Bengalia recurva Malloch, 1927

Rognes, Knut, 2018, Revision of the Bengalia torosa Wiedemann, 1819 species-group (Diptera: Calliphoridae), with notes on the systematic position of B. robertsi Kurahashi, 1987 and B. subnitida James, 1964, Zootaxa 4391 (1), pp. 1-71 : 44-48

Bengalia recurva Malloch, 1927

( Figs 183–206 )

Bengalia (Ochromyia) recurva Malloch, 1927: 404 . HoloType ♂ ( USNM, as “ Type ”; noT examined), by original designaTion. Type locality: Philippines, Luzon, Mt Makiling.

? Bengalia (Ochromyia) recurva: Malloch (1927: 404) (“…one female paratype, Pahang, Federated Malay States, …”; not seen).

Bengalia recurva: Senior-White et al. (1940: 92) .

Bengalia recurva: James (1966: 467) ( Philippines) .

Bengalia recurva: James (1977: 529; catalogue entry) .

Bengalia recurva: Rueda (1985: 343) ( Philippines; specimen illutrated [ Rueda 1985: 344, fig. 15] with ST5 flap with a practically straight hind margin).

Bengalia recurva: Kurahashi et al. (1997: 42) . [No material recorded from Malaysia and Singapore, which cast doubt on the female recorded by Malloch (1927), above.]

Bengalia recurva: Kurahashi & Magpayo (2000: 49) ( Philippines) .

Laoziana recurva: Lehrer (2005: 140) (“… inconnue pour nous”).

Laoziana camerina Lehrer, 2005: 137 . HoloType ♂ ( BPBM; examined), by original designaTion. Type localiTy: Philippines (Camarines Sur, Mt. Iriga ). Syn. nov.

Laoziana mandarina Lehrer, 2005: 138 . HoloType ♂ ( MSNM; examined), by original designaTion. Type localiTy: China (“ Canton ”, now = Guangdong). Syn. nov.

Laoziana singhasaria Lehrer, 2005: 141 . HoloType ♂ ( NHMUK; examined), by original designaTion. Type locality: Indonesia (“ Java, Salatri ”). Syn. nov.

Bengalia recurva: Verves (2005: 240; catalogue entry).

Bengalia recurva: Kurahashi & Bunchu (2011: 245) . [No records from Thailand.]

Diagnosis. Male. Length: 14.0–16.0mm (n=3). Frons at vertex / head width ratio 0.29–0.33 (mean 0.31, n=5). Anepisternum all yellow. Anepimeron with pale setulae only ( Fig. 195 ). Fore tibia with 3–4 strong spinous setae in proximal third of ventral surface ( Figs 200–201 ). Abdominal tergites, also T5, all yellow or with very narrow dark marginal bands ( Fig. 196 ). ST5 flap much shorter than wide, with hind margin slightly concave ( Figs 186 , 197– 198, 203 ), straight, or slightly convex ( Figs 204, 206 ). Cercus with long, narrow prong in posterior view ( Fig. 183 ). Surstylus broad, with sinuous upper and lower margins, in lateral view ( Fig. 184 ), in posterior view broadened and blunt at tip ( Fig. 183 ). Bacilliform sclerite process with backwardly pointing (retrograde) projection ( Figs 184–185 , 202, 205 ). Distiphallus as in Figs 187–191 . Semidomes (sd) short (anteroposteriorly), forming a narrow band in apical view ( Fig.191 ). Distal lip process (dlp) with two rounded sections connected at middle ( Figs 187–188 ), appearing bifid in apical view ( Fig. 191 ). Distiphallus with dorsal wall slightly curved in lateral view ( Fig. 187 ). External hypophallic lobe with complex folds distally ( Fig. 189 ). Apical part of distiphallus with a denticulate membrane surrounding the ejaculatory opening ( Figs 187, 189–190 ). Pre- and postgonite as in Fig. 192 .

Female. Length: 12.5–14.5mm (n=2). Frons at vertex / head width ratio 0.30–0.32 (mean 0.21, n=2).

