taxonID	type	description	language	source
4E4787F60421FF86B09567A482E5FF55.taxon	type_taxon	Type species: Phalaena calabra Petagna, 1786.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60421FF86B09567A482E5FF55.taxon	description	Genus characters. Medium-sized to large moths (wingspan 20 – 40 mm). Antennae quadripectinate with long antennal branches in male (Fig. 2), filiform in female. Proboscis well-developed. Frons, thorax and abdomen usually concolorous with wings. Chaetosemata developed as two well-separated patches. Tibial spur formula: 0 – 2 – 3 or 0 – 2 – 4. In some species (e. g. in the calabra species-group), hindtibia bearing a “ pseudospur ”, which is a single, club- or rod-shaped projection, dilated and densely scaled and of unknown function (Hausmann 2004). Ground colour of wings widely varying, from beige or pale yellow to reddish or brown. Ante- and postmedial lines present in most species, expression of transverse lines often diagnostic. Discal spots usually present, sometimes faint or absent. Venation. Forewing usually with two areoles, with at least one known exception: R. solitaria (Christoph, 1887); R 1 originating from the 2 nd areole; R 2 – 4 stalked, arising from apex of 2 nd areole close to the origin of R 5. In hind wing, Sc basally curved; Rs and M 1 stalked (Fig. 1). Male genitalia. Uncus elongated, apically broader than at its base, setose and well-characteristic depending on species (Fig. 3). Gnathos well developed, strongly sclerotized, medially elongated. Valva wide and strongly sclerotized, shape of apical and costal parts diagnostic. Saccus reduced to a narrow band. Juxta wide, weakly sclerotized. Aedeagus thin, long and usually curved; vesica usually without any cornuti. Sternum A 8 bilobed. Female genitalia. Papillae anales rounded or ovally elongated. Ratio of apophyses anteriores to apophyses posteriores diagnostic. Ductus bursae well sclerotized, roughly as long as corpus bursae. Corpus bursae membranous, rounded or oval. Size and shape of signum diagnostic, but usually developed as a pair of elongate sclerites.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60421FF86B09567A482E5FF55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Larger sized than most other Sterrhinae. Further external diagnostic characters: quadripectinate male antenna; double areole in forewing; stalked forewing veins R 2 – 4. Male genitalia with long uncus, sclerotized apex of valva often bearing processes and bilobed sternum A 8) (see Cui et al. 2019 for more details; for details of higher classification and tribus characters see: Hausmann 2004).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60421FF86B09567A482E5FF55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Diversity hotspot of the genus are Palearctic and Oriental regions, but three species also recorded from the southern Neotropical region (Chile).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60421FF86B09567A482E5FF55.taxon	discussion	Classification. Prout (1913) implemented a system for the genus and defined several species-groups based on quantity of spurs and presence / absence of “ pseudospur ” on the male hindleg, as well as precence of Sc-vein in forewing. This system was modified further by Sterneck (1941) and Hausmann (2004), supplemented by more detailed diagnostic characters and used by other taxonomists (e. g. Cui et al. 2019; Müller et al. 2019). The systematic concept needs to be applied at a global scale (Cui et al. 2019) and to be tested using genetic data. Here we follow Hausmann (2004) and Müller et al. (2019) to assign the Iranian species to different species-groups without anticipating a more detailed, integrative phylogenetic analysis. I. The vibicaria species-group Diagnostic characters (according to Hausmann 2004): Wings sandy colour intermixed with pink scales; termen of hindwing slightly concave at M 3; male antennal flagellum ventrally not dentated (in contrast to the calabra species-group); three spurs on hindtibia of male, pseudospur absent. Male genital with wide uncus; valva apically forked, with long ventral process, not spinulose; aedeagus only slightly curved, cornuti absent. Including the western Palaearctic (including Iran) Rhodostrophia vibicaria (Clerck, 1759), R. acidaria (Staudinger, 1892) in Central Asia and R. stigmatica (Butler, 1889) in Nepal and India (Hausmann, 2004). The recently described Chinese species R. reisseri Cui, Xue & Jiang, 2019 is also well matching the characteristics of this species-group in habitus and male genitalia, but after Cui et al. (2019: 338) its antennal flagellum is ventrally dentated; therefore reisseri was placed in the calabra species-group by these authors, which we cannot confirm here. II. The calabra species-group Diagnostic characters (according to Hausmann 2004): Wings usually with red transverse fasciae; male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated (i. e. medially keeled); four or three spurs on hindtibia of male (when three, the proximal pair of spurs often modified to a pseudospur). Male genitalia with narrow, long uncus; apical part of valva spinulose, costal part of valva largely curved; aedeagus medially curved, vesica without any cornuti. Including a few species with western Palaearctic distribution patterns. Two species occurring in Iran: Rhodostrophia auctata (Staudinger, 1879) and R. sieversi (Christoph, 1882). More species from China are added to this species-group by Cui et al. (2019). III. The terrestraria species-group Diagnostic characters: Wings of sandy to light yellow-brown ground colour, sometimes pale greenish, usually with brown transverse fasciae; male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated (medially keeled); four spurs on hindtibia of male. Male genitalia with narrow, long uncus; apical part of valva spinulose; aedeagus medially curved, vesica with cornuti. Including only one species with Middle East-Central Asian distribution pattern: Rhodostrophia terrestraria (Lederer, 1869), which is regarded as a member of the calabra species-group in Hausmann (2004), to be corrected here. IV. The badiaria species-group Diagnostic characters (according to Hausmann 2004): Wings greyish-sand coloured and uniform in habitus; male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated (medially keeled); four spurs on hindtibia of male. Male genitalia with narrow uncus; apical part of valva not spinulose or very locally spinulose; aedeagus curved. Including a few species with Middle East-Central Asian distribution patterns. The following species occurring in Iran: Rhodostrophia bahara Brandt, 1938; R. iranica Schwingenschuss, 1939; R. tumulosa Brandt, 1938; R. lenis Wiltshire, 1966; R. tabestana Trusch & Hausmann, 2007. The pontic species R. badiaria (Freyer, 1841) occurs from Turkey to the Caucasus and Transcaucasus and is most probably also present in north-westernmost Iran, but there is no record so far (see Map in Hausmann 2004: 383). Also the Turkmenian species R. vastaria (Christoph, 1877) and the recently described species from Kazakhstan: R. crypta Viidalepp & Kostjuk, 2020, belong to this species-group. These species may be present in north-eastern Iran, but it was not yet reported from Iran. V. The nesam species-group Diagnostic characters: Wings grey to brownish-sand coloured with darker, wavy ante- and postmedial fasciae; male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated (medially keeled); three spurs on hindtibia of male. Male genitalia with rod-shaped uncus; apical and costal parts of valva strongly and characteristically dentated; aedeagus strongly curved (close to 90 °), vesica without any cornutus. Including only one species in Iran: Rhodostrophia nesam Brandt, 1938. VI. The abscisaria species-group Diagnostic characters (according to Hausmann 2004): Wings greyish-sand coloured and uniform in habitus; small-sized moths; male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated (medially keeled); three spurs on hindtibia of male. Male genitalia with narrow uncus; apical part of valva spinulose; aedeagus curved, vesica with cornuti. Including one species with Iranian distribution pattern: Rhodostrophia abscisaria Brandt, 1941. VII. The phaenicearia species-group Diagnostic characters: Wings dark cupper to brown with darker medial area and yellow postmedial line; male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated (medially keeled); three spurs on hindtibia of male. Male genitalia with rodshaped uncus, strongly reduced valva, apically dentated; aedeagus curved, vesica with scale-shaped cornutus. Including only one species in Iran: Rhodostrophia phaenicearia (Hampson, 1907). VIII. The cuprinaria species-group Diagnostic characters: Wings pale ochre to pale brown with darker medial area, and paler postmedial line; male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated (medially keeled); three spurs on hindtibia of male. Male genitalia with elongated uncus; valva triangular, narrowing towards apex; aedeagus curved, vesica with a stout cornutus. Including three species with Middle East distribution pattern, all present in Iran: Rhodostrophia cuprinaria (Christoph, 1876), R. peripheres Prout, 1938 and R. vahabzadehi sp. n..	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60422FF80B095610B8298FBD9.taxon	description	(Figs 4 – 8, 63, 80, Map 1) Phalaena vibicaria Clerck, 1759: Icones Insectorum Rariorum, 1: pl. 3, fig 2. (Sweden: Liumkihl), Lectotype (♂), in LSL. Records in literature. Pelonia vibicaria: Staudinger (1861: 67); Staudinger (1871: 154).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60422FF80B095610B8298FBD9.taxon	description	Previous records from Iran. [Golestan], Hadschyabad [Hajiabad] (Christoph 1873)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60422FF80B095610B8298FBD9.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 3 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Golestan, Elburs Mts., Maghazy-Valley, LUX, N 36,64923 ° / E 54,20701 °, 11. vi. 2007, 1630 m, leg. Norbert Pöll, g. p. 668 / 2005 R. Trusch, barcodes: BC ZSM 33940, BC ZSM 33941, BC ZSM 33942, BC ZSM 33943; 4 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Ardabil / Gilan, Pass Ardabil-Astara (Passhöhe, W Tunnel), 1600 m, 27. v. 2008, leg. W. ten Hagen, g. p. (♀) 2363 / 2020 H. Rajaei; in SMNK; 1 ♀, Persia sept., Elburs Mts. c. s, Tacht I Suleiman, Särdab Tal (Vandarban), 19 – 2200 m, 10. – 14. vii. [19] 37, E. Pfeiffer & W. Forster, München leg. in ZSM. Specimen studied total: 7 ♂, 3 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60422FF80B095610B8298FBD9.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 4 – 8) Wingspan 27 – 35 mm. Termen of forewing slightly convex; termen of hindwing slightly concave at M 3 (in contrast to all other Iranian Rhodostrophia). Pattern and coloration unique and diagnostic, in Iran confusion only possible with R. auctata, the latter differing by its rounded discal spot and yellow hue on the underside of the wings. Wings of R. vibicaria sandy coloured, with purple to pink fasciae. Usually with three pink lines (antemedial, postmedial and subterminal lines) on forewing; antemedial line absent from hindwing. Sometimes postmedial and subterminal lines connected and forming a broad pink marginal band on both wings (see Figs 4 – 8). Underside similarly coloured as upperside, suffused with pink dots. Discal spots developed as a tiny streak, pink (in contrast to the rounded dots in R. auctata and R. sieversi). In contrast to all other Iranian Rhodostrophia species, male antennal flagellum ventrally not dentated. Male hindtibia with three normal spurs, without pseudospur. Male genitalia (Fig. 63) very characteristic, with relatively short and wide uncus (all other Iranian Rhodostrophia species with thin and elongated uncus, Fig. 4); valva apically forked, with long ventral process, not spinulose (in contrast to calabra - and terrestraria species-groups); sacculus part of valva folded ventrad over the valva. Male sternum A 8 bilobed, with very short octavals (octavals clearly shorter in R. auctata, longer in R. sieversi). Female genitalia (Fig. 80) with a large, flat lamella postvaginalis, ductus bursae long (same length as corpus bursae), strongly sclerotized, funnel-shaped, narrowing towards corpus bursae; the latter membranous with a large sclerite on its ventral side and two elongated signa on its dorsal side. Genetic data. Genetically heterogeneous, including five BINs in its area of distribution. In northern Iran the BIN of the main cluster is occurring: BOLD: AAB 6658. Nearest species: R. calabra (8.6 %) (Fig. 119 & Table 1). The large genetic distance from the closest congeneric species highlights the isolated phylogenetic position from the other species-groups.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60422FF80B095610B8298FBD9.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 1). Palaearctic. Widely distributed in Europe (except northernmost Scandinavia, British Isles and nearly all the Mediterranean islands). Outside Europe, present in North Africa (subsp. strigata), Turkey to Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Iran, Central Asia, western and southern Siberia (subsp. unicolorata) (see Hausmann 2004 for more details). In Iran only the nominate subspecies of vibicaria is recorded in northern Iran (northern slopes of Alborz mountains). Life history and habitat. Larvae polyphagous, with preference on the species of the family Fabaceae (e. g. Cytisus, Genista, Hippocrepis, Onobrychis, Coronilla, Medicago, Astragalus, Anthyllis). Additionally found or bred on species of other families (e. g. Ericaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Rosaceae, Polygonaceae, Asteraceae) (see Hausmann 2004 for further details). Xerothermophilous species, found on sand or limestone substrates, towards the south getting xeromontane. From 0 m up to 1500 m above sea-level in the Alps, up to 2600 m in southern Europe and from 1600 m up to 3000 m in North Africa and Iran (Hausmann 2004).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60424FF82B09563898597FDBD.taxon	description	(Figs 9 – 10, 64, 81, 95, Map 2)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60424FF82B09563898597FDBD.taxon	description	Previous records from Iran. Iran, Derbend, 25 km N v. Teheran, 2000 m (Wiltshire 1966); Iran, Ardabil, Kuhha-ye-Sabalan, S Meshginshar, Ghotour sui, 3050 – 3100 m, 26. vii. 2007, leg. Lehmann, L. & Zahiri, R. (Lehmann & Zahiri 2011); Iran, Ardabil, Kuhha-ye-Sabalan, S Meshginshar, 2285 m, 25. – 26. vii. 2007, leg. Lehmann, L. & Zahiri, R. (Lehmann & Zahiri 2011); Iran, Fars, Srasse Ardakan-Talochosroe [Tale-Khosrow], Comee [Komehr] (Barmi-Firus), 2600 m, 30. vii. – 30. viii. 1937, leg. F. Brandt (Brandt 1939)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60424FF82B09563898597FDBD.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 7 ♂, 2 ♀, W-Iran, Kordestan, Strasse Saghaz-Baneh, 21 km NE Baneh, 1950 m, 30. vi. – 2. vii. 1975, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner, g. p. slide no. 654 (♂), 655 (♀) / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 6 ♀, W-Iran, Kordestan, Strasse Zandjan-Bijar, 53 km S Zandjan, 1700 m, 28. – 29. vi. 1975, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 2 ♀, W- Iran, Kordestan, Strasse Saghez-Baneh, 23 km NE Baneh, 1800 m, 2. vii. 1975, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, W-Iran, Lorestan, Dorud, Pass S Darrya-che Gahar, " Partsche Kabud ", 2800 m, 1. – 3. viii. 1975, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Lorestan, ca. 50 km SW Aligudarz (Pass), 2900 m, 2. vi. 2005, leg. W. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Nordiran, Elbursgebirge, östl. Shemshak, 50 km nördl. Teheran, 2100 – 2500 m, 8. – 24. vi. 1973, leg. G. Junge; 8 ♂, S-Iran, Fars, 50 km NW Ardekan, Tange Surkh, 2250 m, 16. vi. 1972, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner, g. p. 656 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, Iran, Prov. Esfahan, Zagros mts., Feridun Shar, Kamaran val., 2770 m, N 32 ° 45 ', E 049 ° 59 ', 11. vii. 2003 (lux), leg. G. Ebert & R. Trusch; 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Kordestan, Saghez-Baneh road, 10 km to Baneh Gardaneh-Khan, N 36 ° 04 ‘ 13 “, E 45 ° 59 ‘ 31 “, 1976 m, 26 – 27. vi. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, J. U. Meineke & A. Hofmann; 4 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Esfahan, S Fereydunshar-Sibak, 2 km to Sibak, N 32 ° 54 ’ 07 ”; E 50 ° 04 ’ 48 ”, 2622 mNN, 19. – 20. vi. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, J. U. Meineke & A. Hofmann, SMNK, E-Lep. 259; 1 ♀, Iran, Khorasan, Kuh-e Sorkh, N Rivas vic. Akbarabad, 2000 – 2100 m, 12. vi. 2000, leg. W. ten Hagen; 6 ♂, 6 ♀, Iran, Prov. Zanjan, 2350 m, W-Alborz range, Tarom vic., 20 km NE of Zanjan, 13. – 14. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai; 1 ♂, Iran, Zanjan, Zanjan-Gilvan, Gargovol Dag, 2500 m, 26. – 27. vi. 2001, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke & W. G. Tremewan; 4 ♂, Iran, Zangan / Kordestan, NE Takab, Takht-e Suleyman, Kuh-e Baradar-e Shah, 2800 – 3000 m, 22. vii. 2005, leg. W. ten Hagen, barcodes: BC ZSM 33920; 1 ♂, Iran, Azerbayejan-e Sharqi, 10 km NW of Miyane, 14. – 15.06.2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, E-Lep 221; 2 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Zanjan, Takhte Suleyman-Dandi road, 15 km E Takhte Suleyman, N 36 ° 36 ‘ 23 “, E 47 ° 21 ‘ 02 “, 2420 mNN, 29. vi. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, J. U. Meineke & A. Hofmann; 2 ♂, 3 ♀, Iran, prov. Azerbaijan-e Garbi, Takhte Suleyman-Dandi road, Gharawol-Khaneh village, N 36 ° 37 ‘ 06 “, E 47 ° 18 ‘ 42 “, 2335 mNN, 30. vi. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, J. U. Meineke & A. Hofmann, SMNK E-Lep. 259; 1 ♀, Iran-N, Elurs-Mt. Ammameh am Kaspischen Meer, 2000 m, 23. ix. 1960, leg J. Klapperich; all in SMNK. 1 ♂, W-Iran, Kordestan, Strasse Saghaz-Baneh, 21 km NE Baneh, 1950 m, 30. vi. – 2. vii. 1975, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 1 ♀, W-Iran, Kordestan, Strasse Zandjan-Bijar, 53 km S Zandjan, 1700 m, 28. – 29. vi. 1975, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner, g. p. 2412 / 2021 H. Rajaei; 1 ♂, Iran, Zanjan prov., E Zanjan, road to Gilvan, alt. 1889 m, N 36 ° 45 ' 21.8 ", E 48 ° 49 ' 20.7 ", 6. vii. 2013, leg. H. Rajaei, J. - U. Meineke, B. Hafezi; 1 ♂, Iran, Zanjan prov., E Zanjan, road to Gilvan, Alt. 1889 m, N 36 ° 45 ' 21.8 '', E 048 ° 49 ' 20.7 '', 6. vii. 2013, leg. H. Rajaei; J. - U. Meineke; B. Hafezi; 2 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Azerbaijan-e Sharghi prov., S Ghareh Aghaj, after Argsnay-Sufla, Alt. 2020 m, N 36 ° 50 ' 16.5 '', E 046 ° 58 ' 07.5 '', 4. vii. 2013, leg. H. Rajaei; J. - U. Meineke; B. Hafezi; in SMNS. 12 ♂, 4 ♀, Iran, Prov. Hamadan, Hamadan NNE, Razan N, Mahanye 2 km N, 2100 – 2150 m, 19. vi. 1998, leg. A. Hofmann & J. - U. Meineke, g. p. (♀) 657 / 2005 R. Trusch; 9 ♂, 5 ♀, Iran, Prov. Hamadan, Hamadan NNE, Razan N, Gardaneh Avaj, 2300 – 2500 m, 25. vi. 2001, leg. A. Hofmann & J. - U. Meineke; 3 ♂, 3 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Semirom vic., Pashme Kuh, 2750 m, 18. vi. 2001, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke & W. G. Tremewan; 1 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Fereidun Shahr S, Gardaneh-ye Kamaran, 2900 – 3200 m, 16. – 17. vi. 2002, leg. J. - U. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies, g. p. (♂) 593 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Yasuj E, Kuh e Dena, Nurabad N, 2450 m, 8. vi. 2005, leg. A. Hofmann & J. U. Meineke; 3 ♂, 4 ♀, Iran, Markazi, Tafresh via Dastgerd, 2300 – 2500 m, 15. – 16. vi. 2005, leg. J. U. Meineke; 1 ♂, Kerman, Jiroft W, Shingera, 2800 m, 26. – 27. v. 2004, leg. J. - U. Meineke; 1 ♀, Iran, Azarbaygan-e-Shaqi Tabriz 70 km NE, Dugijan NW 2600 m, 24. – 26. vii. 2006 ,, A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, BC ZSM 33919; 1 ♂, Iran, Esfahan, Semirom W, Peshme [Pashm] Kuh, 2800 m, 2. – 3. vi. 2005, A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, BC ZSM 33918; 1 ♀, Iran, Lorestan, Kuh-e Garin, Gard [aneh] - ye Gema Siab O, 2200 m, 25.6.2009, A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, H. Rayaj [Rajaei]; 1 ♂, Iran, Zanjan, 30 km W Gard [aneh] Hajarud W, 2200 m, 1. vii. 2009, A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, H. Rayaj [Rajaei]; all in PCJM. 3 ♂, 1 ♀, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Hiregan bei Kuhrang, N 32 ° 21 ', E 50 ° 27 ', 2300 m, 7. vi. 2005, leg. J. Gelbrecht in PCJG. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, [Iran], Kordestan, 45 km S. W. Saghez, Saghez-Baneh, 2000 m, 1. vi. 1975, leg. Pazuki; 1 ♂, Lorestan, Poldokhtar / Shahabad, 820 m, 4. v. 1976, leg. A. Pazouki & Broumand; 4 ♂, 2 ♀, Lorestan, Azna, Oshtorankuh, Kamandan, 2050 m, 23. viii. 1995, leg. Mirz. [yans] & Badii, g. p. (♂) 592 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, Hamadan, Nahavand, Gamasiab, 1750 m, 24. viii. 1995, Mirz. [ayans] & Badii; 1 ♀, Fars, Akdakan- Komehr, 2820 m, 17. viii. 1978, leg. A. Pazouki & Broumand; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Zandjan-Bijar, 50 km SW Zandjan, 1700 m, 28. vi. 1975, [leg.] Pazuki; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Kordestan, 48 km SW Saghez, Saghez-Baneh, 2000 m, 30. vi. 1975, leg. A. Pazouki; 1 ♀, Azarbaijan-e Sharghi, Jolfa, Santstepanos, 1000 m, 4. viii. 1997, leg. V. Nazari, barcodes: BC ZSM 33921; all in HMIM. Specimen studied total: 87 ♂, 57 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60424FF82B09563898597FDBD.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 9 – 10, 95) Wingspan 27 – 36 mm. Forewing termen straight or slightly concave, apex pointed (in contrast to R. vibicaria and R. sieversi both having a convex termen of forewing). Ground colour of wings sandy to light yellow-orange, with purple to pink fasciae. Antemedial line usually faint, postmedial and subterminal lines dark pink. Underside yellow intermixed with few pink scales, towards margin getting pinker; postmedial and subterminal lines thin but well-visible, always diagnosable as two separated lines (in R. sieversi postmedial and subterminal lines merged forming a broad band on fore- and hindwings). Discal spots rounded (in R. vibicaria streak-shaped, tiny) (Figs 4 – 10). Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with three spurs, pseudospur absent. Male genitalia (Fig. 64) with a thin, very long uncus; valva apically dagger-shaped elongated, its costal part largely curved (these three latter characters are in contrast with all other Iranian Rhodostrophia species, see genitalia plates), valva subapically spinulose; sacculus part of valva folded ventrad over the valva. Male sternum A 8 bilobed, with very short octavals (in R. sieversi much larger). Female genitalia (Fig. 81) with an oval, membranous, corpus bursae (much smaller than that of R. sieversi); ductus bursae chitinized, funnel-shaped towards ovipositor. Genetic data. BIN BOLD: AAC 9475. Nearest species: R. sieversi (7.6 %) and R. cuprinaria (7.7 %) (Fig. 119 & Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60424FF82B09563898597FDBD.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 2). Irano-Turanian. Iranian distribution mainly in Zagros and Alborz mountain chains, towards east into Khorasan province and towards west into Transcaucasia (Azerbaijan, Armenia), Caucasus (Georgia), and to western Turkey (Viidalepp 1996; Hausmann 2004). Life history and habitat. Biology and larval stages unknown. Apparently univoltine, recorded from late May to late August (only in one population collected on 23 th of September). From 800 m up to 3000 m above sea-level.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60426FF9CB0956146823AFD05.taxon	description	(Figs 11 – 12, 65, 82, Map 3)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60426FF9CB0956146823AFD05.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 1 ♂, ‘ ♂ Ordubad. ’, ‘ 16 4 5 89 Chr’ [back side of this label], ‘ Koll. Vel. Knjasja Nikolaja Michailowitscha. ’ [in kyrillic letters], ‘ ex mater. Mus. Acad. Petrop. ’, ‘ N. Filipiev det. ’, ‘ Aspilatea sieversi Christoph, 1882 ♂ det. V. Mironov’, in ZIN. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Azarbaygan-e Garbi, 62 km N Orumiyeh, S Salmas, 1700 – 1800 m, 19. v. 2008, leg. W. ten Hagen; 1 ♀, Iran Azarbaygan-e Sharqi, N Ahar, W vic. Kaleybar, 1750 m, 24. vi. 2006, leg. ten Hagen; 1 ♀, Iran, Azarbayjan-e Sharqi, NW Kaleybar, 1400 – 1700 m, 15. vii. 2007, leg. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, NW-Iran, Rezaieh, 12 km westl., 1350 m, 30. v. 1975, leg. Amsel; 1 ♀, NW Iran, 100 km Strasse Mahabad-Sardascht, 1300 m, Quercetum, 13. vi. 1975, leg. Amsel; 1 ♀, NW Iran, 50 km Strasse Piranshar-Sardascht, 1400 m, Quercetum, 14. vi. 1975, leg. Amsel; 8 ♂, 4 ♀, Iran, Prov. Zanjan, 2350 m, W-Alborz range, Tarom vic., 20 km NE of Zanjan, 13. – 14. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, Qazvin, ca. 37 km N Qazvin, Sutehkesh, (Pass, Nordseite), 2100 m, 3. vi. 2005, leg. ten Hagen; 4 ♂, Iran, Qazvin, ca. 30 km N Qazvin, Sutehkesh, (Pass, Nordseite), 2200 m, 3. vi. 2005, leg. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, Iran, Kordestan, Pass W Sanandaj, 1850 m, 3. vi. 2005, leg. W. ten Hagen; 2 ♀, Iran, Elburz-Geb., 12 km v. Keredj, 1650 m, 27. v. 1969, leg. Ebert; 34 ♂, 88 ♀, N-Iran, Elburs mts., Prov. Teheran, Arangeh, 25 km N Karaj, 1550 m, 1. – 6. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (♂) 605 / 2005 R. Trusch, (♀) 606 / 2005 R. Trusch, 2414 / 2021 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, same data, collected on 24. vi. 1972; 3 ♀, same data, 4. vi. 1972; all in SMNK. 3 ♂, 3 ♀, N-Iran, Elburs mts., Prov. Teheran, Arangeh, 25 km N Karaj, 1550 m, 1. – 6. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner, in SMNS. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, [Iran] W Azarbeyjan, Sardasht, 14. vi. 1975, leg. Abai; 1 ♀, [Iran] E Azarbaijan, Kaleibar, Vayeghan, 1440 m, 5. – 6. viii. 1992, leg. Parch. & Badii; 1 ♂, [Iran] Tehran-Karaj, Arangueh, 1550 m, 2. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert; all in HMIM. Specimen studied total: 55 ♂, 112 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60426FF9CB0956146823AFD05.taxon	description		en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60426FF9CB0956146823AFD05.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 11 – 12) Wingspan 29 – 39 mm. Forewing termen slightly convex (R. auctata differing in straight or slightly concave termen). Upper- and underside of wings yellow-orange with a dominant pink postmedial band on all wings, subterminal area suffused with pink scales; antemedial line hardly visible; discal spots pink, round, large (this colour combination is unique and does not allow confusion with any other Iranian Rhodostrophia). Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with three spurs, pseudospur absent. Male genitalia (Fig. 65) with a long uncus (but much shorter and thicker than that in R. auctata, Fig. 3); apical part of uncus fusiform (in contrast to all other Rhodostrophia species in Iran, see genitalia plates); valva apically clefted, tongue-shaped elongated, subapically spinulose; sacculus part of valva folded ventrad over the valva. Male sternum A 8 bilobed (octavals much larger than those in R. auctata). Female genitalia (Fig. 82) with an oval, membranous, corpus bursae (twice as large as in R. auctata); ductus bursae chitinized, funnel-shaped towards ovipositor (its anterior part much narrower than that in R. auctata, see Fig. 81). Genetic data. Two BINs: BOLD: AAC 9459 (Turkey) and BOLD: ABZ 7093 (Iran), diverging by 2.0 % from each other. Nearest species: R. calabra (6.5 %) and R. auctata (7.6 %) (Fig. 119 & Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60426FF9CB0956146823AFD05.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 3). East Mediterranean species, distributed mainly in Turkey, northern Iraq, Transcaucasus and Caucasus into north-western and northern Iran (provinces Azarbaygan-e Garbi, Azarbaygan-e Sharqi, Ardabil, Zanjan, Qazvin, Kordestan, Teheran; eastwards not exceeding the central Alborz). Life history and habitat. Biology and larval stages unknown, according to examined material, Amsel collected this species in oak forest (Quercetum). Univoltine, in Iran from early May to mid-July. In eastern Europe (Croatia) recorded from sea-level, in Turkey and Transcaucasus up to 1400 m (Hausmann 2004). In Iran, the specimens were collected from 1300 m up to 2350 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60438FF9EB09564688206FD71.taxon	description	(Figs 13 – 17, 66 – 2, Map 4)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60438FF9EB09564688206FD71.taxon	description	Previous records from Iran. Iran, Golestan, Astrabad, 5. v. 1869, leg. J. Haberhauer (Lederer 1871); Iran, Mazandaran, Elburs [Alborz] Mts., 3 km E Baladeh, 3034 m, 2. vi. 2007, 36.234022, 51.835222 (Lehmann & Zahiri 2011); Iran, Semnan, Schahkuh; Kendevan, 2600 – 3200 m, 3. vii. 1936; Tarsee [Tar Lake], 2000 – 2800 m, 13. vii. 1936; Damavand, 2000 – 2800 m, 4. – 29. vii. 1936; all leg. L. Schwingenschuss (Schwingenschuss 1939).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60438FF9EB09564688206FD71.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 1 ♂, Iran, Prov. Tehran, Elburz mts., 3 km NNW Shemshak, 2860 mNN, N 36 ° 02 '; E 051 ° 28 ', 24. vii. 2003 (lux), leg. G. Ebert & R. Trusch, g. p. (♂) 651 / 2005 R. Trusch; 2 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Mazandaran [Semnan], Elburz mts., S Shah Kuh-e Pain, 2750 m, N 36 ° 33 '; E 054 ° 26 ', 17. vii. 2003 (lux), leg. G. Ebert & R. Trusch, g. p. (♀) 650 / 2005 R. Trusch; 4 ♂, 4 ♀, Iran, prov. Mazandaran [Semnan], Elburz mts., S Shah Kuh-e Bala, 2400 m, N 36 ° 33 '; E 054 ° 36 ', 19. vii. 2003 (lux), leg. G. Ebert & R. Trusch. g. p. (♂) 591 / 2005 R. Trusch; (♂) 2358 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, id., 20. vii. 2003 (lux), barcode: BC ZSM 33924; 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Esfahan, NE of Naraq, Kuh-e Goran, 2500 m, N 34 ° 05 '; E 050 ° 54 ', 6. vii. 2003 (lux), leg. G. Ebert & R. Trusch; 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Mazandaran, Pass Dibaj / Galugah, 2,450 m, N 36 ° 30.319 '; E 054 ° 09.508 ', 26. vii. 2006, leg. B. Mollet & G. Flutsch, barcode: BC ZSM 33923; 1 ♂, Iran, Elburz mts., N Teheran, Kendevan-Pass, N 36 ° 09 ' 09.0 "; E 51 ° 18 ' 37.7 ", 3010 m, 19. vii. 2006, leg. R. Trusch; 1 ♀, N-Iran, Elburz mts. N Tehran, Dizin vic. - Shemshak, N 36 ° 01 ' 21.6 ", E 51 ° 26 ' 37.7 ", 3250 m, 17. vii. 2006, leg. R. Trusch, g. p. 652 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, N-Iran, Elburs-mts., Prov. Tehran, 15 km E Gatschsar, 2800 m, 7. viii. 1972, leg. G. Ebert; 1 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Kuh-e Karkas (Nordseite), vic. Ferizan, 2450 – 2650 m, 4. vi. 2006, leg. W. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, Iran, N Tehran, Zentr. Elburs, SE Dizin, 3400 – 3650 m, 6. vii. 2010, leg. W. ten Hagen; all in SMNK. 2 ♂, Iran, Shahrud, Shahkouh, Tash, Ayoub Hosseini Region, 2588 m, 36 ° 37 ' 18 " N, 54 ° 33 ' 42.6 " E, 11. vii. 2016, leg. Sh. Feizpour; 3 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Golestan, Shahrud-Golestan road, Shahkouh, 2585 m, 36 ° 38 ' 36 " N, E 54 ° 31 ' 31 ", 16. vii. 2016, leg. Sh. Feizpour; all in SMNS. 1 ♀, Iran, Elburz mts., N Teheran, Kendevan-Pass, Nessa, 2300 m, 25. vi. 2001, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, G. Tremewan; 9 ♂, 14 ♀, Iran, Golestan, Sharud W, Shah-Kuh-Bala, 2580 m, 18. vii. 2003, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, G. Tremewan, g. p. (♂) 2359 / 2020 H. Rajaei, (♀) 2413 / 2021 H. Rajaei, barcode: BC ZSM 33922; 1 ♂, Iran, Mazandaran, östl. Elburs, N Damghan, vic. Kalate (Passhöhe), 2400 m, 17. vi. 2003, leg. W. ten Hagen; all in PCJM. 2 ♂, [Iran] Karaj, Kandavan, Sarchal, 2800 m, 4. – 8. vii. 1977, leg. A. Pazuki & Mortazaviha; 1 ♂, [Iran] Esfahan, Natanz, Abianeh, 2150 m, 6. vi. 1988, leg. Hash [emi] & Badii; 2 ♂, 2 ♀, [Iran] Tehran, Lar Valley, 24. – 25. viii. 1992, leg. E. Ebra [himi] & Badii; all in HMIM.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60438FF9EB09564688206FD71.taxon	description	Taxonomic conclusions on Rhodostrophia terrestraria furialis Brandt, 1941 syn. nov. Specimens (Figs 15 – 17) small in size (26 – 29 mm) with dark gold-orange coloration of forewing with a red-brown postmedial band; hindwings orange with a light postmedial line; tiny dark discal spots visible only on forewings. Because of its size and the orange hue of wing coloration, the specimens superficially resemble species of the genus Lythria Hübner, 1823. Genitalia characters fall into the variation range of Rhodostrophia terrestraria. Examination of male and female genitalia of the type specimens proved the infrasubspecific level of the taxon furialis, previously recognized by barcoding of the single specimen from Sibac (prov. Esfahan, Fereydoun Shar, leg. W. ten Hagen; Fig. 17), the latter perfectly matching the type material of furialis in wing colour and pattern. Even in the original description, Brandt (1941) already stated: “ Steht jedoch der terrestraria Led. nahe, nur bedeutend kleiner und ganz anders gefärbt ” [English translation: „ however, it is close to terrestraria Led., but significantly smaller and completely different in coloration “]. According to our interpretation, furialis should be regarded as a high altitude form of R. terrestraria, and as infrasubspecific. As long as no further material is available, this is the most parsimonious explanation of the fact, that this form was found in both mountain systems Zagros and Binaloud, far from each other.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60438FF9EB09564688206FD71.