Citation: Schawaller W, Grimm R (2014) The genus Alphitobius Stephens (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Alphitobiini) in Africa and adjacent islands. In: Bouchard P, Smith AD (Eds) Proceedings of the Third International Tenebrionoidea Symposium, Arizona, USA, 2013. ZooKeys 415: 169–190. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.415.6676
All species of the genus Alphitobius Stephens, 1829 (Alphitobiini Reitter, 1917, subfamily Tenebrioninae Latreille, 1802) from Africa and adjacent islands are revised. New species: Alphitobius capitaneus sp. n. from Kenya. New synonyms: Cryptops ulomoides Solier, 1851, syn. n. of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1796); Alphitobius rufus Ardoin, 1976, syn. n. of Alphitobius hobohmi Koch, 1953); Peltoides (Micropeltoides) crypticoides Pic, 1916, syn. n. of Peltoides (Micropeltoides) opacus (Gerstaecker, 1871), comb. n. Homonym: Alphitobius ulomoides Koch, 1953 = Alphitobius arnoldi nom. n. New combinations from Alphitobius: Ulomoides basilewskyi (Ardoin, 1969), comb. n.; Peltoides (Micropeltoides) opacus (Gerstaecker, 1871), comb. n. Figures of all examined species are added and a species key is compiled.
Tenebrionidae, Alphitobiini, Alphitobius, taxonomy, new species, new synonym, new combination, Africa, species key
Two species of the genus Alphitobius Stephens, 1829 (Alphitobiini Reitter, 1917, subfamily Tenebrioninae Latreille, 1802), namely Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1796) and Alphitobius laevigatus (Fabricius, 1781), have a cosmopolitan synanthropic distribution. All the other species were described from mature habitats in Africa south of the Sahara, so probably this is also the native area of both synanthropic species.
The separation of Alphitobius from Diaclina was doubtful for a long time.
Some additional taxa were originally described under Alphitobius, but were assigned in the meantime to other genera, and are therefore not included herein. Ulomoides cinctellus (Fairmaire, 1902) (Madagascar), Diaclina parallela (Thomson, 1858) (Guinea), Micropedinus pullulus (Boheman, 1858) (Hongkong), Menimus nitidulus (Motschulsky, 1859) (Sri Lanka), Menimus punctulatus (Motschulsky, 1859) (Sri Lanka), Ulomoides suffusus (Wollaston, 1867) (Cape Verde), Uloma sulcipennis (Thomson, 1858) (Gabon), and Ulomoides xamiaphilus (Carter, 1920) (Australia). Alphitobius distinguendus Fairmaire, 1869 turned out to be a synonym of Cenoscelis pulla (Erichson, 1843). Herein, we transfer one additional species from Alphitobius to Ulomoides: Ulomoides basilewskyi (Ardoin, 1969), comb. n., and one from Alphitobius to Peltoides (Micropeltoides): Peltoides opacus (Gerstaecker, 1871), comb. n.
CNC Canadian National Collection of Insects, Ottawa, Canada
CRA Collection Dr. Rolf Aalbu, Dorado Hills, USA/California
CRG Collection Dr. Roland Grimm, Neuenbürg, Germany
MNB Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany
MNHN Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
MRAC Museé Royal de l’Afrique Centrale, Tervuren, Belgium
NHMB Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel, Switzerland
NMP National Museum, Department Entomology, Prague, Czech Republic
SMNS Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde, Stuttgart, Germany
TMSA Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria, South Africa
ZSM Zoologische Staatssammlung, Munich, Germany
Senegal, no further data, holotype NHMB (sex not examined).
Sudan, Dilling, 20.–22.III.1914, leg. Ebner, 1 ex. NHMB. – Sudan, N Darfur Prov., El Geneina, 4.–18.VI.1979, leg. I. Abuzinid, 8 ex. TMSA, 1 ex. CRG, 1 ex. MNB, 1 ex. SMNS (det. Bremer). – Burkina Faso (labelled as Ob. Volta), Pundu, Olsufiew, no further data, 4 ex. TMSA. – Chad, Massaguet, without date, leg. H. Franz, 1 ex. NHMB. – Chad, Deressia, near Lai, without date, leg. H. Franz, 1 ex. NHMB.
“Senegal”.
Senegal (
Zimbabwe (labelled as S Rhodesia), Bulawayo, leg. G. Arnold, holotype TMSA (sex not examined).
Somalia, Car-Car Mts., IX.1959, leg. C. Koch, 2 ex. TMSA (det. Ferrer). – Somalia, Gardo, 810 m, 22.X.1957, leg. G. Scortecci, 1 ex. TMSA. – Kenya, Witu, Lamu, Wangi, without date, leg. G. Denhardt, 1 ex. ZSM, 3 ex. MNB (det. Bremer). – Tanzania, Mgorogoro Prov. 10 km N Mikumi, 11.I.2007, leg. F. Kantner, 1 ex. SMNS.
“Bulawayo”.
Cryptops ulomoides Solier, 1851 from Chile is a junior synonym of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1796) (see below). Thus Alphitobius ulomoides Koch, 1953 is a homonym and must have a new name, arnoldi nom. n.
The new name is derived in honor of George Arnold (1881–1963), former curator in the “Rhodesia Museum” (now Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo), specialist of African Hymenoptera, and collector of the holotype.
