Research Article |
Corresponding author: Torsten Dikow ( dikowt@si.edu ) Academic editor: Kirstin Williams
© 2018 Jason G. H. Londt, Torsten Dikow.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Londt JGH, Dikow T (2018) A review of the assassin-fly genus Laphyctis Loew, 1858 with descriptions of two new species (Diptera, Asilidae, Laphriinae). African Invertebrates 59(1): 75-106. https://doi.org/10.3897/afrinvertebr.59.25022
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The asilid genus Laphyctis Loew, 1858 is revised. The genus is restricted to the Afrotropical Region where it has been confused with the more widely distributed Laphystia Loew, 1847, which currently has no Afrotropical representatives. Three previously described species are recognised: Laphyctis gigantella (Loew, 1852), type of the genus, Laphyctis argenteofasciata (Engel, 1929), reinstated from the synonymy of L. gigantella, and Laphyctis orichalcea (Lindner, 1973). Two new species are described, Laphyctis eremia sp. n. from Namibia and Laphyctis iota sp. n. from South Africa. The genus has a wide distribution ranging from northern Kenya to eastern South Africa and to western Namibia. Species are associated with dry, sandy habitats.
Afrotropical, assassin fly, cybertaxonomy
There has been some confusion surrounding the asilid genus Laphyctis Loew, 1858 and the purpose of this contribution is to clarify its position as a recognised genus within the Afrotropical fauna and to revise the regional fauna. The taxonomic history of Laphyctis may be summarised by way of the following brief historical review:
At the commencement of this study there were, therefore, only two designated species of Laphyctis – the type species gigantella (Loew, 1852) and orichalcea (Lindner, 1973). Field work by the junior author in Namibia in 2012, where one of the new species described below as well as specimens of Prytanomyia were collected, instigated a closer look at the current knowledge and with the accumulation of 200 specimens in various collections there is an excellent basis for a revision of this distinctive genus.
Terminology follows mainly that proposed by
Label data are usually cited as they appear on labels, lines of data being separated by a slash (/). Unique specimen identifiers, when available, are provided in brackets following the appropriate specimens. While more recently collected material is frequently provided with detailed information relating to locality and habitat, it has been necessary to attempt to establish reasonably accurate geographic coordinates for older or relatively poorly documented specimens in order to gain a better appreciation of distribution and Google Earth has been used to accomplish this. Information not appearing on labels is provided in square brackets. For illustration, wings were removed, placed in alcohol and flattened between glass microscope slides for photography before being reattached by means of clear nail polish. Terminalia were excised and macerated in hot Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), drawn with the aid of a drawing tube before being stored in a micro vile attached to the specimen's, pin. Wing measurements are given as the mean and length is measured from humeral crossvein to tip and breadth at widest level. The segmental length ratios of the antenna are given as scape (as 1): pedicel: postpedicel: stylus.
The distribution map includes Biodiversity Hotspots sensu Conservation International (
GBIF: specimen occurrence data-set – 6f6da8ae-e270-49e0-b0b4-5ea7c968f9da – https://doi.org/10.15468/mgzpdj.
Lucid Phoenix: illustrated, dichotomous identification key – keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/phoenix/laphyctis/.
Morphbank: image collection ID – 861204.
SimpleMappr: distribution map – 9287 (as in Fig.
Updated key to Afrotropical Asilidae genera (see Discussion):
online – keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/phoenix/Afrotropical_Asilidae_genera/
PDF-format – https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.5977690
Laphyctis
Loew, 1858: 338 [1860: 159]. Type species: Stichopogon gigantella Loew, 1852, by monotypy. [reinstated by
Laphystia (Laphystiella) Hull, 1962: 76. Type species: Laphystia argenteofasciata Engel, 1929.
(based primarily on key characters used by
Thorax: prosternum fused to proepisternum; thoracic macrosetae obvious and moderately well-developed; anepisternum without obvious strong macroseta on supero-posterior angle. Wing: R2+3 ending in C, cell r1 thus open on wing margin; cell r5 open or closed; cell m3 closed; alula usually well-developed. Legs: prothoracic tibia without any spine-like tibial processes (macrosetae may be present); pulvilli well-developed (as long as or a little shorter than claws).
Abdomen: abdominal tergite 2 less than four times as long as wide; sternite 1 confined beneath tergite 1; abdominal macrosetae obvious and moderately well-developed; male terminalia with distinct macrosetae on distal margin of gonocoxite (Fig.
Laphystia
argenteofasciata
Engel, 1929: 162 (Fig.
clausicella Engel, 1929: 162 [unavailable name first published as a synonym of argenteofasciata].
Laphystia (Laphystiella) argenteofasciata
:
Laphystia argenteofascista (sic): Lindner, 1973: 76.
Laphystia gigantella Loew, 1852: Lindner, 1973: 85.
Laphystia gigantella Loew, 1852: Oldroyd, 1974: 103; 1980: 352.
There has been some confusion surrounding Laphystia argenteofasciata Engel, 1929 which was synonymised with Laphystia gigantella Loew, 1852 by
Based on all available material. General appearance as in Figs
Head: Red-brown, but colour masked by strong gold-silver and silver-gold pruinescence, shiny white and pale yellow to orange setose. Antennae: variable, dark red-brown to orange, fine gold-silver pruinose, especially scape. Scape red-brown or yellowish, strongly pale yellow setose ventrally. Pedicel variable red-brown to orange, only a few small setae distally. Postpedicel orange proximally, red-brown distally, with narrow terminal cup-shaped style, opening somewhat oblique and enclosing a spine-like sensory element. Segmental length ratios = 1: 1.0: 2.3: 0.4. Face orange to dark red-brown, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence. Width of one eye: face ratio = 1: 1.1 (face slightly wider than width of 1 eye). Face projecting ventrally (Fig.
