Laccophilus pellucidus Sharp, 1882

Bistroem, Olof, Nilsson, Anders N. & Bergsten, Johannes, 2015, Taxonomic revision of Afrotropical Laccophilus Leach, 1815 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae), ZooKeys 542, pp. 1-379 : 82-87

Taxon classification Animalia Coleoptera Dytiscidae

Laccophilus pellucidus Sharp, 1882 (Figs 8, 67-68, 259-260, 418, 560)

Laccophilus pellucidus Sharp 1882: 304 (original description, faunistics); v. d. Branden 1885: 23 (catalogue, faunistics); Régimbart 1895: 131 (description, faunistics); Zimmermann 1920a: 24 (catalogue, faunistics); Guignot 1959a: 579, 584 (description, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1962: 295 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1965: 76, 87 (description, discussion, faunistics, synonymy Laccophilus ampliatus Régimbart and Laccophilus pellucidus ); Omer-Cooper 1967: 60 (discussion); Biström 1979: 22 (faunistics); Pederzani 1988: 107 (faunistics, biology); Nilsson and Persson 1993: 82, 94 (faunistics, biology); Rocchi 2000: 25 (discussion, description); Nilsson 2001: 248 (catalogue, faunistics); Nilsson 2015: 215 (catalogue, faunistics).

Laccophilus ampliatus Régimbart 1895: 130 (original description, faunistics); Régimbart 1906: 248 (faunistics); Zimmermann 1920a:16 (catalogue, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1958b: 37, 48, 49, 51 (discussion, description, faunistics, biology, synonymy Laccophilus ampliatus and Laccophilus pilitarsis Régimbart); Omer-Cooper 1965: 87 (description, faunistics, synonymy Laccophilus ampliatus and Laccophilus pellucidus Sharp); Omer-Cooper 1967: 60 (discussion, list, synonymy); Nilsson and Persson 1993: 82 (list, synonymy); Nilsson 2001: 24 (catalogue, faunistics, list, synonymy); Nilsson 2015: 215 (catalogue, faunistics, list, synonymy). Confirmed synonym.

Laccophilus pilitarsis Régimbart 1906: 247 (original description, faunistics); Régimbart 1908: 5 (faunistics); Zimmermann 1920a: 24 (catalogue, faunistics); Peschet 1921: 5, pl. 1 fig. 5 (discussion, description, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1931: 756 (description, biology, faunistics); Guignot 1946c: 282, 283, 284, 312 (description, faunistics); Guignot 1954: 29 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1957: 21, 90 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1958a: 59 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1958b: 37 (synonymy Laccophilus ampliatus Régimbart); Guignot 1959a: 576, 581 (description, faunistics); Guignot 1959b: 355 (faunistics); Guignot 1959d: 162 (faunistics); Bertrand and Legros 1975: 672 (discussion); Nilsson and Persson 1993: 82 (list, synonymy Laccophilus pellucidus Sharp); Nilsson 2001: 248 (catalogue, faunistics, list, synonymy); Nilsson 2015: 215 (catalogue, faunistics, list, synonymy). Confirmed synonym.

Type localities.

Laccophilus pellucidus : South Africa: Natal, Bedford District.

Laccophilus ampliatus : South Africa: Natal.

Laccophilus pilitarsis : Kenya: Taveta.

Type material studied

(6 exs.). Laccophilus pellucidus : Holotype (type unique): male: " Laccophilus pellucidus Type D.S. Bedford District, Caffraria 175 Laccophilus / Type H.T. / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 (BMNH).

Laccophilus ampliatus : Lectotype (by present designation): female: "Natal / Museum Paris Coll. Maurice Régimbart 1908 / Type / ampliatus Rég. type" (MNHN). - Paralectotype: female: "98 / Laccophilus ampliatus Rég. type unique / SAM Type acc. no. 838" (1 ex. SAMC). [Comment: note that Régimbart, when describing Laccophilus ampliatus , indicated presence of both sexes in type material - both are, however, females.]

Laccophilus pilitarsis : Lectotype (by present designation): male: "Afrique Orle Anglaise Taveta Ch. Alluaud I-IV. 1904 / Museum Paris coll. Alluaud / Type" (MNHN). - Paralectotypes: "Afrique Orle Anglaise Nairobi (Wa Kikuyu et Masai) Ch. Alluaud 2. sem. 1903 / Museum Paris coll. Alluaud / Type" (2 exs. MNHN).

