Saprinus (Saprinus) splendens ( Paykull, 1811 )

Théry, Thomas, Gomy, Yves & Degallier, Nicolas, 2009, Revision of Saprinus (Saprinus) splendens (Paykull, 1811) with description of Saprinus (Saprinus) secchii n. sp. (Coleoptera: Histeridae), Zootaxa 2055, pp. 35-48 : 36-44

Saprinus (Saprinus) splendens ( Paykull, 1811)

( Figs. 1 , 3–4 , 6–7 , 9 , 11 )

Hister splendens Paykull, 1811: 53 .

Hister elegans Paykull, 1811: 57 ; G. Müller, 1938: 165.

Saprinus speciosus Erichson, 1834: 179 ; Dahlgren, 1967: 214.

Hister cyaneus: Boisduval, 1835: 147 ; Mazur, 1976: 717.

Saprinus viridicupreus Blanchard, 1853: 57 ; Blackburn, 1903: 107.

Saprinus advena Marseul, 1855: 335 ; Marseul, 1862: 714.

Saprinus ovalis Marseul, 1855: 382 ; Dahlgren, 1967: 214.

Saprinus rasselas Marseul, 1855: 379 ; Bickhardt, 1921: 117.

Saprinus ater MacLeay, 1864: 118 ; Blackburn, 1903: 104.

Saprinus splendens elegans ( Paykull, 1811) : G. Müller, 1938: 165.

Saprinus splendens ( Paykull, 1811) : Erichson, 1834: 178; Marseul, 1855: 380; Mazur, 1976: 717; Ôhara, 1994: 232; Mazur, 1997: 229.

Hister speciosus Dejean, 1821: 48 [nomen nudum]. Hister capicola Dejean, 1837: 141 [nomen nudum].

Type material. The type material (3 female syntypes) of this species is deposited in NHRS. The type material of the synonyms (all syntypes) is deposited respectively in the following institutions: Saprinus elegans Paykull (1 female) in NHRS, Saprinus rasselas Marseul (1 female) and Saprinus advena / ovalis Marseul 1 (2 males, 1 female) in MNHN, Saprinus ater MacLeay (1 male, 3 females) in ANIC, Saprinus speciosus Erichson (1 male) in MNHU. All these specimens have been studied for this work except the type of Saprinus viridicupreus Blanchard which hasn’t been found in Blanchard’s collection ( MNHN) and is likely lost.

The NHRS’ types were examined by Wenzel in 1958. He added a label under the largest specimen (rectangular red label, both hand written and printed): " Saprinus / splendens Payk / selected R. Wenzel 58 / LectoHolotype"). However, this designation was never published. Furthermore, as the studied material contains a new species very similar to S. splendens , a lectotype is designated and the taxon is redescribed below.

Lectotype (present designation): female specimen with red elytra with bluish glint and pinned through the right elytron (fig. 1), with the following labels: " Hister splendens / Payk." (rectangular label, whitish, hand written with Indian ink) // "Ƥ" (pencil written, little rectangular label) // "8357 / E91 +" (little blue rectangular label) // “ LECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label). Label at bottom of box in Paykull’s Collection ( NHRS): "39. Splendens ".

Paralectotype (present designation): female specimen pinned through the left elytron, with following labels: " Hister splendens / Payk." (rectangular label, whitish, hand written with Indian ink) // "Ƥ" (pencil written, little rectangular label) // "8354 / E91 +" (little blue rectangular label) // “ PARALECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label). Label at the bottom of the box in Paykull’s Collection ( NHRS): "39. Splendens ". The third syntype, labelled by Wenzel as the lectotype, is large and has prosternal striae which resemble those exhibited 1. Saprinus advena / ovalis: In his work of 1855, Marseul used the epithet " advena " in his key to species (1855: 335) and the epithet " ovali s" in his description of the species (1855: 382). Finally, he synonymized S. advena with S. ovalis (1855: 499) .

by specimens of the new species described below. Further, the examination of the flight wings and male structures was impossible because of its sex and fragile state. As its identification is therefore uncertain, we have chosen not to include it as a paralectotype.