Thorax: Red-brown to orange, uniformly strongly gold-silver pruinose, pale yellow and fine white setose. Pronotum orange-brown, gold-silver pruinose, fine white setose. Mesonotum red-brown to orange, entirely fine silver-gold pruinose, uniformly fine shiny yellow microsetose except for moderately developed, yellow to orange lateral macrosetae (1 npl, 2 spal), pal setae absent. Scutellum dark red-brown, entirely fine silver-gold pruinose. Discal scutellar setae yellow, apical scutellar setae absent. Pleura red-brown to orange, entirely gold-silver pruinose, fine white and pale yellow setose. Katatergal macrosetae poorly developed, pale yellow. Anatergites uniformly strongly gold-silver pruinose, asetose. Postmetacoxal area membranous. Legs: Coxae orange-brown, gold-silver pruinose, white and pale yellow setose. Femora dark red-brown with orange-brown distal and proximal areas. Tibiae yellow-brown proximally, dark red-brown distally. Tarsi dark red-brown. All leg setae pale yellowish. Claws well-developed, dark red-brown with brown-orange basal parts. Empodium dark red-brown, straight, slightly longer than claws. Pulvilli pale orange, well-developed. Wings (Fig.
Abdomen: Dark red-brown to orange, gold-silver pruinose, entirely pale yellow setose, macrosetae pale yellow. Tergites (T1–6 well-developed and clearly evident, others reduced and hidden from view below T6) red-brown, entirely pale yellow microsetose, strongly silver-gold pruinose posterolaterally, weakly pruinose anteromedially. T1–6 with pale yellow medial macrosetae (may be absent on T6 in males). Sternites dark red-brown, fine pale yellow setose, dull gold pruinose.
Male terminalia (Figs
Female terminalia (Fig.
Lectotype Kenya: Marsabit: 1♂ lectotype ’Laphystia / clausicella / Type. Herm. [gray]’, ’Pres. By / Imp. Bur. Ent. / Brit. Mus. / 1923-58’, ’Brit. E. Africa. / Marsabit. [c.2°20'08"N, 37°59'40"E 1350m] / Oct 1911 / Capt. C. A. Neave’, ’Paratype / Laphystia / argenteofasciata Engel / not conspecific with type / det. J. E. Chainey, 1984’, ’NHMUK010624209’ (BMNH).
Paralectotype 1♀ paralectotype – same data as lectotype, NHMUK010624212 (BMNH).
Kenya: Turkana: 1♂ ’Lokichar [c.02°23'02"N, 35°38'52"E 767m] / Turkana / Kenya / 31/3/54’, ’Laphystia Leow [sic] / Looks like … sp. / clausicella of Hermann [poor handwriting difficult to decipher]’, ’Laphystia / clausicella Engel / (Hermann in lit.) / det. H. Oldroyd. 1962’ ’NHMUK010624210’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’Lokichar / Turkana / Kenya / 31/3/54’, ’NHMUK010624205’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’Lokichar / Turkana / Kenya / 31/3/54’, ’NHMUK010624222’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’Loiyapuya [also Naoiyapua c.02°24'22"S, 35°27'29"E 673m] / Turcana / 28/3/54’, ’NHMUK010624218’ (BMNH); Kitui: 1♂ 2♀ ’Kenya, Eastern Prov. / Base of Ukasi Hill / 613m. 0.82103°S, / 38.54443°E [c.0°49'16"S, 38°32'40"E]’, ’Malaise trap. Acacia / Commiphora savanna / 21 Nov–5 Dec 2011 / R. Copeland’ (NMKE); 17♂ 3♀ ’Kenya, Eastern Prov. / At Athi River / 2°38.51'S, 38°21.98'E [02°38'31"S, 038°21'59"E] / 8–15.XI.1999, Malaise / trap, R. Copeland’ [USNMENT01088422–26, 29, 31–37, 43, 51, 58, 64, USNMENT01088518 [17♂], USNMENT01088421, 23, 78 [3♀]] (USNM); 1♂ 3♀ ’Kenya, Eastern Prov. / At Athi River / 2°38.51'S, 38°21.98'E / 25.X.–1.XI.1999, Malaise / trap, R. Copeland’ [USNMENT01088496 [♂], USNMENT01088051, 55, 60 [3♀]] (USNM); 36♂ 6♀ ’Kenya, Eastern Prov. / At Athi River, Malaise trap, / 22–29.XI.1999 / 2°38.51'S, 38°21.98'E / R. Copeland’ [USNMENT01088369, 81, USNMENT01096577, 78, 80–82, 84, 86–88, 90, 93, 95–96, 98, USNMENT01096603, 09, 12, 83, USNMENT01096700–01, USNMENT01096801, 08–10, 14–16, 18–19, 24, 28–29, 35, 78 [36♂], USNMENT01088476, USNMENT01096617, USNMENT01096711, USNMENT01096806, 12, 17 [6♀]] (USNM); 3♂ 2♀ ’Kenya, Tsavo East Nat. / Park, near Athi River / 2°38.51'S, 38°21.98'E [02°38'31"S, 038°21'59"E] / Malaise trap, 7–11.xii.98 / R. Copeland’ [USNMENT01088126 & 28 [2♀], USNMENT01088127 & 30 & 33 [3♂]] (USNM); 1♂ 1♀ ’Kenya, Tsavo East Nat. / Park, near Athi River / 2°38.51'S, 38°21.98'E / Malaise trap, 14–18.xii.98 / R. Copeland’ [USNMENT01088125 [♂] 32 [♀]] (USNM); 1♀ ’Kenya, Tsavo East Nat. / Park, near Athi River / 2°38.51'S, 38°21.98'E / Malaise trap, 28.xii.98– / 1.i.99 / R. Copeland’ [USNMENT01088129] (USNM); 2♀ ’Kenya, Tsavo East Nat. / Park, near Athi River / 2°38.51'S, 38°21.98'E / Malaise trap, 21–25.xii.98 / R. Copeland’ [USNMENT01088131 & 34] (USNM); Isiolo: 1♂ ’Samburu Nat. Res. / KENYA / Samburu Serena [00°34'04"N, 037°31'24"E] / Stone foot path / 11.X.96, R. Copeland’ [USNMENT01097752] (USNM).
