Blepharidina, Iannella & Biondi, 2019

Iannella, Paola D’Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyné (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), Zootaxa 4545 (1) : -

publication ID	https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2
publication LSID	lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1D2EC333-517D-4FC1-A0AA-61EDD8BE8BEE
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5935532
persistent identifier	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C087BA-FF90-9944-FF24-FE9805848690
treatment provided by	Plazi
scientific name	Blepharidina
status	s. str.

Treatment

Key to Blepharidina s. str. species

1. Anterior margin of pronotum at least three times wider medially than laterally ( Fig. 20 View FIGURES 20–25 ). Elytral margin homogenous in thickness, at most weakly enlarged in central third ( Fig. 35 View FIGURES 34–37 )........................................................ 2

- Anterior margin of pronotum medially never more twice wider than laterally ( Figs 21–25 View FIGURES 20–25 ). Elytral margin not homogenous in thickness, thinner in basal fifth of elytra ( Figs 34, 36 View FIGURES 34–37 ), or very thin from base to basal fifth, and distinctly enlarged between basal fifth and half-length of elytra ( Fig. 37 View FIGURES 34–37 )................................................................ 7

2. Elytral punctation almost confused ( Fig. 19 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Dorsal integument reddish-brown, with large, roundish yellow patches ( Fig. 19 View FIGURES 11–19 ).................................................................................................... 3

- Elytral punctation arranged in regular rows ( Figs 2, 4, 6 View FIGURES 1–10 , 16 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Dorsal integument different in color ( Figs 2, 4, 6 View FIGURES 1–10 , 16 View FIGURES 11–19 )....... 4

3. Nine large yellow patches on each elytron, as well as a small one on the shoulder ( Fig. 19 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Elytra deeply and coarsely punctate. Pronotum with large yellow patches and elongate longitudinal furrows. Spermatheca as in Fig. 67 View FIGURES 55–67 . Male unknown........................................................................... Blepharidina rudeli (Weise) ( Fig. 19 View FIGURES 11–19 )

- Eight large yellow patches on each elytron, as well as a small one on the shoulder. Elytra finely punctate. Pronotum sparsely stained with shorter longitudinal furrows. Diagnostic characters based on the original description ( Weise 1912).................................................................................. Blepharidina sedecimguttata (Weise)

4. Elytra with fine black striae on mostly yellowish surface; interstriae distinctly carinate ( Figs 4 View FIGURES 1–10 , 35 View FIGURES 34–37 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, evenly rounded laterally from basal part to apex ( Fig. 41 View FIGURES 38–43 ). Spermatheca with distinctly elongate, hook-shaped distal part and moderately globose basal part ( Fig. 56 View FIGURES 55–67 ).............................................. B. carinata (Bryant) ( Fig. 4 View FIGURES 1–10 )

- Elytra with yellow patches on black or reddish-brown surface ( Figs 2, 6 View FIGURES 1–10 , 16 View FIGURES 11–19 ); interstriae flat or very weakly carinate. Aedeagus, in ventral view, not evenly rounded laterally for the whole length ( Figs 39, 42 View FIGURES 38–43 , 52 View FIGURES 50–54 ). Basal part of spermatheca more globose and/or distal part shorter ( Figs 58, 63–64 View FIGURES 55–67 ).............................................................. 5

5. Third and ninth elytral interstriae entirely yellow ( Fig. 16 View FIGURES 11–19 ); outermost interstria more distinctly carinate than others. Distal six or seven antennomeres blackened ( Fig. 16 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, weakly but regularly rounded laterally, with subtriangular apical part ( Fig. 52 View FIGURES 50–54 ). Spermatheca in Figs 63–64.................................. B View FIGURES 55–67 . partita (Jacoby) ( Fig. 16 View FIGURES 11–19 )

