A revision of the genus Microschismus Fletcher, 1909 (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae).
Ancylorhynchus simpsoni sp. n.Figs 22, 52, 120-122
Etymology: Named after the collector of the holotype J.J. Simpson.
Description:
Male (based on holotype. Condition: Fair; double mounted on cellulose strip; both antennae broken off beyond pedicels; right prothoracic leg broken off beyond femur, left prothoracic leg broken off beyond first tarsomere; right wing with small part of anterior margin missing, left wing intact but glued to specimen with clear nail-varnish.).
Head: Dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose, white setose. Antenna (Fig. 22): Scape and pedicel dark red-brown to black, white setose, postpedicel missing (relative sizes of scape and pedicel suggest that there would be a long postpedicel lacking terminal stylus 'segment'). Segmental ratios: 1:0.3:?. Face dark red-brown to black, fairly uniformly silver pruinose, mystax white occupying ventral 1/3 of face. Frons and vertex dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose, white setose; ocellar tubercle fine pale yellow setose (no macrosetae). Occiput dark red-brown to black, uniformly strongly silver pruinose, white setose. Palpus dark red-brown, white setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis red-brown, white setose.
Thorax: Fairly uniform dark red-brown to black, fine silver-grey pruinose, white setose. Prothorax entirely black, fine silver pruinose, white setose. Mesonotum dark red-brown to black, fine silver-grey pruinose, fine moderately long white setose (some rubbed off in region of pin). Mesonotal macrosetae (whitish when present): dc white, confined to region posterior to transverse suture, 3 npl, 1 spal, 3 pal. Scutellum entirely dark red-brown to black, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely white setose, hind margin with c. 10 white moderately developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely blackish, entirely silver-grey pruinose, setae white confined mainly to anepst, kepst and ktg. Anatg and mes pnot dark red-brown to black, not contrasting with scutellum. Legs: cx dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose, white setose; tro dark red-brown (tro2 with row of short black setae ventrally); fem, tib and tar uniformly dark red-brown to black, entirely white setose, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 52): 9.9x4.1 mm. Veins dark red-brown. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), mostly red-brown stained (anal cell and alula transparent). Haltere orange, base dark red-brown.
Abdomen: Predominantly orange with blackish parts anteriorly, fine silver pruinose, white setose. T1 dark red-brown to blackish, strongly silver pruinose; T2 dark red-brown except for orange posterior margin, strongly silver pruinose except medially; T3 orange except for dark red-brown medial spot, weakly silver pruinose; T4 as T3 but medial spot small; T5 uniformly orange, weakly silver pruinose; T6-terminalia dissected and macerated. Sternites essentially similar to tergites.
Genitalia (Figs 120-122): Epand bifid, forming pair of robust, somewhat parallel lobes that jut out beyond all other genital structures. Lobes closely abut proximally, each being slightly curved such that distal tips are inwardly directed. Proct simple, dorsally situated cerc appearing fused proximally. Goncx well developed, outer lobe projecting posteriorly to fairly broadly-rounded tip and with characteristic indented posteroventral margin; dorsal finger-like process not evident. Gonst compressed, dorsally directed, tip curved anteriorly. Hypd relatively weakly developed, about twice as wide as long in ventral view, tapering distally to pair of flattened, setose lobes. Aed sub-triangular, fairly stout, pair of distal projections and tiny bifid tip.
Holotype: [male] NIGERIA: 'Zungeru [09[degrees]49'N:06[degrees]09'E] / N. Nigeria / 1.xi.1910 / J.J. Simpson' (BMNH).
Note: Another male (ZSMC), also collected at Zungeru, has been assigned to nomadus. That specimen, collected by Dr. J.W. Scott Macfie in March, clearly represents a different species.
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from the type locality in northern Nigeria, West Africa (Table 1). The species has only been collected in November (Table 2). The biology is unknown, but the type locality is situated in the savanna biome.
Similar species: A member of the nomadus species-group with close similarities to nomadus.
Ancylorhynchus snowi sp. n.
Figs 23,53, 123-125
Etymology: Named for William Snow who collected the unique specimen during extensive fieldwork in The Gambia (Londt 2010).
Description:
Male (based on holotype. Condition: Excellent; left antenna broken off beyond pedicel.).
Head: Orange to orange-brown, silver pruinose, whitish setose. Antenna (Fig. 23): Scape and pedicel orange, whitish setose, postpedicel orange, tipped with obliquely situated pit-enclosed spine-like sensory element (terminal stylus 'segment' absent). Segmental ratios: 1:0.3:7.1. Face brown-orange, colour largely masked by strong silver pruinescence, mystax shiny whitish occupying ventral 1/4 of face. Frons and vertex orange to orange-brown, silver pruinose, whitish setose; ocellar tubercle largely apruinose, fine whitish setose. Occiput orange to brown-orange, uniformly silver pruinose, whitish setose. Palpus orange, whitish setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis orange-brown, whitish setose.
Thorax: Dark red-brown and orange, fine silver pruinose, whitish setose. Prothorax mostly orange, posterior antepronotum with red-brown lateral areas and small medial spot, fine silver pruinose, whitish setose. Mesonotum dark red-brown with broad orange lateral margins, fine silver pruinose, fine whitish setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (whitish when present): few dc confined to posterior region, 3-4 npl, 1 spal, 2 pal. Scutellum entirely red-brown, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely whitish setose, hind margin with c. 4 (somewhat obscured) whitish weakly developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura extensively dark red-brown (anepimeron orange-brown), entirely silver pruinose, setae whitish, sparse, confined to anepst, kepst and ktg. Anatg and mes pnot orange-brown. Legs: cx orange-brown, silver pruinose, white setose; tro orange (tro2 with whitish setae ventrally); fem, tib and tar uniformly orange, entirely whitish setose, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 53): 6.0x2.4 mm. Veins orange centrally, brown marginally. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), distal veins bordered with pale brownish stain, proximal cells largely transparent. Haltere orange-brown with pale yellow knob.
Abdomen: Predominantly dark red-brown with yellow to orange patches, fine silver pruinose, whitish setose. T1 entirely dark red-brown; T2 dark red-brown with orange anterior region and large orange-yellow areas posterolaterally; T3-4 dark red-brown with small orange-yellow areas posterolaterally; T5-8 dark red-brown with orange posterior margins; terminalia orange. Sternites similar to tergites but somewhat obscured by overlapping tergites.
Genitalia (Figs 123-125): Epand bifid, forming pair of relatively long, slightly diverging (in dorsal view), slender lobes that project slightly beyond other genital structures. Lobes closely abut proximally, straight with slightly inwardly directed apices. Proct simple, dorsally situated cerc closely associated, not appearing fused proximally. Goncx well developed, outer lobe projecting posteriorly to relatively acute distal end; dorsal finger-like process completely absent; inner lobe well developed, distal end sharply pointed, well sclerotised and medially directed. Gonst laterally compressed, dorsally directed, tip curved anteriorly. Hypd moderately developed, suboval, about half as long as broad, distal margin uneven and slightly medially indented. Aed sub-triangular in ventral view with tiny bifid distal tip.
Holotype: [male] GAMBIA: 'Bansang [13[degrees]26'N:14[degrees]39'W], Gambia, 10.v.77 Malaise in scrub / beside river', 'W.F. Snow Collection / pres, W.F. Snow, 1996. / OUM 02-1996.' (OXUM).
Note: This specimen was listed as an unidentified species of Ancylorhynchus in an analysis of Gambian Asilidae (Londt 2010: 346). I have also seen a pair of female specimens from Niger that may belong to this species, although they do not closely resemble the holotype and are not considered paratypes. The position of these specimens, listed below, will only be adequately ascertained when males from Niger becomes available: 2$ 'Niger / Niamey [14[degrees]00'N:01[degrees]43'E] 200m / 11.x.1976 / K. Guichard / BM1976-583' (BMNH).
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from West Africa (Gambia, ?Niger) (Table 1). The holotype was collected in May (Table 2), those from Niger being collected in October. The biology is unknown, although the type locality was 'scrub / beside river'.
Similar species: A fairly distinctive member of the nomadus species-group without close similarities to other species.
Ancylorhynchus sokokensis sp. n.
Figs 24, 54, 126-128
Etymology: Named after the type locality, Kenya's Sokoke Forest.
Description:
Male (based on holotype. Condition: Excellent (appears mounted from alcohol).).
Head: Dark red-brown to black, fine gold pruinose, pale yellow, orange and black setose. Antenna (Fig. 24, paratype): orange-brown, scape and pedicel orange setose (1 dark red-brown setae), postpedicel tipped with obliquely situated pit-enclosed spinelike sensory element (terminal stylus 'segment' absent). Segmental ratios: 1:0.3:5.6. Face black, fine gold pruinose (weakly on lateral parts of epistomal margin), mystax shiny orange occupying ventral V of face. Frons and vertex black, fine gold pruinose, pale yellow setose; ocellar tubercle fine pale yellow setose (no macrosetae). Occiput black, uniformly fine gold pruinose, dorsal setae orange ventral setae black. Palpus dark red-brown, black setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis dark red-brown, black setose.
Thorax: Black with orange areas dorsally, fine silver-grey pruinose, white, pale yellow and orange setose. Prothorax black except for orange antepronotum, fine silver-grey pruinose, pale yellow setose dorsally, black laterally. Mesonotum orange with black pattern (median band stretching from anterior to posterior margins, widening at level of transverse suture), fine silver-grey pruinose, fine moderately long white and pale yellow setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (usually orange when present): dc weak, confined to region posterior to transverse suture, 3-4 npl, 1 spal, 3 pal. Scutellum orange with narrow black anterior margin, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely pale yellow setose, hind margin with c. 10 pale yellow, longish weakly developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely black, entirely silver-grey pruinose, setae white and black confined mainly to anepst, kepst and ktg (setae white). Anatg and mes pnot dark red-brown to black, contrasting with mainly orange scutellum. Legs: cx black, silver pruinose, white setose; tro orange (tro2 with few short black setae ventrally); fem, tib and tar orange, tar5 a little darker, white to pale yellow setose (some black setae on tar), claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 54): 7.4x3.1 mm. Veins mostly dark red-brown. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), pale yellow-brown stained (tip somewhat darker commencing at level of r-m), cells cup and al+2 transparent. Haltere yellow with orange base.
Abdomen: Predominantly dark red-brown to blackish with orange patches laterally, fine silver-grey pruinose, white and black setose. T1 dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose; T2 dark red-brown to blackish with large orange areas posterolaterally. Strongly silver pruinescence corresponds with orange areas; T3-4 dark red-brown to black with narrow posterolateral margins, silver pruinose (especially in regions with orange colour; T5-terminalia dissected and clear for drawing. Sternites similar to tergites but lacking orange areas.
Genitalia (Figs 126-128): Epand bifid, forming pair of parallel, fairly stout lobes that jut out beyond all other genital structures. Lobes closely abut proximally, each being relatively straight with inwardly curved distal ends. Proct simple, dorsally situated cerc closely associated proximally. Goncx well developed, outer lobe tapering posteriorly to narrowly-rounded tip; dorsal finger-like process absent; inner lobe well developed, distal end pointed, well sclerotised and medially directed. Gonst compressed, dorsally directed, tip curved anteriorly. Hypd moderately developed, twice as broad as long, tapering fairly rapidly to pair of fairly widely separated, flattened distal processes. Aed fairly stout with tiny bifid distal tip.