Additional material not examined by authors. Kenya: Kitui: 1♂ ’Kenya, Eastern Prov. / Base of Ukasi Hill / 613m. 0.82103°S, / 38.54443°E’, ’Malaise trap. Acacia/ / Commiphora savanna / 7–21 Nov 2011 / R. Copeland’ (NMKE); 1♀ ’Kenya, Eastern Prov. / Simisi area / 653m, 2.01477°S / 38.32618°E’ [c.2°00'53"S, 38°19'34"E], ’Malaise trap, shrubland / nr. Kwandula Hill / 1–4 Dec 2013 / J. Bukhebi and R. Copeland’ (NMKE).
Widely distributed in Kenya, where the species straddles the equator (Fig.
Collecting event summary for Laphyctis species. The holotype of L. gigantella has no collecting year and was collected prior to 1852.
Species | # specimens | # collecting events | earliest collection | most recent collection |
---|---|---|---|---|
argenteofasciata | 88 | 12 | 1911 | 2013 |
eremia sp. n. | 92 | 28 | 1923 | 2012 |
gigantella | 9 | 7 | (prior to 1852) 1895 | 1919 |
iota sp. n. | 4 | 1 | 1974 | 1974 |
orichalcea | 6 | 5 | 1969 | 1990 |
Laphyctis sp. | 1 | 1 | 1926 | 1926 |
Phenology of Laphyctis species through number of specimens collected in each month. Months abbreviated starting with July.
Species | J | A | S | O | N | D | J | F | M | A | M | J |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
argenteofasciata | - | - | - | 7 | 66 | 11 | - | - | 4 | - | - | - |
eremia sp. n. | - | - | - | - | - | 13 | 55 | 24 | 2 | 1 | - | - |
gigantella | - | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
iota sp. n. | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - |
orichalcea | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | - | - | - | - |
Laphyctis sp. | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Total | - | - | - | 7 | 67 | 30 | 62 | 29 | 6 | 1 | - | - |
Gr. eremia – desert, wilderness. Refers to the habitat occupied by the species.
Based on all available material. General appearance as in Figs
Head: Dark red-brown to black, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence, shiny white and pale yellow setose. Antennae: mostly dark red-brown, fine silver pruinose, especially scape. Scape strongly pale yellow setose ventrally. Pedicel almost asetose, only a few tiny setae distally. Postpedicel with broad terminal cup-shaped style, opening oblique and enclosing a spine-like sensory element. Segmental length ratios = 1: 0.7: 2.2: 0.4. Face dark red-brown to black, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence (except for extreme lateral margins of epistomal margin). Width of one eye: face ratio = 1: 0.94 (face slightly narrower than width of 1 eye). Face projecting strongly ventrally, epistomal margin medially distinctly pointed, facial profile plane (Fig.
Habitats and photographs of Laphyctis eremia sp. n.: 1 dry Kuiseb riverbed at Gobabeb, Namib Desert, Namibia (23°33'35"S, 015°02'06"E) 2 view south over dry Kuiseb riverbed and Gobabeb Research & Training Centre from high dune 3–5 ♂ perching on dung in dry Kuiseb riverbed as shown in 1 (Morphbank #861457, 861459, 861461) 6 slope of high dunes at Homeb, Namib Desert, Namibia (23°38'34"S, 015°10'55"E) where L. eremia sp. n. was collected on the dunes.
Thorax: Dark red-brown to black, uniformly strongly gold-silver and silver pruinose, pale yellow and fine white setose. Pronotum dark red-brown, silver pruinose, fine white setose. Mesonotum dark red-brown, entirely gold-silver pruinose, uniformly fine shiny yellow-white microsetose except for moderately developed, yellow lateral macrosetae (1 npl, 3 spal), pal setae absent. Scutellum dark red-brown to black, entirely fine gold-silver pruinose. Discal scutellar setae fine yellow, apical scutellar setae absent. Pleura dark red-brown to black, entirely silvery pruinose, fine white setose. Katatergal macrosetae moderately developed, fine white. Anatergites uniformly strongly silver pruinose, asetose. Postmetacoxal area membranous. Legs: Fairly uniform dark red-brown to black, proximal ends of femora and tibiae at least partly orange-brown, shiny white to pale yellow setose. Coxae fine silver pruinose. Claws well-developed, black with brown-orange basal parts. Empodium red-brown, straight, slightly longer than claws. Pulvilli pale yellow, well-developed. Wings (Fig.
