Laccophilus adspersus Boheman, 1848

Bistroem, Olof, Nilsson, Anders N. & Bergsten, Johannes, 2015, Taxonomic revision of Afrotropical Laccophilus Leach, 1815 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae), ZooKeys 542, pp. 1-379 : 89-96

Taxon classification Animalia Coleoptera Dytiscidae

Laccophilus adspersus Boheman, 1848 Figs 69-70, 261-264, 419, 544

Laccophilus adspersus Boheman 1848: 246 (original description, faunistics); Sharp 1882: 287, 819 (description, faunistics); v. d. Branden 1885: 20 (catalogue, faunistics); Régimbart 1894: 237 (description, faunistics); Régimbart 1895: 135 (discussion, description, faunistics); Régimbart 1905: 208 (faunistics); Régimbart 1906: 248 (faunistics); Régimbart 1908: 5 (faunistics); Zimmermann 1920a:16 (catalogue, faunistics); Peschet 1925: 31 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1931: 756 (description, biology, faunistics); Gschwendtner 1932a: 12 (faunistics); Gschwendtner 1935a: 15 (faunistics); Guignot 1946c: 270, 273, 274, 276, 278, 312 (description, faunistics, discussion); Guignot 1953c: 145 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1956: 21 (faunistics, biology); Omer-Cooper 1957: 16, 18, 19, 90 (description, discussion, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1958a: 59 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1958b: 37, 47 (discussion, description, faunistics); Guignot 1959a: 562, 566 (description, discussion, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1962: 295 (faunistics); Bertrand 1963: 411 (discussion, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1965: 77, 85 (description, faunistics); Bertrand and Legros 1967: 862 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1970: 290, 291, 292, 293, 294 (description, discussion, faunistics); Medler 1980: 155 (faunistics, list.); Bilardo 1982b: 251 (faunistics); Bilardo and Rocchi 1987: 104: (faunistics, biology); Pederzani 1988: 107 (faunistics, biology); Bilardo and Rocchi 1990: 162, 177 (faunistics, biology); Curtis 1991: 186 (faunistics); Nilsson and Persson 1993: 80 (discussion); Rocchi 2000: 24 (faunistics); Nilsson 2001: 240 (catalogue, faunistics); Bilardo and Rocchi 2002: 173 (list, faunistics); Pederzani and Reintjes 2002: 38 (faunistics); Reintjes 2004: 66 (faunistics); van Vondel 2005: 130 (faunistics, biology); Nilsson 2015: 208 (catalogue, faunistics).

Laccophilus livens Severin 1892: 472 (nomen nudum, discussion); Régimbart 1895: 135 (original description, faunistics); Zimmermann 1920a:21 (catalogue, faunistics); Zimmermann 1926: 24 (faunistics, discussion); Gschwendtner 1930: 88 (faunistics); Gschwendtner 1931: 180 (faunistics); Gschwendtner 1935a: 15: (faunistics); Gschwendtner 1938a: 5 (faunistics); Gschwendtner 1938b: 337 (faunistics); Guignot 1943: 99 (faunistics); Guignot 1946c: 269, 273, 276, 277, 312 (description, faunistics, discussion); Guignot 1953b: 234 (faunistics); Legros 1954: 268 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1957: 16 (synonym Laccophilus adspersus Boh.); Legros 1958: 211 (faunistics); Guignot 1959a: 558, 562, 565, 566 (description, discussion, faunistics); Guignot 1959d: 161, 162 (discussion, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1965: 85 (list, synonymy); Omer-Cooper 1970 a: 290, 291, 292, 29 (list, synonymy); Hernando 1990: 177, 178: (discussion, description); Nilsson 2001: 240 (catalogue faunistics, list, synonymy); Pederzani and Reintjes 2002: 40 (faunistics); Nilsson 2015: 208 (catalogue, faunistics). Confirmed synonym.

Laccophilus vitshumbii Guignot 1959d: 161 (original description, faunistics); Guignot 1961b: 238 (faunistics, discussion); Omer-Cooper 1970: 290, 293, 294 (discussion, description); Nilsson and Persson 1993: 58, 80, 94 (faunistics, biology); Nilsson 2001: 253 (catalogue, faunistics); Pederzani and Reintjes 2002: 40 (faunistics); Nilsson 2015: 219 (catalogue, faunistics). New synonym.

