Sphex fumicatus Christ, 1791

Figs 48–49, 53

Sphex fumicatus Christ, 1791: 295, sex not stated (holotype or syntypes: origin unknown, destroyed).

Sphex albifrons Fabricius, 1793: 207, sex not stated, junior primary homonym of Sphex albifrons de Villers, 1789 (holotype: ♀, Guinea, ZMUC, not examined). Synonymized with Sphex metallicus by van der Vecht 1961: 29.

Sphex metallicus Taschenberg, 1869: 414, ♀, ♂ (syntypes: Sudan, Khartoum State, Khartoum, HALLE, not examined). Synonymized with Sphex fumicatus by van der Vecht 1973: 344.

Sphex magrettii Gribodo, 1894: 136, ♀ (syntypes: 1 ♀, Mozambique, Inhambane Province, Inhambane River, Mus. Zool. Univ. Bologna; 1 ♀, Tanzania, Mjini Magharibi Region, Zanzibar, lost. Not examined).

Sphex erebus W.F. Kirby, 1900: 15, sex not stated (syntypes: Yemen, Socotra Governorate, Hadibu [Hadiboh] Plain, BMNH, not examined). Synonymized with Sphex umbrosus by Kohl 1906: 199.

Chlorion davisi Fernald, 1907: 267, ♀ (holotype: ♀, Argentina, Córdoba Province, Córdoba, in Museum of Comparative Zoology (Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA), but locality label in error (Menke 1962: 63), not examined). Synonymized with Sphex metallicus by Menke 1962: 63.

Differential diagnosis

This species can easily be distinguished from other members of the argentatus group, characterized by their bituberculate metanotum, through the combination of notably infuscate forewing bases, black erect propodeal setae and uniformly silvery erect clypeal and paraocular setae (Figs 49, 53), though some of the erect facial setae can occasionally have darkened tips. Sphex taschenbergi shares the fuscous wing base and is very similar (Fig. 52), but most or all of its erect clypeal and paraocular setae are entirely black in both sexes (Fig. 54).

Material examined

AFRICA • 1 ♂; N of Boucle du Niger; Aug. 1910; J. Vuillet leg.; MNHN .

ANGOLA – Benguela Province • 1 ♂; Lobito; [12°21ʹ51ʺ S, 13°32ʹ09ʺ E]; 19–20 Mar. 1972; BMNH • 1 ♂; Lobito Bay; [12°21ʹ51ʺ S, 13°32ʹ09ʺ E]; 19–20 Jul. 1931; W.P. Cockerell leg.; BMNH . – Luanda Province • 1 ♀; Luanda; [8°50ʹ18ʺ S, 13°14ʹ04ʺ E]; 30 Nov. 1966; E.S. Ross and K. Lorenzen leg.; CAS .

BENIN – Zou Department • 2 ♂♂; Zangnanado, Ouémé River; [7°12ʹ59.2ʺ N, 2°28ʹ20.3ʺ E]; 15 Apr. 2000; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM .

BOTSWANA – Central District • 1 ♂; Makarikari Pans; 20°08ʹ S, 25°32ʹ E; 22–23 Apr. 1972; BMNH . – North-West District • 1 ♀; Island Safari Lodge, Maun; [19°55ʹ27.7ʺ S, 23°30ʹ31.2ʺ E]; Jan. 1997; M. Snižek leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♀; Kasane; 17°52.331ʹ S, 25°14.167ʹ E; 23 Mar. 2013; M. Heunis and A. Heunis leg.; ZMB .

CAMEROON • 1 ♀; M. Boulard leg.; MNHN .

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC • 1 ♀; M. Boulard leg.; MNHN .

CHAD – N’Djamena Region • 1 ♀; Fort Lamy [now N’Djamena]; [12°06ʹ24ʺ N, 15°02ʹ39ʺ E]; 1 Oct. 1955; BMNH .

