Genus Dolichodema Kertész

Dolichodema Kertész 1916: 147 . Type species, Dolichodema africanum Kertész, by original designation. Nemodema Lindner 1958: 122 . Type species, Nemodema nudibasis Lindner, by monotypy. Syn. n.

Lindner (1958) described Nemodema based on a single specimen from Zimbabwe. He differentiated the genus from Dolichodema solely on the basis of its having very little pilosity on the first two antennal segments. I have recently examined the holotype of N. nudibasis Lindner, and while the pilosity is short and sparse, it is present on both the scape and pedicel, and is more evident on the latter. On the scape it is somewhat difficult to observe, and it is possible that some of it has been abraded off. I have seen a number of additional specimens that are conspecific, and some of these have more evident pilosity on the scape. In all specimens the pilosity is whitish and mostly appressed to the cuticular surface. Pilosity is more evident on the scape and pedicel of D. africanum and although short, it is easier to observe because it is black. I regard this character state as trivial and not warranting recognition of separate taxa.

Other than the slight differences in antennal pilosity discussed above, the three species that I have examined that are referable to Dolichodema are very similar in structure. All have similar antennal structure, with flagellomeres 7 and 8 covered with a vestiture of stiff, bristly black hairs that obscures the cuticular surface. The apex of flagellomere 8 is not modified into an arista-like style, and flagellomere 8 is 2.5–3.0 times longer than 7. I regard these character states as autapomorphic for Dolichodema .