Afroptera obtusa (Tjeder, 1967) comb. nov.

(Figs 94, 126, 136, 156)

Synonymy

Nemopterella obtusa Tjeder, 1967: 477 .

Etymology. Unknown, most likely from the Latin word obtuse (broad) due to its broad forewings.

Type locality. South Africa, Western Cape Province. Koup Siding, 33°07’31’’S 21°16’11’’E .

Type depository. SAMC .

Diagnosis. Afroptera obtusa and A. pilosa are morphologically very similar, due largely to similar black pubescence on the thorax (Fig. 94), the yellow colour of the head and reddish yellow of the vertex. They can be distinguished from each other by broader forewings with a short rounded apex in A. obtusa (Fig. 136), whereas in A. pilosa the forewings are elongate and the apex is much narrower than A. obtusa (Fig. 140).

Type material examined. SOUTH AFRICA, Western Cape Province. Holotype ♂, SAM–NEU–A001253, Koup Siding, Laingsburg [33°07’31’’S 21°16’11’’E], C.P. (white printed label) / Mus. Expd., / Oct.1952 (white printed label) / Holotypus ♂, Nemopterella obtusa Tjed., Bo Tjeder 1966 . (Red handwritten label). (SAMC) .

Distribution and habitat. This species was collected from localities in the Western Cape Province (Fig. 156). The collection site is in the Koedoesberge-Moordenaars Karoo vegetation unit in the Succulent Karoo Biome (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). The habitat is hilly, with mud and sandstone soils in plains, with low succulent scrubs, scattered tall shrubs with white grass mostly on the plain. It receives predominately winter rains with an average above 200 mm per year (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).