Discussion. Lehrer (2005: 136) based his key to the four nominal species in his “genus” Laoziana on the alleged shape of the distal lip process (his “apophyses apicales du distiphallus”) in lateral view only. In L. singhasaria they are described as “longues, étroites et orientées en bas [long, straight and directed downwards]” (see his fig. 64C), whereas in the other three (also B. recurva , unknown to him by his own admission) they are described as “courtes, larges et orientées en arrière [short, broad and directed backwards]”. No additional details are given for L. recurva (“espèce … restée inconnue pour nous”), whereas in L. mandarina they are described as “larges et arrondies dans leur partie terminale [broad and rounded distally]” (see his fig. 62C), and in L. camerina as having “une forme plus ou moins triangulaire et sont étroites au bout terminal [a more or less triangular shape and narrow distally]” (see his fig. 61C). These descriptions apply only to his lateral view figures, which seem to have served as a basis for the key text but have nothing to do with the actual shape of the distal lip process, which is quite uniform in all the specimens I have seen (including the ones examined by Lehrer) when examined from all angles of view. The key is therefore unfortunately based on artifacts resulting from Lehrer’s slide preparation method, involving excessive heat (300°C, also open flame) and Canada balsam ( Lehrer 2011: 7–8), which distorted the fragile membranes. There is no difference between the three nominal species in the shape of the distal lip process when observed from various angles of view. There are also dubious statements in the key regarding the shape of the cerci in profile. However, there is some noteworthy variation in the shape of the distal margin of the ST5 flap. Rueda’s (1985: 343) figure shows a practically straight hind margin of the ST5 flap. The convex hind margin of the ST5 flap in the holotype of L. singhasaria ( Fig. 204 ) and a male in ZMHB ( Fig. 206 ) is puzzling, and suggests that it might represent a separate species. This resembles the situation observed for the ST5 flap in the species pair B. kanoi / B. martinleakei , but these species differ also in the apicoventral part of the distiphallus. No differences in the distiphallus were found in the above specimens with a convex ST5 flap compared to the other specimens, so I consider all of Lehrer’s nominal species as synonyms of B. recurva .

Biology. A label reads “In house in privies at night”. Nothing else is known.

Distribution. China (Guangdong *), Indonesia (Jawa *, Sulawesi *),? Malaysia (female from Pahang, West Malaysia [ Malloch 1927: 404]), Philippines *.

Type material examined. Bengalia recurva Malloch, 1927 . [Holotype ♂ from Mt. Maquiling, Philippines (USNM; see Malloch (1927: 404); not examined).]. PARATYPE ♂ (NHMUK), labelled (1) Para- / type [printed on white circular label with yellow rim]; (2) Camp Keithley / Mindanas P.I. [handwritten]; (3) June 1913 / E.L. Munson [handwritten]; (4) Bengalia / recurva / Mall. [handwritten]; (5) In exchange with / Prof. J.M.Aldrich / Brit.Mus.1929-366 [printed] [The specimen is staged on a big celluloid plate; above the stage plate is a handwritten label reading (6) In houses & / privies at / light; the dry genital capsule is glued to one corner of the label].

Laoziana camerina Lehrer, 2005 . HOLOTYPE ♂ (BPBM), labelled (1) P.I.,CAMARINES / SUR, Mt. Iriga / 500-600m, 28.IV.62 [printed]; (2) H.M. Torrevillas / Collector / BISHOP [printed]; (3) HOLOTYPUS [black print on red label]; (4) Laoziana ♂ / camerina Lehrer n. sp. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / 2005 [printed, pin hole near middle]; (5) Laoziana ♂ / camerina Lehrer n. sp. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / 2005 [printed, pin hole near right hand margin] [Left hind leg lost; abdomen, including T5, pale; dissected by Lehrer; terminalia infused with Canada balsam, in glycerol in big plastic vial; transferred to glass microvial with glycerol by me; one surstylus lost, allowing a good view of the bacilliform sclerite process; distiphallus with bifid distal lip process (“apophyses apicales”), not apparent in Lehrer’s figure 61C].

Laoziana mandarina Lehrer, 2005 . HOLOTYPE ♂ (MSNM), labelled (1) Canton 21 / Hsinsioe [?] [last line difficult to decipher; handwritten]; (2) Bengalia sp. nov. [handwritten on label with three printed lines and a fine black frame]; (3) Bezzi [handwritten]; (4) 714 [handwritten]; (5) latro [printed on white label]; (6) pallida / SYNTYPUS [printed on white label]; (7) HOLOTYPUS [printed on white label glued to larger red label]; (8) Bengalia ♂ / mandarina Lehrer sp.n. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / XII.2004 [printed; two pin holes in middle]; (9) Bengalia ♂ / mandarina Lehrer sp.n. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / XII.2004 [printed; one pin hole near right hand margin] [Dissected by Lehrer; terminalia transferred from the big plastic Lehrer vial to a small glass microvial by me; the specimen is teneral, as demonstrated by the weakly sclerotized terminalia; terminalia infiltrated by Canada balsam; first record for China].

Laoziana singhasaria Lehrer, 2005 . HOLOTYPE ♂ (NHMUK) labelled (1) HOLO- / TYPE. [printed on white circular label with red rim]; (2) HOLOTYPUS [printed on white label glued to larger red label]; (3) WEST JAVA: / Sakatri, / i.1938. / B.M.1962-651; (4) Bengalia ♂ / singhasaria n. sp. / HOLOTYPUS / Det. Dr. A.Z.LEHRER / 2004 [printed] [Right fore leg lost, left fore tibia lost; both mid legs lost; dissected by Lehrer; terminalia transferred from the big plastic Lehrer vial to a glass microvial by me; right surstylus lost, right bacilliform sclerite process broken; left bacilliform sclerite process intact; cerci displaced in relation to each other; the phallus is infiltrated with a substance (possibly Canada balsam) that has collapsed the bifid distal lip process and created the artefactual, downwardly directed and apparently single process in Lehrer’s fig. 64C, just beside the letter “C”; it is also very difficult to view the outline of the semidomes in lateral view; left anepimeron with one black setula ( Fig. 195 ), right anepimeron with pale setulae only].

