Chyromya: Robineau-Desvoidy 1830: 620.

Type species: Chyromya fenestratum Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830: 621 [= Musca flava L., 1758], by monotypy.

Diagnosis: Broad fr, parallel sides or sides only slightly convergent anteriorly; in profile, gena recessed relative to projecting fr, and head generally higher than long; eye round and ocp clearly convex whether viewed from above or in profile; ocp setae and/or setulae scattered over whole disc, sparing only strip from vertex to short distance above occipital foramen; scutum with setulae scattered among strong setae; acrs rows irregular, composed of similar setulae; prscut pair stronger; pra and post ia setae absent, instead there are setulae of similar length to those on rest of scutum; scut with additional marginal setae to usual two pairs (basal and subapical); wing long, with discal cell being longest in family, thus length of vein separating basal and discal cells at least 2.5 times as long as apical section of M—Cu; posterior crossvein at middle or beyond middle of wing when measured from hu crossvein to apex; femora, especially fore and hind pairs in males, often strongly swollen; apicoventral seta on mid tibia absent.

Distribution: Holarctic. No species that corresponds to the genus as defined here has yet been found in the Afrotropical Region. However, in the Canary Islands, and coastal regions of North Africa, the following Palaearctic species do occur and their distribution may extend further south: flava (L., 1758); intermedia Ebejer, 2001; and robusta Hendel, 1931. These are not treated further in this paper.

Ecology: Compared to other genera, Chyromya species are encountered more frequently in open broadleaved woodland, parks and gardens. In the warmer parts of temperate regions, population densities can be high, but usually not as high as populations of Aphaniosoma and Gymnochiromyia. There are more records of an association with bird and especially mammal nests and burrows in Chyromya than in other genera of this family.

Gymnochiromyia: Hendel 1933: 43; Ebejer 2008b: 81.

Type species: Peletophila minima Becker, 1904: 133 (= Anthophilina flavella Zetterstedt, 1848), by original designation.

This genus was recently reviewed (Ebejer 2008b) and 14 new species were described, bringing to 15 the total number of confirmed species from the Afrotropical Region.

Diagnosis: Oval eyes lying horizontal or oblique; fr protruding beyond anterior eye margin and above antennae, visible in profile to greater or lesser extent; setae and setulae on scut absent except for usual basal and subapical pairs; pra and strong post ia setae absent; apicoventral seta on mid tibia absent; habitus of most species appearing more slender and less setulose than Oroschyromya and Notiochyromya, with which genera Gymnochiromyia could be confused.

Distribution: Afrotropical (Fig. 68), Holarctic.

Bionomics: Species of Gymnochiromyia appear to prefer vegetated dunes and drier, warmer areas within a generally temperate climatic region. In Europe, for example, at least two species, namely G. homobifida Carles-Tolrá, 2001 and G. inermis (Collin, 1933), exhibit an affinity for open oak woodland (Ebejer, pers. observ.).

Type species: Notiochyromya tripunctata sp. n., here designated.

Etymology: From Greek notios (southern), referring to the occurrence of the majority of species of the genus south of the equator, and Chyromya. Gender feminine.

Diagnosis: fr measured at level of anterior oc narrower than 1/3 width of head, with margins strongly convergent towards lunule, inclination of fr more toward vertical than horizontal, thus maximum length of head when seen in profile closer to lower eye margin than upper, ocp flat, pra seta present, post ia and prsut dc setae absent; scut usually with additional marginal or discal setae (not setulae) or both; a short apicoventral seta usually present on mid tibia; head usually narrower than thorax; ep relatively small in comparison to remainder of abdomen (similar to Somatiosoma, but in contrast to Oroschyromya and Gymnochiromyia); thorax robust, covered with dense fine setulae over whole of scutum; strong prscut acrs (often 4 setae in one transverse row), dc, post ia and pa setae close to scut suture and usually brown or black; tg frequently with matt or shiny brown or black spots.

The autapomorphies that characterize this genus are: a smaller head, longer in lower half than above, always higher than long, narrow fr strongly sloping such that it is inclined much more towards the vertical than the horizontal; a distinct pra seta, broad prg and large ej apd. In other respects, the habitus of the fly and the appearance of the scutum are similar to Somatiosoma.

Description:

Head: Higher than long, also a little broader than long; ocp flat in profile or only slightly convex; fr narrow at vertex, not more than 0.3 width of head, and eyes strongly convergent; orb plate distinct throughout. Chaetotaxy: 3 strong orb, 2 hind orb reclinate, anterior inclinate, pvt distinct and crossed, 1 vti and 1 vte, postocular setulae distinct, generally short, more or less in one row, lower postgenal seta present or absent; mouthparts normal, palp rather broad, almost disc-shaped; antenna with third segment round and arista bare.

Thorax: Broader than head and robust relative to remainder of fly. Chaetotaxy: prpl setula absent, 1 strong postsutural dc, often with 1 shorter seta anterior to this, acrs not differentiated from other scutal setulae, between dc lines in 8–12 rows with 2–4 distinct prscut; 1–2 pprn, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 distinct pra behind transverse scutal suture; 1 sa and 1 long pa, 1 short post ia, 2–4 pairs of marginal scut setae; sometimes with setulae on disc; anepisternum with 1 strong seta directed backwards at middle of posterior margin, katepisternum with 1 strong seta at upper posterior corner, each with a variable number of short setulae in front; tuft of numerous, fine, long setulae at ventral aspect of katepisternum.

Wing: Hyaline, R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ parallel towards wing apex or very slightly convergent at tip; discal cell wide beyond middle, about 2–3 times as wide as anterior basal cell; costal setulae short with variable number of stouter and darker setulae along anterior edge; costa, just beyond hu crossvein, narrowed but without distinct break. Haltere pale.

Legs: Yellow with fine setulae scattered on all pairs, in addition, a few longer setae usually present posterodorsally on fore femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta present or absent, but not longer than diameter of tibia at apex; femora, especially middle and posterior, slightly dilated; hind trochanter and tarsomeres not modified.

Abdomen: More or less compressed dorsoventrally; usually short but densely setulose, with longer setae along hind margin and lateral aspect of tg especially towards apex of abdomen; 6 visible tg in male and 7 in female, tg 6 normal; st sclerotized in both sexes, pollinose except for central part of st 2; pregenital st variably modified; female tg frequently with large brown to black shiny spots laterally.

Postabdomen: ep not usually as large as in other Chyromyinae; relatively large posteroventrally directed opening; cerc small, separated and poorly sclerotized with fine short setulae; hyp distinct and broad; ph apd broad and free from hyp for a short distance (cf. Gymnochiromyia); ej apd very large and well sclerotized; distiph complex as usual for the family, with sclerotized and membranous components; prg rather broad and flattened and variably sclerotized; psg of various forms in the species described.

Distribution: Afrotropical (Fig. 66); Pantropical.

Ecology: Species of Notiochyromya seem to prefer hot and wet (at least seasonally) environments. The genus is widespread in the tropics and subtropics of the Old World as well as the New World (New World species are undescribed), both on the continents and on islands. To date, most species are known from the Southern Hemisphere. Too little is known about their habits to make deductions on preference for vegetation cover, but by inference from data labels most appear to inhabit forests, or at least the edges of them. This includes forests encroaching on the seashore. N. sexspinosa was collected from entrances to caves in Nigeria (J.C. Deeming, pers. comm.).

Etymology: From the Latin filum (thread) and gerere (to bear), and refers to the long, thread-like distiphallus of this species.

Diagnosis: Pale yellow species with 3 pairs of marginal setae on scut; male with only a small central shiny spot on st 2; female with paired spots laterally on tg 2–7; head higher than long, entirely pale yellow; eyes slightly oval with long axis almost vertical; pleural setae and setulae on legs yellow; distiph with long apical filaments and broad curved surs, with posteriorly-directed flagelliform setae. Similar species: N. monticola sp. n.

Description:

Male.

Head: Entirely yellow, including oc triangle; ocelli black; fr narrow and long, at level of antennae 0.5 width that at level of anterior oc and 0.4 width of one eye viewed from in front; about 10 short pale setulae scattered over middle part and, on orbital plate, one brown setula in each of the intervening spaces between orb. ocp flat, in profile, barely visible behind eye; short postocular setulae irregularly in one row; isolated lower postgenal seta short. Gena broader near anterior buccal margin, narrow below eye, where at middle, about 0.3 height of eye and anteriorly about as broad as third antennal segment, yellow and with few pale setulae. Mouthparts yellow, palp round; setulae of buccal margin short. Face poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina barely visible between bases of antennae. Antenna yellow, segment 3 about 0.35 length of horizontal diameter of eye, second segment with dorsal seta; arista brown, becoming pale at basal one third and with fine sparse pubescence. Chaetotaxy: 3 orb, anterior inclinate and as long as distance between orbits at this level, middle and posterior orb reclinate; pvt distinct and crossed, little more than half length of divergent ocellars; 1 vti and 1 vte, strong.

Thorax: Scutum and scut yellow and without pattern except for small brown spot basally on lateral scut margin, pleura paler, mtn yellow. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn and 2 setulae, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 pra, 1 sa and 1 long pa, 1 long dc with a short seta in front of it about one third its length or less; acrs differentiated only as one prscut pair; scutum covered with numerous very short dark setulae in 8–10 rows between dc lines at level of transverse suture; scut with 3 pairs of marginals, middle pair shortest and situated just medial to a line joining basal and subapical setae; 1 anepisternal and 1 katepisternal, that on katepisternum at upper hind corner, that on anepisternum at middle of posterior margin; each with a few setulae in front.

Wing: Hyaline, veins all pale yellow; costal setulae brown to black with many stouter almost spinose setulae among them; dorsal aspect of costa with 3–6 spinose but very short setulae; costa beyond hu crossvein narrow but not distinctly broken; R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ run parallel to wing margin converging only in apical 1/4; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.7 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; discal cell broadest at level of anterior crossvein; distance between crossveins 1.2 length of apical section of vein Cu. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: Not modified except for very slightly thicker femora; numerous fine setulae scattered on all pairs of legs, in addition longer setae present on fore femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta short, a little less than diameter of tibia at apex; all setae and setulae pale yellow; claws and pulvilli normal.

Abdomen: Yellow, with darker yellow and shiny transverse bands on all tergites and dark brown spot on ventrolateral aspect of tg 2; setulae brownish yellow and on tg 4–6 laterally and along hind margin with longer setae; sternites sclerotized, yellow, st 2 with small shiny spot at middle; st 5 with pair of posterior lobes broad at their apex with a fringe of fine setulae, long seta on lateral margin.

Postabdomen: cerc very small with few minute setulae; ep more or less hemispherical, surs broad, strongly curved and with 5 distinct broad setae along posterior edge at apex; prg broad with row of setae along middle of lateral surface, psg narrow, long, almost straight; ej apd large, bilobed sclerotized and of distinct shape; ph apd broad at base and distinctly curved towards hyp; distiph with sclerotized and membranous components, with very distinctive flagellate apex.

Female.

Similar to male, generally darker colouration of vestiture, and more defined and darker brown bands on abdominal tg with black or dark brown spot on lateral aspect of tg 2–7. Postabdomen: very similar to monticola (Fig. 8), but st 8 with one row of setae along middle third of sclerite, inserted parallel to long axis and each curved medially; cerc small, similar in size to hypr; first section of spermathecal duct thinly sclerotized. Length: ♂ body 1.5 mm, wing 1.5 mm; ♀ body 1.7 mm, wing 1.6 mm.

Holotype: ♂ MAURITIUS: Wolmar, 1–2 km S [20°18′8:57°22′E], 21.v.2000, J.W. Ismay, coast roadside (OXUM).

Paratypes: 1♀ same data as holotype (OXUM). KENYA: 1♂ Hunter's Lodge, nr Kiboko, 02°14′S:37°43′E, 8–9.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 2♀ Rt B8, nr Takaungu, 50 km N of Mombasa, 03°42′S:39°49′E, 12.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI, NMWC); 2♂ Simba, 02°09′S:37°35′E, 15.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI, NMWC). SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: 1♀ Pietermaritzburg, 15.ix.1976, R.M. Miller (NMSA). YEMEN: 1♂ 1♀ Ta'izz, 5.i–2.ii.1998, A. van Harten & M. Mahyoub (NMWC).

Etymology: From Latin lucida (shiny), and refers to the shiny, weakly pruinose scutum of this species.

Diagnosis: A small orange-yellow species with a relatively large third antennal segment; scutum very sparsely pruinose, scutal setulae between dc rows at level of tranverse suture in 10 rows, scut with 4 pairs of marginals and abdomen without any markings.

Description:

Male.

Head: All yellow, including oc triangle; fr narrowed anteriorly, at level of antennae 0.6 width that at level of anterior oc and 0.6 width of one eye viewed from in front; covered with numerous minute pale setulae. Gena narrow, about 0.3 height of eye, yellow and with pale setulae. ocp yellow, in profile narrowly visible behind entire eye margin; with short postocular setulae irregularly in one row; isolated lower post-genal seta absent. Mouthparts small, yellow, palp short and round, vibrissal setulae of buccal margin longer, longest a little longer than anterior orbital. Face poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina absent. Antenna yellow; second segment paler than third, with distinct short dark seta dorsally; third segment large and round, about 0.35 length of horizontal diameter of eye, finely pubescent; hairs shorter than diameter of arista at base; arista black almost throughout, yellow only at base and bare. Chaetotaxy: 3 strong orb, anterior strongly inclinate and longer than fr is wide at this level, middle orb closer to anterior than to posterior; oc short, divergent and shorter than pvt; 1 vti and 1 vte both strong.

Thorax: Yellow with somewhat darker dc and ia lines; ntpl contrasting very pale yellow; scut, mtn and pleura all yellow; scut flat on disc, lateral marginals about half length of subapicals, with shorter setae between marginals, but not on disc. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 pra, 1 sa, 1 pa, 2 ntpl, 1 strong postsutural dc and another in front of this about one third its size; acrs undifferentiated; setulae on scutum at level of transverse suture in 8 irregular rows between dc lines; pleural setae not seen because of pin.

Wing: Hyaline, veins all pale yellow; R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ run parallel to wing margin converging only in apical 1/4; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.7 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; discal cell broadest at level of anterior crossvein; distance between crossveins 0.7 length of apical section of vein Cu. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: Not modified, except for slightly thicker femora; generally fine pale setulae scattered on all pairs of legs, in addition about 6 long setae present on posterodorsal aspect of fore femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta almost as long as diameter of tibia at apex, yellow; claws and pulvilli normal; hind trochanter normal.

Abdomen: All yellow and without pattern of spots or bands; setae short; st 6 with a long seta laterally; tg 6 narrow and mostly covered by ep.

Postabdomen: ep large and yellow with a short surs projecting antero-ventrally; ej apd very large, umbrella-shaped and reaching far forward, ph apd long and broad; prg trapezoidal, psg not identified, surs narrow, curved at extreme apex.

Female. Unknown.

Length: ♂ body 1.6 mm, wing 1.6 mm.

Holotype: ♂ TANZANIA: E Usambara Mts, Amani Research Station [05°06′S:38°38′E], alt. 900 m, 19–27.vi.1974, D. Hollis (BMNH).

Etymology: From the Latin mons (mountain) and incola (inhabitant), and refers to the high altitudes at which this species occurs.

Diagnosis: A species with an orange-brown head, yellow thorax with scutum a deeper yellow to pale brown, and pale brown to yellow abdomen; mtn yellow and all setae and setulae black; male with st 2 mostly shining and st 6 with two backwardly projecting lobes and strong lateral setae; scut with 3 pairs of marginals; distiph with apical filaments, psg narrow with normal setae. Similar species: N. filigera sp. n.

Description:

Male.

Head: Higher than long, deep orange yellow including oc triangle; fr narrowed anteriorly: at level of antennae 0.2× width of head and 0.5× width of that at level of anterior oc, with several minute dark setulae across middle; lunule high, about equal to length of antennal segment 3; ocp brown except for upper 1/3 of postocular margin and behind vertex, which are yellow; ocp in profile narrowly visible behind eye margin in lower half; short postocular setulae in one row; eye almost round, just a little higher than long and anterior facets about twice size of posterior facets; mouthparts small, yellow, palp short and round, vibrissal setulae of buccal margin only a little longer that genal setulae; face small, poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina absent. Gena about 0.3× height of eye at middle, yellow and with numerous brown setulae, isolated lower postgenal seta short but distinct; antenna small and yellow; second segment paler than third, with distinct short dark seta dorsally; third segment about 0.25× length of horizontal diameter of eye, finely pubescent: hairs shorter than diameter of arista at base; arista black almost throughout, yellow only at base and sparsely but at regular intervals with minute pubescence. Chaetotaxy: 3 strong orb, anterior strongly inclinate and as long as fr is wide at this level; oc long, erect, slightly divergent, pvt distinct and crossed; 1 vti and 1 vte, both strong.

Thorax: Yellow with somewhat darker yellow to pale brown scutum; ntpl contrasting pale yellow; scut, mtn and pleura all yellow. Chaetotaxy: all setae and setulae black or at least dark brown, 1 pprn with 2 adjacent setulae, 1 posthu, 1 pra, 1 sa, 1 pa, 1 short post ia, 2 ntpl, 1 strong postsutural dc and another in front of this about 1/3 its size; acrs undifferentiated; setulae on scutum at level of transverse suture in 8 irregular rows between dc lines; prscut pair strong, about as long as 0.5× length of hind dc, 1 anepisternal in upper 1/3 and 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner with several short dark setulae in front of each; scut with 3 pairs of marginals, middle pair shortest and set just medial to line joining basal and subapical pairs.

Wing: Hyaline, veins yellow; anterior costal setulae black, no dorsal setulae present; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.6× that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; apical section of Cu about 1.5× length of posterior crossvein; distance between crossveins about equal to length of apical part of Cu. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Not modified; fine dark setulae scattered on all pairs of legs; mid tibial apicoventral seta half as long as diameter of tibia at apex, dark brown; claws black.

Abdomen: Yellow to brown with numerous dark setulae on dorsum and laterally and on hind margin of tg 4–6 with several longer setae; large shiny black spot ventro-laterally on tg 2; st 2 also dark and shiny except for narrow brown dusted border, st 5 with a pair of lobes directed backwards and long setae laterally; tg 6 almost as broad as tg 5 and completely separated from ep.

Postabdomen: ep large, hemispherical and brownish yellow with a large surs projecting postero-ventrally and setulose on hind margin and curved at apex; ej apd very large and bilobed, ph apd long and broad; prg trapezoidal, with apex directed slightly forward and setulose, psg small and pointed, distiph with flagellum at apex, cerc without special modifications.

Female.

As in male, but abdomen with paired large shiny black spots laterally on each tg and along midline with a variably developed darkening. Postabdomen: Sclerotized sternal plates of segment 8 having long setae on posterior part; hypr small, poorly sclerotized and weakly setulose, similar in size to small cerc; spermathecal duct thinly sclerotized in first part from s.

Length: ♂ body 1.9 mm, wing 2.2 mm; ♀ body 2.0 mm, wing 2.3 mm.

Variation: Remarkably little in both sexes; the intensity and extent of dark areas varies a little as does the colour of the setae from black to brown; scut yellow, but in a few specimens with very small dark spot at base of lateral margin.

Holotype: ♂ ETHIOPIA: Shewa, Debre Tsige, 09°39′N:38°49′E, 2660 m, 28.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Paratypes: 5♂ 4♀ same data as holotype (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀ same data (BMNH); 2♂ 2♀ same data (NMWC); 2♂ 1♀ same data (NMSA); 2♀ Tigray, Axum, 2220 m, 14°08′N:38°43′E, 4–5.x.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI). SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: 1♀ Wilderness National Park, 17 km SE George, 35°59′22°39′E, 14.x.1994, R. Danielsson (MZLU).

Diagnosis: A yellow species with abdomen (females) marked with dark spots: 1 large pair on tg 2, smaller pair on each of tg 3–6; tg 3–5 dorsally at middle sometimes with brown ill-defined spot; scut with 3 pairs of marginal setae. Postabdomen with very small cerc and hypr, the latter with about 6 microtrichia; s not uniformly black and with sclerotized first part of duct very short. The specimens from Niger Province listed below are rather pale with the spot on tg 2 light brown and the brown bands dorsally on tg absent.

Type material examined: SEYCHELLES: ♀ (holotype) ‘Mané 08-9, Seychelles Exp. / Prof. J.S. Gardiner' (BMNH); 3♀ (paratypes) same data (1 BMNH, 2 CUMZ).

Other material examined: GHANA: 1♀ Accra, 1921, J.W. Scott Macfie, laboratory windows (BMNH). NAMIBIA: 1♀ Rundu District, 20 km E Rundu, 17°55′46″S:19°58′43″E, 17–18.x.1999, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, T. Pape & W. Hauwanga, Malaise trap (NMNW). NIGERIA: 1♀ Zaria, Samaru, 9.iii.1969, J.C. Deeming (NMWC); 2♀ Zaria, Samaru, viii.1967, [no collector], mercury vapour light trap (BMNH); 8♀ Niger Province, nr Mokwa, 2.v.1973, J.C. Deeming, at entrance to bat cave (NMWC).

Distribution: Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles.

Remarks. Lamb (1914) wrote that he had four males. This is a surprising error as in fact they are all females with the ova developed to an advanced stage. They are almost identical to each other. In three of the specimens, the dark spots on the abdomen are brown and shiny rather than black. Lamb's description is not detailed enough to allow the identification and reliable separation of sexspinosa from the undescribed sp. C only on the basis of females (see below).

Etymology: From the Latin tri- (three-) and punctata (spotted), and refers to three sets of spots on the tg.

Diagnosis: Relatively large yellow species with very narrow gena and characteristic dark pattern of spots on tg; scut with disc flatter than usual and with 2 pairs of marginal setae; most setae and setulae dark brown to black.

Description:

Male.

Head: All yellow, including oc triangle; fr narrowed anteriorly: at level of antennae 0.6 width that at level of anterior oc and 0.4× width of one eye viewed from in front. ocp yellow, in profile barely visible behind eye; with short postocular setulae irregularly in one row; isolated lower postgenal seta short. Gena very narrow, about 0.2× height of eye at middle, yellow and with pale setulae. Mouthparts small, all yellow, palp round and short, vibrissal seta as long as anterior orb, other setulae of buccal margin short. Face poorly sclerotized and depressed, median carina absent. Antenna yellow, second segment paler than third, with short dark seta dorsally; third segment small and round about 0.25× length of horizontal diameter of eye, finely pubescent hairs shorter than diameter of arista at base; arista black almost throughout and completely bare. Chaetotaxy: 3 strong orb, the anterior strongly inclinate, middle and posterior orb reclinate; pvt minute, barely visible; 1 vti and 1 vte both strong; oc short and strongly lateroclinate; numerous fine short setulae over most of fr, including on intervening spaces between orb setae.

Thorax: Yellow with a pair of light brown stripes in midline of scutum, between dc and ia lines, and posteriorly along sa line; a small brown patch on pprn. Scutum very flat on disc, bare except for 2 pairs of marginals, and with a small brown spot at base ventrolaterally; mtn brownish-yellow; pleura all yellow and paler than disc of scut. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn and 3 setulae, 1 posthu, 1 pra, 1 sa, 1 pa, 2 ntpl, 1 strong dc and another in front of this about half its size; acrs undifferentiated apart from prscut pair which is a little longer than anterior dc; very short and very numerous setulae over whole of scutum, about 10–12 rows between dc lines at level of transverse suture; anepisternum with numerous scattered setulae in posterior half, 1 strong anepisternal seta directed horizontally backwards from middle of posterior margin of sclerite; 1 katepisternal at upper hind corner of katepisternum.