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO • 1 ♂; “ Libengi ”; Mertdagh leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; “ Terr. Kasongo, Riv. Lumami ”; Sep. 1959; P.L.G. Benoit leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; “ Ubangi: Nzali ”; 3–4 Feb. 1932; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; “ Ubangi: Tongu ”; 4 Feb. 1932; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Gilson leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Katanga, Kikva; Apr. 1931; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Katanga, Luilu; Dec. 1925; Ch. Seydel leg.; MRAC. – Bas-Uele • 2 ♀♀; Api; [3°40ʹ N, 25°27ʹ E]; Nov. 1909; Laplume leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Bali; [2°51ʹ N, 24°53ʹ E]; 26 May 1912; Christy leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Bambesa; [3°28ʹ N, 25°43ʹ E]; Nov. 1930; J. Vrijdagh leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but Oct. 1937; MRAC • 1 ♂; same locality as for preceding; 30 Oct. 1933; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Dec. 1933; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 9 May 1938; P. Henrard leg.; MRAC. – Haut-Katanga • 1 ♂; Elisabethville [now Lubumbashi]; [11°40ʹ S, 27°29ʹ E]; Aug. 1958; J. Pasteels leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Mwema; [8°13ʹ S, 27°28ʹ E]; Jul. 1927; A. Bayet leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Pweto; [8°28ʹ S, 28°54ʹ E]; Oct. 1926; A. Bayet leg.; MRAC. – Haut-Lomami • 1 ♀; Kanonga (675 m), P.N.U. [Upemba National Park]; [9°09ʹ S, 26°05ʹ E]; 14–23 Feb. 1949; G.F. de Witte leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Mabwe (Lac Ubemba, R.E.), P.N.U. [Upemba National Park]; [8°39ʹ10ʺ S, 26°30ʹ32ʺ E]; 6 Mar. 1949; G.F. de Witte leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but Mar. 1949; MRAC. – Haut-Uele • 1 ♀; “P.N.G., Miss. H. De Saeger” [Garamba National Park]; [4°00ʹ N, 29°15ʹ E]; 11 Nov. 1951; H. De Saeger leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 1 Mar. 1952; MRAC • 1 ♀; Faradje; 3°40ʹ N, 29°40ʹ E; Apr. 1911; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Dec. 1912; AMNH • 4 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Jan. 1913; AMNH • 1 ♀; Gangala-na-Bodio, Station élevage Elephants; [3°40ʹ47ʺ N, 29°08ʹ05ʺ E]; Nov. 1956; M. Poll leg.; MRAC • 2 ♂♂; Garamba National Park; 4°10ʹ N, 29°40ʹ E; Jun.–Jul. 1912; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 1 ♀; Vankerkhovenville; [3°18ʹ N, 29°26ʹ E]; Degreef leg.; MRAC. – Ituri Province • 1 ♀; Lac Albert, Kasenyi; [1°23ʹ31ʺ N, 30°26ʹ24ʺ E]; 15 May 1935; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but Jun. 1935; MRAC • 1 ♀; Mahagi; [2°17ʹ59ʹ N, 30°59ʹ30ʺ E]; 1931; Ch. Scops leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; Mahagi-Port; [2°08ʹ16ʺ N, 31°14ʹ18ʺ E]; Oct. 1934; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but Oct. 1935; MRAC. – Kasaï • 2 ♀♀; Luebo; [5°20ʹ S, 21°24ʹ E]; 1 Apr. 1959; F. François leg.; MRAC • 3 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Tshikapa; [6°24ʹ S, 20°48ʹ E]; Mar. 1939; Mevr. Bequaert leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but Apr. 1939; MRAC • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Apr.–May 1939; MRAC – Kasaï-Central • 1 ♀; Kasai, Tshisaka; [6°15ʹ02ʺ S, 22°16ʹ30ʺ E]; Apr. 1939; Mevr. Bequaert leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but Apr.–May 1939; MRAC • 1 ♂; Luluabourg [now Kananga]; [5°53ʹ46ʺ S, 22°24ʹ59ʺ E]; 14 Apr. 1933; J.J. Deheyn leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 7–18 Mar. 1935; Gillardin leg.; MRAC • 6 ♂♂; same locality as for preceding; 17 May 1919; P. Callewaert leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; MRAC. – Kasaï-Oriental • 1 ♂; Gandajika; [6°45ʹ S, 23°57ʹ E]; 31 Jan. 1951; P. de Francquen leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 1952; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but Dec. 1953; MRAC • 4 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding but 1956; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; Station de Gandajika; [6°45ʹ S, 23°57ʹ E]; 1957; P. de Francquen leg.; MRAC. – Kinshasa • 1 ♀; Kinshasa; 4°20ʹ S, 15°20ʹ E; 27 May 