Laccophilus adspersus nigeriensis Omer-Cooper 1970: 291, 292, 293 (original description, faunistics); Medler 1980: 155 (catalogue, faunistics); Nilsson 2001: 240 (catalogue, faunistics); Pederzani and Reintjes 2002: 38 (faunistics); Nilsson 2015: 208 (catalogue, faunistics). New synonym.

Laccophilus adspersus sudanensis Omer-Cooper 1970: 292, 293 (original description, faunistics); Nilsson 2001: 240 (catalogue, faunistics); Pederzani and Reintjes 2002: 38 (faunistics); Nilsson 2015: 208 (catalogue, faunistics). New synonym.

Type localities.

Laccophilus adspersus : South Africa: Caffraria interior.

Laccophilus livens : Zaire: Boma.

Laccophilus vitshumbii : Zaire: Lake Edouard, Vitshumbi.

Laccophilus adsperus nigeriensis: Nigeria: Jos.

Laccophilus adspersus sudanensis: Sudan: S of Rumbek near Wulu.

Type material studied

(56 exs.). Lectotype (by present designation): male: "Caffraria. / J. Wahlb. / Paratype / 3465 E91 / Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet Stockholm Loan no 1261/05" (NHRS). [Commments: no holotype was chosen in original description and neither has any lectotype thus far been designated. One male specimen is provided with Typus label but unfortunately its dissected genitalia are missing. We have dissected another male belonging to the type series (labelled paratype). Male genitalia is preserved in this specimen and we have chosen it therefore to be lectotype of Laccophilus adspersus Boheman.] - Paralectotypes: Same data as lectotype, but labelled as "Typus / Allotypus / Paratypus" (4 exs. NHRS).

Laccophilus livens : Lectotype (by present designation) male: Label with “male” symbol / Matadi Congo / Type / Laccophilus livens Rég.” (MNHN). - Paralectotypes: "Banana-Boma M. Tschoffen 91. Det. Régimb. 91 / 11174 / Régimbart det. 1891: Laccophilus livens Rég. / Ex. Typis" (7 exs. IRSNB). [Comment: one additional paralectotype in IRSNB with same data belongs to another species (= Laccophilus modestus Régb.)]; "Paratype / Banana-Boma M. Tschoffen 91. Det. Régimb. 91 / 11174 / Type Laccophilus livens Régt.“Type” (1 ex. BMNH); "Cotype / Congo / Laccophilus livens Régt.“Co-type”” (1 ex. BMNH); "Severin Banana Africa / Banana Boma M. Tshoffen 91 Dét. Régimb. / Laccophilus livens Rég. Type / Type" (1 ex. RMNH); same, but "Afr. occ." (2 exs. RMNH); "Matadi M. Tshoffen / Laccophilus livens Rég. Types / SAM Type Acc. no. 839" (2 exs. SAMC); same data and “Cotype” (1 ex. IRSNB).

Laccophilus vitshumbii : Holotype: male: "Lac Édouard, Vitshumbi, 3043, mare I à Juissiaea M.T. 13-14.VI. 1953" (not studied; in IRSNB according to original description). - Paratypes: studied: "Congo Belge Lac. Edouard Vitshumbi, mare I + Juisseau MT 13-14.VI. 1953, 3043 / male symbol / Paratype" (2 exs. MNHN); "Congo Belge, Lac Edouaurd, Ishango d’Semliki (sur Graminées) 5.II. 1954, 3118a / Paratype" (1 ex. MNHN); "Male symbol / Congo Belge, Lac Edouaurd, Vitshumbi, mare II + Lemna 14.VI. 1953, 3042 / Paratype / Laccophilus vitshumbii " (1 ex. MNHN).

Laccophilus adspersus nigeriensis: Holotype: male: "Type, male symbol / Laccophilus adspersus nigeriensis O-C. / Nigeria, Reservoir, stream, Jos 10.IV. 1963 J.O-C." (AMGS). - Paratypes: " Laccophilus spp. / adspersus ? / Nigeria, stream & reservoir Jos 10.IV. 1963 J. O-C." (4 exs. AMGS); "Nigeria, stream near Zaria 4.IV. 1963 J. O-C." (4 exs. AMGS); "Nigeria (15A), stream Kaduna-Kontagora rd. 3.IV. 1963 J. O-C." (1 ex. AMGS); "Nigeria, river, Jos-Bauchi rd. 9.IV. 1963 J. O-C." (3 exs. AMGS); "Nigeria, river between Jos & Bauchi 9.IV. 1963 J. O-C." (1 ex. AMGS); "Nigeria 27, detritus pond 45 miles from Jos on Bauchi rd 9.IV. 1963 J. O-C." (14 exs. AMGS); " adspersus / Nigeria, stream nr Bukuru 11.IV. 1963 J. O-C:" (1 ex. AMGS).