Wing: Hyaline, veins all pale yellow; costal setulae brown to black with many stouter almost spinose setulae among them; dorsal aspect of costa without spinose setulae; costa beyond hu crossvein narrow but not distinctly broken; R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ run parallel to wing margin converging only in apical 1/4; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.8 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; discal cell broadest at level of anterior crossvein; distance between crossveins about equal to length of apical section of vein Cu. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: Not modified except for slightly thicker femora; generally fine pale setulae scattered on all pairs of legs, in addition about 6 longer setae present on posterodorsal aspect of fore femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta half diameter of tibia at apex, brown; all tarsomeres with several distinctly longer setulae on dorsal aspect, claws and pulvilli normal.

Abdomen: Relatively long and narrow, somewhat tapering apically; tg with a pattern of brown spots and bands at base; midline spots on tg 3, 4 and 5, slightly shining and almost black; setulae on discs of tg short, numerous and dark, longest less than half as long as tg; st all yellow.

Postabdomen: ep with distinct dark spot at middle; small and with very short setulae; hyp broad and fused with anterior lower margin of ep; ph apd small, lying within curve of hyp; ej apd very small; prg short with rounded apex, surs short, curved inwards, psg not identified, basiph cuboid; distiph broad mostly membranous.

Female.

Similar to male, but no midline spots or stripe and lateral spots small. Postabdomen not dissected.

Length: ♂ and ♀ body 2.7 mm, wing 2.3 mm.

Holotype: ♂ MAURITIUS: Beline, 28.v.2000, J.W. Ismay, mangroves (OXUM).

Paratypes: 1♂ same data as holotype (OXUM). SOUTH AFRICA: Eastern Cape: 1♀ 5 km SW Grahamstown [33°16′S:26°29′E], 10.i.1984, D.J. Brothers (NMSA). YEMEN: 1♀ Mukalia, vi.2001, A. van Harten & M. Hubaishan, light trap (NMWC).

A yellow species except for large black spots laterally on tg 3–6; antennal segment 3 broader than gena (a character state that distinguishes this species from congeners); mtn yellow and scutal setulae between dc line in 6–8 rows; scut with 6 marginal setae, but the basals are the shortest.

Material examined: NAMIBIA: 1 ♀ Rundu District, 20 km E Rundu, 17°15′46″S:19°58′43″, 17–18.x.1999, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, T. Pape & W. Hauwanga, Malaise trap (NMNW).

This is a relatively large bright yellow species, which also has all the vestiture pale yellow; the scut has 8 marginal setae, but no setulae on disc; mtn yellow; abdomen with a short longitudinal dark line at apex formed of a fusion of the midline spots on tg 6 and 7.

Material examined: NAMIBIA: 1 ♀ Mahango Game Reserve, Thinderevu Omuramba, 1.8°15′S:21°40′E, 28.ii–13.iii.1992, M. Pusch & E. Marais; 1♀ Ovambo, Onduri, 17°32′S:16°37′E, 14–26.i.1993, E. Marais, pitfall trap (in alcohol, NWMC); 2♀ Ovambo, Onghwiya, 1.7°34′S:16°49′E, 14–26.i.1993, E. Marais, pitfall trap; 3♀ Ovambo, Enyana, 17°37′S:17°25′E, 14–27.i.1993, E. Marais, pitfall trap; 3♀ Kavango, Nangera, 17°37′S:18°08′E, 14–27.i.1993, E. Marais, pitfall trap; 1 ♀ Kavango, 5 km NE Dikweya, 17°41′S:18°32′E, 14–27.i.1993, E. Marais, pitfall trap (all in alcohol, NMNW); 1♀ Rundu District, Simanya Okavango R., 17°33′35″S:18°32′30″E, 23–24.i.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais, Malaise traps, riverine forest; 2♀ Kaudom Game Park, 10 km W of Dussi, 18°48′32″S:20°43′57″E, 29–30.xii.1998, E. Marais, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & D. Mann, Malaise traps; 3♀ Rundu District, Hamoye Nat. forest, 1.8°12′S:19°43′E, 5–8.iii. 1999, E. Marais, Malaise trap; 1♀ Gobabis District, Somerkoms 521, 22°01′59″S:19°57′22″E, 6–8.ii.2001, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais, Malaise trap (all dry-pinned, NMNW).

A yellow species with completely dark mtn and paired spots on all tg, spots on tg 1 and 2 merge to form a large oval patch, spots from tg 3 to 7 gradually increasing in size towards apex of abdomen; scut with small brown spot at base ventrolaterally and short setae on disc apart from 6–8 additional marginal setae, which alternate in size, the basal shortest; scutal setulae between dc lines in 10 rows. This species is similar to sexspinosa. It differs in the number of scut setae and the progressively larger spots on the abdomen from base to apex.

Material examined: NAMIBIA: 8♀ Rehoboth District, Garles Oos 489, 23°54′S:16°33′, 9.ii–23.iii.1993, E. Marais, pitfall trap (all in alcohol, NMNW); 1♀ Tsumkwe District, Nama, 19°54.34′S:20°44.08′E, 20–22.xii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, E. Marais & D. Mann, Malaise traps (dry-pinned, NMNW).

These specimens belong to a yellow species with the scut having no additional marginals and no short discal setae but, as in filigera and monticola, there is a pair of setae on the disc just medial and posterior to the subapical pair; scutal setulae between dc lines in 10 rows; mtn dark brown; abdomen with segments 3–7 having paired brown spots laterally. It is not included in the above key for lack of easily defined characters.

Material examined: NAMIBIA: 1 ♀ Windhoek, Hoffnung farm, lucerne fields, 7.ii.1972, British Museum Southern African Expedition 1972 (dry-pinned, BMNH). ZIMBABWE: 1 ♀ Zambezi, Rutometje-Res. St. RM2, 16°10′S:29°25′E, vii.1988, J. Weyrich (in alcohol, ZSMC).

Type species: Oroschyromya peruncinata sp. n., here designated.

Etymology: From the Greek oros (mountain), indicating the occurrence of the majority of species of the genus at high altitudes, and Chyromya, denoting the affinity to this genus.

Diagnosis: Head broader than thorax; fr narrow with moderate to strongly converging margins; eye oval, lying oblique in profile; ocp slightly convex with a few setulae on disc; femora long and slender; a well-developed post ia present; scut without additional marginals or setulae on disc; apicoventral seta on mid tibia absent; ep large, more or less rectangular and sits vertically relative to the long axis of the abdomen; cerc modified and prg large, heavily sclerotized, conical to pyramidal.

The autapomorphies that characterize this genus include a strong post ia seta, very large vertically elongated ep, an intermediate sclerite between the posterior edge of hyp and prg, large mobile surs and prg, and modified cerc. In the female, segments 6 and 7 usually membranous dorsally, therefore appearing divided, with heavily sclerotized lateral sclerites that are also strongly setose, giving them the appearance of a second pair of cerc. In other respects, scutum and scut appear similar to those in Gymnochiromyia, but in this genus the head is not so broad, the post ia is absent and the male and female postabdomens present different character states.

Description:

Head: Broader than long; ocp flat in profile or only slightly convex, somewhat concave when viewed from above; fr broad at vertex and eyes strongly convergent; orbital plate distinct. Chaetotaxy: 3 strong orb more or less reclinate, but also lateroclinate, anterior orb inclinate or reclinate; pvt distinct and crossed; strong vti and vte; postocular setulae distinct, especially behind vt, others short, more or less in one row, lower postgenal seta present; mouthparts normal, palp round or almost round.

Thorax: Elongated, narrower than width of head. Chaetotaxy: prpl setula absent, 1 or 2 strong posterior dc, sometimes with 2–4 short dc anterior to these, scutal setulae between dc lines in 4–8 irregular rows with one short, but distinct prscut pair; 1–2 pprn, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 sa and 1 long pa, 1 post ia, absent pra; 2 pairs of marginal scut setae: one subapical and one basal, no setulae on margin or on disc; anepisternum with 1 strong seta at middle of posterior margin directed backwards, often with another shorter seta above, katepisternum with 1 or 2 strong setae at upper posterior corner; tuft of numerous, fine, long setulae at ventral aspect of katepisternum.

Wing: Hyaline or faintly and diffusely infuscated, R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ parallel to wing apex or very slightly convergent; vein closing anal cell often with a minute stump vein at middle; hu break present or absent, in which case a distinct weakening apparent, costal setulae with minute spine-like setulae interspersed among them along anterior margin of costal vein between R₁ and R₂₊₃, several similar short spine-like setulae present at irregular distances on dorsal aspect of costa.

Legs: Fine setulae scattered on all pairs, in addition longer setae present on fore femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta absent, femora not or hardly dilated, hind trochanter and tarsomeres not modified. One species has additional setal characters.

Abdomen: Variably compressed laterally; 6 visible tg, tg 6 narrow; st sclerotized, st 5 modified, st 6 often reduced to V-shaped sclerite.

Male postabdomen: ep well-developed, vertically elongated and variably compressed laterally with relatively large ventrally directed opening; cerc large sclerotized to a variable degree and usually with modified setae, either as 3–5 strong, but short spines in addition to fine setulae or longer and stronger setae than usual for family; hyp distinct with additional lateral sclerites between its posterolateral end and base of prg, ph apd long, narrow and free from hyp for a significant distance (cf. Chyromya and Somatiosoma), ej apd small, not recognisable (or not sclerotized) in some species; distiph complex as usual for the family, with sclerotized and membranous components; prg heavily sclerotized, more or less conical that is, more like a large spine than a flat sclerite, with strong setae, psg distinct and sometimes remarkably modified.

Female postabdomen: Segments 6–8 variously modified, usually with one or more segments having tg divided into large heavily sclerotized lateral sclerites with strong setae, hypr distinct, s relatively small and very deeply pigmented; cerc tending to be elongate.

Distribution: Afrotropical (Fig. 67).

Ecology: Oroschyromya is known only from Africa. The genus appears to favour well-vegetated habitats with a wide range of rainfall. All species but one are from high altitude (1200–3200 m). The single lowland (260 m) species (O. dubia (Lamb, 1914) from Mauritius and the Seychelles) is placed in this genus on the basis of strict character interpretation and postabdominal features of both sexes, but its general appearance is more like Notiochyromya or Gymnochiromyia.

Etymology: From Latin affinis (similar), and refers to the close affinities of this species with O. peruncinata sp. n.

Diagnosis: Pale yellow species with dark fifth tarsomeres; large hypopygium with complex structures easily visible externally; spinose, elongate, separated cerc; differs from sibling species, O. peruncinata sp. n., in details of postabdomen.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, small black oc triangle; not quite twice as broad as long; fr strongly narrowed anteriorly: at level of antennae 0.4 width that at level of anterior oc, at vertex 1.4 width of eye; gena narrow in front, deeper behind and in profile, below middle of eye, about equal to height of eye; yellow and pale haired. ocp in profile visible behind eye and slightly convex; short postocular setulae in one irregular row; isolated lower postgenal seta present, but little longer than other setulae. Mouthparts small, all yellow, palp rather broad almost round; vibrissal setulae moderately developed. Face short, poorly sclerotized and depressed. Antenna yellow; second segment pale yellow with distinct short dark seta dorsally; third segment round, finely pubescent: hairs as long as diameter of arista at base; arista black, only at base of second segment and whole of first segment yellow, minutely pubescent. Chaetotaxy: 3 strong orb, all reclinate; pvt distinct and convergent; 1 vti and 1 vte strong; ocellars long and lateroclinate; no setulae across middle of fr.

Thorax: Uniform pale yellow colour throughout and somewhat elongated with dorsal aspect more flattened than is usual in this family. Chaetotaxy: prpl absent, 0+2 strong dc, the anterior shorter, scutal setulae in 6 irregular rows between dc lines, with one short, but distinct prscut pair; 3 or 4 irregular rows of setulae also between the dc and sa lines; 2 pprn, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 sa and 1 pa, 1 post ia; 2 pairs of marginal scut setae: one subapical and one basal, no setulae on margin or on disc; anepisternum with about 14 setulae at middle and 1 strong seta directed backwards at middle of posterior margin, katepisternum with about 6 setulae at middle and 1 strong seta at upper posterior corner and a tuft of numerous, fine, long setulae at ventral angle. All setae and setulae pale brown. Wing: Hyaline with pale yellow veins; discal cell widest at apex; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.6 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; distance between crossveins about 0.9 length of apical section of vein Cu. R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ parallel, converging only very slightly only towards wing apex. Haltere pale yellow, concolourous with thorax. Legs: Not modified; fine setulae scattered on all pairs of legs; in addition longer setae present on fore femur, but not as long as diameter of femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta absent; tarsomere 5 of mid and hind legs brown; claws black, pulvilli normal; hind trochanter normal.

Abdomen: Entirely yellow and only slightly compressed laterally towards apex; 5 visible tg, tg 6 very narrow and incorporated within and along anterior margin of ep; st sclerotized; st 5 with ventrally directed pair of narrow projections and long setae on sides of posterior margin. Short setae on disc of tg and some st, about 1/3 length of tg. Postabdomen: Outwardly almost identical to that in peruncinata (see Figs 29–31), ep well-developed and elongated dorsoventrally; cerc large with 3 strong, but short spines in addition to fine setulae, hyp distinct with short, poorly sclerotized flange directed towards base of abdomen, ph apd long and free from hyp, ej apd not recognisable (not sclerotised at all), prg large, heavily sclerotized, anterolaterally directed spine and psg in the form of a flat curved sclerite. distiph large with sclerotized and membranous components and asymmetrical at apex.

Female.

Similar to male, but with exceptionally strong setae on apex of abdomen and on lateral heavily sclerotized discoid-shaped plates of tg 6; strong setae and short setulae on apical margin of tg 5 missing from lateral third on each side. Postabdomen: tg 7 small, narrow and Y-shaped at apex; setulae on st 8 short and obscured from lateral view; hypr small, more or less semicircular and microtrichose.

Length: ♂ body 2.0 mm, wing 1.7 mm, ♀ body 1.9 mm, wing 2.0 mm.

Holotype: ♂ YEMEN: Ta'izz [13°34′N:44°00′E], 3-24.1.1999, A. van Harten & M. Mahyoub (NMWC).

Paratypes: ETHIOPIA: 2♀ Tigray, Axum, 14°08′N:38°43′E, 2220 m, 4–5.x.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI). KENYA:1 ♂ S of Lake Naivasha, YMCA camp, 13.viii.1981, L. Fröberg, meadow at shore (MZLU). YEMEN: 1♀ Suq Bani Mansour, 28.viii-26.ix.2001, A. van Harten, Malaise trap (NMWC).

Note: A single female with the following data: NAMIBIA: 1♀ Keetmanshoop District, Narubis nr Lowen R., 870 m, riverine forest, 20.ii.1974, M.E. Irwin (NMSA), may belong to this species, but as it has been found on the other side of the continent I hesitate to confirm its identity.

Etymology: From Latin bi- (two-) and color (colour), and refers to the well-developed pale and dark contrasting colouration in both sexes.

Diagnosis: A smaller species than its congeners, with a pair of brown longitudinal stripes running from front of scutum on to scut as far as base of subapical setae; abdomen dark brown dorsally with contrasting yellow ep; tarsomere 5 of all legs brown.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, broader that thorax, fr narrow, strongly converging towards front, at level of anterior oc about 0.35 width of head and at level of antennae 0.7 width of that at anterior oc; vti and vte on shiny pale brown spot; ocp yellow with postocular setulae in 2 rows, that nearest eye margin with setulae pointing downwards and outwards, that placed more on disc of ocp with setulae pointing inwards and upwards; eye elongate oval with anterior facets about 3× size of posterior facets; face flat, membranous and without any noticeable carina; gena pale yellow, about 0.8 height of eye at middle, with several fine very pale yellow setulae, postgenal seta very long, as long as anterior orb; mouthparts yellow, palp short oval, almost round; antenna yellow with central pale brown patch on external aspect of segment 3, which also has a distinct fringe of minute pale pubescence along anterior margin and is about 0.25 length of eye, second segment with long dorsal seta, arista with black third segment, which also has a sparse fine pubescence; 3 orb setae: anterior inclinate, posterior 2 lateroclinate, ocellars almost as long as anterior orb, strongly divergent, pvt only little shorter than these and crossed; all setae dark brown.

Thorax: Yellow, but scutum more orange-yellow and with a pair of lateral longitudinal stripes running from just medial to pprn to the lateral edge of scut as far as base of subapical setae, disc of scut remaining clear yellow; mtn yellow centrally, dark brown laterally. Chaetotaxy: 2 pprn and short setula between them, 2 ntpl, 1 posthu, 1 sa, 1 pa, 1 post ia, 3+3 dc, those in front of scutal suture very short, but easily discernable from scutal setulae, scutal setulae in in 6–8 irregular rows between dc lines, with 1 strong prscut pair, scut with subapicals about 1.5× length of scut and basals about 0.7 length of subapicals, 1 anepisternal with short seta above it and several setulae anterior to these, 1 katepisternal with short seta in front, which in turn has a few short setulae in front of it.

Wing: Hyaline with a uniformly diffuse faint smokey grey infuscation, veins brown, vein closing anal cell convex with minute stump vein at middle; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.8 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; distance between crossveins about equal to length of apical section of vein Cu, costa with break near hu crossvein; costal setulae along anterior margin brown with several black spine-like setulae interspersed and about 9 similar setulae on dorsal aspect of costa; R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ parallel up to apex of wing. Haltere yellow, concolourous with pleura.

Legs: Yellow, femora hardly dilated, fore femur with long setulae on dorsal and posterior aspects, setulae on legs becoming darker towards apical segments, setulae on dorsum of tarsomeres 4 and 5 longer than diameter of tarsomere, tarsomere 5 brown on apical half or more.

Abdomen: All tg brown dorsally and yellow laterally, st all pale yellow and poorly sclerotized, st 5 with long lateral setae and along posterior margin with small lobes bearing setulae, st 6 reduced to a narrow V-shaped sclerite (similar to that in O. elongata sp.n., Fig. 19b), tg especially towards apex of abdomen with marginal and lateral setae almost as long as tg.

Postabdomen: tg 6 a little shorter than dorsal length of ep, which unlike tg is completely yellow, ep broader and longer in its upper part (similar to that in gracilipes; contrasting with that in fusciceps), cerc large and distinctly setose, prg large with anteriorly directed setae and notched posterior edge, surs with apical section long and narrow, psg simple, distiph complex without the punctate lateral sclerotized plate seen in similar species.

Length: ♂ body 2.0 mm, wing 1.9 mm; ♀ body 2.5 mm, wing 2.6 mm.

Female.

As in male, but palp spatulate and larger; brown scutal markings can be much more developed, either stripes reaching anterior margin of pprn and darker, or whole of scutum darkened leaving only short pale yellow middle area in front of scut; katepisternum and meron dark; stronger setae dark brown to black; darkening of tarsomere 5 variable from half to apical 1/4 of segment. Postabdomen: tg 7 divided; cerc relatively large, long and narrow compared to congeners; tg 5 with strong marginal setae more or less concentrated on pigmented area laterally; hypr thinly sclerotized, but distinct and microtrichose.

Holotype: ♂ TANZANIA, W Usambara, Lushoto [04°47′S:38°17′E], 18.viii.2003, S. Kleynberg (TAUI).

Paratypes: TANZANIA: 1 ♀ Usambara Mts, Gologolo, 1900 m, 23.viii.1996, A. Freidberg; 1♀ Njombe, 10 km SE Rt 84, 2000 m, 27–28.viii.1996, A. Freidberg; 1♀ nr Ngozi Crater, Rt A345, 1900 m, 1.xi.1996, A. Freidberg (all TAUI).

Chiromyia dubia: Lamb 1914: 353.

Lamb wrote that he had 11 specimens, four of which were males. I examined these specimens and found them to be all females belonging to two species. The holotype has the abdomen missing, but otherwise has all the characters agreeing with the remaining series. One other of the five specimens at the Natural History Museum in London is a dissected female and it agrees with the figure given in this article (Fig. 17). Another specimen (BMNH) and three more (CUMZ) belong to a species of Gymnochiromyia. They have a thorax with chaetotaxy typical of that genus: the mtn is a clear yellow; the tg are uniformly dark chocolate brown and completely shiny, only the membrane separating one tg from the other is pale yellow; the prscut acrs are particularly strong. I am unable to assign this species with confidence to any of the recently described species from southern Africa (Ebejer 2008b), so until more material, including males, becomes available, it remains unnamed. I labelled each of the four specimens as ‘Gymnochiromyia female, sp. indet.’.

Diagnosis: An orange-yellow species with large hypopygium having vertically elongate ep. In spite of weak pra and pa setae suggesting this might be a Notiochyromya, the long surs, conical prg and accesssory ventral hyp plate properly place this within Oroschyromya. The female postabdomen also shows strong affinities with this genus. So far, it is the only species in the genus known from a relatively lowland habitat.

Redescription:

Male.

Head: All yellow except for black oc triangle; fr narrow, at widest point less than half width of head; strongly narrowed anteriorly: at level of antennae 0.4 width that at level of anterior oc and 0.3 width of one eye viewed in front. Gena: only a little narrower in front than behind; in profile, below middle of eye, about 0.6 height of eye; pale yellow and pale-haired; ocp in profile narrowly visible behind eye; with short postocular setulae in one irregular row, the top 4 developed into short dark setae; isolated lower postgenal seta long. Mouthparts small, all yellow; setulae of buccal margin moderately developed. Face poorly sclerotized and small, hardly visible. Antenna yellow, second segment with short dark seta dorsally; third segment round, finely pubescent: hairs short, only those on lower margin as long as diameter of arista at base; arista dark almost throughout and completely bare. Chaetotaxy: 3 orb, all markedly reclinate, the anterior also slightly inclinate, middle and posterior orb closer together than middle is to first; pvt short and crossed; 1 vti and 1 vte strong; ocellars almost as long as hind orb, proclinate and divergent; about 8 short setulae across middle of fr and about 6 on each orb plate. All setae dark brown, setulae yellow.

Thorax: In profile, anterior margin of scutum rectangular; scutum, scut, mtn and all pleura yellow and without defined pattern, paler on pleura. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn and another about half its size, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 pra and 1 sa (both short), 1 pa, 1 post ia, 1 dc with another half its size or less, in front of it, scutal setulae in 6–8 irregular rows at level of transverse suture between dc lines, 4 slightly stronger prscut setulae in a transverse row between dc, and 2 more on each side between dc and pa; subapical and basal scut as usual, 1 anepisternal and 1 katepisternal, all setae dark brown, only on pleura yellow.

Wing: Hyaline, veins pale brown; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.8 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; distance between crossveins from 0.8 length of apical section of vein Cu or about equal to it. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: Not modified except for slightly thicker femora; fine setulae scattered on all pairs of legs, in addition to longer setae on fore femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta absent; claws and pulvilli normal.