Zimbabwe, Congo (
Dorsal view of African species of the genus Alphitobius and Ulomoides. 1 Alphitobius crenatus, non-type Madagascar, SMNS 2 Alphitobius lamottei, non-type Central African Republic, SMNS 3 Ulomoides basilewskyi comb. n., holotype, MRAC 4 Alphitobius arnoldi nom. n., non-type Tanzania, SMNS. Scale: 2 mm.
http://zoobank.org/C18D8875-7C0A-46B4-8195-313B8DE1A2BE
http://species-id.net/wiki/Alphitobius_capitaneus
Figs 16, 20Holotype male: Kenya, Samburu Nature Reserve, Samburu River Lodge, 28.III.1988, leg. R. Grimm, CRG.
Alphitobius capitaneus sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by size and shape of body. A similar body shape, especially the shape of pronotum has Alphitobius lamottei Ardoin, 1963, but this species is smaller (body length ≤ 7.0 mm) and differs by the reddish colour, by much finer punctation of dorsal surface, by longer and less distinct serrate antennae with basal antennomeres more elongated, and by the somewhat more stretched and apically narrowed apicale of aedeagus.
Body length 8.8 mm, width at widest point behind middle of elytra 3.6 mm. Elongate, blackish brown, matt; borders of pronotum, lateral borders of elytra, sutural interval, and scutellum paler reddish brown. Complete dorsal surface with very fine and dense punctation, punctures bearing a minute seta. Head sub-trapezoidal; outline continuous, not interrupted between clypeus and frons; apical margin of epistome shallowly emarginate in the middle; fronto-clypeal suture complete and linearly impressed. Eyes large, constricted by genal canthus, dorsal part smaller than ventral part. Genal canthus hardly projecting beyond contours of eyes, with the outlines nearly continuous with the outlines of the latter. Tempora strongly narrowed towards neck. Antennae thickened, not reaching the base of pronotum, with the seven distal antennomeres forming a kind of club; 2nd antennomere wider than long; 3rd elongate, one and a half times as long as wide; 4th only slightly, 5th to 10th distinctly wider than long and distinctly serrate; distal antennomere rounded, as wide as long. Pronotum transverse, width/length ratio 1.7; transverse convex, widest at base, shallowly arcuate narrowing to apex. Anterior margin shallowly emarginate, basal margin bisinuate, all margins finely bordered; lateral margins separated from discal convexity by a narrow submarginal depression. Anterior and posterior corners rectangular. Propleura densely covered with small seta bearing tubercles, only along outer margins nearly smooth. Prosternum rugosely punctured, prosternal apophysis bent down behind procoxae. Elytra convex, elongate oval with subparallel sides and densely punctured striae; scutellar striole absent; intervals much broader than striae, nearly flat on disc, becoming more and more convex laterally and distally; lateral margins in dorsal view visible nearly over entire length, only concealed around apex; base as wide as base of pronotum; humeral angles obtuse, distinct. Scutellum large, triangular. Mesoventrite roughly punctured, with shiny median carina in basal part; triangular apophysis raised upwards and excavate. Metaventrite shiny, with fine median sulcus, finely punctured on disc, somewhat more coarsely punctured laterally. Abdominal ventrites with very dense and fine punctation throughout, basally and laterally longitudinally wrinkled. Tibiae gradually and faintly dilated towards apex, without modifications. Aedeagus as in Fig. 20.
Capitaneus (Latin) means conspicuous by greatness, refers in this case to the body size.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Alphitobius_crenatus
Figs 1, 21Madagascar, no further data, 2 ex. TMSA. – Madagascar, Ambaton, no further data, 1 ex. SMNS. – S Madagascar, Midongy, no further data, 3 ex. SMNS. – C Madagascar, Katsepy (Majunga), 24.–31.XII.1997, leg. P. Pacholátko, 1 ex. SMNS. – Madagascar, Antananarivo Distr., Moramanga, 12.II.1995, leg. I. Jeniš, 1 ex. ZSM. – Madagascar, Toliaro Prov., Andohahela NP, Forêt d’Ambohibory, 300 m, 16.–20.I.2002, leg. Fisher, Grifswold et al., 1 ex. CRA. – Madagascar, Toliaro Prov., Cap Sainte Marie, 200 m, 11.–15.II.2002, leg. Fisher, Grifswold et al., 3 ex. CRA. – Madagascar, Toliara Prov., Forêt de Tsinjoriaky, 70 m, 6.–10.III.2002, leg. Fisher, Grifswold et al., 1 ex. CRA. – Madagascar, Toliara Prov., Tsimanampetsotsa NP, 25 m, 18.–22.III.2002, leg. Fisher, Grifswold et al., 1 ex. CRA.
“Madagascar” (crenata), “Nossi-Bé” (luctuosa).
Madagascar (type locality), eastern Africa, Comores, Seychelles, Aldabra Islands (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Alphitobius_diaperinus
Figs 15, 22Chile (labelled as Chili), Valparaiso, Gay 15-43, 1 syntype of Cryptops ulomoides Solier, 1851, MNHN, designated herewith as lectotype.