Abdomen: Dark red-brown to black, fine white and yellow microsetose, macrosetae yellow-white, gold-silver and silver pruinose. Tergites (T1–6 well-developed and clearly evident, others reduced and hidden from view below T6) dark red-brown to black, anteriorly yellow microsetose, gold-silver pruinose, posteriorly white microsetose, silver pruinose. T1–6 with pale yellow-white medial macrosetae (in ♂ T6 is usually without medial macrosetae). Sternites red-brown, fine white setose, silver pruinose.
Male terminalia (Figs
Female terminalia (Fig.
Holotype. Namibia: Erongo: 1♂ holotype ’Namibia: Erongo: Namib-Skeleton / Coast National Park, Gobabeb, / Kuiseb riverbed, dry, open, sandy / riverbed, perching on sand, 23°33'35"S, / 015°02'06"E, 389 m, 05.ii.2012, / T. Dikow’, ’Laphyctis / sp. / det. T. Dikow 2012’, USNMENT00832227’ (NMNW).
Paratypes. Angola: Namibe: 1♂ ’Angola (A11) / Bruco. [c.15°07'00"S, 13°11'00"E 738m] 26.ii - / 2.iii.1972’, ’Southern / African Exp. / B.M. 1972-1’, ’NHMUK010624214’ (BMNH). Namibia: Kunene: 3♂1♀ ’Khowarib Schlucht / SE 1913Bd [Khowarib Lodge c.19°15'35"S, 13°52'38"E 690m] / 15-i-1980 / Univ. v. Pretoria’ [NSMA-DIP-71759–61 (♂), NSMA-DIP-71758 (♀)] (NMSA); 2♂ ’Anabis Farm [c.20°00'08"S, 14°38'33"E]/ 2114BA S.W.A. / 22.2.1969 / B. Lamoral’ [NSMA-DIP-07851, 71768]; 1♂ 5♀ ’South West Africa 2014Dd / Damaraland nr. Rooipoort / Farm at Ugab River [c.20°51'31"S, 14°57'33"E], 600m / 6.ii.1974 ME & BJ Irwin / Sandy river bottom’ [ID Fisher] [NSMA-DIP-07844 (♀), NSMA-DIP-71762–5 (♀), 71766 (♂)]; 1♂ ’Ugab Riv. Bridge [c.21°09'50"S, 13°39'54"E 20m] / 2213BA S.W.A. / 19.2.1969 / B. Lamoral’ [ID Oldroyd] [NSMA-DIP-71767]; Erongo: 1♂ ’S. W. Africa (29) / Kahn River, 5 mls. / N. Usakos [c.21°56'10"S, 15°41'29"E 1043m] / 30–31.i.1972’, ’Southern / African Exp. / B.M. 1972-1’, ’Laphystia / gigantella Loew / det. H. Oldroyd 1973’,’NHMUK010624208’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’S. W. Africa (29) / Kahn River, 5 mls. / N. Usakos / 30–31.i.1972’, ’Southern / African Exp. / B.M. 1972-1’, ’NHMUK010624217’ (BMNH); 1♂ ’S. W. Africa (28) / Goanikontes [c.22°40'06"S, 14°49'04"E 157m], 21 mls. / E. Swakopmund / 30.i.1972’, ’Southern / African Exp. / B.M. 1972-1’, ’NHMUK010624207’ (BMNH); 2♂ 1♀ ’S. W. Africa (22); / Kuiseb Canyon. / 23 18'S, 15 45'E [c.23°17'59"S, 15°45'32"E 770m] / 22–23.i.1972’, ’Southern / African Exp. / B.M. 1972-1’, ’NHMUK010624206 & 13 [2♂] & 15 [1♀]’ (BMNH); 5♂ 9♀ ’South West Africa 2315Ca / Namib Desert Park, Kuiseb / River at Gobabeb [c.23°33'50"S, 15°02'24"E 395m], 400m / 12.ii.1974 ME & BJ Irwin / Riverine forest and sand’ [ID Fisher] [NSMA-DIP-07857 (♂), 71769–81]; 1♂ 2♀ ’Namibia: Erongo: Namib-Skeleton / Coast National Park, Gobabeb, / Kuiseb riverbed, dry, open, sandy / riverbed, perching on sand, 23°33'35"S, / 015°02'06"E, 389 m, 05.ii.2012, / T. Dikow’, ’Laphyctis / sp. / det. T. Dikow 2012’, USNMENT00832228 & 38 [2♀] & 29 [1♂]’ (NMNW); 2♂ 5♀ ’Namibia: Erongo: Namib-Skeleton / Coast National Park, Gobabeb, / Kuiseb riverbed, dry, open, sandy / riverbed, perching on sand, 23°33'35"S, / 015°02'06"E, 389 m, 05.ii.2012, / T. Dikow’, ’Laphyctis / sp. / det. T. Dikow 2012’, USNMENT00832216–17 [2♂] & 10, 20, 22, 30, 37 [5♀]’ (USNM); 2♂ ’Namibia: Erongo: Namib-Skeleton / Coast National Park, Gobabeb, Kuiseb / riverbed, perching on sand, 23°33'47"S, / 015°02'22"E, 396 m, 06.ii.2012, / T. Dikow’, ’Laphyctis / sp. / det. T. Dikow 2012’, USNMENT00832215 & 18’ (USNM); 1♂ ’S. W. Africa (23) / Homeb [c.23°38'12"S, 15°10'55"E 445m], 10 mls. / ESE. Gobabeb / 23–25.i.1972’, ’Southern / African Exp. / B.M. 1972–1’, ’NHMUK010624220’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’S. W. Africa (23) / Homeb, 10 mls. / ESE. Gobabeb / 23–25.i.1972’, ’Southern / African Exp. / B.M. 1972-1’, ’Laphystia / gigantella