Latest Articles from African Invertebrates Latest 14 Articles from African Invertebrates https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:27:42 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from African Invertebrates https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/ A review of the assassin-fly genus Anypodetus Hermann, 1907 with the description of a new species (Insecta, Diptera, Asilidae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/104283/ African Invertebrates 64(2): 165-206

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.104283

Authors: Torsten Dikow, Meliah Dubus

Abstract: The genus Anypodetus Hermann, 1907 (Diptera, Asilidae, Laphriinae) is reviewed. Currently, eight species are recognized from Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and southern-most Zambia, i.e., Anypodetus arachnoides Oldroyd, 1974 widespread, Anypodetus fasciatus Hermann, 1907 widespread, Anypodetus fascipennis Engel, 1924 widespread, Anypodetus leucothrix Londt, 2000 restricted to southern Namibia and south-western South Africa, Anypodetus macroceros Londt, 2000 restricted to west-central Namibia, Anypodetus nigrifacies Ricardo, 1925 restricted to eastern-most South Africa and southern Mozambique, Anypodetus phalaros Londt, 2000 Namibia and South Africa, and Anypodetus unicolor Oldroyd, 1974 Namibia, eastern South Africa, adjacent Mozambique, and southern Zimbabwe. One new species, Anypodetus londti sp. nov. from Mozambique and Zimbabwe, is described for a total of nine species in the genus. Study of the secondary type specimens of A. unicolor from Namibia revealed that these specimens do not represent this species, reducing the number of species recorded from Namibia to six. Anypodetus leucothrix is recorded with several additional collecting events in central and northern Namibia extending its range significantly. Distribution, biology, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International, and seasonal imago flight activity are discussed. Diagnoses, photographs, specimen occurrence data, and an identification key to species are provided with the new species described in detail. The sexual dimorphism in the development of the mystax and wing vein variation in regard to the alignment of M2 and M3 are discussed and illustrated.

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Research Article Fri, 5 May 2023 17:00:09 +0300
Revision of the dune-associated stiletto flies of the genus Neotherevella Lyneborg, 1978 (Therevidae, Therevinae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/96577/ African Invertebrates 64(2): 109-138

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.96577

Authors: Shaun L. Winterton, Michael E. Irwin, Jonas Mortelmans

Abstract:

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Research Article Fri, 5 May 2023 17:00:06 +0300
Type material of Asilidae (Diptera) described by Jason Londt in the Natural History Museum, London https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/103087/ African Invertebrates 64(2): 41-77

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.103087

Authors: Erica McAlister, Peter Wing

Abstract: The primary and secondary types as well as some non-type material donated by Jason Londt (and various collaborators) to the Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK) have been examined and databased which comprises 35 holotypes, 293 paratypes, and 18 non-types (added for completeness), a total of 328 type specimens from 103 species (6% of the total Afro-tropical fauna). All specimen labels were imaged, both frontal and reverse sides, alongside the specimen. Notes were made of any dissections or damage to the specimens. Additional notes were made of any differences between the labels from the species descriptions and the actual specimens.

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Catalogue Fri, 5 May 2023 17:00:02 +0300
Jason G. H. Londt: A giant of South African entomology https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/105050/ African Invertebrates 64(2): 13-40

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.105050

Authors: Torsten Dikow, John Midgley

Abstract: To celebrate the 80th birthday of Jason G.H. Londt, we present a collection of articles in his honour. This introduction includes a summary of Jason’s life and career, an overview of the articles in the Festschrift, lists of his scientific and popular publications and a list of species named in his honour. Jason’s contribution to Mecoptera and Asilidae research in the Afrotropics is discussed, highlighting the impressive contributions he has made to the taxonomy, biology and ecology in both groups.

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Editorial Fri, 5 May 2023 17:00:01 +0300
Taxonomic revision of the mydas-fly genera Eremohaplomydas Bequaert, 1959, Haplomydas Bezzi, 1924, and Lachnocorynus Hesse, 1969 (Insecta, Diptera, Mydidae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/76309/ African Invertebrates 63(1): 19-75

