S. orientalis ; crossed in S. subtilata ; broad in S. transcaspica ). Vesica with one small cornutus (without cornutus in S. ornata and S. orientalis ; with one straight cornutus in S. subtilata ; with one cornutus in S. transcaspica ). 8th sternite laterally concave, right ceras long and curved, left ceras short (sternite longish, posteriorly broad, both cerata long and thin in S. ornata ; sternite stout, both cerata broad, stout and strongly curved in S. orientalis ; sternite laterally concave, both cerata medium sized in S. subtilata ; sternite laterally concave, both cerata long, left sometimes shortened in S. transcaspica ) (see Plate 14 View PLATE 14 , Figs 1–3; Plate 15 View PLATE 15 , Figs 1–3).

In the female genitalia lamella antevaginalis as flat rectangular sclerite, slightly longer than wide (anterior margin smooth, central fold V-shaped in S. ornata ; unspectacular sclerotized in S. orientalis ; as flat rectangular sclerite, laterally concave in the basal half in S. subtilata ; as flat sclerite, shape variable, rather wider than long in S. transcaspica ). Signum absent (similar in S. subtilata and S. transcaspica ; elongated and narrow, consisting of small spinules in S. ornata ; as long sclerite in S. orientalis ) (see Plate 23 View PLATE 23 , Figs 1–6; Plate 24 View PLATE 24 , Fig. 1).

Phenology. Bivoltine species from early May to early September, with a third generation under good conditions (Hausmann 2004). Investigated specimens in Iran were collected from May to August.

Biology. Larva feeding mainly on Thymus , Melissa , but also reared on Origanum vulgare ( Sobczyk & Gelbrecht 2004; Hausmann 2004; Beljaev 2016; Makhov 2023).

Habitat. In Europe at altitudes from 0 m to 1600 m, to 2300 m in Morocco, to 3100 m in Turkey and Iran (Hausmann 2004). Investigated specimens in Iran were collected from 100 m to 3000 m.

Distribution. Widely distributed from northern Africa, and Portugal to the Urals, Kazhakhstan, Mongolia and the Far East of Asia, inculding Japan (Hausmann 2004; Makhov 2023). In Turkey, the Caucasus, Transcaucasus and the central Asian mountains, as well as in western and eastern China, northern Mongolia and Dahuria ( Viidalepp 1996; Hausmann 2004; Sihvonen 2005b). In Iran distributed in the north-western parts (see Map 5). Reported in the literature also for the provinces Fars, Golestan, Semnan and Tehran ( Christoph 1873; Lederer 1871; Lehmann & Zahiri 2011; Hausmann 2004).

DNA-barcoding. Nearest species: S. incanata with 7.4 % (see Supplementary Table S1).

Scopula subtilata (Christoph, 1867)

( Plate 5, Figs 14–15; Plate 15 View PLATE 15 , Fig. 1; Plate 23 View PLATE 23 , Fig. 4)

Acidalia subtilata Christoph, 1867 . Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung, 28 (4–6): 236. Lectotype ♁ ([ Russia]: Krasnoarmeysk, Sarepta [Volgograd]) (ZISP). Lectotype designated by Hausmann (2004).

Material examined: 3 ♁/ ♀ (see appendix).

Diagnosis. Wingspan ♁ ♀ 22–27 mm (Hausmann 2004). In Iran, Scopula subtilata can externally be confused with, S. ornata , S. orientalis , S. decorata and in rare cases maybe S. transcaspica . Therefore, characters are compared against these species only. Ground colour ( Plate 5, Figs 14–15) creamy white (similar in S. decorata ; white in S. ornata and S. orientalis ; variable in S. transcaspica ). Forewing apex spotted (similar in S. decorata and S. transcaspica ; white in S. ornata and S. orientalis ). Dotted lines of the terminal area greyish-blue (similar in S. ornata and S. transcaspica ; grayish-brown in S. orientalis ; dark grayish-brown in S. decorata ). Double spots along postmedial line brown (similar in S. ornata and S. decorata ; grayish-brown in S. orientalis ; absent in S. transcaspica ) (see Plate 5, Figs 8–15; Plate 6, Figs 1–6).