Somalia, Genale, 1935, leg. R. Ciferri, 3 ex. TMSA. – Sudan, Mt. Sangha, no further data, leg. Škulina, 1 ex. NMP. – Sudan, Wad Medani, 21.XII.1952, leg. W. Büttiker, 1 ex. TMSA. – Ghana, Ashanti Region, Kumasi, Nhiasu, 16.V.1987, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga, 1 ex. TMSA. – Nigeria, Ile-Ife, 7.VII.1988, leg. F.-T. Krell, 10 ex. SMNS. – Liberia, Bong Town, 23.III.1988, leg. F.-T. Krell, 3 ex. SMNS. – Ivory Coast, Adiopodoumé, 11.V.1988, leg. F.-T. Krell, 8 ex. SMNS. – Cameroon, Buea, 11.II.1980, leg. H. Schmalfuss & M. Schlegel, 6 ex. SMNS. – Guinea, Kouroussa, 16.XI.1995, leg. U. Lange, 1 ex. SMNS. – Congo, Tshuapa, Flandria, 1946/1947, leg. P. Hulstaert, 3 ex. TMSA. – Uganda, Kampala, V.1927, leg. H. Hargreaves, 1 ex. TMSA (det. Bryant). – Kenya, no further data, leg. Škulina, 1 ex. NMP. – Kenya, Voi (Tsavo), 8.–10.XI.1996, leg. M. Snížek, 1 ex. CRG. – Zambia, 30 km NE Livingstone, 1.XI.2002, leg. F. Wachtel, 1 ex. CRG. – Zambia, 30 km NW Sesheke, 13.I.2010, leg. P. Schüle, 1 ex. SMNS. – Zambia, Western Prov., 7.6 km S Ushaa, 1050 m, 2.XII.2010, leg. F. Génier, 1 ex. CNC. – Angola, Cunene Prov., 10 km N Humbe, 3.XI.2011, leg. P. Schüle, 1 ex. SMNS. – Angola, Oshikoto Prov., 9 km S Ondangwa Nakambale Museum, 25.XI.2012, leg. P. Schüle, 1 ex. SMNS. – Namibia, Abachaus, XII.1949, leg. G. Hobohm, 1 ex. TMSA. – Namibia, Kaokoveld, 13 km W Ehombe Mt., 11.II.1975, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga & Schulze, 1 ex. TMSA. – Namibia, Etosha NP, Halali, 16.–17.XII.1993, leg. M. Uhlig, 1 ex. MNB. – NW Namibia, Epupa Falls, 660 m, 11.–12, .IV.2005, leg. W. Schawaller, 1 ex. SMNS. – S Namibia, Naukluft Park East, 1500 m, 7.–10.II.2010, leg. W. Schawaller, 1 ex. SMNS. – Botswana, Okavango, Maxwee Lagoon, VIII.1976, leg. Russel-Smith, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Northern Cape, Pofadder, 760 m, 4.X.1990, leg. W. Wittmer, 1 ex. NHMB. – South Africa, Limpopo, Krüger NP, 18.VI.1990, leg. L. Braack, 3 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Amatola Farm NE Vivo, 1000 m, 15.–17.XII.2003, leg. W. Schawaller, 4 ex. SMNS. – South Africa, Gauteng, Pretoria Distr, Roodeplat, 8.–10.X.1960, leg. Neubecker, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Gauteng, Ezemvelo NR, 26.I.2004, leg. TMSA staff, 3 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Hluhluwe, 29.XI.1992, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, KwaZuluNatal, Ndumo, 21.XI.2002, leg. J. Harrison & R. Müller, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Kosi Bay NR, 11.–17.XI.2002, leg. W. Schawaller, 1 ex. SMNS. – South Africa, Free State, Farm Abel 52, 4 km E Parys, 12.–13.I.1992, leg. M. Krüger, 6 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Northern Cape, 70 km S Olifantshoek, Witsand NR, 1200 m, 4.–7.II.2012, leg. W. Schawaller, 2 ex. SMNS. – Madagascar, Kirindy Forest, 21.XI.1998, leg. R. Müller, 2 ex. TMSA. – Madagascar, Tsaratanana, Antsirasira, Morwato West, 26.XI.–3.XII.2001, leg. V. Dolin, 1 ex. SMNS. – Rodrigues Island, Anse aux Anglais, Port Mathurin, 22.IX.1995, leg. R. Fricke, 4 ex. SMNS.
“Germanica” (diaperinus); “Valparaiso” (ulomoides).
Examination of the syntype of Cryptops ulomoides Solier, 1851, shows a complete correspondence with Alphitobius diaperinus. The genus Cryptops was considered as synonym of Alphitobius since a long time (for example in the world catalogue of
Cosmopolitan.
Material of this taxon is unknown to the authors. The type is said to be 9 mm long (
“Madagascar”.
Madagascar.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Alphitobius_hobohmi
Figs 5, 23Namibia (labelled as SWA), Abachaus, XII.1946, leg. G. Hobohm, holotype, 1 paratype hobohmi TMSA (sex not examined). – Tanzania, Mts. Uluguru, Morogoro Campus Fac. Agriculture, 600 m, V./VI.1971, leg. J. Debecker, ♀ holotype rufus MRAC.