Abdomen: Entirely yellow; pale setae, about half to two thirds length of tg. Postabdomen: ep yellow and distinctly elongated from top to bottom, cerc also elongated and densely setulose; surs long and narrow; hyp basally with large distal section that fuses with ep and small accessory plate; ph apd long and narrow; ej apd moderately developed, narrow in profile; prg large, sclerotized and conical with strong setae on anterior surface; psg small and narrow.

Female.

Scutum with 4 pale brown stripes: 2 along midline reaching about half way to scut, and one on each side of these between dc and ia lines reaching just beyond wing base; setae and setulae darker and stronger; otherwise as male. Postabdomen: elongate lateral sclerites of tg 7 of distinctive shape due to irregular margins, these sclerites partly overlapping st 8; setae on st 8 short; hypr sclerotized, cerc small oval.

Length: ♂ body 1.5 mm, wing 1.5 mm; ♀ body 1.6 mm, wing 1.6 mm.

Type material examined: SEYCHELLES: ♀ (holotype) ‘Mahé 08–9, Seychelles Exp. / Prof. J.S. Gardiner’ (BMNH); 6♀ (paratypes) same data (3 BMNH, 3 CUMZ).

Other material examined: MAURITIUS: 3♂ 1♀ Wolmar, 1–2 km S, 21.v.2000, J.W. Ismay, coast roadside (OXUM); 1♂ 1 ♀ same data (NMWC).

Distribution: Mauritius, Seychelles.

Etymology: From the type locality, Mt Elgon in Uganda.

Diagnosis: Yellow species with pair of longitudinal brown stripes on scutum commencing from behind transverse suture and running posteriorly along lateral margin of scut; 1+4 dc setae, but main identification features are in postabdomen.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow; fr narrow, at anterior oc only 1.2× width of eye, narrowing only slightly towards antennae where width is 0.8 that at anterior oc; oc triangle brown; ocp yellow, in profile, convex. Eye: elongated oval, 1.7 times as long as high. Gena: slightly recessed and broad, below middle of eye about 1.2× height of eye; pale setulose with 2 long setae on oral margin just below vibrissal angle. ocp, in profile clearly visible behind eye, with short postocular setulae in two irregular rows with additional setulae on disc; isolated lower postgenal seta pale but distinct. Mouthparts small, all pale yellow, palp particularly short oval. Face depressed, barely visible. Antenna with all segments yellow, second with pale long seta dorsally; third segment somewhat elongated ventrally, finely pubescent: pubescence a little shorter than diameter of arista at base; arista black except at extreme base of second segment and whole of first 2 segments where it is yellow. Chaetotaxy: 3 orb, anterior inclinate, middle and posterior orb reclinate, all equidistant from each other; 1 vti and 1 vte a little longer than hindmost orb; pvt crossed, about half length of vt; ocellars a little more than half length of vt; all setae pale; 1 setula in each of the spaces between the orb and about 8 pale setulae scattered on fr.

Thorax: Predominantly yellow; scutum with a small rectangular black patch anteriorly at neck and 2 brown stripes commencing behind transverse suture and extending along lateral margin of scut; remainder of scut and pleura all yellow; mtn brown. Chaetotaxy: 2 pprn, one short, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, absent pra, 1 sa, 1 pa, 1 short post ia, 1+4 dc, scutal setulae in 4 irregular rows between dc lines; absent longer prescut acrs; scut with usual subapical and basal marginals, but no other setae or setulae; 1 anepisternal at middle of hind margin with a shorter seta above it, 1 katepisternal close to upper hind corner; both sclerites with additional pale setulae in front of setae. All setae on thorax yellow.

Wing: Hyaline with pale yellow tinge over entire membrane; veins pale brown, a little lighter at base; vein closing anal cell convex with a minute stump vein at its middle; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.7 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; distance between crossveins about twice length of posterior crossvein; length of apical section of vein Cu about 2.8× length of posterior crossvein and about 0.9× distance between crossveins. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: Yellow, all segments unusually slender for the family and rather long; tarsomere 5 of all legs dark brown in apical third; fine setulae scattered on all pairs of legs, in addition longer setae present on fore femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta absent; claws black except at extreme base and pulvilli normal.

Abdomen: Rather elongate and narrow; dorsally, tg 1 yellow, tg 2 dark brown, tg 3–5 paler brown; only on lateral margins pale; st yellowish white; setulae not numerous, short, about a quarter length of tg, but along hind margin of each tg is a row of uniform brown setae about 2/3 length of tg; tg 6 clearly visible, about half length of tg 5 and 0.8 length of ep; st 5, on each posterolateral corner with a more sclerotized circular part bearing stronger setulae.

Postabdomen: ep yellow, large, higher than long; cerc narrow, elongate and distinctly setose; surs strongly curved, shorter than prg, prg with complex folds at base and 1 long anteroventrally directed seta, long and narrow apically, psg very long and narrow, hyp very broad in profile, ph apd long and narrow, ej apd small, distiph complex with lateral punctate plate towards apex.

Female. Unknown.

Length: ♂ body 2.5 mm, wing 2.3 mm.

Holotype: ♂ UGANDA: Mt Elgon, Sasa [01°15′N:34°32′E], montane forest, alt. 3300 m, fogging of Afrocrania volckensi (Cornaceae), 10–19.ix.1997. T. Wagner (in alcohol, ZSMC).

Etymology: From Latin longus (long), and refers to the unusually long cerci and pregonites of this species.

Diagnosis: Relatively large species of deep yellow colour heavily marked with dark brown or black; parafacial densely silvery white pruinose; 1+4 dc setae and in male, elongate cerc and very long curved prg.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, a little broader than thorax; oc triangle black between ocelli; fr narrow, strongly converging, at level of antenna 0.4 width of that at anterior oc and 0.14 width of head, about 14 minute pale brown setulae scattered on fr; ocp yellow, in profile, flat and not visible behind eye margin, short postocular setulae in one irregular row; eye, elongated oval, 1.5 times as long as high, lying obliquely, anterior facets about 3× size of posterior facets; gena, slightly recessed and broad, below in profile about 0.8 height of eye at middle; pale setulose with 3 long setae on oral margin just below vibrissal angle, isolated lower postgenal seta pale and as long as anterior orb; mouthparts yellow, palp round; face short, depressed and no carina visible, parafacial with dense silvery white pruinosity when viewed at an angle; antenna with all segments yellow, second with long dark seta dorsally; segment 3 abort 0.25 length of horizontal diameter of eye, finely pubescent, pubescence as long as diameter of arista at base; arista black except on segments 1 and 2, where it is yellow. Chaetotaxy: 3 orb, anterior inclinate, middle and posterior orb reclinate, all equidistant from each other; 1 vti and 1 vte a little longer than hindmost orb; pvt crossed, about as long as anterior orb, ocellars a little more than half length of vt; all setae brown.

Thorax: Yellow with sparse pruinosity on scutum; scutum deeper yellow, scut, mtn and pleura all yellow. Chaetotaxy: 2 pprn, one short, and fine setula adjacent, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, absent pra, 1 sa, 1 pa, 1 short post ia, 1+4 dc, anterior 2 short and difficult to separate from other scutal setulae, scutal setulae in 8 irregular rows between dc lines, prscut pair longer; scut 4 marginals, subapical pair about twice length of scut; 1 anepisternal at middle of hind margin with shorter seta above it, 1 katepisternal close to upper hind corner; both sclerites with additional pale setulae in front of setae and katepisternum with long white setulae above coxa; all other setae on thorax brown. Wing: Hyaline with pale yellow tinge over entire membrane; veins yellow; vein closing anal cell convex, distance between crossveins about 1.8× length of posterior crossvein and about 0.9 length of apical section of vein Cu; costa without break near hu crossvein; costal setulae along anterior margin with several dark spine-like setulae interspersed and about 7 similar setulae on dorsal aspect of costa; distance on costal margin between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.7 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, latter two veins parallel up to apex of wing. Haltere yellow, concolourous with pleura.

Legs: Yellow, all segments slender and rather long; tarsomere 5 of all legs dark brown in apical half to 2/3; fine setulae scattered on all pairs of legs, in addition longer setae present on dorsal and posterior aspect of fore femur; mid tibial apicoventral seta absent; all setae and setulae pale brown to yellow; claws black except at extreme base and pulvilli normal.

Abdomen: Yellow, rather elongate and narrow; tg with comparatively long setulae and setae, several about 0.75 length of tg; st pale yellow, sclerotized and with a few long setae; tg 6 clearly visible, about half length of tg 5 and 0.8 length of ep; st 6 distinguishable as narrow V-shaped sclerite, st 5, on each side with a lobe projecting backwards and long setae.

Postabdomen: ep yellow, large and higher than long; cerc narrow, very elongate and distinctly setulose; surs short and broad; prg very long curved with a single strong seta at base.

Female.

As in male, but palp spatulate and larger; scutum often with 4 longer acrs; abdomen darker from deep yellow to dark brown, with most specimens showing distinctive pale longitudinal stripe giving appearance of divided tg at least on apical segments. Postabdomen: tg 7 sclerotized only at middle apically, tg 8 with partly desclerotized central section and not setulose; st 8 oval in ventral view and with setae only along medial margin; hypr large thinly sclerotized and at middle with parallel series of microtrichia; cerc elongate and narrow.

Length: ♂ body 2.0 mm, wing 2.2 mm; ♀ body 2.1 mm, wing 2.5 mm.

Holotype: ♂ ETHIOPIA: Gonder, Goha Hotel, 12°37′N:37°28′E, alt. 2360 m, 1.×.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Paratypes: ETHIOPIA: 4♂ 1♀ same data as holotype (TAUI); 1♀ Gonder Province, Simien Mts National Park, 17 km NE Debark, 13°13.91′N:30°01.86′E, 3200 m, 25.iii.1995, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♀ Kefa Jimma, 35 km S, 2700 m, 12.ii.2000, A. Freidberg & I. Yarom; 1♀ Bale, Bale Mts, Robe, 30 km W, 2900 m, 3.ii.2000, A. Freidberg & I. Yarom; 4♂ 3♀ Shewa, Debre Tsige, 09°39′N:38°49′E, 2660 m, 28.ix.2005, A. Freidberg(all TAUI); 2♂ 2♀ same data (NMWC); 2♂ 2♀ same data (BMNH); 2♂ 2♀ same data (NMSA); 2♂ 1♀ Shewa, Chancho, 09°23′N:38°48′E, 2500 m, 28.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Etymology: From Latin fuscus (dark) and caput (head), and refers to the dark colouration of the frons and antennae of this species.

Diagnosis: Dull yellow species with pale brown fr and third antennal segment; 6 scutal stripes, 0+2 dc setae, distal three tarsomeres of all legs brown and strongly setose cerc.

Description:

Male.

Head: fr narrow almost parallel sided, at level of antenna 0.8 width that at level of anterior oc and at this level 1.2× width of eye; fr, ocp and third antennal segment brown, second segment yellow with narrow brown line on dorsal ridge, lunule and first antennal segment yellow; arista with first segment brown and second segment black; eye elongate oval; gena dull yellow, 0.8 height of eye, pale setulose, 3 setae on oral margin just below vibrissal angle, mouthparts yellow except sclerite inside buccal cavity dark brown, palp small oval; postgenal seta short but distinct. Chaetotaxy: 3 usual orb (hind pair broken), vti and vte long, oc and pvt half length of vti, postocular setae in one irregular row.

Thorax: Predominantly yellow, small brown patch anteriorly at neck extending laterally to just below pprn; scutum pale brown with 6 longitudinal stripes from transverse suture to posterior margin; dc setae on pale line; scut yellow with brown lateral margin; mtn brown, pleura dull yellow. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, no pra, 1 sa and 1 pa, 1 short post ia, 0+2 dc, the anterior short, scutal setulae in 6 irregular rows between dc lines, no prscut, 4 usual marginals on scut, 1 anepisternal and 1 katepisternal with setulae in front of each.

Wing: Hyaline with uniform pale yellowish brown tinge to membrane, veins pale brown, distance between crossveins 1.2× length of posterior crossvein, apical section of Cu 3× length of posterior crossvein and twice length of distance between crossveins; distance on costal margin between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.6 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, latter two veins slightly convergent towards wing apex. Anal cell with stump vein reduced to a thickening on the vein. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: Yellow except for distal 3 tarsomeres brownish; setae and setulae brown, legs relatively long, femora not dilated, but thicker than in elgonae; ventral apical spur on tibia 2 absent. Claws black, pulvilli normal, hind trochanter unmodified.

Abdomen: tg brown with longer setae along apical margin and on sides; st 5 with only a few setae grouped close together on posterolateral corner.

Postabdomen: ep brown, tg 6 a little less than half length of tg 5 and 0.6 length of ep which is higher than long, but not as much as in elongata, cerc narrow, elongate and somewhat pointed with distinct setae; prg large with setae directed anteriorly, psg narrow and about as long as surs, surs with rounded apex.

Female. Unknown.

Length: ♂ body 2.2 mm, wing 2.0 mm.

Holotype: ♂ RWANDA: Rusumu [02°22′S:30°47′E], Ibanda Makera, 9–24.x.1993, fogging of Carapa grandiflora (Meliaceae), T. Wagner (in alcohol, ZSMC).

Etymology: From Latin gracilis (slim) and pes (foot), and refers to the relatively long slim legs of this species.

Diagnosis: Orange species with black rectangular patch at anterior margin of scutum above ocp foramen and pair of broad dark brown stripes on posterior half of scutum; femora are long and slender, basitarsus of middle leg ventrally with modified setulae.

Description:

Male.

Head: Orange-yellow except for brown oc triangle; fr long and narrow, at anterior oc about 0.8 width of eye; at level of antennae 0.4 width that at level of anterior oc. Gena: narrow, about 0.3 height of eye; yellow and pale haired; ocp in profile slightly convex; few short postocular setulae in one irregular row; isolated lower postgenal seta absent. Mouthparts small, all yellow; vibrissal setulae all short. Face poorly sclerotized and depressed. Antenna yellow with dark brown line along anterior and dorsal margin and pale brown infuscation laterally near base of arista; second segment yellow with distinct short dark seta dorsally; third segment round, finely pubescent: hairs not quite as long as diameter of arista at base; second segment black almost throughout and first and second segments light brown and shorter than usual for this family. Chaetotaxy: 3 strong orb, all inclinate, pvt distinct and crossed; 1 vti and 1 vte strong; ocellars lateroclinate; about 12 very short black setulae across middle of fr.

Thorax: Deep orange-yellow and somewhat elongated; a pale brown line runs from just medial to pprn to transverse suture; another dark brown stripe runs from behind suture to edge of scut along dc line, becoming broader posteriorly. scut with dark brown line along superior lateral margin; on meron at base of haltere with brown spot, otherwise all pleura orange-yellow. Chaetotaxy: prpl absent, 0+2 strong dc, scutal setulae few in number and very irregular, approximately in 4–6 rows with one short but distinct prscut pair; 3 or 4 irregular rows of setulae also between dc and sa lines; 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 sa and 1 pa, 1 post ia; 2 pairs of marginal scut setae: one subapical and one basal, no setulae on margin or on disc; anepisternum with 1 strong seta directed backwards at middle of posterior margin and about 10 short setulae in front, katepisternum with 1 strong seta at upper posterior corner and 3 short setulae in front; tuft of setulae at ventral angle with fewer, finer shorter and very pale; all other setae and setulae brown to black.

Wing: Uniformly pale brown infuscated and with pale brown veins; anal cell with minute stump vein; distal section of Cu about 3.5× length of posterior crossvein; distance between crossveins about 1.7× length of posterior crossvein and 0.8× length of apical section of Cu; distance on costal margin between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.8 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, latter two veins slightly convergent towards wing apex. Haltere yellow. Legs: Modified, rather longer and slimmer than is usual for this family; fine setulae scattered on all pairs of legs; in addition longer setae present on fore femur, but these are not as long as is usual in this family; setulae on dorsal aspect of tarsomeres of all legs distinctly longer; basitarsus of middle leg, ventrally with 3 irregular rows of spinescent setae, most of which are longer than diameter of basitarsus; hind femur with a row of fine setae on anteroventral and posteroventral aspect; hind tibia with 2 parallel rows of ventral setae in apical 2/3; mid tibial apicoventral seta absent; claws black and pulvilli normal; hind trochanter normal.

Abdomen: Orange, slightly compressed laterally and with well sclerotized brownish dorsal tg plates; tg 6 narrow but separate from ep; st thinly sclerotized; st 5 with ventrally directed pair of narrow projections and long setae on sides of posterior margin. Short setae on disc of tg and on hind margin with setae almost as long as tg; st 4 and 5 also with very long marginal setae.

Postabdomen: ep well-developed and elongated dorsoventrally with distinctly rounded dorsal aspect; large posteroventrally directed opening; cerc large, long, narrow and sclerotized with a few very fine setulae, hyp distinct and broad, ph apd curved and at apex divided into lateral lobes, ej apd not identified; prg in form of large, heavily sclerotized, anteroventrally directed spine; surs similarly long, but curved posteroventrally; distiph large with sclerotized and membranous components.

Female: Unknown.

Length: ♂ body 2.1 mm, wing 1.9 mm.

Holotype: ♂ UGANDA: Budongo forest, Masindi District, 01°45′N:31°35′E, alt. 1200 m, seasonal rain forest, fogged from Cynometra alexandri (Caesalpiniaceae), nr Somso R., vi.1995, Wagner (in alcohol, ZSMC).

Etymology: From Latin per (a prefix denoting superlative) and uncinata (hooked or spined) referring to the structures of the postabdomen and the spinose cerc.

Diagnosis: Yellow species with very large hypopygium with complex structures easily visible externally; spinose elongate cerc; anterior orb reclinate, posterior 2 orb lateroclinate; 1 strong posterior dc with shorter seta anterior to it.

Description:

Male.

Head: All yellow except for black oc triangle; twice as broad as long; fr strongly narrowed anteriorly: at level of antennae 0.4 width that at level of anterior oc and 0.4 width of oneeye viewed from in front. Gena: narrow in front, deeper behind; in profile, below middle of eye, about 0.2 height of eye; yellow and pale haired; ocp in profile barely visible behind eye; short postocular setulae in one irregular row; isolated lower postgenal seta present, but little longer than other setulae. Mouthparts small, all yellow; vibrissal setulae moderately developed. Face poorly sclerotized and depressed. Antenna yellow; second segment pale yellow with distinct short dark seta dorsally; third segment round, finely pubescent: hairs as long as diameter of arista at base; arista black almost throughout and completely bare. Chaetotaxy: 3 strong orb, the anterior slightly reclinate, not at all inclinate, middle and posterior orb reclinate and lateroclinate; pvt distinct and crossed; 1 vti and 1 vte strong; oc short and strongly lateroclinate; about 8 short setulae across middle of fr.

Thorax: Pale yellow and somewhat elongated with dorsal aspect more flattened than is usual in this family. scut with flat dorsal aspect occupying little more than half the area as viewed from above. Chaetotaxy: prpl absent, 0+2 strong dc, scutal setulae in 4–6 irregular rows between dc lines, with one short but distinct prscut pair; 3 or 4 irregular rows of setulae also between dc and sa lines; 1–2 pprn, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 sa and 1 pa, 1 post ia; 2 pairs of marginal scut setae: one subapical and one basal, no setulae on margin or on disc; anepisternum with 1 strong seta directed backwards at middle of posterior margin, katepisternum with 1 or 2 strong setae at upper posterior corner and a tuft of numerous, fine, long setae at ventral angle. All setae and setulae pale.

Wing: Hyaline with pale yellow veins; discal cell widest at apex; distance between crossveins about equal to apical section of vein Cu; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.5 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ parallel towards wing apex. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: Not modified except for slightly thicker femora; fine setulae scattered on all pairs of legs; in addition longer setae present on fore femur; mid tibial ventral apical seta absent; claws and pulvilli normal; hind trochanter normal.

Abdomen: Entirely yellow and compressed laterally; 5 visible tg, tg 6 very narrow and incorporated as an infolded ridge along anterior margin of ep in its upper half (visible only after dissection). st sclerotized; st 5 with ventrally directed pair of narrow projections and 3 long setae on side of posterior margin. Short setae on disc of tg and some st; marginal setae on tg 3 and tg 4 longer.

Postabdomen: ep well-developed and elongated dorsoventrally with relatively large posteroventrally directed opening; cerc large with 4 strong, but short spines in addition to several fine setulae, hyp distinct with long flange directed towards base of abdomen, ph apd long and free from hyp, ej apd not recognisable (not sclerotised at all), prg in form of large, heavily sclerotized, anterolaterally directed spine and psg modified into a large sclerotized multilobed structure. An elongate sclerite articulating with ventral margins of tg 5 and ep may be a composite of st 5 and prg; distiph very large with sclerotized and membranous components and with some asymmetry at apex.

Female.

Similar to male. Postabdomen: tg 8 consisting of two lateral, discoid-shaped, sclerotized, strongly setose plates as in sibling species affinis sp. n.; margin of tg 5 with complete row of setulae and strong setae.

Length: ♂ body 2.3 mm, wing 2.2 mm; ♀ body 2.1 mm, wing 2.2 mm.

Variation: The male paratype has 1 pprn and a setula adjacent to it; and only one katepisternal. It is a little smaller than the type, but in all other respects identical.

Holotype: ♂ TANZANIA: Kimani [08°51′S:34°10′E], Rt A104, alt. 1400 m, 29.viii.1996, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Paratypes: KENYA: 1♀ Hunter's Lodge, nr Kiboko, 02°14′S:37°43′E, 8–9.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♀ Rt A104, Gilgil, 00°34′S:36°21′E, 1962 m, 24.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♀ Awasi, Uguedhi, 30 km E of Kisumu, 00°09′S:35°02′E, 1200 m, 26.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI). UGANDA: 1♂ Kasese, 10 km S. 1500 m, 7.i.1996, I. Yarom & A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Somatiosoma: Frey 1958: 32.

Type species: Somatiosoma nitescens Frey, 1958: 32, by original designation.

Frey (1958) initially described Somatiosoma as a subgenus of Chyromya, on the basis of absent presutural dc setae and absent additional marginal setae on the scut, but with setulae on the disc (although Frey describes these as setae, a better description might be fine setulae, since these are the same as those on the scutum, and which Frey refers to as hairs). Frey also drew attention to the fine scutal vestiture.

Diagnosis: Head more or less round with ocp flat or only slightly convex when viewed from above or from side. Disc of ocp entirely or largely bare. Eyes round or almost so and fr about 1/3 width of head and not protruding above antennae, thus not visible in profile. No pra and no post ia setae, only one dc seta; these setae are present separately or together in some other genera. scut with several scattered fine setulae on disc in addition to usual four marginal setae. Short apicoventral seta on mid tibia indistinct and not as long as diameter of tibia at apex. Male postabdomen: ph apd stout and psg highly modified. In female postabdomen, 8^th segment narrow dorsally and membranous; ventral part with two poorly sclerorized plates.

Description:

Head: Yellow, fr not protruding beyond anterior eye margin, sides moderately converging towards antennae, across middle, often with very fine pale setulae; ocp flat to slightly convex when viewed from above, in profile slightly convex and narrowly visible behind eye margin; short setulae on postocular margin and just above ocp foramen, but none on disc of ocp; gena narrow, finely, but distinctly setulose; on lower part, behind with a distinct pale seta directed downwards; vibrissal angle very poorly differentiated; 2 or 3 short vibrissal setulae; face short and depressed, poorly sclerotized, except for a narrow median line, carina never properly developed although this sclerotized median line may give the impression in some specimens that a shallow carina exists; eye round or slightly oval, upper and lower facets of ommatidia almost equal in size; antenna with round third segment, first and second segments short, latter with seta dorsally; arista 3-segmented, usually bare, sometimes very short pubescent; mouthparts small but normally developed, palp short and broad oval to almost round. Chaetotaxy: 3 well-developed orb, anterior inclinate; 1 strong vti and 1 strong vte, oc divergent, pvt distinct and convergent or crossed.

