About Syrichtus proto (Esper, 1830)
The forewing length of Syrichtus proto (Esper, 1830) is generally 14–15 mm, though specimens collected in Morocco have a forewing length of 15–17 mm. This is a rather variable species, but it can usually be distinguished from similar species by its well-marked central forewing spot. As described in Seitz: H. proto Esp. (85 d). On the underside of the hindwing, the interspace between veins 7 and 8 only holds a single central spot, which is the first spot of the median band. A second spot is present in the marginal area, and may be united with the fringes. The upperside of the wings is grey-brown; spots are not very prominent, and yellowish in colour. The underside of the hindwing is yellowish grey or pale reddish; a brown postmedian band follows the median band, and the entire marginal area beyond this band matches the ground colour. Each marginal cellule contains a dark dot, with a light arched smear above the dot. This species is distributed across South Europe, Syria, Armenia, and Turkestan. The taxon mohammed Oberth. is now recognized as the separate species Syrichtus mohammed Oberthür, 1887 (85 e). It differs from Syrichtus proto in having large white spots on the underside of both wings, a very distinct subterminal row of dots, and more white variegation on the underside of the hindwing. It is found in Algeria.