In the male genitalia socii crossed (slender in S. ornata ; broad, rounded in S. orientalis ; long, crossed in S. decorata ; broad in S. transcaspica ). Vesica with one straight cornutus (without cornutus in S. ornata and S. orientalis ; with one small cornutus in S. decorata ; with one cornutus in S. transcaspica ). 8th sternite laterally concave, both cerata medium sized (sternite longish, posteriorly broad, both cerata long and thin in S. ornata ; sternite stout, both cerata broad, stout and strongly curved in S. orientalis ; sternite laterally concave, right ceras long and curved, left ceras short in S. decorata ; sternite laterally concave, both cerata long, left sometimes shortened in S. transcaspica ) (see Plate 14 View PLATE 14 , Figs 1–3; Plate 15 View PLATE 15 , Figs 1–3).

In the female genitalia lamella antevaginalis as flat rectangular sclerite, laterally concave in the basal half (anterior margin smooth, central fold V-shaped in S. ornata ; unspectacular sclerotized in S. orientalis ; as flat rectangular sclerite, slightly longer than wide in S. decorata ; as flat sclerite, shape variable, rather wider than long in S. transcaspica ). Signum absent (similar in S. decorata and S. transcaspica ; elongated and narrow, consisting of small spinules in S. ornata ; as long sclerite in S. orientalis ) (see Plate 23 View PLATE 23 , Figs 1–6; Plate 24 View PLATE 24 , Fig. 1).

Phenology. Bivoltine species with a first generation from late May to late June and a second generation from August to September (Hausmann 2004).

Biology. Unknown.

Habitat. At altitudes from 0 to 300 m (Hausmann 2004).

Distribution. Distributed from southern Urals, southern European Russia and eastern Ukraine, northeastern Kazakhstan, Siberia and Turkmenia ( Viidalepp 1996; Hausmann 2004). Reported to be present in northern Iran (see Remarks) ( Viidalepp 1988; Hausmann 2004).

DNA-barcoding. Nearest species: S. transcaspica with 7.3 % (see Supplementary Table S1).

Remarks. The occurrence in province Khorasan-e Shomali has been reported by Viidalepp (1988). A possible confusion with S. decorata can´t be ruled out. The distribution of this species in Iran is awaiting further confirmation.

Scopula transcaspica Prout, 1935

( Plate 6, Figs 1–6; Plate 15 View PLATE 15 , Figs 2–3; Plate 23 View PLATE 23 , Figs 5–6; Map 6)

Scopula submutata transcaspica Prout, 1935 . In: Seitz, A. (Ed.), Die Grossschmetterlinge der Erde. Supplement zu Band 4: 40. Syntypes 2 ♀ (NHMUK) ([ Turkmenistan]: Ashkhabad ). Raised from subspecies to species rank by Hausmann & Lászlò (1999).

Scopula submutata taftanica Brandt, 1941 . Mitteilungen der Münchner Entomologischen Gesellschaft, 31 (3): 867. Syntype (s) ( Iran: Kouh i Taftan) (NHRS examined). Regarded as subspecies of S. transcaspica by Hausmann (2004). Here regarded as synonym based on morphological examination and sympatric occurrence of these forms.

Type material examined. Scopula submutata transcaspica 1 ♀, Aschabad [Ashkhabad], NHMUK 014173554 View Materials , g. prep. NHMUK 010317468 View Materials ; in NHMUK.

Scopula submutata taftanica Holotype ♁, Iran, Balouchistan , Kouh i Taftan (Khach), 2500 m, 22.v.1938, coll. Brandt, NHRS-LEPI 000010274, g. prep. 11021 ; Paratype [labelled as Allotype] ♀, same data, but 6.vi.1938, coll. Brandt, NHRS-LEPI 000010275, g. prep. 11022 .

Additional material examined: 239 ♁/ ♀ (see appendix).