Redescription. Length: 3.75 to 6.9 mm (from anterior edge of pronotum, behind the head, to elytral apex), females generally longer than male specimens (males: 5.19 mm ± 0.55; females: 5.68 mm ± 0.59; n = 558 specimens: 343 males and 215 females).

Oval, weakly convex, shiny, pronotum yellowish-green to bronze-colored; head and antennal scape with the same color as the pronotum or a little bit darker. Elytra shiny, from dark bottle green to dark blue (except for the apical margin which is more or less brownish). Specimens with reddish elytra are probably teneral individuals. Legs, rest of the antennae and base of antennal scape more or less dark brownish-red.

Head with frons feebly convex. Frons punctation varying from quite fine and regular in front, becoming more irregular and coarser towards eyes and sides, to very strong and irregular everywhere. Punctures very often clearly delineate a “V” mark on frons which includes a stronger point in center of vertex. Frontal stria entire, stronger laterally, curving forward where it’s sometimes a little blurred. Epistoma short (about twice as wide as long), covered by punctures more or less fine like those on the frons or a bit denser and more marked. Labrum transverse (more than 3 times wider than long), with two setae. Mandibles short, massive and punctate, not margined. Antennal scape with three thick setae and with punctation denser than that of epistoma.

Pronotum about twice as wide as long. Punctation present at least on sides and anterior angles. Size of punctures variable. Punctures always distinct at anterior angles where they are large, oval and oblique, denser in a wide but poorly-delimited depression. This densely punctate area can extend forward to the anterior margin behind the head and posteriorly to near the base of pronotum. A band of much finer punctation occurs along the marginal stria. The disk of the pronotum remains largely impunctate apart from a very fine and regularly spaced ground punctation. The sides of the pronotum may be more or less rounded, convergent or straight. Behind the head, the marginal stria is strong, complete and close to the margin, more or less abbreviated at the base.

Elytra together between 1.2 and 1.3 times wider than long (at posterior angles of pronotum), widest at their anterior third. Three external dorsal striae more or less equal in most specimens, reaching the middle of the elytra. Fourth stria variable but always shorter; sometimes obsolete or absent ( var. obsoleta Gomy, 1983 ). This stria is never connected to the sutural stria which is joined to the apical marginal stria. Humeral stria most often slightly oblique and deeply impressed. Internal subhumeral stria absent, the external subhumeral reduced to a short basal rudiment. Elytral punctation variable in density, area and size. Elytral punctation ranges from very fine and confined to the posterior third of the elytra, to very strong with confluent punctures and covering entire elytral area, including on main part of the elytral disk. Striolations occur on the first elytral interstria and extend to the second and sometimes the third interstriae. Pygidial punctation oval, elongated, very strong and dense, stronger than that of propygidium. A variably-sized impunctate area can occur in the middle of the pygidium.

Prosternum generally more strongly and densely punctate than mesosternum and metasternum. Internal prosternal striae either immediately divergent from their base or initially parallel and then gradually divergent; these striae join the external prosternal striae far behind the anterior margin (fig. 3). The internal striae occasionally obsolete or absent anteriorly (fig. 4). Mesosternum and metasternum finely or very finely punctate. Mesosternum with a more or less sinuated marginal stria, which is sometimes strongly arcuate, complete or interrupted in front.

Protibiae with three small apical teeth followed by seven to ten lateral marginal ones. Metatibia similar to mesotibia but more elongate, slightly curved and with finer teeth. Profemur with large and shallow punctures which are more distinct and larger than meso- and metafemoral punctures. All femora with row of setae on their external margin.

Radial veins of flight wings darkly pigmented and clearly conspicuous (fig. 6). The alar membrane can be light-colored or yellowish, sometimes dark (fig. 7).

