LEPIDOPTERA

• S A T Y R I D A E Boisduval, 1833

  • HYPONEPHELE Mushamp, 1915

    
    

    • Hyponephele hilaris (Staudinger, 1886)

Hyponephele hilaris (Staudinger, 1886)

· TYPE LOCALITY. "Margelan" [Alaisky Mts., Kirghizia].

· RANGE. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Middle Asian mountains (except for N. and central Tian-Shan).

· DISTRIBUTION AND VARIATION. Throughout the range, the species shows a number of geographical forms with unclear distribution borders. The nominate subspecies inhabits Alai, the Zaalaisky, Peter 1 (northern slopes) and Darvazsky mts., the mountain ranges of Inner, N. and W. Tian-Shan. The ssp. bori Herz, 1900 (=? djalali Wyatt et Omoto, 1966) is known from the Zeravshansky and Ghissarsky mts.; populations from the W. Pamirs can also be referred to this form. The subspecific status of the populations from the E. Pamirs needs to be refined.

· HABITAT AND BIOLOGY. Mainly shingle-stony habitats with Festuca at high altitudes (2,200-4,200 m a.s.l.) in the grassy steppe belt of the mountains. Flight period: July-August.

· SIMILAR SPECIES. H. fortambeka: male UPF with a conspicuous pale silky basal area; fringes whitish, chequered; UNH ground colour light, from brownish-grey to ash-grey; antennal club tawny on underside.

Photo and text: Guide to the BUTTERFLIES OF RUSSIA and adjacent territories Volume 1. PENSOFT, Sofia - Moscow. 1997