Scrapter perpunctatus Cockerell, 1933

Figs 44–47

Scrapter perpunctata [sic!] Cockerell, 1933: 205–206, holotype ♀ (type locality: Knysna, South Africa) (NHML), examined.

Diagnosis

The male of S. perpunctatus is here described for the first time. The female of S. perpuncatus can be separated from that of all other species of this group by the following character combination: T3 anterior of premarginal line with a row of points (Fig. 45C–D); fine and irregular punctation on discs of T1–T4, basomedial punctation often sparse (Fig. 45C–D); propodeum with carinae, often on the entire width, not smooth (Fig. 45A–B). The male is characterized by dense (i = 0.2 d) punctation on discs of T2–T4 (Fig. 46D); dense (i = 0.2 d) punctation on disc of T2 covers at most three quarters of the tergum (Fig. 47A); relatively small stripe on T3 parallel to posterior margin without dense punctation (Fig. 46D); punctation of scutum completely dense (i <0.5 d) (Fig. 46B) and form of S7 (Fig. 47C).

Additional material examined (262 specimens)

SOUTH AFRICA • 4 ♀♀; 12 km NW of Nieuwoudtville, Farm Avontuur, Fynbos; 31°16′18″ S, 19°02′55″ E; 770 m a.s.l.; 19 Sep. 2009; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 1 Sep. 2009; MK leg.; RCMK • 2 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 9 Sep. 2018; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; 20 km S of Nieuwoudtville, Farm Papkuilsfontein, Fynbos; 31°33′16″ S, 19°08′31″ E; 680 m a.s.l.; 20 Sep. 2014; MK leg.; RCMK • 7 ♀♀; Gemsbokrivier-Pad, 4.5 km NE of Grootdrif, road side; 31°25′54″ S, 18°55′16″ E; 170 m a.s.l.; 4 Sep. 2012; MK leg. RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 4 Sep. 2016; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 28 Aug. 2018; MK leg.; RCMK • 5 ♀♀; Kamiesberg Mts, 5 km SE of Leliefontein, road side; 30°20′09″ S, 18°06′24″ E; 1400 m a.s.l.; 5 Oct. 2014; MK leg.; RCMK • 7 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 10 Sep. 2017; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 11 Sep. 2016; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 7 Sep. 2016; MK leg.; RCMK • 2 ♀♀; Keiski Mts, 3 km E of Farm M’Vera, shale; 31°45′29″ S, 19°54′13″ E; 1190 m a.s.l.; 13 Sep. 2016; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 19 Aug. 2017; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; Keiski Mts, 5 km S of Farm Nooiensrivier, burnt area; 31°45′47″ S, 19°50′17″ E; 1275 m a.s.l.; 4 Sep. 2010; MK leg.; RCMK • 6 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 29 Aug. 2010; MK leg.; RCMK • 4 ♀♀; Keiski Mts, 5 km S of Farm Nooiensrivier, dolerite hill; 31°45′54″ S, 19°15′17″ E; 1270 m a.s.l.; 29 Aug. 2010; MK leg.; RCMK • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 29 Aug. 2011; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 22 Sep. 2014; MK leg.; RCMK • 2 ♀♀; Keiskie Mts, near Farm Nooitgedag, road side; 31°43′11″ S, 19°54′11″ E; 1190 m a.s.l.; 11 Oct. 2014; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; Knersvlakte, 5 km N of Grootdrif; 31°26′40″ S, 18°56′23″ E; 195 m a.s.l.; 21 Sep. 2007; KT leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 21 Sep. 2007; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 14 Sep. 2007; KT leg.; RCMK • 2 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂; N Cape, Fynbos, 15 km NW of Nieuwoudtville, Farm Engelsepunt; 31°14′31″ S, 18°59′08″ E; 830 m a.s.l.; 28 Aug. 2003; KT leg.; RCMK • 6 ♀♀; N Cape, Fynbos, 15 km NW of Nieuwoudtville, near farm Engelsepunt; 31°14′08″ S, 18°58′23″ E; 843 m a.s.l.; 28 Aug. 2003; KT leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 13 Sep. 2003; KT leg.; RCMK • 3 ♀♀; Plateau Hantam Mts, near antenna, 9 km N Calvinia; 31°22′29″ S, 19°47′03″ E; 1570 m a.s.l.; 14 Oct. 2014; MK leg.; RCMK • 4 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 7 Sep. 2010; MK leg.; RCMK • 2 ♀♀; Plateau Hantam Mts, weather stn, 12 km N of Calvinia; 31°21′13″ S, 19°47′53″ E; 1580 m a.s.l.; 11 Sep. 2010; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♀; W Cape, near Nieuwoudtville; [31°22′ S], [19°07′ E]; 21 Sep. 1999; MK leg.; RCMK • 3 ♀♀; 3 km NW of Farm Kanolfontein, 22 km W of Sutherland, road side; 32°23′17″ S, 20°26′32″ E; 1350 m a.s.l.; 18 Sep. 2017; MK leg.; RCMK • 5 ♀♀; Roggeveld Mts, 2 km S of Farm Perdekloof, river, dolerite; 31°47′35″ S, 19° 58′16″ E; 1220 m a.s.l.; MK leg.; RCMK • 3 ♀♀; Roggeveld Mts, 2 km SE of Farm Allemansdam, burnt area; 31°49′32″ S, 19°59′55″ E; 1290 m a.s.l.; MK leg.; RCMK • 7 ♀♀; Farm Dassiefontein near Kamieskroon; 30°09′ S, 17°59′ E; 1100 m a.s.l.; 1 Oct. 1990; CE leg.; SANC • 1 ♀; Kamiesberg Pass; 30°12′, 17°59′; 1210 m a.s.l.; 11 Sep. 1987; CE leg.; SANC • 2 ♀♀; N Cape Province, 33 km E of Garies; 30°20′12″ S, 17°53′21″ E; 750 m a.s.l.; 17 Sep. 2011; CE leg.; SANC • 1 ♀; N Cape Province, 25 km E Garies; 30°25′40″ S, 18°08′36″ E; 770 m a.s.l.; 16 Oct. 2008; CE leg.; SANC • 1 ♀; Niewoudtville, Botanic Gardens; 31°22′ S, 19°07′ E; 760 m a.s.l.; 9 Sep. 1987; CE leg.; SANC • 2 ♀♀; 10–20 km E Lamberts Bay; 32°08′ S, 18°28′E; 180 m a.s.l.; 3 Oct. 1990; CE leg.; SANC • 2 ♀♀, 1 ♂; Clanwilliam Dist., Biedouw Valley; 32°08′ S, 19°14′ E; 330 m a.s.l.; 5–7 Sep. 1987; CE leg.; SANC • 1 ♀; SW Cape Province, 8 km W of Clan William; 32°09′ S, 18°50′ E; 300 m a.s.l.; 19 Oct. 2008; CE leg.; SANC • 2 ♀♀; Wuppertal; 32°17′ S, 19°13′ E; 540 m a.s.l.; 8 Sep. 1987; CE leg.; SANC • 5 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂; W Cape, Kunje Farm, 28 km SE of Citrusdal; 32°40′ S, 19°10′ E; 1100 m a.s.l.; 23 Sep. 2001; CE leg.; SANC • 5 ♀♀; Farm Liberty 50 km N Ceres; 32°54′ S, 19°17′ E; 980 m a.s.l.; 27 Sep. 1990; CE leg.; SANC • 6 ♀♀; 7 km E Wellington; 33°38′ S, 19°05′ E; 300 m a.s.l.; CE leg.; SANC • 13 ♀♀; Montagu; 33°47′ S, 20°07′ E; 220 m a.s.l.; 23–30 Sep. 1924; RT leg.; NHML • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 1–21 Oct.; RT leg.; NHML • 1 ♀; Bien Donné, near Franschhoek; 33°54′ S, 19°06′ E; 250 m a.s.l.; 17 Oct. 2003; CE leg.; SANC • 1 ♀; SW Cape Province, Franschhoek Pass; 33°55′05″ S, 19°09′32″ E; 240 m a.s.l.; 23 Oct. 2008; CE leg.; SANC • 3 ♀♀; SW Cape Province, Franschhoek; 33°55′34″ S, 19°05′41″ E; 