Additional material studied

(413 exs.). Ethiopia: "Abyssinia Hora Bishoftu 7000 ft. 23.XII. 1926 JOC." (3 exs. AMGS); "Hora Horeso 7000 ft. 1.12. 1926 JOC." (12 exs. AMGS); "Small pond Hora Abjata 5000 ft. 18.XI. 1927 JOC." (2 exs. AMGS). - Sudan: "S. Sudan R. Yei at Amadi 28.1. 1954 JJOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "S. Sudan stream from hot springs Nyangwara 30,5E 4,39N 29.1. 1954 JJOC." (6 exs. AMGS); "S. Sudan R. Yel at Amadi 28.1. 1954 JJOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "S Sudan, sandy river 50 mi NW Juba 29.1. 1954 J. & J. Omer-Cooper" (5 exs. AMGS); "Equatoria Mundri-Lalyo 25-26.2. 1963 Linnavuori" (1 ex. MZH); "Blue Nile Ingessana Mts. 17-22.11. 1962 Linnavuori" (2 exs. MZH); "Equatoria Lalyo-Juba 26-27.2. 1963 Linnavuori" (7 exs. MZH). - Uganda: "Madi V. 1927 Carpenter" (1 ex. AMGS). - Kenya: "Selengai Riv. 21.6. 1970 E.S. Brown" (2 exs. BMNH); "River Athi Bushwackers´ Camp 29.3. 1964 E.S. Brown" (1 ex. BMNH); "Athi River Machakos District 14.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. M. Holmen" (1 ex. ZMUC); "Nairobi Natnl Park 22.3. 1953 Hippo pools E.S. Brown" (1 ex. BMNH); "Kibwezi River Machakos District 13.9. 1976 Holmen M. / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen 1976" (8 exs. ZMUC); "Cha Shimba R., Kwale Kwale District 18.9. 1976 M. Holmen" (3 exs. ZMUC); "Mwatsuma R. Mariakani Kilifi District 16.9. 1976 M. Holmen" (2 exs. ZMUC); "Manjewa Riv Mariakani Kilifi / Kwale District 16.9. 1976 M. Holmen" (5 exs. ZMUC); "Maji ya Chumwi River Kwale District 16.9.1976 M. Holmen / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. M. Holmen 1976" (3 exs. ZMUC) "Afrique Orle Anglaise Voi Ch. Alluaud 1909 / Septembre" (2 exs. MNHN); "Afrique Orle Anglaise Voi Ch. Alluaud 1909 / Septembre / Det. Dr. Guignot Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég.” (1 ex. MNHN); "Fort Hall Br. O. A." (1 ex. NHMB, 1 ex. ZMHB); "Mulango Br. O. A." (1 ex. ZMHB);" Br. O. A. Kibwezi Scheffler" (1 ex. ZMHB). - Tanzania: "Mkulumuzi Riv. Paramba, Tanga District 26.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen det." (1 ex. ZMUC); "Sigi Riv. Ralley Estate Tanga District 26.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. M. Holmen" (1 ex. ZMUC); "Kombe Stream Doda Tanga District 23.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen" (2 exs. ZMUC); "TPC S Moshi canals 28.9. 1976 / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen" (3 exs. ZMUC); "Stream of Hegongo Tanga District 22.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophilus pilitarsis Régb. det. Holmen" (1 ex. ZMUC); "Uluguru Mts. Kimboza Forest 250 m 18.7. 1981 Stoltze & Scharff leg. / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen 1981" (1 ex. ZMUC); "Kilimandj. Sjöstedt / Kibonoto 1-1200 m" (4 exs. NHRS); same data but "1000-1300 m" (1 ex. ZMHB); "? einem Tümpel nahe am Myanwaya Fluss 24.5. 1899" (1 ex. NHMB). - Zaire: "C.B. PNU, Kamusanga affl. g. Lufira / f. mt. Sombwe (750 m) 12.VII. 1949 Mis. De Witte 2776a" (1 ex. MNHN). - Zambia: "Muchinga Escarpment ca. 47 km ENE Rufunsa 14°57'S, 30°04'E lux Göllner leg. 25.3. 1993" (1 ex. ZMHB); "Mountain stream crossing road Kafue-Chirundu 9.8. 1986 Pederzani / Laccophilus pellucidus Sharp det. Rocchi 1990 " (1 ex. CSR). - Malawi: "7 km W Golomoti SE14,34Bc 11.12. 1983" (2 exs. TMSA); "Nyasaland Ft. Hill Yambe Stream 17.10. 1948 JOC." (1 ex. AMGS); "Nyasaland 40 mi. from Njakwa on Ft Hill rd 18.10. 1948" (1 ex. AMGS); "Nyasaland stream 20 miles from Dedza on Lower Lilongwe rd 30.9. 1948" (1 ex. AMGS); "Nyasaland Mtiti River 1.X. 1948 JOC." (2 exs. AMGS); "Selima env. 80 km E Lilongwe 5-6.1. 2002 Kantner" (3 exs. NHMB); "Mulanje mnts env. 22-26.12. 2001 Kantner" (2 exs. NHMB). - Mozambique: "Mkura Stream on Chikukwa Camp, N-19.5516, E33.06916, 24.9. 2002 Bills" (1 ex. AMGS). - Zimbabwe: "S. Rhod., stream with lilies betw. Salisbury & Bromley 12.IX. 1948" (2 exs. AMGS); "Rhodesia Sebakwe" (2 exs. SAMC); "Shangani R. / 13.9. 1948 JOC. / Laccophilus pilitarsis Rég. det. J. Omer-Cooper" (2 exs. AMGS, 1 ex. TMSA); "Wankie Nat. Pk. Main Camp nr Pan S. / MV light trap 10.11. 