Female. Similar to male but head and prothorax more extensively orange setose. Thorax more extensively orange including parts of pleura (dorsal part of ktps, posterior half of ktg anatergite). Tip of wing more obviously dark stained. Abdomen far more extensively yellow to orange and fine gold pruinose.
Holotype: [male] KENYA: 'Sokoke For [Forest, 03[degrees]29'S:39[degrees]50'E] K [Kenya]/ 8 May 76 IB [?]' (BMNH).
Paratype: 1[female] labels as for holotype (BMNH).
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from East Africa (Kenya) (Table 1). The types were collected in May (Table 2). The biology is unknown. Although the type locality is a forest the specimens may have been collected in vegetation adjacent to the forest.
Similar species: A member of the nomadus species-group with close similarities to cruciger and hylaeiformis.
Ancylorhynchus susurrus (Karsch, 1879)
Figs 25, 55, 129-131
Xiphocerus susurrus: Karsch 1879: 380, fig. 4 (wing).
Ancylorrhynchus susurrus: Kertesz 1909: 102 (catalogue); Hull 1960: 217.
Ancylorhynchus susurrus: Oldroyd 1980: 360 (catalogue).
Redescription:
Male (based on holotype. Condition: Fair; mesonotum cracked, especially anteriorly, but reasonably intact (most macrosetae broken); both mesothoracic legs are broken off beyond trochanters.).
Head: Dark red-brown to black, gold-silver pruinose, pale yellowish white setose. Antenna (Fig. 25): Dark red-brown, scape and pedicel whitish setose, postpedicel tipped with obliquely positioned pit-enclosed spine-like sensory element (terminal stylus 'segment' absent). Segmental ratios: 1:0.3:4.9. Face blackish, strongly gold-silver pruinose, mystax whitish occupying ventral V of face. Frons and vertex blackish, fine silver pruinose except for apruinose band between eyes that includes anterior part of ocellar tubercle, whitish setose; ocellar tubercle fine whitish setose. Occiput blackish, masked by uniformly strong gold-silver pruinescence, uniformly whitish setose. Palpus dark red-brown, whitish setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis dark red-brown, whitish setose.
Thorax: Uniformly dark red-brown to blackish, silver to gold-silver pruinose, whitish setose. Prothorax entirely black, fine silver pruinose, whitish setose. Mesonotum bark red-brown, fine silver pruinose, fine moderately long whitish setose (many broken due to damage to mesonotum). Mesonotal macrosetae (whitish when present): dc thin whitish confined to posterior parts, c. 2-3 npl, 1 spal, 3 pal. Scutellum entirely dark red-brown, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely whitish setose, hind margin with c. 12 whitish moderately developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely dark red-brown, strongly gold-silver pruinose, setae whitish confined to anepst, kepst and ktg. Anatg and mes pnot black. Legs: cx dark red-brown, strongly silver pruinose, whitish setose; tro dark red-brown (tro2 with row of short black setae ventrally);fem, tib and tar uniformly dark red-brown, entirely whitish setose, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 55): 8.6x3.8 mm (wing folded along A1 making width measurement difficult). Veins dark red-brown. Membrane extensively microtrichose, red-brown (posterior cells slightly paler). Haltere pale yellowish.
Abdomen: Entirely dark red-brown to blackish, silver and gold-silver pruinose, whitish setose. T1 weakly silver pruinose; T2 almost entirely strongly silver pruinose (except for dorsomedial stripe); T3-4 dorsally weakly silver pruinose, laterally strongly gold-silver pruinose; T5 and beyond probably similar to T4 (dissected for genital study). Sternites similar to tergites but uniformly strongly gold-silver pruinose.
Genitalia (Figs 129-131): Epand bifid, forming pair of well-developed, stout lobes that project beyond all other genital structures. Lobes abut proximally, each lying parallel to each other, distal end slightly inwardly curved. Proct simple, weakly sclerotised, dorsally situated cerc appearing fused proximally. Goncx well developed, broad in lateral view, outer lobe projecting posteriorly to fairly broadly rounded distal end; dorsal finger-like process absent, lobe somewhat raised as a dorsal ridge where process commonly occurs; inner lobe well developed, distal end sclerotised, medially directed as acutely pointed structures. Gonst laterally compressed, dorsally directed, tip curved anteriorly (largely hidden from view in undissected genitalia). Hypd moderately developed, tapering fairly rapidly at midlength to broad, somewhat truncate distal end; distal end with pair of fairly closely associated, rounded setose protuberances. Aed broad with subapical lateral processes and tiny medial tip.
Variation: There are only two known specimens, both males. The Banana male is almost identical to the holotype, although slightly smaller (wing 8.2x3.5 mm).
Holotype (examined): [male] ANGOLA: 'Chinchoxo Falls [12[degrees]45'S:14[degrees]30'E] 51 [somewhat illegible]', '7649', 'Type [orange]', 'Zool. Mus. / Berlin' (ZMHB). Notes: In describing the species Karsch (1879) states 'Es liegt nur ein Exemplar davon vor' from 'Loango-Expedition in Chinchoxo'. Fig. 4 is a poor rendition of the wing and the sex of the holotype was not stated.
Other material examined: DR CONGO: 1[male] 'Musee / du Congo Belge / Banana [08[degrees]01'S:12[degrees]24'E] 8 [August]--1910 / Dr Etienne', 'Ancylorrhynchus / sussurrus / [male] Karsch / [illegible squiggle]', 'R. Det. / 5409 / FF', 'Ancylorrhynchus / susurrus Karsch / Det. S.W. Bromley 19' (MRAC).
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from Central Africa (Angola, DR Congo) (Table 1). Specimens have been collected in May and August (Table 2). The biology is unknown, but both known localities are located in areas dominated by tropical grassland and savanna.
Similar species: A member of the nomadus species-group with close similarities to fu nebris and greatheadi.
Ancylorhynchus tricolor (Loew, 1863)
Figs 26, 56, 132-134, 152
Xiphocerus tricolor: Loew 1863: 11.
Xyphocerus maculatus Bigot, 1879: 428. Syn. n.
Ancylorrhynchus tricolor: Kertesz 1909: 102 (catalogue); Hull 1960: 217; Oldroyd 1974: 33.
Ancylorrhynchus maculatus: Kertesz 1909: 102 (catalogue); Hull 1960: 217; Oldroyd 1974: 31.
Ancylorrhynchus tricolor Reynaudii: Kertesz 1909: 102 (catalogue).
Ancylorrhynchus braunsi Bromley, 1936: 136; Hull 1960: 217; Oldroyd 1974: 33 (fig. 21 head). Syn. n.
Ancylorrhynchus tricolor reynaudii: Hull 1960: 217.
Ancylorrhynchus reynaudii: Oldroyd 1974: 33.
Ancylorhynchus tricolor: Oldroyd 1980: 360 (catalogue).
Ancylorhynchus maculatus: Oldroyd 1980: 360 (catalogue).
Ancylorhynchus braunsi: Oldroyd 1980: 360 (catalogue).
Despite an extensive search I have not been able to locate the type specimen(s) of Xiphocerus tricolor Loew, 1863. As reported under reynaudii, Loew (1863) apparently 'synonymised' reynaudii with tricolor, an action that does not make taxonomic sense as reynaudii takes precedence over tricolor. Kertesz (1909), inexplicably, responded by placing reynaudii as a subspecies of tricolor, an arrangement maintained by Hull (1960). Oldroyd (1974) hesitatingly followed suite when he listed reynaudii in the synonymy of tricolor, but placed '(? reynaudii Macquart)' after the name tricolor in his key to South African species. Another observation of possible significance is that Oldroyd (1974) acknowledged having used Bromley's (1936) key in the construction of his own. However, Bromley inexplicably excluded both reynaudii and tricolor from his key! This fact suggests that these two species were not known to Bromley--perhaps because the types of both species were unavailable even at that time.
The following redescriptions of taxa now considered synonymous with tricolor serve to characterise the species.
Female (based on holotype maculatus. Condition: Fair; right antenna broken off beyond pedicel; right wing missing (an incorrect wing has been attached with glue, but is clearly different from intact right wing); left halter missing; abdomen has been glued in place after having been broken off at base.).
Head: Dark red-brown to black, silver-gold pruinose, yellow, orange and red-brown setose. Antenna: Scape and pedicel orange, orange setose, postpedicel orange proximally becoming brown-orange distally, terminal stylus 'segment' present, orange-brown, tipped with pit-enclosed spine-like sensory element. Segmental ratios: 1:0.4:4.5:0.4. Face dark red-brown to black, strongly silver-gold pruinose (weakly medially between mystax and antennal bases), mystax shiny yellow occupying ventral % (approx.) of face. Frons and vertex dark red-brown to black, fine silver-grey pruinose (except for ocellar tubercle and adj acent parts), pale yellow setose; ocellar tubercle fine pale yellow setose (no macrosetae). Occiput dark red-brown to black, uniformly silvery pruinose, dorsal setae yellow, ventral setae red-brown. Palpus red-brown, red-brown setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex projecting with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis dark red-brown, red-brown setose.
Thorax: Dark red-brown to black with orange areas dorsally, fine silver pruinose (especially lateral margins of mesonotum and pleura), white and pale yellow setose. Prothorax entirely dark red-brown, fine silver pruinose, pale yellow setose. Mesonotum dark red-brown to black except for orange postpronotal lobes, posterior region (including postalar lobes and intervening area) and scutellum, fine silver-grey pruinose, fine moderately long white and pale yellow setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (orange when present): dc confined to posterior to transverse suture, 3-4 npl, 2 spal, 3 pal. Scutellum entirely orange, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely pale yellow setose, hind margin with c. 4 pale yellow weakly developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely dark red-brown to black, entirely silver-grey pruinose, setae white to pale yellow confined to anepst, kepst and ktg. Anatg and mes pnot black, contrasting with orange scutellum. Legs: cx black, silver pruinose, white setose; tro dark red-brown; fem, tib and tar uniformly orange, entirely yellow setose, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 56): 10.3x3.7 mm. Veins orange anteriorly brown posteriorly. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), distal cells pale brown (from about first fork of Rs), proximal cells somewhat transparent. Haltere orange-brown.
Abdomen: Dark red-brown to black with orange to orange-brown patches laterally, fine silver-grey pruinose, white and pale yellow setose. T1 blackish, white setose; T2-4 blackish with orange patches posterolaterally; T5-6 dark red-brown to black with orange-brown hind margins; T7-8 entirely orange. Sternites similar to tergites but orange areas along entire posterior margins.
Male (based on holotype braunsi. Condition: Good; left antenna broken off beyond pedicel; hind margins of wings slightly broken.).