Ethiopia, Hararge Prov., Bisidimo, 1500 m, V.–VII.1984, leg. V. Meyer, 2 ex. ZSM. – Kenya, Meru Distr., Materi (Mitunguu), 800 m, 8.IV.1987, leg. R. Mourglia, 1 ex. SMNS (rufus det. Bremer). – Kenya, Meru Distr., Mojwa, 1300 m, 3.IV.1987, leg. R. Mourglia, 1 ex. ZSM (rufus det. Bremer). – Tanzania, Moschi, no further data, 1 ex. ZSM. – Tanzania, Manyara Lake, XII.1961, leg. H. & B. Frey, 1 ex. NHMB. – Namibia, Windhuk, 1906, leg. F. Kunze, 1 ex. MNB (det. Ferrer). – Angola, Blé Prov., Chissamba Mission Station, 1440 m, 9.XI.2011, leg. R. Müller, 1 ex. TMSA. – Angola, Huila Prov., 10 km SW Cacula, 1550 m, 4.–6.XI.2011, leg. R. Müller & P. Schüle, 1 ex. TMSA, 3 ex. SMNS. – Angola, Huila Prov., 15 km S Caluquembe, 1620 m, 6.XI.2011, leg. R. Müller, 1 ex. TMSA. – Angola, Huila Prov., 3.5 km SW Negola, 8.XII.2012, leg. P. Schüle, 2 ex. SMNS, 2 ex. CRG. – South Africa, Limpopo, Naboomspruit, Torino Ranche, 15.I.1990, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, 10 km N Modimolle (Nylstroom), 1300 m, 10.XII.2008, leg. R. Müller, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Free State, Bothaville, Vaal River, 16.I.2003, leg. M. Snižek, 1 ex. SMNS. – South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, SW Magudu, 4.–5.I.2009, leg. R. Müller & P. Schüle, 2 ex. SMNS, 2 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Ndumo NR, 100 m, 10.XII.2010, leg. R. Müller, 1 ex. TMSA.
“Abachaus, Otjiwarongo” (hobohmi), “Morogoro” (rufus).
The Type specimens examined of Alphitobius hobohmi and Alphitobius rufus, as well as several non-type specimens from Namibia and adjacent Angola (near type locality of hobohmi), and from Tanzania and Kenya (near type locality of rufus) show no distinct external differences. The aedeagi of type specimens can not be compared, because the holotype of rufus is a female. Nevertheless, Alphitobius rufus is considered as a junior synonym of Alphitobius hobohmi.
In some localities (for example Modimolle and Magudu) Alphitobius hobohmi was collected together with Alphitobius viator.
Namibia (
Dorsal view of African species of the genus Alphitobius. 5 Alphitobius hobohmi, non-type Angola, SMNS 6 Alphitobius leleupi, paratype, TMSA 7 Alphitobius rugosulus, non-type Tanzania, SMNS 8 Alphitobius viator, non-type RSA, SMNS. Scale: 2 mm.
Eastern Cape, Willowmore, 20.III.1919, leg. H. Brauns, holotype, 3 paratypes TMSA.
Tanzania, Tabora, leg. Holtz, 1 ex. MNB (det. Bremer as Alphitobius leleupi). – Zambia, Western Prov., 3.8 km E Namushakende, 1100 m, 29.XI.2010, leg. F. Génier, 1 ex. CNC. – Zambia, Western Prov., 7 km S Mukokwa, 1100 m, 1.XII.2010, leg. F. Génier, 1 ex. CNC, 1 ex. SMNS. – Botswana, Okavango, Thamalakane, XII.1973, leg. P. Reavel, 1 ex. CRG. – Botswana, Chizwina, Francistown-Mosetse, 5.V.1995, leg. J. Harrison, 1 ex. SMNS. – Namibia (labelled as S. W. Africa), 3 miles NE Waterberg, 1420 m, 21.XII.1966, leg. E. S. Ross & K. Lorenzen, 1 ex. CRA. – Namibia (labelled as S. W. Africa), Okahandja, Farm Okaundua, 21.–29.XI.1933, leg. W. Krieg, 1 ex. NHMB. – South Africa, Northwest Prov., Bloemhof, 24.IV.1961, leg. F. Zumpt, 2 ex. NHMB. – South Africa, Kalahari Gemsbok Park, Nossob River, V.1956, TMSA Expedition, 12 ex. TMSA, 2 ex. SMNS. – South Africa, Kalahari Gemsbock Park, Mata-Mata, 18.XII.1974, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Waterberg, Geelhoutbush Farm, 3.X.1995, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga & C. Bellamy, 2 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Northern Cape, Garies, 14.XI.1948, leg. C. Koch, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Northern Cape, Witsand NR, 1160 m, 5.II.2012, leg. R. Müller, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Eastern Cape, Willowmore, I.1954, leg. F. Zumpt, 7 ex. NHMB, 2 ex. SMNS.
“Willowmore”.
South Africa (
Dorsal view of African species of the genus Alphitobius. 9 Alphitobius kochi, non-type Togo, SMNS 10 Alphitobius lucasorum, paratype, TMSA 11 Alphitobius parallelipennis, non-type Angola, SMNS 12 Alphitobius acutangulus, non-type Sudan, SMNS 13 Alphitobius karrooensis, non-type RSA, TMSA. Scale: 2 mm.
Cameroon, N’Kongsamba, XI.1956, leg. J. Cantaloube, 4 paratypes TMSA, 2 paratypes NHMB, 1 paratype MNB, 1 paratype ZSM.