Male genitalia with eighth ventrite with well-marked membranous lobes, more or less rounded and bearing short setae (fig. 11). Aedeagus with a widened middle area; sides of aedeagal apex rounded with their posterior angles feebly prominent (fig. 9).

Variation. Variation in size, punctation, color of the hind wings and body, and prosternal striation seems to be linked with the geographical origin of the specimens.

Specimens from Central Africa ( Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda) are generally larger (males: 5.37 mm ± 0.40; females: 5.76 mm ± 0.42; n = 39 specimens: 20 males and 19 females) in comparison, specimens from northwestern Africa ( Senegal, Gambia, Benin) are smaller (males: 4.96 mm ± 0,28; females: 5.46 mm ± 0,40; n = 82 specimens: 48 males and 34 females) or from southeastern Asia ( India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines) (males: 4.61 mm ± 0.38; females: 4.91 mm ± 0.51; n = 65 specimens: 42 males and 23 females).

Punctation varies both in extent, size and strength. This is clearly visible in pronotal and elytral punctation. As a rule, elytral punctures cover up the most of elytron for most specimens from Central Africa. This punctation is thin and limited to the posterior third of elytron for most specimens from East Africa ( Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti) or from southern Arabian Peninsula ( Yemen). It is absent in some specimens from Socotra Island. We have been unable to confirm the observations of Dahlgren (1967) about a cline in punctation from North to South for African specimens (according to Dahlgren (1967: 213) punctation in S. splendens ’s populations becomes finer from South to North of Africa).

Flight wing color can vary considerably. Wing darkening was noted for specimens from East Africa ( Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti) and from the southern Arabian Peninsula ( Yemen, Socotra Island). Wing darkening seems to decrease geographically southward and inland ( Kenya, Tanzania).

Generally the body is more or less bicolored. The pronotum is yellowish-green to greenish-blue, and each elytron is greenish-blue to dark blue. All color combinations are possible (although apparently consistent within populations). However, some specimens from Australia are bronze-colored and darker or bicolored with bronze-color glint. The syntypes of Saprinus ater and Saprinus speciosus , originally described from this region exemplify this phenomenon. Specimens studied from southern Thailand (Phuket Island) and the Philippines (Negros Island) have a bronze pronotum and dark green elytra.

Internal prosternal striae can be entire, abbreviated anteriorly or absent. Complete absence of these striae is frequent in specimens from the Far East.

Such a high morphological variability across a broad geographic range helps explain the existence of so many synonyms. Comparison of several characters on all syntypes including frontal punctation, internal prosternal striae, male genitalia, and when possible, flight wings, and their comparison with the type-series specimens show us that they all belong to S. splendens . These may correspond to aberrant individuals or to regional variations. We decided to designate a lectotype for most synonyms (apart from S. elegans ) to clarify and facilitate future studies.

Synonymies. Saprinus speciosus Erichson, 1834 : Lectotype (present designation): male specimen, 4.55 mm, recognizable with its very dark color; with the following labels: "49094” (rectangular whitish label, printed) // " SYNTYPUS / Saprinus / speciosus Erichson, 1834 / labelled by MNHUB 2006" (rectangular red label, printed) // " Holotypus / Nr." (rectangular red label, printed) // “ speciosus / Er / Hist. sp. Dej. / Nov. Holl. Hope” (big rectangular grey-violet label, hand written) // “Museum für Naturkunde / Humboldt-Univ. Berlin / (MNHUB)” (rectangular white label, printed) // “ LECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label). This specimen (one male from Nova-Hollandia [ Australia]) is bronze-colored and very dark. MNHU.

Saprinus advena / ovalis Marseul, 1855 : Lectotype (present designation): male specimen, 4.65 mm, recognizable with the tip of its aedeagus broken, the fourth elytral striae absent and the others barely visible; with the following labels: "24 / Saprinus advena m / ♂ Ind. or.” (little round yellow label, hand written with Indian Ink) // “MUSEUM PARIS / ovalis / COLL / DE MARSEUL 1890” (rectangular whitish label, both hand written and printed) // “ LECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label).