Head: Black, fine silver-grey pruinose, pale yellow, yellow and red-brown setose. Antenna (Fig. 26): Scape and pedicel orange, pale yellow setose, postpedicel orange proximally becoming orange-brown distally, terminal stylus 'segment' present, tipped with pit-enclosed spine-like sensory element. Segmental ratios: 1:0.4:3.9:0.2. Face black, uniformly fine silver-grey pruinose, mystax shiny yellow occupying ventral % of face. Frons and vertex black, fine silver-grey pruinose, pale yellow setose; ocellar tubercle fine pale yellow setose (no macrosetae). Occiput black, uniformly fine silver-grey pruinose, dorsal setae pale yellow ventral setae red-brown. Palpus red-brown, red-brown setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex projecting with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis red-brown, pale yellow setose.
Thorax: Black with orange areas dorsally, fine silver-grey pruinose (especially lateral margins of mesonotum), white and pale yellow setose. Prothorax entirely black, fine silver-grey pruinose, pale yellow setose. Mesonotum black except for orange postpronotal lobes, posterior region (including postalar lobes and intervening area), fine silver-grey pruinose, fine moderately long white and pale yellow setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (pale yellow when present): dc pale yellow confined to posterior to transverse suture, c. 4 npl, 1 spal, 2 pal. Scutellum entirely orange, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely pale yellow setose, hind margin with c. 4 pale yellow weakly developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely black, entirely silver-grey pruinose, setae white to pale yellow confined to anepst, kepst and ktg. Anatg and mes pnot black, contrasting with orange scutellum. Legs: cx black, silver pruinose, white setose; tro red-brown; fem, tib and tar uniformly orange, entirely yellow setose, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 56): 8.6x3.1 mm. Veins orange anteriorly brown posteriorly. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), distal cells brown (from about first fork of Rs), proximal cells transparent. Haltere orange-brown.
Abdomen: Predominantly blackish with orange to orange-brown patches laterally, fine silver-grey pruinose, pale yellow setose. T1 blackish, T2-4 blackish with orange patches posterolaterally, T5-8 dark red-brown to black with orange-brown hind margins. Sternites similar to tergites but orange along posterior margins.
Genitalia (Figs 132-134): Epand bifid, forming pair of parallel, moderately slender lobes that jut out beyond all other genital structures, closely abut proximally, each being relatively straight with slightly inwardly curved distal tips. Proct simple, dorsally situated cerc appearing fused proximally. Goncx well developed, outer lobe projecting posteriorly to narrowly-rounded tip; dorsal finger-like process well-developed, moderately long and stout; inner lobe well developed, distal end sclerotised, medially directed pointed structures. Gonst hardly compressed, dorsally directed, tip curved anteriorly. Hypd moderately developed, broadly heart-shaped, posterior margin indented medially, tapering fairly rapidly to broadly rounded medial protuberance; protuberance laterally somewhat membranous and slightly indented medially. Aed sub-triangular with tiny bifid distal tip.
Variation: A remarkably consistent species displaying little variation. The mystax varies in the intensity of its colour being yellow or bright orange ($ from Kroonstad is exceptional in having a dark red-brown mystax). The legs are usually entirely orange, but a few individuals have the proximal parts of fore and mid legs red-brown.
Holotype maculates (examined): [female] SOUTH AFRICA: 'Holo- / type' [circular, red edged], Xiphocerus / maculatus / J. Bigot / 380 in / coll. / Bigot.', 'Coll. Bigot / abt.1845-93. / Pres-1914 by / J.E. Collin.', '380 X. Maculatus $ [upside-down ?] / = tricolor Lw. / L-. [?] Hermann 1913 / C.B.Sp. [= Cape of Good Hope] J. Bigot.' [large drawer label], 'Type Dip: 305 / Xyphocerus / maculatus / Bigot / Hope Dept. Oxford' (OXUM).
Holotype braunsi (examined): $ SOUTH AFRICA: 'De la Rey [= Delareyville, 26.683[degrees]S 25.443[degrees]E] / W. Transvaal / Dr. Brauns. / i.1919', 'Holotype / Ancylorrhynchus / braunsi Br.' [red], 'Ancylorrhynchus / braunsi / Bromley / Det. S.W. Bromley 1934', 'Ancylorrhynchus / braunsi Broml. / Holotype 154' [red ink] (NMSA).
Allotype braunsi (examined): $ 'Jan. 1919 / Dr. Brauns. / De la Rey / Transvaal', 'Allotype /Ancylorrhynchus / braunsi Br.' [red], 'Ancylorrhynchus / braunsi Broml. / Allotype 155' [red ink] (NMSA).
Other material examined: LESOTHO: 1[male] 'Mamathes [29[degrees]08'S:27[degrees]51'E] / Basutoland / Jan. 1957 / D.J. Cuthbertson' (DMSA); 1[male] 'Mamathes / Basutoland / 18.xii.1943 / C. Jacot / Guillarmod' (DMSA); 1[female] 'Mamathes /Basutoland / 26.xii.1955 / A. Jacot- / Guillarmod' (AMGS); 1 $ 'Mamathes, Ba / sutol. / i.1940 / C. Jacot- / Guillarmod' (AMGS); 1[male] 'Mamathes /Basutoland / 20.xii.1947 / C. Jacot- / Guillarmod' (AMGS); 1[female] 'Basutoland / Teyateyaneng [29[degrees]09'S:27[degrees]44'E] / 18.xii.1964 / D.J. Brothers' (AMGS); 1[male] 1[female] 'Teyateyaneng /Basutoland / 21.xii.1964 / C. Jacot- / Guillarmod' (AMGS); 1[male] 1[female] 'Basutoland / 19.xii.1964 / D.J. Brothers / Teyateyaneng' (AMGS); 1[female] 'Valley floor / old lands / 5500 ft.', 'Roma Mission [29[degrees]27'S:27[degrees]44'E] / Maseru District / Basutoland / B. & P. Stuckenberg / 4-13 Jan. 1963' (NMSA). SOUTH AFRICA: 1[male] 'South Africa, N. Tvl. / Mogoto Nature Res. / Zebediela. 24.15S / 29.13E. 22-25.x.1979 / G.L. Prinsloo' (NMSA); 1[male] 'Lichtenburg [26[degrees]09'S:26[degrees]10'E] / Transvaal / Dr. Brauns' (NMSA); 1? 'Delarey [= Delareyville, 26.683[degrees]S 25.443[degrees]E] / W Transvaal / Dr. Brauns. / 15 i.1917' (NMSA); 1[male] 'Bothaville [27[degrees]22'S:26[degrees]37'E] / Orange Fr. St. / Dr. Brauns / 15 12 [18]98' [sideways], 'Sammlung / F. Hermann', 'Ancylorrh. / tricolor Lw.', 'tricolor Wied', Ancylorrhynchus / tricolor Wd. / [female] / det. E. O. Engel' (ZSMC); 1[female] 'O. Free State / Kroonstad [27[degrees]40'S:27[degrees]14'E] / 29.xi.1965 / D.J. Brothers' (AMGS); 1[male] 'Sweeping', 'South Africa, OFS / Adullam Farm area / Clarens 28.34S / 28.28E. 15-18.i. / 1986. M.W. Mansell' (NMSA); 1[male] 'Kimb [Kimberley, 28[degrees]50'S:24[degrees]33'E] / 10/[18]96' (NMSA); 1[male] 1[female] 'Estcourt [29[degrees]00'S:29[degrees]53'E] / 12/96' (NMSA); 2[male] 'Estcourt, / Natal. / Sept. & Oct. 1896 / G.A.K. Marshall. / 1903-17' (BMNH); 1[male] 2[female] 1? 'Natal / Estcourt' ~ 'E. Haviland / 1894' (SAMC); 2[male] 'Estcourt / 1/97' (NMSA); 2[female] 'B'fontein [Bloemfontein, 29[degrees]06'S:26[degrees]11'E] / 1935 / H. v. Hoepen. / L. 219.' (BMSA); 1[male] 'South Africa / Natal: Hilton [29[degrees]30'S:30[degrees]18'E] / 10/11/80 / D.G. Rattray' (NMSA); 1[female] 'Pietermaritzburg [29[degrees]37'S:30[degrees]23'E] / City centre / 12.4.1970 / L. Kelsall' (NMSA); 1[male] 'Pietermaritzburg / Natal, S Africa / B. & P. Stuckenberg' (NMSA); 1[female] 'Sth Africa: Cape Prov / Karoo National Park / 15km N Beaufort West / 12.xi.1986 3222AB / Londt & Quickelberge / Dry Acacia woodland' (NMSA); 3$ 'Sweeping / grassy / Fynbos', 'RSA: Eastern Cape / Baviaanskloof Nat. Res., / Berglaas trail hut at: / 33[degrees]38.075'S 24[degrees]29.306'E / 28.i.2009 / A. Kirk-Spriggs, S. Otto' (BMSA); 1? 'Capland / Krebs S.', '500', 'Zool. Mus. / Berlin' (ZMHB).
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from Southern Africa (Lesotho, South Africa) (Table 1), where it is fairly widely distributed (Fig. 152). Bromley (1939) recorded a poorly preserved female specimen from Stellenbosch which, as he suggested, is dispecific. Specimens have been collected from October-January as well as in April (Table 2). The biology is largely unknown, although most of the recorded localities fall within the Grassland, Nama-Karoo and Savanna biomes.
Similar species: A member of the reynaudii species-group with close similarities to fulvicollis, tricolor and zophos.
Ancylorhynchus unifasciatus (Loew, 1858)
Figs 27, 57, 135-137, 152
Xiphocerus unifasciatus Loew, 1858: 349; 1860: 156.
Ancylorrhynchus unifasciatus: Kertesz 1909: 103 (catalogue); Hull 1960: 217; Oldroyd 1974: 32.
Ancylorrhynchus munroi Bromley, 1936: 135; Hull 1960: 217; Oldroyd 1974: 32. Syn. n.
Ancylorhynchus unifasciatus: Oldroyd 1980: 360 (catalogue).
Ancylorhynchus munroi: Oldroyd 1980: 360 (catalogue).
Redescription:
Male (based on holotype unifasciatus. Condition: Good; left antenna broken off beyond pedicel; right wing with small anterior part missing.).
Head: Dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose, pale yellow and red-brown to dark red-brown setose. Antenna (Fig. 27): Entirely dark red-brown, scape and pedicel red-brown setose, postpedicel with terminal stylus 'segment' present, tipped with obliquely positional pit-enclosed spine-like sensory element. Segmental ratios: 1:0.3:3.0:0.1. Face blackish, silver pruinose except lateral margins of epistomal margin, mystax dark red-brown occupying ventral 1/3 of face. Frons and vertex blackish, fine silver pruinose, pale yellow and dark red-brown setose; ocellar tubercle fine pale yellow and dark setose. Occiput blackish, uniformly fine silver-grey pruinose, dark red-brown setose (few pale yellow setae dorsally). Palpus dark red-brown, red-brown setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex projecting with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis dark red-brown, red-brown setose.
