Rethera brandti
Rethera brandti is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of moth ( Sphingidae ). There are currently two recognized subspecies.
Features
The moths have a wingspan of Nominatunterart 42-46 millimeters, Rethera brandti euteles is 40 to 45 mm wingspan slightly smaller. The species is Rethera afghanistana similar. The front wings have also a lighter outer and inner edge and a distinctive bright fascia that extends centrally across the wings. Rethera brandti is significantly smaller than the similar style Rethera komarovi and has, in contrast to the gray -edged abdominal segments and a fully green colored fourth segment. The subspecies Rethera brandti euteles is usually colored somewhat paler and more gray than the proportion Nominatunterart. In addition, most individuals lack the pink color, although there are also those that are colored very similar to the Nominatunterart. Both subspecies are as good as not variable.
Occurrence and habitat
Rethera brandti brandti occurs only in northern Iran in the Alborz mountain range in the Kopet -Dag and. Rethera brandti euteles is disseminated to the Zagros Mountains of south-eastern Turkey and the north -eastern Iraq to the south of Iran. Since the species is very secluded, it is conceivable that the distribution extends even further.
The Nominatunterart sparsely populated hillsides up to 2000 meters above sea level. As Rethera komarovi the species is widespread, but occurs only locally, but then in a large number of individuals. The moths fly to artificial light sources and there are sometimes numerous. The subspecies Rethera brandti euteles colonized habitats other than the Nominatunterart, it inhabits hilly steppes and in the vegetation at the edge of deserts. The subspecies is also locally before and with a large number of individuals. They are found 1500-2500 meters above sea level.
Way of life
The Nominatunterart flies in one generation from April to mid-May, Rethera brandti euteles flies depending on the altitude from late March to mid-May, with a second generation may occur.
The preimaginal stages of both subspecies are as well as any parasitoids unknown. However, it is believed that the caterpillars feed on Labkräutern ( Galium ).