1915; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 2 ♂♂; Leopoldville [now Kinshasa]; [4°19ʹ39ʺ S, 15°18ʹ48ʺ E]; 1933; A. Tinant leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 24 Mar. 1912; A. Dubois leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; MRAC • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Limete (Léo); [4°19ʹ39ʺ S, 15°18ʹ48ʺ E]; 1958; A. Froidebise leg.; MRAC. – Kongo Central • 2 ♂♂; Banana; 6° S, 12°20ʹ E; Aug. 1915; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Sep. 1915; AMNH • 1 ♀; Banana; [6°01ʹ S, 12°24ʹ E]; Apr. 1918; R. Verschueren leg.; MRAC • 3 ♂♂; Boma; [5°51ʹ S, 13°03ʹ E]; 1937; Schlesser leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 24 Mar. 1913; Styczynski leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; same locality as for preceding; 19 Jun. 1915; J. Bequaert leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 16 Jan. 1946; J. Vrydagh leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Boma; 6°00ʹ S, 13°00ʹ E; 14 Jun. 1915; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but 16 Jun. 1915; AMNH • 4 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding but 17 Jun. 1915; AMNH • 13 ♂♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 18 Jun. 1915; AMNH • 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but 19 Jun. 1915; AMNH • 2 ♀♀; Kanzi (Boma); [5°52ʹ S, 12°38ʹ E]; May 1933; Dartevelle leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Kimbanza; [4°50ʹ S, 14°19ʹ E]; Dec. 1934; P. Henrard leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; Lemfu; [5°17ʹ56ʺ S, 15°13ʹ21ʺ E]; Dec. 1945; P.L. De Beir leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; Matadi; 6°00ʹ S, 13°30ʹ E; 9 Jun. 1915; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 1 ♀; Matadi; [5°49ʹ S, 13°27ʹ E]; 24 Apr. 1946; Schlesser leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; same locality as for preceding; 22 Jul. 1957; E.S. Ross and R.E. Leech leg.; CAS • 4 ♂♂; same locality as for preceding; Mar. 1937; Dartevelle leg.; MRAC • 4 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Mayidi; [5°11ʹ13ʺ S, 15°09ʹ17ʺ E]; 1942; R.P. Van Eyen leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; Moanda; [5°56ʹ S, 12°21ʹ E]; 24 Aug. 1920; H. Schouteden leg.; MRAC. – Kwango • 1 ♀; Kasongo- Lunda; [6°28ʹ42ʺ S, 16°49ʹ02ʺ E]; Mar. 1971; V. Van Haelst leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; Kingunda; [6°34ʹ S, 16°58ʹ E]; 17 Jan. 1939; Mevr. Bequaert leg.; MRAC. – Kwilu Province • 1 ♀; “ Kwango: Atene ”; Charlier leg.; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; Ipamu; [4°07ʹ S, 19°37ʹ E]; 1922; P. Vanderijst leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Mwilambongo (Idiofa); [4°56ʹ36ʺ S, 19°48ʹ18ʺ E]; 1947; Soeur Imelda leg.; MRAC. – Lomami • 1 ♀; Kabinda Terr.; [6°08ʹ S, 24°29ʹ E]; Dec. 1934; Gillardin leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; Kanda-Kanda; [6°56ʹ S, 23°37ʹ E]; 19 Dec. 1925; Ch. Seydel leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Penge; [5°18ʹ36ʺ S, 24°20ʹ24ʺ E]; Jan. 1926; Ch. Seydel leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Tshaba; [6°46ʹ S, 24°28ʹ E]; Dec. 1925; Ch. Seydel leg.; MRAC. – Mai- Ndombe Province • 1 ♀; Bena Bendi; [4°18ʹ S, 20°22ʹ E]; May 1915; R. Mayné leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂, 3 ♀♀; Bumbuli; [3°24ʹ S, 20°31ʹ E]; Jan.–Apr. 1915; R. Mayné leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Kunungu, Nkele; [2°6′S, 16°26′E]; 1938; Schouteden leg.; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; Kwamouth; [3°10ʹ57ʺ S, 16°12ʹ E]; 6 Jun. 1913; J. Maes leg.; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; Kwamouth; 3°20ʹ S, 16°10ʹ E; 24 May 1915; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 1 ♀; Lake Leopold II [now Lake Mai-Ndombe]; [2°00ʹ S, 18°20ʹ E]; Van Hollebeke leg.; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; Tolo; [2°57ʹ14ʺ S, 18°34ʹ08ʺ E]; Dec. 1913; J. Maes leg.; MRAC. – Maniema • 3 ♀♀; Nyangwe; [4°13ʹ37ʺ S, 26°11ʹ E]; 14 May 1920; J. Ghesquière leg.; MRAC. – Mongala Province • 2 ♀♀; Bumba; [2°11ʹ N, 22°28ʹ E]; 1940; R.P. Lootens leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Lisala; [2°09ʹ N, 21°30ʹ E]; 1949; Leontowitch