Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg, 1829)

Kortenhaus, Sabine & Wagner, Thomas, 2010, Revision of Ootheca Chevrolat, 1837 from tropical Africa — redescriptions, descriptions of new species and identification key (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae), Zootaxa 2659, pp. 1-52 : 6-12

Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg, 1829)

( Figs 1–17 )

= Crioceris mutabilis Sahlberg, 1829: 27 .

= Malacosoma bicolor Allard, 1889: 68 ; syn. nov. = Ootheca punctata Laboissière, 1931: 23 ; syn. nov.

Total length. 4.75–7.65 mm (mean: 5.74 mm; n = 21; Fig. 1 a); total height in lateral view 2.10–2.80 mm (mean: 2.54 mm; Fig. 1 b).

Head. Yellowish- to reddish-brown, labrum brown to black. Eyes small, maximum width of eye to minimal distance between eyes 0.39–0.63 mm (mean: 0.52 mm; Figs 1 a, 2a). Antenna either entirely yellow to yellowish-red, or only four basal antennomeres brownish to black; length ratio of second to third antennomere 0.60–0.80 (mean: 0.67), third to fourth antennomere 0.80–1.00 (mean: 0.83) ( Fig. 10 ).

Thorax. Prothorax unicolourous yellowish- to reddish brown, the same colour as head. Pronotum finely punctured, latero-basal curved impression distinct in large specimens; pronotal width 2.10–2.65 mm (mean: 2.45 mm), pronotal length 1.20–1.50 mm (mean: 1.40 mm), ratio of pronotal width to length 1.61–1.90 (mean: 1.75) ( Figs 1 , 5 ). Elytral colouration either unicolourous yellowish- to reddish-brown [cf. the unicolourous lectotype of Crioceris mutabilis ( Fig. 14 )], or contrasting dark brown to black to pronotum and head as in types of Malacosoma bicolor ( Fig. 15 ) and Ootheca punctata ( Fig. 16 ), about 15 % of material studied have bicolourous elytra, having either dark brown to black humerus or entire base of elytra black, and other parts of elytra yellowish- to reddish-brown ( Fig. 12 ); punctuation irregular, somewhat coarser than of pronotum, surface between punctures shiny, without microsculpture; length 3.90–5.25 mm (mean: 4.70 mm); maximal width of elytra together 3.30–4.30 mm (mean: 3.76 mm); maximal width of elytra together to length of elytron ratio 0.73–0.84 (mean: 0.80). Scutellum yellowish- to reddish-brown. Meso- and metathorax yellowish, reddish or light brown. Legs: either entirely reddish-brown to light brown, most specimens with tibia bicolourous with distal two thirds dark brown to black, rarely entirely dark brown to black, in those specimens tarsi also dark brown; length ratio of basi-metatarsus to metatibia 0.19–0.30 (mean: 0.25) ( Fig. 8 ).

Abdomen. Yellowish- to reddish-brown.

Male genitalia. Median lobe slender, slightly conical, with very small protrudent apical tip. In lateral view slightly curved ventrally. Tectum small and unobstrusive, consisting of two curved tectorial spurs almost touching basally. Endophallus symmetrically arranged, with straight basal sclerite, endophallic brush with two bifurcate apices ( Fig. 10 ).

Diagnosis. Since Ootheca mutabilis shows a wide variation in colouration and body length, it can easily be confused with several other abundant species, in particular O. proteus , O. bennigseni , O. orientalis , O. kibonotensis , O. frontalis , and O. eddae sp. n., when only considering external characters. It has the widest range of all species of Ootheca ( Fig.13 ) and despite Weise (1900) thinking it was restricted to western Africa, it has actually been recorded from The Gambia and Kenya in the North, to northern South Africa in the South.

Specimens with bicolourous elytra are characteristic for this species, but this colouration also occurs rarely in O. orientalis . The elytral punctuation is usually somewhat coarser than in other species, eyes are comparatively small, resulting in a low eye-index that allows one to distinguish most specimens from those of O. kibonotensis (maximum width of eye to minimal distance between eyes ratio 0.39–0.63; O. kibonotensis 0.57–0.86), the second antennomere is comparatively long (length of second to third antennomere ratio 0.60– 0.80) which allows the differentiation of many specimens of O. proteus (0.50–0.71), O. orientalis (0.50–0.80) and O. bennigseni (0.50–0.73). However, only the study of the male genitalia allows reliable identification of O. mutabilis and female specimens sometimes remain indistinguishable.

