New data on the early stages and behaviour of the endangered species Callophrys mystaphia (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) and its first larval parasitoid, Cotesia sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract: The early stages of a lycaenid butterfly, Miller’s Green Hairstreak Callophrys mystaphia Miller, 1913, are photographed and presented for the first time. Callophrys mystaphia is known to be endangered and is regarded to be endemic to Turkey based on recent studies. The species is considered to be local and isolated, with the likelihood of being one of the rarest butterfly species in Turkey. The distribution of this species and its food plant, Rheum ribes L. (Polygonaceae), in Turkey are investigated and the possible range of this butterfly species is highlighted. New data on the early stages, phenology, vertical distribution, and behaviour of adult and larva of C. mystaphia are presented. The larva was found to have been attacked by a newly discovered hymenopteran parasitoid species of the genus Cotesia Cameron, 1981 (Braconidae); the cocoons and the adult parasitoid are illustrated.

Key words: Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Hymenoptera, Braconidae, biodiversity, biology, endemic, host plant, larval parasitoid, larval stages, Turkey, Palaearctic Region