leg.; MRAC. – Nord-Ubangi • 2 ♀♀; Bosobolo; [4°11ʹ23ʺ N, 19°52ʹ59ʺ E]; 8–11 Jan. 1932; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 3 ♀♀; Yakoma; [4°05ʹ53ʺ N, 22°26ʹ45ʺ E]; 5–17 Feb. 1932; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC. – North Kivu • 1 ♀; Beni; [0°29ʹ N, 29°28ʹ E]; Borgerhoff leg.; MRAC. – Province of Équateur • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Coquilhatville [now Mbandaka]; [0°03ʹ N, 12°57ʹ E]; 1946; Ch. Scops leg.; MRAC • 3 ♀♀; Eala; [0°02ʹ30ʺ N, 18°20ʹ06ʺ E]; Nov. 1931; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding but Mar. 1932; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; Jun. 1932; A. Corbisier leg.; MRAC. – Sankuru • 1 ♀; Inkongo, Lusambo; [4°53ʹ S, 23°18ʹ E]; 1929; Wilson leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Komi (Lodja); [3°23ʹ S, 23°46ʹ E]; 27 Jan. 1930; J. Ghesquière leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Kondue; [4°58ʹ S, 23°16ʹ E]; 1934; Puissant leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but Leonhard leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Lusambo; [4°58ʹ S, 23°27ʹ E]; Jan. 1926; Ch. Seydel leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; Niengele; Jan. 1926; Ch. Seydel leg.; MRAC. – South Kivu • 3 ♀♀; Uvira; [3°24ʹ S, 29°08ʹ E]; Sep. 1958; J. Pasteels leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; same locality as for preceding; 24–28 Dec. 1952; P. Basilewsky leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but 16–23 Mar. 1953; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; Oct. 1927; Ch. Seydel leg.; MRAC. – Sud-Ubangi • 5 ♀♀; Binga; [2°22ʹ N, 20°29ʹ E]; 5–12 Mar. 1932; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 5 ♀♀; Motenge-Boma; [3°14ʹ N, 18°39ʹ E]; 14 Dec. 1931; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC. – Tanganyika • 1 ♀; Albertville [now Kalemie]; [5°56ʹ50ʺ S, 29°11ʹ40ʺ E]; Dec. 1918; R. Mayné leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Kabalo; [6°03ʹ S, 26°55ʹ E]; 1 Jul. 1947; M. Poll leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Katompe; [6°11ʹ55ʺ S, 26°21ʹ28ʺ E]; 20 Dec. 1923; M. Bequaert leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Kiambi; [7°19ʹ26ʺ S, 28°00ʹ50ʺ E]; 23 Apr. 1931; G.F. de Witte leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but 27 Apr. 1931; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but May 1931; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; Lukombe; [5°41ʹ33ʺ S, 28°45ʹ55ʺ E]; 7 Oct. 1908; A. Koller leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Moba; [7°04ʹ S, 29°46ʹ E]; Apr. 1954; H. Bomans leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Mpala; [6°43ʹ56ʺ S, 29°31ʹ28ʺ E]; Jul.– Aug. 1953; H. Bomans leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Nyunzu; [5°57ʹ S, 28°01ʹ E]; Jan.–Feb. 1934; H. De Saeger leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Vallée Lukuga; [5°39ʹ31ʺ S, 26°54ʹ53ʺ E]; Nov. 1911; Schwetz leg.; MRAC. – Tshopo • 1 ♀; Kamunionge; 1° N, 26°50ʹ E; 24 May 1915; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 1 ♀; Stanleyville [now Kisangani]; 0°30ʹ N, 25°10ʹ E; Feb. 1915; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but Apr. 1915; AMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 10 Apr. 1915; AMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 15 Apr. 1915; AMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 17 Apr. 1915; AMNH • 1 ♀; Stanleyville [now Kisangani]; [0°30ʹ55ʺ N, 25°11ʹ27ʺ E]; Apr. 1915; J. Bequaert leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 1 Aug. 1932; J. Vrydagh leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Yalikanda; [0°23ʹ N, 24°47ʹ E]; 20 Feb. 1971; M. Isy- Schwart leg.; MNHN • 1 ♀; Yangambi; [0°46ʹ N, 24°27ʹ E]; May 1960; J. Decelle leg.; MRAC. – Tshuapa • 1 ♀; Bokuma; [0°06ʹ S, 18°41ʹ E]; Jan.–Feb. 1952; R.P. Lootens leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Bokungu; [0°41ʹ S, 22°19ʹ E]; 1950; M. Dupuis leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Ikela; [1°11ʹ S, 23°16ʹ E]; 1955; R.P. Lootens leg.; MRAC • 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but 1956; MRAC • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; Mar.–Jun. 1956; R. Deguide leg.; MRAC .

