Ischnostomiella werneri Beinhundner, 2005

Irish, Renzo Perissinotto John, 2024, A new species of Ischnostomiella Krikken, 1978 from the Limpopo Province of South Africa (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae, Xiphoscelidini), Fragmenta entomologica 56 (1), pp. 13-20 : 18

Ischnostomiella werneri Beinhundner, 2005

( Fig. 2 C, D )

Ischnostomiella werneri Beinhundner 2005: 78 ; Beinhundner 2017: 367.

Remarks. The total length of this species ranges from 8 to 12.5 mm, while its maximum width is 4.0-7.0 mm ( Beinhundner 2005, Beinhundner 2017). Specimens regularly exhibit a cretaceous maculation on their elytra, which can vary widely in extent ( Fig. 2 D-F; cf. also Beinhundner 2017: 367, figs 1-5). Unfortunately, the collectors of the rather numerous type series have not revealed if the specimens were caught in flight, on the ground or otherwise. Like for I. denticeps , there is still no knowledge on the immature stages of this species.

Distribution. This species is currently known only from the type locality of Gweta, situated in north-eastern Botswana ( Fig. 3 ).

Data records. Type series: Holotype ♂, Botswana, near Gweta , 30.11.2003, K. Werner & P. Srmrz leg. ( TMSA) ; “ allotype ” ♀, ibidem ( TMSA) ; Paratypes: 1♂, ibidem ( MNHN) ; 1 ♂, ibidem ( SAMC) ; 1 ♂, ibidem ( SMWN) ; 1 ♂, ibidem ( ZSMC) : 5 ♂ + 2 ♀, ibidem ( GBEG) ; 20 inds., ibidem (KWPG), 4 ♂, ibidem ( BMCS) , 1 ♂, ibidem ( NSTJ) ; 1 ♂, ibidem ( KSTJ) ; 1 ♂ + 1 ♀, ibidem ( RPGS) ; 1 ♂, ibidem ( TGMF) .

Figures

Fig. 2 – A, dark ♂, Namibia, Karibib; B, brown-orange ♂, ibidem; C, dark ♀, Namibia, Omaruru. I. werneri Beinhundner, 2005: D, Holotype ♂, Botswana, Gweta; E, Paratype ♂, ibidem; F, “allotype” ♀, ibidem.

Fig. 3 – Distribution range of the three species of Ischnostomiella Krikken, 1978 within the southern African region. (Map: Google Earth Pro with image from Landsat/Copernicus 12/14/2015).