240 m a.s.l.; 23 Oct. 2008; CE leg.; SANC • 1 ♀; Stellenbosch; 33°56′ S, 18°51′ E; 150 m a.s.l.; 17 Sep. 1925; RN leg.; NHML • 3 ♀♀, 1 ♂; Rapenburg, Cape Flats; 33°57′ S, 18°27′ E; 5 m a.s.l.; 1–14 Oct. 1920; RT leg.; NHML • 3 ♀♀, 1 ♂; W Cape, Villiersdorp; 33°58′ S, 19°16′ E; 1030 m a.s.l.; 29 Sep. 2001; CE leg.; SANC • 3 ♀♀; 5 km S of Grabouw; 34°18′ S, 19°01′ E; 560 m a.s.l.; 29 Sep. 2001; CE leg.; SANC • 11 ♀♀; 200 m S Farm Boskloof, 18 km S of Calvinia on R355; 31°38′36″ S, 19°44′36″ E; 1000 m a.s.l.; 22 Sep. 2022; MK leg.; RCMK • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 17 Sep. 2022; HE leg.; RCMK • 6 ♀♀, 3 ♂♂; Farm Avontuur, Fynbos, 12 km NW Nieuwoudtville; 31°16′18″ S, 19°02′55″ E; 770 m a.s.l.; 2 Sep. 2022; HE leg., RCMK • 3 ♀♀, 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; 13 Sep. 2022; HE leg., RCMK • 6 ♀♀; Roggeveld Mts, 2 km SE of Farm Allemansdam, burnt area; 31°49′32″ S, 19°59′55″ E; 1290 m a.s.l.; 20 Sep. 2022; MK leg.; RCMK • 16 ♀♀, 1 ♂; Roggeveld Mts, 2 km S of Farm Perdekloof, river, dolerite; 31°47′35″ S, 19°58′16″ E; 1220 m a.s.l.; 20 Sep. 2022; MK leg.; RCMK • 4 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 28 Sep. 2022; MK leg.; RCMK • 9 ♂♂; 12 km NW Nieuwoudtville, Farm Avontuur, Fynbos; 31°16′18″ S, 19°02′55″ E; 770 m a.s.l.; 25 Aug. 2017; MK leg.; RCMK • 11 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 16 Aug. 2011; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; 25 Aug. 2010; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; 4 Sep. 2011; HE leg.; RCMK • 7 ♂♂; 20 km S of Nieuwoudtville, Farm Papkuilsfontein, Fynbos; 31°33′16″ S, 19°08′31″ E; 680 m a.s.l.; 20 Aug. 2017; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♂; Cederberg Mts, road to Algeria, Olifants River bridge; 32°21′55″ S, 18°57′06″ E; 150 m a.s.l.; 8 Sep. 2017; MK leg.; RCMK • 1 ♂; Lamberts Bay, Strandveld, sand; 32°06′19″ S, 18°18′16″ E; 5 m a.s.l; 7 Sep. 2017; MK leg.; RCMK • 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 6 Aug. 2003; KT leg.; RCMK • 5 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 22 Jul. 2003; KT leg.; RCMK • 12 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 27 Aug. 2003; KT leg.; RCMK • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; 7–29 Aug. 2003; KT leg.; RCMK • 2 ♂♂; N Cape, Fynbos, 2 km W of Nieuwoudtville, near Grasberg; 31°21′05″ S, 19°05′49″ E; 742 m a.s.l.; 23 Aug. 2003; KT leg.; RCMK • 1 ♂; Roggeveld Mts, 2 km S of Farm Perdekloof, river, dolerite; 31°47′35″ S, 19°58′16″ E; 1220 m a.s.l.; 24 Aug. 2018; MK leg.; RCMK • 3 ♂♂; Roggeveld Mts, 2 km SE of Farm Allemansdam, burnt area; 31°49′32″ S, 19°59′55″ E; 1290 m a.s.l.; 24 Aug. 2018; MK leg.; RCMK • 8 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 29 Aug. 2018; MK leg.; RCMK • 3 ♂♂; Bien Donné, near Franschhoek; 33°54′ S, 19°06′ E; 250 m a.s.l.; 7 Aug. 2003; GT leg.; SANC • 1 ♂; Mossel Bay; 34°10′ S, 22°07′ E; 60 m a.s.l.; 23–30 Sep. 1924; RT leg.; NHML • 1 ♂; 12 km NW of Nieuwoudtville, Farm Avontuur, Fynbos; 31°16′18″ S, 19°02′55″ E; 770 m a.s.l.; 6 Sep. 2009; MK leg.; RCMK .