Thorax: Ground colour yellow; scutum with or without slightly darker yellow stripes; mtn and pleura yellow; scutum uniformly covered with short fine setulae. Chaetotaxy: 1–2 pprn, 1 posthu, 0+1 dc, scutal setulae in 8–12 rows between dc lines, with a longer prscut pair, 1 sa and 1 pa, 2 ntpl, ia and pra absent; 1 anepisternal at middle of hind margin and 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner, sometimes with additional short setae or setulae adjacent to these, prpl absent.

Wing: Hyaline, uniformly microtrichose except for basal half of subcostal cell; costa thinner or broken just distal to weakly sclerotized hu crossvein and broken at R₁; subcosta merges with R₁ just before this reaches costa; veins R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ parallel to wing margin or very slightly convergent; costa ends just beyond end of vein R₄₊₅; costal setulae very short and of uniform length, sometimes a few setulae are longer than others at base of wing along anterior edge just before R₁ merges with costa; mixed in randomly amongst the pale costal setulae are darker and thicker setulae appearing as minute spines; 2–8 dark setulae set at intervals along dorsal aspect of costa between R₁ and apex of R₂₊₃.

Legs: Yellow and short setulose except front femur where longer posterodorsal and posteroventral setae may be present; mid tibia with short and inconspicuous apicoventral seta; claws black in apical half or more, pulvilli normal.

Abdomen: Predominantly pale yellow in most species; sparse short setulose on all segments; tg sclerotized; st from poorly sclerotized to wholly membranous and very thinly and microscopically setulose.

Male postabdomen: tg 6 distinct from ep, but narrower than tg 5 and ventral margin may be narrowed almost to a point; pregenital st not usually modified; prg always distinct, often highly modified, fused to or articulated with hyp laterally; psg and bac scl both short and difficult to see; ej apd often sclerotized and large; tubule to basiph sometimes visible; distiph large and of complicated structure, partly membranous, but with several sclerotized components; cerc always small, narrowly separated and finely setulose; surs usually separated from ep.

Female postabdomen: Segment 8 with only st sclerotized and this is divided into two lateral plates which, when viewed from below, appear velvety owing to a dense pruinosity; each structure extends medially to form a translucent membranous lobe, which serve to close the genital opening; hypr present, small, membranous or very poorly sclerotized, usually bare or with microtrichia; epiproct not developed; 2 small (0.04– 0.07 mm) s, dark coloured (grey, brown or black), lying deep to lateral aspect of tg 6 or 7; s ducts not sclerotized or pigmented.

Length: ♂ and ♀ body 1.5–2.2 mm, wing 1.5–2.0 mm.

Distribution (Fig. 68): Parts of the Middle East (Arabia, Israel, Oman, Palestine and Yemen) and throughout Africa and many of its islands. It has not been recorded from, the Indian subcontinent, but could well occur there.

Ecology: This genus appears to be the most arid-tolerant in the family, and species are more likely to be found in scrub vegetation in eremic zones than species of the other genera. It appears to be the only member of its subfamily to occur in deserts.

[Note: awashensis is only known from the male; hirtiscutellatum and an undescribed species from Madagascar are only known from females.]

Males

1 Scutellum with a pair of minute, covergent or crossed, strictly apical setulae, postabdomen Figs 28a–d nitescens Frey

— Scutellum without minute apical setulae 2

2 Pregonite visible externally as a very long process lying along ventral margin of ep and having a number of setae at its apex 3

— Pregonite of different shape, often not visible at all without dissection 4

3 Pregonite ending in a fan of at least 5 setae; gena not strongly receding in profile; antennal segment 3 about 1/4 diameter of eye, Fig. 25a eremicolum Ebejer (see Ebejer 2008a: 692, figs 17, 18)

— prg ending in only 2 setae; gena strongly receding in profile; antennal segment 3 about 1/2 diameter of eye, Fig. 26a, postabdomen Fig. 26b grandicornis sp. n.

4 Sternite 6 with long posteriorly directed lobes forming a U-shape, visible without dissection; ep with long setulae and near ventral margin with very long setae, postabdomen Fig. 29 setipygum sp. n.

— Sternite 6 with no special modifications 5

5 Antennal segment 3 about 1/3 diameter of eye; gena receeding in profile; prg larger and Y-shaped often partly visible externally, postabdomen Fig. 27a messumensis sp. n.

— Antennal segment 3 about 1/4 diameter of eye; gena not significantly receding in profile; prg small, narrow, not visible externally, postabdomen Fig. 24 awashensis sp. n.

Females

1 Scutellum with minute convergent or crossed apical setulae nitescens Frey

— Scutellum without minute crossed apical setulae 2

2 Abdomen with pair of black spots on at least one of apical tergites 3

— Abdomen completely yellow, no spots on apical tergites or sternites 5

3 Tergites and st 6 and 7, each with paired spots, st 8 with only a midline spot undescribed sp. (Madagascar)

— Sternites without spots 4

4 Tergite 7 and dorsal aspect of segment 8, each with pair of small round black spots; rarely, missing on segment 8; antennal segment 3 about 1/3 diameter of eye and narower than gena at its middle; gena not significantly receding, postabdomen Figs 25b–d eremicolum Ebejer

— Only tg 7 with pair of black spots; antennal segment 3 about 1/4 diameter of eye and about equal to height of gena at its middle; gena obviously receding, postabdomen Figs 27b, c messumensis sp. n.

5 Gena strongly receding and broad to about 1/3 height of eye; antennal segment 3 almost 1/3 diameter of eye; sclerites of segment 8 only with microtrichia, appearing velvety; hypr bare or only with occasional and minute setulae that are very difficult to see, postabdomen Figs 26c, d grandicornis sp. n.

— Gena in profile barely receding and narrow to about 1/4 height of eye; antennal segment 3 a little less than 1/3 diameter of eye; sclerites of segment 8 with setae 6

6 Paired sclerites of segment 8 with setae of similar length to adjacent setae on tg 7; hypr with setae not much shorter than those on sclerite 8, and stronger than those on cerci, postabdomen Fig. 30 setipygum sp. n.

— Paired sclerites of segment 8 with shorter setae and hypr with setulae no longer than those on cerci hirtiscutellatum (Lamb)

Etymology: From the type locality, Awash National Park in Ethiopia.

Diagnosis: Pale yellow species with orb set far forward; gena about 1/4 diameter of eye and not significantly receding in profile; prg small, narrow, not visible externally; male has distinctive hypopygium, but features not easily appreciated from external examination.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, oc triangle black; fr not visible in profile, at anterior oc 0.4× width of head, narrowed anteriorly, at level of antenae about 0.35× width of head; ocp in profile broadly visible behind eye margin and convex; face depressed and with distinct but shallow carina in upper half; gena slightly receding, 0.35× height of eye and with several minute pale setulae; mouthparts yellow, palp oval; antenna all yellow except third segment of arista which is dark in apical 3/4; third antennal segment round, about equal to height of gena at middle and about 0.28 diameter of eye, second segment with dorsal seta; 3 orb, all set far forward such that hind orb inserted half way from level of lunule to level of vertex, 1 vte and 1 vti, oc strongly divergent, pvt short, about 1/3 length of anteior orb and crossed, about 6 minute white setulae scattered on fr, postocular setulae very short and in 1 row, and postgenal seta short.

Thorax: Entirely pale yellow with most setae pale brown on dorsum, and pale yellow on pleura. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn with 1 setula adjacent to it, 1 strong dc and another about 1/3 its length just in front of it, acrs very short and undifferentiated from scutal setulae, setulae forming 8 irregular rows at level of transverse scutal suture between dc lines, prscut pair present but only a little stronger than other scutal setulae; 1 posthu, 1 short. sa and 1 strong pa, scut with 2 pairs of marginals, subapical pair long, about twice length of basal pair, disc of scut with 8 scattered setulae, no fine crossed apical scut setulae; anepisternum with 1 seta at middle of posterior margin and katepisternum with 1 seta at upper margin, each with several pale setulae in front, more numerous on anepisternum.

Wing: Hyaline with pale yellow veins, costa with minute yellow spine-like setulae from R₁ to R₂₊₃, distance on costa between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₃ about 0.7 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, apical section, of Cu about 2× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: All yellow, only fore femur a little dilated, all setae and setulae pale yellow, longest on posterior aspect of fore femur, claws black, a little shorter than length of tarsomere 5, apicoventral seta on mid tibia yellow and distinctly shorter than diameter of tibia at apex.

Abdomen: Entirely yellow with a few short and fine pale yellow setulae on each tg, those on tg 5 about 1/3 length of tg.

Postabdomen: All yellow with small hypopygium and distinctive projecting lobes on st 6.

Female: Unknown.

Length: ♂ body 1.7 mm, wing 1.5 mm.

Holotype: ♂ ETHIOPIA: Awash National Park, ESE Metahara, 08°50′91″N:40°00′32″E, 16.iii.1995, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, ZSMC).

Somatiosoma eremicolum: Ebejer 2008a: 692.

Diagnosis: Pale yellow species without crossed apical setulae on scut; male has characteristic long, stalked prg ending in fan of setae; female has pair of small black spots on tg 7 and usually also on tg 8. Female postabdomen: st 8 large, microtrichose and with distinct fleshy medial lobes; hypr membraneous, bare; cerc small; spermatheca small, black and with membraneous spermathecal ducts.

Material examined: NAMIBIA: 4♀ (W33), Sesriem Canyon, 5 km W Sesriem, 21–22.i.1972, British Museum Southern African Expedition 1972 (BMNH); 1♂ Kahn R., 8 km N Usakos, 30–31.i.1972, Southern African Expedition, British Museum 1972 (BMNH); 4♂ 2♀ 2315Ca, Namib Desert Park, Kuiseb R. at Gobabeb, 400 m, riverine forest and sand, 12.ii.1974, M.E. & B.J. Irwin (NMSA); 1♂ Mariental District, Viljoenskroon, 26°08′39″S: 19°57′11″E, 7–9.ii.1998, Malaise trap, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 5♂ 16♀ Brandberg, Messum Valley, 700 m, 21°13′29″S: 14°30′98″E, Malaise trap, bushy Karoo-Namib shrubland, 5–17.iv.1999, S. Van Noort & S.G. Compton (NMNW); 1 ♀ Brandberg, Hungorob R., 1200 m, 21°13′5″S:14°31′01″E, light trap, plateau edge, 9.ix.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1 ♀ Brandberg, Hungorob Valley, 1180 m, 21^°11′40″S: 14°31′69″E, Malaise trap, bushy Karoo-Namib shrubland, 5–16.iv.1999, S. Van Noort & S.G. Compton (NMNW); 1♂ 4♀ Karibib District, Tsaobismund 85, 22°22′40″S:15°44′58″E, Malaise traps, 13–15.iv.2001, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (NMNW); 1♂ 4♀ Brandberg, Mason Shelter, 21°04′42″S 14°35′33″E, 5–14.iii.2002, 1750 m, light trap, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW). OMAN: 2♀ Muscat, Al Khuwair, 10–11.i.1988 & 22–23.ii.1988, M.J. Ebejer (NMWC); 6♀ Muscat, Ruwi, Wattayeh, 1–7.iv.1988, M.D. Gallagher (NMWC); 2♀ same data but 17–20.iv.1988 (NMWC); 2♂ 6♀ Muscat, Haramel, 13.iii.1995 (1♂), 14.iii.1995 (4♀ ), 23.iii.1995 (1♀ ), 26.iii.1995 (1♂ ), 28.iii.1995 (1♂) S.P. Dance (all NMWC). SAUDI ARABIA: 3♂ Aseer, Maraba, 1–30.v.2004 (1♂), 5.x-30.xi.2004 (2♂), Malaise trap, H.A. Dawah (NMWC). YEMEN: 1♀ Ta'izz, 5.i-2.ii.1998, light trap, A. van Harten & M. Mahyoub (NMWC); 2♂ 3♀ A1-Kowd, viii.2000 (1♂ 2♀), x.2000 (1♀), xi.2000 (1♂), light trap, A. van Harten & S. Al Haruri (all NMWC).

Distribution: Widespread in the Afrotropical Region and the Middle East.

Etymology: From Latin grandis (large) and cornu (horn), and refers to the large third antennal segment.

Diagnosis. Uniformly yellow species that has no crossed apical setulae on scut and no spots on apical tg of female abdomen; third antennal segment distinctly enlarged; in male, viewed in profile, about half diameter of eye, in female, just a little less. Male postabdomen: prg greatly elongated, external to lower margin of ep and ending in two broad setae.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, oc triangle black; fr not visible in profile, at anterior oc 0.4 width of head, narrowed anteriorly; face depressed and with distinct carina in upper half; gena strongly receding, 0.3 height of eye and with several minute pale setulae; ocp in profile broadly visible behind eye margin and convex; mouthparts yellow; antenna all yellow except third segment of arista which is black; third antennal segment large and round, reaching almost half diameter of eye, second segment with dorsal seta; 3 orb, the anterior inclinate, 1 vte and 1 vti, oc divergent and long, pvt short but distinct and crossed, about 30 minute pale brown setulae scattered on fr and between orb, postgenal seta long.

Thorax: Entirely pale yellow with most setae pale brown on dorsum and pale yellow on pleura. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn with 4 setulae around it, 1 strong dc and another about 1/3 its length just in front of it, acrs undifferentiated from scutal setulae except short prscut pair, setulae in 10 irregular rows at level of transverse scutal suture between dc lines, 1 posthu, 1 short sa and 1 strong pa, scut with 3 pairs of marginals, subapical pair longest and basal pair short, about 1/4 length of subapicals, lateral pair intermediate in size, disc of scut with 6–17 scattered setulae, anepisternum with 1 seta at middle of posterior margin and katepisternum with 1 seta at upper posterior corner, each with several pale setulae in front, more numerous on anepisternum.

Wing: Hyaline with pale yellow veins, costa with minute black spine-like setulae from base to R₂₊₃. Haltere yellow.

Legs: All yellow, only fore femur a little dilated, all setae and setulae pale brown, longest on posterior aspect of fore femur, claws black, apicoventral seta on mid tibia distinctly shorter than diameter of tibia at apex.

Abdomen: Entirely yellow with a few short and fine brown setulae on each tg. Postabdomen: All yellow with small hypopygium and distinctive elongated prg ending in 2 stout setae.

Female.

As male, but tending to have darker brown setae and setulae; also, third antennal segment not so obviously enlarged, but about 1/3 or slightly more than diameter of eye. Postabdomen: st 8 not as clearly oval as in eremicolum, setulose along lateral margin, and along midline of long axis distinctly more sclerotized; hypr bare but with minute tubercles; spermatheca small and dark and duct not sclerotized.

length: ♂ body 2.0 mm, wing 1.8 mm; ♀ body 2.1 mm, wing 1.9 mm.

Variation: Very little variation noted other than the number of setulae on the dorsum of the scut.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Brandberg, Mason Shelter, 21°04′42″S:14°35′33″E, 5–14.iii.2002, alt, 1750 m, light trap, A.H. Kirk-Sprigs (NMNW).

Paratypes: 2♂ 10♀ same data (NMNW); 1♂ 2♀ same data(NMSA); 1♀ Brandberg, Hungarob R., 1200 m, 21°13′05″S:14°31′01″E, light trap, 9.xi.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs; 1♂ 1♀ Brandberg, Messum Valley, 700 m, 21°13′29″S:14°30′98″E, Malaise trap, bushy Karoo-Namib shrubland, 5–17.iv.1999, S. Van Noort & S.G. Compton (in alcohol, NMNW); 4♀ Karibib District, Tsaobismund 85 at 22°22′40″S:15°44′58″E, 13–15.iv.2001, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais, Malaise traps (NMNW). MADAGASCAR: 1♂ 3♀ coastal dry scrub north of Toliara, 15.ii.1984, M.von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♂ between Ambrorompotsy (west) and Tranoroa (east), 23 km E Ampanihy, 24°41′S:44°55′E, 22.ii.1984, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, FBUB). YEMEN: 2♂ 2♀ Ta'izz, 5.i-2.ii.1998, light trap, A.van Harten & M. Mahyoub (NMWC).

Chiromyia hirtiscutellata: Lamb 1914: 355.

Lamb wrote that he had two males. The holotype (BMNH) is a female, but I was unable to recognize any external characters that would allow me to assign any of the new species to hirtiscutellatum. The paratype (CUMZ), on the other hand, is a headless male of a different species and it fits well the current concept of nitescens Frey, for which a diagnosis is given below. Therefore, for the time being, the species hirtiscutellatum is known only from the holotype.

Diagnosis: Orange-yellow species with deeper yellow scutal stripes: scut without crossed apicals, but with discals and additional marginals, scutal setulae in 10 rows between dc lines; mtn dark on sides with middle two thirds yellow; all abdominal tg with brown bands. Postabdomen not dissected and no external distinguishing features noted.

Distribution: Seychelles.

Etymology: From the type locality, MessumValley in Namibia.

Diagnosis. A completely yellow species that has a small third antennal segment which is a little narrower than height of gena at middle; female has one pair of black spots on tg 7. In some males, distinctive Y-shaped, prg visible without dissection.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, oc triangle yellow; fr not visible in profile, at anterior oc 0.4 width of head, narrowed anteriorly, at level of antenae 0.28 width of head; face depressed and with distinct carina in upper half; gena strongly receding, 0.4 height of eye and with several minute pale setulae; ocp in profile broadly visible behind eye margin and almost straight; mouthparts yellow, palp short about half length of proboscis; antenna all yellow except third segment of arista which is brown; third antennal segment round, about equal to height of gena at middle and about 1/3 diameter of eye, second segment with dorsal seta; 3 orb, the anterior inclinate, 1 vte and 1 vti, oc strongly divergent and long, pvt long and crossed, about 10 minute pale yellow setulae scattered on fr and between orb, postocular setulae in 1 row and postgenal seta long.

Thorax: Entirely pale yellow with most setae pale brown on dorsum and pale yellow on pleura. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn with 5 setulae around it, 1 strong dc and another about half its length just in front of it, acrs undifferentiated from scutal setulae except short prscut pair, setulae in 8–10 irregular rows at level of transverse scutal suture, prscut pair only a little stronger than other scutal setulae; 1 posthu, 1 short sa and 1 strong pa, scut with 3 pairs of marginals, subapical pair longest, disc of scut with 18 scattered setulae, anepisternum with 1 seta at middle of posterior margin and katepisternum with 1 seta at upper margin, each with several pale setulae in front, more numerous on an episternum.

Wing: Hyaline with pale yellow veins, costa with minute yellow spine-like setulae from base to R₂₊₃, distance on costa between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.7 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, apical section of Cu about 2.5× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow. Legs: All yellow, only fore femur a little dilated, all setae and setulae pale yellow, longest on posterior aspect of fore femur, claws black, short, about 0.5 length of tarsomere 5, apicoventral seta on mid tibia yellow and distinctly shorter than diameter of tibia at apex.

Abdomen: Entirely yellow with a few short and fine pale yellow setulae on each tg, those on tg 5 about 1/4 length of tg.

Postabdomen: All yellow with small hypopygium and distinctive Y-shaped prg.

Female.

As in male, but tending to have brown setae and setulae; also, third antennal segment not so enlarged, but a little less than 1/3 diameter of eye. Postabdomen: st 8 relatively large compared to congeners, thinly sclerotized laterally and with few microtrichia along this margin; hypr entirely membraneous and barely visible, bare and without tubercles; cerc small, oval.

Length: ♂ and ♀ body 1.5 mm, wing 1.7 mm.

Variation: Very little variation noted other than the number of setulae on the dorsum of the scut and setae on the lateral margin.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Brandberg, Mason Shelter, 21°04.42′S:14°35.33′E, 5–14.iii.2002, alt. 1750 m, light trap, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW).

Paratypes: NAMIBIA: 5♂ 19♀ Karibib District, Tsaobismund 85, 22°22′40″S:15°44′58″E, 13–15.iv.2001, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais, Malaise traps (NMNW); 1♂ 1♀ same data (BMNH); 1♂ 1 ♀ same data (NMSA): 2♂ 4♀ same data (NMWC); 1♂ 1♀ same data (TAU); 3♂ 16♀ Brandberg, Messum Valley, 700 m, 21°13′29″S:14°30′98″E, Malaise trap, bushy Karoo-Namib shrubland, 5–17.iv.1999, S. Van Noort & S.G. Compton (NMNW).

Somatiosoma nitescens: Frey 1958: 32.

Diagnosis. Uniformly pale yellow species with pair of minute crossed setulae at apex of scut. Third antennal segment narrower than height of gena at middle viewed in profile. Male postabdomen has no distinguishing external features. Female abdomen has no dark spots on any of apical segments. Postabdomen: characteristically has long setulae on st 8; s (when cleared in KOH) with two internal tubules, s ducts not sclerotized; hypr membraneous, but distinct, bare and without tubercles.

