Abstract
The unexpected discovery ofScythrisventosellaChrétien, 1907 in the Alps of Valais, Switzerland is reported. Early stages, life cycle and habitat characteristics are described. The unusual present-day distribution of this species is discussed and it is suggested that the population in the Valais Alps may represent a relict from the late-glacial steppe-belt fauna.
Highlights
The Scythrididae are a family of small to medium-sized moths, distributed worldwide and occurring in a variety of different habitats from lowlands to high-mountain sites.The most recent comprehensive treatment of the European and North African representatives of this family dates from 1997 and lists 237 species (Bengtsson 1997).While some species occurring in the lowlands may be widely distributed, other taxa seem to be restricted to very small areas, especially in mountain regions representing local endemism (Huemer 2000)
The sparse vegetation is characterized as association Herniarietum alpinae Zollitsch, 1968 (Steiner 2002) (Fig. 2)
Four males and three females were sampled at the site on July 14.-15., the species was reared from egg and the biology could be identified: Larval foodplant is Herniaria alpina (Caryophyllaceae) (Fig. 3)
Summary
The Scythrididae are a family of small to medium-sized moths, distributed worldwide and occurring in a variety of different habitats from lowlands to high-mountain sites. While some species occurring in the lowlands may be widely distributed, other taxa seem to be restricted to very small areas, especially in mountain regions representing local endemism (Huemer 2000). Alpine scythridids are usually brown, dark fuscous or greenish bronze, sometimes with some whitish marks on their forewings. They are notoriously difficult to identify based on their wing-pattern alone. Their male genitalia are rather elaborate and very distinctive and differ considerably from species to species
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