- Third and ninth elytral interstriae with yellow patches ( Figs 2, 6 View FIGURES 1–10 ); outermost interstria about as carinate as others. Distal six or seven antennomeres not blackened ( Figs 2, 6 View FIGURES 1–10 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, subrectangular in apical part ( Fig. 39 View FIGURES 38–43 ) or distinctly narrower in apical fifth ( Fig. 42 View FIGURES 38–43 ).......................................................................... 6

6. Smaller size: LE+LP = 6.2 mm (in the only known specimen, male holotype). Upper interocular space wider than twice transversal width of eye. Aedeagus, in ventral view, with subrectangular apical part ( Fig. 39 View FIGURES 38–43 ). Female unknown.......................................................................................... B. bimbiensis (Bechyné) ( Fig. 2 View FIGURES 1–10 )

- Larger size: LE+LP ± 7.8 mm. Upper interocular space narrower than twice transversal width of eye. Aedeagus, in ventral view, with subtriangular apex ( Fig. 42 View FIGURES 38–43 ). Spermatheca in Fig. 58............................ B View FIGURES 55–67 . guttulata (Baly) ( Fig. 6 View FIGURES 1–10 )

7. Anterior angles of pronotum distinctly bevelled ( Fig. 32 View FIGURES 26–33 ). Elytral margin very thin from base to basal fifth, and distinctly enlarged between basal fifth and half-length of elytra ( Fig. 37 View FIGURES 34–37 ). Aedeagus with closed and shortly divided basally ventral sulcus, slightly longer than half length of aedeagus ( Figs 44, 48 View FIGURES 44–49 , 53 View FIGURES 50–54 )................................................ 8

- Anterior angles of pronotum anteriorly or laterally prominent, more or less pointed ( Figs 26–31, 33 View FIGURES 26–33 ). Elytral margin thinner in basal fifth of elytra ( Fig. 34, 36 View FIGURES 34–37 ). Aedeagus with ventral sulcus, if present, basally reaching basal part ( Figs 38, 40, 43 View FIGURES 38–43 , 45–47, 49–51, 54 View FIGURES 44–49 View FIGURES 50–54 ).......................................................................................... 10

8. Elytra with brown or black striae on mostly yellow surface, generally with very sparse irregular brown patches ( Fig. 8 View FIGURES 1–10 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more slender, clearly narrower in apical third ( Fig. 44 View FIGURES 44–49 ). Spermatheca in Fig. 59................................................................................................ B View FIGURES 55–67 . intermedia (Jacoby) ( Fig. 8 View FIGURES 1–10 )

- Elytra with large and generally roundish yellow patches on dark brown surface ( Figs 12, 17 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset, not or very weakly narrower in apical third ( Figs 48 View FIGURES 44–49 , 53 View FIGURES 50–54 )............................................... 9

9. Smaller size: LE+LP = 6.6 mm (in the only known specimen, male holotype). Elytral interstriae slightly but distinctly carinate ( Fig. 12 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Elytra with less regularly rounded yellow patches; punctures brownish ( Fig. 12 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Clypeus and labrum reddish. Aedeagus, in lateral view, straight, with shorter and straight basal part ( Fig. 48 View FIGURES 44–49 )............... .. B. laesa (Kolbe) ( Fig. 12 View FIGURES 11–19 )

- Larger size: LE+LP ± 8.3 mm. Elytral interstriae flat ( Figs 17 View FIGURES 11–19 , 37 View FIGURES 34–37 ). Elytra with more regularly rounded yellow patches; punctures colored as adjacent area ( Figs 17 View FIGURES 11–19 , 37 View FIGURES 34–37 ). Clypeus and labrum yellow. Aedeagus, in lateral view, slightly sinuate, with longer basal part ventrally oriented ( Fig. 53 View FIGURES 50–54 ). Spermatheca with piriform and very sclerotized basal part; ductus thick, with proximal part ventrally oriented ( Fig. 65 View FIGURES 55–67 )...................................................... B. picta (Kolbe) ( Fig. 17 View FIGURES 11–19 )