Material examined: ANGOLA: 2♀ Dolondolo, 13°49′S:13°07′E, 29–30.xi,1974, Malaise trap (NMSA). CAPE VERDE: 2♂ Valle São Jorge (Santiago), 8.ix.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♀ Santiago, San DomingosPraia, from Prosopis tree, 27.x.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, ZSMC); 2♀ S. Vincente, 26.i.1985, P. Ohm (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♂ 4♀ garden near Mindelo, 27.i.1985, P. Ohm (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♀ Fogo, São Jorge, 250 m, 19.x.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♀ Fogo, below Caldeira, Mt Velha, 950 m, 22.x.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, ZSMC): 1♂ Santiago, Ribeiro Principal, 100 m, 29.x.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, FBUB); 6♀ Santiago, Variante, 2.xi.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, ZSMC); 4♂ 5♀ Santiago, Cidade Velha, 3.xi.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♂ 2♀ St. Antão, Ribeiro Grande, 15.xi.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, FBUB); 1♂i 1♀ same data (in alcohol, MJE); 1♂ São Jorge de Orgãos, viii.1988, A. van Harten (in alcohol, NMWC); 2♀ São Jorge de Orgãos, ix.1988, A.van Harten (in alcohol, NMWC); 1♂ 5♀ São Jorge de Orgãos, 24.viii-7.ix.1989, A.van Harten (in alcohol, NMWC); 2♂ 4♀ same data (in alcohol, MJE). ETHIOPIA: 1♀ Shewa, Debre Zeit, 1890 m, 08°41′N:39°02′E, 27.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♀ Welo, Lalibela, 2470 m, 12°01′N:39°03′E 8.×.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI). THE GAMBIA: 1♀ Bakau, at Tropic Bungalow, 25.xi.1977, indoors and in hotel area, Lund University Systematics Department, Cederholm, Danielsson, Hammarstedt, Hedqvist, Samuelsson (MZLU). GHANA: 1♀ Accra, on window, iv.1920, J.W. Scott Macfie (BMNH); 2♀ Accra, laboratory windows, xi.1920, A. Ingram (BMNH); 1♂ Accra, i.1921, J.W. Scott Macfie (BMNH). 1♀ Accra, in laboratory, ii–iii.1921, J.W. Macfie (BMNH); 1♀ Accra, iv.1921, J.W. Scott Macfie (BMNH). KENYA: 1♂ 1♀ Wangala, Rt A109, 17–19.viii.1996, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 3♂ 3♀ Chepareria, 24.xi.1989, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan(TAUI); 1♀ Koriema, 15 km W. Marigat, 13.v.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 2♀ Ngong Hills, 2000–3000m, 15.v.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 4♂ 7♀Hunter's Lodge near Kiboko, 02°14′S:37°43′E, 8–9.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 6♂ 5♀ Kasambara, 15 km W of Gilgil, 00°34′S:36°22′E, 25.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀ same data (MJE). MADAGASCAR: 1♀ Arkarana, nr Ambilobe, ix.1986, S.V. Fowler (NMWC); 1♀ Ramakia, 9.iv.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 1♀ Ramena, 10.iv.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 3♂ 2♀ Fort Dauphin, Taolañaro, 18–23.iv.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀same data (MJE); 3♂ 1♀ between Ambrorompotsy (west) and Tranoroa (east), 23 km E. Ampanihy, 24°41′S:44°55′E, 22.ii.1984, M.von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, FBUB); 3♂ 6♀ coastal dry scrub north of Toliara, 15.ii.1984, M.von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♂ same data (in glycerine, MJE). MALAWI: 2♂ 3♀ Center Nichisi, Rt T350, 16.ix.1998, F. Kaplan & A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀ same data (MJE); 2♂ 1♀ Viphya Mts., Rt M1, 20 km S Mzimba, 20–30.ix.1998, F. Kaplan & A. Freidberg (TAUI). MAURITIUS: 1♂ 3♀ 1–2 km S of Wolmar, 21.v.2000, J.W. Ismay (OXUM); 1♂ nr Post de Flaq, 29.v.2000, J.W. Ismay (OXUM). NAMIBIA: 1♀ Keetmanshoop, Noachabeb 97, SE 2718 Ad/8c, 22–28.iv.1972, Malaise (NMNW); 1♀ Ovambo, Onduri, 17°32′S:16°37′E, pitfall trap, 14–26.i.1993, E. Marais (in alcohol, NMNW); 5♀ Kavango, Nangera, 17°37′S:18°08′E, pitfall trap, 14–27.i.1993, E. Marais (in alcohol, NMNW); 1♀Ovambo, Enyana, 17°37′S:17°25′E, pitfall trap, 14–27.i.1993, E. Marais (in alcohol, NMNW); 1♀Ovambo, Mahanene Agric. Research Station, 17°26′S:14°47′E, pitfall trap, 5.ix-5.x.1993, B. Wohlleber (NMNW); 2♀ West Caprivi Park, Kwando R., Susuwe, 17°45′37″S:23°20′55″E, Malaise trap in dry woodland, 28.ix-2.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Rundu District, Simanya Okavango River, 17°33′35″S:18°32′30″E, 23–24.i.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (in alcohol, NMNW); 2♀ Tsumkwe District, 19°51′30″S:20°57′41″E, from dung of Loxidonta africana, 23.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Tsumkwe District, Nama, 19°54′34″S:20°44′08″E, Malaise traps, 20–22.xii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, E. Marais & D. Mann (NMNW); 1♀ Tsumkwe District, 3 km E Xawasha pan, 19°09′53″S:20°57′40″E, from dung of Loxidonta africana, 25.xii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Tsumkwe District, 2 km W Xawasha pan, 19°09′57″S:20°52′55″E, Malaise traps, 26–27.xii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, E. Marais & D. Mann (NMNW); 1♀ West Caprivi Park, Fort Doppies, 17°49′28″S:23°18′49″E, 20–21.x.1999, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, T. Pape & W. Hauwanga (NMNW); 1♀ Opuwo District, Sesfontein Fort, 19°07′15″S:13°37′06″E, Malaise trap, 1–3.i.2000, E. Marais, D. Mann & Newman, MMN 38 (NMNW); 2♀ Brandberg, Mason Shelter, 21°04′42″S:14°35′33″E, 5–14.iii.2002, 1750 m, light trap, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Rt B8, 60 km SW Rundu, 18°22′S:19°20′E, 8.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI). NIGERIA: 1♀ Zaria, Samaru, 4.viii.1969, J.C. Deeming (NMWC); 2♀ Zaria, Samaru, 6.vi.1978, J.C. Deeming (NMWC); 1♂ Zaria, Samaru, v.1979, J.C. Deeming (NMWC). SEYCHELLES: 15.v.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 4♂ 7♀Hunter's Lodge near Kiboko, 02°14′S:37°43′E, 8–9.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 6♂ 5♀ Kasambara, 15 km W of Gilgil, 00°34′S:36°22′E, 25.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀ same data (MJE). MADAGASCAR: 1♀ Arkarana, nr Ambilobe, ix.1986, S.V. Fowler (NMWC); 1♀ Ramakia, 9.iv.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 1♀ Ramena, 10.iv.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 3♂ 2♀ Fort Dauphin, Taolañaro, 18–23.iv.1991, A. Freidberg & F. Kaplan (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀same data (MJE); 3♂ 1♀ between Ambrorompotsy (west) and Tranoroa (east), 23 km E. Ampanihy, 24°41′S:44°55′E, 22.ii.1984, M.von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, FBUB); 3♂ 6♀ coastal dry scrub north of Toliara, 15.ii.1984, M.von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♂ same data (in glycerine, MJE). MALAWI: 2♂ 3♀ Center Nichisi, Rt T350, 16.ix.1998, F. Kaplan & A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀ same data (MJE); 2♂ 1♀ Viphya Mts., Rt M1, 20 km S Mzimba, 20–30.ix.1998, F. Kaplan & A. Freidberg (TAUI). MAURITIUS: 1♂ 3♀ 1–2 km S of Wolmar, 21.v.2000, J.W. Ismay (OXUM); 1♂ nr Post de Flaq, 29.v.2000, J.W. Ismay (OXUM). NAMIBIA: 1♀ Keetmanshoop, Noachabeb 97, SE 2718 Ad/8c, 22–28.iv.1972, Malaise (NMNW); 1♀ Ovambo, Onduri, 17°32′S:16°37′E, pitfall trap, 14–26.i.1993, E. Marais (in alcohol, NMNW); 5♀ Kavango, Nangera, 17°37′S:18°08′E, pitfall trap, 14–27.i.1993, E. Marais (in alcohol, NMNW); 1♀Ovambo, Enyana, 17°37′S:17°25′E, pitfall trap, 14–27.i.1993, E. Marais (in alcohol, NMNW); 1♀Ovambo, Mahanene Agric. Research Station, 17°26′S:14°47′E, pitfall trap, 5.ix-5.x.1993, B. Wohlleber (NMNW); 2♀ West Caprivi Park, Kwando R., Susuwe, 17°45′37″S:23°20′55″E, Malaise trap in dry woodland, 28.ix-2.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Rundu District, Simanya Okavango River, 17°33′35″S:18°32′30″E, 23–24.i.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (in alcohol, NMNW); 2♀ Tsumkwe District, 19°51′30″S:20°57′41″E, from dung of Loxidonta africana, 23.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Tsumkwe District, Nama, 19°54′34″S:20°44′08″E, Malaise traps, 20–22.xii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, E. Marais & D. Mann (NMNW); 1♀ Tsumkwe District, 3 km E Xawasha pan, 19°09′53″S:20°57′40″E, from dung of Loxidonta africana, 25.xii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Tsumkwe District, 2 km W Xawasha pan, 19°09′57″S:20°52′55″E, Malaise traps, 26–27.xii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, E. Marais & D. Mann (NMNW); 1♀ West Caprivi Park, Fort Doppies, 17°49′28″S:23°18′49″E, 20–21.x.1999, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, T. Pape & W. Hauwanga (NMNW); 1♀ Opuwo District, Sesfontein Fort, 19°07′15″S:13°37′06″E, Malaise trap, 1–3.i.2000, E. Marais, D. Mann & Newman, MMN 38 (NMNW); 2♀ Brandberg, Mason Shelter, 21°04′42″S:14°35′33″E, 5–14.iii.2002, 1750 m, light trap, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Rt B8, 60 km SW Rundu, 18°22′S:19°20′E, 8.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI). NIGERIA: 1♀ Zaria, Samaru, 4.viii.1969, J.C. Deeming (NMWC); 2♀ Zaria, Samaru, 6.vi.1978, J.C. Deeming (NMWC); 1♂ Zaria, Samaru, v.1979, J.C. Deeming (NMWC). SEYCHELLES: Aldabra: 1♀ South Island, Cinq Cases, 3–16.i.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson (Aldabra Atoll Royal Society Expedition 1967-68) (BMNH); 4♂ 4♀ South Island, Takamaka, 1–17.ii.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson (Aldabra Atoll Royal Society Expedition 1967-68) (BMNH); 1♀ South Island, Dune Jean-Louis, 13–20.iii.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson (Aldabra Atoll Royal Society Expedition 1967–68) (BMNH). SIERRA LEONE: 1♀ Freetown, Cape Sierra Hotel area, 08°31′N:13°17′W, 1.xii.1993, Lund University Sierra Leone Expedition, L. Cederholm & R. Danielsson (MZLU). SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: 1♀ 32 km S Ndumu Game Reserve Camp [approx. 27°12′S:32°19′E], 2732Aa, dry scrub forest, 100 m, 29.xi.1971, M.E. & B.J. Irwin (NMSA); Limpopo: 1♀ (headless) Kruger National Park, Pafuri [22°21′S:31°17′E], 24.i.1979, L. Braack (NMSA); 1♀ same data but 14.ii-8.iii.1980, Malaise trap (NMSA); North West: 1♂ 3♀ Hartbeespoort [25°44′S:27°54′E], 25 km W Pretoria, 30.xii.1994, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♀ same data (NMSA); 3♀ Hartbeespoort Dam [25°46′S:27°49′E], 40 km W Pretoria, 30.xii.1994, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀ same data (NMSA). ZIMBABWE: 2♀ Zambezi, 16°10′S:29°25′E, Rutometje-Res. St. RM2, vi.1988, J. Weyrich (ZSMC); 2♀ same data but viii.1988 (ZSMC); 1♀ Zambezi, 16°08′S:30°15′E, SE Angwa Bridge M2, viii.1988, J. Weyrich (ZSMC).

Distribution. Throughout the Afrotropical Region and in many parts of the Middle East from sea level to 2470 m. In the Cape Verde Islands, it has been found from sea level to 950 m; in plantations of coffee, citrus, mango and maize on lava soils; near water as well as on dunes; in coastal as well as inland localities.

Etymology: From Latin seta (seta) and pyga (buttocks), and refers to the setulose hypoproct in the female and the long setae on the male epandrium.

Diagnosis: Entirely yellow species in both sexes, easily recognized in male because of long setae on ep; apical segments of female abdomen also have setae that are longer than usual, but a distinctive feature is the hypr, which has numerous setulae that can be seen without dissection. These are similar in size and density to setulae on cerc.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, oc triangle black; fr not visible in profile, at anterior oc 0.3 width of head, narrowed anteriorly, at level of antenae 0.7 width of that at anterior oc; face very short and depressed and with no distinct carina in upper half; gena receding, 0.25 height of eye at middle and with several minute pale setulae; ocp in profile broadly visible behind eye margin, slightly convex; mouthparts yellow, palp short oval about half length of proboscis; antenna all yellow except third segment of arista which is brown; third antennal segment round, about 1.4× height of gena at middle and about 0.35 diameter of eye, second segment with dorsal seta; 3 orb, the anterior inclinate, 1 vte and 1 vti, oc strongly divergent and long, pvt long and crossed, about 10 minute pale yellow setulae scattered on fr and between orb, postocular setulae in 1 row and postgenal seta long.

Thorax: Entirely pale yellow with most setae also pale yellow including those on pleura. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn with 3–5 setulae around it, 1 strong dc and another about half its length just in front of it, acrs undifferentiated from scutal setulae except short prscut pair, setulae in 8–10 irregular rows at level of transverse scutal suture; 1 posthu, 1 short sa and 1 strong pa, scut with 2 pairs of marginals, subapical pair longer, disc of scut with 14 scattered setulae, anepisternum with 1 seta at middle of posterior margin and a short seta above it; katepisternum with 1 seta at upper margin, each with several pale setulae in front, more numerous on anepisternum.

Wing: Hyaline with pale yellow veins, costa with minute dark spine-like setulae from R₁ to R₂₊₃, distance on costa between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.6 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, apical section of Cu about 2.2× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow. Legs: All yellow, only fore femur a little dilated, all setae and setulae pale yellow, longest on posterior aspect of fore femur, claws black, short, about half length of tarsomere 5, apicoventral seta on mid tibia yellow and distinctly shorter than diameter of tibia at apex.

Abdomen: Entirely yellow with a few short and fine pale yellow setulae on each tg. Postabdomen: All yellow with small hypopygium and three distinctive long setae on each side of ep, prg simple, digitate and fine setulose on outer aspect.

Female.

As male, but tending to have pale brown setae and setulae. Postabdomen: st 8 almost translucent and with distinct setae; hypr membranous and small, but with setulae as dense and as long as those on cerc; s small and black; duct membraneous.

Length: ♂ body 2 mm, wing 1.8 mm; ♀ body 1.9 mm, wing 1.7 mm.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Brandberg, Mason Shelter, 21°04′42″S:14°35′33″E, 5–14.iii.2002, alt. 1750 m, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, light trap (NMNW).

Paratypes: 1♂ 2♀ same data (NMNW).

I have seen only females of this species and although distinctive and easily separated from the other species of Somatiosoma, I hesitate to name it without males.

Description:

Head all yellow, antenna short with segment 3 about 1/4 diameter of eye and about equal to height of gena at middle; gena about 0.4 height of eye. Thorax pale brownish yellow. Abdomen with pale brown tg and a yellow mtn. The apex of the abdomen has small paired dark spots laterally on tg 6, 7 and 8, and a single midline spot on st 6 and 7, the latter triangular; the two sclerites of st 8 are also deeply pigmented; 1 and 1/2 dc; scutal setulae in 10 rows between dc lines.

Material examined: MADAGASCAR: 14♀ coastal dry scrub north of Toliara, 15.ii.1984, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, ZSMC); 3 ♀ between Ambrorompotsy (west) and Tranoroa (east), 23 km E Ampanihy, 24°41′S:44°55′E, 22.ii.1984, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, FBUB).

Distribution: Madagascar.

Type genus: Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903: 186.

Diagnosis: Occiput concave; 0–6 orb of variable length, never inclinate; when more than 2, these are usually short and progressively shorter anteriorly; scutum with inclinate ihu seta or setula (except in Krifomyia and Tethysimyia); wing veins R₄₊₅and M₁₊₂ parallel (Paraphanisoma and Krifomyia), convergent (Tethysimyia) or divergent (Aphaniosoma) towards apex; mid tibia always with long apicoventral seta; scut never with more than 2 pairs of marginal setae; male postabdomen never with hemispherical ep, this lies partially or entirely within tg 6.

Genera included: Aphaniosoma, Krifomyia gen. n., Paraphanisoma gen. n., Tethysimyia gen. n.

Aphaniosoma: Becker 1903: 186.

Type species: Aphaniosoma approximatum Becker, 1903: 186, by original designation.

Diagnosis: Concave ocp with only postocular row of setulae (none on disc), acrs in 2 rows, prpl setula present, costa broken a little beyond hu crossvein and at apex of R₁, veins R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ diverge towards wing apex; posterior crossvein placed before middle of wing and section of M—Cu separating basal and discal cell shorter than 2.5× length of apical section of M—Cu (usually 1.7–2.0×); strong apicoventral seta on mid tibia always present and longer than diameter of tibia at apex.

Description:

Head: Broad as thorax or a little more, more or less round to elongate, though usually longer than high; oc triangle small always equilateral; ocp concave when veiwed either from above or in profile, disc bare, only a few fine setulae at ocp foramen and along upper postocular margin; postgenal seta absent; gena narrow from 0.2 to 0.5 height of eye, vibrissal angle variously produced and rounded, but never significantly extending beyond eye margin, with 1–4 vibrissa-like setulae present; eye oval, sometimes strongly so, lying oblique or horizontal, anterior facets enlarged to about 3× size of facets at posterior pole of eye; at level of antennae eyes converge significantly and margins of fr therefore also converge; face always small, depressed with a vertical midline linear suture that may be developed into a shallow carina, otherwise face membranous; mouthparts small but normally developed with short, broad labellum, palpus small, elongate oval to slightly club-shaped; antenna small with round segment 3, sometimes slightly reniform, always pubescent especially along anterior margin, segment 1 very short, segment 2 a little longer with strong dorsal seta, arista 2-segmented, with segment 2 always dark, thin and finely pubescent. Chaetotaxy: 0–6 orb of decreasing length from back to front in a majority of species, in some species 2 long posteriorly placed orb of almost equal size; fr with a few scattered setulae, sometimes with a long proclinate pair of setae in front of oc triangle; ocellars long, proclinate and divergent; strong vti and vte, short to very short, parallel or crossed pvt.

Thorax: Robust relative to rest of fly, often with darker scutal pattern of longitudinal stripes, scut more or less triangular with smooth rounded margin and apex, more or less as long as broad. Chaetotaxy: from zero to several presutural dc setae and always with at least 1 dc postsuturally near margin with scut (when setae are reduced in number these are replaced by setulae) 1–2 pprn, 1–2 posthu, 1 ihu, 2 ntpl, 0+3 to 4+10 acrs, 0+2 to 2+6 ia, 1 pa, absent sa, pra and post ia, scut always with 1 pair of subapical and 1 pair basal; 1 anepisternal placed within upper 1/3 of posterior margin, sometimes with shorter seta adjacent and/or with fine setulae on middle of sclerite; 1 katepisternal always at upper posterior corner, sometimes with short seta in front and fine setulae in front of it or at anterior lower margin; prpl seta or (more usually) a fine setula present. Wing: About a long as body, hyaline with completely microtrichose membrane, veins brown to very pale yellow, vein separating discal from basal cell always palest; costa broken a short distance beyond hu crossvein and at junction of R₁ with costa, subcosta complete, merging with R₁ where latter merges with costa; all veins bare except for anterior margin of costa from base to apex of M₁₊₂ where fine setulae are interspersed with short stouter dark spine-like setulae; alula always well-developed though narrow, axillary lobe of wing round and well-developed; R₂₊₃ strongly arched from origin to apex of wing, where it approximates R₄₊₅; R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ always diverge and darken slightly towards wing apex. Haltere always with pale stem and paler knob.

Legs: Slender and setose only on fore femur posterodorsally, otherwise uniformly fine and very short setulose; femora never dilated; mid tibia always with a distinct dark apicoventral seta that is longer than diameter of tibia at apex; hind trochanter modified in the males of one species group, to exhibit, on its posterior inner surface, a distinct projection that may have minute spines or setulae; tarsomeres very rarely modified.

Abdomen: Somewhat dorsoventrally flattened, more or less oval, male with 6 segments, female with 8 segments; st usually poorly sclerotized; disc of tg and along hind margins with short setulae that are usually about half length of tg or much less. Male postabdomen: Always highly modified; never with a complete external ep; cerc simple, separated (though often appearing fused in dry specimens), with short fine setulae on posterior surface and generally with 1 or 2 long fine setulae at tip; pregential st (any combination from st 4 to 6) highly modified, often ornate with diagnostic features; prg attached to inner lobe of hyp after this fuses/articulates with ep; psg originates from very base of basiph and is often a long, dark, heavily sclerotized structure; surs very variable, often fused with ep; ph always large, very variable, often complex with membranous and sclerotized components.

Female postabdomen: Segments 7 and 8 narrow and invaginated in most dry specimens, though usually distinct when the abdomen is macerated; segment 8 often with small lateral and ventral sclerites; hypr membranous and very small; cerc small, separated and only finely setulose, frequently attached to sclerite of segment 8.

Length: Body 0.75–2.2 mm; wing 0.75–2.2 mm.

Distribution: Holarctic, Afrotropical (Fig. 69).

Note: Some species from other zoogeographical regions are not true Aphaniosoma, but belong to the other genera in Aphaniosominae.

Ecology: Aphaniosoma is widespread in regions with hotter and drier habitats. Most species have a strong affinity to dunes and the shores of standing water bodies, particularly saline marshes. In localities with saline marshes, the flies exhibit a strong affinity to certain plants in this order (pers. observ.): Tamarix trees, Gramineae, including Phragmites stands, Chenopodaceae. I found three species simultaneously on the flowers of (non-indigenous) Eucalyptus in Malta. The attraction to Tamarix is more than just circumstantial. It is not merely because the tree provides shade, or nectar; when alternatives for both exist in close proximity, it is still the Tamarix that very strongly attracts these flies in very large numbers and in a diversity that reflects what species exist in the area. One may speculate that species of Aphaniosoma breed either on the tree or in association with other organisms that do so, or that there is some particularly strong chemical or floral attraction.

Etymology: From Latin Aethiopia (Ethiopia), and refers to the country where it was first discovered.

Diagnosis: Predominantly yellow species; no long pair of fr setae/setulae in front of oc triangle, buccal margin has thin brown line, scutum with longitudinal brown stripes, abdominal tg yellow with broad brown transverse band, male postabdomen with large dark phallic complex and long, narrow, pale surs, tarsomere 5 of all legs dark brown. Female has diffuse brownish transverse band across middle of fr, abdomen with tg 6 and 7 completely brown, st 7 pigmented brown, tarsomeres 5 yellow.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, oc triangle and ocp black, latter with a broad yellow stripe from vertex to neck and narrow yellow postocular margin; fr broad, about 1.3× width of eye at vertex, with margins only slightly convergent; eye oval, lying oblique, length of horizontal diameter about 1.3× length of vertical diameter; gena narrow, equal to 0.4 height of eye, yellow and with fine pale yellowish white setulae; face small membranous, with distinct linear facial carina; 2 short setae at anterior buccal margin; mouthparts small, yellow, palp elongate oval, buccal margin with thin brown line; antenna yellow, arista black in apical half of second segment, yellow basally and on first segment; 6–7 short orb; 10 minute pale yellow fr setulae of more or less equal length, ocellars long, divergent, 1 vti and 1 vte, short pvt, postocular setulae in one row; all setae yellow.

Thorax: Scutum yellow, yellow pollinose with 6 brown longitudinal stripes, all confluent anteriorly and middle pair remain confluent almost to posterior end, lateral stripes reach to base of pa seta; mtn brown, scut brown at base of lateral margin and beneath, pleura mostly yellow, but katepisternum with dark brown triangle in lower part, meron dark brown in lower half and anepimeron with dark brown line along suture with anepisternum, anepisternum with narrow paler brown border along lower margin and anterior margin. Chaetotaxy: 1+6 dc, only hindmost well-developed, remainder as short as other scutal setulae, 1+3 acrs, 1 pprn, 1 ihu, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 pa, 0+3 ia, 4 scut, 1 anepisternal and 1 katepisternal.

Wing: Hyaline with yellow veins; distance between crossveins about 0.6 length of apical section of Cu; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ on costa about 0.6 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, apical section of Cu about 2× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere pale yellow. Legs: Yellow and pale setulose, setulae becoming a little darker on tarsomeres; tarsomere 5 of all legs dark brown.

