| Pseudochazara cingovskii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| near Pletvar, North Macedonia | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Genus: | Pseudochazara |
| Species: | P. cingovskii |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudochazara cingovskii (Gross, 1973) | |
Pseudochazara cingovskii, the Macedonian grayling, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found only in the Macedonian village of Pletvar.
The species was originally named Satyrus sintenisi cingovskii by Gross in 1973. It was later renamed to Psudochazara cingovskii by Gross in 1978. [2]
These species are cool pale grey brow, with the upperside bands on wings being particularly noticeable. Its habitat is scattered with white limestone rocks where it is very difficult to catch it due to its very pale underside, camouflaging in. The Macedonian Grayling is facing endangerment due to marble quarrying occurring in its habitat. This endemic species is the most threatened butterfly species in Europe, and active conservation efforts are vital for sustaining a healthy population size. [3] The species is univoltine and is on wing from late June to July depending on altitude.
The wingspan of these butterflies ranges from 43-51 mm (males) and 53-56 mm (females). Adults show sexual dimorphism. The males are typically smaller than the females. Forewings of the males are more pointed, while they are more rounded in females with outer margins perpendicular to the inner margin. [2]
Upperside of wings is greyish brown with visible submarginal bands that are paler (sandy yellow, darkening into a more vivid reddish yellow distally), occasionally displaying an overall reddish yellow hue. Both sexes feature two ocelli which are white-centered on the forewing band, with two small white dots between them. There are smaller white dots on the hindwing, often with inner black frame, mostly in males and relatively less females. The underside of the wings displays yellowish-greyish-brown hue in the postdiscal region and the fringes are greyish white. [2]
Male genitalia of the species features broad valvae that narrow after a curved midpoint. The distal processes of the valvae are tapered, similar to those of Pseudochazara orestes. The tegumen is elongated and well-developed, slightly more curved and rounded at the base comparative to other species. The uncus attaches to the tegumen at an angle resembling that of Pseudochazara graeca. The subunci are wider with developed bases, distinguishing P. cingovskii morphologically from other species. [2]
The distribution of P. cingovskii is restricted to the Pletvar Massif and nearby mountains near Vitolište in Macedonia. This species inhabits arid, rocky slopes primarily composed of pale colored metamorphic rocks like marble and gneiss, with sparse vegetation, at altitudes between 700 and 1700 metres. P. cingovskii is univoltine, which fly during July and August. It feeds exclusively on plants from the Poacae family. Geographically, there are no significant regional variations noted due to its restricted distribution area, which is under 10 km^2. Threatened by mining, these butterflies show very limited migration. [4]
Larvae have been reared on grasses.
These species are holometabolous. The larvae emerge in late July alongside other species like P. mniszechii tisiphone and P. anthelea amalthea. The larvae feed on grasses like Festuca Ovina and Dactylis glomerata . They undergo several molts before pupation, which occurs underground. The pupae are pale colored, but darken over time. After about a month, the adult emerges from pupa in late January. Adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers like Acantholimon and Centaurea. [5]
Hipparchia azorina, the Azores grayling, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is endemic to the Azores. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and temperate grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Pseudochazara euxina is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is endemic to Crimea. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and temperate grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
The marbled ringlet is a member of the subfamily Satyrinae of the family Nymphalidae.
The de Prunner's ringlet is a member of the subfamily Satyrinae of the family Nymphalidae.
Melanargia lachesis, the Iberian marbled white, is a butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae.
Erebia cassioides, the common brassy ringlet, is a member of the subfamily Satyrinae of family Nymphalidae.
Satyrus actaea, the black satyr, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found in South-Western Europe, Asia Minor, Syria, Iran and Baluchistan.
Pseudochazara atlantis is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is endemic to Morocco. It flies in barren rocky slopes. The male is found only on large tabular spaces and bare mountain peaks, while the female wanders on the slopes, both for foraging the flowers of Compositae or thyme and to lay her eggs.
Maniola chia is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is endemic to Chios and Oinousses in the Aegean Islands. It is a very common butterfly found amongst grassy flowery places but it is almost impossible to distinguish the specimens from Maniola jurtina.
Melanargia titea, the Levantine marbled white, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.
Erebia polaris, the Arctic woodland ringlet, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found in Lapland and boreal Asia.
Pseudochazara geyeri, the Grey Asian grayling is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is confined to Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, eastern Turkey and south-western Transcaucasia.
Pseudochazara graeca is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. In Greece it is confined to Mount Parnassus, Mount Olympus, Mount D'rfis, Mount Chelmos, Mount Panakhaikon, Mount Menalon, Mount Mainalo, Mount Taygetus and Katara Pass in the Pindus Mountains. In North Macedonia it is found on Pelister.
Pseudochazara mamurra, the buff Asian grayling, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is confined to Albania, Greece, and Turkey. The habitat consists of slopes in steep river valleys.
Pseudochazara mniszechii, the tawny rockbrown, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is confined to Greece, Turkey, northern Iran, Balochistan, and the Caucasus.
Pseudochazara orestes, the Dils' grayling, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is confined to Phalakron massif, Menikion mountains, Mount Orvilos – Greece; South Pirin mountains, precisely on the southern slopes of the Gradishte Hill in south-western Bulgaria.
Pseudochazara schahrudensis or Shahrud grayling is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is confined to Bitlis, Hakkari, Van, Şırnak in Turkey; to the Caucasus to the eastern Alborz.
Pseudochazara williamsi, the nevada grayling, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is confined to the southern Spain (endemic).
Arethusana is a butterfly genus from the subfamily Satyrinae of the brush-footed butterfly family (Nymphalidae). It is composed of only one species, Arethusana arethusa, the false grayling.
Pletvar is a village in Municipality of Prilep, North Macedonia. The critically endangered Macedonian grayling butterfly is only found in the Pletvar area. The father of Metodija Andonov-Čento an anti fascist fighter in World War II is from here.