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 13 – 17, 96) Wingspan 27 – 35 mm. Forewing termen straight. Sexual dimorphic in wing shape and colour (see below). Male forewing dark sand-coloured, postmedial band distally bordered by a lighter fascia and a darker subterminal band. Hindwings paler than forewing, getting darker towards termen; postmedial line hardly visible. Discal spot usually visible on forewing but faint on hindwing. Underside of wings usually uniform light sand-coloured, postmedial band sometimes partially visible from underside. Females with narrower wings, light to dark sand-coloured and sometimes with pink hue on forewing (see Figs 13, 14); females from same populations clearly darker in coloration than males (colour combination of both male and female is unique and cannot be confused with any other Iranian Rhodostrophia). Other subspecies (pellonaria and farsi ssp. nov.) show different geographical and altitudinal distribution patterns (see below) and constant differences in wing colour. Forewing colour of subspecies pellonaria light gold-orange to warm yellow-sandy; hindwings with stronger yellow hue, nearly without any fasciae. The infrasubspecific form furialis is much smaller in size (26 mm) with dark gold-orange colour in forewing and orange hindwings. Subspecies farsi ssp. nov., paler than nominotypical subspecies (see below). Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with four spurs, pseudospur absent. Male genitalia (Fig. 66 – 2) with long uncus, gradually getting narrower towards base (same size as in R. sieversi, not fusiform) (Fig. 3); valva apically bilobed, both lobes strongly spinulose (Fig. 66 – 2 b); sacculus part of valva folded ventrad over the valva. Male sternum A 8 bilobed (octavals shorter than in R. sieversi). Aedeagus strongly curved (nearly 90 °). Female genitalia with a small, spherical and membranous corpus bursae (much smaller than in R. vibicaria, R. auctata and R. sieversi); ductus bursae sclerotized, short, swollen towards ovipositor, anteriorly much narrower than at its posterior part. Posterior apophyses very long, three times as long as anterior apophyses (posterior apophyses in R. terrestraria being the longest among all other Iranian Rhodostrophia). Genetic data. Nominotypical subspecies with BIN BOLD: ACE 9941, including one specimen of the altitudinal form furialis, the latter slightly diverging by 0.9 % (BC ZSM Lep 33934; Fig. 119 & Table 1). Genetic distances of subsp. pellonaria and farsi ssp. nov. 1.6 – 2.6 % (see below). Nearest species in Iran: R. badiaria (4.4 %).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60438FF9EB09564688206FD71.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 4). Irano-Turanian species with at least three subspecies (the third subspecies is described here, see below). Nominotypical subspecies of R. terrestraria with Turanian distribution, from eastern Turkey (Koçak & Kemal 2018) to north-western and northern Iran. Most probably present also in the Transcaucasus, but not yet recorded. Records from Ukraine and Russia uncertain and requiring further studies (Hausmann 2004; Mironov et al. 2008; Beljaev & Mironov 2019). Life history and habitat (Figs 96, 111, 112, 115). Biology and larval stages unknown. Moths attracted to artificial light in mountain steppe, easily flushed up during daytime and hiding in Astragalus shrubs (Fig. 96, pers. observ. in Alborz and Zagros mts.). Univoltine species, the nominotypical subspecies flying from early June to late August in high altitudes (from 2150 m up to 3650 m); all recorded populations of ssp. pellonaria flying in altitudes below 2100 m; the high-mountain form furialis Brandt, 1941 observed at 2450 and 3500 m; subspecies farsi ssp. nov. from 1200 m up to 2900 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043AFF99B0956052841BFA65.taxon	description	(Figs 18 – 20, 66 – 1, 83, 97, Map 4)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043AFF99B0956052841BFA65.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. ♂, Iran, N Kerman, Kuh-e Kuhpayeh, vic. Kuhpayeh, 2600 – 2800 m, 16. v. 2007, leg. W. ten Hagen, barcode: BC ZSM 33944, in SMNK. Paratypes. 5 ♂, 5 ♀, S-Iran, 100 km s. Abadeh, n Didegan, 2000 m, 9. vi. 1969, leg. G. Ebert, g. p. (♂) 590 / 2005 R. Trusch, (♀) 658 / 2005 R. Trusch, (♂) 2360 / 2020 H. Rajaei, barcode: BC ZSM 33932; 1 ♂, S-Iran, [Fars] Strasse Shiraz-Kazerun, Imam Sade, 1200 m, 3. vi. 1969, leg. G. Ebert; 1 ♂, S-Iran, [Fars] Miyan Kotal, 1900 m, östl. Kazerun, 51 ° 40 ' öL. / 29 ° 30 ' nB., 4. – 7. vi. 1969, leg. G. Ebert; 1 ♀, S-Iran, Fars, Kazerun, Miyan Kotal, 1900 m, 11. vi. 1972, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 1 ♂, Iran, Kerman, N Jiroft, Shingara-Pass, 2900 m, 29. v. 2008, leg. W. ten Hagen; 2 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Kerman, 10 km E Baft, 2500 m, 14. v. 2010, leg. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, Iran, Kerman, N Baft, Gardaneh Qaleh Askar, 2850 m, 14. v. 2010, leg. W. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Kerman, Baft-Sirjan, road 2 km after Baft, sandy road, 3 km to North, Ras Kuh village, N 29 ° 17 ’ 27 ’’; E 56 ° 35 ’ 37 ’’, 2543 mNN, 20. – 21. v. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, SMNK, E-Lep. 259; all in SMNK. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, S-Iran, 100 km s. Abadeh, n Didegan, 2000 m, 9. vi. 1969, leg. G. Ebert; 1 ♀, Iran, Isfahan prov. Abade-Semirom road, 30 km before Hanna protected area, 2435 m, N 31 ° 12 ' 22 '', E 051 ° 51 ' 37 '', 09. vi. 2010, leg. H. Rajaei; in SMNS. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Kerman prov., Kerman-Omroide 53.73 km, 2971 m, 29 ° 05 ' 55.5 " N, 57 ° 33 ' 13.9 " E, 28 vi. 2015, leg. Saideh Shahreyary Nejad, in IMCA. 1 ♂, Iran, Kerman, Kerman SSE, Kuh-e Segroch, vic. Sirch, 2500 – 2700 m, 31. v. 2002, leg. J. - U. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies; 2 ♀, Iran, Kerman, Jiroft NW, Gardaneh Sarbishan, Shingara vic., 2700 – 2900 m, 3. / 4. vi. 2002, leg. J. - U. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies, g. p. (♀) 653 / 2005 R. Trusch, barcode: BC ZSM 33931, BC ZSM 33933; all in PCJM. 2 ♂, 3 ♀, [Iran, Kerman], Lalehzar, 6. vi. 1971, Hasch [emi] & Naim; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, [Iran] Fars, Abadeh, Didgan, 2000 m, 20. v. 1974, leg. Abai / Paz [uki]; all in HMIM. Specimen studied total: 19 ♂, 17 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043AFF99B0956052841BFA65.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 18 – 20, 97) Wingspan 32 – 38.5 mm (slightly larger than nominotypical subspecies). With strong sexual dimorphism in wing shape and colour (females with pointed forewing apex). Male forewing light sand-coloured (significantly brighter than in nominotypical subspecies); postmedial band dark brown, distally bordered by a lighter fascia and a darker subterminal band (postmedial band of nominotypical subspecies constantly narrower than in farsi ssp. nov.). Hindwings paler than forewing, getting darker towards termen; postmedial line hardly visible. Discal spot present on forewing, absent from hindwing (usually visible in nominotypical subspecies). Underside of wings usually uniform light sand-coloured, postmedial band sometimes partially visible from underside. Female with narrower wings (but wider than in nominotypical subspecies), light sand-coloured (always paler than in nominotypical subspecies) (see Figs 18 – 20), one specimen from Kerman (Baft) showing a pink hue on forewings; females from the same populations always clearly darker than males. Colour combination of both male and female not allowing confusion with the orange-yellow subspecies pellonaria and the infrasubspecific form furialis (see Figs 18 – 20). Male and female genitalia fall within the variation range of the nominotypical subspecies (Figs 66, 83). Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: AAB 6659. Diverging from nominotypical subspecies of R. terrestraria by 2.6 %.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043AFF99B0956052841BFA65.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 4). The new subspecies occurs in the southern parts of Iran (recorded from Fars and Kerman provinces). Life history and habitat. Biology and larval stages unknown. Recorded from mid-June to mid-July from 1200 m up to 2900 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043AFF99B0956052841BFA65.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name of this species refers to the language of Iranians. Farsi (or Persian) language belongs to the Indo-European language family, which is the official language in Iran, but is also spoken in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, as well an in several other countries in Central Asia and Middle East.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043DFF9BB09561508497FE9D.taxon	description	(Figs 21 – 22, Map 4) Eusarca pellonaria Staudinger, 1885: in Christoph, in Romanoff, Mem. Lepid. 2: 126, pl. 6, figs 6 a, b. (Transcaucasus, Akhal Tekke region). Lectotype ♂, ‘ green dot’ [label], ‘ ♂ Nochur’ [small black bordered label], ‘ Koll. Vel. Knjasja Nikolaja Michailowitscha. ’ [in kyrillic letters], ‘ ex mater. Mus. Acad. Petrop. ’, ‘ Eusarca pellonaria Stgr. ♂ V. Mironov det. ’; Paralectotypes 2 ♀ (one examined) ‘ green dot’ [label], ‘ ♀ Nochur’ [small black bordered label], ‘ Koll. Vel. Knjasja Nikolaja Michailowitscha. ’ [in kyrillic letters], ‘ ex mater. Mus. Acad. Petrop. ’, ‘ Eusarca pellonaria Stgr. ♀ V. Mironov det. ’ in ZIN. Viidalepp (1988: 57) treated this taxon as bona species [year of publication erroneously cited as “ 1855 ”]. However, most other authors (including Viidalepp 1996) regarded this taxon as a subspecies of R. terrestraria (Staudinger (1901: 278); Prout (1913: 37); Viidalepp (1996: 57); Scoble (1999: 824); Hausmann (2004: 381); Scoble & Hausmann (2007 )). Here we confirm its subspecies level, see below. Eusarca dispar Staudinger, 1892: Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift Iris, 5: 205. Syntypes ♂, ♀. [Uzbekistan], Prov. Samarkand. Lectotype ♂ (examined, hereby designated in order to stabilize nomenclature): ‘ Orign. ’, [Prov. Samarkand], ‘ GU: 659 / 2005 R. Trusch’, ‘ Lectotypus ♂, Eusarca dispar Staudinger, 1892, design. Trusch & Hausmann’; Paralectotype ♀ (examined): ‘ Orign. ’, ’ 11, 15 ’, [Prov. Samarkand], ‘ GU: 660 / 2005 R. Trusch’, ‘ Paralectotypus ♀, Eusarca dispar Staudinger, 1892, both in MNHU.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043DFF9BB09561508497FE9D.taxon	discussion	Remark to the synonymy. A great similarity of R. dispar to both ssp. terrestraria and ssp. pellonaria is recognized also by Staudinger (1892: 206) and Christoph (1882: 126). Staudinger (l. c.) stated: „ Eus. dispar hat dieselben spitz zulaufenden Vdfl. wie Eus. terrestraria … noch ähnlicher sehen sie schwach gezeichneten Stücken der Eus. pellonaria Chr. … mit denen sie in der Färbung fast ganz übereinstimmen “ [translation: Eus. dispar has he same apex of the forewing as Eus. terrestraria … even more similar are the specimens of Eus. pellonaria Chr. with weak patterns, their colouration is nearly the same]. And Christoph (l. c.) writes: “ E. Pellonaria Stgr. steht der nordpersischen E. Terrestraria Ld. sehr nahe und sind beide vielleicht nur Localracen einer Art ” [translation: E. Pellonaria Stgr. is close to the northern Persian E. Terrestraria Ld. and probably both are only local races of one species]. This taxon is regarded valid at species level by most authors (Staudinger (1901: 278); Prout (1913: 37); Prout (1935: 23); Viidalepp (1988: 60); Viidalepp (1996: 57); Scoble (1999: 822); Scoble & Hausmann (2007 )), or at subspecies level by Müller et al. (2019: 844). Examination of male and female genitalia as well as distributional data rather support the synonymy of dispar with Rhodostrophia terrestraria pellonaria. Previous records from Iran. Iran, Khorasan-e Shomali, Almeh, 37 ° 22 ’ N, 56 ° 05 ' E, 1700 m, leg. Wieser, C.; Iran, Khorasan-e Shomali, Almeh Tal, 37 ° 21 ' N, 56 ° 10 ’ E, 1400 m, leg. Wieser, C. (recorded as R. terrestraria, Wieser et al. 2002). Additional material examined. 2 ♂, Iran NE, [Khorasan-e Shomali], Kopet Dagh, Prov. Khorasan, ca. 50 km N Bojnurd, S Izmansufla, N 37 ° 44 ' 20 ", E 057 ° 26 ' 53 ", 1240 m, 17. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka, B. Müller, barcode: BC ZSM 33926; 1 ♂, Iran, Khorassan [- e Shomali], Kopet Dagh, Quchan-Dargaz (SW Passhöhe) 55 – 65 km N Quchan, 1900 – 2100 m, 16. vi. 2006, leg. W. ten Hagen, g. p. 2362 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 2 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, Khorassan [- e Shomali], Kuh-e Allahdagh, Bognord [Bojnurd] - Esfarayen (Südseite), 1800 – 2000 m, 16. vi. 2006, leg. W. ten Hagen, barcode: BC ZSM 33927, BC ZSM 33928, BC ZSM 33929; 2 ♀, Iran, Khorasan, Koppe Dag, 1200 m, Robat 25 km W Izman Soflea, 27. v. 2005, J. U. Meineke, W. Kramer; all in SMNK. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Khorassan [- e Shomali], Kuh-e Allahdagh, Bognord [Bujnord [- Esfarayen (Südseite), 1800 – 2000 m, 16. vi. 2006, leg. W. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, Khorasan-e Shomali prov., after Bajgiran, Bardar to Namanlu road, Darreh Hersh, Gharchaghe protected area, 2083 m, N 37 ° 40 ' 23 ", E 058 ° 09 ' 22.6 ", 19.06.2013, leg. H. Rajaei, J. - U. Meineke, B. Hafezi; in SMNS. 1 ♂, Khorassan, Kopedagh-Allahakbar, 1950 m, 16. vi. 1974, leg. Radj. [abi] & Paz. [uki]; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, Khorassan, 30 km S Bojnurd, Assadly, 1970 m, 17. vi. 1977, leg. A. Pazuki & M. Abai, g. p. 594 / 2005 R. Trusch; all in HMIM. 3 ♀, Iran, Prov. Khorassan, Elburs mts., Almeh, 1750 m, 37,34298 ° N, 56,11822 ° E, 17. vi. 2007, leg. N. Pöll, barcode: BC ZSM 33925, in coll. PCNP. 1 ♂, Iran, Khorassan [- e Shomali], Kopet Dagh, Chunli-Pass, Quchan-Dargaz, 6. vi. 2004, leg. W. ten Hagen; in coll. PCJM. Specimen studied total: 9 ♂, 10 ♀. Taxonomic remarks. We validate this taxon at subspecies rank based on i.) the lack of significant diagnostic characters in male and female genitalia, ii.) wings showing constant difference in colour combination comparied with the nominotypical subspecies, iii.) all barcoded specimens of this subspecies are collected in a well-defined, separate distribution area and cluster together genetically, iv.) there is a clear geographic gap between populations of the nominotypical subspecies, ssp. pellonaria and ssp. farsi ssp. nov. (see below).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043DFF9BB09561508497FE9D.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 21 – 22) Wingspan 30 – 35 mm (females smaller than males) (see Figs 21 – 22, comparing with Figs 13 – 20). Sexual dimorphism in wing shape and colour, but female forewing apex less pointed than in nominotypical subspecies. Male with forewing colour light gold-orange to warm yellow-sandy, postmedial fascia faded or completely absent; hindwings with stronger yellow hue, nearly without any fasciae (nominotypical subspecies sandy-coloured, with postmedial band; hindwings paler than forewing, getting darker towards termen, with hardly visible postmedial line). Underside of wings usually uniform yellow-orange (light sandy-coloured in nominotypical subspecies). The ssp. pellonaria resembles to the infrasubspecific altitudinal form furalis which is even more chromatic. Female specimens more yellow than nominotypical subspecies, often with pink fringe (rarely pink in nominotypical subspecies; see the diagnostic parts of the other ssp. and Map 4). Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: ABZ 4552. Diverging from nominotypical subspecies of R. terrestraria by 1.6 %.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043DFF9BB09561508497FE9D.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 4, triangles). Central Asian subspecies of R. terrestraria, distributed from north-eastern Iran (Khorasan-e Shomali, and Khorasan-e Razavi) across Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan and northern Afghanistan. Scoble (1999) erroneously recorded pellonaria for Transcaucasus (Hausmann 2004). Life history and habitat. Readily attracted to light in Artemisia - steppe landscape in north-western Iran (fig. 116). Biology and larval stages unknown. See this section under nominotypical subspecies.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043FFF95B09566CD8456FEC1.taxon	description	(Figs 23 – 24, 67, 84, Map 5)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043FFF95B09566CD8456FEC1.taxon	description	Lectotype ♂ (examined, hereby designated, this male was labelled by Brandt as “ holotype ” but is not mentioned as such in the original description): ‘ S-Iran, Fars, Umgebung von Chiraz, ca. 2000 m. 24. vi. 1937, coll. Brandt’, ‘ Holotype, Rhodostrophia bahara Brdt., Brandt’, ‘ RMS 93 ’, ‘ slide no. RMS 5766 G. Ebert praep. ’ ‘ Lectotype Rhodostrophia bahara design. Rajaei, Hausmann & Trusch’, in coll. NHRS. Paralectotypes (examined): 1 ♂, with paratype label ‘ Rhodostrophia bahara Brdt., Brandt’, ‘ Iran, Fars, Strasse Chiraz-Kazeroun, Fort Sine-Sefid, ca. 2200 m, 1. Mai. 1937, coll. Brandt’, NHRD. LEPI 000010258, g. p. 10943 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, id., 4. v. 1937, NHRD. LEPI 000010259, g. p. 10944 H. Rajaei; in coll. NHRS. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, with paratype label ‘ Rhodostrophia bahara Brdt., Brandt’, ‘ Iran, Fars, Strasse Chiraz-Kazeroun, Fort Sine-Sefid, ca. 2200 m, 4. v. 1937, ’ [leg. F. Brandt] ’, ‘ Paralectotype Rhodostrophia bahara design. Rajaei, Hausmann & Trusch’; both ex coll. Reisser; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, id., both with det. labels ‘ Rhodostrophia bahara Brdt. ’, g. p. 2374 / 2020 H. Rajaei; all ex coll. Brandt; in SMNK. 1 ♂ [SW] Iran, Fars, Umgebung von Chiraz, ca. 1600 m, 24. iv. 1937, leg. F. Brandt, ex coll. Cl. Hörhammer, GU: G 1563, in ZSM. Records in literature. Rhodostrophia bahara: Viidalepp (1996: 57); Scoble (1999: 822); Doğanlar & Hausmann (2003: 317); Scoble & Hausmann (2007); Müller et al. (2019: 844). Previous records from Iran. Iran, Ardabil, Kuhha-ye-Sabalan, S Meshginshar, Ghotour Sui, 3050 – 3100 m, 26. vii. 2007 (Lehmann & Zahiri 2011)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043FFF95B09566CD8456FEC1.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 1 ♂, Iran c., Prov. Esfahan, Kashan-Meymeh, Qorud, N 33 ° 39 ' 04 ", E 051 ° 23 ' 53 ", 2450 m, 11. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka & B. Müller; 10 ♂, id., 12. v. 2005, g. p. (♂) 600 / 2005 R. Trusch, (♀) 595 / 2005, R. Trusch, (♂) 2375 / 2020 H. Rajaei, barcode: BC ZSM 33877, BC ZSM 33878, BC ZSM 33879; 1 ♂, id., 13. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka & B. Müller; 1 ♂, Iran, Hamadan, Avaj (Pass, Südseite), 2100 m, 15. / 16. v. 2002; 1 ♀, Iran, Markazi, E Tafresh, vic. Dashtgerd, 1700 m, 3. v. 2002, leg. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, Iran, Zanjan, NE Takab, 10 km E Takht-e Suleyman, 2300 m, 1. – 2. vi. 2006, leg. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Fars, 40 km W Schiraz, 2. v. 1975, leg. W. Thomas; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Prov. Zanjan, 2350 m, W-Alborz range, Tarom vic., 20 km NE of Zanjan, 13. – 14. vi. 2005, leg. Gyulai & Garai, g. p. 641 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, NW-Iran, 15 km westl. Rezaiyeh [Urmia], 1400 m, Artemisia-Steppe, 11. vi. 1975, leg. Amsel, g. p. 2376 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 3 ♀, N-Iran, Elburs mts., Prov. Teheran, Arangeh, 25 km N Karaj, 1550 m, 1. – 6. vi. 1972, g. p. (♀) 666 / 2005 R. Trusch; all leg. Ebert & Falkner; 1 ♂, Turkey, BItlis, Kuskunkiran geo., 3. viii. 1982, leg. W Thomas, g. p. 580 / 2005 R. Trusch; all in SMNK. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran c., Prov. Esfahan, Kashan-Meymeh, Qorud, N 33 ° 39 ' 04 ", E 051 ° 23 ' 53 ", 2450 m, 11. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka & B. Müller; in SMNS. 1 ♂, Iran, Esfahan, 35 km N Borujen, 2300 m, 11. / 12. v. 2002, leg. ten Hagen, in PCJM. 1 ♂, Iran c., Prov. Esfahan, Kashan-Meymeh, Qorud, N 33 ° 39 ’ 04 ’’, E 051 ° 23 ’ 53 ’’, 2450 m, 12. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka & B. Müller in PCJG. 1 ♂, Ghom, 8 km S Fordu / Wesb, 7. – 8. vi. 1984, leg. Paz [uki] & Hash [emi], in HMIM. Specimen studied total: 26 ♂, 11 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043FFF95B09566CD8456FEC1.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 23 – 24) Wingspan 28 – 37.5 mm. Wings and body concolorous with yellow-grey to sand-white colour, sprinkled with dark brown scales (wings in R. tumulosa are less sprinkled with dark scales and look slightly lighter). Forewing with antemedial, postmedial and subterminal lines dark brown; hindwing with postmedial and subterminal lines dark brown; all lines are thin, uneven and broken. Discal spot as a dominant dark brown dot or streak on forewing, as tiny dot on hindwing. Underside of the wings lighter than upperside, glossy; subterminal line on both fore- and hindwing visible. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with four spurs. This species may be confused with some Iranian species of the badiaria species-group (especially R. iranica and R. tumulosa). Examination of genitalia enables a confident determination in any case, but also the consideration of the geographic distribution as mapped here. Male genitalia (Fig. 67) with a long rod-shaped uncus, gradually getting narrower towards base (similar to, but slightly shorter than uncus in R. iranica) (cf. Fig. 67 – 68), gnathos long, dagger-shaped, curved; valva apically bilobed, not spinulose; sacculus at tip characteristically curved to ventral side, and basally bulbed (see arrow on Fig. 67 a), in contrast to all other Iranian species in the badiaria species-group. Aedeagus slightly S-shaped, with two characteristic horn-shaped projections on its apex (diagnostic to separate R. bahara from R. badiaria and all Rhostrophia species in Iran). Male’s sternite A 8 bilobed (octavals very short). Female genitalia (Fig. 84) with a membranous, small, oval corpus bursae with a pair of band-shaped signa on its posterior part. Ductus bursae characteristically swollen and short (all other species in the badiaria species-group have a long and narrow ductus bursae), strongly sclerotized, antrum wide and funnel-shaped (Fig. 84 b). Posterior apophyses twice length of anterior apophyses. Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: ABY 4272. Nearest species: R. badiaria (2.3 %), R. iranica (2.8 %), R. tumulosa (2.2 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6043FFF95B09566CD8456FEC1.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 5). This species is mainly distributed in Iran (from the Iranian Azerbaijan provinces across the whole Zagros massive to the mountains north of Shiraz). The southernmost localities are “ Chiraz ” [Shiraz] and “ Fort Sine-Sefid ”, where it was already known from the original description (Brandt 1938). Outside of Iran it is known from Azerbaijan (Viidalepp, 1996), Turkey and Syria (Doğanlar & Hausmann 2003). Most probably it occurs also in Armenia, but this is not reported so far. Life history and habitat (Fig. 113). Biology and larval stages are unknown The species was found at altitudes from 1400 m up to near 2500 m. It develops one generation per year. According to Brandt (1938) R. bahara was found in the southern Zagros Mts. (Shiraz region) from late April until early May. According to the material studied here, the species was observed in Iran from mid-April to mid-June. The duration of the total flight period at one place in one year is unknown. The record at the lowest altitude mentioned here are from 11. vi. (1975, leg. Amsel) but moths were also found remarkably late in the year at such low elevation (1550 m): 1. – 6. vi. (1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner). This is probably caused by varying weather conditions in different years. Its typical habitat is an Artemisia - steppe with shrubs of Artemisia cf. herba-alba (Asteraceae) (see Fig. 113).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60431FF94B09566E9818DFEC1.taxon	description	(Figs 25 – 28, 68, 85, Map 6)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60431FF94B09566E9818DFEC1.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 2 ♂, N-Iran, Elburs-Mts., Prov. Tehran, 15 km E Gatschsar, 2800 m, 17. viii. 1972, leg. Ebert, g. p. 585 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♀, Iran, Prov. Tehran, Elburz mts., 3 km NNW Shemshak, 2860 m, N 36 ° 02 '; E 51 ° 28 ', 24. vii. 2003, leg Ebert & Trusch, g. p. 646 / 2005 R. Trusch, barcode: BC ZSM 33882; 1 ♂, Iran, Elburs, vic. Shemshak, ca. 3000 m, 12. – 13. viii. 1977, leg. W. Thomas; 1 ♂, 3 ♀, N-Iran, Elburz mts. N Teheran Dizin vic. - Shemshak, N 36 ° 01 ' 21.6 '', E 51 ° 25 ' 37.7 '' 3250 m, 17. vii. 2006, leg. R. Trusch, g. p. (♀) 2373 / 2020 H. Rajaei, barcode: BC ZSM 33881; 7 ♂, 1 ♀, id., N 36 ° 01 ' 27.1 '', E 51 ° 25 ' 35.3 '', 3380 m, 18. vii. 2006, LF., leg. R. Trusch, g. p. (1 ♂) 644 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, id., N 36 ° 00 ' 50.2 '', E 51 ° 25 ' 13.1 '' 3730 m, 20. vii. 2006, leg. R. Trusch, g. p. (1 ♂) 635 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♀, Iran, Qazvin, ca. 30 km NE Qazvin, Gardaneh-je Alamout (Nordseite), 2200 m, 25.5.2012, leg. Wolfgang, Martina, Anja ten Hagen; all in SMNK. 1 ♂, N-Iran, Elburz mts. N Teheran Dizin vic. - Shemshak, N 36 ° 01 ' 21.6 '', E 51 ° 25 ' 37.7 '' 3250 m, 18. vii. 2006, leg. R. Trusch; 1 ♀, id. 20. vii. 2006; in SMNS. 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Zanjan, 2350 m, W-Alborz range, Tarom vic., 20 km NE of Zanjan, 13. – 14.06.2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, g. p. 694 / 2005 R. Trusch, barcode: BC ZSM 33880; 4 ♂, 1 ♀, Persia sept. Elburs mts. c. s., Tacht i Suleiman, Särdab-Tal (Vandarban), 25 – 2700 m, 14. – 18. vii. [19] 37; leg. E. Pfeiffer & W. Forster, g. p. (1 ♀) ZSM G- 12536; in coll. ZSM. Specimen studied total: 20 ♂, 10 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60431FF94B09566E9818DFEC1.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 25 – 28). Wingspan 29 – 36 mm. Wings and body concolorous with yellow-grey to sand-white colour. Forewing with antemedial, postmedial and subterminal lines dark brown; hindwing with postmedial and subterminal lines dark brown; all lines are thin, uneven and broken (the pattern is very similar to that of R. bahara). Discal spot very small on forewing, hardly visible on hindwing (in contrast to R. bahara with large and dominant dark brown dot or streak on forewings and tiny dot on hindwing). Underside of wings lighter than upperside, glossy; subterminal line on both fore- and hindwing visible. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with four spurs. This species may be confused with some other Iranian species of the badiaria species-group, especially with R. bahara and R. tumulosa. Examination of genitalia enables a confident determination in any case, but also the consideration of the restricted occurrence only in the high elevations in the Alborz mountain range. Male genitalia (Fig. 68) with baseball-bat-shaped uncus, gradually getting narrower towards base (similar to, but slightly longer than the uncus in R. bahara) (Figs 3, 67 – 68); valva apically with a large lobe, characteristically undulated, not spinulose (diagnostic character from all other species of badiaria species-group); sacculus largely elongated and apically curved dorsad over the valva (sacculus characteristically bulbed at base in R. bahara, compare Figs 67 a and 68 a). Aedeagus medially curved, getting narrow towards apex. Male sternite A 8 slightly notched at its dorsal part. Female genitalia (Fig. 85) with a membranous, small, oval corpus bursae with a pair of triangular signa on its posterior part; ductus bursae as long as corpus bursae. Posterior apophyses four times length of anterior apophyses. Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: ACE 9877. Nearest species: R. badiaria (2.3 %), R. bahara (2.8 %), R. tumulosa (1.7 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60431FF94B09566E9818DFEC1.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 6). This is an endemic species distributed only at high altitudes of the western and central Alborz Mountains. Life history and habitat (Fig. 114). Biology and larval stages are unknown. The species seems to be univoltine, recorded from late May to mid-August. According to examined material here, it flies at high altitudes from 2500 m up to 3100 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60430FF91B095624D80F1FEC1.taxon	description	(Figs 29 – 30, 69, 86, 98, Map 7)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60430FF91B095624D80F1FEC1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. We examined a specimen labeled as paratype of “ tumulosa imbecilla ” Prout, deposited in NHRS, however its seems that this subspecies was never described. It is neither mentioned in the global catalogues (Scoble 1999; Scoble & Hausmann 2007). Previous record from Iran. Iran, Fars, Srasse Ardakan-Talochosroe [Tale-Khosrow], Comeé [Komehr] (Barmi- Firus), 2600 m, 30. vii. 1937 (Brandt, 1939) Additional material examined. 7 ♂, 6 ♀, [Iran] Khousestan [Kohgiluyeh und Boyer Ahmad], 15 km SE Yassoudj, 2050 m, 15. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Pazouki; 1 ♀, id., leg. Ebert & Pazouki; 3 ♂, 2 ♀, S-Iran, Khousestan [Kohgiluyeh und Boyer Ahmad], Yassudj, Sisakht, 2250 m, 13. / 14. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner; 5 ♂, 3 ♀, Iran, Prov. Esfahan, Zagros mts., Feridun Shar, Kamaran val., 2770 m, N 32 ° 45 '; E 49 ° 59 ', 11. vii. 2003; 1 ♀, id., 12. vii. 2003, leg. Ebert & Trusch; 2 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, Prov. Chahar Mahal, Zagros mts. NW Samsami, 2800 m, N 32 ° 09 ', E 50 ° 11 ', 13. vii. 2003, leg. Ebert & Trusch, g. p. (1 ♀) 643 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♀, Iran, Zangan / Kordestan, NE Takab, Takht-e Suleyman, Kuh-e Baradar-e Shah, 2800 – 3000 m, 22. vii. 2005, leg. W. ten Hagen; 1 ♂, Iran, prov. Hamadan, 5 km SW of Avadj pass to Razan, 2500 m, 12. – 02. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai; 1 ♂, W-Iran, Lorestan, Dorud, Pass S Darrya-che Gahar, " Partsche Kabud ", 2800 m, 1. – 3. viii. 1975, leg. Ebert & Falkner; 1 ♂, Iran, Esfahan, Esfahan- Daran, Ashan vic., 2490 – 2500 m, 25. vi. 2005, leg. Hofmann; 4 ♂, 6 ♀, Iran, Prov. Boyer Ahmad-va-Kohgiluyeh, SE-Zagros, Kuh-e Dena, 2450 m, 5 km SW of Sisakht, 4. – 5. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, g. p. (1 ♂) 647, (1 ♀), 648 / 2005 R. Trusch; 4 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Prov. Esfahan, 5 km N Semirom, road Ghare-Gach, N 31 ° 29 ' 30 ", E 51 ° 36 ' 12 ", Alt., 2614 mNN, 25. v. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, g. p. 2367 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 13 ♂, 8 ♀, Iran, Prov. Esfahan, C-Zagros, 2600 m, 2 km NE of Semirom, 3. – 4. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, g. p. (1 ♂) 649 / 2005 Trsuch, barcode: BC ZSM 33886; 2 ♂, Iran, Chahar-Mahal-e Bakhtiyari [Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari], SW Gandoman, Vastegan, Küh-e Karun, 2500 – 2700 m, 25. v. 2008, leg. Ten Hagen, g. p. 2402 / 2021 H. Rajaei; 4 ♀, Iran, prov. Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Shahr-e Kord vic. Sibak, 2600 m, 19. – 20.6.2009, leg. A. Hofmann, J. U. Meineke & H. Rajaei; 26 ♂, 18 ♀, Iran, prov. Esfahan, S Fereydunshar-Sibak, 2 km to Sibak, N 32 ° 54 ’ 07 ’’; E 50 ° 04 ’ 48 ’’, 2622 mNN, 19. – 20.6.2009, leg. H. Rajaei, J. U. Meineke & A. Hofmann, SMNK, E-Lep. 259; 1 ♂, Iran, prov. Kerman, Baft-Sirjan, road 2 km after Baft, sandy road, 3 km to North, Ras Kuh village, N 29 ° 17 ’ 27 ’’; E 56 ° 35 ’ 37 ’’, 2543 mNN, 20. – 21. v. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, SMNK, E-Lep. 259 [this record is underquestion, see distribution section of this species below]; 2 ♀, Iran, prov. Fars, Estahban-Sarwestan road, 22 km before Sarwestan, after Ab-Asemani village, N 29 ° 05 ' 51 " E 53 ° 26 ' 12 ", 1890 mNN, 22. v. 2009, log. Hossein Rajaei, SMNK, E-Lep 259; 7 ♂, 13 ♀, Iran, prov. Fars, Shiraz-Kazerun road, 5 km before Dasht-e Arjan, N 29 ° 40 ’ 34 ’’; E 52 ° 02 ’ 18 ’’, 2158 mNN, 23. v. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, g. p. (♂) 2366 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 2 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, Fars, Eqlid SSE, Kuh-e Bol, Dame Absad, 2700 – 3000 m, 7.6.2005 [31 / 05], leg. A. Hofmann & J. U. Meineke; 2 ♂, 5 ♀, S-Iran, Fars, 50 km NW Ardekan, Tange Surkh, 2250 m, 16. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (1 ♂) 582 / 2005 R. Trusch; 4 ♂, 3 ♀, [Iran] Fars 50 km NW Ardekan, Tange-Surkh, 2250 m, 15 – 18. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (1 ♂) 639, (1 ♀) 642 / 2005 R. Trusch; 3 ♂, 3 ♀, id., 12. – 15. vi. 1975; all in SMNK. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, id. (as latter); 1 ♀, Iran, Zanjan prov., E Zanjan, road to Gilvan, alt. 1889 m, N 36 ° 45 ' 21.8 ", E 48 ° 49 ' 20.7 ", 6. vii. 2013, leg. H. Rajaei, J. - U. Meineke, B. Hafezi; all in SMNS. 1 ♀, [Iran] Fars 50 km NW Ardekan, Tange- Surkh, 2250 m, 16. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Pazouki, g. p. 638 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♀ [Iran] Fars, Sepidan, Sheshpir, 2200 m, 25. – 26. v. 1995, Hash [emi] / Saf [avi] / Badii; 1 ♂, [Iran] Khousestan [Kohgiluyeh und Boyer Ahmad], 15 km SE Yassoudj, 2050 m, 15. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Pazouki; 1 ♂, [Iran] Fars, Mamasani-Chahgah, 19. – 29. v. 1976, leg. Abai; 1 ♂, [Iran] Fars, Mamasani-Chahtut, 20. – 29. v. 1976, leg. Abai; 1 ♂, [Iran] Fars, Schiraz, Khanezenian, 18.5.1974, 2000 m, [leg.] Abai-Pazouki; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, [Iran] Khansar, Golestan-Kuh, 2700 m, 3. / 4. 7. 1983, leg. Mirz [ayans] & Brum. [and]; 1 ♂, [Iran] Natanz, 4. vi. 1970, leg. Mirz [ayans]; 1 ♂, [Iran] Ghom, 8 km S Fordu / Wesb, 7. – 8. vi. 1984, leg. Paz [uki] & Hash [emi]; all in HMIM. 2 ♀, Iran, Boyer Ahmad-va-Kohgiluyeh, Yasudj E, Kakan-Baba Hassan, 2600 – 2800 m, 8. vi. 2002, leg. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies et al.; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Fereidun Shahr S, Gardaneh-ye Kameran, 2900 – 3200 m, 16. / 17. vi. 2002, leg. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies et al.; 1 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Fereidun Shahr S, Kameran vic., 2700 – 300 m, 10. / 11. vii. 2003, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke & G. Tremewan; 1 ♂, Iran, Esfahan, Chonsar, 10 km SE, 2600 m, 16. vi. 2002; leg. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies et al.; 3 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, Chaharmahal-va- Bakhtiyari, Zarde-Kuh, Samsami vic. Gardaneh-ye Cheri, 2800 – 3100 m, 8. / 9. vii. 2003; 2 ♀, Iran, Chaharmahal-va-Bakhtiyari, zw. Surab u. Qual-e Sorkh, 2800 m, 20. vi. 2001; leg. Hofmann, Meineke & Tremewan; 6 ♂, 3 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Semirom W, Pashme-Kuh, 2800 m, 31.5. – 2. vi. 2004, leg. Meineke et al., g. p. (1 ♂) 636 / 2005 R. Trusch, (1 ♀) 637 / 2005 R. Trusch; 4 ♂, 4 ♀, id., 2. – 3. vi. 2005, leg. Hofmann & Meineke ,, g. p. (1 ♂) 2368 / 2020 H. Rajaei, barcode: BC ZSM 33884, BC ZSM 33885; 1 ♀ Iran, Zanjan, Zanjan-Gilvan, Gargovol Dag, 2500 m, 26. / 27. vi. 2001; all leg. Hofmann, Meineke & Tremewan, g. p. 645 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♀ Fars, Eqlid, Gardaneh Timurgun, 2700 – 2900 m, 31. v. 2004, leg. Meineke et al., g. p. 667 / 2005 R. Trusch; 3 ♂, 4 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Semirom vic., Pashme Kuh, 2800 m, 11. – 12. vi. 2002, leg. Meineke, Hofmann & Kallies, g. p. (1 ♂) 611, (1 ♀) 632 / 2005 R. Trusch; 8 ♂, 8 ♀, Iran, Markazi, E Tafresh, vic. Dastgerd, 2300 – 2500 m, leg. J. - U. Meineke, g. p. (1 ♂) 2369 / 2020 H. Rajaei, barcode: BC ZSM 33883; all in PCJM. 5 ♂, 4 ♀, Iran, Fars, Dasht-e Arzan, 29 ° 35 ' N, 51 ° 56 ' E, 1950 m, 27. – 28. v. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; 4 ♀, id., 5. – 6. vi. 1997; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Strasse Kashan- Meimeh, 1 km W Ghorud, 2450 m, 33 ° 38 ' N, 51 ° 24 ' E, 24. v. 1997; leg. Hofmann & Kautt; all in PCNP. Specimen studied total: 128 ♂, 125 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60430FF91B095624D80F1FEC1.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 29 – 30). Wingspan 31 – 36 mm. In external appearance very similar to both preceding species (R. bahara and R. iranica), but with clearly lighter ground colour. Additionally, the apex of the forewing is characteristically pointed (in contrast to the two aforementioned species). Wings and body concolorous whitish with light sand-white tinge. Markings very similar to those of R. bahara and R. iranica: forewing with antemedial, postmedial and subterminal lines brown; hindwing with postmedial and subterminal lines brown; all lines are thin, uneven. Discal spot very small on both fore- and hindwings. Underside of wings lighter than upperside, glossy; subterminal line on both fore- and hindwing visible. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with four spurs. This species may be confused with the other Iranian species of the badiaria speciesgroup, especially with R. bahara and R. iranica. The examination of the genitalia enables a confident determination in any case. Male genitalia (Fig. 69) with baseball-bat-shaped uncus, apex large, gradually getting narrower towards base (apical part of uncus clearly larger and wider than in all other species of the badiaria species-group, except R. lenis, cf. Fig. 3); valva apically bilobed, not spinulose (see Fig. 69 d, diagnostic character from R. iranica, the latter with an undulated apical part of the valva); sacculus tongue-shaped and curved interiorly (Fig. 69 a). Juxta mushroomshaped. Aedeagus very long and thin (the longest aedeagus compared with all species of the badiaria species-group in Iran), medially curved, apically with a stout spine. Male sternite A 8 slightly bilobed (Fig. 69 c). Female genitalia (Fig. 86) with a membranous, oval corpus bursae, signa developed as a pair of triangular plates on the anterior part of corpus bursae (Fig. 86 b). Ductus bursae longer than corpus bursae, strongly sclerotized; sternite A 7 laterally bowl-shaped, swollen (Fig. 86 a). Posterior apophyses three times length of anterior apophyses. Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: AAC 9458. Nearest species: R. badiaria (1.4 %), R. iranica (1.7 %), R. bahara (2.2 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1). Genetic distances in this species-group are small but constant, nevertheless the morphological analysis clearly supports species status (see above).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60430FF91B095624D80F1FEC1.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 7). Most probably, this is an endemic species in Iran, distributed at high altitudes in the Zagros mountains (from north-western to south-western Zagros), the single specimen from Ras-Kuh (prov. Kerman) is under question and the occurrence needs to be confirmed by further samplings. Life history and habitat. Biology and larval stages are unknown. The species seems to be univoltine, recorded from mid-May to late July. According to the examined material here, it flies at high altitudes from 2000 m up to 3100 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60435FF90B09566E9843CFF55.taxon	description	(Figs 31 – 34, 70, 87, 99, Map 8)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60435FF90B09566E9843CFF55.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype ♂: ‘ S-Iran, Fars, Kaserun, Mian-Kotal, 1900 m, 11. vi. 1972, Ebert & Falkner leg. ’, ‘ Holotypus ♂, Rhodostrophia tabestana det. Trusch & Hausmann 2007 ’ in SMNK. Paratypes, 55 ♂, 26 ♀ from different localities in the provinces: Fars, Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh-va Boyer-Ahmad, Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiari, Esfahan and Lorestan deposited in SMNK, HMIM, ZSM, PCJM and PCNP (all examined) (for details see Map 8 and Trusch & Hausmann 2007). Additional material examined. 1 ♂, Iran, prov. Kohkiluyeh-va-Boyerahmad, 30 km S Yassuj, road Abshare- Tange-Tamoradj, 8 km before Abshar, N 30 ° 31 ' 53 "; E 51 ° 25 ' 11 ", 2254 mNN, 24. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei; 13 ♀, Iran, prov. Lorestan, Noorabad-Nahawand road, 25 km to Nahawand, Gardane-Garrin, 2135 mNN, N 34 ° 02 ' 48 "; E 48 ° 20 ' 31 ", leg. H. Rajaei, J. - U. Meineke & A. Hofmann; 2 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Yasuj E, Kuh e Dena, Nurabad N, 2450 m, 8. vi. 2005, leg. A. Hofmann & J. U. Meineke, barcodes: BC ZSM 33873; 1 ♂, 3 ♀, Iran, Lorestan, Kuh- e Garin, Gard [aneh] - ye Gema Siab O, 2200 m, 25.6.2009, A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, H. Rayaj [Rajaei]; all in SMNK. 2 ♀, Iran, prov. Lorestan, Noorabad-Nahawand road, 25 km to Nahawand, Gardane-Garrin, 2135 mNN, N 34 ° 02 ' 48 "; E 48 ° 20 ' 31 ", leg. H. Rajaei, J. - U. Meineke & A. Hofmann; in SMNS. 2 ♂, 1 ♀, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Hiregan bei Kuhrang, N 32 ° 21 ', E 50 ° 27 ', 2300 m, 5. vi. 2005, in PCJG. Specimens studied total: 61 ♂, 47 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60435FF90B09566E9843CFF55.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 31 – 34). Wingspan 26 – 29 mm (on average, females are slightly larger than males). Wings pale ochre with dark brown suffusion, with very low colour variation. Forewing with brown antemedial, medial and postmedial lines; hindwing with medial and postmedial lines concolorous to those of forewing. The presence of a medial line crossing over the discal spot is characteristic in this species and can be used as a good diagnostic character. Discal spot dark brownish, conspicuous on forewing, tiny on hindwing. Underside of wings concolorous to that of upperside, only postmedial lines visible on both fore- and hindwings. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated (medially keeled). Male hindtibia with four spurs. Based on wing pattern, this species can be diagnosed from other Iranian Rhodostrophia, however dissection of male genitalia is recommended for gaining a better reliability of identification. Male genitalia (Fig. 70) with long uncus, apically heart-shape, width of apex more than twice that of base; valva broad, apically slightly spinulose; costa broadly convex (diagnostic character for R. tabestana discriminating it from all other Iranian Rhodostrophia species) (Fig. 3); sacculus slightly curved interiorly. Juxta wide, elongated dorso-ventrally. Aedeagus subapically curved; vesica membranous, without cornuti. Male sternite A 8 bilobed, with small octavals. Female genitalia (Fig. 87) with a membranous, spherical corpus bursae. Signum developed as a characteristically paired triangular sclerite, medially less sclerotized, at the anterior part of corpus bursae (Fig. 86 b). Ductus bursae with sclerotized posterior part connected to the funnel-shaped antrum. Posterior apophyses twice length of anterior apophyses.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60435FF90B09566E9843CFF55.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Trusch & Hausmann (2007) illustrated the female genitalia of Rhodostrophia vastaria (Christoph, 1877), and tentatively regarded it as sister species of R. tabestana. Rhodostrophia vastaria is known only from Turkmenistan and south-western Kazakhstan (Hausmann, 2004) and not yet recorded from Iran. Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: AAD 1541. Genetically heterogeneous, within the same BIN diverging into two clusters at a distance of 1.2 % from each other. Nearest species: R. skulei (5.6 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60435FF90B09566E9843CFF55.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 8). Up to now the species has been recorded only in south-western Iran and seems to be an endemic species of the Zagros Mountains. Life history and habitat (Fig. 115). Biology and larval stages are unknown. The species seems to be univoltine, recorded from early June to late July, flying at altitudes from 1900 m up to 2900 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60434FF93B09563AE8265F8F9.taxon	description	(Figs 35 – 37, 71, 88, Map 9) Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltshire, 1966: Zeitschrift der Wiener Entomologischen Gesellschaft, 51 (9 – 11): 134. (Afghanistan, Khurd-Kabul SO, v. Kabul, 1900 m), Holotype ♂ (examined), ‘ Afgh [anistan], Khurd-Kabul SO, v. Kabul, 1900 m, 18. VI. 1965, Kasy & Vartian’, ‘ Mus. Vind. Gen. Präp. 15.941 ♂ ’, ‘ Preparation WW. 195 ’, ‘ Rhodostrophia lenis Wilts. ♂, Holotypus’. Paratypes (6 ♂, 1 ♀ examined): 1 ♀, ‘ Afgh [anistan], Khurd-Kabul SO, v. Kabul, 1900 m, 18. VI. 1965, Kasy & Vartian’, ‘ Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltsh. ♀, Allotypus’, ‘ Paratype, Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltshire, det. H. R., 2009 ’, ‘ prep. 1532 / 2011 H. R. ’; 4 ♂, same locality, ‘ Paratypoid Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltshire 1967 [1966] ’, ‘ Paratype Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltshire, det. H. R., 2009 ’; 1 ♂, same locality, ‘ Paratypoid, Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltshire, 1967 [1966] ’, ‘ Paratype Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltshire, det. H. R., 2009 ’, ‘ prep. 1534 / 2011 H. R. ’; 1 ♂, ‘ 40 km SW, v. Kabul 2300 m, Afghan [istan], 17.6.1965, Kasy & Vartian’, ‘ Paratypoid Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltshire, 1967 [1966] ’, ‘ Paratype Rhodostrophia lenis Wiltshire det. H. R., 2009 ’; all in NHMW. Records in literature. Rhodostrophia lenis: Scoble (1999: 823); Scoble & Hausmann (2007). Previous records from Iran. Iran-Khorasan National Park Golestan-Almeh Tal, 1541 m, 23. – 24.5.2001; Iran, Khorasan, Kuh-e Sorkh, Pass NE Rivash, [N Kashmar 58 ° 27 ' E, 35 ° 28 ' N] 2100 m, 19. V. 2007; Iran, Khorasan, Kopet Dagh, Quchan-Dargaz (SW Passhöhe), 55 – 56 km N Quchan, 1900 – 2100 m, 15. VI. 2006; Iran, Khorassan, Kopedagh-Allahakbar, 1950 m, 16.6.1974 (all reported by Rajaei & Trusch 2011).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60434FF93B09563AE8265F8F9.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 2 ♀, Iran, Khorasan-e Razavi, Mashhad, Binaloud [Mt.], 1679 m, 36 ° 13 ' 12,3 " N, 59 ° 20 ' 50.2 " E, 18.05.2016, leg. Sh. Feizpur, g. p. 2364 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran, Khorasan-e Shomali prov., Gifan to Izman road, between Ghale Mohammadi and Izman-e Sufla, Alt. 1823 m, N 37 ° 51 ' 31.9 '', E 057 ° 32 ' 27.2 '', 20. vi. 2013, leg. H. Rajaei, J. - U. Meineke, B. Hafezi; 1 ♂, Iran, prov. Khorasan-e Shomali, N Qochan, Emam Gholi to Kabkan road, After Agh-Mazar, Allah-o Akbar Mt., Alt. 1763 m, N 37 ° 19 ' 27.2 '', E 058 ° 43 ' 26.1 '', 18. vi. 2013, leg. H. Rajaei, J. - U. Meineke, B. Hafezi; all in SMNS. Specimens studied total: 8 ♂, 4 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60434FF93B09563AE8265F8F9.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 35 – 37). Wingspan 26 – 30 mm. Forewing triangular, apex pointed, termen straight. Wings in both sexes uniformly brown-ochre, getting darker towards the apex of the forewing and the termen in both wings. Discal spots hardly visible. The underside is slightly brighter than the upperside. The species cannot be confused with any other Iranian Rhodostrophia species. Externally, it resembles to some Lithostege species in Iran and R. vartianae Wiltshire, 1966, known from Afghanistan (see Rajaei & Trusch 2011 for more details). Male genitalia (Fig. 71) with elongated uncus, apically clubbed, cleft at tip (Fig. 3). Valva broad, subapical part and sacculus curved interiorly; apex not spinulose (Fig. 71 a). Juxta wide, rhomboid. Aedeagus medially curved; vesica membranous. Male sternite A 8 slightly notched, but octavals not developed. Female genitalia (Fig. 88) with an oval corpus bursae, completely membranous, without signa; ductus bursae tubular and broad, roughly of same size as corpus bursae, strongly sclerotized. Posterior apophyses twice length of anterior apophyses. Genetic data. No data available yet.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60434FF93B09563AE8265F8F9.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 9). Up to now the species is recorded only from Afghanistan (south-east of Kabul) and Iran (Golestan National Park and northern Khorassan, Kopet-Dagh Mts.). Life history and habitat (Fig 116). Biology and larval stages are unknown. Most probably, this species is diurnal (Rajaei & Trusch 2011) and seems to be univoltine, recorded from mid-May to mid-June. According to the material examined here, it flies at altitudes from 1500 m up to 2300 m. The species is sympatric with R. abscisaria, flying in the same habitats (see Fig. 116).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60436FFACB09567A484B7FE51.taxon	description	(Figs 38 – 43, 72, 89, 100 – 101, Map 10)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60436FFACB09567A484B7FE51.taxon	discussion	Remarks on the synonymy. The populations from Takhte-Malek (south-easternmost Iran) have been introduced as separate subspecies fuscata, because of their darker ground colour of wings. Exactly the same darker coloration occurs also in the populations of Kerman, Fars, Esfahan and other areas. Examination of many different populations analyzing external characters, male and female genitalia, as well as distributional data confirms the synonymy of subsp. fuscata with Rhodostrophia nesam. Records in literature. Rhodostrophia nesam: Scoble (1999: 823); Scoble & Hausmann (2007).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60436FFACB09567A484B7FE51.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 13 ♂, 14 ♀, S-Iran, Khusestan [today in prov. Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad], Yassudj, Sisakht, 2250 m, 13. / 14. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (♀) 675, (♂) 578, 676 / 2005 R. Trusch, (♀) 2365 / 2020 H. Rajaei, barcode: BC ZSM Lep 33911; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, [Iran] Khusestan [today in prov. Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad], 15 km SE Yassudj, Sisakht, 2050 m, 15. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Pazuki; 10 ♀, S-Iran, Khousestan [today in prov. Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad], Yasudj, Sisakht, 50 km NW, 15. – 18. vi. 1975, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (♀) 673, 687 / 2005 R. Trusch; 2 ♂, 1 ♀, S-Iran, Fars, Kaserun, Mian-Kotal, 1900 m, 11. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (♂) 613 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 4 ♀, i. d., leg. Ebert & Pazouki; 3 ♀, S-Iran, Fars, Miyan-Kotal, östl. Kaserun 1900 m, 51 ° 40 ’ ö. L. / 29 ° 30 ’ n. Br. 4. – 7. vi. 1969, leg. G. Ebert; 2 ♂, 7 ♀, Iran, prov. Fars, Shiraz-Kazerun road, 5 km before Dasht Arjan, N 29 ° 40 ' 34 "; E 52 ° 02 ' 18 ", 2158 mNN, 23. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei, SMNK E-Lep. 259; 2 ♂, 1 ♀; Iran, prov. Fars, Sarwestan road, 22 km before Sarwestan, after Ab-Asemani village, N 29 ° 05 ’ 51 ’’; E 53 ° 26 ’ 12 ’’, 1890 mNN, 22. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei, SMNK E-Lep. 259; 2 ♀, Iran, Chaharmahalva- Bakhtiyari, Borujen S, Dorahun 6 km S, 1850 – 2100 m, 1. vi. 2005, [26 / 05], leg. A. Hofmann & J. - U. Meineke; 3 ♀, Iran, [prov.] Kerman, Rayen SW, Kuh-e Hesar, Abshar, 2700 – 333 m, 24. – 2.5.2004, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, G. Tremewan; 5 ♀, Iran, Kerman, Ostor E, Hushin vic., 2250 m, 12. v. 2005, LF., [3 / 05], leg. A. Hofmann, barcode: BC ZSM Lep 33916, 33917; 45 ♂, 36 ♀, Iran, prov. Kerman, Baft-Sirjan, road 2 km after Baft, sandy road, 3 km to North, Ras Kuh village, N 29 ° 17 ' 27 "; E 56 ° 35 ' 37 ", 2543 mNN, 20. – 21. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei, g. p. 2379 / 2020, (♂) 2380 H. Rajaei; 2 ♀, Iran, prov. Kerman, 5 km to Dehbakri from Bamm, near Kuh-e Shir, N 29 ° 4 ' 1 "; E 57 ° 28 ' 03 ", 2158 mNN, 18. – 19. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei, g. p. (♀) 2383 / 2020, (♂) 2380 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Lorestan, Noorabad-Nahawand road, 25 km to Nahawand, Gardane-Garrin, 2135 mNN, N 34 ° 02 ' 48 "; E 48 ° 20 ' 31 ", leg. H. Rajaei, J. - U. Meineke & A. Hofmann; 1 ♂, Iran, prov. Kohkiluyeh-va-Boyerahmad, 30 km S Yassuj, road Abshare-Tange-Tamoradj, 8 km before Abshar, N 30 ° 31 ' 53 "; E 51 ° 25 ' 11 ", 2254 mNN, 24. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Boyerahmad-va-Kohgiluyeh, SE Zagros, Kuh-e-Dena, 2450 m, 5 km SW of Sisakht, 04. – 05. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai; 1 ♂, 11 ♀, Iran, Yazd, Shir Kuh, Taft, SW Damak, Aliabad vic., 2550 – 2650 m, 4. – 6. vi. 2005, [29 / 05], leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, g. p. 684 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♀ [Iran, Kerman] Esfandagheh-Jiroft, 20. iv. 1971, [leg.] Saf. [avi] & Zair; 1 ♂, [Iran, Kerman] Djebal-Barez, 19. iv. 1971, [leg.] Saf. [avi] & Zair, g. p. 577 / 2005 R. Trusch, barcode: BC ZSM Lep 33915; 2 ♀, Iran, prov. Esfahan, Natanz- Kashan road, Abiyaneh village, 2300 mNN, N 33 ° 35 ' 55 "; E 051 ° 35 ' 51 ", 26. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei, SMNK E-Lep. 259; 1 ♀, Iran, Balutschestan, Khasch, Guscheh, Kuh-e Taftan, W-exp., 2000 m, 21. v. 1972; leg. Ebert & Falkner; in SMNK. 2 ♂, 8 ♀, Iran, Makran [now: Sistan-o-Baluchistan] südöstl. Nahu, 1300 m, 19. & 26. iii. 1954, [leg.] Richter & Schäuffele; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Genu, 2128 m, 27 ° 25 ' 02 " N, 56 ° 10 ' 160 ", 30. iv. 2016, leg. Sh. Feizpour; in SMNS. 2 ♂, 3 ♀, Iran, Esfahan, Yasuj E, Kuh e Dena, Nurabad N, 2450 m, 8. vi. 2005, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke; 1 ♀, Iran, Boyer Ahmad-va-Kohgiluyeh, Yasuj NW, Sisakht, 7 km NNE, 2650 – 2700 m, 14. vi. 2001, A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke & W. G. Tremewan; 1 ♀, Iran, Kerman, 55 km N Kerman, Gardaneh-ye Khorasani, 2450 – 2600 m, 30. / 31. v. 2002, leg. J. - U. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies et al.; 1 ♂, Kerman, Jiroft NW, Gardaneh Sarbishan, Shingara vic., 2700 – 2900 m, 3. / 4. vi. 2002, leg. J. - U. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies et al.; 1 ♂, 5 ♀, Fars, Quadarabad NO, 2200 m, 29. – 30. v. 2004, leg. Meineke et al.; in PCJM. 2 ♂, [Iran] Fars, Kazeroun, Faraschband, Tchah-torkaman, 10. iv. 1975, 1200 m, [leg.] Broumand; 1 ♂, Kerman, Bam, Dehbakri, 2200 m, 1. – 2. v. 1973; all leg. Broumand; 1 ♂, 1 ♀ Kerman, Baft, Ghanat-Marvan, 2800 m, 23. v. 1977, Safavi, Pazuki & Abai; 1 ♀, Fars, Schiraz, Sivand, 1700 m, 10 km N Sivand, 15. v. 1974, leg. Abai & Pazuki; 1 ♀, Hormozgan, Geno Mt., 1550 m, 18. iv. 1994, leg. Parch. & Ebra [himi]; 1 ♀, Hormozgan, Issin, 150 m, 26. iv. 1986, leg. Mirza [yans]. / Borum [and]; in HMIM. 2 ♂, 3 ♀, Iran, Kerman, Sar Chesmeh, 2225 m, 19. v. 1996, leg. A. Linnavouri, g. p. (♂) 925 Sihvonen, (♀) 926, 930 Sihvonen; in ZMUH. 2 ♂, Iran, Fars, Dasht-e Arzan, 29 ° 35 ' N, 51 ° 56 ' E, 1950 m, 27. / 28. v. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; 2 ♂, 1 ♀, id., 5. – 6. vi. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; 1 ♂, Iran, Strasse Kashan-Meimeh, 1 km W Ghorud, 2450 m, 33 ° 38 ' N, 51 ° 24 ' E, 24. v. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; 3 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Boyerahmad, Yassudj, 2 km E Sisakht, 30 ° 52 ' N, 51 ° 30 ' E, 7. vi. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; 1 ♂, Iran, Lorestan, 22 km E Dorud, vic. Saravand, 2300 – 2500 m, 33 ° 23 ' N, 49 ° 11 ' E, 9. – 10. vi. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; 7 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Fars, vic. Eqlid, 2300 m, 30 ° 54 ' N, 52 ° 44 ' E, 25. v. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; 1 ♀, Iran, Fars, Pass 11 km E Neiriz, 2200 m, 29 ° 13 ' N, 54 ° 27 ' E, 28. v. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; in PCNP. Specimens studied total: 100 ♂, 146 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60436FFACB09567A484B7FE51.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis (Figs 38 – 43). Wingspan 29 – 34 mm. Forewing with slightly rounded termen. Wings highly variable in colour combination from light bone-colour to grey-brown. Forewing with antemedial, postmedial and subterminal lines darker than ground colour; hindwing with postmedial and subterminal lines similarly darker than background; all lines thin and strongly serrated. Discal spot developed as a small dot, always visible on all wings. Underside of wings slightly darker than upperside; subterminal area and subterminal line much darker than background. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with three spurs. Based on wing pattern, this species may be confused only with R. peripheres. The latter species is clearly smaller in size and shows clearly different male and female genitalia (see below). Male genitalia (Fig. 72) with long uncus, approximately digitiform (Fig. 3); valva characteristically spinulose at costa and apex (most important diagnostic character for R. nesam, not present in any other western Palearctic Rhodostrophia species); sacculus tongue-shaped, curved interiorly. Juxta wide, elongated dorso-ventrally. Aedeagus medially angled to nearly 90 °; vesica membranous, without cornuti. Male sternite A 8 bilobed (Fig. 72 c), with small octavals. Female genitalia (Fig. 89) with a membranous, spherical corpus bursae, without signum; ductus bursae longer than corpus bursae, funnel-shaped both anteriorly and posteriorly, submedially contracted, strongly sclerotized. Lamella antevaginalis developed as a heart-shaped plate (Fig. 89 – 3; during genitalia preparation one should be careful not to remove this structure). Posterior apophyses five times length of the short anterior apophyses. Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: AAB 9849. Genetically heterogeneous, intraspecific maximum pairwise distance 1.6 %. Nearest species in Iran: R. vahabzadehi sp. nov. (6.6 %) and R. peripheres (7.4 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1). Nearest species outside Iran R. tabidaria (Zeller, 1847) (6.7 %).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60436FFACB09567A484B7FE51.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 10). Widely distributed in the Zagros mountains (prov. Lorestan, Esfahan, Kohgiluyeh-va Boyerahmad, Chaharmahal-o-Bakhtiyari, Yazd, Fars, Kerman), into Geno Mt. in Hormozgan and Taftan Mt. in Sistan-o-Baluchistan. Most possibly it is distributed also in eastern Pakistan, but not yet recorded there. Life history and habitat. Biology and larval stages are unknown. The species seems to be univoltine, recorded from mid-March to mid-June. According to the examined material here, it usually flies at altitudes from 1700 m up to 3000 m. Only one population in Hormozgan (Issin) was collected in the lowlands at 150 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60408FFAEB095616284CDFE54.taxon	description	(Figs 44 – 47, 73, 90, 102, Map 11)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60408FFAEB095616284CDFE54.taxon	description	Rhodostrophia abscisaria chlorotica Wiltshire, 1967: Beiträge zur naturkundlichen Forschung in Südwestdeutschland, 26 (3): 148, pl. 5, fig. 62 & pl. 10, fig. 33. ([Afghanistan], Hindu Kush, Ejan, Salang valley), Holotype ♂ (examined): ‘ J. Klapperich, Ejan, 2050 m, Salangtal, 11.10.52. Hindukush, O-Afghanistan’, ‘ preparation EP Wiltshire 952 ’, ‘ Rhodostrophia chlorotica holotype’ in SMNK. A worn specimen of the second generation of R. abscisaria Brdt., the genitalia preparation of no. 952 Wiltshire is missing in SMNK, but figured well pl. 10, fig. 33. Even Wiltshire, 1967: 148 stated that it is identical with the nominate form of R. abscisaria, which was dissected by him. Therefore here we conclude that this subspecies is not valid, syn. nov. Records in literature. Rhodostrophia abscisaria: Viidalepp (1988: 58); Viidalepp (1996: 57) [erroneously misspelled to abcisaria); Scoble (1999: 821); Scoble & Hausmann (2007).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60408FFAEB095616284CDFE54.taxon	materials_examined	Additional material examined. 17 ♂, 26 ♀, Iran NE, Kopet Dagh, Prov. Khorasan, ca. 50 km N Bojnurd, S Izmansufla, N 37 ° 44 ’ 20 ’’, E 057 ° 25 ’ 53 ’’, 1240 m, 17. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka & B. Müller, g. p. (1 ♂) 589 / 2005 R. Trusch, (3 ♀) 587, 588, 607 / 2005 R. Trusch; barcode: BC ZSM 33875, 33874, 33876; 1 ♂, 12 ♀, id., 18. v. 2005; 29 ♂, 60 ♀, id., 8. v. 2008, leg. R. Trusch, M. Falkenberg & B. Müller, g. p. (♀) 2372 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 4 ♂, 11 ♀, id., 10, 11. v. 2008, g. p. 0516 / 2020 D. Wanke; 4 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran NE, Kopet Dagh, Prov. Khorasan, Kopet Dagh, NW Mashad, N Tschenaran [Chenaran], N Radkan, Dolmeh Olia, N 36 ° 55 ’ 56.6 ’’, E 059 ° 02 ’ 18.6 ’’, 8. – 9. v. 2008, 1560 mNN, lux, leg. R. Trusch, M. Falkenberg & B. Müller, g. p. (1 ♂) 2371 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran NE, Kopet Dagh, Prov. Khorasan, E Torbat-e Heidarye, S Fariman, Zharf vic., N 35 ° 24 ’ 25.1 ’’, E 059 ° 56 ’ 08.2 ’’, 6. v. 2008, 2160 mNN, lux, leg. R. Trusch, M. Falkenberg & B. Müller; all in SMNK. 2 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran NE, Kopet Dagh, Prov. Khorasan, ca. 50 km N Bojnurd, S Izmansufla, N 37 ° 44 ’ 20 ’’, E 057 ° 25 ’ 53 ’’, 1240 m, 11. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka & B. Müller; 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Khorasan Shomali, IsmanSufla, 18. v. 2015, leg. Sh. Feizpour, g. p. 0721 / 2020 D. Wanke; 1 ♀, Iran, Shahrud, Shahkouh, Tash, Ayoub Hosseini Region, 2588 m, 36 ° 37 ' 18 " N, 54 ° 33 ' 42.6 " E, 11.07.2016, leg. Sh. Feizpour; 1 ♀, Iran, Khorasan-e Shomali prov., N Qochan, Emam Gholi to Kabkan road, After Agh-Mazar, Allah-o Akbar Mt., Alt. 1763 m, N 37 ° 19 ' 27.2 '', E 058 ° 43 ' 26.1 '', 18.06.2013, leg. H. Rajaei; J. - U. Meineke; B. Hafezi; 1 ♀, Iran, Khorasan-e Shomali prov., Bajgiran, Bardar to Namanlu road, Alt. 1922 m, N 37 ° 38 ' 52.7 '', E 058 ° 15 ' 41.7 '', 19.06.2013, leg. H. Rajaei; J. - U. Meineke; B. Hafezi; in SMNS. 4 ♂, 5 ♀, Iran, Khorasan, Kopet Dagh, 1200 m, Robat, 20 km SW Izman Olia, 25. – 26.5.2008, J. - U. Meineke, W. Kramer, g. p. 2370 / 2020 H. Rajaei; in coll. PCJM; 1 ♀, Iran, Prov. Golestan, Elburs-mts., Maghazy val., 1630 m, 36,649 23 N, 54,207 01 E, 11. vi. 2007; 4 ♂, 7 ♀, id.; 1730 m, 36,658 05 N, 54,224 22 E, 13. vi. 2007; all leg. N. Pöll; in PCNP. Specimens studied total: 67 ♂, 132 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60408FFAEB095616284CDFE54.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. (Figs 44 – 47). Wingspan 23 – 31 mm, one of the smallest Rhodostrophia species in Iran. Forewing with pointed apex and straight termen. Wings and body concolorous with light yellow-white colour. Forewing with brown antemedial, postmedial and subterminal lines; hindwing with brown postmedial and subterminal lines; all lines are thin and strongly dentated. Discal spot well visible on forewing, reduced or sometimes absent on hindwing. Underside of wings slightly darker than upperside, glossy; subterminal line on both fore- and hindwing visible. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with three spurs. This species may be superficially confused with species of the badiaria species-group (especially with R. bahara and R. iranica), but it is significantly smaller and the male hindtibia has three spurs (four spurs in the badiaria species-group). Another externally similar species to R. abscisaria is R. vastaria (Christoph, 1876). The latter species shows also four spurs on the hindtibia and has different male genitalia (illustrated in Hausmann 2004: 521). The examination of the genitalia enables a confident determination in any case, as well as the consideration of the restricted occurrence only in the north-east of Iran. Male genitalia (Fig. 73) with approximately digitiform uncus (Fig. 3); valva apically bilobed, spinulose; costal part of the valva with medial extension (diagnostic from all other Iranian Rhodostrophia species; Fig. 73 a); sacculus curved interiorly. Juxta wide, elongated dorso-ventrally. Aedeagus subapically slightly curved; vesica membranous bearing a dentated plate. Male sternite A 8 bilobed (Fig. 73 c), with small octavals. Female genitalia (Fig. 90) with a membranous, oval corpus bursae, signa developed as a pair of stripes, partially connected to each other on the anterior part of the corpus bursae (Figs 90 b, c). Ductus bursae funnel-shaped, short (half length of corpus bursae), strongly sclerotized. Posterior apophyses three times length of anterior apophyses. Genetic data. Genetically heterogeneous with two BINs (BOLD: AAE 7809; BOLD: ACF 5327) at a distance of 1.5 % from each other, and a third BIN (BOLD: AAX 9132), retrieved from a specimen from Khorasan (Kueh-e Sorkh, N Torbat-e Heydariyeh, Turusen) at a large distance of 5.4 %. Genetic variation possibly pointing to cryptic diversity and requiring further integrative study. Nearest species: R. praecisaria from central Asian mountains (7.8 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60408FFAEB095616284CDFE54.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 11). This is a Central Asian species, distributed in Tadjikistan (Hissaro-Darwaz), western Pamir, Afghanistan and north-eastern Iran (Binaloud and Kopet-Dagh Mts into eastern Elborz Mts.). Most probably, it can be found also in the northern parts of the Kopet-Dagh in Turkmenistan. Life history and habitat (Fig. 116). The species seems to be bivoltine, recorded from early April to late August, collected by Fred Brandt in Binaloud Mt. as late as 21. viii. 1938, apparently belonging to a second generation. According to examined material here, it flies at middle altitudes from 1200 m up to 2200 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6040AFFABB095617784BFFDE1.taxon	description	Acidalia phaenicearia Hampson, 1907: Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 18 (1): 50, pl. E, fig. 39. (Afghanistan, Peshin Valley, Nurse); holotype ♀ (examined) in NHMUK. For more than 100 years, the taxon phaenicearia Hampson, 1907 was erroneously regarded as a synonym of R. cuprinaria (Christoph, 1876), resulting from a misidentification of Eusarca cuprinaria by Hugo Christoph in Romanoff (1885: 126 no. 181 and pl. 6 fig. 8 a, b). Since then both species (one of them undescribed) were mixed together; a bug that nearly all subsequent authors followed so far (see below). However, the here examined lectotype of Eusarca cuprinaria Christoph, 1877 from Schahrud (see here in group VIII) clearly shows, that in its original description (Horae Ent. Ross. 12, p. 261, pl. 7 fig. 33) Christoph did not figure the species which he considered later in Romanoff (l. c.) as “ his Eusarca cuprinaria ”. This later species was described only in 1907 by Hampson as A. phaenicearia.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6040AFFABB095617784BFFDE1.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Both species, R. phaenicearia and R. cuprinaria were observed syntopically by us in north-eastern Iran, so in the province Khorasan at Kuh-e Mirza Arab, 2. v. 2008, and in the province Semnan, near Cheschme Ali, 24. v. 2005, cf. material examined here. The sympatric occurrence of R. phaenicearia and R. cuprinaria and their external similarity could have led to the misidentification mentioned above. Records in literature. As “ Rhodostrophia cuprinaria ”: Staudinger (1901: 279); Prout (1913: 42), there phaenicearia Hampson [misspelled to ‘ phoenicearia ’] is mentioned for the first time, with a note to the supposed but wrong synonymy as described above]; Prout (1935: 25); Viidalepp (1996: 58); Scoble (1999: 822); Scoble & Hausmann (2007); Kocak & Kemal (2018: 169); Müller et al. (2019: 845). Previous records from Iran. Brandt (1941: 884) recorded this species as R. (cuprinaria) “ phoenicoptera ” (misspelling of phaenicearia Hampson) from the following localities: Iran, prov. Khorasan, Kouh-i-Binaloud (Meched), 2000 m; and prov. Sistan-o-Baluchistan, Kouh-i-Taftan (Khach) Comeé [Komehr] (Barmi-Firus), 2000 m; Strasse Tchahbahar-lranchar, Takte [Takhte] Malek. Additional material examined. 4 ♂, 2 ♀, NW Iran, [prov. Azarbaijan-e Sharghi] 40 km westl. Marand, 1100 m, 6. vi. 1975, leg. H. G. Amsel, g. p. (♂) 571, (♀) 619 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Azerbayejan-e Gharbi, 8 km S of Shoet, 1330 m, 15. – 16. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, g. p. (♂) 678 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, Iran, Azarbaijan-e Sharghi, 10 km NW of Miyane, 14. – 15. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, g. p. (♀) 681 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, id., 14. – 15. vi. 2005; 6 ♂, 2 ♀, N-Iran, Salzsee 90 km S Teheran, 800 m, 18. / 23. vi. 1968, leg. H. G. Amsel, g. p. (♂) 2387 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 6 ♂, 2 ♀, N-Iran, Salzsee 70 km S Teheran, 1300 m, 29. v. 1969, leg. G. Ebert, g. p. (♂) 2388 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, N Iran, Elburs-Mts, S-Rand, Tehran-Evin, 1600 m, 9. ix. 1983, leg. Dr. Leudes; 2 ♀, N-Iran, Elburs-Mts, S-Rand, Tehran-Evin, Salzsee 70 km S, Salzsee, 26. v. 1972, leg. G. Ebert; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, N- Iran, Kamard, 40 km w. Teheran, ca. 1700 m, 9. ix. 1970, leg. G. Ebert, g. p. (♀) 686 / 2005 R. Trusch; 21 ♂, 5 ♀, Iran N, Prov. Semnan, 20 km N Damghan, Cheschme Ali, N 36 ° 15 ’ 07 ’’, E 054 ° 04 ’ 20 ’’, 1560 m, 23. or 24. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka & B. Müller, g. p. (♂) 601 / 2005 R. Trusch, (♀) 596, 599 / 2005 R. Trusch, barcodes: BC ZSM 33905, BC ZSM 33906, BC ZSM 33907, BC ZSM 33908, BC ZSM 33909, BC ZSM 33910; 6 ♂, 6 ♀, Iran, Prov. Esfahan, Kuh-e Karkas, 1700 m, 3 km SE of Natanz, 11. – 12. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, g. p. (♂) 669 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Kohkiluyeh-va-Boyer-ahmad, 30 km S Yassudj, road Abshare-Tange- Tamoradi, 8 km before Abshar (= waterfall), N 30 ° 31 ’ 53 ’’, E 51 ° 25 ’ 11 ’’, 2254 mNN, 24.5.2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei, g. p. 2404 / 2021 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran, Prov. Zanjan, 2350 m, W-Alborz range, Tarom vic., 20 km NE of Zanjan, 13. – 14. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai; 1 ♂, Iran, prov. South Khorassan, Shas Kuh vic. Garmab, Band-e Arab (cave), N 33 ° 52 ' 08.6 ", E 59 ° 46 ' 08.1 ", 4. v. 2006, 1160 mNN, leg. B + A. Plössl & G. M. Tarmann, g. p. 2394 / 2020 H. Rajaei, barcode BC ZSM 33888; 1 ♂, E-IRAN, Prov. Ostan-e Khorasan, N 33 ° 16 ' 13.9 '', E 060 ° 06 ' 59.7 '', NE Birjand, S Haji Abad, Gomenj vic., Kuh-e Mirza Arab, 2.040 mNN, 02. v. 2008, leg. B. Müller, R. Trusch & M. Falkenberg, g. p. 2400 / 2021 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Balouchestan, 18 km W Iranschar [Iranshahr], Rig-Kaboud, 500 m, 15. v. 1972, leg. Abai & Ebert; 1 ♂, Balutschestan, Khasch, Kousche, 2000 m, 21. v. 1972, leg. Abai & Ebert; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Balutschestan, Khasch, Kuh-e Taftan, E-exp., 1800 m, 20. v. 1972, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Balutschestan, Khasch, 3 km SE Eskal-Abad, 1700 m, 12. v. 1972, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner, g. p. (♂) 573 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 3 ♀, id., Khasch, 18 km NE Karvandar, 1400 m, 14. v. 1972, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 1 ♂, id., Khasch, 11 km NE Karvandar, 1300 m, 13. v. 1972, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 1 ♂, id., Khasch, Guscheh, Kuh-e Taftan, W-exp., 2000 m, 21. v. 1972, leg. G. Ebert & H. Falkner; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Kerman, Baft-Sirjan, road 2 km after Baft, sandy road, 3 km to North, Ras Kuh village, N 29 ° 17 ’ 27 ’’; E 56 ° 35 ’ 37 ’’, 2543 mNN, 20. – 21. v. 2009, leg. H. Rajaei, g. p. (♂) 2381 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 5 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, prov. Kerman, 5 km to Dehbakri from Bamm, near Kuh-e Shir, N 29 ° 4 ' 1 "; E 57 ° 28 ' 03 ", 2158 mNN, 18. – 19. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei, g. p. (♂) 2382 H. Rajaei; 1 ♂, [Iran, Fars] Djahrom, 17. iii. 1957 [unknown collector], g. p. (♂) 2393 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 2 ♀, Iran-Centr., Prov. Yazd, N Yazd, Chak Chak, N 32 ° 20 ' 07.8 '', E 054 ° 22 ' 58.0 '', 1550 m, e. l. 11. iv. 2007, an Atraphaxis cf. spinosa, leg. et. cult. R. Trusch; 5 ♀, Iran, prov. Azerbayejan-e Sharqi, 10 km NW of Miyane, 31. v. – 1. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, g. p. (♀) 679 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, Iran, prov. Kerman, 5 km to Dehbakri from Bamm, near Kuh-e Shir, N 29 ° 4 ' 1 "; E 57 ° 28 ' 03 ", 2158 mNN, 18. – 19. v. 2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei; in SMNK. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran N, Prov. Semnan, 20 km N Damghan, Cheschme Ali, N 36 ° 15 ’ 07 ’’, E 054 ° 04 ’ 20 ’’, 1560 m, 23. or 24. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka & B. Müller, g. p. (♂) 2392 / 2020 H. Rajaei, 2391 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran, Khorasan Razavi, 65 km Kalat road, Khor, 1431 m, 36 ° 38 ' 15.1 " N, 59 ° 54 ' 04 " E, 16.6.2016, leg. Sh. Feizpour; 1 ♀, Iran, prov. Kerman, Kerman-Sohandar, 128 km, 1920 m, 28 ° 39 ' 43 " N, 57 ° 26 ' 50.2 " E, 14. ix. 2015, leg. Saideh Shahreyary; 1 ♂, Iran, Belutschistan, südöstl. Iranshahr, Hamani Kuh, 12. iii. 1954, leg. Richter & Schäuffele, g. p. WM 82 [bei E. P. Wiltshire]; 1 ♀, Belutschistan, Iranshahr, 800 m, 11. – 18. iii. 1954, leg. Richter & Schäuffele; in SMNS. 1 ♂, Azarbayjan, 42 km N Marand, 1100 m, 7. vi. 1975, leg. Abai; 1 ♂, [Iran], N Karadj, 11. ix. 1969, [leg.] Miraz [ayans], Abai; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, [Iran] Shahrud, Kalateh- Amirieh, 1500 m, 30. v. 1982, leg. Hashemi, g. p. (♀) 615 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Hormozagan, Bandar Abbas, Siahu, 600 m, 10. – 11. iii. 1995, leg. Safz. & Badii, g. p. (♂) 2389 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Hormozagan, Hajiabad, 1140 m, 25. iv. 1996, leg. Safz. & Badii, Naz [ari]; 1 ♂, [Iran] Kerman-Rayen, 2150 m, 16.6.1988, [leg.] Hash [emi], Badii, g. p. 2395 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, [Iran] Fars, Kazeroun, Nourabad, 1550 m, 12. ix. 1974, [leg.] Pazuki, Haschemi; 2 ♀, [Iran] Fars, Dascht-Arjan, 4. ix. 1971, Broomand; 1 ♂, Kerman, Baft, Ghanat-Marvan, 2800 m, 23. v. 1977, [leg.] Safavi, Pazuki & Abai; in HMIM. 1 ♂, Iran, Zanjan, Mamelana Abber, 20 – 21. vii. 2002, leg. A. Linnavouri, g. p. (♂) 610 R. Trusch; in ZMUH. 1 ♂, Iran, Kerman, Bam SW, Deh Bakri, 2000 – 2200 m, 1. – 3. vi. 2002, leg. Meineke, Hofmann & Kallies; in PCJM. 32 ♂, 6 ♀, Iran, Fars, 30 km E Neiriz, 2100 m, 29 ° 15 ' N, 54 ° 31 ' E, 3. vi. 1997, leg. Hofmann & Kautt; in PCNP. 1 ♀ NW Iran, 50 km NW Tabris, vi. 1995, leg. Geck; in coll. ZSM. Specimens studied total: 105 ♂, 60 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6040AFFABB095617784BFFDE1.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis (Figs 48 – 51). Wingspan 20 – 27 mm. Forewing with straight termen. Wings variable in colour, ground colour terracotta-red with varying light to darker hue (specimens of the first generation from southern Iran showing a yellow-brown ground colour); medial fascia slightly darker than background. Ante- and postmedial lines of forewing as well as postmedial line of hindwing serrate, distally bordered by a yellow shadow. Discal spots present on all wings, more prominent on forewings. Underside of wings cream-yellowish, postmedial lines and subterminal area brown. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with three spurs. Based on its small size and the red colour, this species is of characteristic appearance but was confused in former times with R. cuprinaria, showing also a superficial similarity with R. peripheres and the new R. vahabzadehi sp. nov. However, the very different and small genitalia of the male easily allows a correct determination of the species (see below). Male genitalia (Fig. 74) very small, strongly sclerotized, uncus digitiform (Fig. 3); valva characteristically small; its apical part swollen and dentated; costal part near tegumen with a characteristic dentated extension (armshaped, an autapomorphic character of R. phaenicearia in comparison with all other Rhodostrophia species in Iran; Fig. 74 d); sacculus triangular, curved interiorly. Juxta wide, elongated dorso-ventrally. Aedeagus slightly curved; vesica membranous bearing a small dentated plate. Male sternite A 8 bilobed (fig. 74 c), with small octavals. Female genitalia (Fig. 91) with a membranous, pear-shaped corpus bursae, signum developed as a pair of elongated sclerites, posteriorly connected to each other (Fig. 91 b). Ductus bursae characteristically shorter than corpus bursae, tubular, membranous. Lamella antevaginalis characteristically rounded (Fig. 91 a). Posterior apophyses five times length of the short anterior apophyses. Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: AAB 9861. Nearest species: R. skulei from Oman (2.5 %) (Fig. 119 & Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6040AFFABB095617784BFFDE1.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 12). The species is distributed from Turkey, Caucasus (Georgia) and Transcaucasus (Armenia and Azerbaijan) across Iran to Turkmenistan (Kopet-Dagh), Afghanistan (type locality) and Pakistan (Viidalepp 1996; Koçak & Kemal 2018). In Iran, this species is widely distributed, occurring in most parts of the country. Life history and habitat (Fig. 117). The larvae were collected in April (12. iv. 2007) by us near Chak-Chak (central Iran, province Yazd), feeding on Atraphaxis spinosa (Polygonaceae). The species seems to be bivoltine in Iran (Usually, the second generation shows a lighter wing pattern than the first generation). The species is recorded from mid-March to mid-September in the southern provinces, and from early May to early September in the north of Iran. According to the material examined here, it flies at altitudes from 600 m up to 2200 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6040FFFAAB09565948471F874.taxon	description	(Figs 52 – 56, 75, 92, 104 – 105, Map 13)	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6040FFFAAB09565948471F874.taxon	discussion	Remarks. According to the wing pattern as well as to the genitalia of the lectotype examined here, R. nubifera Brandt, 1941 is a synonym of R. cuprinaria. The misidentification of R. cuprinaria by Christoph in Romanoff (1885: 126 no. 181 and pl. 6 fig. 8 a, b) as one of the standard works of Lepidopterology led to the misinterpretation of this species, see above under R. phaenicearia Hampson. Christophs publication in 1885 was used by nearly all later authors as reference for the identification of R. cuprinaria instead of the original description and lead also to the description of R. nubifera syn. nov. by Brandt (1941). Rhodostrophia nubifera klapperichi Wiltshire, 1966, syn. nov. Rhodostrophia nubifera klapperichi Wiltshire, 1966: Zeitschrift der Wiener Entomologischen Gesellschaft, 51: 135, genitalia fig. 32. (no holotype mentioned in original description and all approx. 80 syntypes listed as paratypes), Afghanistan nr. [near] Kabul, 26. & 27.5.1965, ca. 82 Expl., und Khurd-Kabul, 26.5.1965 and 4.9.1965, leg. Kasy & Vartian; [Afghanistan] ‘ ferner Paghman Mts., 2200 m, 15 km v. Kabul, 29.6. – 8.7.1963, leg. Kasy & Vartian.; In NHMW. 1 ♂, Afghanistan, 10 km NW v. Kabul, 1900 m, 1.6.1965, leg. Kasy & Vartian, Wiltshire coll. B. M. 1979 – 433, NHMUK (E) 972068; 1 ♀, Afghanistan, Paghman, 30 km NW v. Kabul, 2450 m, leg. E. & A. Vartian, Wiltshire Coll. B. M. 1979 – 433, NHMUK (E) 972069; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, O-Afghanistan, Djebel Seratsch, 1650 m, Kohdaman, 13.10. [19] 52, [♂ genitalia] Preparation E. P. Wiltshire 9041, Wiltshire Coll. B. M. 1979 – 433, NHMUK (E) 972070 & 71, all in NHMUK (examined). 1 ♂, Afgh. [anistan], Khurd-Kabul, SO v. Kabul, 1900 m, 26. v. 1965, [leg.] Kasy & Vartian, NHRS-LEPI 000010266, g. p. 10950 H. Rajaei, in NHRS. Records in literature. Rhodostrophia cuprinaria: Staudinger (1901: 279); Prout (1913: 42); Prout (1935: 25); Viidalepp (1996: 58); Scoble (1999: 822); Scoble & Hausmann (2007); Müller et al. (2019: 845). Previous records from Iran. Tarsee [Tar Lake], 2000 – 2800 m (Schwingenschuss 1939); near Tehran (Wiltshire 1966). Brandt (1939) reports R. cuprinaria from Fars, which may refer to R. phaenicearia. Wiltshire (1977) mentioned R. cuprinaria from northern Oman which refers to R. skulei (cf. Hausmann, 1998: 94) Additional material examined. 1 ♂, Iran, prov. Kohkiluyeh-va-Boyerahmad, 30 km S Yassudj, road Abshare-Tange-Tamoradi, 8 km before Abshar (= waterfall), N 30 ° 31 ' 53 ’’, E 51 ° 25 ' 11 ", 2254 mNN, 24.5.2009, leg. Hossein Rajaei, g. p. 2401 / 2021 H. Rajaei, SMNK E-Lep. 259. 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Balutschestan, Khasch, Kuhe Taftan, E-exp., 1800 m, Ebert & Falkner leg. 20. v. 1972, g. p. 576 / 2005 R. Trusch & 2399 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran, Prov. South Khorassan, Kuh-e Mirza Arab NW, gorge S Ahangaran, N 33 ° 22 ' 22.1 ", E 60 ° 07 ' 39 ", 2. v. 2006, leg. B. Plössl & G. Tarmann, SMNK E-Lep. 239, barcode BC ZSM Lep. 33889; 1 ♂, 2 ♀, E-IRAN, Prov. Ostan-e Khorasan, NE Birjand, S Haji Abad, Gomenj vic., Kuh-e Mirza Arab, 2.040 mNN, N 33 ° 16 ' 13.9 '', E 060 ° 06 ' 59.7 '', 2. v. 2008, leg. R. Trusch, M. Falkenberg & B. Müller, g. p. (♂) 2403 / 2021 H. Rajaei, barcode BC ZSM Lep. 33892, BC ZSM Lep. 33891, BC ZSM Lep. 33890; 1 ♀, Iran N, Prov. Semnan, 20 km N Damghan, Cheschme Ali, N 36 ° 15 ' 07 '', E 054 ° 04 ' 20 '', 1560 m, 23. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka, B. Müller; 1 ♂ id, 24. v. 2005; 5 ♂, Iran NE, Kopet Dagh, Prov. Khorasan, ca. 50 km N Bojnurd, S Izmansufla, N 37 ° 44 ' 20 '', E 057 ° 25 ' 53 '', 1240 m, 17. v. 2005, leg. R. Trusch, G. Petschenka, B. Müller, g. p. (♀) 598, (♂) 626 / 2005 R. Trusch; 3 ♀, Iran, Khorasan, Kopet Dagh, Rabat 25 km SW Izman soflea [Sufla], 27.5.2008, J. - U. Meineke & W. Kramer, (♂) 2397 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 2 ♂, NE Iran, Prov. Ostan-e Khorasan, Kopet Dagh, NW Mashad, N Tschenaran, N Radkan, Dolmeh Olia, 1.560 mNN, N 36 ° 55 ' 56.6 '', E 059 ° 02 ' 18.6 '', 8. v. 2008, leg. R. Trusch, M. Falkenberg & B. Müller; 4 ♂, 3 ♀, id. 9. v. 2008; 5 ♂, id. 10. v. 2008; 9 ♂, 1 ♀, id. 11. v. 2008, all in SMNK. 1 ♂, id. 11. v. 2008, g. p. (♂) 2386 & 2398 / 2020 H. Rajaei; I ♀, id., 10. v. 2008; 1 ♂, Iran, Kerman, Sarbishan, Shingara, 2789 m, 32 ° 17 ' 26 " N, 55 ° 27 ' 17 " E, 28. iv. 2016, leg. Sh. Feizpour; all in SMNS. 3 ♀, id, in PCMB. 1 ♀ Esfahan, Natanz, Abianeh, 2150 m, 6. vi. 1988, leg. Hash [emi] & Badii, g. p. 674 / 2005 R. Trusch; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, [Iran] Bl. [Baluchestan], Taftan, 17. – 19. iv. 1973, leg. Broum [and], both in HMIM. 1 ♂, 2 ♀, Iran, prov. Kerman, 5 km S Deh-Bakri, 2350 m, 1. vi. 1997, leg. A, Hoffmann & P. Kautt, barcodes: BC ZSM Lep 08556, BC ZSM Lep 08557, BC ZSM Lep 08558, in ZSM. Specimens studied total: 36 ♂, 29 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6040FFFAAB09565948471F874.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis (Figs 52 – 56, 104 – 105). Wingspan 28 – 32 mm. Forewing with straight termen. Wings with yellow-sandy to reddish ground colour, with varying light to darker hue; medial fascia slightly darker than background. Ante- and postmedial lines of both fore- and hindwings serrate, bordered by a light shadow. Discal spots small, but present on all wings, slightly larger on forewings. Underside of the wings yellow-creamy, only postmedial lines visible. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with three spurs. Male genitalia (Fig. 75). Uncus thumb-shaped (Fig. 3); valva triangular, at apex with a triangular upsidedirected fold; costal part of valva medially swollen; sacculus largely projected and dentated (see the lower arrow in Fig. 75 d) (not dentated in R. peripheres, best diagnostic character between these two species) (Figs 75 d, 76 d). Juxta wide, apically concave (apical part of juxta not concave in R. peripheres). Aedeagus medially angled to 90 ° (aedeagus only slightly curved in R. peripheres); vesica membranous, cornuti developed as a large spines. Male sternite A 8 bilobed (Fig. 75 c), with wide, short octavals (octavals longer in R. peripheres). Female genitalia (Fig. 92) with large and wide papillae anales (clear diagnostic character from all other Iranian Rhodostrophia species); corpus bursae spherical, signum developed as large sclerite covering over half of corpus bursae. Ductus bursae cylindrical; its length roughly that of corpus bursae. Posterior apophyses twice length of anterior apophyses. Genetic data. BOLD: AAE 3641. Two additional BINs from specimens of Mazandaran-Baladeh Valley (BOLD: ABY 4371; 2.4 % from main cluster) and Khorasan-Izmansufla (BOLD: AAB 9862; 2.7 % from main cluster) requiring further integrative study. Nearest species: R. peripheres (5.1 %) and R. vahabzadehi sp. nov. (4.9 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F6040FFFAAB09565948471F874.