1961 J.S. Weir" (1 ex. BMNH, 1 ex. MZH; habitus in Fig. 418); "S. Rhod. Wankie reserve Masumu dam 4.IX. 1948" (2 exs. AMGS). - Swaziland: "Little Usutu River nr. Mbabane 5.12. 1948 JOC." (1 ex. AMGS). - South Africa: "Tv. Nelshoogte gallery forest below St. 25.51S- 30.53E / 4.12. 1986 UV light collection Endrödy-Younga 2354" (2 exs. TMSA, 1 ex. MZH); "Kruger Nat. Pk Letaba Riv. bel. dam 23.46S- 31.30E / shorewashing 1.3. 1995 Endrödy-Younga 3122" (4 exs. TMSA, 1 ex. MZH); "Kruger Nat. Pk Levuvu Riv. 22.27S- 31.10E / 12.2. 1994 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga 2998" (1 ex. TMSA); "Trsvl KNP, Gudzani, N-24.260, E31.840, 30.6. 1960" (1 ex. AMGS); "Trsvl, Wit R at Plaston, N-25.350, E31.070, 25.6. 1960" (3 exs. AMGS); "Trsvl, Polluted Pan, S of Olifants Gorge, KNP, N-24.010, E31.740 28.6. 1960" (1 ex. AMGS); "Trsvl, Satara KNP, Windmill dam, N-24.400, E31.770, 30.6. 1960" (2 exs. AMGS); "KNP survey Shingwedzi 19-20.11. 1961 Vári & Rork" (1 ex. TMSA); "Trsvl Warmbad 24-25.2. 1968 Spangler" (21 exs. USNM, 4 exs. MZH); "Trsvl Bundu Inn 25.28S- 28.55E / 24.3. 1974 shore washing Endrödy-Younga 304" (1 ex. TMSA); "Fountains Pta 5.11. 1932 G. van Son" (7 exs. TMSA); "Transvaal Koop R. Barberton 5. Dec. 1948" (1 ex. AMGS); "OFS Parys" (1 ex. SAM); "Zululand Hluhluwe Game Res. 28.05S- 32.04E / 27.11. 1992 shorewashing, shade, E-Y 2861" (2 exs. TMSA); "Natal Hluhluwe Game Reserve 18.4. 1951/Brinck-Rudebeck" (2 exs. MZLU); "Natal R. Natal National Park, the Hostel 5.4. 1951/Brinck-Rudebeck" (8 exs. MZLU); "Zululd Mtubatuba 28.22S- 32.19E / 4.4. 1974 muddy shore washing, Endrödy-Younga 319" (3 exs. TMSA, 1 ex. MZH); "Natal Richmond 4.7. 1947 J.O.C." (3 exs. AMGS, 8 exs. USNM, 1 ex. MZH); "Natal Little Bushmans River 15.4. 54 Oliffe" (2 exs. AMGS); "Umzikulu 6.4. 1947 J.O.C." (3 exs. AMGS); "Natal Celenso (?) 12.11. 1953 / Tug 36Q3 12.11.53" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Mhlatuze R above weir, Felixton N-28.840, E31.910, 7.3. 1962" (7 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, below Masonite Effluent. Estcourt, Little Bushmans R., N-29.000, E29.880, 15.4. 1954 Oliff" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Lufafa R confluence, N-30.001, E30.1825, 5.5. 1996 Dickens & de Moor" (2 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Mooi R, at Hornet Corner, N-28.950, E30.380, 15.3. 1995 Dickens" (3 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Mooi R, at Glenfem Bridge, N-29.390, E29.810, 15.3. 1995 Dickens" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Klein Mooi R, at Durleigh Farm, N-29.230, E29.900, 15.3. 1995 Dickens" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Betw. Aberfoyle, Impofana Farms, Mpofana R. N-29.400, E30.070, 3.1. 1995 Dickens" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Mooi R., above Rosetta N-29.320, E29.970, 15.3. 1995 Dickens" (26 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Lions R, at Weltwreden Farm, N-29.440, Dickens" (1 ex. AMGS); "NW Pr., twin streams in Siyai, 10.3.1981 Reawell" (5 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Richards Bay, Umhlatuze floodplain 7.6. 1985 Reavell" (4 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Volkrust Road Bridge, Ncandu R., N-27.750, E29.930, 4.12. 1973 Metz" (6 exs. AMGS); same data but "24.9. 1974" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "20.5. 1974" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "8.1. 1974" (2 exs. AMGS); same data but "19.3. 1974" (2 exs. AMGS); Kw. Natal, Ncandu R. St. 7, 27.8. 1974 Metz" (2 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Ngagane R., below Newcastle Sewage works, N-27.720, E30.020, 5.12. 1973 Metz" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "20.3. 1974" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Ngagane R., Mandini-Iscor Rd. Bridge, N-27.720, E30.060, 24.9. 1974 Metz" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Ngagane R., Steildrift rd., N-27.770, E30.020, 19.6. 1974 Metz" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Injambili R, inland S coast rd., N-30.620, E30.520, 7.6. 