Description

Female

BODY LENGTH. 7.6–8.8 mm.

HEAD. Slightly wider than long. Integument black, mandibles dark brownish to reddish. Face irregularly and sparsely covered with brownish hair, more densely around basis of antennae. Ocelli in line with posterior margin of compound eyes. Clypeus medially with shallow longitudinal depression; punctation fine, irregular and sparse (i = 2–4 d); surface between punctures smooth and shiny (Fig. 44C). Malar area medially narrow, slightly curved. Antennal flagella ventrally yellow, dorsally black. Supraclypeal area at upper margin distinctly emarginated and edges slightly extended.

MESOSOMA. Integument black, pronotal lobe dark brown to black. Scutum coarsely and irregularly punctate, medially sparse (i = 1–2 d), laterally dense (i = 0.3–1 d); surface between punctures smooth and shiny (Fig. 44D). Propodeum anterior with broad and coarse longitudinal carinae, posterior with finer transverse carinae (Fig. 45A–B). Scutum, scutellum, metanotum, mesepisternum and propodeum sparsely covered with short, brownish to greyish, erect hair.

WINGS. Yellowish-brown, stigma and wing venation brownish (Fig. 44A–B).

LEGS. Integument brownish-black, fore tibia with yellow spot. Vestiture greyish-white, scopa greyish to brownish, partly black (Fig. 44A–B).

METASOMA. Integument brownish; marginal zones yellowish-brown shimmering. Basolaterally on T2–T3 hair patches of middle long, greyish-white, erect hair; sparse, narrow hair band basally on T3 possible; T4 completely sparsely haired, basally more densely than apically; T3 anterior of premarginal line at least laterally row of hairs (Fig. 45C–D). Prepygidial and pygidial fimbriae dark brownish to black (Fig. 45C–D). Disc of T1 regularly, sparsely (i = 2–3 d) and finely punctate; on T2–T3 at least posterior margins finer and more densely (i = 1 d) punctate than disc (i = 1–4 d); surface between punctures relatively smooth and shiny (Fig. 45C–D).

Male

BODY LENGTH. 7.6–7.7 mm.

HEAD. Wider than long. Integument black, mandibles dark brownish to reddish. Face densely covered with long, white, erect hair. Ocelli in line with posterior margin of compound eyes. Malar area medially narrow, slightly curved. Antennal flagella ventrally yellow, dorsally black.

MESOSOMA. Integument black. Scutum densely (i <0.5 d) punctate; surface between punctures smooth and shiny (Fig. 46B). Propodeum completely rugulose-areolate (Fig. 46C). Scutum, scutellum, metanotum, mesepisternum and propodeum sparsely covered with long, brownish to greyish, erect hair.

WINGS. Yellowish-brown, stigma and wing venation brownish (Fig. 46A).

LEGS. Integument black, fore and mid tibia with yellow spot. Vestiture greyish-white (Fig. 46A).

METASOMA. Integument brownish-black, marginal zone brownish shimmering. Disc of T1 without hair (Fig. 47A), T2–T4 basally with greyish, dense, short, erect hair band, covering third of terga; T2– T4 anterior of premarginal line with row of short, erect, greyish hair (Fig. 46D). T2–T4 basally more densely (i = 0.2 d) and finer punctate than apically (i = 1 d); medially more densely than laterally; lateral dense punctation covers three quarters of tergum, small impunctate stripe on T3 parallel to posterior margin; T2–T3 anterior of premarginal line with row of points; surface between punctures smooth and shiny (Fig. 46D).

TERMINALIA. Genitalia (Fig. 47B), S7 (Fig. 47C) and terminal plate of S8 (Fig. 47D) as illustrated.

Distribution

Widespread in the Greater Cape Floristic Region and known from Knysna in the SE to the Kamiesberg Mts in Namaqualand, apparently with a preference for the Fynbos biome.

Floral hosts

On Senecio sp., Felicia sp. ( Asteraceae) and various unidentified yellow Asteraceae .

Seasonal activity

August–September.

Remarks

Eardley (1996) synonymised this species with S. nitidus .

A couple of female specimens that are morphologically similar to but not identical with S. perpunctatus were collected later in the year (October–November). Their identity is not clear so they are preliminarily labelled as S. cf. perpunctatus until further material from that season is available. All records of this taxon are listed below:

SOUTH AFRICA • 1 ♀; Nieuwoudtville; 31°22′ S, 19°08′ E; 760 m a.s.l.; 18–22 Nov. 1931; RT leg.; NHML • 3 ♀♀; Ceres; 33°21′ S, 19°18′ E; 450 m a.s.l.; Nov. 1920; RT leg.; NHML • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; RCMK • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 1–12 Nov. 1924; RT leg.; NHML • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 27 Oct.– 1 Nov. 1920; RT leg.; NHML • 1 ♀; Stellenbosch; 33°56′ S, 18°51′ E; 150 m a.s.l.; 15 Oct. 1924; RN leg.; NHML • 1 ♀♀; Knysna; 34°02′ S, 23°03′ E; 3 m a.s.l.; 6 Nov. 1931; RT leg.; NHML • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; RCMK .