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.63.76309

Authors: Claire Boschert, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: The genera Eremohaplomydas Bequaert, 1959, Haplomydas Bezzi, 1924, and Lachnocorynus Hesse, 1969 (Diptera: Mydidae: Syllegomydinae) are revised. Currently, four species are known from southern Africa, i.e., Eremohaplomydas desertorum Bequaert, 1959 from north-western Namibia, Haplomydas crassipes Bezzi, 1924 widespread in southern Africa, Lachnocorynus chobeensis Hesse, 1969 from northern Botswana, and Lachnocorynus kochi Hesse, 1969 from northern Namibia. Four new species, Eremohaplomydas gobabebensis sp. nov. and Eremohaplomydas whartoni sp. nov. from the central Namib desert of Namibia, Eremohaplomydas stomachoris sp. nov. from the northern Namib desert in Namibia, and Lachnocorynus stenocephalus sp. nov. from north-eastern Zimbabwe are described. Lachnocorynus kochi is synonymized with Lachnocorynus chobeensis. Distribution, biology, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International and seasonal imago flight activity are discussed. Descriptions/redescriptions, photographs, specimen occurrence data, and identification keys (both dichotomous and matrix-based) to species are provided and made openly accessible in data repositories to support and accelerate future studies of the included taxa. An updated identification key to the Mydidae genera of the Afrotropical Region is provided. The placement of the three genera in the subfamily taxon Syllegomydinae is discussed and several morphological features, such as an extremely reduced proboscis in some species, a unique wing venation in Eremohaplomydas gobabebensis sp. nov., and the unique metathoracic coxa, are discussed.

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Research Article Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:15:28 +0200
A survey of grassland Asilidae (Diptera) at Jacana Eco Estate, Hilton, South Africa https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/50895/ African Invertebrates 61(1): 29-48

DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.61.50895

Authors: Jason G. H. Londt

Abstract: A year-long survey of grassland Asilidae was undertaken at Jacana Eco Estate, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The following 18 species of Asilidae, in alphabetical order, were encountered: Caenoura annulitarsis (Loew, 1858), Damalis monochaetes Londt, 1989, Dasophrys androclea (Walker, 1849), Dasophrys fortis Londt, 1981, Dasophrys tarsalis (Ricardo, 1920), Dasophrys umbripennis Londt, 1981, Dysclytus firmatus (Walker, 1857), Euscelidia vallis Dikow, 2003, Ischiolobos mesotopos Londt, 2005, Leptogaster sp., Melouromyia natalensis (Ricardo, 1919), Microstylum sp., Neolophonotus hirsutus (Ricardo, 1920), Neolophonotus variabilis Londt, 1986, Neolophonotus wroughtoni (Ricardo, 1920), Pegesimallus bicolor (Loew, 1858), Pegesimallus pedunculatus (Loew, 1858), Rhipidocephala obscurata Oldroyd, 1966. Their flight periods were recorded and tabulated. The variety and numbers encountered suggest that the grassland invertebrate community is healthy and that the grassland is worthy of its conservation status.

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Research Article Fri, 24 Apr 2020 09:50:34 +0300
A revision of Afrotropical Astochia Becker, 1913 with descriptions of three new species (Diptera, Asilidae, Asilini) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/38432/ African Invertebrates 60(2): 215-237

DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.60.38432

Authors: Jason G. H. Londt

Abstract: Afrotropical Astochia Becker, 1913 are taxonomically reviewed. Three new species are described (A. lumarius sp. nov. (Malawi), A. silva sp. nov. (Kenya, Burundi), A. similis sp. nov. (Nigeria)) and added to those already known (A. africana (Ricardo, 1919), A. armata (Becker, 1909), A. neavensis (Ricardo, 1919), A. sodalis (Wulp, 1899), A. strachani Oldroyd, 1970). A key to aid in species identification is provided in addition to notes on their distribution, phenology and biology.

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Research Article Thu, 10 Oct 2019 10:11:59 +0300
A revision of Empodiodes Oldroyd, 1972 with the descriptions of two new species from South Africa (Diptera, Asilidae, Stenopogoninae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/33075/ African Invertebrates 60(1): 67-82

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.33075

Authors: Jason G.H. Londt

Abstract: The genus Empodiodes Oldroyd, 1972, a Southern African endemic, is revised. Six species are recognised, four previously described (E. greatheadi Oldroyd, 1972, E. melanoscopaeus Londt, 1992, E. namibiensis Londt, 2012, E. whittingtoni Londt, 1992) and two new species (E. pusillipes sp. nov., E. torridus sp. nov.). A key for their separation is provided and their distributions mapped and discussed.