Laccophilus adspersus sudanensis: Holotype: male: " Laccophilus adspersus subsp. sudanensis O-C. / Type / S. Sudan, rain ponds S. of Rumbek nr. Wulu 19.VII. 1954" (AMGS).

Additional material studied

(428 exs.). Sudan: "Rain ponds S of Rumbek nr Wulu 19.VII. 1954" (1 ex. AMGS); "Upper Nile Malakal 5-20.1. 1963 Linnavuori" (1 ex. MZH); "Equatoria, Mundri-Lalyo 25-26.2. 1963 Linnavuori" (1 ex. MZH); "Equatoria, Mwolo-Mundri 24.2. 1963 Linnavuori" (2 exs. MZH); "Equatoria, Lalyo-Juba 26-27.2. 1963 Linnavuori" (6 exs. MZH); "Equatoria, Loka Forest 8-10.4. 1963 Linnavuori" (1 ex. MZH); "Equatoria, Nzara 22.4. 1986 Wewalka / Laccophilus adspersus sudanensis O-C. det. Wewalka" (6 exs. CGW). - Ethiopia: "Water hole N Makki River, 6000 ft., 28.9. 1926 J. Omer-Cooper" (5 exs. BMNH); "Stream W of Zaquála 6000 ft., 27.10. 1926 J. Omer-Cooper" (1 ex. BMNH, 1 ex. MZH); "Hora Harsadi, Addas 1.12. 1926, 7000 ft, JOC" (1 ex. AMGS); "Hora Horeso 7000 ft., 1.12. 1926 JOC" (1 ex. AMGS). - Ivory Coast: “Comoé NP, N8,5° W3,5° Reintjes / 20.2. 1999 temporary creek" (1 ex. NMW). - Nigeria: "Kontagora pools in dry stream bed 3.IV. 1963 JOC." (2 exs. AMGS); "Stream nr Zaria 4.IV. 1963 JOC." (5 exs. AMGS); "Stream escarpment Jos-Wambe rd 13.IV. 1963 JOC" (1 ex. AMGS); "River between Jos-Bauchi 9.IV. 1963 JOC." (4 exs. AMGS); "A stream nr Bakura 11.IV. 1963 JOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "Stream Kaduna-Zaria rd 4.IV. 1963 JOC (10 exs. AMGS); "Kaduna-Zaria rd 4.IV. 1963 JOC" (2 exs. AMGS); "Stream & reservoir Jos 10.IV. 1963 JOC" (5 exs. AMGS); "Stream 86 miles from Makureli on Jos road 25.IV. 1963" (5 exs. AMGS); "Pools in dry stream bed Kontagora 5.IV. 1963 JOC" (1 ex. AMGS); "Pools, bridge over trib. of R. Niger, rd Kaduna-Kontagora" (1 ex AMGS); "Stream Kaduna-Kontagora rd 3.IV. 1963 JOC" (1 ex. AMGS); "Stream crossing Kaduna rd Zaria 8.IV. 1963 JOC" (1 ex. AMGS); "R. Kaduna 4.5 miles from Jos 13.IV. 1963 JOC." (3 exs. AMGS). - Cameroon: "20 km NW Bangante Forest, savannah at river, at light 15.1. 1978/ Gärdenfors, Hall & Samuelsson leg." (1 ex. MZLU); "Maroua 26.8. 1973" (1 ex. NHMB). - Central African Republic: "Bozo 21.5. 1981/Degallier" (1 ex. MZH); same but "12. 1981" (1 ex. NHMB); same but "8. 1981" (1 ex. NHMB). - Zaire: "Longitshimo River, N-7.163, E20.880, 17.8. 2007 Graham" (1 ex. AMGS); "Lulimbi (Rutshuru) 1976 Lejeune" (2 exs. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 29.9. 1951 De Saeger H. 2494" (2 exs. NHMB) "Parc National Garamba 28.8. 1952 De Saeger H. 3987" (1 ex. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 27.6. 1952 De Saeger H. 3717" (1 ex. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 5.5. 1952 De Saeger H. 3421" (1 ex. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 19.3. 1952 De Saeger H. 3199" (1 ex. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 6.2. 1952 De Saeger H. 3095" (1 ex. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 3.4. 1952 De Saeger H. 3278" (6 exs. MRAC, 3 exx. MZH); "Parc National Garamba 2.4. 1952 De Saeger H. 3272" (2 exs. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 31.8. 1952 De Saeger H. 3870" (2 exs. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 1.8. 1952 De Saeger H. 3871" (1 ex. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 4.4. 1952 De Saeger H. 3290" (1 ex. MRAC); "Parc National Garamba 1.9. 