Thorax: Blackish with orange areas dorsally, fine silver-grey pruinose, white pale yellow and red-brown setose. Prothorax entirely blackish, fine silver-grey pruinose, dark red-brown setose. Mesonotum blackish except for orange postpronotal lobes and posterior region (including postalar lobes and surrounding area), fine silver-grey pruinose, fine moderately long pale yellow and dark red-brown setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (dark red-brown or orange when present): dc dark red-brown anterior of transverse suture, orange posteriorly, c. 2-3 dark red-brown npl, 2 red-brown spal, 4 orange pal. Scutellum entirely blackish, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely pale yellow setose, hind margin with c. 6 red-brown, longish, weakly developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely blackish, silver-grey pruinose, white setose (confined to anepst, kepst and ktg). Anatg and mes pnot blackish. Legs: cx blackish, silver pruinose, white setose; tro dark red-brown; fem, tib and tar uniformly dark red-brown, mostly pale yellow-white setose (some orange-brown tarsal setae), claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 57): 4.7x1.8 mm. Veins brown. Membrane pale brownish, extensively microtrichose (only few small proximal areas bare), cells mostly semi-transparent. Haltere brown-yellow.
Abdomen: Extensively blackish with small orange areas dorsally, fine silver-grey pruinose, white, pale yellow and pale brown setose. T1 blackish; T2-4 blackish with tiny yellowish areas laterally on posterior margin and large silver pruinose areas posterolaterally (continuous medially); T3-4 blackish with yellowish posterolateral margins, weakly pruinose; T5-7 dark red-brown with narrow orange hind margins, moderately silver pruinose; T8-9 and terminalia red-brown. Sternites similar to tergites, posterior margins yellowish.
Genitalia (Figs 135-137): Epand bifid, forming pair of slightly diverging, relatively short and stout lobes. Lobes closely abut proximally, each is relatively straight with slightly inwardly directed distal ends; lobes characteristically downturned at about mid-length when viewed laterally. Proct simple, dorsally situated cerc elongate, appearing fused proximally, projecting posteriorly to approximately similar level attained by epand. Goncx well developed, outer lobe projecting posteriorly to somewhat blunt distal end; dorsal finger-like process well developed, shortish, somewhat clavate; inner lobe well developed, distal end sclerotised, medially directed. Gonst slightly laterally compressed, dorsally directed, tip curved anteriorly (somewhat hidden from view in undissected genitalia). Hypd moderately developed, about twice as wide as long, tapering fairly rapidly to broadly rounded, medially indented, ridge-like distal end. Aed sheath fairly elongate with tiny bifid distal tip.
Holotype munroi (Condition: Good; both antenna broken off beyond pedicels; right mesothoracic leg partly hidden within thorax where pin exits specimen.).
Head: Black, silver pruinose, whitish and dark red-brown setose. Antenna: Scape and pedicel dark red-brown, whitish setose, postpedicel missing. Segmental ratios: 1:0.4:-:-. Face black, silver pruinose except laterally on epistomal margin, mystax dark red-brown occupying ventral 1/3 of face. Frons and vertex black, fine silver pruinose, whitish setose; ocellar tubercle fine whitish setose. Occiput black, uniformly silver pruinose, dorsal setae whitish ventral setae dark red-brown. Palpus dark red-brown, dark red-brown setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex projecting with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis dark red-brown, red-brown setose.
Thorax: Black with orange areas dorsally, silver pruinose, white and pale yellow setose. Prothorax entirely black, silver pruinose, whitish setose. Mesonotum orange except for broad black medial band extending from anterior to posterior margin, being broader at level of transverse suture but falling short of lateral margins, silver pruinose, fine moderately long white and pale yellow setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (pale yellow when present): dc pale yellow only posterior of transverse suture, c. 4 npl, 2 spal, 3-4 pal. Scutellum entirely dark red-brown, strongly silver pruinose, disc sparsely long whitish setose, hind margin with c. 6 pale whitish macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely black, entirely strongly silver pruinose, setae whitish confined mainly to anepst, kepst and ktg. Anatg and mes pnot black, not contrasting with scutellum. Legs: cx black, strongly silver pruinose, white setose; tro dark red-brown; fem orange with dark red-brown proximal 2/3 fem1) or dark red-brown dorsal band fem2&3), tib and tar uniformly orange, legs entirely whitish setose, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings: 6.1x2.4 mm. Veins orange to pale brown. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), largely colourless and transparent. Haltere yellow with yellow-brown extremities.
Abdomen: Predominantly blackish with fairly narrow orange or orange-brown areas, silver pruinose, whitish setose. T1 uniformly blackish, strongly silver pruinose laterally; T2-3 blackish with narrow yellow-brown posterior margins and large areas of strong silver pruinescence laterally (completely absent medially); T4-8 similar to T3 but lacking large areas of strong silver pruinescence. Sternites blackish with orange posterior margins and long whitish setae. Terminalia: Agrees well with holotype of unifasciatus.
Variation: The above redescription of the A. munroi holotype illustrates the degree of intraspecific variation that may be expected. The species demonstrates little sexual dimorphism. While males usually have a dark red-brown to black mystax there are 2$ from Soutpan with a white mystax. The mystax of females varies from pale yellow to orange. Males frequently have dark red-brown legs, but some have light brown to orange tibiae (and perhaps the distal ends of femora may be orange). Female legs are mostly fairly uniform orange, but a few may have the proximal parts of femora brownish.
Holotype unifasciatus (examined): [male] SOUTH AFRICA: '113.', '245', 'Xiphocerus/ univittatus'. Note: This specimen is incorrectly labelled ' univittatus' (NHRS).
Holotype munroi (examined): [male] SOUTH AFRICA: 'Pretoria / W. boom. [Wonderboom, 25[degrees]36'S:29[degrees]20'E] Nov. 1915 / H.K. Munro', 'Holotype / Ancylorrhynchus munroi Br' [red], 'Ancylorrhynchus / munroi Brom. / [male] / Holotype No. 150' [red ink] (NMSA).
Allotype munroi (examined): [female] SOUTH AFRICA: 'Pretoria [25[degrees]44'S:28[degrees]11'E] / 3.i.23 / H.K. Munro', 'Allotype / Ancylorrhynchus / munroi Br', ' Ancylorrhynchus munroi Brom / Allotype No. 151' (NMSA).
Paratype munroi (examined): [female] SOUTH AFRICA: 'Pretoria / F [Faerie] Glen [25[degrees]46'24"S:28[degrees]18'03"E] 22.i.16 / H.K. Munro', 'Paratopotype / Ancylorrhynchus / munroi Br' [red], 'd.d.S.W. / Bromley. / 485. 1937', 'Ancylorrhynchus / munroi / Bromley / Det. / S.W. Bromley 1937', 'Type Dip: 170 / Ancylorrhynchus / munroi / Bromley / Hope Dept. Oxford' (OXUM).
Note: The type locality is unknown.
Other material examined: SOUTH AFRICA: 2[male] 'Sth Africa: Transvaal / Soutpan 23-24.ii.1980 / Soutpansberge 2229CD / J. Londt & L. Schoeman / Bushveld vegetation' (NMSA); 1[female] 'So. Africa: Transvaal / N Kruger Natl. Park / Pafuri 22.21S 31.17E / 1-13 February 1980 / L. Braack. Malaise trap' (NMSA); 2[male] 'South Africa, Tvl. / Kruger Nat. Park / Pafuri, 22.26S / 31.12E. 23-29.i. / 1984 C.D. Eardley' (SANC); 1[male] 'South Africa, N.W. Tvl. / Mogol Nature Reserve / Ellisras Dist. 23.58S / 27.45E. 19-23.xi.1979 / M.W. Mansell' (SANC); 1[female] 'Sth Africa: Transvaal / Blyde river canyon / 2430DB 26-27.ii.1980 / J. Londt & L. Schoeman / Bushveld vegetation' (NMSA); 1[male] 'South Africa, Tvl. / Nylsvley Nature / Res. 24.39S 28.42E. / 10/11.xii.1979. / C.D. Eardley, C.G. / Moolman, W.A. Harrop', 'malaise trap' (SANC); 1[male] 'Pretoria [25[degrees]44'S:28[degrees]11'E] M., / 28.I.1948 / G. van Son' (NMSA); 2[male] 'South Africa / Barberton [25[degrees]47'S:31[degrees]03'E] / Tvl. xii.1978 / C.D. Eardley' (SANC); 1[male] 'Ingwavuma [27[degrees]08'S:31[degrees]59'E] / Zululand, Natal / South Africa / 10.xii.63', 'Collectors / B. & P. Stuckenberg' (NMSA); 6[male] 3[female] 'S. Africa: Natal #97 / Itala Game Reserve / Graig Adam Dam / 27[degrees]28'S 31[degrees]25'E / ii.1991 R.M. Miller / Malaise trap' (NMSA); 1[female] 'R.S.A.: KZ-Natal #73 / Itala Game Reserve / 27[degrees]32'S 31[degrees]22'E 570m / Date: 4.xi.1997 / Coll: J.G.H. & A. Londt / Kwasambane Grassland' (NMSA); 1[male] 1[male] 'South Africa KwaZulu-Natal / Vreyheid [Vryheid] Nature Reserve / N of Vreyheid [Vryheid, 27[degrees]46'S:30[degrees]48'E] 1300m / le.g. T. Dikow 2.xii.1999' (CODI); 2[male] 'South Africa Natal / Zululand / Ngoye Mission / 2831DC 15.xii.1983 / P. Reavell' (NMSA); 2[female] 'Sth Africa KZ-Natal / Cumberland Nature Res. / 29[degrees]30'16"S:30[degrees]30'12"E / 3.ii.2002 J.G.H. Londt / 570m Horseshow area / mixed wooded grassland' (NMSA); 2[male] 'S Africa KwaZulu-Natal / Cumberland Nature Res. / 29[degrees]30.457'S 30[degrees]30.383'E / J.G.H. Londt 21.xii.2007 / 564 [m] Acacia savanna' (NMSA); 1[male] 'Durban [29[degrees]51'S:31[degrees]01'E] / W. Haygarth / Apr 1913', 'Sammlung / F. Hermann', 'Ancylorrh. / unifasciatus/ Lw.', 'unifasciatus / Lw.', 'Ancylorrhynchus / unifasciatus / Lw. / [male] / det. E. O. Engel' (ZSMC); 1[male] 'Durban / W. Haygarth / Apr. 1913' (SAMC).
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from South Africa (Table 1), where it is fairly widely distributed (Fig. 152). Specimens have been collected from NovemberApril (no March records) (Table 2). The biology is largely unknown, although most of the recorded localities fall within the Savanna biome.
Similar species: A fairly distinctive member of the reynaudii species-group without close similarities to other species.
Ancylorhynchus variabilis nom. n.
Figs 1, 28, 58, 138-140, 151
Xyphocerus variegatus Bigot, 1879: 429.
Ancylorrhynchus variegatus: Kertesz 1909: 103 (catalogue); Hull 1960: 217; Oldroyd 1974: 33.
Ancylorhynchus variegatus: Oldroyd 1980: 360 (catalogue).
It should be noted that the name variegatus has been used for two different species which currently reside in Ancylorhynchus. Dasypogon variegatus Wiedemann, 1817, a Palaearctic species now considered a junior synonym of type species Ancylorhynchus glaucius (Rossi, 1790) was described before the Afrotropical species Xyphocerus variegatus Bigot, 1879. Although both species were at one time considered valid within Xyphocerus (see Schiner 1867: 368) both were listed by Kertesz (1909) under Ancylorrhyncus; Wiedemann's 1817 species as a synonym of glaucius and Bigot's 1879 species as a valid name in its own right. While all subsequent authors have accepted Bigot's name it is necessary to provide this taxon with a new name in order to stabilise the taxonomy (it being possible that a much needed review of Palaearctic Ancylorhynchus could see the resurrection of Wiedemann's earlier name). The similar, but different name, variabilis, is here established as a new name for Bigot's variegatus.