Host plants and biology. This species, as do others in Ootheca , feeds on Fabaceae and it is sometimes described as pest species on crops ( Ochieng 1977). Data on several additional labels of collection material indicates the following: “recoltée sur legumineuses”, “ Canavalia ensiformis et haricots”, ”Parasite de feuilles de haricot”, “attacking beans”, “on Vigna unguiculata ”, “on cowpeas”. Other plant species recorded are most probably not food-plants, but the beetles were probably found on them by chance: “recoltée sur mais”, “on Hibiscus sp. “, “sur cotonnier”, “leaf of Cucumis sativus ”, “on Vindrez subterranea ”.

Immature stages. Larval development of O. mutabilis was studied by Ochieng (1977) in Nigeria. Eggs are yellow, elliptical, and translucent and are laid in the soil in batches of approximately 60 eggs, glued together. Larvae emerge after about two weeks and feed on roots of beans and other Fabaceae . Attack by the early instars may go unnoticed, but the older larvae remove lateral roots and cause wilting and premature senescence in bean plants. The larvae go through three instars: the first two last about six days each, and the third lasts nearly ten days, followed by a prepupal stage, which lasts approximately 15 days. The pupal stage, which occurs in an earthen cell within the soil, lasts around 16 days. The duration of larval and pupal development depends on soil temperature, among other factors, and varies between 60 and 250 days. The teneral adults of Ootheca may undergo an obligatory diapause until the onset of the rainy season, when they emerge, coinciding with the presence of young bean seedlings.

Distribution. Known from most parts of continental Africa, from Senegal to southern Sudan in the north, towards Angola and north-eastern South Africa in the south ( Fig. 13 ); particularly abundant in Western Africa.

Type material examined. Crioceris mutabilis : Lectotype: male, “S. Leone Afzelius / Mutabilis Sahlb. Sp. 64-5 / Lectotypus Th. Wagner desig., 2008 Crioceris mutabilis Sahlb. / Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg, 1829) Kortenhaus & Wagner det. 0 6 / AfriGa Specimen ID 870, specimen data documented 4.X.2006 ” ( NHRS; Fig. 14 ). This designation. Type locality: Sierra Leone, no further details available.

Paralectotypes: 3 females, first label “S. Leone Afzelius” one specimen additionally with “var. 3 Sahlb”, another one with “var. 8 Sahlb” ( NHRS). Since there is a type series of four specimens available, a designation of a lectotype is necessary to fix the name to a single specimen.

Malacosoma bicolor : Holotype: female, “Tabora / Ex Musaeo E. Allard 1899 / Type / AfriGa Specimen ID 759, specimen data documented 20.II.2004 / Malacosoma Bicolor All. Tabora” ( MNHN; Fig. 15 ). Laboissière mentioned only one collecting site and depository and the only specimen found can be considered as holotype. Type locality: Tanzania, Tabora, 8°41’S / 32°21’E.

Ootheca punctata : Lectotype: female, “Muséum Paris, Mocambique, Vila Pery, 1929, P. Lesne / 5. Décembre / Type / V. Laboissière Dét: Ootheca punctata M. / AfriGa Specimen ID 872, specimen data documented 20.IX.2004 ” ( MNHN; Fig. 16 ). This designation. Type locality: Mozambique, Vila Pery, 19°00’S / 33°30’E. Paralectotypes: 6 males, 6 females, “Museum Paris, Mozambique, Vila Pery, 1929, P. Lesne / 5. Décembre / Cotype / V. Laboissière det: Ootheca punctata W.” ( MNHN). Designation of a lectotype is necessary to fix the name to a single specimen.