Paralectotype (present designation): male specimen, 3.8 mm, not dissected, recognizable with its purpleblue elytra; with the following labels: “24 / Saprinus ovalis m / advena m / Pondichery … (unreadable)” (little round yellow label, hand written with Indian Ink) // “MUSEUM PARIS / ovalis / COLL / DE MARSEUL 1890” (rectangular whitish label, both hand written and printed) // “ PARALECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label).

Paralectotype (present designation): female specimen, 6.1 mm, with the following labels: “24 / Saprinus / advena . m. / Chine Ƥ“ (little round yellow label, hand written with Indian Ink) // “MUSEUM PARIS / advena / COLL / DE MARSEUL 1890“ (rectangular whitish label, both hand written and printed) // “Sapr. SPLENDENS / PAYK. / G Dahlgren det“ (rectangular white label, both hand written and printed) // “ advena / TYPE “ (rectangular whitish label, both hand written and printed, the mention “ TYPE ” red printed) // “ PARALECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label).

These specimens distinguish themselves from other type material by their fourth elytral stria which is absent or rudimentary and by elytral punctures which are extensive, very strong and confluent. In consequence, the dorsal striae are barely visible. MNHN.

Saprinus rasselas Marseul, 1855 : Lectotype (present designation): female specimen, 5.4 mm, recognizable with its red-violet and wrinkled elytra; with the following labels: "21 / Saprinus / Rasselas m / abyssinia / Ƥ … (unreadable)" (little round blue label, hand written with Indian Ink) // "MUSEUM PARIS / rasselas / COLL. DE MARSEUL / 2842-90 " (rectangular greyish label, both hand written and printed) // “Sapr. SPLENDENS / PAYK. / G Dahlgren det“ (rectangular white label, both hand written and printed) // " TYPE " (rectangular whitish label, red printed) // “ LECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label). This single female from Abyssinia possesses red-violet and wrinkled elytra. The pronotal marginal stria is close to the basal margin of the pronotum. MNHN.

Saprinus ater Macleay, 1864 : Lectotype (present designation): male specimen, 5.2 mm, recognizable with its genitalia dissected and separately glued; with the following labels: “Pt. Denison” (little rectangular beige printed label) // “ SYNTYPE ” (rectangular bright red label, black printed) // “On permanent loan from / MACLEAY MUSEUM / University of Sydney” (rectangular white label, printed) // “ LECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label).

Paralectotype (present designation): female specimen, 5.3 mm, with the following labels: “Pt. Denison” (little rectangular beige printed label) // “ SYNTYPE ” (rectangular bright red label, black printed) // “On permanent loan from / MACLEAY MUSEUM / University of Sydney” (rectangular white label, printed) // “ PARALECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label).

Paralectotypes (present designation): 2 female specimens, 5.2 and 5.95 mm, with the following labels: “Pt. Denison” (little rectangular beige printed label) // “ SYNTYPE ” (rectangular bright red label, black printed) // “On permanent loan from / MACLEAY MUSEUM / University of Sydney” (rectangular white label, printed) // “ Saprinus / ater, Macl. / Port Denison” (rectangular piece of paper, hand written with Indian Ink) // “ PARALECTOTYPE ” (rectangular red label) // “ Saprinus (s. str.) / splendens ( Paykull, 1811) / T. THERY det. 2007” (rectangular white label).

All these type specimens are bicolored with bronze-colored glint. ANIC.

Saprinus elegans ( Paykull, 1811) : 4.8 mm; The potential type specimen (one female from Cape of Good Hope, South Africa) is greenish, with reduced pronotal punctation present only at the anterior angle of the pronotum. NHRS. We decided to not designate this specimen as a lectotype because its validity is not secure. Indeed, this specimen does not correspond to the original description. Furthermore, Wenzel wrote this remark on a label with the specimen: ”Possibly the type /of Saprinus elegans / but this cannot be determined with / any certainty / R.L.Wenzel 1958”.