Cameroon, Bambui, 9 miles NE Bamenda, 1450 m, 29.X.1966, leg. E. S. Ross & K. Lorenzen, 1 ex. CRA. – Cameroon, Doala, 10 m, 20.X.1966, leg. E. S. Ross & K. Lorenzen, 7 ex. CRA, 2 ex. SMNS, 1 ex. CRG. – Ivory Coast, 10 miles SE Touba, 420 m, 20.VIII.1966, leg. E. S. Ross & K. Lorenzen, 12 ex. CRA, 2 ex. SMNS. – Liberia, Cari Suakoko, 17.III.1988, leg. F.-T. Krell, 1 ex. SMNS. – Togo/Ghana, border area, Brou fou, 27.X.1984, leg. K. Erber, 1 ex. SMNS.
“N’Kongsamba”.
Cameroon (type locality), Ivory Coast (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Alphitobius_laevigatus
Figs 14, 26Somalia, Eil (Nogal), III./IV.1938, leg. S. Venzo, 1 ex. TMSA. – Niger, Maradi, 5.–7.VIII.1981, leg. R. Grimm, 1 ex. CRG. – Niger, Niamey, 9. –14.VIII.1989, leg. R. Grimm, 2 ex CRG. – Ghana, Ashanti Region, Kumasi, Nhiasu, 16.V.1967, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga, 1 ex. TMSA. – Cameroon, Longji, 1905, leg. H. Paschen, 1 ex. MNB. – Cameroon, Sasse-Buea, IV.–V.1951, collector unknown, 1 ex. CRA. – Congo, Oubangui-Chari, no further data, leg. Škulina, 1 ex. NMP. – Kenya, no further data, leg. Škulina, 1 ex. NMP. – Tanzania, Daressalam, Pangani, about 1930, leg. R. Regner, 6 ex. MNB. – Tanzania, Pangani to Tanga, VI.1891, leg. Conradt, 2 ex. MNB. – Tanzania, Massa to Tanga, 14.VII.–6.VIII.1891, leg. Conradt, 3 ex. MNB. – Madagascar, Fianarantsoa Prov., Ranamafona, 29.XI.–2.XII.1995, leg. I. Jeniš, 1 ex. CRG. – Madagascar, Ambovombe Distr., Faux Camp, I.1956, leg. C. Koch, 2 ex. TMSA. – Namibia, Fish River Canyon, Ai-Ais, 250 m, 19.XI.1993, leg. M. Uhlig, 1 ex. MNB. – South Africa, Limpopo, Krüger NP, Skukuza, 29.I.1994, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Krüger NP, Skukuza, 8.–22.XII.2009, leg. J. Harrison, 2 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Krüger NP, Skukuza, VIII.1992, leg. L. Braack, 10 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Gauteng, Pretoria, 28.XI.1999, leg. B. Dombrowsky, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Cape Town, 1965, leg. Dickson, 2 ex. TMSA.
“Noua Zelandia”.
Cosmopolitan.
Dorsal view of African species of the genus Alphitobius. 14 Alphitobius laevigatus, non-type Germany, SMNS 15 Alphitobius diaperinus, non-type Germany, SMNS 16 Alphitobius capitaneus sp. n., holotype, CRG 17 Alphitobius limbalis, doubtful cotype, NHMB. Scale: 2 mm.
Apicale of aedeagus of African species of the genus Alphitobius and Ulomoides. 18 Alphitobius acutangulus, non-type Sudan, SMNS 19 Alphitobius arnoldi nom. n., non-type Tanzania, SMNS 20 Alphitobius capitaneus sp. n., holotype, CRG 21 Alphitobius crenatus, non-type Madagascar, SMNS 22 Alphitobius diaperinus, non-type Zambia, SMNS 23 Alphitobius hobohmi, non-type Angola, SMNS 24 Alphitobius karooensis, non-type Botswana, SMNS 25 Alphitobius kochi, non-type Ivory Coast, SMNS 26 Alphitobius laevigatus, non-type Nepal, SMNS 27 Alphitobius leleupi, non-type Congo, SMNS 28 Alphitobius lucasorum, paratype, SMNS 29 Alphitobius parallelipennis, non-type Zambia, CRG 30 Alphitobius rugosulus, non-type Tanzania, SMNS 31 Alphitobius viator, non-type Zambia, CRG 32 Ulomoides basilewskyi comb. n., holotype, MRAC. Scale: 1 mm.
Ivory Coast, Bingerville, V.1962, leg. J. Decelle, 1 ex. NHMB. – Guinea, Gbakoré, XII.1983, leg. C. Girard, 2 ex. TMSA (det. Bremer). – Guinea, Mt. Nimba, Keoulenta, 12.I.1984, leg. C. Girard & M. Lamotte, 1 ex. TMSA (det. Bremer). – The Gambia, Kabafita Forest Park, 19.VII.2000, leg. R. Grimm, 1 ex. CRG. – Central African Republic, 35 km E Ndele, 450 m, 18.V.2009, leg. J. Halada, 1 ex. SMNS.
“Mt. Nimba”.
Guinea (type locality); Senegal (
Congo, Massif de Kundelungu, 14.XII.1949, leg. N. Leleup, 29 paratypes TMSA, 2 paratypes SMNS, 1 paratype CRG, 1 paratype ZSM.
Congo, 57 miles N Popokabaka, 3.VIII.1957, leg. E. S. Ross & R. E. Leech, 2 ex. CRA, 1 ex. SMNS.
“Kundelungu”.