Additional material examined. Angola: 1 ex., Portug. Kongo, Tavares ( MNHU); 2 ex., Angola, ( BMNH); 4 ex., Chiloango, 5°10’S / 12°25’E, M. Tschoffen ( IRSN); 2 ex., Malange, 8°50’S / 19° 50’E, Pogge ( MNHU). Benin: 4 ex., Benin, 9°30’N / 2°15’E, Staudinger ( MNHU); 1 ex., Dahomey, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 2 ex., Dahomey, ex coll. Weise ( MNHU); 2 ex., Dahomey, coll. Madon ( IRSN); 2 ex., Dahomey, Pouillon ( MRAC); 6 ex., Zaguanado, coll. Clavareau ( MRAC); 1 ex., Ketu, 7°22’N / 2°36’E, ( MRAC); 11 ex., Agoue, 6°41’N / 1°41’E, 1879, Abbé Menager (1 ex. BMNH, 10 ex. ZMUH); 1 ex., Benin, 1952, R. Oberthur / G. Allard ( MNHN). Cameroon: 2 ex. Njam Njam, Semnio, Bohndorff ( MNHU); 1 ex., Njam (Njam), 5°25’S / 10°50’E, ( MNHU); 17 ex., Joko, 5°32’N / 12°19’E, coll. Clavareau ( MRAC); 8 ex., Joko (1 ex. MNHN, 7 ex. MNHU); 6 ex., Jaunde Stat., Zenker ( MNHU); 1 ex., Jaunde Stat., Scheunemann ( MNHU); 1 ex., Yaounde, 3°52’N / 11°31’E, V.1897, v. Carnap ( MNHU); 1 ex., Bondaye, V.1914, ( BMNH); 2 ex., Yaounde, X.1914, Tessmann ( MNHU). Central African Republic: 2 ex., Fort Sibut, 5°44’N / 19°05’E, coll. Le Monit ( IRSN); 2 ex., Fort Sibut, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 3 ex., Lesse, 3°53’N /18°35E, Bonnevie ( MRAC); 10 ex., Quango, 4°19’N / 22°33’E, v. Merkow ( MNHU); 3 ex., Bosum, 6°19’N / 16°23’E, V.1914, Tessmann ( MNHU). Congo (Democratic Republic): 1 ex., Zambi, Ch. Haas ( IRSN); 2 ex., Banziville, Hermans ( IRSN); 4 ex., Albertville, 5°56’S / 29°12’E, J. Duvivier ( IRSN); 1 ex., Boma Sundi, P.