Redescription:
Male (based on holotype. Condition: Good; both antennae completely missing; right metathoracic leg has been reattached to specimen with glue, but is complete).
Head: Dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose, white setose. Antenna (Fig. 28): Missing. Face black, strongly silver pruinose except laterally on epistomal margin, mystax shiny white occupying ventral 2/3 of face. Frons and vertex blackish, fine silver pruinose except for area anterior of ocellar tubercle, white setose; ocellar tubercle fine white setose. Occiput black, uniformly fine silver-grey pruinose, dorsal setae pale yellow ventral setae red-brown. Palpus dark red-brown, white setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis dark red-brown, white setose.
Thorax: Blackish with orange areas on posterolateral parts of mesonotum, fine silver pruinose (weak on orange parts), white setose. Prothorax entirely black and apruinose, white setose. Mesonotum dark red-brown to black anterior of transverse suture, posterior of suture black area tapers to point just short of hind margin, postalar lobes and surrounding area orange, fine silver pruinose (weak on orange sections), fine moderately long white setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (pale yellow when present): dc weak, confined to parts posterior to transverse suture, c. 3 npl, 1 spal, 2 pal. Scutellum dark red-brown except for small anteromedial orange area, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely pale yellow setose, hind margin with 3 pale yellow weakly developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely blackish, entirely silver-grey pruinose, setae setose (confined to anepst, kepst and ktg). Anatg black, silver pruinose laterally, mes pnot red-brown, weakly pruinose. Legs: cx dark red-brown, strongly silver pruinose, white setose; tro red-brown; fem dark red-brown with narrowly orange distal tips, tib orange except for dark red-brown distal ends, tar uniformly dark red-brown; legs entirely fine white setose, more major setae pale yellowish, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 58): 8.1x3.2 mm. Veins yellow anteriorly, brown posteriorly. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), distal cells brown (from about first fork of Rs), proximal cells yellowish and semi-transparent. Haltere yellow with pale brown stalk.
Abdomen: Predominantly dark red-brown to blackish with orange patches, silver pruinose, whitish. T1 entirely dark red-brown, fairly strongly silver pruinose; T2 dark red-brown with extensive orange areas posterolaterally (almost meet medially), weakly silver pruinose; T3 similar to T2 but orange areas not as extensive; T4 entirely dark red-brown, weakly silver pruinose; T5 similar to T3; T6 and terminalia removed for study of genitalia. Sternites similar to tergites but orange along posterior margins of all sternites.
Genitalia (Figs 138-140): Epand bifid, forming pair of relatively long, slender, straight lobes, extending posteriorly beyond level achieved by other genital structures. Lobes closely abut proximally, lie parallel with each and are hardly if at all inwardly curved distally. Proct simple, dorsally situated cerc appearing fused proximally. Goncx well developed, outer lobe projecting posteriorly to narrowly rounded distal end; dorsal finger-like process completely absent; inner lobe well developed, distal end sclerotised, medially directed. Gonst laterally compressed, dorsally directed, tip curved anteriorly. Hypd moderately developed, wider than long, tapering fairly rapidly to pair of relatively poorly sclerotised, somewhat membranous, slightly diverging, setose protuberances (setae shiny and readily seen in dry material, and at least partly obscure underlying structures). Aed largely hidden in undissected genitalia.
Variation: The holotype lacks antennae; another specimen was measured and demonstrated the following segmental ratios 1:0.4:4.7:0.2 (the species having a small, but clearly differentiated stylus 'segment'). This species shows little variation. Males have dark red-brown to black antennae while females have extensively orange antennae. The legs of males are mostly dark red-brown but some individuals have the distal parts of femora and tibiae orange. Females usually have entirely orange legs (except for the terminal tarsomere which is always dark red-brown), but a few individuals have red-brown coloration proximally on the femora. The extent of orange coloration of the mesonotum varies somewhat.
Holotype (examined): [male] SOUTH AFRICA: 'Holo- / type [circular, red edged]', Xiphocerus / variegatus / J. Bigot / 379 in / coll. / Bigot.', 'Coll. Bigot / abt.1845-93. / Pres-1914 by / J.E. Collin.', '379 X. Variegatus [male] / = op. L-. [?] Hermann 1913 / C.B.Sp. [Cape of Good Hope] J. Bigot. [large drawer label]', 'Type Dip: 306 / Xyphocerus / variegatus / Bigot / Hope Dept. Oxford' (OXUM).
Other material examined: LESOTHO: 1[female] 'Mamathes [29[degrees]08'S:27[degrees]51'E] / Basutoland / 8-1-1950 / A Jacot- / Guillarmod' (NMSA); 1[male] 'Mamathes /Basutoland / 4.ii.1951 / C. Jacot- / Guillarmod' (AMGS); 1[male] 'Mamathes /Basutoland / 28.ii.1959 / C. Jacot- / Guillarmod' (AMGS); 1[male] 'Mamathes /Basutoland / 26.ii.1949 / C. Jacot- / Guillarmod' (AMGS). NAMIBIA: 1[male] 'SWA / Outjo / Ibc [?] / 1916DA / 12.iii.79 / VB Whitehead' (SAMC); 1[male] 'S.W. Africa: / Witvlei / 1.iii.1970 / E.S. Ross (CASC). SOUTH AFRICA: 1[female] 'S Africa: NW Province / Molopo Game Reserve / Phiri Camp area / 25[degrees]46'43"S:22[degrees]55'53"E / 990m 14.iii.2003 J Londt / AcaciaErogrostis savanna' (NMSA); 1[male] 3$ 'S Africa: NW Province / Vorstershoop (outskirts) / 25[degrees]50'08"S:23[degrees]01'28"E / 990m 15.iii.2003 J Londt / Erogrostis Schmidtia verge' (NMSA); 1[female] 'S Africa: NW Province / Molopo Game Reserve / Motapi Camp area / 25[degrees]50'55"S:22[degrees]55'45"E / 1020m 14.iii.2003 J Londt / Dry Acacia savanna' (NMSA); 1[male] 'Sth Africa Cape Prov / 15km SE. Van Zylsrus / 2622CC 22.iii.1982 / J. Londt & L. Schoeman / Acacias/Grass/Shrubs' (NMSA); 5[male] 7[female] 'Sth Africa Cape Prov / ca 5km W Hotazel / 2722BB 23.iii.1982 / J. Londt & L. Schoeman / Acacias/Grass/Shrubs' (NMSA); 2[female] 'S Africa: N Cape #14 / 20km N of Hotazel / 27 07'S 22 59'E 1050m / Date: 14.iii.1991 / Whittington & Londt / Kuruman River banks' (NMSA); 1[male] 'Africa: Belmont. [? South Africa, 27[degrees]28'S:28[degrees]44'E] / L. Ogilvie. / 23.ii.1934 / B.M. 1934-157.' (BMNH); 1[male] 1[female] 'Sth Africa Cape Prov / 30km E. Groblershoop / 2822CD 19.iii.1982 / J. Londt & L. Schoeman / Roadside vegetation' (NMSA); 2[male] 'S Africa: N Cape #20 / 26km E of Upington / 28 23'S 21 29'E 950m / Date: 16.iii.1991 / Whittington & Londt / permanent dunes' (NMSA); 1[male] 'South Africa, Cape / 16mi. E of Cradock / Farm "Who can tell" / March 11, 1972, 1000m. / ME & BJ Irwin, 3225Bb' (NMSA).
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from Southern Africa (Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa) (Table 1), where it is fairly widely distributed (Fig. 151). Specimens have been collected from January-March (Table 2). The biology is largely unknown, locality data and personal experience suggest that the species inhabits both Grassland and Savanna biomes.
Similar species: A member of the reynaudii species-group with some similarities to dilobion.
Ancylorhynchus whiteheadi sp. n.
Figs 29, 59, 141-143
Etymology: Named after Dr Vincent Whitehead, who, while working at the South African Museum, collected a number of interesting Asilidae, including the holotype of this distinctive species.
Description:
Male (based on holotype. Condition: Excellent; right mesothoracic leg is missing the tarsus.).
Head: Dark red-brown to blackish, silver pruinose, white pale yellow and dark red-brown setose. Antenna (Fig. 29, paratype): Entirely dark red-brown to black, pedicel slightly paler, pale yellow setose, terminal stylus 'segment' present, tipped with pit-enclosed spine-like sensory element. Segmental ratios: 1:0.4:4.0:0.1. Face blackish, strongly silver pruinose except laterally on epistomal margin, mystax shiny white occupying entire face (weakly dorsally). Frons and vertex black, fine silver-grey pruinose except for V-shaped area between eyes that includes much of ocellar tubercle, pale yellow-white setose; ocellar tubercle fine pale yellow setose (no macrosetae). Occiput black, uniformly fine silver pruinose, pale yellow setose. Palpus dark red-brown, palpomere 1 yellow setose, palpomere 2 dark red-brown and yellow setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis dark red-brown, pale yellow setose.
Thorax: Dark red-brown to blackish with orange areas dorsally, silver pruinose, white and pale yellow setose. Prothorax entirely blackish, silver pruinose, white and pale yellow setose. Mesonotum blackish except for orange lateral and posterior margins (including postpronotal and postalar lobes and intervening parts), fine silver pruinose, fine shortish pale yellow setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (yellow when present): dc tiny pale yellow confined to area posterior to transverse suture, 2 npl, 1 spal, 3 pal. Scutellum entirely dark red-brown, fine silver pruinose, disc sparsely pale yellow setose, hind margin with 4 pale yellow weakly developed macrosetae accompanied by minor setae. Pleura entirely black, entirely strongly silver pruinose, setae white to pale yellow confined to anepst, kepst and ktg. Anatg and mes pnot dark red-brown. Legs: cx black, strongly silver pruinose, white setose; tro shiny dark red-brown; fem 1&2 orange with small proximally situated red-brown marks anteroventrally fem3 mainly dark red-brown with orange distal and proximal ends, tib and tar uniformly orange, macrosetae yellow fine setae white, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 59): 8.1 x3.4 mm. Veins orange anteriorly brown posteriorly. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), distal cells brownish (from about first fork of Rs), proximal cells relatively transparent. Haltere yellow with brown distal and proximal ends.
Abdomen: Predominantly blackish with orange areas, fine silver pruinose areas, white setose. T1 blackish, weakly pruinose; T2 blackish anteriorly. Orange posteriorly (with tiny yellowish parts along posterior margin), silver pruinescence only evident anteriorly; T3-4 blackish with orange areas posterolaterally (small on T4), little evidence of pruinescence; T5 blackish anteriorly orange posteriorly, little evidence of pruinescence; T6-terminalia dissected. Sternites similar to tergites but orange parts more extensive.