Among the type series in TMSA, the missing holotype of Alphitobius parallelipennis was found, see remarks under that species.
Congo, Kenya (
Without any data, 1 female “cotype” NHMB (Gebien collection).
It seems doubtful to the authors, if the above listed female (body length 6 mm) without any data is really a type specimen. Other material of this taxon is unknown to the authors. The species is said to be similar to Alphitobius luctuosus (synonym of Alphitobius crenatus (Klug, 1833) (
“Bélumbé”.
Madagascar.
Sudan, N Darfur Prov., El Geneina, 7.–15.VI.1978, leg. I. Abuzinid, 1 paratype SMNS, 1 paratype TMSA, 1 paratype ZSM. – Ghana, Northern Prov., Nyankpala, 15 km W Tamale, 1.–30.IV.1970, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga, 2 paratypes TMSA.
“El Geneina”.
Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sudan (type locality) (
None, see remarks.
Unfortunately, this species was overlooked during the study, and was added here only during the review process. The species is said to be similar to Alphitobius ulomoides, for diagnosis and figures see
“Lake Manyara”.
Tanzania (type locality).
http://species-id.net/wiki/Alphitobius_parallelipennis
Figs 11, 29Congo, Lulua, Tshibamba, XII.1931, leg. G. F. Overlaet, holotype MRAC. – Congo, Elisabethville, 7.XI.1923, leg. C. Seydel, 1 paratype TMSA.
Angola, Huila Prov., 75 km N Kaconda, 1640 m, 10.XI.2011, leg. R. Müller, 1 ex. TMSA. – Angola, Huila Prov., 10 km S Kacula, 1560 m, 12.–13.XI.2011, leg. R. Müller & P. Schüle, 1 ex. TMSA, 1 ex. SMNS. – Angola, Huila Prov., 15–20 km S Caluquembe, 6.–7.XI.2011, leg. R. Müller & P. Schüle, 2 ex. TMSA, 2 ex. SMNS. – Angola, Huila Prov., 3.5 km SW Negola, 8.XII.2012, leg. P. Schüle, 2 ex. SMNS. – Zambia, 150 km S Kasemba, 11.XI.2002, leg. F. Wachtel, 11 ex. CRG. – Zambia, 40 km NE Livingstone, Mabula Camp, 14.XI.2002, leg. F. Wachtel, 1 ex. CRG. – Zambia, Lusaka, Kafue River, 1200 m, 22.XI.–2.XII.1987, leg. R. Mourglia, 4 ex. ZSM. – Zambia, Northern Prov., Chipona Falls, 30 km S Chinsali, 5.–6.XII.2002, leg. F. & L. Kantner, 1 ex. SMNS. – Zambia, Copperbelt Prov., NW Kapiri Mposhi, 8.XII.2002, leg. F. & L. Kantner, 1 ex. SMNS. – Zambia, Central Prov., 25 km NE Lilemone, 1250 m, 5.XII.2010, leg. F. Génier, 6 ex. CNC. – Zambia, Lusaka Prov., 9 km E Mulalika, 1100 m, 24.XI.2010, leg. F. Génier, 1 ex. CNC. – South Africa, Limpopo, Krüger NP, Shingwedzi, 19.–20.XI.1961, leg. Vári & Rorke, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo (labelled as Transvaal), Manyeleti Game Reserve, 18.XI.1987, leg. T. van Viegen, 1 ex. TMSA.
“Lulua, Tshibamba”.
Congo (
None, not in TMSA.
Ethiopia, Oromia, 6.5 km SE Chichilla, 1550 m, 17.V.2012, leg. F. Wachtel, 1 ex. CRG. – Tanzania, Dodoma Prov., 15 km N Dodoma, 1550 m, 19.XII.2006, leg. F. Kantner, 1 ex. SMNS. – Tanzania, Dodomo Prov., 70 km N Dodoma, 1350 m, 17.XII.2006, leg. F. Kantner, 1 ex. SMNS.
“Campi Simba”.