Rolin ( IRSN); 4 ex., Congo, Dannfelt ( NHRS); 1 ex., Dundu upper, H. Barlow ( BMNH); 1 ex., Kasai, 4°30’S / 22°E, L. Achten ( MRAC); 10 ex., Kisantu, 4°38’S / 15°5’E, P. Goossens ( MRAC); 1 ex., Mawambi, 1°4’N / 28°34’E ( MNHU); 1 ex., Moliro, 8°13’S / 30°34’E, J. Duvivier ( IRSN); 4 ex., P. N. G., 4°10’N / 29°30’E, P. Jolivet ( IRSN); 24 ex., Region des Lacs, Dr. Sagona (20 ex. MRAC, 4 ex. ZMUH); 4 ex., Ibembo, Mt. Itimbini, 2°38’N / 23°37’E, III.–V., VIII.1890, J. Duvivier ( MNHN); 4 ex., S. W. Albert-Nyanza, Bouenza, 4°20’S / 13°51’E, VIII. 1891, Stuhlmann ( MNHU); 4 ex., Region de Sassa, 1895/1896, Colmant ( MRAC); 1 ex., Beni-Bendi, Sankuru, 4°58’S / 23°27’E, I.1895, L. Cloetens ( IRSN); 17 ex., Haut-Congo, 1897, Dr. Vedy ( MRAC); 69 ex., Lukombe, 5°41’S / 28°46’E, X.1908, A. Koller (68 ex. MRAC, 1 ex. ZMUH); 1 ex., Bamba, 4°15’S / 18°12’E, III.1911, L. Burgeon ( MRAC); 8 ex., Congo da Lemba, 6°50’S / 21°02’E, XII.1911, R. Mayne ( MRAC); 8 ex., Itoka, 0°10’N / 23°23’E, X.1912, R. Mayne ( MRAC); 3 ex., Etshushu, X.1912, R. Mayne ( MRAC); 3 ex., Mondombe, 0°54’S / 22°48’E, X. 1912, R. Mayne ( MRAC); 144 ex., Amadi, IV., V.1913, P. van den Plas (136 ex. MRAC, 8 ex. ZMUH); 2 ex., Tuku, 3°46’S / 23°53’E, III.1913, P. van den Plas ( MRAC); 8 ex., Aba, Uele, 4° 09’N / 22°26’E, IV./ V.1914, Dr. Rodhain ( MRAC); 1 ex., Amadi, 3°35’N / 26°47’E, VII.1914, Dr. Rodhain ( MRAC); 1 ex., Caba, Uele, 4°09’N / 22°26’E, IV.1914, Dr. Rodhain ( MRAC); 1 ex., Gomgura, Uele, 4°09’N / 22°26’E, 1914, Dr. Rodhain ( MRAC); 5 ex., Lemfu, Bas Congo, 4°34’S / 18°18’E, XII.1914, P. de Beir ( MRAC); 2 ex., Mangara, Uele, 4°9’N / 22°26’E, VII.1914, Dr. Rodhain ( MRAC); 2 ex., Medje, Ituri, 2°25’N / 27°18’E, IV.1914, Dr. Christy ( MRAC); 2 ex., Bokala, 2°03’N / 18°59’E, X.1915, R. Mayne ( MRAC); 2 ex., Bokoro, 2°50’S / 18°23’E, III.1915, R. Mayne ( MRAC); 60 ex., Mayumbe, 2°30’N / 27°37’E, XII.1915, XI./ XII.1916, R. Mayne (56 ex. MRAC, 4 ex. ZMUH); 1 ex., Kunzulu, 3°29’S / 16°09’E, IX.1917, R. Mayne ( MRAC); 7 ex., Dungu, 4°41’S / 19°30’E, 1919/1920, P. van den Plas ( MRAC); 21 ex., Kikwit, 5°20’S / 18°49’E, XII.1920, P. Vanderijst ( MRAC); 4 ex., Leverville, 4°50’S / 18°44’E, 1920, P. Vanderijst ( MRAC); 3 ex., Besongo, 5°21’S / 25°12’E, X.1921, L. Achten ( MRAC); 10 ex., Maniema, 1°11’S / 28°37’E, 1921, Blommaert ( MRAC); 4 ex., Mongende, IV.1921, Dr. H. Schoutenden ( MRAC); 4 ex., Ipamu, 4°09’S / 19°38’E, 1922, P. Vanderijst ( MRAC); 5 ex., Luebo, Kasai, 5°21’S / 21°25’E, XI. 1922, G. Babault ( MRAC); 8 ex., Moto, 2°27’N / 26°25’E, II.1922, L. Burgeon, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 77 ex., Moto, XII.1922, 1923, L. Burgeon ( MRAC); 23 ex., Watsa, 3°03’N / 29°32’E, 1922, L. Burgeon ( MRAC); 1 ex., Haut-Uele, 2°46’N / 27°37’E, 1923, L. Burgeon ( MRAC); 2 ex., Mayumbe, 2°30’N / 27°37’E, X./ XI.1923, A. Collart ( MRAC); 2 ex., Katanga, Kasinga, 6°20’S / 26°59’E, II.1925, Ch. Seydel ( MRAC); 3 ex., Kasai, V. 1924, XII.1925, van Heetnelde ( MRAC); 68 ex., Abimva, Haut-Uele, 2°46’N / 27°37’E, VI./ VII.1925, L. Burgeon ( MRAC); 12 ex., Bas-Uele, Buta, 2°48’N / 24°44’E, 1926, R. Joseph ( MRAC); 2 ex., Ile Bertha, 0°34’N / 24°56’E, I.1926, Ghesquiere ( MRAC); 1 ex., Yebo Moto, Haut-Uele, 2°46’N / 24°28’E, IX.1926, L. Burgeon ( MRAC); 1 ex., Bambesa, 3°28’N / 25°43’E, II.1927, J. Vrydagh ( MRAC); 1 ex., Leverville, 1928, Mme. Tinant ( MRAC); 2 ex., Stanleyville, 2°30’N /27°E, VII.1928, A. Collart ( IRSN); 24 ex., Lusuku, Lomami, 7°20’S / 23°52’E, XI.1930, P. Quarre ( MRAC); 9 ex., Julu sur Lua (Ubangi), 3°15’N / 19°46’E, 1931, M. van Gils ( MRAC); 532 ex., Kaniama, 7°31’S / 24°11’E, 1931, Massart ( MRAC); 1 ex., Lemfu, Bas Congo, 4°34’S / 18°18’E, 1931, P. van Eyen ( MRAC); 6 ex., Kafakumba, 9°41’S / 23°44’E, 1931–1933, G. F. Overlaet ( MRAC); 284 ex., Kapanga, 8°21’S / 22°35’E, 1931–1933, G. F. Overlaet ( MRAC); 50 ex., Dingila, Uele, 3°39’N / 26°40’E, VI.