Abdomen: Yellow with a broad brown transverse band on each tg, setulae sparse and mostly along hind margin of tg, cerc pale yellow.

Postabdomen: Yellow apart from the large dark brown to black ph structures.

Female.

As male, but brown marking more extensive, abdomen with tg 6 & 7 completely brown; tarsomeres 5 yellow; fr with diffuse brownish transverse band across middle; st 7 pigmented brown. Postabdomen: very small; tg 8 and st 8 sclerotized, but minute and bare, each smaller than cerc.

Length: ♂ body 1.2 mm, wing 1.1 mm; ♀ body 1.5 mm, wing 1.5 mm.

Holotype: ♂ ETHIOPIA: Lake Abiata [Abiyata], 143 km S Addis Ababa [07°40′N:38°41′E], 1.iv.1962, Lund University Expedition, Brink, Andersson, Cederholm (MZLU).

Paratypes: 4♂ (3 headless) 6♀ same data as holotype (MZLU). KENYA: 2♀ Tsavo National Park, Voi R., 22.ii.1971, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, ZSMC); 1♂ Lake Elmenteita, 24.iii.1970, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, ZSMC).

Etymology: From the type locality, Aldabra, the southwestern atoll of the Seychelles.

Diagnosis: Extensively yellow species with elongate narrow eyes, brown scutal stripes, katepisternum with dark triangular patch; acrs widely separated, scutal setae moderately developed, 2 posthu setae, setulae and all setae except the longest very pale, almost white. Male with highly modified pregential st, sinuous surs and prg.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, only ocelli ringed with black; fr with markedly convergent side margins so that at level of antenna this is 0.5 width that at level of anterior oc; eye very narrow and elongated oval, lying horizontal, horizontal diameter about 2.5× length of vertical diameter; gena almost equal to height of eye, yellow and with fine white setulae; face small, membranous with low linear facial carina; 2 short setae at anterior buccal margin; mouthparts small, yellow; antenna yellow, arista brown except for yellow first segment; 4 orb, 6 fine fr setulae and a longer pair in front of oc triangle, ocellars long, divergent, 1 vti and 1 vte, short pvt; setae and setulae all white except for hind orb and vti, which are yellowish brown.

Thorax: Scutum yellow, yellow pollinose with 3 brown longitudinal stripes on each side, one along acrs line, one between dc and ia lines and one between ia line and ntpl; mtn black, scut and pleura yellow. Chaetotaxy: 4+5 dc only hindmost well-developed, 2 most anterior pale and inclinate, 3+4 acrs, 1 pprn, 1 ihu, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 pa, usual 4 scut, 1 very short anepisternal and 1 long katepisternal at upper posterior corner with 3 short pale setulae in a vertical row in front.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins pale yellow, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅on costal margin about 0.7 that between R₄₊₅and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 1.3× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 2× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Yellow and pale setulose, no special modifications, tarsomere 5 a little brownish.

Abdomen: Each tg with broad brown band dorsally leaving posterior 1/3 and sides of tg yellow; brown setulae dorsally, yellowish white laterally and ventrally, those on tg 5 forming fringe around hypopygium; cerc forming broad plate posteriorly.

Female.

As in male, but scutum with darker stripes and darker thoracic setae. Postabdomen: st 7 sclerotized and pigmented, almost square; tg 7 divided into lateral plates bearing setae; hypr appearing as small tubercle in membrane between sclerites of segment 8.

Length: ♂ body 1.2 mm, wing 1.2 mm; ♀ body 1.4 mm, wing 1.3 mm.

Holotype: ♂ SEYCHELLES: Aldabra, South Island, Takamaka pool, at light, 1–17.ii.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson, Aldabra Atoll Royal Society Expedition 1967–68 (BM 1968–333) (BMNH).

Paratypes (all BMNH): 1♀ same data as holotype; 1♂ 1♀ Astove Atoll, around coconut plantation, 5.iii.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson (BM 1968–333); 3♂ Aldabra, South Island, Dune Jean-Louis, 13–20.iii.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson, Aldabra Atoll Royal Society Expedition 1967–68 (BM 1968–333); 3♀ Aldabra, West Island, near settlement, 21–31.iii.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson, Aldabra Atoll Royal Society Expedition 1967–68 (BM 1968–333).

Aphaniosoma approximatum: Becker 1903: 186.

Aphaniosoma arabicum Ebejer, 1996: 286; Ebejer 2008a: 683.

This species is widespread in the Middle East. The series from the Cape Verde represents the most western locality of this species. The male postabdomen has been previously illustrated (Collin 1949; Ebejer 1996, 1998, 2008a). Female with tg 7 complete and large. Postabdomen: st 8 large and of peculiar shape, s with distinct external ridge around operculum.

Material examined: CAPE VERDE: 3♂ Santiago, b. Variante, “Trockenribeiro und Staatsfarm”, 2.xi.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, FBUB). ETHIOPIA: 19♂ 10♀ Welo Province, nr National Road Number 18, 11°07′47″N: 40°45′54″E, 17.iii.1995, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, FBUB). NIGER: 3♂ 19♀ Air Massif, Wadi Iberkom, 18°55′N:08°40′E, 24.viii.1983, P.C. Matteson (NMWC).

Distribution: Cape Verde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Niger and Arabian Peninsula.

Etymology: From Latin ater (dark) and caput (head), and refers to the distinctive (but not unique) dark brown antenna which gives the head a dark appearance.

Diagnosis: Yellow fr and contrasting dark brown antennal segment 3, very narrow gena, dark grey scutum and scut which has setae shorter than its length, tarsomere 5 of all legs brown, abdominal tg brown with narrow, pale yellow hind margins. Male postabdomen with no distinguishing external features, but internally with large dark psg and with pregenital st having ventrally projecting lobes near apex.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, ocp dark grey to black, oc triangle black, fr narrow and converging anteriorly so that at level of antennae it is about 0.75 as wide as at level of anterior oc, face small, depressed and with distinct, narrow but low facial carina, eye narrow, oval, lying oblique, gena yellow, narrow, at middle about 0.3 height of eye and having numerous fine pale yellow setulae, 3 short setae at vibrissal corner, mouthparts yellow except for two small brown spots deep to proboscis an anterior margin of roof of buccal cavity, 8 setulae on fr with no longer setulae in front of oc triangle, 6 short orb, especially anterior 4, becoming progressively shorter from back to front, 1 vti and 1 vte, pvt distinct and convergent, ocellars long, divergent, antennal segment 3 dark brown contrasting with yellow segments 1 and 2, arista dark brown to base.

Thorax: Scutum and scut uniformly dark grey, mtn entirely dark grey, pprn and ntpl yellow, pleura mostly dark grey, but for narrow yellow margins to sutures. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 1 ihu, 2 ntpl, 0+4 ia, 1+5 acrs, 3+5 dc only the posterior one well-developed, prpl short, 1 pa, 2 pairs of marginal scut, shorter than usual compared to congeners such that subapical setae, usually the longest, are here shorter than length of scut, 1 katepisternal and several setulae on anterior part of sclerite, 1 anepisternal, all setae pale, with shorter ones and setulae inconspicuous.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins brown, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅ on costal margin about 0.6 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 1.7× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 2.5× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere dusky yellow.

Legs: Yellow and fine yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 of all legs brown.

Abdomen: Brown with narrow, pale yellow hind margins to all tg, especially on sides and on apical segments.

Postabdomen: Yellow with no distinctive external features.

Female.

As male, but several specimens have diffusely infuscated femora dorsally over middle third. Postabdomen: tg 7 complete and broader laterally; cerc and hypr more sclerotized than usual among congeners; st 8 with small sclerites apically and just proximal to these, two small membraneous structures with single microtrichium in centre of each; s with short section of duct sclerotized.

Length: ♂ body 1.0 mm, wing 0.9 mm; ♀ body 1.2 mm, wing 1.1 mm.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Khorixas District, Huab R. at Krone, 721, 20°37′09″S:13°54′31″E, sweeping grasses and sedges, 23–26.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW).

Paratypes: 2♂ 3♀ same data as holotype (NMNW); 2♀ Walvis Bay, alt. 5 m, 22°60′S:14°28′E, 6.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Etymology: From Latin conspicuus (conspicuous), and refers to the large postabdominal structures.

Diagnosis: Yellow species with all setulae on fr of more or less uniform length; scutum with grey longitudinal stripes, scut completely yellow, abdominal tg brown with yellow hind margins, but apical one or two segments in both male and female pale. Male postabdomen pale and phallic structures large, pregenital st with distinct dentate processes on apical margin; ph apd with very large basal lobes.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, only ocelli ringed with black; fr with markedly convergent side margins so that at level of antenna fr 0.5× width that at level of anterior oc; eye oval, lying oblique, length of horizontal diameter about 1.5× length of vertical diameter; gena broad, equal to about 0.7 height of eye, yellow and with fine pale yellowish white setulae; face small, membranous, with low linear facial carina; 2 short setae at anterior buccal margin; mouthparts small, yellow; antenna yellow, arista brown except for yellow first segment; 2 orb and 3 short setulae in front of these; 8–10 brown fr setulae of more or less equal length, ocellars long, divergent, 1 vti and 1 vte, short pvt; setae and setulae dark brown. Thorax: Scutum yellow, yellow pollinose with 4 brown longitudinal stripes; mtn brown, scut and pleura yellow. Chaetotaxy: 4+6 dc the hindmost well-developed, one preceding it about half its length, remainder as short as other scutal setulae, 2+6 acrs, 1 pprn, 1 ihu, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 pa, 6 ia, 4 scut, 1 anepisternal and 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner.

Wing: Hyaline with pale brown veins; distance between crossveins about 1.4× length of posterior crossvein; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ on costa about 0.5 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, apical section of Cu about 2.8× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Yellow and pale setulose, setulae becoming a little darker on tarsomeres; tarsomere 5 a little brownish.

Abdomen: Each tg brown with a yellow hind margin; brown setulae dorsally, yellowish white laterally and ventrally; cerc pale yellow.

Postabdomen: Almost entirely yellow, only a very small spot on middle of ep brown. Very large, pale phallic complex is easily seen, since it is extruded in most of the specimens.

Female.

Similar to male. Postabdomen: Very small; tg 8 broader laterally, st 8 membraneous, hypr thinly sclerotized and with pair of short apical setulae and some minute tubercles; st 7 small almost round.

Length: ♂ body 1.1 mm, wing 1.2 mm; ♀ body 1.2 mm, wing 1.3 mm.

Holotype: ♂ KENYA: Hunter's Lodge nr Kiboko, 02°14′S:37°43′E, 8–9.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Paratypes: 3♂ 1♀ same data as holotype (TAUI); 2♀ Hunter's Lodge, 02°13′S:37°43′E, 13–16.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 4♂ 2♀ Simba, 02°09′S:37°35′E, 15.ix.2005 (2♂ TAUI, 1♂ 1♀ NMWC), 21.ix.2005 (1♂ 1♀ NMSA), A. Freidberg.

Aphaniosoma dhofaricum: Ebejer 1996: 290.

Although not yet found on mainland Africa, this species is abundant in Dhofar, the southern region of Oman. A. gallagheri Ebejer, 1996 (see below), also common in southern Oman, has been found as far west as the Cape Verde. Therefore, I have included dhofaricum here for completeness and because southern Oman is zoogeographically within the Afrotropics.

Distribution: Oman (Dhofar), Cape Verde.

Aphaniosoma fissum: Collin 1949: 138.

Collin (1949) described several species from an inland oasis in northern Egypt. Since then, several of them have been found in the Middle East and fissum is here confirmed from sub-Saharan Africa. Although Collin illustrated the male postabdomen, he did not give enough detail to enable reliable identification, given the many new similar species described since. Hence, a more detailed description and illustrations of the postabdomen of both sexes are presented below.

Diagnosis: Very variable in colour, but predominant form yellow with longitudinal stripes on scutum becoming dark and confluent anteriorly in some specimens or being pale brown and restricted to behind scutal suture in others. Area in front of scut yellow, but sometimes with small dark midline spot abutting suture with scut; yellow fr and antennae, abdomen yellow or with brown tg having yellow hind margins, sometimes tg all yellow, tg 6 with small posteroventral lobe, tarsomere 5 yellow or brown; male postabdomen with clearly visible yellow surs and prg; female sometimes with distal 3 tarsomeres darkened. distiph black at apex, otherwise hypopygium overwhelmingly yellow.

Redescription:

Male.

Head: Yellow, ocp dark brown except for broad yellow postocular margin and wedgeshaped area from vertex to neck, oc triangle black, fr broad, but converging anteriorly so that at level of antennae about 0.7 as wide as at level of anterior oc, face small, depressed and with distinct, narrow but low facial carina, eye oval lying oblique, gena yellow, at middle about 0.7 height of eye and having numerous yellow setulae, 2 short setae at vibrissal corner, mouthparts yellow except for two small brown spots deep to proboscis and anterior margin of roof of buccal cavity, 2 pairs of setulae on fr, one of which, slightly longer in front of oc triangle, 4 short orb getting progressively shorter from back to front, 1 vti and 1 vte, pvt distinct and convergent, ocellars long, divergent, antenna yellow, most of second segment of arista dark.

Thorax: Scutum and scut with yellow ground but with 6 dark grey longitudinal stripes on scutum confluent anteriorly, only the 2 lateral stripes becoming separated posteriorly, scut a little greyish on disk, mtn entirely dark grey, postpronotal lobe and ntpl yellow, pleura mostly dark grey, but for broad yellow margins to sutures, whole of anepimeron and posterior half of anepisternum chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 1 ihu, 2 ntpl, 0+4 ia, 1+4 acrs, 4+5 dc only the posterior one well-developed, prpl distinct, 1 pa, 2 pairs of marginal scut, 1 katepisternal with shorter seta in front and several setulae on anterior part of sclerite, 1 anepisternal, all setae pale yellow to pale brown.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins pale brown, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅ on costal margin about 0.5 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 1.3× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 2.2× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Yellow and fine yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 of all legs brown.

Abdomen: Brown with narrow, pale yellow hind margins to all tg, especially on sides.

Postabdomen: Yellow with distinctly visible yellow surs and finely setulose prg adjacent to black ph structures.

Female.

As male, but several specimens have tarsomeres 3 and 4 also darkened. Postabdomen: tg 7 narrowly divided dorsally; st 7 with lateral and central sclerotized plates; 8 of curious shape and closely attached to cerc; hypr membraneous.

Length: ♂ body 1.0 mm, wing 1.0 mm; ♀ body 1.2 mm, wing 1.3 mm.

Material exmained: KENYA: 2♂ 5♀ Tsavo National Park, Voi R., 22.ii.1971, M. von Tschirnhaus (in alcohol, FBUB); 1♂ same data (in glycerine, MJE); 1♂ 3♀ same data (in alcohol, NMWC); 1♂ Hunter's Lodge, 02°13′S:37°43′E, 13–16.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAU). NAMIBIA: 4♂ 2♀ Lüderitz District, Angra Bay, 26°37′11″S:15°11′42″E, sweeping lush vegetation at effluent run-off stream, 27.iii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 27♂ 19♀ Khorixas District, Huab R. at Krone 721, 20°37′09″S:13°54′31″E, sweeping grasses and sedges, 23–26.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♂ 3♀ same data (in alcohol, NMWC); 4♂ 2♀ Khorixas District, Gai-As spring, 20°46′01″S:14°01′12″E, 22.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (in alcohol, NMWC); 1♂ Omaruru District, Brandberg Wes salt spring, 20°56′51″S:14°07′28″E, sweeping marginal grasses and sedges, 23–26.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (in alcohol, NMWC); 1♂ 3♀ Khorixas District, Huab R. at Krone 721, 20°37′09″S:13°54′31″E, sweeping grasses and sedges, 23–26.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (in alcohol, NMNW); 1♂ Khorixas District, Huab R. at Vrede 19, 20°24′00″S:14°10′16″E, 26.x.1998, swept from fresh elephant dung, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Skeleton Coast Park, Kunene R. mouth, 17°15′97″S:11°46′83″E, sweeping marginal grasses and reeds on flood plain, 17–18.iii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♀ Brandberg, Messum Valley, alt. 700 m, 21°13′29″S:14°30′98″E, 3.iv.1999, S. van Noort & S.G. Compton, Malaise trap, Bushy-Karoo-Namib shrubland (in alcohol, NMWC); 1♂ Kahn R., 8 km N Usakos, 30–31.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (29) B.M. 1972–1 (BMNH); 2♂ 1♀ nr Onseepkans, Orange R. banks, 8–10.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (W1) B.M. 1972–1 (BMNH); 1♂ 1♀ Walvis Bay, 25–26.i.1972, pool edge in dunes, Southern African Expedition (W24) BM 1972–1 (BMNH); 73♂ 114♀ Swakopmund, general sweeping, 26–30.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (W25) BM 1972–1 (BMNH); 2♂ 4♀ Swakopmund, swept vegetation around sewage farm settling tanks, 26–30.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (W25) BM 1972–1 (BMNH); 12♂ 8♀ Walvis Bay, pool edge in dunes, 25–26.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (W27) BM 1972–1 (BMNH); 1♂ Otjitambi farm, 47 km ESE Kamanjab, 13–15.ii.1972, Southern African Expedition (W37) BM 1972–1 (BMNH); 1♀ Onguma farm, 55 miles NW Tsumeb, 17–19.ii.1972, Southern African Expedition (W43) BM 1972–1 (BMNH); 1♀ Lüderitz District, Agate Beach, 10 km N Lüderitz, alt. 3 m, low coastal vegetated dunes, 18.ii.1974, M.E. and B.J. Irwin (NMSA); 1♂ 2♀ Lüderitz, alt. 20 m, 14.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀ Orange R., 25 km Rosh Pinah, 28°05′S:16°24′E, 15.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI). SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: 1♂ Sandfontein Coast, west of Van Rhynsdorp, 15–17.x.1964, B. & P. Stuckenberg (NMSA).

Distribution: Middle East, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa.

Etymology: From Latin flavus (yellow), and refers to entirely yellow colour of the body and postabdominal structures of this species.

Diagnosis: Entirely yellow species, with distance between crossveins on wing about as long as posterior crossvein and length of apical section of vein Cu a little more than 3× length of posterior crossvein; male postabdomen also yellow with broad surs clearly visible and large psg truncate at tip in lateral view.

Description:

Male.

Head: Entirely yellow, including oc triangle, fr broad but converging anteriorly so that at level of antennae it is about 0.7 as wide as at level of anterior oc, face small, depressed and with distinct, narrow but low facial carina, eye oval lying oblique, gena yellow, at middle about 0.5 height of eye and having numerous golden yellow setulae that are longer than is usual in this genus, in this species longer than orb, 2 short setae at vibrissal corner, mouthparts yellow, 2 setulae on fr with 1 pair of longer setulae in front of oc triangle, 4 short orb getting progressively shorter from back to front, 1 vti and 1 vte, pvt distinct and convergent, ocellars long, divergent, antenna yellow, most of second segment of arista dark.

Thorax: Scutum, scut, pleura and mtn entirely yellow. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 1 ihu, 2 ntpl, 0–1+2–3 ia, 1+5 acrs, 4+4 dc only the posterior one well-developed, prpl short, 1 pa, 2 pairs of marginal scut, 1 katepisternal with several setulae on anterior part of sclerite, 1 anepisternal, all setae pale yellow to pale brown.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins yellow, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅ on costal margin about 0.4 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 0.9× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 3.2× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Entirely yellow and fine yellow setulose.

Abdomen: Entirely yellow.

Postabdomen: Yellow with relatively broad surs clearly visible.

Female.

As male, but tarsomere 5 darkened and several specimens have tarsomeres 3 and 4 also darkened. Postabdomen: tg 8 divided into two lateral sclerites; st 8 membraneous; hypr not recognizable; spermatheca with short sclerotized section of duct.

Length: ♂ body 1.1 mm, wing 1.4 mm; ♀ body 1.4 mm, wing 1.5 mm.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Skeleton Coast Park, Kunene R. mouth, 17°15′97″S:11°46′83″E, sweeping marginal grasses and reeds on flood plain, 17–18.iii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW).

Paratypes: NAMIBIA: 7♂ 1♀ same data as holotype (NMNW); 12♂ 3♀ same data (in alcohol, NMNW); 5♂ 1♀ same data (in alcohol, NMWC); 2♂ 5♀ nr Onseepkans, Orange R. banks, 8–10.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (W1) B.M. 1972–1 (BMNH); 1♂ 4♀ Walvis Bay, 25–26.i.1972, pool edge in dunes, Southern African Expedition (W24) BM 1972–1 (BMNH); 1♂ Khorixas District, Gai-As spring, 20°46′01″S:14°01′12″E, 22.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (NMNW); 1♂ 4♀ Khorixas District, Huab R. at Krone, 721, 20°37′09″S:13°54′31″E, sweeping grasses and sedges, 23–26.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♂ Skeleton Coast, Kunene R. mouth, 17°16′S:11°47′E, 20–22.iv.1994, yellow tray (water trap), E. Marais (in alcohol, NMWC); 1♀ Omaruru District, Ugab R., 2 km W Brandberg Wes, 20°58′05″S:14°06′36″E, 22–24.x.1998, Malaise trap, A. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (in alcohol, NMWC); 3♂ 1♀ Walvis Bay, alt. 5 m, 22°60′S:14°28′E, 6.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ Gobabeb, Kuseib R., 23°34′S:15°03′E, 5.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Etymology: From Latin frequens (frequent), denoting its common and widespread occurrence in the samples taken in Africa.

Diagnosis: Dark grey species with yellow fr and antennae, pleural sutures narrowly bordered with yellow, tarsomere 5 of all legs brown and male postabdomen with large, dark, broad psg, beaked at tip most often easily visible without dissection, prg st of unusual shape with midline process at apex and distiph with long divergent lobes.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, ocp dark grey except for narrow yellow postocular border, oc triangle dark grey, fr broad but converging anteriorly so that at level of antennae it is about 0.6 as wide as at level of anterior oc, face small, depressed and with distinct, narrow but low facial carina, eye oval lying oblique, gena yellow, at middle about 0.6 height of eye and having numerous pale setulae, 2 short setae at vibrissal corner, mouthparts small, yellow, 6 setulae scattered on fr with 2 pairs of longer setulae in front of oc triangle, 4 orb getting progressively shorter from back to front, 1 vti and 1 vte, pvt distinct and convergent, oc long, divergent, antenna yellow, most of second segment of arista dark.

Thorax: Scutum, scut and mtn entirely dark grey, pprn and ntpl yellow, pleura mostly dark grey, but for narrow yellow margins to sutures. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 1 ihu, 2 ntpl, 0+2 ia, 2+5 acrs, 2+4 dc only the posterior two well-developed, prpl distinct, 1 pa, 2 pairs of marginal scut, 1 katepisternal with shorter seta in front and several setulae on anterior part of sclerite, 1 anepisternal, all setae pale yellow to pale brown.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins pale brown, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅on costal margin about 0.5 that between R₄₊₅and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 1.3× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 2.6× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: Yellow and fine yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 of all legs brown.

Abdomen: Almost entirely dark brown, only the narrowly visible membrane between segments pale. Postabdomen: No distinguishing external features.

Female.

As male, but some specimens have a yellow longitudinal midline stripe on tg 6 & 7 (not a diagnostic feature as it is present in many species) as a result of partial desclerotization. Postabdomen: tg 8 closely attached to cerc, hypr large, but membraneous; st 8 thinly sclerotized with middle section showing two very small tubercles with a microtrichium on each.