Loew / det. H. Oldroyd 1973’,’NHMUK010624219’ (BMNH); 1♂ ’Namibia: Erongo: Namib-Skeleton / Coast National Park, Homeb, on / dune, perching on sand, 23°38'34"S, / 015°10'55"E, 445 m, 06.ii.2012, / T. Dikow’, ’Laphyctis / sp. / det. T. Dikow 2012’, USNMENT00832221’ (USNM); 2♂ ’Namibia: Erongo: Namib-Skeleton / Coast National Park, Homeb, Kuiseb / riverbed, perching on sand, 23°38'34"S, / 015°11'21"E, 430 m, 06.ii.2012, / T. Dikow’, ’Laphyctis / sp. / det. T. Dikow 2012’, USNMENT00832219 & 26’ (USNM); 1♂ 2♀ ’Namibia: Erongo: Namib-Skeleton / Coast National Park, Homeb, Kuiseb / River, dense, sandy riparian woodland, /perching on sand, 23°38'24"S, / 015°10'57"E, 431 m, 06.ii.2012, / T. Dikow’, ’Laphyctis / sp. / det. T. Dikow 2012’, USNMENT00832223 & 24 [2♀], 25 [1♂]’ (USNM); Otjozondjupa: 1♂ ’Okahandja [c.21°58'19"S, 16°54'23"E 1354m]. / 2–18.iii.1928.’, ’S. W. Africa. / R. E. Turner. / Brit. Mus. / 1928 - 178’, ’NHMUK010624227’ (BMNH); Khomas: 1♀ ’Namibia 29.iii.1984 / 26 km N Windhoek. Road / 1/6 22 20'S:17 04'E [c. 1465m] / Londt & Stuckenberg / Dry stream bed Acacia / riparian woodland’ [NSMA-DIP-07855].
(without type status). Namibia: Omasuti: 1♂ ’Otjimbumbe [c.17°24'S, 14°13'E 780m] / Kunene R. [river] / Mar. 1923’ ~ ’S.W. Africa / Mus. Exped.’ ’Laphystia / (Laphystiella) / gigantella / ♂ Lw’, ’SAM-DIP-A007990’ (SAMC); 1♀ ’Epembe, 7km NE at / 17°33'S, 13°35'E [Epembe c.17°47'13"S, 16°27'19"E 1121m] / Kaokoland / 12 Feb.’ (NMNW);
Kavango: 1♂ ’Namibia: Kavango / 10km S Rundu / 18°00'S, 19°41'E/ 12 1 1993 / E. Marais’ (NMNW); Kunene: 1♂ ’Khowarib Schlucht / 19°18'S; 13°55'E / Kaokoland / 22–26 Feb. 1985 / J. Irish, H. Rust’ (NMNW); 1♀ ’Hoanib River [c.19°28'08"S, 12°45'52"E 12m] / Skeleton Coast Park / 6 April 1979 / S. Loew, R. Wharton’ (NMNW); 2♂ ’SWA / Delhi [Farm c.20°20'36"S, 15°43'43"E 1008m]/ 2015BC / Outjo / 15 iii 1979 / VB Whitehead’, ’SAM-DIP-A007991’ (SAMC); Erongo: 2♂ 3♀ ‘Gobabeb [c.23°33'37"S, 15°02'26"E], 2–9.ii.1970, E. Lindner’, ‘AAM-011008–011012’ (SMNS).
(without type status). The following material is believed to represent additional records for eremia sp. n. Namibia: Omasuti: 1? Otjimbumbe, Kunene R., 1923/03/01, SWA Museum Expedition (SAM-DIP-A014438); Kunene: 3♂ 6♀ Hoarusib [River] Otshu [= Otjiu c.18°13'49"S, 13°16'25"E 743m], 1925/03/01, SAM Expedition (SAM-DIP-A007988); 1♂ 2♀ Warmbad [= Warmquelle c.19°11'S, 13°49'E 635m], Kaokoveld, 1925/02/01, SAM Expedition (SAM-DIP-A007989); 5♂ 4♀ Cayimaeis [?], 1925/03/01, SAM Expedition (SAM-DIP-A007987); Erongo: 1♂ Kuiseb Canyon, Gamberg foothills, 4-V-1972, E.A. Ross (COEF).
Widely distributed in Namibia with a single record from southern Angola (Fig.
Stichopogon gigantella Loew, 1852: 658; 1862: 5.
Laphyctis
gigantella
:
Laphystia gigantella : Lindner, 1973: 85 (see under argenteofasciata); Oldroyd, 1974: 103 (fig. 95 ♂ abdomen) (see under argenteofasciata); 1980: 352 (catalogue).
Based on all available material and photographs of holotype. General appearance as in Fig.
Head: Dark red-brown to black, but colour masked by strong silver-gold pruinescence, shiny white and yellow to pale orange setose. Antennae orange to dark red-brown, fine silver pruinose, especially scape. Scape orange, strongly pale yellow setose ventrally. Pedicel orange, asetose except for a few tiny setae distally. Postpedicel proximally orange, distally dark red-brown, with short broad terminal 2-segemented style with oblique terminal opening enclosing a spine-like sensory element. Segmental length ratios = 1: 0.8: 2.9: 0.8. Face dark red-brown to black, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence. Width of one eye: face ratio = 1: 0.94 (face slightly narrower than width of 1 eye). Face projecting ventrally, epistomal margin medially smoothly rounded, facial profile slightly convex (Fig.