–VIII.1933, J. Leroy / H. J. Bredo ( MRAC); 1 ex., Katanga, Luashi, 10°56’S / 23°37’E, XII.1933, F. Freyne ( MRAC); 2 ex., Tshibakala, 8°32’S / 23°13’E, X.1933, G. F. Overlaet ( MRAC); 14 ex., Tshibamba, 8°15’S / 24°22’E, XI.1932, II.1933, G. F. Overlaet ( MRAC); 21 ex., Bambesa, I.1934, H. J. Bredo ( MRAC); 2 ex., Lukolela, 5°23’S / 24°32’E, XI. 1934, Dr. Ledoux ( MRAC); 9 ex., Bambesa, X.1933, VIII.1938, J. Leroy ( MRAC); 29 ex., Gandajika, XI.1934, I. 1935, Mme. Soyer ( MRAC); 14 ex., Eq. Bombona, 2°25’N / 18°54’E, V., VIII.1935, A. Bal ( MRAC); 9 ex., Congo-Ubangi, Kogbwa, 3°15’N / 19°46’E, VII.1935, G. Settembrino ( IRSN); 6 ex., Kibali-Ituri, Abock, 1°34’N / 30°15’E, X.1935, Ch. Scops ( MRAC); 1ex., Kibali-Ituri, Geti, 1°13’N / 30°12’E, 1935, Ch. Scops ( MRAC); 5 ex., Kibali-Ituri, Niarembe, 2°15’N / 31°7’E, 1935, Ch. Scops ( MRAC); 56 ex., Mahagi-Niarembe, 2°15’N / 31°7’E, V., XII. 1935, Ch. Scops ( MRAC); 53 ex. Ituri, Akini, 1°34’N / 30°15’E, V.1936, Dr. Pasteels ( MRAC); 1 ex., Luluaberg, 5°54’S / 22°25’E, 1936, Puissant ( MRAC); 4 ex., Wamba, 1936, Dr. Degotte ( MRAC); 1 ex., Gemena, 3°15’N / 19°46’E, 1937, C. Leontovitch ( MRAC); 2021 ex. Bambesa, 1937, J. Vrydagh (1203 ex. IRSN, 818 ex. MRAC); 14 ex., Karawa, 3°20’N / 20°18’E, 1937, Wallin ( MRAC); 5 ex., Karawa, 1937, C. Leontovitch ( MRAC); 5 ex., Matadi, 6°6’S / 23°02’E, II./ III.1937, Dr. Dartevelle ( MRAC); 1 ex., Mpese, 5°14’S / 15°33’E, III.1937, J. Cooreman ( IRSN); 71 ex., Bambesa, 1938, J. Vrydagh (43 ex. IRSN, 28 ex. MRAC); 10 ex., Elisabethville, 11°40’S / 27°28’E, XII.1938, H. J. Bredo ( IRSN); 22 ex., Libenge, 3°39’N / 18°38’E, VI.1936 / VI.1937 / V.1938 C. Leontovitch ( MRAC); 3 ex., Mongbwala (Kilo), 1938, Mme. Scheitz ( MRAC); 3 ex., Uele, 4°9’N / 22°26’E, X.1938, R. van den Veen ( NNML); 50 ex., Bambesa, V.1938, V., VI.1939, P. Henrard ( MRAC); 8 ex., Yangambi, 0°47’N / 24°28’E, 1938/1939, P. Henrard ( MRAC); 362 ex., Bambesa, VI.1939, J. Vrydagh (7 ex. IRSN, 355 ex. MRAC); 25 ex., Lokandu (Biawa), XII.1939, Vissers ( MRAC); 21 ex., Mayidi, 5°11’S / 15°9’E, 1942, P. van Eyen ( MRAC); 1 ex., Libenge, Mission Mawuja, 3°39’N / 18°38’E, X.1947, R. Cremer/M. Neumann ( IRSN); 1 ex., Motenge-Boma, 3°15’N 18°39’E, X.1947, R. Cremer/ M. Neumann ( IRSN); 29 ex., Gandajika, 6°45’S / 23°57’E, XI.1948, III.1949, P. de Francquen ( MRAC); 441 ex., P. N. G., 4°10’N / 29°30’E, 1950, VII., VIII.1951, V.–IX.1952, Miss. H. de Saeger ( IRSN); 352 ex., Gandajika, X.