Genitalia (Figs 141-143): Epand bifid, forming pair of relatively long, fairly slender, straight lobes that project beyond other genital structures. Lobes closely abut proximally, becoming fairly widely separated (in dorsal view). Proct simple, weakly sclerotised, dorsally situated cerc closely associated but probably not fused. Goncx large, well developed, outer lobe broad, covered with strong setae, projecting posteriorly to rounded distal end; dorsal finger-like process completely absent; inner lobe well developed, distal end sclerotised and medially directed (slightly overlapping opposing lobe). Gonst laterally compressed, dorsally directed, tip curved anteriorly (largely hidden from view in undissected genitalia). Hypd well developed, almost as long as broad, tapering fairly rapidly to broad bilobed, densely setose, flattened distal end; setose distal end with small group of strong setae medially. Aed hidden in undissected genitalia.
Female. Similar to male but somewhat larger (wing 11.4x4.5 mm); fem1&2 entirely orange, fem3 extensively orange with small slightly red-brown areas at midlength anterodorsally.
Holotype: [male] SOUTH AFRICA: 'S. Afr. C.P. / Murraysberg [Murraysburg, 31[degrees]57'S:23[degrees]46'E] / Witteklip / 6.iii.[19]91 / VB Whitehead' (SAMC).
Paratype: 1[female] SOUTH AFRICA: 1[female] 'Murraysburg Dist. / C.P.' ~ 'Museum Staff / Mar. 1931' (SAMC).
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from South Africa (Table 1). Specimens have been collected only in March (Table 2). The biology is unknown. The type locality falls within the Nama-Karoo biome.
Similar species: A member of the reynaudii species-group with close similarities to gessi.
Ancylorhynchus zophos sp. n.
Figs 30, 60, 144-146
Etymology: From Greek zophos (West). A species limited to the western part of South Africa.
Description:
Male (based on holotype. Condition: Excellent; left antenna entirely missing; terminal tarsomere of left metathoracic leg missing.).
Head: Dark red-brown to blackish, silver-gold pruinose, shiny yellow setose. Antenna (Fig. 30): Scape and pedicel orange, yellow setose, postpedicel orange proximally becoming brown-orange distally, terminal stylus 'segment' present, tipped with pit-enclosed spine-like sensory element. Segmental ratios: 1:0.4:3.4:0.3. Face dark red-brown, strongly silver-gold pruinose except on lateral parts of epistomal margin and a small spot below antennal sockets, mystax shiny yellow occupying ventral 1/2 of face. Frons and vertex blackish, fine silver-gold pruinose, yellow setose; ocellar tubercle anteriorly apruinose, fine pale yellow setose (no macrosetae). Occiput blackish, uniformly gold-silver pruinose, yellow setose. Palpus red-brown, yellow setose, terminal palpomere swollen, apex projecting with terminal sensory pit. Proboscis orange-brown, yellow setose.
Thorax: Blackish with orange areas dorsally, silver pruinose, yellow setose. Prothorax entirely black, fine silver pruinose, yellow setose. Mesonotum blackish except for orange postpronotal and postalar lobes (and immediate surrounds), fine silver-grey pruinose, fine pale yellow setose. Mesonotal macrosetae (yellow when present): dc yellow confined to few pairs posterior to transverse suture, 2 npl, 1 spal, 3 pal. Scutellum entirely orange, fine silver pruinose, disc apparently asetose, hind margin with 4 yellow macrosetae. Pleura entirely blackish, silver pruinose, setae yellowish confined to anepst, kepst and ktg. Anatg and mes pnot black, contrasting with orange scutellum. Legs: cx black, silver pruinose, pale yellow setose; tro red-brown; fem, tib and tar uniformly orange, entirely yellow setose, claws dark red-brown with orange proximal parts. Wings (Fig. 60): 10.3x3.5 mm. Veins orange anteriorly pale brown posteriorly. Membrane extensively microtrichose (some proximal cells partly bare), distal cells pale brownish (from about first fork of Rs), proximal cells mostly transparent. Haltere yellow-brown.
Abdomen: Extensively dark red-brown to blackish with large orange patches, dull pruinose, pale yellow setose. T1 blackish, T2-4 blackish with large orange patches posterolaterally, T5-7 similar to T4 but dissected with genitalia. Sternites similar to tergites but orange areas predominate posteriorly.
Genitalia (Figs 144-146): Epand bifid, forming pair of relatively long, fairly slender, undulating lobes that project beyond other genital structures. Lobes closely abut pro ximally, lying almost parallel with one another, slightly undulating (in dorsal view), with distal tips slightly inwardly directed. Proct simple, dorsally situated cerc appearing fused proximally. Goncx well developed, outer lobe projecting posteriorly to narrowly rounded distal end; dorsal finger-like process well developed, fairly short and stout; inner lobe well developed, long, distal end well sclerotised and medially directed. Gonst laterally compressed, dorsally directed, distal end curved anteriorly. Hypd moderately developed, less than half as long as broad, elongate oval with undulating, medially indented posterior margin. Aed triangular in ventral view with tiny bifid distal tip.
Holotype: [male] SOUTH AFRICA: 'Klip Vlei [30[degrees]59'S:17[degrees]51'E], Garies / Namaqualand' ~ 'Museum Staff / Nov. 1931' (SAMC).
Distribution, phenology and biology: Known only from South Africa (Table 1). The unique holotype was collected in November (Table 2). The biology is unknown. The type locality falls within the Succulent Karoo biome.
Similar species: A member of the reynaudii species-group with close similarities to fulvicollis, reynaudii and tricolor.
Ancylorhynchus sp.
I have studied a single female from the northern parts of Somalia that does not appear to belong to any of the species known from East Africa. Until male material from the same region is available this specimen cannot be adequately assigned. Label data are as follows: 1[female] 'Somaliland / Protectorate / Borama [Boorama, 09[degrees]56N:43[degrees]11'E] / 6.vi. [19]57 / J. Roffey' (BMNH).
Key to Afrotropical Ancylorhynchus species
In order to successfully key specimens using this key it is necessary to have an intact male in good condition. All characters relate to male specimens and it may prove necessary to remove and macerate terminalia. Females may differ from males and can only be adequately identified though their association with males and by referring to detailed descriptions where available. Unfortunately, two of the 29 reviewed species could not be accommodated in this key. Firstly, pretoriensis Bromley, 1936, which belongs to the reynaudii species-group, known only from a unique female holotype and, secondly, elbaiensis which belongs to the nomadus species-group, is excluded as I have not been able to study the only known type specimens.
1 Antenna with well-developed stylus 'segment' (e.g. Fig. 20)
(reynaudii speciesgroup, confined to Southern Africa) 2
--Antennal postpedicel terminating in an obliquely situated pit
enclosed spine-like element (e.g. Fig. 14) (nomadus species-group,
all African subregions) 11
2 Gonocoxite with well-developed dorso-distal finger-like
projection (e.g. Fig. 78) 3
--Gonocoxite with poorly defined dorso-distal projection (e.g. Fig.
82), or completely lacking this structure (e.g. Fig. 62) 8
3 A small (wing <5 mm) blackish species (legs entirely blackish).
Genitalia as in Figs 135-137 unifasciatus (Loew, 1858)
--Larger (wing >5 mm) more colourful species (legs entirely or
extensively yellow or orange) 4
4 Blackish mesonotal marking confined to a narrow medial strip
extending to both anterior and posterior margins (although narrowing
near posterior margin) and possibly being slightly broader at about
midlength. Genitalia as in Figs 93-95 insignis Bromley, 1936
--Blackish mesonotal marking not confined to a narrow medial strip
extending to both anterior and posterior margins, but often more
extensive and sometimes failing to reach posterior margin (the
following four species are best separated using male genital
features) 5
5 Mystax dark red-brown to black 6
--Mystax pale yellow to orange 7
6 Male genitalia as in Figs 78-80; tips of epandrial lobes flattened
fulvicollis (Bigot, 1879)
--Male genitalia as in Figs 114-116; distal tip of hypandrium with
small group of dorsally directed setae reynaudii (Macquart, 1838)
7 Male genitalia as in Figs 132-134 tricolor (Loew, 1863)
--Male genitalia as in Figs 144-146 zophos sp. n.
8 Gonocoxite with poorly defined dorso-distal projection. Male
genitalia as in Figs 67-69 dilobion sp. n.
--Gonocoxite completely lacking dorso-distal projection 9
9 Prothorax entirely shiny apruinose. Male with black postpronotal
lobes (not differentiated from anterior parts of mesonotum).
Genitalia as in Figs 138-140 variabilis nom. n.
--Prothorax entirely silvery pruinose. Male with orange postpronotal
lobes (differentiated from blackish anterior parts of mesonotum) 10
10 Distal half of wing clearly darkly shaded and differentiated from
proximal half. Tibiae and tarsi orange. Genitalia as in Figs
141-143 whiteheadi sp. n.
--Distal half of wing not distinctly different in shading from
proximal half. Tibiae and tarsi of male uniformly dark red-brown,
orange in female except for terminal tarsomere which is dark
red-brown. Genitalia as in Figs 84-86 gessi sp. n.
11 Gonocoxite with well-developed dorso-distal finger-like
projection 12
--Gonocoxite with poorly defined dorso-distal projection or completely
lacking this structure 13
12 Wing membrane somewhat dark red-brown. Thoracic pleura of male
entirely blackish, including katatergite 13
--Wing uniformly pale, lacking a distinctive. Thoracic pleura of male
bicoloured (dark red-brown and orange), katatergite orange 14
13 Wing membrane with characteristic patches of yellow and dark
red-brown. Male genitalia with elongate hypandrium featuring complex
distal region. Genitalia as in Figs 102-104 (East Africa)
nyukinus Speiser, 1910
--Wing uniformly dark red-brown except for small transparent proximal
region. Male genitalia with short hypandrium with simple distal
margin. Genitalia as in Figs 117-119 (West Africa) similis sp. n.
14 Mesonotum mainly orange with only a narrow blackish medial band.
Genitalia as in Figs 108-110 (Southern Africa) phelpsi sp. n.
--Mesonotum orange with bold blackish cross-shaped marking featuring
a broad medial band and lateral bands at midlength. Genitalia as
in Figs 70-72 (East Africa) doryphorus sp. n.
15 Gonocoxite with poorly defined dorso-distal projection 16
--Gonocoxite completely lacking dorso-distal projection 19
16 Head ground colour dark red-brown to black 17
--Head ground colour orange 20
17 Wings uniformly dark brown shaded 18
--Wings pale and largely transparent. Genitalia as in Figs 87-89
(East Africa) greatheadi sp. n.
18 Legs and mesonotum entirely blackish. Mystax white. Genitalia as in
Figs 129-131 (Central Africa) susurrus (Karsch, 1879)
--Legs entirely orange, mesonotum orange with central blackish
marking. Mystax orange. Genitalia as in Figs 81-83
(Southern Africa) funebris Bromley, 1936
19 Medium to large (wing length >10 mm) species usually with dark-
tipped wings (variable, rarely with entirely blackish wings).
Genitalia as in Figs 96-98 (Southern, Central & East Africa)
magnificus Bromley, 1936
--Smallish to medium sized (wing length <10 mm) species distinctively
patterned dark red-brown to black and yellowish wings. Genitalia as
in Figs 75-77 (Southern Africa) feijeni sp. n.
20 Mesothoracic trochanters with row of mainly white setae ventrally.
West African species 21
--Mesothoracic trochanters with row of black setae ventrally (Fig. 2).