Thorax: Dark red-brown to black with some orange-brown parts, uniformly strongly silver-gold pruinose, pale yellow and fine white setose. Pronotum red-brown, silver pruinose, fine white setose. Mesonotum red-brown, entirely silver-gold pruinose, uniformly fine shiny yellow-white microsetose except for moderately developed, yellow lateral macrosetae (1 npl, 3–4 spal), pal setae absent. Scutellum red-brown, entirely fine gold-silver pruinose. Discal scutellar setae fine orange, apical scutellar setae absent. Pleura red-brown to dark red-brown, entirely silvery pruinose, fine white setose. Katatergal macrosetae poorly developed, fine white. Anatergites uniformly strongly silver pruinose, asetose. Postmetacoxal area membranous. Legs: Fairly uniform red-brown, proximal ends of femora and tibiae somewhat orange-brown, shiny white to pale yellow setose. Coxae strongly silver pruinose. Claws well-developed, black with brown-orange basal parts. Empodium brown, straight, as long as pulvilli. Pulvilli pale yellow, well-developed. Wings (Fig.
Abdomen: Dark red-brown to black, fine white and yellow microsetose, macrosetae short yellow-white, silver pruinose. Tergites (T1–6 well-developed and clearly evident, others reduced and hidden from view below T6) dark red-brown to black, anteriorly yellow microsetose, fine gold-silver pruinose, posteriorly white microsetose, silver pruinose. T1–6 with pale yellow-white medial macrosetae. Sternites red-brown, fine white setose, dull gold pruinose.
Male terminalia (Figs
Female terminalia (Fig.
Holotype. Mozambique: Inhambane: 1♀ holotype ’Inhambo / Peters’ [blue], ’Laphyctis / gigantella’, ’10369’, ’Type’ [red], ’Coll. / H. Loew’ (ZMHB).
Type locality:
Malawi: Central: 1♀ ’Nyasaland. / Domira Bay [c.13°33'09"S, 34°24'26"E 476m] / 167 ft 17.1.16, 123c [sideways] / Dr. W. A. Lamborn’, ’Pres. by / Imp. Bur. Ent.’, ’1919-314’, ’NMHUK010624224’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’Nyasaland. / Domira Bay / 167 ft 12.1.16 / Dr. W. A. Lamborn’, ’1916-259’, ’NMHUK010624225’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’Nyasaland. / Chunzi [?] / Nr. Domira Bay / 2420 ft 22.xii.1914 / Dr. W. A. Lamborn’, ’Pres. by / Imp. Bur. Ent. / Brit. Mus. / 1925-122’, ’NMHUK010624226’ (BMNH). South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal: 1♂ ’Umfuli R. [? Umfolozi River c.28°27'23"S, 32°08'48"E 26m] / Natal / Nov. 1895 / G.A.K. Marshall / 1903-17’, ’NHMUK010624221’ (BMNH). Zimbabwe: Matebeland North: 1♀ ’Sawmills [c.19°35'00"S, 28°02'23"E 1065m] / S. Rhodesia / 26.12.1919 / Rhodesia / Museum’, ’S. Rhodesia: / Pres. By / J. Isgaer Roberts. / B.M. 1928-262’, ’No type status / det. J. E. Chainey, 1984’, ’NHMUK010624216’ (BMNH); 1♂ ’Laphystia / gigantella Loew’, ’Pres. by / Imp. Bur. Ent. / Brit. Mus. / 1923-233’, ’Sawmills / S. Rhodesia / 25.12.1919 / Rhodesia / Museum’, ’NHMUK010624228’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’Pres. by / Imp. Bur. Ent. / Brit. Mus. / 1923-233’, ’Sawmills / S. Rhodesia / 26.12.1919. / Rhodesia / Museum’, ’No type status / det. J. E. Chainey, 1984’, ’NHMUK010624223’ (BMNH); 1♀ ’N. E. Rhodesia / Buyamuryama [? poorly handwritten] / Boma / 19-xii-1910 / E. O. Silverlock. / 1911-168’ ’NHMUK010624211’ (BMNH).
Fairly widely distributed in the southern parts of Africa being recorded with certainty from Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe (Fig.
Gr. iota = anything very small. Refers to the fact that this is by far the smallest species described in the genus.
Based on all examined material. General appearance as in Fig.
Head: Dark red-brown, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence, shiny white and pale yellow setose. Antennae mostly red-brown, fine gold pruinose, especially scape. Scape red-brown, strongly pale yellow setose distoventrally. Pedicel red-brown with a few small setae distally. Postpedicel red-brown with distal 2/3 dark red-drown, with narrow terminal cup-shaped style, opening oblique and enclosing a spine-like sensory element. Segmental length ratios = 1: 0.8: 2.3: 0.6. Face dark red-brown, colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence (except for extreme lateral margins of epistomal margin). Width of one eye: face ratio = 1: 1.0 (face approximately equal in width to 1 eye). Face projecting ventrally, profile plane (Fig.
