Psapharomys, Grunberg

Hauser, Martin, Woodley, Norman E. & Fachin, Diego A., 2017, Taxonomic changes in African Stratiomyidae (Diptera), Zootaxa 4263 (1) : -

Genus PSAPHAROMYS Grünberg

Psapharomys Grünberg, 1915: 50 . Type species, Psapharomys salebrosa Grünberg, 1915 , by monotypy.

Brachyphleps Lindner, 1965: 49 . Type species, Brachyphleps tristis Lindner, 1965 , by monotypy, Syn. nov.

Psapharomys salebrosa Grünberg.

Psapharomys salebrosa Grünberg, 1915: 52 . ST 1 ♀ [ZMHU]: Equatorial Guinea: Río Muni, Benito region, Alen; ST 1 ♂, 2 ♀ [ZMHU]: Equatorial Guinea: Río Muni, Nkolentangan; ST 1 ♀ [ZMHU]: Equatorial Guinea: Río Muni, Uelleburg. Brachyphleps tristis Lindner, 1965: 49 . HT ♂ [IRSNB]: Zaire: Parc National de la Garamba, “I/b/2s”. Syn. nov.

When Lindner (1965) described Brachyphleps tristis , he compared it to the genus Meristomerinx Enderlein , and wondered if this new genus should be placed in the Clitellariinae because of the short stump of the vein M3. The comparison with Meristomerinx is strange because the two genera show many differences. For example, the pterostigma is triangular vs linear (Fig. 37); vein R2+3 arising distinctly distal to vs proximal to crossvein r–m; as well as the differences in antennal structure. Lindner overlooked the fact that Psapharomys also has a rudimentary M3 ( Brachyphleps and Psapharomys are the only Afrotropical Pachygastrinae genera that have this character state). Although the male of Psapharomys was also described by Grünberg, only the characteristic elongate female head was illustrated in the description. The male head of Psapharomys is only slightly longer than high, while Lindner illustrated the male head of Brachyphleps as higher than long, which does not reflect the true dimensions of the type specimen—the male type of Brachyphleps has a head slightly longer than high. Lindner indicated in the illustration of the B. tristis head a flange like extension below the antennae, which is present in the type and also in the female head of Psapharomys . The other important character is the triangular shaped pterostigma which is illustrated in the descriptions of both genera. The unique shape of the pterostigma facilitates bending of the wing while resting. This feature is found in several other Stratiomyidae genera ( Manotes Kertész ) and other Diptera , for example in the genera Camarota Meigen (Chloropidae) , Stegana Meigen (Drosophilidae) and Chyliza Fallén (Psilidae) , which are potential beetle mimics.

We did not examine the type specimen of Psapharomys salebrosa , because the illustrations and description are very detailed and we have specimens on hand which agree completely with them, but we examined the holotype of Brachyphleps tristis [IRSNB] ( Fig. 10 ) and we conclude that the two taxa are conspecific.

We have several more specimens on hand which belong to at least three more species that also have a triangular pterostigma. All these specimens have an elevated transverse ridge on the frons above the two white pubescent spots next to the eye margin and the antennae are not inserted on the protrusion as in P. salebrosa . Also, the flange between the oral cavity and the lower eye margin is not triangular as in P. salebrosa , but varies from evenly curved and barely visible to a large but not triangular flange. One of the specimens has the eyes covered with setae. We still believe that these species would be best placed in this genus which is mainly defined by the triangular shaped pterostigma.

This genus is part of a group of African genera which are defined by having vein R2+3 arising distinctly proximal to crossvein r–m, abdomen longer than broad, head of females longer than high, male eyes holoptic; pedicel with a finger-like projection on the inner side (similar to Ptecticus ). The following genera belong in the Steleoceromys- group: Dactylotinda Lindner, 1965 , Hypoceromys , Psapharomys , Pseudoxymyia , and Steleoceromys . Further studies are needed to better define the genera and to resolve the phylogenetic relationships among the genera. Unfortunately most of these species are rather rare in collection.

Figures

FIGURES 7 – 12. Stratiomyidae habitus. 7. Neopachygaster stigma Lindner, female syntype [IRSNB]. 8. Platyna hastata (Fabricius), male abdomen. 9. Platyna hastata (Fabricius), female abdomen. 10. Brachyphleps tristis Lindner, male holotype [IRSNB]. 11. Psapharomydops procera Lindner, female holotype [MRAC]. 12. Gobertina mercurialis Lindner, male holotype [MRAC].