East & Southern African species 23
21 Antennae, legs and mesonotum entirely blackish. Wings extensively
dark red-brown to black with transparent parts proximally 22
--Antennae extensively orange but brownish distally, legs entirely
orange, mesonotum extensively orange with blackish marking medially.
Wings uniformly pale yellowish. Genitalia as in Figs 123-125
snowi sp. n.
22 Palpus red-brown setose. Face silver pruinose except for small
apruinose spot below antennae sockets. Genitalia as in
Figs 99-101 nomadus (Wiedemann, 1828)
--Palpus white setose. Face uniformly silver pruinose. Genitalia as
in Figs 120-122 simpsoni sp. n.
23 Antennae and legs black, mesonotum dark red-brownish to black,
mystax white 24
--Antennae and legs orange, mesonotum orange with extensive blackish
marking medially, mystax yellow or orange 25
24 Abdomen black. Genitalia as in Figs 111-113 (Southern Africa)
prunus Oldroyd, 1974
--Abdomen extensively yellowish. Genitalia as in Figs 105-107
(Central & East Africa) oldroydi Lindner, 1961
25 Genitalia as in Figs 61-66 (Southern, Central & East Africa)
cruciger (Loew, 1858)
--Genitalia as in Figs 90-92 (East Africa) hylaeiformis Speiser, 1910
--Genitalia as in Figs 126-128 (East Africa) sokokensis sp. n.
DISCUSSION
Taxonomy
Some 12 scientists have contributed to our taxonomic knowledge of this interesting and attractive genus by describing Afrotropical species. The main contributors were Bromley (8 species), Loew (4), Bigot & Oldroyd (3 each), and Speiser (2), while single species were added by no fewer than seven other authors (Bezzi, Curran, Efflatoun, Karsch, Lindner, Macquart, Wiedemann). In my experience, this kind of scenario often leads to a lengthy revisionary process and this has certainly been true in the case of Ancylorhynchus. Of the 27 species described by the authors listed above, no fewer than nine (33 %) are now listed as synonyms. Only Bromley (1936) attempted to provide an overview of the Afrotropical species, but left out a number of species that were not available or familiar to him. Oldroyd (1974) also attempted to provide a means by which the Southern African species could be identified. Unfortunately, he too was not familiar with all the species and decided to use Bromley's incomplete coverage and key to construct his own key, which is consequently not particularly useful. The fact that Wiedemann's Dasypogon humeralis, described in 1821 and incorporated into Ancylorhynchus over a hundred years ago, has only now been shown to belong to a totally different genus clearly illustrates the state of affairs at the commencement of my study. I now accept 29 valid Afrotropical species, including elbaiensis which should probably be treated as a Palaearctic species, and 12 newly described species. As mentioned elsewhere, this study was hampered by the unavailability of a few key holotype specimens which has meant that certain of my taxonomic decisions may ultimately prove problematic. This being accepted, I am still of the opinion that this review paves the way toward providing a means for the accurate identification of Afrotropical species of Ancylorhynchus.
Although the remarkable form of the proboscis is clearly the most defining generic character, the situation is probably not as simple as here portrayed. For example, Wulp (1870) transferred nomadus to Scylaticus because it had similarly long and slender antennae (see discussion under nomadus), an action accepted by Kertesz (1909). Although the grounds for Wulp's action appear trivial, he may have been onto something because species of Ancylorhynchus and Scylaticus do have much in common and are now known to be sister species within the Stenopogoninae (Dikow 2009a). In redefining Scylaticus I stated 'Proboscis straight or rarely slightly arched' (Londt 1992: 100), and I used this feature in my key to separate two species (albofasciatus Engel, 1932 & camptus Londt, 1992) from others--also using the terms 'bow-shaped' and 'gently downcurved' when describing the proboscis of these species. While the proboscis of Ancylorhynchus is clearly distinctive, the condition found in a few species of Scylaticus may well represent an intermediate character state that should perhaps be given greater attention in any future cladistical assessment of relationships between these taxa. It should also be noted that species of Scylaticus also exhibit the two different forms of antennae that are discussed below for Ancylorhynchus, and so this may also prove of greater significance in future research on these genera.
I am not the first to recognise that there are two groups within Ancylorhynchus (see Oldroyd 1974: 30). Group 1 (reynaudii group): Antenna with a small, but distinctive terminal stylus. The pedicel is relatively long, while the postpedicel is relatively short. The mystax is not U-shaped in anterior view. The mesothoracic trochanter does not possess a ventral row of curved spine-like setae (may possess a few pale, slightly curved, fairly elongate setae). Species in this group are: dilobion, fulvicollis, gessi, insignis, reynaudii, tricolor, unifasciatus, variabilis, whiteheadi and zophos. Group 2 (nomadus group): Antenna lacks a terminal stylus, and ends in an obliquely positioned pit. The pedicel is relatively short, while the postpedicel is relatively long. The mystax is commonly U-shaped in anterior view. The mesothoracic trochanter possess a ventral row of curved (usually black) spine-like setae. Species in this group are: cruciger, doryphorus, feijeni, funebris, greatheadi, hylaeiformis, magnificus, nomadus, nyukinus, oldroydi, phelpsi, prunus, similis, simpsoni, snowi, sokokensis and susurrus. Although I would not presently be prepared to consider these groups to be subgenera, it is useful to provide these groups with names. It is probably significant to note that all members of the reynaudii species-group are confined to Southern Africa, while those of the nomadus species-group are fairly widely distributed (although not particularly so within Southern Africa, where they are found chiefly in the more subtropical north-eastern parts).
Distribution, phenology and biology
Ancylorhynchus is a widely distributed genus in the afrotropics, being found in West, East, Central and Southern Africa (Table 1, Fig. 147). As yet the genus has not been recorded from the southern parts of the Arabian peninsula or from the Atlantic and Indian ocean islands (except for Zanzibar). While the majority of recorded localities are in Southern Africa this is certainly a consequence of biased sampling. It is my impression that population numbers are never high and this is borne out by the generally small series that are usually collected at any one locality. While there are two samples of 12 specimens recorded, at least one of these was a series collected in a Malaise trap over a number of days. Not unexpectedly, most of the species are active in the adult phase during the warmer (and usually wetter) months of the year and many appear to have quite extended 'seasons' or periods of adult activity (Table 2). Almost nothing is known about the biology of species in this genus. Most appear to inhabit biomes such as Grassland and Savanna while a few are known from the Fynbos of South Africa, as well as more arid environments. There are only five known prey records (cruciger 2, fulvicollis 2, magnificus 1). Three of the five prey items belong to the Hemiptera (Cicadellidae, Membracidae, Scutelleridae), the others being a hymenopteran (Vespidae) and a dipteran (Tachinidae).
Oldroyd (1970: 271) believed that the unusual shape of the proboscis found in Ancylorhynchus 'must be related to some peculiarity of diet, but as far as I know no one has attempted to speculate what it might feed upon. Some observations on this proboscis will be the subject of a separate small paper.' This 'separate small paper' does not appear to have been published, but Oldroyd (1974: 28-30) did devote a paragraph and a group of illustrations (his figs 17-20) to details of the morphology of a dissected specimen. Oldroyd, who had obviously not seen any prey items associated with this genus, was nonetheless convinced that the unusually shaped proboscis was entirely functional. He suggested that 'the proboscis has every appearance of being a specialized organ for feeding upon some unusual kind of prey' and that 'the prey must be exceptionally difficult to penetrate'. Now that there are a few prey records it appears that there is nothing unusual about the choice of prey and indeed the genus probably has catholic tastes.
It is of interest that many Ancylorhynchus species appear to resemble Hymenoptera (e.g. Vespidae) in physical appearance. Of note in this regard is the fact that of the 48 specimens recorded as having been collected in Malaise traps, only 17 (35 %) were female. In my experience Malaise traps are generally not very effective in collecting Asilidae, probably because asilids do not usually display the kind of sustained flight normally associated with insects that readily find their way into these traps. It is possible, therefore, that males of Ancylorhynchus also mimic hymenopteran flight chacteristics as well as bodily appearance and hence are more effectively trapped. Of the 485 specimens studied 239 (49 %) were males, 237 (49 %) females and 9 (2 %) could not be sexed. The gender ratio was therefore almost identical.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Curators of the museums that kindly hosted me or sent specimens for study are gratefully acknowledged for their participation in and assistance with this project. Mrs Heidi Snyman (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) is thanked for her contribution in generating the distribution maps. The University of KwaZulu-Natal and National Research Foundation allocated funding in support of my research, while the KwaZulu-Natal Museum provided laboratory facilities and library services. I acknowledge the assistance of the many conservation authorities that have issued collecting permits to me over the many years I have been working on Afrotropical Asilidae. Without their assistance sampling would have been difficult. Finally, my wife Ann is thanked for her generous assistance and support as I continue to actively pursue my research both in my home laboratory and in the field.
REFERENCES
ARNETT, R.H. & SAMUELSON, G.A. 1986. The insect and spider collections of the world. Gainsville, Fl., USA: E.J. Brill, Flora & Fauna Publications.
BERTHOLD, A.A. 1827. Naturliche Familien des Thierreichs. Aus dem Franzosischen. Mit Anmerkungen und Zusatzen. Weimar.
BEZZI, M. 1908. Diagnosa d'especes nouvelles de Dipteres d'Afrique. Annales de laSociete entomologique de Belge 52: 374-388.
BIGOT, J.M.F. 1879. Dipteres nouveaux ou peu connus. 10e partie (pars secunda). XV (suite). Tribu des Asilidi. Curies des Laphridae et Dasypogonidae. Annales de la Societe entomologique de France. (5) 8 (1878): 401-446.
BROMLEY, S.W. 1936. Studies in South African Asilidae. Annals of the Transvaal Museum 18: 125-146.
BROWN, R.W. 1956. Composition of scientific words. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press.
CURRAN, C.H. 1934. Notes and descriptions of African Diptera. American Museum Novitates 710: 1-16.
DANIELS, G. 1989. 37. Family Asilidae. In: Evenhuis, N.L., ed., Catalog of the Diptera of the Australasian and Oceanian Regions. Bishop Museum Special Publication 86: 326-349.
DIKOW, T. 2009a. Phylogeny of Asilidae inferred from morphological characters of imagines (Insecta: Diptera: Brachycera: Asiloidea). Buttetin of the American Museum of Natural History 319: 1-175, 131 figs, 8 tables.
--2009b. A phylogenetic hypothesis for Asilidae based on a total evidence analysis of morphological and DNA sequence data (Insecta, Diversity, Brachycera, Asiloidea). Organisms, Diversity & Evolution 9: 165-188.
DIKOW, T., MEIER, R., Vaidya, G.G. & Londt, J.G.H. 2009. Biodiversity research based on taxonomic revisions--A tale of unrealized opportunities. In: Pape, T., Bickel, D.J. & Meier, R., eds, Diptera Diversity: Status, Challenges and Tools. Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers, pp. 323-345.
EFFLATOUN, H.C. 1937. A monograph of Egyptian Diptera. Part V. Family Asilidae (Section II). Memoires de la Societe Royal Entomologique d'Egypte 4 (3): 199-443 + pls IV-VIII.
GREATHEAD, D.J. 1967. The Bombyliidae (Diptera) of northern Ethiopia. Journal of Natural History 1 (2): 195-284.