Thorax: Red-brown, uniformly strongly silver-gold pruinose, orange and pale yellow setose. Pronotum dark red-brown, silver-gold pruinose, fine yellow setose. Mesonotum dark red-brown, entirely fine silver-gold pruinose, uniformly fine shiny yellow microsetose (slightly longer posteriorly) except for moderately developed, orange lateral macrosetae (3 npl, 2–4 spal, 2 pal). Scutellum dark red-brown, disc entirely fine silver-gold pruinose. Discal scutellar setae fine yellow, c. 4–6 weakly developed apical scutellar setae, directed dorsally. Pleura red-brown, entirely silver-gold pruinose, fine pale yellow setose. Katatergal macrosetae moderately developed, pale yellow. Anatergites uniformly strongly gold-silver pruinose, asetose. Postmetacoxal area membranous. Legs: Coxae orange-brown, silver-gold pruinose, pale yellow and white setose. All trochanters, femora, tibiae and tarsi orange-brown, shiny orange and fine white setose. Claws well-developed, dark red-brown with narrow brown-orange basal parts. Empodium red-brown, straight, as long as claws. Pulvilli pale orange, well-developed. Wings (Fig.
Abdomen: Dark red-brown, entirely pale yellow setose, macrosetae pale yellow, weakly silver-gold pruinose. Tergites (T1–6 well-developed and clearly evident, others reduced and hidden from view below T6) uniform red-brown, entirely fine yellow microsetose, weakly silver-gold pruinose. T1–6 with pale yellow discal macrosetae. Sternites red-brown, fine pale yellow setose, weak silver-gold pruinose.
Male terminalia (Figs
Female terminalia (Fig.
Holotype. South Africa: Mpumalanga: 1♂ holotype ’South Africa. Transvaal / Kruger Park 5.i.1974 2431Db / 20 km NNE of Tshokwane [c.24°45'55"S, 31°52'13"E 255m] / near road junction S35-S37 / B&P Stuckenberg open savanna’ [NSMA-DIP-07841].
Paratypes. 3♀, same data as holotype (NSMA-DIP-71782–4].
Known only from the type locality in South Africa's, Kruger National Park (Fig.
Laphystia orichalcea Lindner, 1973: 74.
Laphyctis orichalcea Londt, 1988: 513.
Based on material examined. General appearance as in Fig.
Head: Dark red-brown to black, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence, shiny white and pale yellow setose. Antennae mostly dark red-brown, fine silver pruinose, especially scape. Scape strongly pale yellow setose ventrally. Pedicel almost asetose, only a few tiny setae distally. Postpedicel with narrow terminal cup-shaped style, opening oblique and enclosing a spine-like sensory element. Segmental length ratios = 1: 0.9: 2.7: 0.8. Face dark red-brown to black, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence (except for extreme lateral margins of epistomal margin). Width of one eye: face ratio = 1: 1.06 (face slightly wider than width of 1 eye). Face projecting ventrally, profile plane (Fig.
Thorax: Dark red-brown to black, uniformly strongly gold-silver and silver-gold pruinose, orange, pale yellow and fine white setose. Pronotum dark red-brown, silver pruinose, fine white setose. Mesonotum dark red-brown, entirely silver-gold pruinose, uniformly fine shiny pale yellow microsetose (longer posteriorly) except for moderately developed, orange lateral macrosetae (4 npl, 2–3 spal, 3 pal). Scutellum dark red-brown to black, entirely fine silver-gold pruinose. Discal scutellar setae yellow, c. 20 apical scutellar setae, directed dorsally. Pleura dark red-brown to black, entirely gold-silver pruinose, fine white and yellow setose. Katatergal macrosetae moderately developed, pale yellow. Anatergites uniformly strongly silver pruinose, asetose. Postmetacoxal area membranous. Legs: Coxae dark red-brown, silver pruinose, white setose. Femora dark red-brown with distal quarter orange, tibiae and tarsi orange, all leg setae orange. Claws well-developed, black with brown-orange basal parts. Empodium red-brown, straight, slightly longer than claws. Pulvilli pale yellow, well-developed. Wings (Fig.
Abdomen: Red-brown to orange, entirely pale yellow setose, macrosetae yellow, silver-gold pruinose. Tergites (T1–6 well-developed and clearly evident, others reduced and hidden from view below T6) red-brown to orange, entirely yellow microsetose, silver-gold pruinose. T1–5 with pale yellow discal macrosetae. Sternites brown, fine pale yellow setose, silver-gold pruinose.
Male terminalia (Figs
Female terminalia (Fig.
Holotype: Namibia: Erongo: 1♂ ’Laphystia / orichalcea Lind. / Lindner det.’, ’Sovakopmund [sic. Swakopmund c.22°40'58"S, 14°31'59"E 12m] SWA. / 10.–16.2.1970 /Lindner leg. [blue]’, ’Laphyst / Laphystia / sp. / det H. Oldroyd 1970’, ’Typus /
Namibia: Kunene: 1♀ ’Otjiu / 18°14'S, 13°15'E [c.18°13'49"S, 13°16'25"E 745m] / Kaokoland / 22 Feb. 1985 / J. Irish, H. Rust’, ’H63397’ (NMNW); 1♀ ’Purros [c.18°46'23"S, 12°56'34"E 285m], S. Kaoka- / veld S.W.A. / SE 1812Dd / 22.i.1981 / Univ. Van Pretoria’ [NSMA-DIP-07854] (NMSA); 1♂ 1♀ ’Brandberg Mts. [c.21°05'23"S, 14°40'50"E 550m] / 2214BA [? sic] S.W.A. / 20.2.1969 / B. Lamoral’ [ID Oldroyd as Laphystia sp. n.] [NSMA-DIP-07850 (♂), 71785] (NMSA); Erongo: 1♀ ’Namibia: Swakopmund: / 10 Km E Swakopmund [c. 22°37'43"S, 014°39'02"E] / 23.2.1990 / leg. Max. Schwarz’ (COGG).