– XII.1950, 1952 P. de Francquen (108 ex. IRSN, 244 ex. MRAC); 14 ex., Kabinda, Kaniama, 7°31’S / 24°11’E, XI. 1952, J. Vekemans ( MRAC); 2 ex., Mt.Embe, 4°40’N / 29°32’E, IV.1952, H. De Saeger ( IRSN); 1 ex., Yangambi, VII.1952, P. Basilewsky ( MRAC); 1 ex., Yangambi, VII. 1952, J. Decelle ( MRAC); 48 ex., Bambesa, V.1953, INEAC ( MRAC); 21 ex., Bokalakala, 2°08’S / 16°22’E, 1954, R. C. Eloy ( MRAC); 2 ex., Nagero, 3°45’N / 29°31’E, XI.1954, C. Nebay ( IRSN); 39 ex., Tshuapa, Ikela, 0°13’S / 20°52’E, 1955/1956, P. Lootens ( MRAC); 6 ex., Tshuapa, Ikela, 1956, R. Deguide ( MRAC); 3 ex., Kaniama, 7°31’S / 24°11’E, XI. 1959, J. Vekemans ( MRAC); 7 ex., Kaniama, Kabinda, II.1959, P. Henrard ( MRAC); 10 ex., Terr. de Kasongo, Riv. Pongo, X.1959, G. Benoit ( IRSN); 5 ex., Thysville, 5°15’S / 14°52’E, 1959/1963, Michaux ( MRAC); 1 ex., Mambasa, 1°21’N / 29°3’E, IV.1971 J. Tavernies ( MRAC). Congo (Republic): 5 ex., N’sesse par Loango, 4°38’S / 11°48’E, coll. E. Cordier ( IRSN); 3 ex., Franz. Congo ( IRSN). Gabon: 2 ex., Gabon, ex coll. Breuning ( MRAC); 3 ex., Gabon, coll. Duvivier (1 ex. IRSN; 2 ex. MNHN); 1 ex., Gabon, Alte Sammlung ( MNHU). Gambia: 5 ex., Yundum, 13°22’N / 16°39’W, VIII.1956, C. R. Wallace ( BMNH); 4 ex., Gambia, 1965, ( BMNH). Ghana: 1 ex., Ashanti, 6° 45’N / 1°30’W, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 21 ex., Ashanti, Simon, ex coll. J. Weise ( MNHU); 5 ex., Gold Coast ( BMNH); 2 ex., Takoradi, 4°33’N / 1°27’W, Besnard, ex coll. Breuning ( MRAC); 3 ex., Tamsoo, 5°16’N / 2°1’W, ( BMNH); 4 ex., Aburi, 5°51’N / 0°11’W, L. Armstrong ( BMNH); 14 ex., Aburi, 1912/1913, Mrs. W. H. Patterson ( BMNH); 1 ex., Aburi, 1913, A. R. Gould ( BMNH); 314 ex., Accra, 5°45’N /0°00’, IX.–X.1920, Mrs. W. H. Patterson ( BMNH). Guinea: 8 ex., Guinea, Alte Sammlung ( MNHU); 2 ex., Guinee, Fairmaire, coll. Clavareau ( MRAC); 23 ex., Asente Akem, Junod, coll. Clavareau ( MRAC); 8 ex., Kindia, 10°5’N / 12°48’W, 1964/1965, J. Dedycker ( MRAC). Guinea Bissau: 1 ex., Garenganze, Port. W. Africa ( BMNH); 1 ex., Bolama, 11°35’N / 15°28’W, XII.1899, L. Fea ( ZMUH). Ivory Coast: 1 ex., Asenie? Akem, 6°45’N / 1°30’W ( MNHU); 9 ex., Haut-Sassandra, 5°20’N / 6°10’W, 1910, A. Chevalier ( MNHN); 1 ex., Mankono, 8°27’N / 6°52’W, 1910, A. Chevalier ( MNHN); 2 ex., Kossou, 7°10’N / 5°29’W, VIII.1975, R. Jocqué ( MRAC). Kenya: 1 ex., Maragoli, 0°06’N / 34°43’E, X.1924, Dr. van Someren ( MRAC); 2 ex., Arabuko Foret, 3°20’S / 39°52’E, VI.1940, T. H. E. Jackson ( NMK); 8 ex., Emali Range, 2°50’S / 37°28’E, III.1940, Sultan Hamud ( NMK); 8 ex., Aheru Kisumu, 0°06’S / 34°45’E, IV.1941, E. Opiko ( NMK); 1 ex., Diani Beach, 4°18’S / 39°35’E, V.1957, Krauss ( BMNH); 4 ex., Mbita Point, 0°25’S / 34°12’E, V.1980, D. Furth ( NMK); 7 ex., I.C.I.P.E., V.1981 ( NMK). Liberia: 21 ex., Suakoko, 6°59’N / 9°35’W, V./ VI.1953, C.C. Blickenstaff ( UMNH). Malawi: 1 ex., Nyasaland: Zomba, 15°10’S / 35°30’E, H. S. Stannus ( BMNH); 2 ex., Chisasira, Chintheche, 11°50’S / 34°10’E, XI.1917, R. Jocqué ( MRAC); 1 ex., Central Region, I.1970 ( BMNH). Mali: 3 ex., Mali, 1969/1970, G. Pierrard ( MRAC). – Mocambique: 3 ex., Chupanga, 18°3’S / 35°37’E, S. Tavares ( MNHU); 1 ex., Zambesi, 18°50’S / 36°17’E, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 3 ex., Vallee du Pungoue Guengere, I. 1906, G. Vasse ( MNHN); 4 ex., Chibababa, Lower Buzi R., XII.1906, C. F. M. Swynnerton ( BMNH). Nigeria: 2 ex., Lokoja, 7°48’N / 6°44’E, L. M. Bucknill ( BMNH); 11 ex., Old Calabar, 4°57’N / 8°19’E (8 ex. BMNH, 3 ex. NHRS); 2 ex., Nigeria, A. W. J. Pomeroy ( BMNH); 1 ex., Kontagora, 10°24’N / 5°28’E, IX.1910, J. J. Simpson ( BMNH); 53 ex., Minna, 9°36’N / 6°33’E, X. 1910, J. J. Simpson ( BMNH); 4 ex. Ibadan, 7°23’N / 3°53’E, VII.1913, Dr. W. A. Lamborn ( BMNH); 4 ex., Lagos, 6°27’N / 3°24’E, VII.1949, W. E. S. Merret ( BMNH); 19 ex., Vieux Calabar, 4°57’N / 8°19’E, 1952, R. Oberthur/G. Allard ( MNHN); 12 ex., Apeji, 6°58’N / 4°07’E, III.