1952 De Saeger H. 4035" (5 exs. MRAC); "Katanga, Mwadingusha 21.5. 1965 Verheyen leg." (1 ex, MRAC). - Uganda: "Kampala Hoima Rd 16.4. 1929 G.L.R. Hancock" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kampala 30.1. 1927 H. Hargreaves" (2 exs. AMGS). - Kenya: "Mombasa 25 km Nord palude de Kikalibala presso strada 14.7. 1968 Pederzani" (1 ex. AMGS); "Mombasa 30 km Nord Kikalibala swamp 14.7. 1968 Pederzani" (1 ex. AMGS); "Lambwe Valley, on light 11.6. 1974 van Etten" (2 exs. RMNH); "Manjewa R. Mariakani Kilifi / Kwale district 16.4. 1976 Holmen 4281" (1 ex. MZH); "Pond NE of Mariakani, Kilifi Distr. 16.9. 1976 Holmen 6076" (1 ex. ZMUC); Momb. Kilifi district 17.9. 1976 Holmen EF 8057" (1 ex. ZMUC); "Dam N of Gotani, Kilifi District 15.9. 1976 Holmen 5987" (1 ex. ZMUC); "Arabuko Sokoke Forest (30 km S Malindi) 8-24.6. 1998 Bartolozzi & Sforzi leg. alla luce" (1 ex. CSR); "Arabuko Sokoke Forest Res., Kilifi Distr., 20 km S Malindi/21.5.-7.6. 1994 Bartolozzi et al" (2 exs. CSR); "Thika 7.12. 1989 Jäch leg." (1 ex. NMW); "Nairobi 3.11. 1967 / Reichart leg." (1 ex. USNM); "Rabur 20.11. 1967 / Reichart leg." (1 ex. USNM); "Kiserian 26.10. 1967/Reichart leg." (1 ex. USNM, 1 ex. MZH); same data but "30.10. 1967" (1 ex. USNM); "Kibwezi Scheffler" (1 ex. ZMHB); "Meru Distr., Mourglia/Matiri (Mituguu) 8.11. 1983 800 m" (3 exs. NHMB); "Wa Kikuyu Bassin de l’Athi, Alluaud N. 1908" (1 ex. NHMB); "Br. O. A. Fort Hall" (1 ex. NHMB). - Tanzania: "Petukiza, ponds Tanga district 23.9. 1976 Holmen 1772" (1 ex. ZMUC); "Lukoka Pond, Tanga District 22.9.1976 Holmen 7230" (1 ex. ZMUC); "Tanganyika Ukerewe VII. 1933" (3 exs. OLML); "Kilimandjaro Sjöstedt 1905-1906/Kibonoto 1000-1300 m/21 Sept." (1 ex. NHMB, 6 exs. NHRS, 3 exs. ZMHB); “Wembäre Steppe 6. 1911" (1 ex. ZMHB); "Pr. Shinyanga 60 km E Kahama 22.12. 2006 1150 m Kudrna Jr. lgt." (1 ex. CFP); "Pond in stream bed, 107 mi from Dodoma 15.2. 1954" (1 ex. AMGS). - Angola: "Ca 10 mls W of Cainde, c. 3500 ft 15.4. 1954 / stagnant water hole, nitellid algae and muddy silt" (10 exs. BMNH, 2 exx. MZH); "Namakunda 6. 1948 16.15E. 18.50S C. Koch leg."(1 ex. BMNH). - Zambia: "Kasempa env. 16-18.11. 2006, Z. Jindra leg." (1 ex. NMPC); "Chinganganka 17.3. 1993 lux 15°53' / 28°11'E, lux, hills, Uhlig leg." (1 ex. ZMHB); "Kafue NP, Chunga Camp 26-29.3. 1993, 15°02'S / 26°00'E, lux, Göllner leg." (1 ex. ZMHB); "Kafue NP, Chunga Camp 27.3. 1993, 15°02'35"S / 26°00'09"E, lux, Uhlig leg." (2 exs. ZMHB); "Africa Copperbelt Pr. Muekera 23.1. 1982 Selander / rain pond" (1 ex. MZH). - Malawi: "R Mtiti N of Lilongwe 1.X. 1948 JOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "R Diedma Lilongwe rd. 30.IX. 1948 JOC." (2 exs. AMGS); "River nr Dedza 28.IX. 1948 JOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "Stream 20 miles from Dedza on lower Lilongwe rd 30.IX. 1948" (4 exs. AMGS); "Dedza dam on lower Lilongwe rd 29.9. 1948" (2 exs. AMGS); "Dedza env. 6-13.1. 2002 Bezdek leg." (1 ex. NMPC); "Balaka env. 19-20.7. 2001 J. Bezdek leg." (3 exs. NMPC, 1 ex. MZH); same but "5-6.1. 2002" (4 exs. NMPC, 1 ex. MZH); "Balaka env., 19.12. 