Length: ♂ and ♀ body 0.9 mm, wing 1.1 mm.

Variation: A few specimens are of a lighter grey on the thorax and those from St Helena have a pale scut.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Skeleton Coast Park, Kunene R. mouth, 17°15′97″S:11°46′83″E, sweeping marginal grasses and reeds on flood plain, 17–18.iii.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW).

Paratypes: NAMIBIA: 7♂ 4♀ same data as holotype (NMNW); 2♂ 2♀ nr Onseepkans, Orange R. banks, 8–10.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (W0) B.M. 1972–1 (BMNH); 86♂ 9♀ Otjitambi farm, 47 km ESE Kamanjab, 13–15.ii.1972, Southern African Expedition (W37) BM 1972–1 (BMNH); 7♂ 6♀ nr Onseepkans, Orange R. banks, 8–10.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (W1) B.M. 1972–1 (BMNH); 6♂ 2♀ Kuiseb R. canyon, 22–23.i.1972, riverside vegetation, Southern African Expedition (W22) B.M. 1972–1 (BMNH); 1♀ Khorixas District, Gai-As spring, 20°46′01″S:14°01′12″E, 22.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (NMNW); 1♂ 3♀ Khorixas District, Huab R. at Krone 721, 20°37′09″S:13°54′31″E, sweeping grasses and sedges, 23–26.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW); 1♂ 1♀ Brandberg, Messum valley, alt. 700 m, 21°13′29″S:14°30′98″E, 3.iv.1999, S. van Noort & S.G. Compton, UV-light trap in sparsely vegetated river valley, Bushy-Karoo-Namib shrubland (in alcohol, NMWC); 11♂ 4♀ Windhoek District, Greylingshof 107, Gaub Canyon, 23°29′S:16°48′E, 2–3.x.1999, Malaise trap, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & T. Pape (NMNW). KENYA: 1♂ Hunter's Lodge nr Kiboko, 02°14′S:37°43′E, 8–9.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ Simba, NBI-MSA rd, 02°09′S:37°34′E, 23.viii.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♂ 3♀ Hunter's Lodge, 02°13′S:37°43′E, 13–16.ix.2005, A. Freidberg (TAUI). ST HELENA ISLAND: 1♀ Sandy Bay, 17.ii.1962, A. Loveridge (BMNH); 2♂ 4♀ St Helena Island, 1963, A. Loveridge; all specimens are glued on a card on the same mount, one has been removed and macerated, and is preserved in a glycerine vial on the same pin (BMNH).

Remarks. The specimens from St Helena bear the identification label “Aphaniosoma approximatum, Becker, det. J.C. Deeming 1963”. The identification was based on a dissected male and the available literature at the time. I re-examined this specimen, which, although a little faded, remains in good condition and the postabdomen matches that of frequens and not that of approximatum. There are minor differences in the hypopygial structures of the species from St Helena: the psg is very slightly broader, the lower edge of tg 6 is more pointed where this projects laterally from the plane of the tg, the distal end of the basiph is notched in both, but in the St Helena specimens it is slightly deeper. I do not consider these to be anything more than minor variations and, given the highly characteristic pregenital st and distiph being the same in both series, I consider the St Helena specimens merely a variation of frequens and not a sibling species or a subspecies.

Etymology: The species name is derived from Gai-As, the type locality.

Diagnosis: Yellow species with 2 pairs of setulae on fr longer than others, dark spot on meron, pale brown stripes on scutum, tarsomeres of all legs yellow and shiny brown spot on ep contrasting with otherwise entirely yellow abdomen. Male postabdomen with distinctive long narrow lobes of distiph and flattened upturned process on basiph.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, including oc triangle only ocelli ringed black, fr broad but converging anteriorly so that at level of antennae it is about 0.7 as wide as at level of anterior oc, face small, depressed and with distinct, narrow but low facial carina, eye oval lying oblique, gena yellow, at middle about 0.6 height of eye and having several yellow setulae, 2 short setae at vibrissal corner, mouthparts yellow, 4 setulae on fr with 1 pair of longer setulae above lunule and another in front of oc triangle, 3 orb with 1 short setula in front, 1 vti and 1 vte, pvt distinct and convergent, ocellars long, divergent, antenna yellow, most of second segment of arista dark.

Thorax: Scutum and scut with yellow ground but with pale brown longitudinal stripes on scutum, mtn brown, pleura all yellow except for a pale brown inverted triangle on lower katepisternum and dark brown spot on meron. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 1 ihu, 2 ntpl, 0+4 ia, 2+4 acrs, 3+4 dc only the posterior one well-developed, prpl not seen, 1 pa, 2 pairs of marginal scut, 1 katepisternal, 1 anepisternal, all setae pale yellow. Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins pale yellow, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅ on costal margin about 0.4 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 1.2× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 2.8× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Yellow and fine yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 of all legs yellow.

Abdomen: Yellow with narrow, brown anterior margins to all tg.

Postabdomen: Yellow with shining brown ep spot lateral to cerc.

Female.

As male. (Postabdomen not dissected due to poor condition.)

Length: ♂ body 1.2 mm, wing 1.4 mm; ♀ body 1.4 mm, wing 1.5 mm.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Khorixas District, Gai-As spring, 20°46′01″S:14°01′12″E, 22.x.1998, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & E. Marais (in glycerine, NMNW).

Paratypes: 2♀ in alcohol, same data and depository.

Aphaniosoma gallagheri: Ebejer 1996: 292.

The finding of this species in The Gambia and Cape Verde was a surprise, given its apparent absence from intervening countries. It was described from southern Oman. The species is illustrated again using specimens from Cape Verde (male) and The Gambia (female) in order to supplement the original figures with more detail. The female is very similar to the male in external features. Postabdomen: tg 7 divided into lateral plates with relatively long setulae; tg 8 in two small sclerotized lateral plates, st 7 membraneous; hypr small barely discernable except for minute setulae.

Material examined: CAPE VERDE: 31♂ 11♀ Sal, Saline Pedra Lumen, 5–7.i.1985, P. Ohm (in alcohol, FBUB); 1♀ Santiago, b. Variante, “Trockenribeiro und Staatsfarm”, 2.xi.1982, P. Ohm (in alcohol, FBUB). THE GAMBIA: 1♂ 2♀ Kotu stream, about 3 km SW Bakau, 23.xi.1977, swept in vegetation, Lund University Systematics Department, Cederholm, Danielsson, Hammarstedt, Hedqvist, Samuelsson (MZLU); 1♀ same data but 23.ii.1977, in vegetation and freshwater (MZLU); 2♀ Bakau, at Tropic Bungalow, 16–18.xi.1977, swept in meadow rich in flowers at the beach, Lund University Systematics Department, Cederholm, Danielsson, Hammarstedt, Hedqvist, Samuelsson (MZLU); 1♀ West Division, Bakau Carmalou Corner, 22.xi.1993, on Phragmites in saltmarsh, J.C. Deeming (NMWC); 1♀ West Division, 26.xi.1993, on grasses bordering Kotu stream, J.C. Deeming (NMWC); 1♂ West Division, Lamin Bridge, Lamin Bolan, 2.viii.1997, D.J. Mann (NMWC).

Distribution: Cape Verde, The Gambia, Oman (Dhofar).

Aphaniosoma harteni: Ebejer 1996: 293.

Described from Yemen and later found in Tunisia, this species is unique in the Afrotropical fauna. It is the only representative of the group of species with a strong presutural dc seta. This species group is distributed across the Mediterranean, with four species recorded from the Canary Islands and one from Mongolia.

Distribution: Tunisia, Yemen.

Etymology: Named after Ashley Kirk-Spriggs, who collected many Chyromyidae in Namibia.

Diagnosis: Yellow species with black ringed ocelli, elongate slender eyes, dark longitudinal scutal stripes, scut with dark lateral margin reaching base of subapical setae; abdomen yellow with light brown bands dorsally on tg; male postabdomen with large shiny dark brown phallic structures easily visible, owing to their contrast with yellow tg and st. Male postabdomen with setulose surs and prg, and bilobed distiph.

Description:

Male.

Head: fr, oc triangle and ocp entirely yellow, only ocelli black; eye narrow and horizontal, about 3 times as long as high; gena yellow and pale yellowish white setulose, about equal to height of eye; face very small and membranous with shallow linear carina; antenna including first segment of arista yellow, second aristal segment dark brown; mouthparts yellow. Chaetotaxy: 3 reclinate orb with short setula in front, 2 long ocellars widely spaced almost parallel, 10 fr setulae and a pair of long setae in front of oc triangle; 1 vti and 1 vte, pvt convergent.

Thorax: Scutum yellow and pale yellow pollinose with dark grey scutal stripes confluent anterior to transverse suture; scut yellow with brown lateral margin up to subapical setae; mtn dark and pleura yellow with dark greyish brown triangular mark on katepisternum and spot on meron. Chaetotaxy: 2+5 dc only hindmost developed to a seta, 0+4 acrs in two irregular rows, 1 pprn, 1 ihu, 1 posthu, 1 ia, 2 ntpl, 1 pa, 1 anepisternal and 1 katepisternal with a few setulae near each.

Wing: Hyaline with yellow veins becoming darker towards apex; distance between R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ about 0.5 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; distance between crossveins equal to length of posterior crossvein. Haltere pale yellow.

Legs: No special modifications, yellow and yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 brown.

Abdomen: tg pale brown with yellow hind margins which occupy about 1/4 length of tg dorsally, but become broader on sides.

Postabdomen: cerc small yellow and pointed; distiph large shiny and dark.

Female.

Very similar to male; eye less elongated. (Postabdomen not dissected.)

Length: ♂ body 1.1 mm, wing 1.0 mm; ♀ body 1.2 mm, wing 1.3 mm.

Variation: The male paratype has the eye only twice as long as high and the tarsomeres being all yellow.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Lüderitz District, Angra Bay, 26°37′11″S:15°11′42″E, sweeping lush vegetation at effluent run-off stream, 27.iii.1998, A. Kirk-Spriggs (NMNW).

Paratypes: NAMIBIA: 4♂ 2♀ same data as holotype (NMNW); 1♂ 1♀ Otjitambi farm, 47 km ESE Kamanjab, 13–15.ii.1972, Southern African Expedition (W37) BM 1972–1 (BMNH). SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: 1♂ (headless) 1♀ Sandfontein Coast, west of Van Rhynsdorp, 15–17.x.1964, B. & P. Stuckenberg (NMSA).

Aphaniosoma lamellatum: Collin 1949: 137.

This is one of the species that Collin described from Egypt. Although it has not been found on mainland Africa south of the Sahara, it has been recorded from Oman (Ebejer 1996) and is included here for completeness as it could easily be more widely distributed. The long yellow lamellae referred to by Collin are the surs, and these are indeed long and broad with somewhat sinuous margins as illustrated by him.

Distribution: Egypt, Oman.

Etymology: From Greek micros (small) and Latin pyga (buttocks), and refers to the particularly small hypopygium.

Diagnosis: Yellow species with brown longitudinal stripes on scutum and short pra setula; brown tarsomeres 5; abdomen yellow with tg having brown band along anterior margin, male postabdomen particularly small, yellow and with most structures translucent; lower margin of tg 6 with posterior indentation.

Description:

Male.

Head: Entirely yellow, only ocelli ringed with black; antenna yellow, arista missing, mouthparts yellow; face very small and sunken; gena yellow and pale setulose; gena about 0.6 height of eye, which is long oval and lies almost horizontal. Chaetotaxy: 2 orb and 2 setulae in front of these, 8 scattered short fr setulae and 1 pair of long setae in front of oc triangle; 1 vti and 1 vte and short pvt; postoculars in 1 row.

Thorax: Yellow, with brown longitudinal stripes on scutum, scut yellow, mtn brown, pleura yellow except for brown triangular patch on katepisternum, narrow brown line on anepisternum and anepimeron near suture, meron all brown. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 1 ihu, 3+4 dc only hindmost developed to a seta, 0+4 acrs, 1+3 ia setulae, 1 pa, 1 anepisternal and 1 katepisternal, latter with vertical row of 4 short setulae down middle of sclerite.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins pale brown to yellow, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅ on costal margin about 0.7 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 1.2× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 2.8× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere pale yellow. Legs: All yellow and yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 brown.

Abdomen: Yellow, with brown bands along anterior half of tg and pale hind margin becoming broader at sides.

Postabdomen: Very small and pale hypopygium; most structures translucent; hyp particularly small and narrow; surs and prg run parallel to each other, surs originating from lower end of ep and prg from posterior end of hyp where this fuses with ep; ep itself small, trapezoidal and invaginated into space within tg 6; pregenital st small and narrow forming loop around ventral hypopygial opening, posteriorly at midline forms a keel in front of distiph.

Female.

Very similar to male. Postabdomen: tg 7 broad with long setulae; tg and st 8 sclerotized and divided, latter of characterisitc shape, st 7 elongate oval with distinct setulae; s with thinly sclerotized first part of duct; cerc small.

Length: ♂ and ♀ body 1.4 mm, wing 1.5 mm.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Swakopmund [22°40′S:14°33′E], general sweeping, 26–30.i.1972, Southern African Expedition (W25) B.M. 1972–1 (BMNH).

Paratypes: 1♂ 7♀ same data as holotype (BMNH).

Etymology: From Latin pullum (blackish), and refers to this species being predominantly dark coloured.

Diagnosis: Extensively greyish black species with brown third antennal segment and tarsomeres of all legs yellow in ♂ but often brown in ♀, scut setae longer than length of scut, ep shiny dark brown contrasting with the pale cerc; surs unusual, with very short lobes and bilobed distiph projecting backwards rather than forwards.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow (rather dusky due to postmortem changes), ocp black, oc triangle black, fr broad but markedly converging anteriorly so that at level of antennae it is about 0.5 times as wide as at level of anterior oc, face small, depressed and with distinct, narrow but low facial carina, eye oval lying oblique, gena yellow, narrow, at middle about 0.4 height of eye and having numerous pale yellow setulae, 2 short setae at vibrissal corner, mouthparts yellow, 4 setulae on fr with 1 pair of longer setulae in front of oc triangle, 4 short orb getting progressively shorter from back to front, 1 vti and 1 vte, pvt distinct and convergent, ocellars parallel, antenna brown (though not as dark chocolate brown as in atriceps), arista dark, only extreme base of segment 1 yellow.

Thorax: Scutum dark grey, scut dark brown, mtn entirely dark grey, pprn and ntpl yellow, pleura mostly dark grey, but for narrow yellow margins to sutures. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 1 ihu, 2 ntpl, 0+2–3 ia, 1+5 acrs, 4+5 dc only the posterior one well-developed, prpl minute, 1 pa, 2 pairs of marginal scut, all longer than length of scut, 1 katepisternal with shorter seta in front and several setulae on anterior part of sclerite, 1 anepisternal, all setae pale at front of body becoming darker brown on posterior parts.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins brown, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅ on costal margin about 0.6 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 1.3× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 2.8× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Yellow and fine yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 of all legs yellow.

Abdomen: Dark brown with narrow, pale yellow hind margins to all tg.

Postabdomen: Yellow with upper part of ep shiny brown on each side of cerc.

Female.

As male, but several specimens have tarsomeres 5 darkened. Postabdomen: tg 7 divided, st 7 elongated oval with distinct setulae; cerc appear fused to tg 8; hypr distinct, but no special features; st 8 in two small lobes.

Length: ♂ body 1.0 mm, wing 1.1 mm; ♀ body 1.0 mm, wing 1.2 mm. Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Lüderitz [26°39′S:15°10′E], alt. 20 m, 14.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI). Paratypes: 1♂ 5♀ same data as holotype (TAUI).

Aphaniosoma suboculicauda: Frey 1958: 34.

Frey's description, though accurate on most points, has some errors and his illustration of this species is difficult to interpret. Given that so many species have been described since that time, an examination of the types was mandatory. The series of specimens that I received for study from MZH consisted of 11 specimens, none of which is labelled by Frey with the name of the species. The two specimens with a species's name are those that I examined and labelled in 1997 (Ebejer 1998) for the revision of the Palaearctic species of this genus. Although not labelled by Frey as types, all the specimens I examined bear the same data as given in his paper for an unspecified number of specimens. There is no other species of Aphaniosoma that he refers to. For this reason, I consider them all to constitute the type series as Frey implied in his article.

The holotype ♂ carries the following labels: “Holotypus” [red label]; “spec.typ.” [typed], “holotyp [sic]” [hand written below]; “Ins. Cabo Verde, Maio Rib. da Lagoa, 2.2.1954, Lindberg”. It is indeed a male in perfect condition with the phallic complex partly extruded. The apex of the distiph is not visible, but no black structures can be made out, even though the postabdomen is pale and semi translucent. In such cases, dark internal structures are visible through the integument, although detail might not be appreciated. The basiph, surs and psg are pale throughout. The prg cannot be discerned. Frey describes a pair of black spots on tg 6. None of the males in this series has a black spot. The small brown spot that is present is on the ep. Frey's illustration of the male postabdomen and his comments upon it raise the possibility that the specimen it comes from might not be the same species as the one designated as the holotype. However, since all the type series represents one species, I am more inclined to believe that Frey rather overstated the features and in his illustration of the distiph over-inked the dark areas. There are no hairs on the distiph either in the male I dissected or indeed in any species of Aphaniosoma that I have seen with the sole exception of trilobatum sp. n. (see below). Dr Vilkamaa informs me that he has been unable to trace the slide preparations of the two abdomens that are missing from the type series and upon which Frey based his illustration. For these reasons, I give an illustration of a male paratype that I dissected in order to allow this species to be properly recognized. I labelled the remaining specimens as paratypes since they are so referred to, albeit indirectly, in Frey's paper.

♂ “Ins. Cabo Verde, Maio Rib. da Lagoa, 2.2.1954, Lindberg”, in very good condition.

“Paratypus” [red label]; “♂”; “17” [typed in large font]; “Ins. Cabo Verde, Boavista, Fundo de Figueiras, 30.1.1954, Panelius”. This specimen is in very good condition, but the abdomen was neatly removed from tg 3 onwards and therefore I cannot confirm the sex. The colouration of the head and thorax, the proportions of the wing veins and spaces between them and the chaetotaxy suggest that this is the same species as the holotype.

“Paratypus” [red label]; “pinz” [hand written, deciphered correctly?]; “Ins. Cabo Verde, Maio Pedro Vas, 3.2.1954, Lindberg”. This specimen is greasy and very badly damaged: headless, all right legs missing, tarsomeres of middle and hind leg missing on left side, right wing folded, left wing mostly missing and apex of abdomen missing (apparently through damage). There is nothing about the remains of this specimen that suggests it is a different species to the above. There are three more males bearing the same data and all are the same species as this. I dissected one of these.

“Paratypus” [red label]; “18” [typed in large font]; “Ins. Cabo Verde, Boavista Rabil, 31.1.1954, Lindberg”. The specimen is damaged: headless and left wing folded. The abdomen has been cleanly removed from tg 3 onwards. Therefore, I cannot determine the sex. This is the same species as the rest.

“Paratype, ♀ Aphaniosoma suboculicauda Frey, det. M.J. Ebejer, 1997”; “Ins. Cabo Verde, Boavista, Fundo de Figueiras, 30.1.1954, Panelius”. Apart from missing the left wing the specimen is in good condition.

“Paratype, ♀ Aphaniosoma suboculicauda Frey, det. M.J. Ebejer, 1997”; “Ins. Cabo Verde, Maio Pedro Vas, 3.2.1954, Lindberg”. The specimen has the scutum badly cracked, but the parts are still present, the head is shrivelled, but the chaetotaxy can be made out. This is a darker specimen than all the foregoing. It has more extensive darkening of pleura, scutal stripes and abdominal tg. The chaetotaxy is very similar to the foregoing specimens and I consider the chromatic differences of minor importance and well within the variation commonly seen in species of this genus.

Finally, a ♂ also belonging to the same species as above, bears the following label: “Ins. Cabo Verde, S. Tiago Achada, Robao Areia, 11.2.1954, Lindberg”. It has a rather shrivelled head and the scutum is broken, but all parts are present.

Distribution: Cape Verde.

Etymology: From Latin tri- (three-) and lobatus (lobed), and refers to the shape of the male postabdominal processes.

Diagnosis: Predominantly yellow species with 6 dark grey longitudinal stripes on scutum, rather longer setae and setulae, including those on gena, than in congeners, fr with 2 pairs of longer setulae, tarsomere 5 of all legs brown. Male postabdomen with three broad yellow lobes, easily visible without dissection and appearing to be part of same structure. However, when dissected these are surs, prg and tip of ep.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, ocp dark brown except for broad yellow postocular margin and wedgeshaped area from vertex to neck, oc triangle black, fr broad but converging anteriorly so that at level of antennae it is about 0.7 as wide as at level of anterior oc, face small, depressed and with distinct, narrow but low facial carina, eye oval lying oblique, gena yellow, at middle about 0.5 height of eye and having numerous rather longer yellow setulae, 2 short setae at vibrissal corner, mouthparts yellow, 8 setulae on fr with 1 pair of longer setulae above lunule and another in front of oc triangle, 3 orb with 1 short setula in front, 1 vti and 1 vte, pvt distinct and convergent, ocellars long, divergent, antenna yellow, most of second segment of arista dark.

Thorax: Scutum and scut with yellow ground but with 6 dark grey longitudinal stripes on scutum, middle pair confluent anteriorly, scut a little pale brownish on disk, mtn brown, pprn and ntpl yellow, pleura mostly yellow except for a brown patch on anterior and lower part of anepisternum and an inverted dark grey triangle on each lower part of katepisternum and meron, base of haltere black. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 2 posthu, 1 strong ihu, 2 ntpl, 0+4 ia, 2+5 acrs, 3+4 dc only the posterior one well-developed, prpl short, 1 pa, 2 pairs of marginal scut, 1 katepisternal with shorter seta in front and several setulae on anterior part of sclerite, 1 anepisternal, all setae pale brown and rather longer than those in other species described in this article.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins pale brown, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅ on costal margin about 0.4 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about 1.3× length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 2.3× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Yellow and fine yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 of all legs brown.

Abdomen: Brown with narrow, pale yellow hind margins to all tg.

Postabdomen: Yellow with brown ep spot above and lateral to cerc and with distinctly visible large yellow trilobed surs.

Female.

As male, but without secondary sexual characters. Postabdomen: tg 7 divided, st 7 elongate oval with setulae only at apex; tg 8 and st 8 each divided into small sclerites laterally; hypr not identified.

Length: ♂ body 1.1 mm, wing 1.2 mm; ♀ body 1.5 mm, wing 1.6 mm.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Walvis Bay, alt. 5 m, 22°60′S:14°28′E, 6.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Paratypes: NAMIBIA: 5♂ 7♀ same data as holotype (TAUI); 1♂ 1♀ Lüderitz, alt. 20 m, 14.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 1♀ Gobabeb, Kuseib R., 23°34′S:15°03′E, 5.ix.2003, attacked by Laboulbeniales, A. Freidberg (NMWC); SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: 1♂ De Hoop Nature Reserve, alt. 0–200 m, 34°27′S:20°25′E, 10–13.x.1994, R. Danielsson (MZLU).

Etymology: The species name is derived from the type locality, Ugab River in Namibia.

