Key to Afrotropical species groups of Acylophorus

(based on Lott 2010, extended and modified)

1 Disc of pronotum covered by sparse, semi-erect pubescence except sometimes for central glabrous strip (Figs. 26, 27 in Lott 2010); pubescence on head covering most of upper surface except for central glabrous strip; apex of styles at tip of abdomen devoid of bristles and easily visible (Fig. 133 in Lott 2010). Continental sub-Saharan Africa............ kambuiensis group

- Disc of pronotum glabrous except for a pair of setae; pubescence on head restricted to small area behind eyes; apex of styles at tip of abdomen covered by bristles and more or less invisible (Fig. 30 in Lott 2010)................................. 2

2 Pronotum covered by microsculpture consisting of dense micro-punctures visible at 40x magnification. Continental sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar ................................................................... densipennis group

- Pronotum shining either without microsculpture or, much more rarely, with scattered and sparse micro-punctures......... 3

3 Last two segments of maxillary palpi without dense pubescence. Madagascar....................... derougemonti group

- At least last segment of maxillary palpi densely pubescent..................................................... 4

4 Last two segments of maxillary palpi densely pubescent (Figs. 70–74 in Lott 2010)................................. 5

- Only last segment of maxillary palpi pubescent, penultimate segment glabrous (Figs. 51–69 in Lott 2010); two pairs of interocular setae present on head............................................................................... 6

5 Three pairs of interocular setae present on head. Continental sub-Saharan Africa.................. trigonocephalus group

- Two pairs of interocular setae present on head. Madagascar....................................... muscorum group

6 Head larger, pronotum no more than 1.8x wider than head (Figs. 1–8 in Lott 2010); head strongly and abruptly depressed at base underneath (Fig. 29 in Lott 2010); pubescence behind eyes denser and more extensive; genae not expanded forward in front of eyes. Metatarsi with four first segments with short terminal setae, last segment with long empodial setae (Figs. 9, 10). Continental sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar.................................................... orientalis group

- Head smaller, pronotum at least 1.9x wider than head (Figs. 18–20 in Lott 2010); ventral depression at base of head shallow (Fig. 108 in Lott 2010); pubescence behind eyes sparser and less extensive; genae expanded forward in front of eyes. Metatarsi with four first segments with long terminal setae, last segment with short empodial setae (Figs. 87, 88). Continental sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Mascarene Islands (Mauritius)................................................ salifi group