Pyropteron nigrobarbata (Rebel, 1916) stat. nov.

(Figs 8–10, 75–77, 82, 83, 90)

Sesia minianiformis subspec. nigrobarbata Rebel, 1916: Annalen des k.k. Naturhistorischen Hofmuseums, 30: 144. Syntypes: 2♀, Greece, Crete, Asitaes [Lefka Ori] and Kristallenia [Lassithi plain] (lost? Not in NHMW).

Diagnosis. This species is very similar in coloration and pattern to P. minianiformis, but differs from all its subspecies by the smaller size, with alar expanses from 12 to 17 mm (15–24 mm in P. minianiformis), and the almost completely black thorax, which has only some yellow scales on the lateral part of the patagia and on the scapular spot of the forewing base (inner margin of tegula and dorso-lateral scale tufts of metathorax mainly yellow in all subspecies of P. minianiformis). Males differ further by the lack of black scales in the orange parts of the forewing (especially anal margin and cubitus vein suffused with black scales in P. minianiformis). Females differ by the presence of black scales ventrally on labial palpus (purely orange in P. minianiformis). Occasionally, almost completely black specimens of P. nigrobarbata occur.

The male genitalia of P. nigrobarbata are very similar to that of P. minianiformis . There are, however, some distinct differences in the female genitalia, which are much more compact in P. nigrobarbata, the papillae anales and segment eight as well as ductus bursae and corpus bursae are shorter and broader, and the ductus bursae is gradually enlarged into a rounded corpus. In P. minianiformis, the ductus bursae is consistently narrow, the corpus elongated and somewhat pear-shaped.

Barcodes. Based on barcode analyses, P. nigrobarbata represent the oldest clade in the minianiformis group of taxa and is the sister species of P. minianiformis .

Biology and habitat. The larvae were found in the roots of Rumex pulcher Linnaeus, sometimes numerous larvae together (pers. observation Mai). Furthermore, in the Asterousia Mts two females have been observed depositing eggs on Rumex acetosella Linnaeus, indicating that it constitutes another hostplant. Indeed, Rumex acetosella is often the only available hostplant in heavily grazed places in Crete where adults were observed. It grows sheltered between the thorny cushions of Sarcopoterium spinosum (Linnaeus) Spach (Rosaceae) where it is protected from goats. Several attempts to find larvae in other species of Rumex were unsuccessful. Males are attracted to various artificial pheromons from the late morning to early afternoon.

Distribution. Endemic to Crete.

Specimens examined. 1♂, Greece, Crete, Frango Castello, 29. V .1998, leg. RB (Bartsch gen. prep. 2019-09) (Fig. 82); 5♂, Greece, Crete, Ida, Mt Samari, 1400m, 27. V .2000, leg. AL; 7♂, Greece, Crete, Ida above Kourites, 1200–1400m, 17. and 23. V .2011, leg. DB; 1♂, Greece, Crete, Agios Joannis, 1. VI .1998, leg. RB (Bartsch gen. prep. 2019-12) (Fig. 83); 2♂ (Figs 75–76), 2♀, Greece, S Crete, Asterousia Mts, pass between Loukia and Kapetaniana, 21. V .2011, leg. DB (Bartsch gen. preps. 2019-13, 2019-14) (Fig. 90); 1♂, ibid., 31. V .2000, leg. AL; 1♂, Greece, Crete, Rethimnon, 20km N Agia Galini, Kouroutes, 600m, 29. V .2000, leg. AL (CDB). 1♂, Greece, S Crete, Asterousia Mts pass between Loukia and Kapetaniana, 24. V .2010, 1♀, ibid., (Fig. 77), leg. AL (CAL); 8♂ Greece, Crete, entry to Samaria Gorge, near Omalos, 1300m, 22.–23. VI .2018, leg. A. Kallies (CAK); 2♂, Greece, Crete, Chania, Omalos-Hochebene, Lefka Ori S, 1150 m, 2.VII.2004, leg. FP (CCDB-02113 F02); 3♂, Greece, Crete, Rethymnon, Kouroutes, 9. VI .2000, leg. FP (CCDB-04642 D07); 2♂, Greece, Crete, Rethymnon, Nithavris ( Ida Mts), 9. VI .2000, leg. FP (CCDB-04642 D06); 2♂, Greece, Crete, Iraklion, Asterousia Mts, Loukia, 2. VI .1998, leg. RB (BOX-2219 F03, gen. prep. FP 02/16, 02/17) (CFP).