(figs 45, 46, 108, 109, 137; map 3)

Nychiodes leviata Brandt, 1938. Entomologische Rundschau, 55 (51), 37. Holotype ♂ ([Iran]: Sine Sefid) (in NHRS, exam- ined). Originally regarded as subspecies of Nychiodes variabila. Raised to species rank by Wehrli (1954). Here confirmed valid at species rank.

Type material examined. Paratypes, 1 ♀, Iran, Fars, Strasse Chiraz [Shiraz]- Kazeroun, Fort Sine-Sefid, ca. 2200 m, v.1937, coll. Brandt (labeled as Allotype), g.prep. 10927; 1 ♂, same locality, 23.v.1937, coll. Brandt, g.prep. 10926; 1 ♂, same locality, 5.vi.1937, coll. Brandt; all in NHRS. 1 ♂, same locality, 3.vi.1937, coll. Brandt; 1 ♀, same local- ity, 23.v.1937, coll. Brandt; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, same locality, 12.vi.1937, coll. Brandt; all in ZFMK.

Additional material studied: 19 ♂ (see appendix).

Diagnosis. Characteristically small species with wingspan ♂ 26–33, ♀ 34 (forewing length ♂ 16–19, ♀ 17) (figs 45, 46). Ground colour of wings beige-brown, medial area slightly darker. Resemble to some small specimens of N. divergaria (these two species can be diagnosed as below). In the male genitalia of N. leviata uncus thin, finely curved (in lateral view); ampulla superior almost same length as ampulla inferior, both clearly curved (uncus stout, curved; ampulla superior long, straight, ampulla inferior highly variable in size or absent, in N. divergaria) (see figs 108, 109, 113–119).

In female genitalia of N. leviata, apophyses anteriores 1/3 the length of apophyses posteriores; lamella postvaginalis small, not extended; signum circular, very large (apophyses anteriores strongly reduced; lamella postvaginalis antero-posteriorly extended; signum small in N. divergaria) (see figs 137, 141, 142).

In southwestern Iran, except N. divergaria, at least four other species (N. farinosa, N. admirabila, N. subfusca, N. subvirida) are co-distributed with N. leviata, but none of them can be externally confused with the latter species (see figs 26, 27, 38–40, 43, 44, 47–51).

Phenology. Flying from May to July.

Biology. Unknown.

Habitat. Specimens collected in altitudes from 1850-2450 m.

Distribution. In Iran, alongside the western part of the Zagros Mountains (map 3).

DNA barcoding. Nearest species (minimum pairwise distances): N. eberti sp. nov. (4.0%) and N. mirzayansi sp. nov. (4.1%) (fig. 145).