1972 Chutter" (20 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Amahlongwa R, S Coast Rd. N-30.250, E30.720 ,9.6. 1972 Chutter" (12 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Izotsha R., Inland Coast Rd. 5.6. 1972 Chutter" (10 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Buffalo R, at Retreat, N-27.720, E30.180, 7.11. 1973 Metz" (1 ex. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Little Amazimtoti R. N-30.060, E30.820, 15.6. 1984 Pretorius" (5 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Stn 10 at Colenso, Tugela R., N-28.730, E29.820, 12.11. 1953 Oliff" (2 exs. AMGS); "Kw. Natal, Ingane R., old S Coast Rd., N-30.170, E30.780, 15.6. 1964 Pretorius" (17 exs. AMGS); “Coward’s Bus Dam 26.6. 1993 Reavell" (9 exs. AMGS); "Nyebo Stream Transkei 5.4. 1947 J.O.C." (2 exs. AMGS); "Butterworth Riv. 16.4. 1947 J.O.C." (4 exs. AMGS); "Freddy van Zyl Bridge, Oorslas Spruit 25.2. 1947 J.O.C." (1 ex. AMGS); "Modder River" (1 ex. SAMC); "Z.A. Barbeton Distr. Suid Kaap R. / Humus Oct. 1961 / Leleup" (1 ex. TMSA); "East London Fort Jackson pond by railway 14.III. 1955" (3 ex. AMGS); "E.C.Pr. Plutos Vale 20 July 1946 J.O-C." (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., close to entrance of Dwesa Nature Reserve, stone bottomed river edge, S32°15.602, E28.46.368, Alt. 27 m, 23.1.1905 Bergsten leg." (2 exs. NHRS); "Albany Blouwkrantz 1939" (1 ex. AMGS); "WPr., Mouth Swart R entering Hartebeesport Dam, in Eichhornia beed 30.5. 1971 Reavell (1 ex. AMGS); "CPr., Swart Kei R, nr Tylden, N-32.110, E27.020, 4.2. 1973 Stuart & Greig" (3 exs. AMGS); "ECPr., Bloukrans R. GHT Pt Alfred Road, N-33.375, E26.705, 9.9. 1972 Stobbs" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Mncotsho R., N-32.54.48, E27.36.52, 11.8. 2003, De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Mncotsho R, Trib. Buffalo R., N-32.54.48, E27.36.52, 11.2. 2003, De Moor & Barber" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but " N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 18.5. 2004" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but " N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 30.8. 2001 De Moor & De Moor" (2 exs. AMGS); "ECPr., Xolo R, Trib. carrying sewage works discharge, N-32.50.11, E27.37.49, 11.12. 2003 De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "19.5. 2004" (3 exs. AMGS); same data but "2.10. 2002" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "20.2. 2002" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Xolo R., upstream of confluence with trib., N-32.50.15, E27.37.48, 8.6. 2000 De Moor & Barber-James" (2 exs. AMGS); same data but "30.8. 2000" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Xolo R. Dam at Lily Stone Farm, N-32.52.10, E27.38.34, 16.5. 2001, De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Xolo R. Tributary, N-32.50.11, E27.37.49,1.12. 2004 De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECPr., Xolo R. Dam on Sidney Hill Farm, N-32.52.00, E27.37.09, 1.4. 2000, De Moor & Barber-James" (2 exs. AMGS); "ECpr., Rwantsa R., Dam, N-32.53.20, E27.37.55, 30.8. 2000, De Moor & Barber James" (1 ex. AMGS); "ECpr., Rwantsa R. at Farm Wolsley, N-32.54.03, E27.41.51, 2.10. 2002 De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "10.12. 2003" (4 exs. AMGS); "ECpr., Rwantsa R. dam at Farm Mistrey, N-32.53.20, E27.37.55, 12.10. 2002 De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "1.10. 2002" (2 exs. AMGS); same data but "15.5. 2001" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "11.12. 2003" (5 exs. AMGS); "ECPr., Nahoon River at Witchkranz, N-32.51.10, E27.39.08, 19.5. 2004 De Moore & Barber-James" (2 exs. AMGS); same data but "4.5. 2000" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "Nahoon R system 13.8. 2003" (2 exs. AMGS); "ECPr. Nahoon R. ca. 100 m above Dabadaba R confluence, N-32.50.28, E27.39.21, 10.12. 2003, De Moor & Barber-James" (1 ex. AMGS); same data but "19.2. 2002" (3 exs. AMGS); "ECPr., Maclear Munic. Dam, Mooi R. trib., N-31.0561, E28.31472, 27.3. 1993 Scott & al." (3 exs. AMGS); "C.Pr., Upper Gatberg River, at Madun N-31.270, E28.170, 24.3. 1991 Barber-James & De Moor" (1 ex. AMGS)