2002 180 km SE Lilongwe Kantner" (1 ex. NHMB); "Stream (?) N of R. Mtiti X. 1948 / Paratype / Laccophilus simulator sp. n. det. J. O. Cooper" (1 ex. IRSNB; paratype Laccophilus simulator O-C.). - Zimbabwe: "Wankie Game Res. JOC. Waterholes / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. JOC. (2 exs. AMGS); "Wankie Game Res. 5 Sept. 1948 JOC. Ponds at Robins Restcamp / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. JOC." (2 exs. AMGS); "Wankie Game Res. September 1948 JOC., waterhole / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. JOC." (4 exs. AMGS); "Wankie Game Res. 2.IX. 1948 JOC. / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. JOC." (2 exs. AMGS); "5 mi SE Wankie 7.4. 1968 Spangler" (2 exs. USNM); "Gokwe Sengwa W. Laccophilus R.I. 28.12. 1982 -4.1. 1983 Bell / blacklight" (1 ex. NHMB); "Shangani R. 13.IX. 1948 J. O-C. / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. JOC." (2 exs. AMGS); "Stream Halfway hotel Gatooma Salisbury 14.IX. 1948 JOC." (3 exs. AMGS); "Stream Halfway hotel Gatooma-Salisbury 14.IX. 1948 / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. JOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "Pool Lundi 22.N. 1948 J.O-C." (5 exs. AMGS); "Sinkukwe 30 Dec. 1948 JOC." (21 exs. AMGS, 3 exs. USNM, 1 ex. MZH); "Salisbury Mashonaland 1893 Marshall" (2 exs. SAM); "Nuanetsi River, Majinji Pan 4-5. 1961" (8 exs. BMNH, 1 ex. MZH); "Matopos NP 28.11-1.12. 1993, 20°33'S / 28°30'E lux Uhlig leg." (1 exs. ZMHB, 1 ex. MZH); "Gwai River 3.4. 1968 Spangler" (1 ex. USNM); "Ngezi N.P. env., 1.12. 1998 Kantner" (1 ex. NHMB); "Birkennough Bridge 24.1. 1998 Kantner" (1 ex. NHMB); "Mushandike Sanct. 10.12.1998 Kantner" (2 exs. NHMB, 1 ex. MZH); "Kariba env. 20.12. 1998 Kantner" (1 ex. NHMB); "Pond 26 mi. from Fort Victoria, Beit Bridge Rd.13.11.1948 J.O-C." (2 exs. AMGS). - Namibia: "Omapapurawe Guard Post, 200 m from campsite, Cunene R., N-17.218, E13.645, pool, 15.11. 1997 Bethune et al. (1 ex. AMGS); "Kaokoveld, Sanitatas abt 85 mi WSW Ohopoho 14-16.6. 1951 / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. det. J. Omer-Cooper" (4 exs. MZLU); "Kaokoveld, Kowares 90 mi SE Ohopoho 3.6. 1951" (1 ex. MZLU). - Botswana: "Metsimaklaba 7-12.3. 1930 / Laccophilus livens Régb. det. Gschwendtner" (1 ex. OLML, 6 exs. TMSA); “N’Kate Makarikari 6-23.8. 1930 / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. det. Gschwendtner" (1 ex. TMSA); "Tsotsorogo Pan 17.6.-9.7. 30 / Laccophilus livens Régimbart det. Gschwendtner" (1 ex. OLML, 1 ex. TMSA); "Kasane 25-28.7. 1930 / Laccophilus addendus Shp det. Gschwendtner" (2 exs. TMSA). - South Africa: "Transvaal Sand R. 16.XII. 1953" (1 ex. AMGS); "Tshakoma Zpbg N. 1931 van Son / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. det. Omer-Cooper" (1 ex. TMSA); same but "det. Gschwendtner" (1 ex. TMSA); "Valdesia Zpbg N. 1931 van Son / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. det. Gschwendtner" (1 ex. TMSA); "Trsvl Koring Spruit / Waterberg Dist. 20.8. 1948 J.O.C. / Laccophilus livens Rég. det. J. Balfour-Browne" (1 ex. TMSA); "Transvaal Kruger Park 1.VII. 1960" (2 exs. AMGS); "Kruger N.P. Skukuza, 12 km S, 25.04S, 31.37E / 6.3. 1996 UV light, Endrödy-Younga” (5 exs. TMSA, 1 ex. MZH); "Kruger N.P. Skukuza Res. camp, 24.59S, 31.36E / 25.2. 1995 UV-light & trap Endrödy-Younga” (4 exs. TMSA; habitus in Fig. 419); "Kruger N.P. Levuvu River, 22.27E, 31.10E / 12.2. 1994 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga” (2 exs. TMSA); "Kruger N.P. Letaba Riv. bel. dam 23.46S- 31.30E / 1.3. 