Pyropteron koshantschikovi (Püngeler, 1914)

(Figs 160, 161)

Chamaesphecia koshantschikovi Püngeler, 1914: Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift Iris, 28: 54, pl. 3 Fig. 10. Holotype ♀: Uzbekistan, Syr-Daria, Baigacum (MFNB).

This large species is poorly known; it has only been collected in a few places in Central Asia.

Barcodes. P. cirgisa and P. koshantschikovi are situated more basally in the clade, perhaps suggesting a central Asian origin of this species group. P. koshantschikovi and P. umbrifera show an average distance of 6.4%.

Biology and habitat. Similar to previous species, local in low lying salt steppe (Špatenka et al. 1999). Limonium meyeri Boissier is reported as host plant by Špatenka et al. (1996). The larva is feeding 2 years in the root.

Distribution. Uzbekistan and eastern Kazakhstan (Špatenka et al. 1999).

Specimens examined. Holotype ♀: “[Uzbekistan] Syr-Daria / Baigacum / [leg.] Koshantschikoff” “Type / Koshantschikovi Püng. ♀ / gef. 13/26/ VI 1913 Kosh. / abgebildet Iris 1914 / Püng.” “Praep. ♀ / Genit. / Nr.: 3115 / I. Căpușe ” “ Holotypus ♀ / Chamaesphecia / koshantschikovi Püng. ” (MFNB); 1♀, Uzbekistan, Chinaz, 22m, 25.V.1995, leg. Špatenka (CCDB-04611-A11) (SMNS); 1♂, same data (Fig. 160), 1♀, same data (Fig. 161) (CZL); 1♂, Uzbekistan, Chinaz-Syrdarya, 350 m, 24.V.2004, leg. K. Špatenka (CFP).