10. Anterior margin of pronotum medially distinctly thicker than laterally; anterior angles of pronotum clearly pointed ( Figs 23, 25 View FIGURES 20–25 , 31 View FIGURES 26–33 ). Aedeagus with densely longitudinally carinate dorsal surface ( Figs 49 View FIGURES 44–49 , 51 View FIGURES 50–54 ). Spermathecal ductus thin, with short distal part ( Figs 60, 62 View FIGURES 55–67 ).....................................................................................11

- Anterior margin of pronotum laterally about as thick as medially; anterior angles of pronotum more rounded ( Figs 21, 22, 24 View FIGURES 20–25 ). Aedeagus with not carinate dorsal surface, at most with some sparse carinae on dorsal ligula ( Figs 38, 40, 43 View FIGURES 38–43 , 45–47 View FIGURES 44–49 , 50, 54 View FIGURES 50–54 ). Spermathecal ductus thicker and/or with longer distal part ( Figs 55, 57, 61, 66 View FIGURES 55–67 ).................................... 12

11. Anterior margin of pronotum medially about twice wider than laterally ( Fig. 25 View FIGURES 20–25 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset; in lateral view, apical third strongly bent dorsally ( Fig. 51 View FIGURES 50–54 ). Spermatheca ( Fig. 62 View FIGURES 55–67 ) with piriform, elongate basal part.................................................................................... B. ornaticollis (Jacoby) ( Fig. 15 View FIGURES 11–19 ) - Anterior margin of pronotum medially less than twice wider than laterally ( Fig. 23 View FIGURES 20–25 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more slender; in lateral view, apical fourth distinctly bent dorsally ( Fig. 49 View FIGURES 44–49 ). Spermatheca ( Fig. 60 View FIGURES 55–67 ) with thick, subcylindrical basal part.............................................................................. B. macarthuri (Bryant) ( Fig. 13 View FIGURES 11–19 )

12. Elytra with narrow, rounded or elongate yellow patches on interstriae; elytral surface mostly blackish ( Figs 7 View FIGURES 1–10 , 14 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, slender, narrower in apical fourth, with laterally distinctly rounded apical part ( Figs 43 View FIGURES 38–43 , 50 View FIGURES 50–54 )............. 13

- Elytra differently colored ( Figs 1, 3, 5, 9–11, 18 View FIGURES 1–10 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset ( Figs 38, 40 View FIGURES 38–43 , 45 View FIGURES 44–49 , 54 View FIGURES 50–54 ), or not distinctly rounded in apical part ( Figs 46–47 View FIGURES 44–49 )................................................................. 14

13. Pronotum with three lateral groups of punctures and a longitudinal short area of punctures medially ( Fig. 24 View FIGURES 20–25 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, fusiform from base to subapical part; in lateral view, apical third clearly curved dorsally ( Fig. 50 View FIGURES 50–54 ). Spermatheca in Fig. 61................................................................ B View FIGURES 55–67 . matabelelandensis sp. nov. ( Fig. 14 View FIGURES 11–19 )

- Pronotum with two lateral groups of punctures and a longitudinal elongate area of punctures medially ( Fig. 21 View FIGURES 20–25 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more slender, tapered from base to subapical part; in lateral view, apical third slightly curved dorsally ( Fig. 4 3 View FIGURES 1–10 ). Female unknown.................................................................. B. himba sp. nov. ( Fig. 7 View FIGURES 1–10 )

14. Larger size: LE+LP ± 6.9 mm. Elytral points smaller and/or sparser ( Fig. 34 View FIGURES 34–37 ). Interocular space wide at least twice transversal width of each eye.................................................................................... 15

- Smaller size: LE+LP < 6.9 mm. Elytral points generally larger and/or closer each other ( Fig. 36 View FIGURES 34–37 ). Interocular space narrower than twice transversal width of each eye................................................................... 16