1995 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga” (2 exs. TMSA); "Trsvl, K.N.P., Pan 24 km S Satara Camp, N-24.610, E31.800, 18.6. 1960" (1 ex. AMGS); "Transvaal R. Nyl at Num Num 23.VIII 1948" (2 exs. AMGS); "Transvaal R. Nyl at Num Num 23.VIII 1948 / Laccophilus livens Reg. J. Balfour-Browne det." (1 ex. AMGS); "RSA N. Prov. near Nylstroom 20.11. 2004 Werner & Smrz" (1 ex. NHRS); "Transvaal Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. J. Omer-Cooper" (2 exs. AMGS); "Trsvl Naboomspruit Torino Ranche 24.37S- 28.38E / 15.1. 1989 UV light, vlei edge Endrödy-Younga” (3 exs. TMSA); "Trsvl Pretoria distr. Roodeplaat / 25-26.10. 1960 UV-light Neubecker" (2 exs. TMSA); "Pretoria 6.11. 1959 Janse / Laccophilus adspersus det. Gschwendter" (1 ex, TMSA); "Trsvl 5 mi W Warmbad 24-25.2. 1968 Spangler" (16 exs. USNM, 3 exs. MZH); "Trsvl Bundu Inn 25.28S- 28.55E /24.3. 1974 at merc. vap. light Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); "Trsvl Swartspruit Mouth, Hartebeespoortdm. N-25.750, E27.900, 11.2. 1972 Reavell" (1 ex. AMGS); "Trsvl, stream in Magaliesberg Mts., mountain stream 11.9. 1972 Reavell" (1 ex. AMGS); "Plat R. 6-18.4. 05/Waterberg Distr. Swierstra" (2 exs. TMSA); "Frere Natal 1893 Marshall" (3 exs. SAMC); "Nat. -Drakensbg, Cathedral Peak, 28.57S, 29.12E /14.3. 1976 UV light station Endrö dy-Younga " (2 exs. TMSA); "Kw. Natal Port Shepstone 20 km W 2.2. 2000 Halada" (2 exs. NMW); "Kw. Natal, McLeod’s Farm nr Dargle, Umgeni R., 4.2. 1989 Reavell" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal Lundy’s Hill N-29.741, E29.872, marginal vegetation, stones, 30.4. 1996 de Moor et al." (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal Gravesend estate N-30.170, E30.736, 12.10. 1996 Dickens et al." (2 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Umlazi R., Tali Area, N-29.800, E30.520, 11.2. 1954 Oliff" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Felixton, main drain from mill, N-28.840, E31.880, 3.7. 1962" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Pond btw. Unizul and Mtunzini N-28.930, E31.750, marginal vegetation 20.9. 1995 Reavell" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal Volkrust Road Bridge, Ncandu R., N-27.750, E29.930, 4.12. 1973 Metz" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Below Newcastle Sewage Works, Ngagane R. N-27.720, E30.020, 19.6. 1994 Metz" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Klip R. Stn. 3, 11.9. 1975 Sibbald & Brown" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Ngogo R,. N-28.21.23, E29.43.25., 3.4. 1975 Metz" (2 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Izotsha R. Inland S Coast Rd N-30.780, E30.400, 5.6. 1972 Chutter" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Little Amanzimtoti R, N-30.060, E30.820, 15.6. 1964 Pretorius" (1 ex. AMGS); "Natal Ladysmith 1000 m 29.12. 1993 Wewalka / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. det. Wewalka 1994" (3 exs. CGW); "Natal roadside puddles ca 2 km S Mbazwana to Hluhluwe nr Sodwana 5.3. 1997 Turner" (1 ex. NHMB); "Gauteng Tswaing 25.24S, 28.06E / 16.2. 2003 light trap" (1 ex. TMSA, 1 ex. MZH); "ECPr., close to Dwesa Nature Reserve, vegetation rich pond S32°17.027, E28°47.506, alt. 188 m 23.1. 2005 Bergsten" (1 ex. NHRS); "ECPr., close to Dwesa Nature Reserve, muddy pond with vegetation edges S32°18.582, E28°49.002, alt. 76 m 24-25.1. 