Iselma hobohmi, Kaszab, 1952

Bologna, Marco A., Amore, Valentina & Pitzalis, Monica, 2018, Meloidae of Namibia (Coleoptera): taxonomy and faunistics with biogeographic and ecological notes, Zootaxa 4373 (1), pp. 1-141 : 9-10

Iselma hobohmi species group

This group, as defined by Pitzalis & Bologna (2010), is endemic to western Namibia and includes only the following four species. It is greatly distinct from the remaining South African groups of species. The primary morphological characters defining this group of small-sized species are the short antennae, which reach only the base of pronotum, the subtrapezoidal antennomeres, and the bicoloured black and orange-brown legs.

Iselma deserticola Bologna, 2001 ( Fig. 1A )

Distribution. Western Namibia (endemic).

Material examined and literature records. [Erongo] Arandis : 6 km N Arandis, 22.3667°S 14.9833°E (Bologna et al. 2001; SMWN) ; Lower Dome Gorge, 22.4667°S 15.0667°E ( Bologna et al. 2001, type locality; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; CB; SMWN) ; Upper Ostrich Gorge , 22.4833°S 14.9833°E (Bologna et al. 2001; SMWN) ; Lower Ostrich Gorge , 22.5000°S 14.9667°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; SMWN). Other records: Namib Sand Sea desert ( Seely 2012).

Remarks. Holotype (SMWN) and 57 paratypes were examined (CB, SMWN).

This species is strictly related to the central Namib Desert ecosystem.

Iselma hobohmi Kaszab, 1952 ( Fig. 1B )

Distribution. Western Namibia (endemic).

Material examined and literature records. [Kunene] Kamanjab: Kamanjab , 19.6333°S 14.8333°E (Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; SMWN) ; Hoas 273, 19.9200°S 14.7500°E (Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; SMWN) . Outjo: Abachaus, 48 km N of Otjivarongo , 19.7167°S 16.5800°E ( Kaszab 1952, loc. typ., 1953b, 1954c, 1966; Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; JP, NHP) . Khorixas : Skeleton Coast Park, Springbokwater, 20.3333°S 13.6333°E (Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; NHP) ; main road Omaruru- Khorixas, near Terra Mea , 20.6950°S 14.8590°E (Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; CB; SMWN) . [Otjozondjupa] Omatako: Otjikango , 20.2833°S 16.8667°E (Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; SAMC) ; Waterberg, 20.5500°S 17.1833°E (Bologna et al. 2001; CP); Waterberg , 20.5653°S 17.1872°E (Bologna et al. 2001; CP). Otjiwarongo: B1, 13.6 km N Otjiwarongo , 20.3728°S 16.7393°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; 2010; CB); N of Kalkveld on road to Otjivarongo, 20.8333 16.2167 [on Herbstaedia sp. ( Amaranthaceae )] (AMG). [Erongo] Omaruru: Otjongoro 20, 20.8833°S 15.6333°E (Bologna et al. 2001; SMWN) ; Walvis Bay Rural: Rostock , 23.3833°S 15.7500°E (Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; SMWN) . [Khomas] Windhoek Rural: Hochland, 22.6667°S 16.6667°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; MNB); Kos 28, 23.2667°S 16.1333°E (Bologna et al. 2001; SMWN); Gausberg Pass, Hakosberge (CK).

Other records: Namib Sand Sea desert ( Seely 2012); Namibia ( Bologna 2000a; Pitzalis et al. 2014).

Remarks. Holotype and paratypes were examined (NHP).

It is the most euriecious species of the group, related to both Nama Karoo and dry Savannah ecosystems, and largely distributed in NW Namibia .

Iselma kamanjabi Pitzalis & Bologna, 2008

Distribution. Western Namibia (endemic).

Material examined and literature records. [Kunene] Kamanjab: Kamajab , 19.6166°S 14.81667°E ( Pitzalis & Bologna 2008, type locality; HNHM).

Remarks. Holotype female (HNHM) was examined.

It is apparently endemic to a small area in the transitional zone between Namib and Nama Karoo ecosystems in northwestern Namibia (Kamanjab) .

Iselma penrithae Kaszab, 1981 ( Fig. 1C )

Distribution. Western Namibia (endemic).

Material examined and bibliographic data. [Kunene] Opuwo: C43, 18.6788°S 13.7135°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; CB); main road Omaruru-Khorixas, near Terra Mea, 20.6950°S 14.590°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; CB; SMWN doubtful record). Kamanjab: Distr. Grootfontein, Farm Klein Nosib, 19.4667°S 14.8333°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; MNB). [Erongo] Karibib: Gokakoara 43, 21.9667°S 16.0167°E ( Kaszab 1981, loc. typ.; Bologna et al. 2001; SMWN); C32, 42 km S Karibib, 22.2945°S 15.8351°E ( Pitzalis & Bologna 2010; CB); Dudongua 22.3333°S 15.8333°E ( Kaszab 1981; Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; SMWN).[Hardap] Rehoboth Rural: 28.5 km S Rehoboth (Road B1), 23.5833°S 17.1500°E (Bologna et al. 2001; CB). Gibeon: Namib-Naukluft Park, Naukluft Camp Site, 24.2667°S 16.2500°E (Bologna et al. 2001; Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; PPRI).

Other records: Namib Sand Sea desert ( Seely 2012); Namibia ( Bologna 2000a; Pitzalis et al. 2014).

Remarks. Holotype (NMNH) was examined.

It is primarily related to the narrow area characterized by Nama Karoo vegetation in western Namibia .

Figures

FIGURE 1. A. Iselma deserticola; B. Iselma hobohmi; C. Iselma penrithae; D. Iselma brunneipes. E. Iselma piscatrix; F. Eletica luteosignata. G. Namibeletica angolana; H. Namibeletica elegantula; I. Afrolytta namaqua; J. Afrolytta amoena; K. Afrolytta carneola; L. Australytta maraisi; M. Australytta rubrolineata; N. Australytta szekessyi; O. Australytta vellicata; P. Lydomorphus chalybaeus; Q. Lydomorphus mimus; R. Lydomorphus bisignatus; S. Lydomorphus strangulatus; T. Lydomorphus karibibensis; U. Lydomorphus thoracicus; V. Lydomorphus tibialis; W. Lydomorphus bifoveiceps; X. Dilatilydus optatus; Y. Desertilydus mesembryanthemi.