–V.1952, U. C. Ibadan ( BMNH); 7 ex., Kano Dist., 11°30’N / 8°30’E, VII.1953, W. E. S. Merret ( BMNH); 9 ex., Jos, 9°55’N / 8°54’E, 1964/1967, E. Bolt Gwong ( MRAC); 1 ex., Samaru, 11°10’N / 7°38’E, VIII.1969, S. A. Ogidi ( BMNH); 1 ex., Samaru, VII.1970, P. H. Ward ( BMNH); 3 ex., Minna, VIII.1975, W. Bogutko ( MIZT). Senegal: 1 ex., Senegal, L. Burgeon ( MRAC); 1 ex., Senegal, ( BMNH); 1 ex., Kari, 13°54’N / 14°57’W, VII.1913, C. Fouquet ( MRAC); 1 ex., Senegal, VIII.1951, J. Appert ( BMNH). Sierra Leone: 4 ex., Sierra Leone, 5°00’N /10°W, Fry Coll. ( BMNH); 1 ex., Mayamba, 9°2’N / 12°36’W, coll. E. Cordier, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 1 ex., Rhobomp, Fairmaire, coll. Clavareau ( MRAC); 2 ex., Rhobomp, Baly Coll. ( BMNH); 1 ex., Sierra Leone ( MNHU); 2 ex., Sierra Leone, ex coll. Weise ( MNHU); 1 ex., Sierra Leone, coll. Clavareau ( MRAC); 42 ex., Juring, 7°0’N / 11°32’W, II.1891, A. F. Demery ( NNML); 2 ex., Port Lokko, 8°46’N / 12°47’W, VIII.1925, E. Hargreaves ( BMNH); 1 ex. Njala, IX. 1935, E. Hargreaves ( BMNH). South Africa: 2 ex., Natal, 29°51’S / 31°1’E, ( MNHU); 2 ex., Natal, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 1 ex., Transvaal, Sheba, 25°43’S / 31°10’E, II. 1918, ( BMNH); 2 ex., Tzaneen TP, 23°50’S / 30°10’E, II.1932, van Velden ( BMNH); 2 ex., Natal, 1952, R. Oberthur / G. Allard ( MNHN). Sudan: 3 ex., Singbi, Sudan ( BMNH); 2 ex., Torit, 4°25’N / 32°34’E, VIII.1962, ( BMNH). Tanzania: 1 ex., Ugogo, 6°07’S / 35°30’E, v. Beringer & Jost ( MNHU); 4 ex., Derema (Forest), 5°38’S / 37°30’E, XI.1899, L. Conradt ( MNHU); 2 ex., Irangi, 8°48’S / 35°39’E, I.1912, E. Obst ( MNHU); 1 ex., Singida, 4°49’S / 34°45’E, E. Burtt ( BMNH); 1 ex. Moshi, 3°21’S / 37°20’E, IV.1957, P. Basilewsky / N. Leleup ( MRAC). Togo: 3 ex., Bobo in Togo, Miss. de Witte ( IRSN); 189 ex., Togo, Miss. de Witte ( IRSN); 4 ex., Bonoin?, Togo, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 1 ex., Misahöhe, 6°59’N / 0°40’E, G. Smend ( MNHU); 36 ex., Togo, Spemann, coll. Clavareau ( MRAC); 7 ex., Togo, L.Conradt, coll. Kraatz ( DEI); 2 ex., Togo, Dr. Schulz, ex coll. J. Weise ( MNHU); 4 ex., Amedzowe, J. Weise ( MNHU); 1 ex., Sokodé Basari, F. Schröder ( MNHU); 1 ex., Bismarckburg, 8°11’N / 0°41’E, VIII.1891, R. Büttner ( MNHU); 3 ex., zw. Klein-Popo u. Bismarckburg, VIII.1892, L. Conradt ( MNHU); 29 ex., Bismarckburg, VIII.1892, III.–V.1893, L. Conradt ( MNHU); 39 ex., Misahöhe, IV.–VI.1894, E. Baumanns ( MNHU); 6 ex., Yob, V.1963, Mme. Y. Schach ( MRAC). Uganda: 2 ex., Sesse Ins., 0°20’N / 32°15’E, ( MNHU); 9 ex., Albertsee, 1°40’N / 31°00’E, IV.1908, Exp. Herzog A. F. z. Mecklenburg ( MNHU); 4 ex., Busso Busoga, 0°45’N / 33°30’E, 1909, Dr. E. Bayon, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek ( ZMUH); 1 ex., Uganda, Le Moult vend. via Reinbek, ( ZMUH); 1 ex., Brit. E. Africa, coll. Clavareau ( MRAC); 6 ex., Dwoli, IV.1927, H. Hargreaves (1 ex. BMNH, 5 ex. ZMUH); 1 ex., Vukula, 0°57’N / 33°36’E, V.1930, R. T. Wickham ( NMK); 4 ex., Kampala, 0°19’N / 32°35’E, IV.1930, H. Hargreaves ( BMNH); 1 ex., Kampala, IV.1948, A. F. Gedye ( NMK); 6 ex., Budongo Forest, 1°45’N / 31°35’E, VII.1995, Th. Wagner ( ZFMK). Zambia: 1 ex., N. Rhodesia, 1912, Dr. Lloyd ( BMNH). Zimbabwe: 5 ex., Salisbury, 17°50’S / 31°03’E, XII.1894, G. A. K. Marshall ( BMNH).