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Research Article Fri, 10 May 2019 10:00:57 +0300
A review of Southern African Choerades Walker, 1851 with the description of a new species (Diptera, Asilidae, Laphriinae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/30943/ African Invertebrates 60(1): 31-65

DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.60.30943

Authors: Jason G. H. Londt, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: Southern African Choerades Walker, 1851 are reviewed. Six species are recognised (C. analogos sp. n. described from South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal, C. bella (Loew, 1858), C. flavipes (Wiedemann, 1821), C. multipunctata (Oldroyd, 1974), C. nigrapex (Bigot, 1878), C. nigrescens (Ricardo, 1925)) and a key for their separation is provided. Distributional information demonstrates that species are found primarily in moderate to higher rainfall regions. The little that is known of their biology is discussed. Species are usually associated with indigenous forest habitats where larval development takes place in decomposing wood.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Feb 2019 13:11:08 +0200
Taxonomic revision of the assassin-fly genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Insecta, Diptera, Asilidae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/30684/ African Invertebrates 59(2): 195-237

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.59.30684

Authors: Amanda Markee, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: The genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Diptera: Asilidae: Brachyrhopalinae) is revised. Currently, three species are known from Namibia and western South Africa, i.e. Microphontes megoura Londt, 1994 from north-western South Africa, Microphontes safra Londt, 1994 from Namibia and Microphontes whittingtoni Londt, 1994 from western South Africa. Four new species, Microphontes ericfisheri sp. n. from the Little Karoo of South Africa, Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. from the Namib desert of Namibia and Microphontes jasonlondti sp. n. and Microphontes kryphios sp. n. from western South Africa, are described. Distribution, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International and seasonal incidence are discussed. Descriptions/redescriptions, photographs and identification keys are provided and made openly accessible in data repositories to support future studies of the included taxa. An unusual flight pattern of male Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. is discussed. A unique morphological feature on tergite 8 of Microphontes females, termed postero-paramedian T8 pores, is described, illustrated and discussed.

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Research Article Fri, 30 Nov 2018 12:11:13 +0200
A review of the assassin-fly genus Laphyctis Loew, 1858 with descriptions of two new species (Diptera, Asilidae, Laphriinae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/25022/ African Invertebrates 59(1): 75-106

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.59.25022

Authors: Jason G. H. Londt, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: 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.

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Research Article Fri, 15 Jun 2018 10:58:48 +0300
A revision of the Afrotropical genus Prytanomyia Özdikmen, 2006 (Asilidae, Laphriinae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/13294/ African Invertebrates 58(2): 39-52

DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.58.13294

Authors: Jason G.H. Londt, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: The monotypic Afrotropical genus Prytanomyia Özdikmen, 2006 is revised. Laphystia kochi Lindner, 1973 is found to belong to Prytanomyia and is identical to Prytanomyia albida (Oldroyd, 1974), type of the genus. As a consequence L. kochi is newly combined with Prytanomyia, and P. albida is placed in the synonymy of P. kochi. The species inhabits arid environments, is restricted to the Namib desert from southern Angola to southern Namibia, and is found on vegetated sand mounds and dunes and in dry riverbeds. The highly reduced pulvilli, characteristic of this species, are believed to be an adaptation to living and perching on sandy surfaces.

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Research Article Thu, 1 Jun 2017 16:43:05 +0300
A review of the genus Trichoura Londt, 1994 with the description of a new species from the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and a key to world Willistonininae (Diptera, Asilidae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/10772/ African Invertebrates 57(2): 119-135

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.57.10772

Authors: Jason G.H. Londt, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: The South African assassin-fly genus Trichoura Londt, 1994 is reviewed. A new species, Trichoura pardeos sp. n., is described from the arid Karoo in north-western South Africa. A new key to all seven recognized species is provided and the distribution and phenology are discussed. The world fauna of Willistonininae is reviewed, a new taxon Sisyrnodytinitribe n. (type genus Sisyrnodytes Loew, 1856) is established for Ablautus Loew, 1866, Acnephalomyia Londt, 2010, Ammodaimon Londt, 1985, Astiptomyia Londt, 2010, Sisyrnodytes, and Sporadothrix Hermann, 1908 and photographs for all Willistonininae genera are provided.

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Research Article Fri, 25 Nov 2016 10:03:59 +0200
A review of the genus Gibbasilus Londt, 1986 in southern Africa (Diptera, Asilidae) https://africaninvertebrates.pensoft.net/article/8696/ African Invertebrates 57(1): 67-81

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.57.8696

Authors: Jason G.H. Londt

Abstract: Gibbasilus Londt, 1986, a small genus of asiline Asilidae endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa, is taxonomically revised. Three species are described for the first time (alboala, condylus, crinitus) and added to those already known (arenaceus, brevicolis, centrolobus). A key for the identification of species is provided. Little is known of their biology, but a close association with species of Restionaceae, a dominant element of the Cape Floristic Region, has been observed. It is suspected that females, which possess long, laterally compressed, knife-like ovipositors, use these plants as oviposition sites.

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Research Article Fri, 8 Jul 2016 15:46:40 +0300