15. Lateral margin of pronotum almost straight, entirely visible in dorsal view. Pronotal surface with a complete medial, longitudinal stria of punctures touching both posterior and anterior margins ( Fig. 5 View FIGURES 1–10 ). Elytral surface with slightly larger points and more carinate lateral interstriae. Spermatheca with thinner and more elongate ductus, and very short distal part ( Fig. 57 View FIGURES 55–67 ). Male unknown..................................................................... B. delineata (Bryant) ( Fig. 5 View FIGURES 1–10 )

- Lateral margin of pronotum weakly but distinctly sinuate ( Fig. 27 View FIGURES 26–33 ), not visible anteriorly in dorsal view. Pronotal surface with an incomplete medial, longitudinal stria of punctures touching both posterior and anterior margins ( Fig. 27 View FIGURES 26–33 ). Elytral surface with smaller points and almost flat lateral interstriae ( Fig. 3 View FIGURES 1–10 ). Spermatheca with slightly thicker and shorter ductus, and more elongate distal part ( Fig. 55 View FIGURES 55–67 ). Aedeagus in Fig. 40......................................... B View FIGURES 38–43 . burtli (Bryant) ( Fig. 3 View FIGURES 1–10 )

16. Margin of pronotum strongly sinuate in lateral view ( Figs 26, 28, 30 View FIGURES 26–33 )........................................... 17

- Margin of pronotum weakly sinuate in lateral view ( Figs 29, 33 View FIGURES 26–33 )............................................... 19

17. Smaller size: LE+LP = 4.8 mm (in the only known specimen, male holotype). Antero-lateral part of pronotum weakly oriented downward ( Fig. 26 View FIGURES 26–33 ), with visible anterior angles in dorsal view. Aedeagus, in lateral view, with apical third clearly bent dorsally ( Fig. 38 View FIGURES 38–43 )............................................................... .. B. aliquantula sp. nov. ( Fig. 1 View FIGURES 1–10 )

- Larger size: LE+LP ± 5.9 mm. Antero-lateral part of pronotum distinctly oriented downward, with hardly visible anterior angles in dorsal view ( Figs 28, 30 View FIGURES 26–33 ). Aedeagus, in lateral view, slightly curved dorsally ( Figs 45, 47 View FIGURES 44–49 )................... 18

18. Antennomeres slender ( Fig. 11 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more slender, clearly narrower in apical third; ventral sulcus more deeply impressed, about as wide as each lateral edge; dorsal ligula elongate and slightly carinate on surface ( Fig. 47 View FIGURES 44–49 ). Female unknown...................................................................... B. knighti (Bryant) ( Fig. 11 View FIGURES 11–19 )

- Antennomeres thicker ( Fig. 9 View FIGURES 1–10 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset, very weakly narrower in apical third; ventral sulcus less deeply impressed, wider than each of lateral edge; dorsal ligula short, not carinate on surface ( Fig. 45 View FIGURES 44–49 ). Female unknown........................................................................... B. kasigauensis sp. nov. ( Fig. 9 View FIGURES 1–10 )

19. Antennomeres slender ( Fig. 10 View FIGURES 1–10 ). Elytral interstriae carinate ( Fig. 29 View FIGURES 26–33 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, slender, distinctly narrower in apical third; in lateral view, straight but finely ventrally curved apex ( Fig. 46 View FIGURES 44–49 ). Female unknown...................................................................................................... B. kenyana sp. nov. ( Fig. 10 View FIGURES 1–10 )

- Antennomeres thicker ( Fig. 18 View FIGURES 11–19 ). Elytral interstriae flat ( Fig. 33 View FIGURES 26–33 ). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset, slightly narrower in apical third; in lateral view, aedeagus distinctly sinuate in distal half ( Fig. 54 View FIGURES 50–54 ). Spermatheca in Fig. 66................................................................................................. B View FIGURES 55–67 . regalini sp. nov. ( Fig. 18 View FIGURES 11–19 )