ETHIOPIA – Harari Region • 1 ♀; Harrar; [9°18ʹ49ʺ N, 42°07ʹ05ʺ E]; May 1911; R.E. Turner leg.; BMNH .

GABON • 1 ♂; Theorin leg.; NRS. – Estuaire Province • 1 ♀; Libreville; [0°23ʹ24.36ʺ N, 9°27ʹ15.84ʺ E]; 1936; MNHN .

GHANA – Brong-Ahafo Region • 1 ♂; Sunyani, Ashanti; [7°20ʹ23ʺ N, 2°19ʹ36ʺ W]; 8 Jun. 1913; J.J. Simpson leg.; BMNH . – Greater Accra Region • 1 ♂; Accra; [5°33ʹ21ʺ N, 0°11ʹ48ʺ W]; Dec. 1940; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but Aug.–Sep. 1941; BMNH • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Labadi; [5°34ʹ12ʺ N, 0°09ʹ21ʺ W]; 12 Mar. 1941; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH . – Savannah Region • 2 ♀♀; Yapi [Yapei]; [9°09ʹ08ʺ N, 1°08ʹ52ʺ W]; Nov. 1916; J.J. Simpson leg.; BMNH .

KENYA – Kitui County • 2 ♂♂; E of Mwingi; [0°56ʹ S, 38°03ʹ E]; 14 May 2007; M. Halada leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♀; Mwingi, Kangonde vadi;[0°56ʹ S, 38°03ʹ E]; 18Apr. 2007; M. Halada leg.; OÖLM .– Lamu County • 1 ♀; Boni Forest area, near Mangai Village; 1.74872° S, 41.17820° E; 10–12 Jun. 2013; J. Bukhebi and R. Copeland leg.; ICIPE • 1 ♀; Uchweni Forest; [2°21ʹ57ʺ S, 40°30ʹ29ʺ E]; 1–2 Mar.1912; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH. – Taita-Taveta County • 1 ♀; Sagalla Swamp; [3°30ʹ34ʺ S, 38°34ʹ34ʺ E]; 1947; BMNH • 1 ♂; near Voi (Tsavo); [3°23ʹ26ʺ S, 38°34ʹ37ʺ E]; 22 Nov.–2 Dec. 1996; Mi. Halada leg.; OÖLM .

MALAWI – Central Region • 2 ♀♀; Nkhotakota; [12°56ʹ S, 34°18ʹ E]; 2 Jan. 2002; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM • 2 ♀♀; Salima, Lake Malawi; 13°45ʹ S, 34°29ʹ E; 4 Mar. 2001; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 1 ♂; near Sani, beach; 13°01ʹ53ʺ S, 34°19ʹ47ʺ E; 4–8 Mar. 2008; J. Oehlke leg.; coll. Jacobs. – Southern Region • 1 ♀; Mlanje; [16°01ʹ53ʺ S, 35°30ʹ E]; 10 Feb. 1914; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 13 Feb. 1914; BMNH .

MALI • 1 ♂; inundation zone of Niger River, Koundé-Saré; 20 Aug. 1945; BMNH. – Mopti Region • 1 ♂; 10 km S of Mopti; [14°22ʹ11.4ʺ N, 4°08ʹ56.3ʺ W]; 20 Aug. 1991; M. Schwarz leg.; OÖLM .

MOZAMBIQUE – Manica Province • 2 ♂♂; 45 km NW of Chimoio; [18°59ʹ14.7ʺ S, 33°02ʹ54.1ʺ E]; 12–20 Dec.2003; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM . – Maputo Province • 1 ♂; Inhaca, hotel; [26°01ʹ S, 32°57ʹ E]; 28 Jan. 1979; H.R. Feijen leg.; RMNH • 5 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Maputo; [25°58ʹ S, 32°35ʹ E]; 12 Feb. 1994; G.G.M. Schulten leg.; RMNH . – Sofala Province • 2 ♂♂; Beira; [19°50ʹ37ʺ S, 34°50ʹ20ʺ E]; 2 Oct. 1939; A.H. N. leg.; BMNH • 3 ♂♂; same locality as for preceding; 3 Oct. 1954; L.F. Brown leg.; BMNH .

NAMIBIA – Kavango East • 1 ♂; 30 km E of Rundu; [17°56ʹ42.2ʺ S, 20°04ʹ24.4ʺ E]; 23 Jan. 1993; J. Gusenleitner leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♂, 4 ♀♀; Kaudom-Camp; 18°31ʹ S, 20°43ʹ E; 22–25 Nov. 1992; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 1 ♂; Mahango Game Reserve; 18°17ʹ S, 21°43ʹ E; 4 Mar. 1997; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 1 ♂; Rundu; [17°55ʹ S, 19°46ʹ E]; 17 Jan. 1993; J. Gusenleitner leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 19 Jan. 1993; OÖLM • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but 22 Jan. 1993; OÖLM • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but 23 Jan. 1993; OÖLM • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 29 Jan. 1993; OÖLM • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but 30 Jan. 1993; OÖLM . – Kunene Region • 1 ♀; Kunene, Epupa Falls; 17°00ʹ S, 13°15ʹ E; 23 Feb. 1995; F. Koch leg.; ZMB . – Oshikoto Region • 1 ♂; Namutoni, Etosha National Park; [18°48ʹ S, 16°59ʹ E]; 23 Jan. 1993; F. Koch leg.; ZMB . – Otjozondjupa Region • 1 ♀; 100 km NE of Grootfontein; [18°56ʹ32.9ʺ S, 18°47ʹ52.3ʺ E]; 28 Jan. 1993; J. Gusenleitner leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♂; 35 km S of Outjo; [20°25ʹ33.8ʺ S, 16°06ʹ26.6ʺ E]; 25 Mar. 1979; J.G. Rozen leg.; AMNH • 1 ♀; Okahandja; [21°59ʹ S, 16°55ʹ E]; 2–4 Feb. 1972; BMNH .