Diagnosis: Almost entirely yellow species with 2 pairs of long setulae on fr, only dark areas are small rectangular patch at anterior end of scutum just above occipital foramen and on metanotum. There are no external features to help in the identification of this species. Male postabdomen with long narrow pointed psg and short truncate prg; surs reduced to an inconspicuous lobe; pregential st with distinct midline ventral projection.

Description:

Male

Head: Entirely yellow, only ocelli ringed with black, fr broad, converging anteriorly so that at level of antennae it is about 0.7 as wide as at level of anterior oc, face small, depressed (carinal area not visible), eye narrow, oval, lying oblique, gena yellow, shrivelled, probably about half height of eye and having numerous yellow setulae, setae at vibrissal corner not seen, mouthparts yellow, 4 setulae on fr with 2 pairs of longer setulae, one above lunule and one in front of oc triangle, 2 short orb and in front of these 2 very short fine setulae,1 vti and 1 vte, pvt distinct and convergent, oc long, divergent, antennal segment 3 yellow, arista dark brown on apical 2/3 of segment 2 of arista.

Thorax: Scutum and scut yellow with pale brown longitudinal stripes on posterior half of scutum and brown patch on extreme anterior scutum above neck, mtn dark brown, pleura yellow. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, 1 ihu, 2 ntpl, 0+3 ia, 2+3 acrs, 3+4 dc only the posterior one well-developed, prpl not seen, 1 pa, 2 pairs of marginal scut, 1 katepisternal, 1 anepisternal, all setae pale, with shorter ones and setulae inconspicuous.

Wing: Hyaline and uniformly microtrichose, veins yellow, distance between R₂₊₃ to R₄₊₅ on costal margin about 0.5 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, distance between crossveins about equal to length of posterior crossvein and length of apical section of Cu about 3× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow.

Legs: Yellow and fine yellow setulose, tarsomere 5 of anterior leg brown.

Abdomen: Yellow on all tg.

Postabdomen: Yellow with no distinctive external features.

Female.

As male, but several specimens have the middle third of femora diffusely infuscated dorsally. (Postabdomen not dissected.)

Length: ♂ and ♀ body 1.2 mm, wing 1.4 mm.

Holotype: ♂ NAMIBIA: Omaruru District, Ugab R., 2 km W Brandberg Wes, 20°58′05″S:14°06′36″E, 23.x.1998, sweeping, E. Marais (in glycerine, NMNW).

Paratypes: 2♂ 8♀ same data as holotypes (in alcohol, NMNW).

Remarks. The holotype is not in good condition due to some shrivelling and broken setae.

Type species: Rhicnoessa minutissima Bezzi, 1908: 200, here designated.

Etymology: From Greek krifos (secret, secluded) and myia (fly), and refers to the genus being rare and unobtrusive.

Diagnosis: Well-developed, broad facial carina extending from lunule to just below antennae where it broadens laterally leaving antennae in deep pits; head short with rather inflated fr that has parallel margins and which, in profile, is visible all along eye margin from vertex to antenna, gena higher than height of eye which, in profile, is round to oval and small relative to head size, when compared to other genera; pvt present, ihu minute, posthu short, sa and katepisternal setae absent, veins R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ converging slightly towards apex, apicoventral seta on mid tibia present.

Description:

Head: Rectangular in profile and almost twice higher than long; fr broad and parallelsided, protruding above and in front of eye margin when seen in profile; finely setulose; gena deep, at middle equal to or greater than height of eye and with wide post genal dilation; fine pale setulose, postgenal seta absent; face long with very broad carina extending from lunule to just below antennae, where it widens; thus, antennae lie in deep fossae, with segments 1 and 2 very short, segment 3 rounded except for shallow dorsal excavation near insertion of arista; arista with 3 segments and shorter than usual for the family; 2 short reclinate orb, 1 vti and 1 vte, both shorter than usual for this family, oc setae divergent, pvt minute and parallel, sometimes absent, few postocular setulae in one row; mouthparts all yellow, well-developed with long proboscis, geniculate labella and narrow elongated palp.

Thorax: A little shorter and broader than usual for the family. Chaetotaxy: 1 short pprn and 1 short posthu, a minute but distinctly incurved ihu, 2 ntpl, 1 pa, 1 short post ia, 1 dc, acrs very short and in more than 2 irregular rows, 1 anepisternal closer to upper margin; absent sa and katepisternal setae; scut with 1 pair basals and 1 pair subapicals, all about as long as dc.

Wing: Hyaline, veins very pale yellow, only Cu along discal vein a little darkened; RM stem vein thickened; anal cell pointed apically along anal vein; costal setulae all fine and pale; R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ very slightly divergent. Haltere yellow with creamy white knob.

Legs: Entirely dull yellow with short pale setulae, only claws darkened; apicoventral seta of mid tibia present and longer than diameter of tibia at apex; legs without dilated segments or special modifications.

Abdomen: All tg normally sclerotized and with a few very fine setulae scattered thinly on all segments, but on tg 6, which is as long as tg 5, stronger and more numerous setulae present.

Postabdomen: Male hypopygium very small with reduced appendages, short ph apd and markedly simplified ph compared to the rest of the family. Female abdomen with 8 segments, sclerotized st 8; 2 unpigmented s.

Remarks. This genus belongs to the Aphaniosominae because of the following combination of characters: absent incurved lower orb, concave ocp, long apicoventral seta on mid tibia, anepisternal seta above middle of posterior margin, incurved ihu setula, absent hemispherical ep. With Paraphaniosoma it shares the post ia seta and more than two rows of scutal setulae between dc lines. However, it differs in the much simplified hypopygial structures, absent sa and katepisternal setae, markedly different shaped head, well-developed proboscis and in the wing having the costal vein with spinescent setulae and a thickened hu crossvein.

Distribution: Atlantic coast of southern Africa (Namibia) (Fig. 70).

Ecology: Krifomyia, known from a single species so far, is rare and by all accounts a rather cryptic inhabitant of hot dry coastal regions.

Rhicnoessa minutissima: Bezzi 1908: 200.

The type material consists of 1♂ and 1♀ from Namibia, both in poor condition, preserved together in 70 % alcohol. The male was partially dissected by Munari (Munari 1994) who was the first to recognize that this species did not belong to the Tethinidae (now a subfamily of the Canacidae), but to the Chyromyidae. The head of the male was separated from the body, as were a wing (the other missing) and the abdomen. The thorax has one of each of the fore, middle and hind legs, the rest are missing. The abdomen is squashed and partly macerated. The female is badly shrivelled, but retains most of its parts. Nevertheless, there are sufficient discernible characters to allow me to confidently assign to this species a number of specimens collected more recently, also from Namibia, which are better preserved. The descriptions and drawings are based on these specimens.

Redescription:

Male.

Head: All yellow; in profile rectangular and almost twice higher than long; fr broad and parallel-sided, about 3× width of eye viewed from in front, protruding above and in front of eye margin viewed in profile; with about 10 short and fine setulae scattered on it; eye oval, gena deep, at middle equal to or greater than height of eye and with wide postgenal dilation; several short fine pale setulae scattered over lower part, postgenal seta absent; face with very broad carina extending from lunule to below antennae, leaving from this level to buccal margin a relatively large rectangular sclerotized area; antenna in deep fossa, segments 1 and 2 not visible, segment 3 rounded except for shallow dorsal excavation near insertion of arista; arista with 3 segments, a little shorter than is usual for this family, first 2 segments and base of segment 3 pale; 2 short reclinate orb and one fine setula in front, 1 vti and 1 vte, both shorter than is usual in this family, oc setae divergent, pvt minute and parallel, sometimes absent, few postocular setulae in one row; mouthparts all yellow, well-developed with long proboscis, geniculate labella and narrow elongated palp.

Thorax: Yellow, often with longitudinal pale brown scutal stripes, pleura always yellow.

Chaetotaxy: scut yellow dorsally but with dark spot laterally at base continuous with a dark brown line along entire lower border of scut; 1 short pprn and 1 short posthu, a minute but distinctly incurved ihu, 2 ntpl, 1 pa, 1 short post ia, 1 dc, scutal setulae very short and fine in 4–6 irregular rows, 1 anepisternal closer to upper margin; absent sa and katepisternal setae; scut with 2 pairs of marginals, basals and subapicals all about as long as dc.

Wing: Hyaline; veins very pale yellow, only Cu along discal vein a little darkened; RM stem vein thickened, anal cell pointed apically along anal vein; costal setulae all fine and pale. Haltere yellow with creamy white knob.

Legs: Entirely dull yellow with short pale setulae, only claws darkened; apicoventral seta of mid tibia present and longer than diameter of tibia at apex; legs without dilated segments or special modifications.

Abdomen: All tg with brown dorsal bands, leaving hind and lateral margins pale yellowish white; a few very fine setulae scattered thinly on all segments, but segment 6, which is as long as segment 5, has stronger and more numerous setulae.

Postabdomen: Very small and poorly sclerotized except for margins of hyp; ep poorly developed, but complete dorsally; cerc minute, translucent and very finely setulose; surs elongate, fused with ep and finely setulose; ph sclerotized but simple, almost tubular; ph apd very small and indistinct, only anterior apex sclerotized, gonites and ej apd could not be identified.

Female.

Very similar to male. All abdominal segments with midline sclerites. Postabdomen: tg 7 complete; st 8 sclerotized with small posteromedial lobe and setae ventrally; hypr small oval with fine setulae apically; cerc in proportion to adjacent structures rather large and setose apically.

Length: ♂ and ♀ body 1.3 mm, wing 1.2 mm.

Variation: Presence and colour of scutal stripes variable, number of setulae on fr and acrs a little variable, otherwise all specimens examined are remarkably similar.

Type material examined: syntypes NAMIBIA: ♂ “Klein Namaland, SW Africa, leg. Shultz (Humbolt)” (ZMHB); 1♀ same data (ZMHB).

Other material examined: NAMIBIA: 1♀ Lüderitz District, Agate Beach, 10 km N Lüderitz, alt. 3 m, low coastal vegetated dunes, 18.ii.1974, M.E. & B.J. Irwin (NMSA); 6♀ Skeleton Coast Park, Unjab R. Delta, 20°11′S:13°13′E, 18–26.vii.1990, C.S. Roberts, pitfall traps (NMWC); 1♂ Lüderitz District, [missing locality] 27°34′S:15°28′E, 15–25.xi.1993, E. Marais, pitfall traps (in glycerine, NMWC); 1♂ 3♀ same data (in alcohol, NMNW); 1♀ Walvis Bay, alt. 5 m, 22°60′S:14°28′E, 6.ix.2003, A. Freidberg (TAUI).

Type species: Aphaniosoma sexvittata Lamb, 1914, here designated.

Etymology: From Latin par (like) and Aphaniosoma, the genus which it resembles.

Diagnosis: Separation of genus from Aphaniosoma is easy on basis of well-developed pra and post ia setae, scutal setulae in six or more rows between dc lines, only one strong dc and reduced or absent pvt. As in Aphaniosoma, strong apicoventral seta present on mid tibia, longer than diameter of tibia at apex.

Description:

Head: Margins of fr converge anteriorly; ocp concave, gena much narrower than height of eye; 1–5 orb reducing in size from back to front, all reclinate; 1 strong vti and 1 strong vte, pvt absent or minute and inconsistently present within a species; mouthparts normal; antenna as for the rest of the family, but arista 2-segmented.

Thorax: Appears somewhat elongated, a little less arched and usually with distinct longitudinal stripes on scutum. Chaetotaxy: 1 to 2 pprn, 1 ihu, 1 posthu, 2 ntpl, 1 pra, 1 sa, 1 pa, 1 post ia, 0+1–2 dc, scutal setulae in 4–8 rows with long prscut, 1 anepisternal at top of posterior border, 1 katepisternal at upper hind corner, no prpl; scut with basal and subapical pair.

Wing: Hyaline; crossveins and vein separating discal from basal cell translucent; R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ parallel or nearly so. Haltere without special modifications.

Legs: Normal, with no special modifications, mid tibia ventrally at apex with strong seta.

Abdomen: 6 visible tg in male, 7 or 8 in female; in both sexes, tg more or less uniformly short setulose.

Male postabdomen of the Aphaniosoma s. str. type, i.e., a small, partly internalized ep and markedly modified gonites and pregenital st. Female postabdomen with large tg 7, cerc separated from segment 8, which has a pair of sclerotized st plates.

Distribution: East Palaearctic, Afrotropical (Fig. 70), Oriental, ?Australasian. Most species are undescribed.

Ecology: Little is known about this genus, but the few records for Paraphaniosoma seem to be mainly from coastal and estuarine localities in hot tropical and subtropical climates. As more species undoubtedly will be discovered, this postulation could change.

Aphaniosoma sexvittata: Lamb 1914: 356.

The original description of P. sexvittatum, although accurate, lacks detail and would not satisfactorily differentiate this species from other undescribed species I have seen from the East Palaearctic and Oriental regions (Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Taiwan). Therefore, a more detailed redescription is provided with figures of the male and female postabdomen.

The detailed description of the characters given by Lamb (1914), and the characters given in the key to genera provided in this article, serve to identify this species with relative ease. Additional characters and illustrations are given below, based on more material of this species from Aldabra (Seychelles).

Redescription:

Male.

Head: Yellow, oc triangle yellow, but ocelli ringed with black; ocp brown except for broad postocular margin; fr narrow, at level of anterior oc about 0.4 width of head and at level of antennae about 0.6 width of that at level of anterior oc; eye elongate oval, lying oblique. Chaetotaxy: 2 reclinate orb with 3 short pale setulae in front, 1 vti and 1 vte, minute pvt (absent in some specimens); ocellars long and divergent with pair of short setulae behind these in between posterior ocelli; 14 setulae scattered on fr, but 6 of these in front of oc triangle about as long and strong as anterior orb; postoculars in one row; gena pale yellow and very pale yellow setulose with stronger setulae on oral margin, gena at middle about 0.5 highest diameter of eye; mouthparts yellow, palpus narrow; face mostly membranous with a very thin and shallow facial carina; antenna yellow, second segment paler with very thin short and pale dorsal seta; arista all brown, bare.

Thorax: Yellow, paler on pleura, scutum with 6 longitudinal dark brown stripes all separated from each other and from a brown patch at anterior end of scutum; middle stripes run from just anterior to transverse suture to scut, lateral to these and from behind transverse suture, a stripe runs between dc and ia lines of setulae on each side and another between sa and ia rows; a brown tiangular spot lies medial to pprn and confluent or narrowly separated from anterior dark scutal patch; anepisternum with brown streak at its lower margin and anepimeron with brown streak at its anterior margin, mtn brown, scut mostly yellow except for broad pale brown patch on disc and dark brown spot on sides at base. Chaetotaxy: 2 pprn, 2 ntpl, 1 posthu, 1 short ihu, 1 pra, 0+2 dc (anterior one short), 1 short sa, 1 long pa and 1 long post ia, scutal setulae in 4–6 irregular rows between dc lines, with stronger prscut pair, scut with basal and subapical pair, 1 anepisternal at upper hind margin and 1 katepisternal at upper hind corner.

Wing: Hyaline with pale brown veins; R₂₊₃ somewhat undulating at middle, R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ parallel and on costal margin separated by a distance equal to half distance between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂; crossveins and vein between discal and basal cell translucent pale yellow, distance between crossveins equal to 1.2× length of posterior crossvein. Haltere yellow with paler knob.

Legs: Yellow and pale brown setulose, hind trochanter normal, claws and pulvilli normal, mid tibia with strong ventral seta at apex. I cannot make out any row of short spines on the top of the front femora as described by Lamb (1914).

Abdomen: tg dark brown, dull with brown dusting, tg 5 with dorsal elongated quadrate brown spots, otherwise yellow; setulae brown to black about half length of tg.

Postabdomen: tg 6 narrow and brown, cerc very small, narrow and pale, pregenital st broad with deep excavation fringed with dense long pale setulae, surs visible in this space as 2 short black sinuous projections.

Female.

As male, but tg 6–8 each with 2 brown almost triangular spots narrowly separated at middle. Postabdomen: tg 7 complete and st 7 thinly sclerotized; tg 8 in two small lateral sclerites; st 8 larger than tg 8 and microtrichose; hypr distinct, trapezoidal and of similar size to small cerc, both structures with fine setulae.

Length: ♂ and ♀ body 1.5 mm, wing 1.5 mm.

Type material examined: SEYCHELLES: ♂ (holotype) “Mahé 08–9, Seychelles Exp. / Prof. J.S. Gardiner 1914-537 / A. sexvittata Lamb [handwritten] / Type H.T.” [on a red bordered label] (BMNH); 3♀ (paratypes) same data (1♀ BMNH, 2♀ CUMZ). Note: The holotype is in a reasonable condition: the pin damages only a part of the right half of the thorax. It has “spec 120” written on the mount.

Other material examined: MAURITIUS: 1♂ Wolmar, 1–2 km S, coast roadside, 1.vi.2000, J.W. Ismay (OXUM). SEYCHELLES: 1♀ Aldabra, West I., at light, nr settlement, 30–31.i.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson (NHML); 3♂ 3♀ Aldabra, West I., at light, nr settlement, 21–31.iii.1968, B. Cogan & A. Hutson (NHML); 1♀ Seychelles, North I., Calophyllum (Clusiaceae) woodland, 30.vii.2000, Malaise trap, J. Gerlach (NMWC).

Distribution: Mauritius, Seychelles.

Type species: Aphaniosoma deemingi Ebejer, 1996, here designated.

Etymology: From the Greek name Tethys (the sea goddess in mythology) and myia (fly), denoting the affinity of this genus with seashore habitats.

Diagnosis: Very small pale flies with rather large round head or head higher than long, very broad gena, well-developed, but narrow facial carina not reaching buccal margin, thus lower part of face between anterior eye margins flat, more or less square and carina therefore less conspicuous than in Krifomyia; recessed antenna, but not in deep fossa; chaetotaxy generally reduced and fine, 2 very short orb set high on fr, 1 dc, scutal setulae in 4–10 rows between dc lines, absent pra and sa setae, but post ia, pa and katepisternal present even though short; R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂ slightly convergent; male postabdomen exceptionally small with dorsally narrow, complete epandrium; female with poorly sclerotized s, pigmented or unpigmented.

Description:

Head: More or less round and rather large in proportion to thorax, fr broad and moderately convex and protruding in front of eye margin, eye round or only slightly oval, gena broad, at least half height of eye, finely setulose, ocp concave though not quite as much as in Aphaniosoma, face poorly sclerotized with distinct carina in upper half between antennae, antennae small with third segment rounded, arista 2-segmented, about twice as long as rest of antenna, thickened at base, but rapidly becoming thinner, mouthparts small, palp minute oval and finely setulose, labella not elongated, setulae along buccal margin, including those at vibrissal corner, short and fine. Chaetotaxy: 0–3 very short orb, 1 vti and 1 vte both short, pvt minute or absent.

Thorax: Rather rounded, not elongated, scut of normal shape. Chaetotaxy: 1 pprn, 1 posthu, ihu present or absent, 2 ntpl, 1 dc, scutal setulae very fine and pale in 4–8 rows between dc lines, pra and sa absent, 1 post ia, 1 pa, 1 anepisternal, 1 katepisternal, anepisternal and katepisternal setulae scanty and extremely fine or minute, scut with usual 4 marginals.

Wing: Hyaline, relatively short and broad, veins very pale yellow, hu break present, subcosta merges with R1 before latter joins costa, no erect spinose setulae on dorsal aspect of costa, R₄₊₅and M₁₊₂ slightly convergent towards apex. Haltere short, pale with pale knob.

Legs: Slender, femora not dilated, segments of all legs pale and finely setulose, mid tibia with apicoventral seta longer than diameter of tibia at apex, hind metatarsus sometimes dilated, hind trochanter normal.

Abdomen: More or less oval and slightly dorsoventrally compressed, 6 segments in male and 7 in female, tg with fine setulae, st poorly sclerotized.

Postabdomen: Atypical for Aphaniosominae and closer to that of Krifomyia, with reduced modification of hypopygial structures, which are simple and partially within small ep; ep distinct from tg 6 and surs fused to it, apparently formed of extension of inferior margin.

Distribution: Coasts and islands of the Gulf of Mexico, Red Sea (Fig. 70), Indian and Pacific oceans.

Ecology: Probably associated with saline marshes and mangroves in coastal localities, in hot, tropical and subtropical climates.

Aphaniosoma deemingi: Ebejer 1996: 289.

This small species was described from a female taken in Oman. With additional specimens of both sexes now available, its distinctive characters may be better appreciated. The male is described and the postabdomen of both sexes is illustrated.

Description:

Male.

Head: Yellow, large and higher than long, fr broad with barely converging eye margins, antenna small and recessed, gena with numerous setulae and about as broad as height of eye, which is round, numerous fr setulae of equal length, 1 orb set far back and hardly longer than fr setulae, pvt minute.

Thorax: Yellow with faint deeper yellow longitudinal stripes on scutum. Chaetotaxy: numerous fine setulae over whole dorsal surface, 1 pprn, 1 short posthu which is a little less than twice length of adjacent setulae, 1 long dc and a shorter one in front, 1 short prscut pair of acrs, others not differentiated from general scutal setulae, scut with usual 4 marginals, prpl setula absent (specimen pinned through sides, but in other specimens anepisternal seta present and katepisternal absent).

Wing: Translucent and slightly iridescent with broad anal margin; veins very pale yellow to white; R₂₊₃ and R₄₊₅ run more or less parallel to each other and distance between them on costa about 0.9 that between R₄₊₅ and M₁₊₂, which converge towards apex; costa with stouter spine-like setulae and very few thin setulae; costa thinned out but not broken just beyond hu crossvein, subcosta vestigial, visible only as a fold. Haltere pale yellow. Legs: Not dilated or modified, entirely pale yellow and short yellow setulose; tibia 2 with dark apicoventral seta.

Abdomen: Yellow with light brown bands on middle part of tg 2–5; very short setae on disc of tg, longer and stronger on tg 6; st largely membranous.

Postabdomen: Very small and inconspicuous in dry specimens; tg 6 longer than tg 5 when viewed from above, ep narrow dorsally, but broad laterally and ventrally such that most hypopygial structures lie within its boundaries; cerc relatively large and sclerotized with numerous and very fine setulae, hyp forming bridge between lower incurved margins of ep, surs in form of short lobe arising from posteromedial border of ep, prg very small, arising from posterior edge of hyp, psg not identified, ph simple with short narrow ph apd.

Female.

Similar to male in external characters. Postabdomen: tg 7 complete, tg 8 small and with minute setulae along anterior border; st 8 larger and with 2 setae at posterior border, ventrally; hypr distinct with fine setulae, cerc small and round; s poorly sclerotized, conical and with first part of duct thinly sclerotized.

Holotype (examined): OMAN: ♀ Dhofar, Khor Rouri [Khawr Rawri, 17°03′S:54°26′E], 12.xi.1992, J.C. Deeming (NMWC).

Other material examined: EGYPT: 1♂ Sinai, Taba, 1.v.1996, A. Freidberg (TAUI); 3♀ Sinai, Taba, 10 km S, 1.v.1996, I. Yarom (TAUI); 1♀ Sinai, Ras Umm Burqa', 1.v.1996, I. Yarom (TAUI). OMAN: 1♀ N Masirah Island, BERS Camp, 5–7.iii.1995, S.P. Dance (NMWC).

Distribution: Egypt, Oman.