Additional material examined (545 specimens): SOUTH AFRICA: Durban/ Natal, 26 ex. ( MNHN); Colonie du Cap /East London, 3 ex., 1923 ( MNHN); Cap, 1 ex. ( NHRS); Pretoria/Transvaal, 1 ex. ( MNHU); Lydenburg/Transvaal, 2 ex. ( MNHU). - ANGOLA: Benguella, 2 ex. ( CHND). - AUSTRALIA: Minnamoolka (Qld), 3 ex., 5.XII.1968 ( QPIM); Sommerset, 4 ex., I.1875 ( MNHN); Mt. Garnet (Qld), 1 ex., 18.II.1974 ( QPIM); Maud Ck., Katherine (N.T.), 2 ex., 3.XII.1978 ( QPIM); Humpty Doo (N.T.), 1 ex., 9.II–4.III.1987 ( QPIM); Kununurra (W.A.), 1 ex., 22.XII.91 – 6.I.1992 ( QPIM); 2 ex., V.1971 ( ANIC); Mt. Carbine (Qld), 1 ex., II.1964 ( QPIM); Woodstock (Qld), 1 ex., 16.III.1965 ( ANIC); Ingham (Qld), 3 ex., 1.V.1964 ( ANIC); Jim Jim Creek (N.T.), 1 ex. 17.VI.1973 ( ANIC); Cahills Crossing/East Alligator River (N.T.), 2 ex., 28.V.1973 ( ANIC); Mt Webb (Qld), 9 ex., 30.IV–3.V.1981 ( ANIC); Mt Webb/Cooktown (Qld), 1 ex., 10.V.1986 ( ANIC); Darwin (N.T.), 1 ex. 29.I.1968 ( ANIC); Vale Mission (Qld), 3 ex., 7–10.V.1981 ( ANIC); Rounded Hill (Qld), 2 ex., 5–7.V.1981 ( ANIC); Qld. (without locality), 1 ex. 19.I.1971 ( ANIC); Black Point/Coburn Pen. (N.T.), 1 ex., 15–23.II.1977 ( ANIC); McArthur River/Borroloola (N.T.), 1 ex., 19–20.IV.1976 ( ANIC); Maningrida (N.T.), 1 ex., 6.VII.1986 ( ANIC). - BENIN: Agouë, 1 ex., 1878 ( MNHN). – BOTSWANA: N’gami, 3 ex. ( NHRS). – CHAD: Sitia, 1 ex., 11.VIII.2006 ( CHND). – REGION OF LAKE CHAD (Madagali-Njala), 2 ex., 8.30. IV.1901 ( MNHU). - CHINA: Canton, 8 ex., XII.1924 et V.1925 ( MNHN); Tibet, 3 ex., ( NHRS); Hong Kong, 1 ex., ( MNHU). - CONGO (Brazzaville): Kintélé, 16 ex., I.1978 ( CHTT / CHND), 1 ex., IV.1979, 1 ex., 02.II.1980 and 1 ex., XI.1980 ( CHND); Pointe-Noire, 17 ex., XI.1980 ( CHTT / CHND); Odziba, 1 ex., II.1978 ( CHND). - CONGO (Kinshasa): Kolwezi/W-Katanga, 1 ex., X.1962 ( CHND). - DJIBOUTI: Ambabo, 20 ex., 28.XII.1989 ( CHTT / CHND); Obock, 10 ex. ( MNHN / CHND). – ERITREA: Asmara, 1 ex. ( MNHN). - GAMBIA: Tanji, 18 ex., 1–5.XII.2002 ( CHPK). - INDIA: Barkot, 8 ex., 5–12.VI.1981 ( CHTT / CHND); Mysore, 5 ex. ( MNHN); Karnataka, 1 ex., 23.VII.1982 ( CHPK); Pondicherry, 2 ex., X.1980 ( CHPK / CHND); 1 ex. ( MNHU); Coimbatore, 2 ex., X.1979 ( CHND). - JAPAN: Ishigaki Sima/ Yayeyama group, 20 ex., IX-X.1897 ( MNHN); Tokyo, 1 ex., VII.1957 ( MNHN); Uehara/Iriomote-jima Is/ Nansei Isls, 6 ex., 15.IX.1993 ( SEHU); Yakushima Is./Miyanoura, 7 ex., 27–28.VIII.1990 ( SEHU); Nakatani, Tone riv., 3 ex., 17–19.VI.1997 ( SEHU); Ryudai, Tone riv., 1 ex., 17–19.VI.1997 ( SEHU); Kobe, 3 ex., 17.VII.1939 ( SEHU); Mt Rokko/Kobe, 5 ex., 30.V.1937 ( SEHU). – KENYA: Guaso Nyiro, 2 ex. ( NHRS); Mombasa, 1 ex., 29.XI–15.XII.1889 ( MNHU); 6 ex. ( MNHU); 2 ex., 23.IV.1978 ( CHTT); Ikutha, 5 ex. ( MNHU). – SOUTH KOREA: Ile de Quelpaert, 5 