Kenya (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Alphitobius_viator
Figs 8, 31Ethiopia, Ambo, 3.XI.1990, leg. L. Medvedev, 1 ex. SMNS. – Sudan, North Dafur, El Geneina, 10.VII.1978, leg. I. Abuzinid, 1 ex. ZSM (det. Kaszab). – Ivory Coast, Bingerville, 1962–1964, leg. J. Decelle, 6 ex. MRAC (det. Ardoin). – Ivory Coast, Kafolo/Comoé, 21.IV.1988, leg. F.-T. Krell, 1 ex. SMNS. – Burkina Faso (labelled as Haute Volta), Ouagadongou, no date, leg. Škulina, 1 ex. NMP. – Guinea, N’Zerekoré, 1.–15.XI.1951, leg. S. H. Olsen, 4 ex. NHMB. – Guinea Bissau, Bolama, VI.–XII.1899, leg. L. Fea, 1 ex. NHMB. – Congo, Tshiobo, N’Goy, 3.–4.VII.1926, leg. A. Collart, 2 ex. TMSA, 1 ex. SMNS. – Central African Republic, Uam, Bosum, IV.–VI.1914, leg. Tessmann, 11 ex. MNB. – Central African Republic, 40 km SW Bandoro, 530 m, 14.IV.2010, leg. Halada, 1 ex. SMNS. – Cameroon, Jaunde, X.1914, leg. Tessmann, 1 ex. MNB. – Kenya (labelled as Afr. or.), Ikutha, no further dates, 7 ex. MNB. – Kenya, Mt. Elgon, eastern slope, 2200 m, 23.–27.III.1988, leg. H. J. Bremer, 1 ex. ZSM. – Tanzania, 2 miles SE Mkomazi, 1500 ft. (460 m), 7.I.1970, leg. M. E. Irwin & E. S. Ross, 1 ex. CRA. – Malawi, Salima, 5.–6.I.2002, leg. J. Bezděk, 1 ex. SMNS. – Zambia (labelled as N Rhodesia), Lochinvar, near Monze, 13.–26.X.1962, leg. F. Zumpt, 3 ex. NHMB. – Zambia, Northern Prov., Chipona Falls, 30 km S Chinsali, 5.–6.XII.2002, leg. F. Kantner, 1 ex. SMNS. – Zambia, 150 km S Kasempa, 11.XI.2002, leg. F. Wachtel, 1 ex. CRG. – Zimbabwe, 60 km N Bulawayo, Maraposa Road, 3.XII.1998, leg. M. Snižek, 1 ex. ZSM. – Botswana, 10 km N Martin’s Drift, 7.I.2010, leg. P. Schüle, 1 ex. SMNS. – Angola, Sá da Bandeira, 2.X.1949, leg. B. Malkin, 1 ex. CRA. – Angola, Huambo Prov., 75 km N Caconda near Cuima, 10.–11.XI.2011, leg. P. Schüle, 1 ex. SMNS. – South Africa, Limpopo, Manyeleti Game Reserve, 17.–19.XI.1987, leg. T. van Viegen, 2 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Naboomspruit, Torino Ranche, 15.I.1990, leg. S. Endrödy-Younga, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Kruger NP, Skukuza Research Camp, 1.–16.XII.2010, leg. J. Harrison, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Amatola, Scott Farm, 26.I.1998, leg. R. Müller, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Thabazimbi, 16.XI.2002, leg. F. Wachtel, 4 ex. CRG. – South Africa, Limpopo, N Makopane (Potgietersrus), Thabaphaspha Farm, 1400 m, 13.–14.XII.2003, leg. R. Müller & W. Schawaller, 1 ex. SMNS, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, Mapungubwe, Little Muck NR, 500 m, 6.–9.XII.2008, leg. W. Schawaller, 1 ex. SMNS. – South Africa, Limpopo, 10 km N Modimolle (Nylstroom), Kuthaba Bush Lodge, 1300 m, 10.–13.XII.2008, leg. W. Schawaller, 2 ex. SMNS. – South Africa, Limpopo, Waterberg, Geelhoutbosch Farm, 15.XII.1997, leg. C. L. Bellamy, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Limpopo, 15 km NE Klaserie, Guernsey Farm, 18.–30.XII.1985, leg. S. & J. Peck, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Mpumalanga, Booysendal Farm, 25.X.2000, leg. TMSA staff, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Gauteng, Tswaing, 17.II.2003, leg. TMSA staff, 1 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, Free State, Bothaville, 15.II.1898, leg. H. Brauns, 5 ex. TMSA. – South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, SW Magudu, 4.–5.I.2009, leg. P. Schüle, 3 ex. SMNS.
“Marseille, importée” (viator), “Abyssinie” (rufula).
We could not clear, if rufula Fairmaire, 1883 is a synonym of viator Mulsant & Godart, 1868 (as listed in all catalogues), or of hobohmi Koch, 1953 (with rufus Ardoin, 1976, syn. n.). In some localities (for example Modimolle and Magudu) Alphitobius viator was collected together with Alphitobius hobohmi.
Tropical and southern Africa, the holotype was imported to Marseille in southern France (
Unfortunately, the taxonomic status of Alphitobius grandis Fairmaire, 1897 and Alphitobius limbalis Fairmaire, 1901 from Madagascar could not be enlightened by the authors, thus both taxa are not included herein. Also not included is Alphitobius niger Ferrer, 1983, which was overlooked during the study and included herein only during the review process. Compare also Figs 1–17.
