Gongromyia bulla, Londt, 2002

Londt, Jason G. H., 2002, Afrotropical Asilinae (Asilidae): A provisional key to genera, with a review of the status of Neomochtherus Osten Sacken, 1878, and descriptions of new genera and species, African Invertebrates 43, pp. 11-92 : 48-49

Gongromyia bulla sp. n. ( Figs 146–155 )

Etymology: L. bulla – knob, refers to the posterior projection of the eighth sternum.

Diagnosis: Head: Antennal scape and pedicel blackish, pedicel with at most a narrow yellowish apex; postpedicel longer than stylus. Thorax: Postpronotal lobe with long setae. Dorsocentrals present both anterior and posterior to transverse suture. Microtrichia cover entire wing. Prothoracic femur with long, fine, hair-like posteroventral setae. Metathoracic coxa with one lateral macroseta; trochanter blackish; femur anteriorly yellow with brown-black markings and with yellow/white macrosetae. Abdomen: Ovipositor relatively short and broad (length:width ratio, measured dorsally <3.3) and relatively short and deep (length:depth ratio, measured laterally <2.8). Gonocoxite length:width ratio 1.6–2.0. Distal margin of S8 with well-developed medial process. Ventromedial area of hypandrium greatly constricted (ca. one quarter width of lateral parts). Gonostylus shape moderately slender (viewed ventrally). Aedeagal terminal filaments moderately well developed, trifurcate. Gonostylus and gonocoxite of approximately equal length (viewed ventrally). Aedeagus straight, relatively short and laterally compressed. Epandrium with ventral, subapical process.

Material examined: Holotype: SOUTH AFRICA: 1ơ, ‘ S. Africa: E. Transvaal, 14km n. Sabie, Mac-Mac Pools 2430DD / xii 5, 1976 R. Miller’. Paratypes: SOUTH AFRICA: 5ơ 1^, same data as holotype .

Type locality: South Africa, Mpumalanga, 14 km N. of Sabie, Mac-Mac Pools area .

Comments: The Mac-Mac pools are entirely surrounded by montane meadow, so it may be inferred that the species inhabits grassland. The species is known only from this locality.

Figures

Figs 146–155. Gongromyia bulla sp. n. (Sabie ơ & ^). 146. Antenna. 147. Wing. 148–153. ơ genitalia. 148. Lateral. 149. Dorsal. 150. Ventral. 151–153. Aedeagus. 151. Lateral. 152. Tip, dorsal. 153. Gonocoxite and gonostylus (inside view of right side). 154–155. ^ genitalia. 154. Lateral. 155. Dorsal. Scale lines = 1 mm.