Diagnosis. Wingspan ♁ ♀ 18–27 mm. In Iran, Scopula transcaspica can externally be confused with S. ornata , S. orientalis , S. decorata , S. subtilata and also Scopuloides origalis , therefore characters are compared against these species only. Ground colour ( Plate 6, Figs 1–6) variable from greyish- or creamy-white to yellowish-brown (similar in white in S. ornata and S. orientalis ; creamy white in S. decorata and S. subtilata ). Forewing apex spotted (similar in Scopuloides origalis ; in S. decorata and S. subtilata ; white in S. ornata and S. orientalis ). Dotted lines of the terminal area greyish-blue (similar in S. ornata , S. subtilata and Scopuloides origalis ; grayish-brown in S. orientalis ; dark grayish-brown in S. decorata ). Double spots along postmedial line absent (similar in Scopuloides origalis ; brown in S. ornata , S. decorata and S. subtilata ; grayish-brown in S. orientalis ) (see Plate 3, Figs 11–16; Plate 5, Figs 8–15; Plate 6, Figs 1–6).

In the male genitalia socii broad (slender in S. ornata ; broad, rounded in S. orientalis ; long, crossed in S. decorata ; crossed in S. subtilata , strongly shortened in Scopuloides origalis ). Vesica with one cornutus (without cornutus in S. ornata and S. orientalis ; with one small cornutus in S. decorata ; with one straight cornutus in S. subtilata ; with one small and thin cornutus in Scopuloides origalis ). 8th sternite laterally concave, both cerata long, left sometimes shortened (sternite longish, posteriorly broad, both cerata long and thin in S. ornata ; sternite stout, both cerata broad, stout and strongly curved in S. orientalis ; sternite laterally concave, right ceras long and curved, left ceras short in S. decorata ; sternite laterally concave, both cerata medium sized in S. subtilata ; sternite with a long left ceras, apically curved, right cera short in Scopuloides origalis ) (see Plate 10, Fig. 7; Plate 14 View PLATE 14 , Figs 1–3; Plate 15 View PLATE 15 , Figs 1–3).

In the female genitalia lamella antevaginalis as flat sclerite, shape variable, rather wider than long (anterior margin smooth, central fold V-shaped in S. ornata ; unspectacular sclerotized in S. orientalis ; as flat rectangular sclerite, slightly longer than wide in S. decorata ; as flat rectangular sclerite, laterally concave in the basal half in S. subtilata ; as flat trapezoidal sclerite in Scopuloides origalis ). Signum absent (similar in S. decorata , S. subtilata and Scopuloides origalis ; elongated and narrow, consisting of small spinules in S. ornata ; as long sclerite in S. orientalis ) (see Plate 21 View PLATE 21 , Fig. 6; Plate 23 View PLATE 23 , Figs 1–6; Plate 24 View PLATE 24 , Fig. 1).

Phenology. Investigated specimens in Iran were collected from March to August.

Biology. Unknown, but most likely feeding on similar plants ( Thymus vulgaris , Dorycnium ) than its sister species S. submutata (Hausmann 2004) .

Habitat. Investigated specimens in Iran were collected from 19 m to 3000 m.

Distribution. Distributed from Turkey to Transcaucasus to Turkmenia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan ( Viidalepp 1996; Hausmann 2004). Widely distributed in Iran, in the northern, western and southern parts (Map 6). Reported in the literature also for the provinces Azerbaijan-e Sharghi, Fars, Golestan, Hormozgan, Khorasan- e Razavi, Khorasan-e Shomali, Mazandaran, Semnan, Sistan-o-Baluchestan and Tehran ( Christoph 1876 –1877; Lederer 1871; Schwingenschuss 1939; Brandt 1939; Brandt 1941; Sutton 1963; Wiltshire 1966; Viidalepp 1988; Wieser et al. 2002; Hausmann 2004; Lehmann & Zahiri 2011).

DNA-barcoding. Nearest species: S. vigilata Prout, 1913 with 5.5 % (see Supplementary Table S1).

MAP 6. Distribution pattern of Scopula transcaspica in Iran.