NIGER – Tillabéry Region • 1 ♀; Say; [13°02ʹ08ʺ N, 2°13ʹ16ʺ E]; 10 Oct. 1976; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH .

NIGERIA – Niger State • 1 ♀; Izom; [9°14ʹ36ʺ N, 7°00ʹ26ʺ E]; 11 Dec. 1958; R.W. Crosskey leg.; BMNH . – Osun State • 1 ♀; Ile-Ife; [7°28ʹ56ʺ N, 4°33ʹ37ʺ E]; 28 Nov. 1968; J.T. Medler leg.; USNM . – Oyo State • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Ibadan; [7°22ʹ39ʺ N, 3°54ʹ21ʺ E]; “x/ vii/1947 ”; L.T. Davey leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; BMNH .

OMAN – Dhofar Governorate • 1 ♀; Raysut; [16°57ʹ N, 53°58ʹ02ʺ E]; 20 Aug. 1981; A.R. Pittaway leg.; BMNH .

REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Gôh Region • 1 ♀; Gagnoa; [6°07ʹ54ʺ N, 5°57ʹ02ʺ E]; 2–4 Mar. 1984; M. Matthews leg.; BMNH. – Vallée du Bandama District • 4 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Bouaké; [7°41ʹ N, 5°01ʹ W]; Jun. 1977; P.M. Elsen leg.; MRAC .

REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO • 1 ♂; Route du Nord, km 17; 4 Nov. 1977; C. Morin leg.; MNHN. – Brazzaville Department • 1 ♀; near Brazzaville; [4°16ʹ04ʺ S, 15°17ʹ31ʺ E]; 1984; D. Bernaud leg.; MNHN . – Kouilou Department • 1 ♀; Zambi; 6° S, 12°50ʹ E; 27 Jun. 1915; Lang and Chapin leg.; AMNH. – Pool Department • 1 ♀; Foulakori River near Kinkala; [4°21ʹ41ʺ S, 14°45ʹ52ʺ E]; 18 Jan. 1973; J.F. Cornic leg.; MNHN • 1 ♀; Kintelé; [4°09ʹ S, 15°20ʹ32ʺ E]; 9 Jan. 1977; G. Onore leg.; MNHN • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Masa; [3°45ʹ26ʺ S, 15°30ʹ45ʺ E]; 6 Jan. 1976; G. Onore leg.; MNHN • 1 ♀; Voka; [4°40ʹ16ʺ S, 14°40ʹ25ʺ E]; 11 Nov. 1976; G. Onore leg.; MNHN .

SENEGAL • 1 ♀; Oct. 1976; G. Couturier leg.; MNHN. – Dakar Region • 1 ♀; Dakar; [14°41ʹ34ʺ N, 17°26ʹ48ʺ W]; Sep. 1967; A. Villiers leg.; MNHN. – Fatick Region • 2 ♀♀; G. de Bandiala; [13°39ʹ40ʺ N, 16°34ʹ26ʺ W]; 8–12 Dec. 1997; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH .

SOUTH AFRICA – Eastern Cape • 1 ♀; 10 km SE of Alexandria, National Park; [33°44ʹ14.9ʺ S, 26°28ʹ5.9ʺ E]; 28–31 Jan. 2000; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM . – KwaZulu-Natal • 1 ♂; Durban; [29°53ʹ S, 31°03ʹ E]; J. Bequaert leg.; MRAC • 4 ♂♂; Maputaland, SW of Manguzi; [27°00ʹ48.5ʺ S, 32°43ʹ24.1ʺ E]; 29 Jan. 2003; M. Snižek leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♀; Ndumo Game Reserve; 26°55ʹ S, 32°19ʹ E; 1 Feb. 1995; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 2 Feb. 1995; ZMB • 1 ♀; Sodwana Bay National Park; 27°37ʹ S, 32°41ʹ E; 1 Feb. 1994; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 5 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding but 4 Feb. 1995; ZMB • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 25 Feb. 1997; ZMB • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; St Lucia Estuary; [28°22ʹ58.8ʺ S, 32°25ʹ1.2ʺ E]; 4–6 Dec. 1966; J.G. Rozen and D.J. Brothers leg.; AMNH • 1 ♀; St Lucia Park (Charter’s Creek); 28°12ʹ S, 32°25ʹ E; 7 Feb. 1995; F. Koch leg.; ZMB . – Limpopo • 3 ♀♀; 35 km W of Hoedspruit; 24°23ʹ S, 30°40ʹ E; 19 Dec. 2009; J. Halada leg.; RMNH • 1 ♀; Farm “Sericea”, Nylstroom [now Modimolle]; 24°43ʹ S, 28°39ʹ E; 20–27 Mar. 2006; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 1 ♀; Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve; 24°12ʹ S, 30°20ʹ E; 18 Dec. 1995; F. Koch leg.; ZMB . – Northern Cape • 1 ♀; Vioolsdrif, Orange River; [28°46ʹ30ʺ S, 17°37ʹ30ʺ E]; 9 Jan. 1993; F. Koch leg.; THD-007-ZMB; GenBank CO1 gene: MW538580; GenBank EF-1α gene: MW558245; ZMB . – Western Cape • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Bontebok National Park, Swellendam; [34°04ʹ06.8ʺ S, 20°28ʹ06.6ʺ E]; 2–3 Jan. 1993; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 1 ♀; Franschhoek; [33°54ʹ36.3ʺ S, 19°07ʹ33.7ʺ E]; 17 Mar. 1988; H. Malicky leg.; OÖLM .