HULL, F.M. 1962. Robber flies of the World. The genera of the family Asilidae. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 224 (1): 1-430, (2): 431-907.
KARSCH, F.A. 1879. Westafrikanische Dipteren, gesammelt von Herrn Stabsarzt Dr. Falkenstein. Zeitschrift fur die gesamte Naturwissenschaft (3) 4 (52): 377-383, pl.
KERTESZ, C. 1909. Catalogus dipterorum hucusque descriptorum. IV. Oncodidae, Nemestrinidae, Mydaidae, Apioceridae, Asilidae. Budapestini: Museum Nationale Hungaricum.
LATREILLE, P.A. 1825. Familles naturelles du regne animal, exposees, succinctement et dans un ordre ana lytique, avec l'indication de leurs genres. Paris.
LEHR, P.A. 1988. Family Asilidae. In: Soos, A. & Papp, L., eds, Catalogue of Palaearctic Diptera. Vol. 5. Amsterdam: Elsevier, pp. 197-326.
LINDNER, E. 1961. Afrikanische Asilidae (Dipt.). (Ergebnisse der Forschungsreise Lindner 1958/59--Nr. 8). Stuttgarter Beitrage zur Naturkunde 61: 1-13.
LOEW, H. 1858. Bidrag till kannedomen om Afrikas Diptera [part]. Of versigt af Koniglichen Vetenskaps Akademiens Forhandlingar 14: 337-383.
--1860. Die Dipteren-Fauna Sudafrika's. Erste Abtheilung. Abhandlungen des Naturwissenschaftlichen Vereins fur Sachsen und Thuringen in Halle 2 (1858-1861): i-xi, 73-402.
--1863. Enumeratio dipterorum quae C.Tollin ex Africa merdionali (Orangestaat, Bloemfontein) misit. Wiener Entomologische Monatsschrift 7: 9-16.
LONDT, J.G.H. 1994. Afrotropical Asilidae (Diptera) 25. A key to the genera of the subfamily Stenopogoninae with new synonymy and descriptions of six new genera. Annals of the Natal Museum 35: 71-96.
--1999. Afrotropical Asilidae (Diptera) 31. A review of the genera Stenopogon Loew, 1847 and Rhacholaemus Hermann, 1907 with the description of new genera and species (Stenopogoninae). Annals of the Natal Museum 40: 47-82.
--2010. A taxonomic analysis of Gambian Asilidae (Diptera) based chiefly on a collection assembled by W.F. Snow between 1974 and 1977. African Entomology 18 (2): 328-353.
MACQUART, P.J.M. 1834. Histoire naturelle des Insectes. Dipteres. T. 1. Paris: Roret.
--1838. Dipteres exotiques nouveaux ou peu connus. Memoires de la Societe (Royale) des Sciences, de l'Agriculture et des Arts a Lille 1 (2): 5-207.
Mcalpine, J.F. 1981. Morphology and terminology--Adults. In: McAlpine, J.F. et al., eds, Manual of Nearctic Diptera. Vol. 1. Monograph 27. Ottawa: Agriculture Canada, Research Branch, pp. 9-63.
OLDROYD, H. 1970. Studies of African Asilidae (Diptera). 1. Asilidae of the Congo basin. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History). Entomology, Supplement 24 (7): 207-334.
--1974. An introduction to the robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) of southern Africa. Annals of the Natal Museum 22 (1): 1-171.
--1975. Family Asilidae. In: Delfinado, M.D. & Hardy, D.E., eds, A catalog of the Diptera of the Oriental region. Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii. 2: 99-156.
--1980. Family Asilidae. In: Crosskey, R.W., ed., Catalogue of the Diptera of the Afrotropical Region. London: British Museum (Natural History), pp. 334-373, 1218, 1226, 1229.
SCHINER, J.R. 1866. Die Wiedemann'schen Asiliden, interpretirt und in die seither errichteten neuen Gattungen eingereiht. Verhandlungen der Zoologisch-Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien 16: 649-722.
SPEISER, P. 1910. 4. Orthorhapha. Orthorhapha Nematocera. Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der Schwedischen Zoologischen Expedition Kilimandjaro-Meru 10 (Diptera): 31-112 (Asilidae 82-107).
VAN WYK, A.E. & SMITH, G.F. 2001. Regions of floristic endemism in southern Africa. Hatfield, South Africa: Umdaus Press.
WALKER, F. 1854 [1848-1855]. List of the specimens of Dipterous insects in the collections of the British
MUSEUM. Pt. 6. Supplement 2. London: British Museum, pp. 377-506.
WIEDEMANN, C.R.W. 1821. Diptera exotica. [2 ed] Pars 1. Kiliae [= Kiel].
--1828. Aussereuropaische zweiflugelige Insekten alsFortsetzung desMeigenschen Werkes v. 1. Pt 8. Familie: Rauberfliegen (Asilici). Hamburg: Schulzischen Buchhandlung.
WULP, F.M., VAN DER. 1870. Opmerkingen omtrent uitlandsche Asiliden. Tijdschrift voor Entomologie (2)
[FIGURES 3-30 OMITTED]
[FIGURES 31-40 OMITTED]
[FIGURES 41-50 OMITTED]
[FIGURES 51-60 OMITTED]
[FIGURES 61-74 OMITTED]
[FIGURES 75-92 OMITTED]
[FIGURES 93-110 OMITTED]
[FIGURES 111-128 OMITTED]
[FIGURES 129-146 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 147 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 148 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 149 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 150 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 151 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 152 OMITTED]
TABLE 1
The distribution of Ancylorhynchus species by subregion and country.
Abbreviations: Ang--Angola, Bot--Botswana, Bur--Burundi, Cot--Cote
d'Ivoire, DRC--Democratic Republic of Congo, Eri--Eritrea, Gam--
Gambia, Gha--Ghana, Ken--Kenya, Les--Lesotho, Mal--Malawi, Moz--
Mozambique, Nam--Namibia, Nig--Nigeria, RSA--Republic of South Africa,
Som--Somalia, Sud--Sudan, Swa--Swaziland, Tan--Tanzania, Zam--Zambia,
Zim--Zimbabwe.
SOUTHERN
Species Bot Les Moz Nam RSA Swa Zim
cruciger * -- * * * * *
dilobion -- -- -- -- * -- --
doryphoros -- -- -- -- -- -- --
elbaiensis -- -- -- -- -- -- --
feijeni -- -- * -- * -- --
fulvicollis -- -- -- -- * -- --
funebris -- -- * -- -- -- --
gessi -- -- -- * -- -- --
greatheadi -- -- -- -- -- -- --
hylaeiformis -- -- -- -- -- -- --
insignis -- -- -- -- * -- --
magnificus -- -- * * * -- *
nomadus -- -- -- -- -- -- --
nyukinus -- -- -- -- -- -- --
oldroydi -- -- -- -- -- -- --
phelpsi -- -- -- -- -- -- *
pretoriensis -- -- -- -- * -- --
prunus -- -- * -- -- -- --
reynaudii -- -- -- -- * -- --
similis -- -- -- -- -- -- --
simpsoni -- -- -- -- -- -- --
snowi -- -- -- -- -- -- --
sokokensis -- -- -- -- -- -- --
susurrus -- -- -- -- -- -- --
tricolor -- * -- -- * -- --
unifasciatus -- -- -- -- * -- --
variabilis -- * -- * * -- --
whiteheadi -- -- -- -- * -- --
zophos -- -- -- -- * -- --
1 2 5 4 13 1 3
CENTRAL
Species Ang Mal DRC Zam
cruciger -- * * *
dilobion -- -- -- --
doryphoros -- -- -- --
elbaiensis -- -- -- --
feijeni -- -- -- --
fulvicollis -- -- -- --
funebris -- -- -- --
gessi -- -- -- --
greatheadi -- -- -- --
hylaeiformis -- -- -- --
insignis -- -- -- --
magnificus -- * -- --
nomadus -- -- -- --
nyukinus -- -- -- --
oldroydi -- -- -- *
phelpsi -- -- -- --
pretoriensis -- -- -- --
prunus -- -- -- --
reynaudii -- -- -- --
similis -- -- -- --
simpsoni -- -- -- --
snowi -- -- -- --
sokokensis -- -- -- --
susurrus * -- * --
tricolor -- -- -- --
unifasciatus -- -- -- --
variabilis -- -- -- --
whiteheadi -- -- -- --
zophos -- -- -- --
1 2 2 2
EAST
Species Bur Eri Ken Som Sud Tan
cruciger * -- * * -- *
dilobion -- -- -- -- -- --
doryphoros -- -- -- -- -- *
elbaiensis -- -- -- -- * --
feijeni -- -- -- -- -- --
fulvicollis -- -- -- -- -- --
funebris -- -- -- -- -- --
gessi -- -- -- -- -- --
greatheadi -- * -- -- -- --
hylaeiformis * -- * -- -- *
insignis -- -- -- -- -- --
magnificus -- -- * -- -- --
nomadus -- -- -- -- -- --
nyukinus -- -- * * -- *
oldroydi -- -- -- -- -- *
phelpsi -- -- -- -- -- --
pretoriensis -- -- -- -- -- --
prunus -- -- -- -- -- --
reynaudii -- -- -- -- -- --
similis -- -- -- -- -- --
simpsoni -- -- -- -- -- --
snowi -- -- -- -- -- --
sokokensis -- -- * -- -- --
susurrus -- -- -- -- -- --
tricolor -- -- -- -- -- --
unifasciatus -- -- -- -- -- --
variabilis -- -- -- -- -- --
whiteheadi -- -- -- -- -- --
zophos -- -- -- -- -- --
2 1 5 2 1 5
WEST
Species Cot Gam Gha Nig
cruciger -- -- -- --
dilobion -- -- -- --
doryphoros -- -- -- --
elbaiensis -- -- -- --
feijeni -- -- -- --
fulvicollis -- -- -- --
funebris -- -- -- --
gessi -- -- -- --
greatheadi -- -- -- --
hylaeiformis -- -- -- --
insignis -- -- -- --
magnificus -- -- -- --
nomadus -- -- -- *
nyukinus -- -- -- --
oldroydi -- -- -- --
phelpsi -- -- -- --
pretoriensis -- -- -- --
prunus -- -- -- --
reynaudii -- -- -- --
similis * -- * --
simpsoni -- -- -- *
snowi -- * -- --
sokokensis -- -- -- --
susurrus -- -- -- --
tricolor -- -- -- --
unifasciatus -- -- -- --
variabilis -- -- -- --
whiteheadi -- -- -- --
zophos -- -- -- --
1 1 1 2
Jason G. H. Londt
KwaZulu-Natal Museum, P. Bag 9070, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 South Africa, and School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; [email protected]
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Title Annotation: | Part 2 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Londt, Jason G.H. |
| Publication: | African Invertebrates |
| Article Type: | Report |
| Geographic Code: | 60AFR |
| Date: | Dec 1, 2011 |
| Words: | 12357 |
| Previous Article: | A review of Afrotropical Ancylorhynchus Berthold, 1827 (Diptera: Asilidae: Stenopogoninae). |
| Next Article: | A revision of the genus Microschismus Fletcher, 1909 (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae). |
| Topics: | |