Acylophorus orientalis Fauvel, 1907

Lott, Derek A., 2012, Further studies of African Acylophorus Nordmann (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae), Zootaxa 3168, pp. 39-52 : 40

Acylophorus orientalis Fauvel, 1907

( Fig. 1 )

Material examined. Typical form: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Bosum, S. Tessmann, 21–31. iii.1914, 2 ( ZMBH). SOUTH AFRICA: Kruger National Park, Mathlakusapan, 22O37’S 31O22’E, Endrödy-Younga, 9.ii.1994, 1 (cJanak); Kruger National Park, Skukuza, 24O57’S 30O42’E, Endrödy-Younga, 22.ii.1995, 1 (cJanak); Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Sabie Riv., 20O04’S 31O36’E, Endrödy-Younga, 23.ii.1995, 1 (cJanak). Southern form: NAMIBIA: E. Caprivi: Katima Mulilo 15O2’S 26O0’E, M Uhlig, 27–30. iii.1993, 1 Ƥ ( ZMHB). ZAMBIA: Kafue NP, Chunge Camp, Kafue River, 15O2’S 26O0’E, M Uhlig, 27–30. iii.1993, 1 Ƥ ( ZMHB); Livingstone, banks of Zambezi, 17O54’S 25O51’E, M Uhlig, 15.iii.1993, 13 ( ZMHB); Victoria Falls, 17O55’S 25O51’E, M Uhlig, 14.iii.1993, 1Ƥ ( ZMHB).

Discussion. The new records extend the known range of the smaller typical form of A. orientalis (body length = 6.5– 7 mm) to two new countries, the Central African Republic and South Africa, and that of the larger southern form (body length = 7–7.5 mm) to one new country, Namibia. Fig. 1 updates the distribution map given by Lott (2010). The additional records maintain the geographical separation of the ranges of the two forms and support the conjecture that these forms may deserve a higher taxonomic ranking. The extension of the known range of the typical form to South Africa rather suggests that the use of the term “southern” for the larger form is not as appropriate as it first appeared. It would be useful to acquire material from areas on the borders between their respective ranges in order to establish the exact status of the two forms.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Distribution of Acylophorus orientalis Fauvel (= typical form, = southern form).