2005 Bergsten" (1 ex. NHRS); "ECPr. Lusikisiki 19.III. 1956 JOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr. Komgha quarry pond 20.III. 1955" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr. Quanbu 2.V. 1956" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr. St Johns 10.II. 1956" (3 exs. AMGS); "ECPr. Umzikulu 14.III. 1956 JOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "Pirie Forest II. 1944 JOC." (2 exs. AMGS); "ECPr. Mncotsho R., Trib. Buffalo Riv. N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 18.2. 2002 de Moor" (5 exs. AMGS); ECpr. Nahoon R. at Witch Kranz, site NO, N-32.502, E27.392, 22.5. 2002, de Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECpr., Dam on Rwantsa R, N-32.53.20, E27.37,55, 30.8. 2000 de Moor & Barber-James" (3 exs. AMGS); "ECPr. Rwantsa R. dam on Farm Mistley, N-32.53.20, E27.37.55, 10.11.2000 de Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMSG); "ECPr. Rwantsa R. at Witchkranz, N-32.52.25, E27.38.34, 1.9. 2000 De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr. Rwantsa R. at Witchkranz, N-32.52.25, E27.38.34, 7.6. 2000 de Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Rwantsa R. at Farm Wolsley, N-32.54.02, E27.51.95, 18.5. 2004 de Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Rwantsa R. at Farm Wolsley, N-32.54.02, E27.41.51, 10.12. 2003 de Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Rwantsa R. at Farm Wolsley, N-32.54.03, E27.41.51, 18.5. 2004 de Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr. Rwantsa R. at Farm Sebastepol, N-32.53.00, E27.40.45, 7.5. 2000 De Moor & Barber-James" (3 exs. AMGS); "ECPr., Xolo R. trib. carrying sewage discharge, N-32.50.11, E27.37.49, 19.2. 2004 de Moor &Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Mncotsho R., N-32.54.48, E27.36.52, 11.8.2003 de Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Mncotsho R., N-32.54.48, E27.36.52, de Moor 15.5. 2001" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Mncotsho R., trib. Buffalo R., N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 8.11. 2000 de Moor& Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Mncotsho R., trib. Buffalo R., N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 30.8. 2000 de Moor & Barber-James" (17 exs. AMGS); "ECPr., Mncotsho R., trib. Buffalo R., N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 18.5. 2000 De Moor & Barber-James" (2 exs. AMGS); "ECPr., Nahoon R. at Witchkranz N-32,51,10, E27.39.08, 19.5. 2004, de Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Nahoon R. at Witch Kranz N-32,50,28, E27.39.21, 22.5. 2002, De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr. Port, St Johns 15.2. 1956 / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. JOC" (2 exs. AMGS); "ECPr. Mt Frere 8.V. 1956 JOC. / Laccophilus adspersus Boh. Det. JOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "ECpr. 9.8. 1990 N-33.348, E26.678, Old Quarry Site, Manley Flats, dam, Baber-James & de Moor (2 exs. AMGS); "E Cape 9.3. 1997 Amatola Mts. 20 km NNE Aice 32°47'S 26°50'E Hess & Heckes" (1 ex. NMW); "EC., Hwy 352, 3 km S Tsomo, in river 22.5. 2005 Challet leg." (1 ex. CGC); "North West 50 km S Kimberley Ritchie 12.1. 2000 Halada leg." (1 ex. NMW). - Swaziland: "Little Usutu R nr. Bremersdorp 5.12. 1948" (1 ex. AMGS); "Bremersdorp 4.12. 1948 stream with muddy ponds JOC." (2 exs. AMGS).