SOUTH SUDAN – Greater Upper Nile Region • 1 ♀; Malakal; [9°32ʹ N, 31°39ʹ37ʺ E]; 1 Dec. 1960; B. Hocking leg.; BMNH .

SUDAN – Al Qadarif • 1 ♀; Showak; 14.24° N, 35.52° E; 6 Sep. 1946; C.E. Wilson leg.; BMNH .

TANZANIA • 1 ♂; Meru lowland; 1 Dec. 1905; Y. Sjöstedt leg.; NRS. – Dodoma Region • 1 ♀; 35 km E of Dodoma; 5°54ʹ S, 35°45ʹ E; 14 Dec. 2006; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♂; 70 km N of Dodoma; 5°40ʹ S, 35°48ʹ E; 16 Dec. 2006; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM. – Iringa Region • 1 ♀; 100 km NE of Iringa; 7°37ʹ S, 36°17ʹ E; 9 Jan. 2007; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; 50 km NW of Iringa; 7°41ʹ S, 35°22ʹ E; 7 Jan. 2007; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM. – Kigoma Region • 1 ♀; Kasoge, Mahali Peninsula; [6°09ʹ S, 29°46ʹ E]; 20 Sep. 1959; BMNH. – Mjini Magharibi Region • 2 ♀♀; Zanzibar; NRS • 1 ♂; Zanzibar, near M’nazi Moya; [6°09ʹ42ʺ S, 39°11ʹ28ʺ E]; 20 Aug.–Sep. 1924; H.J. Snell leg.; BMNH. – Morogoro Region • 1 ♀; 50 km SW of Morogoro; 6°50ʹ S, 37°15ʹ E; 12 Jan. 2007; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but M. Kadlecová leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♀; NE of Mikumi, Camp; 7°23ʹ24ʺ S, 37°01ʹ45ʺ E; 26–27 Feb. 2008; J. Oehlke leg.; coll. Jacobs. – Pwani Region • 1 ♀; 15 km E of Utete; 8°03ʹ S, 35°53ʹ E; 16 Jan. 2007; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♀; 15 km W of Kibiti; 7°47ʹ S, 38°49ʹ E; 15 Jan. 2007; M. Kadlecová leg.; OÖLM. – Rukwa Region • 3 ♀♀; Rukwa; [8°00ʹ S, 31°25ʹ E]; Sep. 1952; F.O. Albrecht leg.; BMNH • 1 ♂; Ukia, Rukwa Rift; [7°44ʹ S, 31°47ʹ E]; 30 May 1950; BMNH. – Shinyanga Region • 1 ♀; 100 km NWW of Kahama; 3°25ʹ S, 31°47ʹ E; 24 Dec. 2006; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but M. Kadlecová leg.; OÖLM. – Tanga Region • 1 ♀; 4 Jun. 1905; Y. Sjöstedt leg.; NRS .

TOGO – Maritime Region • 1 ♂; Lake Togo, Kpené; [6°15ʹ N, 1°25ʹ E]; 23–30 Nov. 1980; G.G.M. Schulten leg.; RMNH . – Savanes • 1 ♀; Sansanné-Mango; [10°21ʹ20ʺ N, 0°28ʹ32ʺ E]; 1896–1902; Thierry leg.; ZMB .

UGANDA – Eastern Region • 1 ♂; Mbale–Kumi Road, 3700 ft S of Lake Salisbury; [1°33ʹ33ʺ N, 33°57ʹ15ʺ E]; 15–17 Aug. 1911; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH • 2 ♀♀; SE shore of Lake Kioga; [1°12ʹ43ʺ N, 33°26ʹ09ʺ E]; alt. 3400 ft; 21 Aug. 1911; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH . – Northern Region • 2 ♂♂; Zaipi, E Madi District; [3°24ʹ N, 31°59ʹ E]; 2 Jun. 1927; G.D. Hale Carpenter leg.; OUMNH . – Western Region • 1 ♂; Butiaba; [1°49ʹ N, 31°19ʹ E]; 20 Sep. 1937; H.J. Brédo leg.; MRAC • 1 ♂; valley of Kafu River, Unyoro; alt. 3400 ft; 23–28 Dec. 1911; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH .

UNION OF THE COMOROS • 1 ♀; Scientific Institute, Mohéli; [12°15ʹ S, 43°45ʹ E]; Mar. 1960; R. Legrand leg.; MNHN. – Grande Comore • 3 ♂♂; La Galawa H.; [11°22ʹ45ʺ S, 43°18ʹ26ʺ E]; 22 Apr. and 5 May 1991; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; La Grille; [11°27ʹ S, 43°20ʹ E]; 23 Apr.–3 May 1991; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH .

YEMEN – Abyan Governorate • 2♂♂; 21May1967; K.M.Guichard leg.; BMNH .– Aden Governorate • 1 ♀; Aden; [12°46ʹ46ʺ N, 45°02ʹ12ʺ E]; 1930; E.B.C. Betts leg.; BMNH • 1 ♂; Al Huseini, near Lahej; [12°46ʹ40ʺ N, 45°02ʹ E]; 26–29 Nov. 1937; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH . – Socotra Governorate • 1 ♀; Goba [Gubba] S.L.; [12°36ʹ27ʺ N, 53°47ʹ04ʺ E]; 25 Mar. 1967; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; Hadibo; [12°39ʹ N, 54°01ʹ10ʺ E]; 21 Feb. 1953; G. Popov leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; Hadibo Plain; [12°39ʹ N, 54°01ʹ10ʺ E]; alt. 0–300 ft; 16Apr.1967; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH • 1 ♂; Hadibo Plain, S.L.; [12°39ʹ N, 54°01ʹ10ʺ E]; 19 Mar. 1967; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 7 Apr. 1967; BMNH .

ZAMBIA – Central Province • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; 70 km NE of Kapiri Mposhi; 13°41ʹ S, 29°18ʹ E; 21 Nov. 2005; M. Halada leg.; OÖLM . – Muchinga Province • 2 ♂♂; “ Mid. Chambezi Valley, Chinsali distr. ”; alt. 4000 ft; 20 Apr. 1908; S.A. Neave leg.; OUMNH . – Southern Province • 1 ♀; 30 km W of Livingstone; [17°46ʹ45ʺ S, 25°33ʹ17ʺ E]; 19–22 Dec. 2002; M. Halada leg.; OÖLM .

ZIMBABWE • 1 ♀; Victoria Falls; Feb. 1935; NRS. – Matabeleland North • 1 ♀; Hwange National Park, Dete; [18°37ʹ08ʺ S, 26°51ʹ33ʺ E]; 11 Dec. 1997; J. Plass leg.; OÖLM .

Description

Female

SIZE. 25.1–32.0 mm.

COLOR. Black except for basal half of mandible, which is ferruginous. Cellular wing area hyaline, base of fore- and hindwing infuscate. Forewing with fuscous spot beyond marginal cell.

VESTITURE. Appressed and erect setae on clypeus and paraocular area silvery. Appressed setae on collar both silvery and black, erect setae black, appressed and erect setae on scutum and propodeal enclosure black. Erect propodeal setae crimped, oriented perpendicularly. Clypeus without glabrous stripe. Scutellum densely and finely pubescent.

STRUCTURE. Free clypeal margin with short, broad, notched tooth, not stepped medially. Clypeus without indentation or carina. Scutellum convex. Metanotum raised, notably bituberculate. 2 nd recurrent vein joins interstitium between submarginal cells II and III. Propodeal enclosure without any notable ridges. Foretarsomere I 2.3–2.6× length of antepenultimate spine. Petiole length 2.0–2.1× its medial width.

Male

SIZE. 17.4–26.2 mm.

COLOR. Black. Cellular wing area hyaline, base of fore- and hindwing infuscate. Forewing with fuscous spot beyond marginal cell.

STRUCTURE. Free clypeal margin simple. Scutellum slightly convex. Metanotum raised, notably bituberculate. 2 nd recurrent vein joins interstitium between submarginal cells II and III. Propodeal enclosure without any notable ridges. Posterior margin of metasomal tergum VII convex. Posterior margin of metasomal sternum VII simple, of metasomal sternum VIII triangular. Penis valvae without conspicuous modifications. Petiole length 2.2–2.3× its medial width. Flagellomeres V + VI with broad placoids, covering entire length of flagellomere V and proximal four-fifths of flagellomere VI.

Variation

In some specimens, the legs are dark ferruginous to a varying degree.

Distribution

Very widespread in Africa; also occurs in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Remarks

Despite not having examined type material, we are certain that our interpretation of S. fumicatus is correct. The species occurs all over the African continent and is found on the Arabian Peninsula as well. It is one of, if not the most commonly collected Sphex from the Afrotropical region. Its diagnostic characters are easy to see and therefore commonly included in descriptions, which makes synonymization possible even for works from authors that are not especially knowledgeable about this genus.