Figures

FIGURE 13. Distribution of Ootheca mutabilis.

FIGURES 1 – 4. Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg, 1829). 1 a. Habitus, dorsal view indicating morphometric measurements taken of external characters: TL—total length; EL—elytral length; EW—maximum width of elytra combined; PLpronotal length; PW—pronotal width; WE—maximal width of eye; DE—minimal distance between eyes; 2., 3., 4. — length of second, third and fourth antennomere; TA—length of metatarsus; TI—length of metatibia, Fig. 1 b. Habitus, lateral view. 2. Head, a. ventral, b. dorsal; 3. Antenna; 4. Antennomeres 1 – 4 of two different males and two different females.

FIGURES 5 – 9. Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg, 1829). 5. Pronotum: a. dorsal and b. ventral; 6. Meso- and metathorax, ventral; 1 – mesepisternum, 2 – mesepimeron, 3 – mesosternum, 4 – metepisternum, 5 – mesocoxa, 6 – metasternum, 7 – metepimeron, 8 – metacoxa; 7. Hind wing, venation: A—analis; Cu—cubitus, Cu an—cubitus anterior, M—media, Mr—media radialis, R—radius, Sc—subcosta, rt—radial triangle, rm—cross vein (terminology after Cox & Windsor 1999); 8. Legs: a—prothoracic leg, b—mesothoracic leg, c—metathoracic leg; 9. Abdomen, male, ventral showing sternites 3 – 7.

FIGURES 10 – 12. Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg, 1829). 10. Median lobe: dorsal (left), lateral (right) with aendophallus, b—tectum; 11. Spermathecae of three different females; 12. Colour pattern.

FIGURES 14 – 16. Ootheca mutabilis (Sahlberg, 1829). Type material. 14. Lectotype of Crioceris mutabilis Sahlberg, 1829, a. with labels, b. close-up detail of specimen; 15. Holotype of Malacosoma bicolor Allard, 1889, a. specimen with labels, b. close-up detail of specimen; 16. Lectotype of Ootheca punctata Laboissière, 1931, a. specimen with labels, b. close-up detail of specimen.

FIGURES 17 – 20. Ootheca proteus (Chapuis, 1879). 17. Habitus, dorsal view; 18. Antennomeres 1 – 4 of two different males and two different females; 19. Colour pattern of some specimens; 20. Median lobe: dorsal (left), lateral (right).