| 1 | Genal canthus not distinctly projecting outwards beyond contours of eyes | 2 |
| – | Genal canthus projecting outwards beyond contours of eyes | 5 |
| 2 | Body length 8.8 mm, pronotum widest in posterior third | Alphitobius capitaneus sp. n. |
| – | Body length ≤ 7.0 mm, pronotum widest near posterior angles | 3 |
| 3 | Lateral margins of pronotum distinctly rounded towards anterior angles (Fig. 2) | Alphitobius lamottei |
| – | Lateral margins of pronotum nearly straight or slightly sinuate narrowing towards anterior angles, thus shape of pronotum conical (Figs 4, 5) | 4 |
| 4 | Lateral margins of pronotum nearly straight, pronotal disc with punctures of similar size | Alphitobius arnoldi nom. n. |
| – | Lateral margins of pronotum slightly sinuate, pronotal disc with large and small punctures of different size | Alphitobius hobohmi |
| 5 | Lateral margins of pronotum rounded towards posterior angles, pronotum widest in the middle or shortly behind the middle | 6 |
| – | Lateral margins of pronotum subparallel, pronotum widest near base | 10 |
| 6 | Elytra without distinct punctural rows, only laterally with traces of punctural rows, elytra with fine microsetation | Alphitobius acutangulus |
| – | Eytra completely with distinct punctural rows, elytra bare or with fine microsetation | 7 |
| 7 | All elytral intervals distinctly convex, nearly keel-like (Figs 7, 9), elytra with fine microsetation | 8 |
| – | All elytral intervals flat or only external intervals slightly convex, but not keel-like, elytra bare | 9 |
| 8 | Body length 3–4 mm, apicale of aedeagus with rounded tip (Fig. 25) | Alphitobius kochi |
| – | Body length above 5 mm, apicale of aedeagus with triangular acute tip (Fig. 3) | Alphitobius rugosulus |
| 9 | Internal punctural rows of elytra not impressed, last 5 antennomeres forming a separated club | Alphitobius laevigatus |
| – | All punctural rows of elytra impressed, last 5 antennomeres not separated from the remaining basal ones | Alphitobius crenatus |
| 10 | Elytra long and narrow, parallel-sided (Figs 10, 11) | 11 |
| – | Elytra shorter and broader, ovate (Figs 6, 8, 13, 15) | 12 |
| 11 | Lateral margins of pronotum regularly rounded, anterior corners not prominent, apicale of adeagus with rounded tip (Fig. 28) | Alphitobius lucasorum |
| – | Lateral margins of pronotum parallel in basal part, anterior corners prominent, apicale of aedeagus triangular with acute tip (Fig. 29) | Alphitobius parallelipennis |
| 12 | Lateral margins of pronotum straight and parallel in basal part, pronotum widest near base | 13 |
| – | Lateral margins of pronotum rounded towards posterior angles, pronotum widest in middle | 14 |
| 13 | Dorsal side blackish and shining, base of pronotum unbordered in the middle, apicale of aedeagus shorter (Fig. 22) | Alphitobius diaperinus |
| – | Dorsal side brownish and dull, base of pronotum completely bordered, apicale of aedeagus longer (Fig. 31) | Alphitobius viator |
| 14 | Pronotum convex with rough and confluent punctuation, without slight transverse impression (Fig. 13) | Alphitobius karooensis |
| – | Pronotum more flat and with finer separate punctuation, with a feeble transverse impression (Fig. 6) | Alphitobius leleupi |
http://species-id.net/wiki/Ulomoides_basilewskyi
Figs 3, 32Ivory Coast, Bingerville, VI.1962, leg. J. Decelle, male holotype MRAC. – Same locality and collector as holotype, but IV.1962–III.1963, 3 paratypes MRAC.
“Bingerville”.
Ulomoides basilewskyi (Ardoin, 1969) possesses distinctly crenulated outer margin of all tibiae (see
Ivory Coast.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Peltoides_opacus
Ugano, leg. v. d. Decken, no. 56752, no further data, holotype of opacus MNB. – Fort Crampel, no further data, holotype of crypticoides MNHN.
Benin, Kokora, 52 km N Save, 21.VI.2001, leg. F. & L. Kantner, 1 ex. SMNS. – Uganda, Bwamba Forest, 2500 ft. (760 m), III.1948, leg. J. G. Williams, 1 ex. SMNS. – Angola, Huila Province, 20 km S Caluquembe, 6.–7.XI.2011, leg. P. Schüle, 1 ex. SMNS. – Guinea (labelled as French Guinea), Region Kindia, Ségueia, 10.V.1951, leg. J. Bechyné, 4 ex. NHMB, 1 ex. CRG. – SE Cameroon, Lolodorf, leg. L. Conradt, 1895, 1 ex. NHMB. – Tanzania (labelled as Deutsch Ostafrika), [residual label unreadable], 1 ex. NHMB. – Zambia, Ikengele, Nchila Reserve, 6.XI.2002, leg. F. Wachtel, 1 ex. CRG.
“Ugano-Berge” (opacus), “Fort Crampel (Kaga Bandora)” (crypticoides).
The examination of the type of Alphitobius opacus Gerstaecker, 1871 shows, that the original assignment to Alphitobius is wrong and that this species must be transferred to the genus Peltoides Laporte, 1832, subgenus Micropeltoides Pic, 1916, because of entirely different body shape, different shape of antennomeres, and different shape of male genitalia with the base of basale not asymmetrical as in Alphitobiini. The type of Peltoides (Micropeltoides) crypticoides Pic, 1916 fully coincide with opacus, and is thus a junior synonym.
Tanzania (type locality opacus), Central African Republic (type locality of crypticoides); Senegal (
For the trustful loan of specimens from the collections under their care, we cordially thank Rolf Aalbu (Dorado Hills, California), Michael Balke (München), François Génier (Gatineau, Québec), Claude Girard (Paris), Jiři Hájek (Prague), Bernd Jäger and Manfred Uhlig (Berlin), Antoine Mantilleri (Paris), Marc de Meyer (Tervuren), Ruth Müller (Pretoria), and Eva Sprecher (Basel). Harold Labrique (Lyon) and Martin Lillig (Saarbrücken) kindly sent copies of two old papers. The photographs were taken by Johannes Reibnitz (Stuttgart) with a Leica DFC320 digital camera on a Leica MZ16 APO microscope and subsequently processed by him with Auto-Montage (Syncroscopy) software. The referees Julio Ferrer (Haninge) and Luboš Purchart (Brno) improved the manuscript by their comments.