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 13). This species is distributed in Turkmenistan (Kopet-Dagh), Iran and Afghanistan. Most probably it is present also in Pakistan. In Iran it is recorded from the central and eastern parts of the country (provinces: Khorasan-e Shomali, Razavi, Semnan, Jonubi, Sistan-o-Baluchistan, Kerman, Fars, Esfahan and Kohgiluyeh-va-Boyerahmad). Due to taxonomical confusion of R. cuprinaria and R. phaenicearia in previous studies, all records of R. cuprinaria from Caucasus (Georgia) and Transcaucasus (Armenia and Azerbaijan) (Viidalepp 1996) and Turkey (Koçak & Kemal 2018) are under question and could refer to R. phaenicearia. Life history and habitat (Figs 109, 110, 117). The species is univoltine, recorded from mid-April to early July. According to the material examined here, it flies at altitudes from 1200 m up to 2800 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60401FFA7B09563ED857EFD99.taxon	description	(Figs 57 – 59, 76, 78, 93, 106, Map 14) Rhodostrophia cuprinaria peripheres Prout, 1938: Seitz, Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde 4 (Suppl.): 220; pl. 17, row c. ([Iran], Elburs-Gebirge, Hashtar, Demavand, 1700 – 2500 m). Lectotype (examined, hereby designated in order to stabilize nomenclature) ♂: ‘ Haschtar, Demawend, above 2500 m, August 1925, (K. Fusek). ’, ‘ Rothschild Bequest B. M. 1939 – 1. ’, ‘ Rhodostrophia cuprinaria peripheres Prout’ [handwritten], ‘ figd. Seitz Suppl. IV. T. 17 c’ label underside: ‘ Rhodostrophia cuprinaria peripheres ♂ Prout’, ‘ Paratype’, in NHMUK. Paralectotypes (here designated): 1 ♂ (examined): ‘ Paratype’. ‘ Haschtar, Demawend, above 2500 m, August 1925, (K. Fusek). ’, ‘ Rhodostrophia cuprinaria Prout peripheres paratype ♂ ’ [handwritten], ‘ Zoologische Staatssammlung München’ [red printed label], in ZSM. 1 ♀ ‘ Haschtar, Demawend, about 2500 m, Sept. 1925, (F. Fusek). ’, ‘ Rothschild Bequest B. M. 1939 – 1. ’, in NHMUK. Rhodostrophia peripheres debilis Wiltshire, 1949, syn. nov. Rhodostrophia peripheres debilis Wiltshire, 1949: Bulletin de la Société Fouad Ier d’Entomologie 33: 364, fig. 14. Holotype ♂, [Iran] Fars, Sinehsefid, 6000 ft., 30. v. 1940, [leg.] E. P. Wiltshire, NHMUK (E) 972075, preparation no. 186, E. P. Wiltshire, R. peripheres debilis Holotype; Paratypes, 1 ♀, id., NHMUK (E) 972074, R. peripheres debilis Allotype; 1 ♀, Persia [Iran] Fars, Shiraz Mts., 7000 ft. 8. ix. 1950, [leg.] E. P. Wiltshire, NHMUK (E) 972072; R. peripheres debilis Topotype; 1 ♀, S-W. Iran [Fars] Qalat, Shiraz, 7000 ft. 1. vi. 1950, [leg.] E. P. Wiltshire, NHMUK (E) 972073, R. peripheres debilis Topotype; all in NHMUK (examined). 2 ♀, Iran, Fars, Khan-i Zinian, 20. ix. 1940, E. P. Wiltshire, NHMUK (E) 972076 & 7, R. peripheres debilis Paratype; all in NHMUK (examined). Records in literature. Rhodostrophia peripheres: Scoble (1999: 823); Scoble & Hausmann (2007); Müller et al. (2019: 845). Rhodostrophia cuprinaria peripheres Prout (1935: 220).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60401FFA7B09563ED857EFD99.taxon	materials_examined	Previous record from Iran. Specimens from S. S. [Sine-Sefid, Fars prov.] and Co. [Comehr, Fars prov.] erroneously identified as phaenicearia by Brandt (1938). Dissections of these specimens revealed their identity as R. peripheres (see material examined). Additional material examined. 3 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Chaharmahal-va-Bakhtiyari, Zarde-Kuh, Samsami vic. Gardaneh-ye Cheri, 2800 – 3100 m, 8. / 9. vii. 2003, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke & W. G. Tremewan, g. p. (♂) 609 / 2005 R. Trusch; 3 ♂, Iran, Chaharmahal-va-Bakhtiyari, Borujen S, Dorahun 6 km S, 1850 – 2100 m, 1. vi. 2005, [26 / 05], leg. A. Hofmann & J. U. Meineke, g. p. 2385 / 2020 H. Rajaei, barcode BC ZSM Lep 33893; 13 ♂, 9 ♀, S- Iran, Khusestan [today belong to prov. Kohgiluye-va Boyerahmad], Yassudj, Sisakht, 2250 m, 13. / 14. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (♂) 572 / 2005 R. Trusch, 2406 / 2021 H. Rajaei; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, id., 13. vi. 1972, Ebert & Pazuki, g. p. 2377 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 6 ♂, 13 ♀, S-Iran, prov. Khusestan, [today belong to prov. Kohgiluye-va Boyerahmad], Yassudj, Sisakht, 50 km NW, 15. – 18. vi. 1975, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (♀) 630 / 2005 R. Trusch, (♂) 2411 / 2021 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran, Fars, Eqlid SSE, Kuh-e Bol, Darre Absad, 2750, 7. vi. 2005, A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, g. p. 2378 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 1 ♂, Iran, Fars, Qaderabad, 2200 m, 30. v. 2004, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, g. p. 672 (2005 R. Trusch; barcode BC ZSM Lep 33912; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Fars, Strasse Chiraz-Kazeroun, Fort Sine-Sefid, ca. 2200 m, v. 1937, leg. F. Brandt [‘ Rh. Cuprinaria Chr. ’ handwritten by W. Brandt], g. p. (♂) 628 / 2005 R. Trusch; 2 ♂, S-Iran, Fars, 50 km NW Ardekan, Tange Surkh, 2250 m, 16. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (♂) 574 / 2005 R. Trusch; 3 ♂, 2 ♀, id., 12. – 15. vi. 1975, leg. Ebert & Falkner, g. p. (♀) 629 / 2005 R. Trusch; 3 ♀, Fars, Kazeroun, Mian-Kotal, 1900 m, 11. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Pazouki; 1 ♂, S-Iran, [Fars] Persepolis, 1600 m, 2. vi. 1969, leg. G. Ebert; 1 ♂, Iran, Fars, Shiraz ESE, Darab N (Pass), 1850 – 2100 m, [11 / 05], leg. T. &. A. Hofmann; 1 ♂, Iran, Prov. Esfahan, Zagros mts., Feridun Shar, Kamaran val., 2770 m, N 32 ° 45 ', E 049 ° 59 ', 11. vii. 2003 (lux), leg. G. Ebert & R. Trusch; 2 ♀, N-Iran, Kamard, 40 km W Tehran, ca. 1700 m, 9. ix. 1970, leg. G. Ebert, g. p. 684 / 2005 R. Trusch; 2 ♂, Iran, prov. Azerbaijan-e Sharqi, 10 km NW of Miyane, 14. – 15. vi. 2005, leg. P. Gyulai & A. Garai, E-Lep 221, g. p. 682 & 683 / 2005 R. Trusch; 5 ♀, id., 31. vi. 2005, g. p. 2396 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 1 ♀, Iran, Zanjan NE, Gard [aneh] - ye Alamut, 2000 – 2300 m, 1. – 2. vii. 2009, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke, H. Rajaei, g. p. 2384 / 2020 H. Rajaei; 39 ♂, 19 ♀, Iran, Prov. Chahar Mahal, Zagros mts. NW Samsami, 2800 m, N 32 ° 09 ', E 050 ° 11 ', 13. vii. 2003 (lux), leg. G. Ebert & R. Trusch, g. p. (♂) 575, 631, (♀) 604, 618 / 2005 R. Trusch, barcods BC ZSM Lep 33893, 33894, 33895, 33896; all in SMNK. 2 ♂, 2 ♀, id. (as the latter), (♂) 2405 / 2021 H. Rajaei; all in SMNS. 3 ♂ Iran, 2 ♀, Iran, Boyer Ahmad-va-Kohgiluyeh, Gardaneh Meymand, 2450 – 2800 m, 14. / 15. vi. 2001, leg. A. Hofmann, J. - U. Meineke & W. G. Tremewan, g. p. (♂) 608 / 2005; in PCJM. 1 ♂, [Iran] Kohkiluyeh, Sisakht, 2100 m, 16. vi. 1986, leg. Mirz. [ayans] & Hash. [emi]; 1 ♀, [Iran] Kohkiluyeh, 20 km Yassuj-Ardakan, 2380 m, Tange-Sorkh, 16. viii. 1978, Paz. [uki], Bor [oomand]; 1 ♂, S-Iran, Khusestan, 15 km SE Yassudj, 2050 m, 15. vi. 1972, leg. Ebert & Pazuki; 1 ♀, [Iran] Khousestan, Yassudj, Sisakht, 2250 m, 13. vi. 1972, Ebert & Pazuki; 1 ♀, [Iran] Fars, Firuzabad Muk, 1800 m, 8. – 9. v. 1985, Mirz. [ayans] / Hash. [emi]; 2 ♀, [Iran] Fars, 58 km Lar-Djahrom, 890 m, 13. iv. 1974, leg. Broumand; 1 ♀, [Iran] Fars, Kazeroun, Dascht-e Ardjan, 1950 m, 13. v. 1974, Abai & Pazuki; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, [Iran] Fars, Firuzabad, 1700 m, 8. – 9. v. 1985, Mirz. [ayans] & Hash [emi]; 2 ♀, [Iran] Fars, Sisakht, Dena Mt., 2200 m, 11. ix. 1974, leg. Pazuki & Hashemi; 1 ♀ [Iran] Tehran, Evin, 19. vii. 1974, L. T., g. p. 2390 / 2020 H. Rajaei; in HMIM. 1 ♂, Iran, Elburs-Geb. Südseite, Shimshak, 2300 m, 50 km nördl. Teheran, 1. – 22. vii. 1970, leg. Vartian, g. p. (♂) ZSM G 8771; in ZSM. Specimens studied total: 88 ♂, 78 ♀.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60401FFA7B09563ED857EFD99.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis (Figs 57 – 59, 106). Wingspan 25 – 30 mm. Forewing with straight termen. Ground colour of wings reddish to pink-yellow, darker towards termen; some specimens with darker shadow; ante- and postmedial lines of forewings and postmedial line of hindwings serrate, darker in colour and bordered by a light shadow. Underside of wings yellow-creamy, darker towards termen; only postmedial lines visible. Discal spots larger on forewing, tiny or sometimes absent on hindwings. Male antennal flagellum ventrally dentated. Male hindtibia with three spurs. Based on the stronger coloration and the contrasting medial fascia on both fore- and hindwings of R. cuprinaria (in contrast to the less reddish-golden coloration of R. peripheres), these two species can be easily discriminated. However, for more confidential identification, we recommend to study the genitalia. The diagnosis of R. cuprinaria and R. vahabzadehi sp. nov. is given under the following species. Male genitalia (Figs 76, 78). Uncus digitiform; valva triangular; its apical part triangular, curved inwards (slightly hook-shaped), covered with spinules and thicker spines; costal part of valva medially swollen; sacculus smooth (dentated in R. cuprinaria) (Figs 75 d and 76 d). Juxta wide, apically not concave (apical part of juxta concave in R. cuprinaria). Aedeagus medially slightly curved (angled to 90 ° in R. cuprinaria); vesica membranous, cornutus developed as a large spine. Male sternite A 8 bilobed (Fig. 76 c), with wide octavals, more elongated than in R. cuprinaria. Female genitalia (Fig. 93) with smaller papillae anales, in contrast to the very large ones in R. cuprinaria; corpus bursae spherical, signum developed as sclerite, covering less than half of corpus bursae (signum in R. cuprinaria covering over half of corpus bursae). Ductus bursae short, funnel shaped and partially sclerotized, one third length of corpus bursae (length of cylindrical ductus bursae roughly the same as that of corpus bursae in R. cuprinaria). Posterior apophyses three times length of anterior apophyses. Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: AAB 7557. Genetically homogeneous. Nearest species: R. vahabzadehi sp. nov. (2.4 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60401FFA7B09563ED857EFD99.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 14). Mainly distributed from north-western to south-western parts of Iran. Life history and habitat (Fig. 118). Biology and preimaginal stages are unknown. The species seems to be bivoltine, especially in the populations of the warmer habitats in southern Iran. The adults are recorded from mid- April to mid-September. According to the material here examined, it flies at altitudes from 900 m up to 3000 m.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60403FFA6B095652483B3F875.taxon	description	(Figs 60 – 62, 77, 79, 94, Map 14) Holotype ♂, Iran, Kerman, Jiroft NW, Gardaneh Sarbishan, Shingara vic., 2700 – 2900 m, 3. – 4. vi. 2002, leg. J. - U. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies, in SMNK. Paratypes: 4 ♂, 12 ♀, same as holotype, g. p. (♂) 602, 627, (♀) 603, 616 / 2005 R. Trusch, (♂) 2410 / 2021 H. Rajaei; barcode: BC ZSM Lep 33897, 33898; 1 ♂, 3 ♀, Kerman, Jiroft W, Shingera, 2800 m, 22. – 23. v. 2004, barcode: BC ZSM Lep 33900.; 1 ♂, id., 26. – 27. v. 2004, barcode: BC ZSM Lep 33899. all leg. J. - U. Meineke et al.; in PCJM (will be deposited in SMNK). 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Iran, Kerman, Jiroft NW, Gardaneh Sarbishan, Shingara vic., 2700 – 2900 m, 3. – 4. vi. 2002, leg. J. - U. Meineke, A. Hofmann & A. Kallies, g. p. (♂) 2407, (♀) 2408 / 2021 H. Rajaei; Iran, Kerman, Sarbishan, Shingara vic., 2789 m, 32 ° 17 ' 26 " N, 55 ° 27 ' 17 " E, 28.04.2016, leg. Sh. Feizpour; all in SMNS. 2 ♂, 2 ♀, [Iran] Kerman, Baft, Ghanat-Marvan, 2800 m, 23.5.1977, [leg.] Safavi, Pazuki, Abai, g. p. (♂) 614 / 2005 R. Trusch, 2409 / 2021 H. Rajaei; in HMIM. 4 ♂, Iran, Fars, Kuhha-ye-Zagros, Kuh-e-Dinar, Komehr, E 30.342, N 51.955, 2892 m, 29. vi. 2005, leg. G. Petranyi, in coll. Petranyi. Description (Figs 60 – 62). Head and thorax: Antenna filiform in female; quadripectinate in male with long pectinations, ventrally dentate. Frons slightly protruding (about the same size as eye diameter), speckled with dark and light brown scales. Labial palpi brown, straight, narrow, slightly exceeding frons. Proboscis well-developed. Chaetosemata developed as two distinct lateral patches on vertex. Frons, thorax and abdomen dark brown, concolorous with wings. Tibial spur formula in male: 0 – 2 – 3; female: 0 – 2 – 4. Epiphysis of foretibia well developed (half length of tibia). Wingspan 30 – 33 mm (forewing length 15 – 18 mm). Forewing elongate, apex acutely angled, termen straight, tornus evenly rounded. Hindwing moderate in size, oval. Ground colour of wings dark grey-brown with little variation, medial fascia on forewing even darker. Ante- and postmedial lines of forewings and postmedial line of hindwings serrate, darker in colour and bordered by a light shadow. Discal spots present on all wings, larger on forewing. Underside of wings warm light brown, getting darker brown towards termen; postmedial line slightly visible; discal spots visible. Last abdominal sternite (A 8) of male specimens bilobed (Fig. 77 c), with short, wide octavals, terminally rounded. Male genitalia (Figs 77, 79). Uncus elongated, thumb-shaped, its apical part setose, wider than at base (fig. 3). Gnathos well-developed, apically spatulate, laterally fused to the margins of tegumen. Valva triangular; its apical part slightly projected, curved inwards; costal part of valva submedially swollen; sacculus smooth, welldeveloped and curved inwards; juxta wide, laterally curved; saccus short. Aedeagus medially slightly curved; vesica membranous, cornuti develeoped as a large spine, dagger-shaped. Female genitalia (Fig. 94). Corpus bursae spherical; signum developed as a, roughly dumbbell-shaped sclerite, covering less than half of corpus bursae. Ductus bursae short, cylindrical not membranous. Posterior apophyses twice length of anterior apophyses.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60403FFA6B095652483B3F875.taxon	diagnosis	Differential diagnosis. The new species can be externally diagnosed from its sister species (R. peripheres) and also from R. cuprinaria, based on its greyish-brown colour. For a more confident determination the dissection of genitalia is recommended. Based on the dentated sacculus in R. cuprinaria (smooth in the new species and in R. peripheres) R. vahabzadehi sp. nov. can be differentiated from R. cuprinaria (Figs 75 d – 77 d). Also the short cornutus in R. cuprinaria is clearly in contrast with the much larger one in R. vahabzadehi sp. nov. It is possible to distinguish the new species from R. peripheres by the following characters: the apical part of the valva is shorter and less curved (this character is visible only in ventral view and in natural position of the valva before embedding; see Figs 78 c and 79 c) In the new species the dorsal, subapical part of the valva is covered with fine setae (covered with short spines in R. peripheres, see Figs 78 a and 79 a); the cornutus is somewhat longer and stouter in the new species (Figs 78 c, 79 c). Also the female genitalia show clear diagnostic characters (cf. Figs 93 and 94): the ductus bursae is cylindrical in the new species (funnel-shaped in R. peripheres); the corpus bursae is spherical, the signum roughly dumbbell-shaped (the corpus bursae is oblique, the signum elongated as well in R. peripheres, see Figs 93 b and 94 b). The new species is characterized also by barcoding gap with regard to both R. peripheres and R. cuprinaria. Genetic data. BIN: BOLD: ABZ 5777. Genetically homogeneous. Nearest species: R. peripheres (2.4 %) (Fig. 119, Table 1).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60403FFA6B095652483B3F875.taxon	distribution	Distribution (Map 14). Known only from the type localities in Iran in southern Kerman). Life history and habitat. The type locality of R. vahabzadehi sp. nov. is located at high altitude (2800 m) in the easternmost parts of Zagros mountains. The habitats are covered with plenty of annual plants, e. g. Astragalus ssp. (Fabaceae); Artemisia ssp. (Asteraceae); Eryngium ssp. (Apiaceae) and shrubs (e. g. Prunus and Amygdalus spp. (Rosaceae). This locality is the type locality of several other recently discovered species (e. g. Lithostege samandooki Rajaei, 2011; Nychiodes mirzayansi Wanke, Hausmann & Rajaei, 2020). Photos of the habitat are already published by Rajaei et al. (2011: 46).	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60403FFA6B095652483B3F875.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name of the new species is dedicated to Abdolhossein Vahabzadeh (born 30. ix. 1947, Sabzevar, Iran), well-known Iranian ecologist, teacher, author and translator. Vahabzadeh founded the innovative “ School of Nature ” in Iran, which is a great alternative of the classic kindergarten.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
4E4787F60405FFA1B0956074810FF83A.taxon	description	Hausmann (2004) regarded this as a valid subspecies, distributed in eastern Turkey, Caucasus and Transcaucasus. Most probably this subspecies occurs also in north-western Iran, but we found no single confirmed record from Iran up to now.	en	Rajaei, Hossein, Hausmann, Axel, Trusch, Robert (2022): Taxonomic review of the genus Rhodostrophia Hübner, 1823 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) in Iran. Zootaxa 5118 (1): 1-64, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5118.1.1
