Further studies of African Acylophorus Nordmann (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)
Author
Lott, Derek A.
text
Zootaxa
2012
3168
39
52
journal article
45602
10.5281/zenodo.279788
41edf650-3461-4b7d-9dc8-a67a3ee813ea
1175-5326
279788
Acylophorus orientalis
Fauvel, 1907
(
Fig. 1
)
Material examined.
Typical form:
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
: Bosum, S. Tessmann, 21–31.
iii.1914, 2
(
ZMBH
).
SOUTH AFRICA
: Kruger National Park, Mathlakusapan, 22O37’S 31O22’E, Endrödy-Younga,
9.ii.1994
, 1 (cJanak); Kruger National Park, Skukuza, 24O57’S 30O42’E, Endrödy-Younga,
22.ii.1995
, 1 (cJanak); Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Sabie Riv., 20O04’S 31O36’E, Endrödy-Younga,
23.ii.1995
, 1 (cJanak). Southern form:
NAMIBIA
: E. Caprivi: Katima Mulilo 15O2’S 26O0’E, M Uhlig, 27–30.
iii.1993, 1
Ƥ (
ZMHB
).
ZAMBIA
: Kafue NP, Chunge Camp, Kafue River, 15O2’S 26O0’E, M Uhlig, 27–30.
iii.1993, 1
Ƥ (
ZMHB
); Livingstone, banks of Zambezi, 17O54’S 25O51’E, M Uhlig,
15.iii.1993
, 13 (
ZMHB
); Victoria Falls, 17O55’S 25O51’E, M Uhlig,
14.iii.1993
, 1Ƥ (
ZMHB
).
FIGURE 1
. Distribution of
Acylophorus orientalis
Fauvel
(= typical form, = southern form).
Discussion.
The new records extend the known range of the smaller typical form of
A. orientalis
(body length = 6.5–
7 mm
) to two new countries, the
Central African Republic
and
South Africa
, and that of the larger southern form (body length = 7–7.5 mm) to one new country,
Namibia
.
Fig. 1
updates the distribution map given by
Lott (2010)
. The additional records maintain the geographical separation of the ranges of the two forms and support the conjecture that these forms may deserve a higher taxonomic ranking. The extension of the known range of the typical form to
South Africa
rather suggests that the use of the term “southern” for the larger form is not as appropriate as it first appeared. It would be useful to acquire material from areas on the borders between their respective ranges in order to establish the exact status of the two forms.