Comments on synonymy.

Earlier introduced synonymy of Laccophilus pellucidus , Laccophilus ampliatus and Laccophilus pilitarsis is confirmed. Laccophilus pellucidus , being the oldest, is the valid name of the species.

Diagnosis.

Laccophilus pellucidus is especially characterized by large body combined with very peculiarly shaped penis, different from all other African Laccophilus species; penis voluminous with twisted, apical extension.

Description.

Body length 5.3-6.0 mm, width 3.0-3.4 mm. Dorsal, aspect of body pale ferrugineous, without distinct colour pattern (Fig. 418). Elytra sometimes provided with pale, vague spots. Additionally, vague irrorations may be discerned on elytra.

Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat and distinctly microsculptured; reticulation double; large meshes contain 2-6 finer meshes. At eyes with an irregular row of fine punctures.

Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, laterally with vague paler areas. Slightly mat, with distinct microsculpture. Reticulation generally of two different kinds; larger meshes contain 2-7 small meshes. At margins, with scattered, fine and irregular punctures.

Elytra: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, without distinct colour pattern; sometimes with vague paler areas/spots (Fig. 418). Epipleuron posterolaterally not expanded. Weakly developed, fine irrorations often discernible. Rather shiny although finely reticulated. Reticulation double; large meshes contain 2-6 finer meshes. Posterolaterally double reticulation obscure and in part indistinct. Discal, dorsolateral and lateral, rather fine and somewhat irregular row of punctures discerned. Elytron posterolaterally with a row of fine and dense, quite long hairs.

Ventral aspect: Almost impunctate, except base of metathorax and two sclerites covered by apical ventrite; with distinct punctures. Rather shiny, extensive and very fine microsculpture discernible. Metacoxal plates and base of abdomen with striae. Prosternal process pointed, comparatively short and broad. Apical ventrite lacks distinct knob (Fig. 67).

Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus enlarged, somewhat extended and provided with distinct suckers.

Male genitalia: Penis almost straight, voluminous with twisted, apical extension (Figs 259-260).

Female: Rarely elytron laterally, between middle and apex, with a distinct lateral expansion (Fig. 8). Apical ventrite (Fig. 68). Pro- and mesotarsus slender.

Distribution.

Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, South Africa (Fig. 560). Additional country record is Lesotho ( Omer-Cooper 1965)

Collecting circumstances.

Some biological information is available in Omer-Cooper (1958b); in most cases sampled in various kinds of streams but also in water holes. In Ethiopia sampled at high altitudes (between 5000-7500 feet) under the name Laccophilus pilitarsis ( Omer-Cooper 1931) and as Laccophilus pellucidus at altitudes of 1500-2300 m ( Nilsson and Persson 1993). See also Pederzani (1988).