Other material examined. NHMD. Philippines: 1 ♀, labelled (1) Philippines, Palawan / Mantalingajan / Pinigisan 600 meter / 7 Sept 1961 / Noona Dan Exp. 61-62 [printed]; (2) Caught in / Malaise- / traps / inside forest [printed]; (3) Bengalia / recurva / Mall. / det James 65 [handwritten by James on label with black frame]; • 1 ♀, labelled (1) Philippines, Palawan / Brookes Point / Uring Uring / 18 August 1961 / Noona Dan Exp. 61-62 [printed]; (2) Caught by / Mercury light / 20.00–22.30 [printed]; (3) recurva [handwritten by James]; • 1 ♂, labelled (1) Philippines, Palawan / Brookes Point / Uring Uring / 18 August 1961 / Noona Dan Exp. 61-62 [printed]; (2) Caught by / light from / Petromax [printed]; (3) recurva [handwritten by James] [Dissected by me; dried abdominal tergites glued to a piece of card on pin; terminalia in glycerol in glass microvial pinned below labels]. WSU. Philippines: 1 ♂, labelled (1) Philippines, Palawan / Brookes Point / Uring Uring / 19 August 1961 / Noona Dan Exp. 61-62 [printed]; (2) Caught in / Malaise- / traps [printed]; (3) Bengalia / recurva / Mall. / det James ‘65 [handwritten by James on label with black frame] [Genitalia extruded and well visible]; • 1 ♀, labelled (1) Philippines, Tawi Tawi / Tarawakan / north of Batu Batu / 25. Oct 1961 / Noona Dan Exp. 61-62 [printed]; (2) Caught in / Malaise- / traps [printed]; (3) recurva [handwritten by James]; (4) 11 [handwritten in pencil on small yellow label]. ZMHB. Indonesia: 1 ♂, labelled (1) Celebes, Bonthain [= Sulawesi, Bantaeng] / Wawa Karaeng / 1100m Ende 8.31 / G. Heinreich [printed on yellow label]; (2) Anisomyia / favillacea / (Walk.) var. ♂ / Dr. Enderlein det 1935 [handwritten except most of last line, which is printed]; (3) Zool. Mus. / Berlin [printed] [Dissected by me; ST1–5 and terminalia in glycerol in a glass microvial on the same pin; dried abdominal tergites glued to a piece of card on pin; this specimen has ST5 flap with a convex hind margin ( Fig. 206 ), a feature shared with Lehrer’s Laoziana singhasaria ; at present I accept a convex hind margin of the ST5 flap as being within the range of natural variation of B. recurva ; I have found no differences in the phallus between this male, the dried WSU male and the dissected NHMD male, above].

Figures

FIGURES 183–192. Bengalia recurva Malloch (male from Brookes Point, Uring Uring, Palawan, Philippines, NHMD). 183. Epandrial complex, posterior view. 184. Epandrial complex, left lateral view. 185. Bacilliform sclerite process. 186. ST5 flap. 187. Distiphallus, left lateral view. 188. Distiphallus, dorsal view. 189. Distiphallus, ventral view. 190. Distiphallus, apical view. 191. Distiphallus, apical view. 192. Pre- and postgonites. All scale bars = 0.25mm. Abbreviations: dlp = distal lip process; e = external hypophallic lobe; i = internal hypophallic lobe; pog = postgonite; prg = pregonite; psur = proximal surstylus; sd = semidomes.

FIGURES 193–206. Bengalia recurva Malloch (193–196, 202, 204: holotype of Laoziella singhasaria Lehrer, NHMUK; 197: holotype of Laoziella camerina Lehrer, BPBM; 198: holotype of Laoziella mandarina Lehrer, MSNM; 199–201, 203: male from Brookes Point, Uring Uring, Palawan, Philippines, WSU; 205–206: male from Bantaeng, Sulawesi, Indonesia, ZMHB). 193. Distiphallus, left lateral view. 194. Distiphallus, ventrolateral view. 195. Left anepimeron. 196. Abdomen, oblique postero-ventrolateral view. 197. ST5 flap. 198. ST5 flap. 199. Distiphallus, apical view. 200. Right fore tibia, inside view. 201. Right fore femur and part of fore tibia, inside view. 202. Bacilliform sclerite process. 203. ST5 flap. 204. ST5 flap (partly destroyed). 205. Bacilliform sclerite process. 206. ST5 flap. All scale bars = 0.25mm. Abbreviations: dlp = distal lip process; sd = semidomes.