Rhagades predotae (Naufock, 1930)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on blackthorn (Prunus spinosus and its Iberian subspecies P. spinosus ramburii, which is sometimes classified as a separate species Prunus ramburii especially due to its leaf form). It is not known if also other bushy Rosaceae or even other plants are used as it is the case with Rhagades pruni.

Habitat:
Rhagades predotae inhabits most often extensively grazed dry places with blackthorn and other scrub in medium-high altitudes. These places are often so-called vegas, i.e. more plain areas and adjacent slopes, partly in contact with oak and pine woodland. The larvae usually develop on small bushes, often growing or creeping low on the ground above rocks.

Life cycle:
The adults occur in a single generation mostly between late June to late July or early August. The males seem to be active (flying around in order to find females) especially around sunset. The animals otherwise usually keep in or near the small Prunus bushes, i.e. near the ground. Oviposition takes usually place in batches on lower sides of leaves, especially near the ground above rocks etc, but also on bushes growing in grassy environment. The half-grown larvae hibernate in cocoons on leaves or in the litter. I recorded hibernated larvae in large numbers in the region Tragacete - Albarracin at the start of the flower time of Prunus spinosa ramburii in early April. They fed on the sprouting buds. The larvae are usually mature in May and pupate in a cocoon in the litter etc.

Remarks:
Rhagades predotae is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula where is is scattered in most regions, but misses e.g. in the Catalonian Pyrenees. But it may be locally abundant and more widespread in some regions (see above). It is still insufficiently documented and may be found in many more places (especially in mountains) in the future.

Literature:
Efetov, K. A. & G. M. Tarmann (2020): On the biology, ecology and early stages of Rhagades (Wiegelia) predotae (Naufock, 1930) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae, Procridinae). — SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología 48 (191): 513-524.