Known from four localities in Namibia (Fig.
The following specimen is unique and probably represents an undescribed species. It is in poor condition and so we refrain from providing it with a name until additional material becomes available.
Based on the single female listed below.
Head: Dark red-brown, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence, shiny white and pale yellow setose. Antennae mostly orange-brown, fine silver pruinose, especially scape. Scape pale yellow setose ventrally. Pedicel with only a few tiny setae distally. Postpedicel with narrow terminal cup-shaped style, opening oblique and enclosing a spine-like sensory element. Segmental length ratios = 1: 0.7: 1.9: 0.5. Face dark red-brown, but colour masked by strong gold-silver pruinescence (except for extreme lateral margins of epistomal margin). Width of one eye: face ratio = 1: 0.94 (face slightly narrower than width of 1 eye). Face hardly projecting ventrally, profile slightly convex (Fig.
Thorax: Dark red-brown to brown-orange, uniformly silver-gold pruinose, pale yellow and fine white setose. Pronotum red-brown, silver pruinose, fine white setose. Mesonotum dark red-brown and orange-brown, entirely fine gold-silver pruinose, uniformly fine shiny yellow-white microsetose except for moderately developed, pale yellow lateral macrosetae (3 npl, 4 spal), pal setae absent. Scutellum dark red-brown, entirely fine gold-silver pruinose. Discal scutellar setae fine yellow, apical scutellar setae absent. Pleura brown-red to dark red-brown, entirely gold-silvery pruinose, fine white setose. Katatergal macrosetae moderately developed, fine pale yellow. Anatergites uniformly silver pruinose, asetose. Postmetacoxal area membranous. Legs: Fairly uniform orange-brown, shiny white to pale yellow setose. Coxae fine silver-gold pruinose. Claws well-developed, dark red-brown with orange basal parts. Empodium orange, straight, slightly longer than claws. Pulvilli pale orange, well-developed. Wings: ♀ 9.5 × 3.4 mm. Venation: All marginal cells open except for r5, m3, and cua, which are closed and stalked. Veins yellow-brown, membrane unstained, transparent, microtrichose (except for small parts of some basal cells). Cell cup with weak bordering vein (C) and microsetae. Alula well-developed, lacking bordering vein and microsetae.
Abdomen: Dark red-brown to black, fine white microsetose, macrosetae pale white, silver pruinose. Tergites (T1–6 well-developed and clearly evident, others reduced and partly hidden from view below T6) dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose, lateral margins, most of surface apruinose. T1–6 with pale white discal macrosetae. Sternites dark red-brown, colour masked by silver pruinescence, fine white setose. Genitalia not dissected.
Zimbabwe: Matebeland North: 1♀ ’Sawmills [c.19°35'00"S, 28°02'23"E 1065m] / S. Rhodesia / 10.12.1926 / RHR Stevenson’ [ID Fisher - Laphystia] [NSMA-DIP-07858] (NMSA).
Known from a single locality in Zimbabwe (Fig.
Map of sub-Saharan Africa with elevational relief, Biodiversity Hotspots (sensu Conservation International), and distribution of Laphyctis species (SimpleMappr 9287). Laphyctis sp. (NSMA-DIP-07858) shares the same locality as Laphyctis gigantella in western Zimbabwe.
1 | Cell r5 closed (Figs |
4 |
– | Cell r5 open (Figs |
2 |
2 | Small species (wing < 6 mm long, Fig. |
L. iota sp. n. |
– | Large species (wing > 6 mm long, Fig. |
3 |
3 | Epistomal margin projecting anteriorly, medially pointed, facial profile straight (Fig. |
L. eremia sp. n. |
– | Epistomal margin not projecting anteriorly, medially smoothly rounded, profile slightly convex (Fig. |
L. gigantella |
4 | Dorsocentral setae present (Fig. |
L. orichalcea |
– | Dorsocentral setae absent; postalar setae absent; apical scutellar setae absent (or minute); wing membrane with microtrichia present (Fig. |
5 |
5 | Mystax extending into dorsal half of face (Fig. |
L. argenteofasciata |
– | Mystax confined to ventral half of face (Fig. |
L. sp. (Sawmills ♀) |
An online, illustrated version of this key is available at http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/phoenix/laphyctis/
Laphyctis is a distinctive member of the Laphriinae and is confined to the Afrotropical Region (Fig.
Two localities, Otjiu in northern Namibia and Sawmills in western Zimbabwe, harbour each two species occurring sympatrically. Both species pairs, Otjiu = L. eremia sp. n. and L. orichalcea, Sawmills = L. gigantella and L. sp., were collected at slightly different times of the active flying season at least seven years apart. Both localities are small settlements and the flies can certainly have been collected in the vicinity in slightly different habitats and we have no doubt that each collecting event resulted in a different taxon based on our morphological comparisons (see also identification key above in regards to Laphyctis sp.).
Species of Laphyctis are associated with dry, sandy habitats frequently supporting sparsely growing bushes and trees (Figs
The senior author wishes to thank the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) for allocating funding in support of his research. Dr Erica McAlister (BMNH) is thanked for making The Natural History Museum's, collection available for study, while Dr Hans-Peter Tschorsnig and Michael Haas (SMNS) are thanked for providing details of material in their care as well as photographs of type specimens. Bernhard Schurian of the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, kindly provided photographs of the type of Stichopogon gigantella. Dr Eric Fisher provided insights from his research of Laphystiini world-wide and also provided the photograph used in Fig.