Jordanita algirica
Jordanita algirica is a butterfly of the family of burnet ( Zygaenidae ).
- 4.1 Notes and references
- 4.2 Literature
Features
In Morocco, J. algirica shows a remarkable variability, which is not found in Algeria and Tunisia. Based on a number of sub- types has been described in Morocco. The largest representatives come from the northern regions of the Middle Atlas, the smallest specimens are located in the Anti-Atlas and in Tunisia and remember in their appearance strongly Jordanita minutissima. The variability especially in the genital features is so large that it is not justified without better knowledge of the biology and ecology to concede any of these populations a subspecies status.
The moths reach a forewing length 8.1 to 13.0 mm in males and from 7.1 to 12.0 mm in females. Head, thorax, legs and abdomen are gold green, scaly green or bluish green and dense, but not hairy. The sensors have a thick stem and consist of 33 to 37 segments. The front upper wing surface is similar in coloration thorax and abdomen. The hind wings are pale gray or gray and translucent. The wing undersides are light gray and have no shining scales.
In the males, the aedeagus has a distinctive Cornutus with a sharp tip, which can also vary within a population in length and shape. The 8th Abdominalsternit is variable in size, but it never reaches the rear edge of the segment.
The ostium of the female are broad, funnel-shaped antrum has a smooth surface and proximal strongly sclerotized. Distal it is serrated and translucent. The ductus bursae is very short, slightly curved and translucent. The corpus bursae is ovate.
The egg is pale yellow.
The first larval instar (L1 ) is greenish- white, the other stages are unknown. It is believed that the bead similar to that of adult Jordanita rungsi.
Pupa and cocoon previously undescribed.
Similar Species
In the north- eastern Algeria, J. algirica comes before sympatric with Jordanita minutissima. Similar kind is somewhat smaller and in shorter probe, although the number of the sensors approximately equal segments. In the males, the shape of the cornutus is different, in females, there is no genitalmorphologischen differences.
In Morocco, is sympatric in the High Atlas Jordanita carolae with an approximately equal population of J. algiricae ago. The similar type is bluish and the Cornutus the aedeagus is not pointed. The sclerotization of sternite 8 extends to the posterior margin of the segment, the morphology of the female genitals is also characteristic.
In the Middle Atlas J. algirica occurs together with Jordanita rungsi. The similar kind can be based on the narrower, fed pointed lower front wing and the intense green color, which has a stronger glimmer distinguished. The two types can be distinguished genitalmorphologisch. In the males of the 8th sternite extends to the posterior margin of the segment.
Dissemination
Jordanita algirica is widespread in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Deposits in Sicily have not been confirmed. The vertical distribution extends from sea level in Algeria until 3150 m altitude in the High Atlas in Morocco.
Biology
The species is tied to areas with rich vegetation of the food plant, these are mainly slopes in steppes, or semi-desert, and occasionally dry habitats along roadsides are infested. In very dry areas such as the Anti-Atlas, the species occurs only in the wetter areas. The caterpillars live on Carthamus calvus. The moths fly in the lowlands and in mountainous locations from April to early July. You suck at the yellow flowers of different Korbblütlerarten (Asteraceae).