Hyles costata
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Hyles costata |
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| ( from Nordmann , 1851) |
Hyles costata is a butterfly ( moth ) from the family of moth (Sphingidae).
features
The moths have a wingspan of 70 to 82 millimeters. They have the typical coloring of the genus Hyles . They look very similar to Hyles exilis , but differ slightly from this species in terms of coloration and, in the case of males, in the structure of the genitals. On the sides of the first segment of the forelegs, H. costa has up to nine spines, whereas H. exilis has up to 12. The caterpillars are very different, which is why the species status is justified for both forms.
The eggs and pupae are unknown.
Occurrence and distribution
Hyles costa is widespread in Mongolia and the neighboring areas of Russia, where it occurs together with Hyles exilis . There are a few records further east and south in China . The species is probably more widespread in northern China and is also found in Xinjiang , Gansu , northern Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia .
In Russia, it is found in Khakassia , Tuva , Buryatia , Dauria , the Transbaikalia region , the Amur region and the Jewish Autonomous Region . In Mongolia she is in Chentii-Aimag , Uws-Aimag , Bajanchongor-Aimag , Bulgan-Aimag , in Khan Uul , in Selenge-Aimag , Dornod-Aimag , Gobi-Altai-Aimag , Chowd-Aimag , Ömnö-Gobi-Aimag and proven in the Töw-Aimag . Evidence from China is available from Heilongjiang and Shandong .
The species inhabits dry grasslands, steppe areas and forest edges. In Transbaikalia they are found preferentially in steppe areas on extensive river valleys.
Way of life
The moths fly in China in July and in Mongolia and Russia between June and August, depending on the distribution area. Unlike Hyles exilis, the caterpillars have only been found on mountain knotweed ( Aconogonon ), bird knotweed ( Polygonum ) and Rumex ( Rumex ). Parasitoids of the caterpillars are unknown.