Comments on synonymy.

The type material of all five taxa involved have been studied and compared (except holotype of Laccophilus vitshumbii ; not found). Minor variation in shape of penis apex and dorsal colour pattern can be recognized. There are, however, a series of transitional morphs between the extremes both regarding genitalia and external appearance. Distribution covers extensive areas of Africa south of Sahara which justifies occurrence of minor morphological variation within a species. No clear morphological evidence and distributional pattern are thus present which would merit separation of species or subspecies. Accordingly earlier synonymy of Laccophilus adspersus and Laccophilus livens is confirmed. Furthermore Laccophilus vitshumbii , Laccophilus adspersus nigeriensis and Laccophilus adspersus sudanensis are all considered new synonyms of Laccophilus adsperus . Laccophilus adsperus being the oldest available name is the valid name of the species.

Diagnosis.

Despite slight variation in shape of penis apex and elytra colour pattern in Laccophilus adspersus these features are still the best way of separation the species from other Laccophilus species. Laccophilus adspersus resembles most of Laccophilus olsoufieffi . Further study may show that they are also conspecific (see diagnosis of Laccophilus olsoufieffi on p. 106).

Description.

Body length 3.6-4.2 mm, width 1.9-2.2 mm. Body almost unicoloured pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; elytra with slightly indistinct irrorations. At base irrorations slightly sparser and often slightly reduced. Some specimens exhibit a variable pale spot with reduced irrorations posteriorly on each elytron (Fig. 419).

Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat to rather shiny, finely microsculptured; reticulation indistinctly double. Large meshes contain 2-6 fine meshes. Almost impunctate. At eyes with some scattered, fine punctures.

Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Finer meshes sometimes indistinct and hardly discernible. When discernible large meshes contain 2-8 finer meshes. Almost impunctate; punctures indistinct and hardly visible. Scattered punctures may be discerned laterally and at anterior margin.

Elytra: Pale ferrugineous. With ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, slightly obsolete irrorations. Sometimes each elytron posterior to middle with a pale spot where irrorations reduced (Fig. 419). Rather shiny, although densely microsculptured. Reticulation double; laterally and posteriorly double reticulation becomes indistinct. Large meshes contain generally 3-8 fine meshes. Fine meshes in part weakly developed and difficult to discern. Discal, dorsolateral and lateral rows of punctures, irregular, very fine and in part hardly visible. Pre-apical furrow fine, sparsely pubescent.

Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny although very finely microsculptured. Metacoxal plates with in part reduced transverse furrows. Abdomen basally with sparse, somewhat curved striae. Apex of prosternal process slender and pointed. Apical ventrite with a small knob on one side (Fig. 69).

Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, somewhat extended, provided with suckers.

Male genitalia: Note variation in shape of penis apex; extreme apex exhibits a gradual change from pointing straight forwards to, being somewhat curved and blunt (Figs 261-264).

Female: Externally as male but apical ventrite lacks asymmetric knob (Fig. 70). Additionally pro- and mesotarsus slender.

Distribution.

Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Zaire, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland (Fig. 544). Confusion in species delimitation has been common during the years and accordingly only personally verified records are accepted in the map.

Collecting circumstances.

Insufficiently documented. Van Vondel (2005) reports the species to be sampled in a pond surrounded by tree, bottom covered with plant remains and water lily growths. Furthermore collected from pools with water lily and Pistia stratiotes and in stagnant remain of brooklet. Nilsson and Persson (1993) report Laccophilus vitshumbii collected at light, in temporary ponds in almost dry stream (1450-2350 m a.s.l.). Omer-Cooper (1931) recorded the species in high altitudes (5500-7500 ft). Additional information may be gathered from the literature, e.g. Bilardo and Rocchi (1987) and Pederzani (1988). Often collected at light and with light traps.