ex. ( MNHN). – LESOTHO (Basoutoland): Leribé, 4 ex., 1923 ( MNHN). – MADAGASCAR: Manakara, 1 ex., XI.1957 ( ISM); Taratasy, 1 ex., XII.1958 ( ISM); Nosy Mitsio, 1 ex., 13–14.I.1960 ( ISM); Maroantsetra/Ambohitsitondrona, 1 ex., XI.1955 ( ISM); Tuléar, 1 ex., 1957 ( ISM); Ile de Béraphia, 2 ex., 1935 ( MNHN); Marofandilia, 2 ex., IV.2004 ( CHYG / CHTT); Andranomena, 1 ex. II.2004 ( CHYG); Kirindi, 2 ex., IV.2004 ( CHYG); Cap Est, 9 ex., I.2004 ( CHTT / CHYG). – MALDIVE ISLANDS: Addu Atoll-Gan., 1 ex., 27.VIII.1958 ( MNHN). – MAURITANIA: Rosso, 1 ex., 28.X.1959 ( MNHN). - NAMIBIA: Okahandja, 3 ex., 15.III.1966 ( CHPK); 5 ex., VI.1901 ( MNHU); Swakopmund, 2 ex. ( NHRS); 1 ex., 1917 ( MNHU); Rietfontein, 2 ex., III–IV.1897 ( MNHU); Karibib, 12 ex., V.1901 ( MNHU); Grootfontein/Askavolt-Farm, 1 ex., 1992 ( MNHU); Windhoek, 15 ex. ( MNHU). – NEPAL: Tamur River, 6 ex., 11.V.1984 ( CHND / CHPK); Dhulikel, 1 ex., VII.1981 ( CHPK). – PAPUA-NEW- GUINEA: Erap, 2 ex., III.1962 ( ANIC); (without locality), 1 ex., 1890 ( MNHU). - PHILLIPINES: Negros Island, 6 ex., 3.XII.1997 ( SEHU). – SAUDI ARABIA: Hail, 1 ex., 27.III.1962 ( MNHN); Keshin, 1 ex., 1902 ( MNHN). - SENEGAL: Dakar, 32 ex., VII.1960 ( CHYG); Keur Massar, 3 ex. 26.VII.1996 ( CHTT); Palmarin, 17 ex., 17.I.1960 ( MNHN); Nianing, 1 ex., 15.VIII.1978 ( CHTT); 6 ex., 27.VII.1979 ( CHND); Bambey, 4 ex., 31.XI.1973 ( CHND). – SOMALIA: Gesireh, 1 ex., 26.VI.1990 ( CHPK); Rama Kulo, 1 ex., 18.V.1990 ( CHPK). - SUDAN: Wadi Seidna (Khartoum), 3 ex., VIII, 1962 ( CHTT); Khor Arbaat Delta, 2 ex., IV–V.1926 ( MNHN). – SRI LANKA: Anuradhapura, 1 ex., 5.XI.1982 ( CHND); (without locality), 1 ex. ( MNHU). - SWAZILAND: Luyengo, 2 ex., VIII.1995 – VII.1996 ( CHPK). – TAIWAN: Nanshanxi, 9 ex., 9.VI.1972 ( SEHU); Pilam, 4 ex., VII.1912 ( MNHU); Kagi, 3 ex., 22.VIII.1907 ( MNHU). - TANZANIA: Tarangire, 3 ex., 17.II.1997 ( CHPK); Kunduchi (Dar Es Salaam), 1 ex., VII.1973 ( CHPK); Ndala Mission, 1 ex., XII.1916 – I.1917 ( MNHN); Mt Méru, 30 ex. ( NHRS); 1 ex. ( MNHU); Usambara, 3 ex. ( MNHU); Nguela/ Usambara, 5 ex. ( MNHN); Kidugala, 2 ex. ( MNHU); Dar es Salaam, 4 ex. ( MNHU); Moschi, 2 ex. ( MNHU); Aruscha, 2 ex., 3.II.1862 ( MNHU); Zanzibar, 8 ex. ( MNHU); Iringa, 4 ex., 1.II.1899 ( MNHU); Langenburg/ Nyassa See, 2 ex., 15.III.–23.IV.1898 and IV.1899 ( MNHU). - THAILAND: Pattaya, 12 ex., 5.X.1995, 19–20.IV.1994 and 9.III.2003, ( CHPK / CHND / CHTT); Ile de Phuket, 3 ex., 17–18.V.1996 ( CHPK). – UGANDA: Entebbe, 1 ex. ( MNHU). – VIETNAM: Xuan dinh/Hanoi, 6 ex., 26–29.IV.1966 ( MNHN); Hoa Binh, 1 ex. ( CHND). – YEMEN: Socotra, 1 ex., XI.1997 ( MNHN); Jena-agahan ( Socotra), 1 ex., I.1899 ( MNHN); Taiz, 1 ex. ( MNHN); Wadi Sohoul, 3 ex., 1.IV.1976 ( CHTT); 4 ex., 27.III.1976 ( CHPK). – ZIMBABWE: Matopos, 1 ex., 30.XI.1993 ( MNHU).

Figures

FIGURES 1 – 2. Types of Saprinus splendens (Paykull) and S. secchii n. sp.: 1, Lectotype of S. splendens (Paykull) and its label; 2, Holotype of S. secchii n. sp.

FIGURES 3 – 5. Prosterna of Saprinus splendens (Paykull) and S. secchii n. sp.: 3 - 4, Two prosternal variations of S. splendens (Paykull); 5, Prosternum of S. secchii n. sp.

FIGURES 6 – 8. Flight wings of Saprinus splendens (Paykull) and S. secchii n. sp.: 6 - 7, Two wing variations of S. splendens (Paykull); 8, Wing of S. secchii n. sp. (scale: 1 mm).

FIGURES 9 – 10. Male genitalia (aedeagus) of Saprinus splendens (Paykull) and S. secchii n. sp. in dorsal view: 9, Aedeagus of S. splendens (Paykull) from Senegal; 10, Aedeagus of S. secchii n. sp. from Ivory Coast.

FIGURES 11 – 12. Male genitalia (eighth abdominal ventrite) of Saprinus splendens (Paykull) and S. secchii n. sp.: 11, eighth abdominal ventrite of S. splendens (Paykull) from Senegal; 12, eighth abdominal ventrite of S. secchii n. sp. from Ivory Coast.