Bengalia seniorwhitei Lehrer 2005
Creators: name: Rognes, Knut
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2011
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Diptera
Calliphoridae
Bengalia
Bengalia seniorwhitei

description: 3. Bengalia seniorwhitei (Lehrer, 2005)
Figs. 20–34.
Maraviola seniorwhitei Lehrer, 2005: 165, fig. 74. Holotype male (BMNH, examined), by original designation. Type locality: Kenya, Nanyuki.
Note. Rognes (2006) synonymised seniorwhitei and erithreana and by First Reviser action selected seniorwhitei to be the valid specific name for this species.
Maraviola congoliana Lehrer, 2005: 157, 158 fig. 70. Holotype male (MRAC, examined), by original designation. Type locality: Democratic Republic of Congo, Rutshuru. Syn. nov.
Maraviola erithreana Lehrer, 2005: 159, 160 fig. 71. Holotype male (BMNH, examined), by original designation. Type locality: Eritrea, Dongollo Basso.
Note. This synonymy was first suggested by Rognes (2006). See entry under Maraviola seniorwhitei above.
Maraviola samburella Lehrer, 2005: 164, fig. 73. Holotype male (TAU, examined), by original designation. Type locality: Kenya, “ 25 km NE Kericho”. Syn. nov.
Maraviola amlaka Lehrer & Freidberg, 2008: 1, 2 fig. 1. Holotype male (TAU, examined), by original designation. Type locality: Ethiopia, “Shola, Ahmar Mts.”. Syn. nov.
Maraviola danakiliana Lehrer & Freidberg, 2008: 3, 4 fig. 2. Holotype male (TAU, examined), by original designation. Type locality: Ethiopia, “Shewa / Menagesha”. Syn. nov.
Maraviola akufulana Lehrer, 2011: 9, 10 fig. 3. Holotype male (TAU, not examined), by original designation. Type locality: Malawi, “Viphya Mts, Kasito Lodge, …, 1730 m, …”. Syn. nov.
Bengalia spinifemorata: Zumpt, 1956: 170, specimens from Democratic Republic of Congo, i.e., those listed from “Rutshuru, VI. 1930, … leg. L. LIPPENS” and “W.Kivu: Mulungu près Shabunda, 1939 … leg. HAUTMANN”. Misidentification, not spinifemorata Villeneuve.
Bengalia seniorwhitei: Rognes 2006: 466, 469.
Diagnosis. Male. Length: 9–11mm (mean 10mm, n=6). Frons at vertex / head width ratio: 0.308–0.350 (mean 0.327, n=6). ST5 flap with shallow excavation in hind margin though sometimes deeper than shown in Fig. 33. “Horns” of the flap flat dorsoventrally. Surstylus of complex build, triangular in broadest aspect, with processes above and below on the distal edge. It sometimes varies somewhat in shape among individuals, particularly the process near middle of dorsal edge. Sometimes a slight depression is present in the distal edge. Bacilliform sclerite process moderate in size. Semicircular sclerotisation at the dorsalmost part of the semicircle with a broad ventrally directed flat process. Semicircular sclerotisation distally expanded into a triangular projection, the apical edge of which is concave as seen from front. Right and left parts of veil very transparent, difficult to observe and easily overlooked, with 5–7 radiating ribs originating from base of veil process, upper margin of each part serrate. A ventral extension of the veil “hangs down” on each side of the apical triangle of the semicircular sclerotisation. Veil process rounded in cross-section, dentate in distal third to half, sometimes with a small subapical tooth or bifurcation, an abrupt narrowing, a distal curved section not quite in line with the basal part, or similar irregularities (Figs. 24–27). Posterior half of hypophallic lobe broad, with no posterior narrow extension. Anterior narrow part of hypophallic lobe is folded with a backwardly directed upper part, the lower part of the fold constitutes the dentate process which is flanking the beak.
Female. Unknown.
Discussion. The lower part of the veil is present in the holotype of M. congoliana, but a grey opaque mass of stiff glycerol-jelly covers the tip of the distiphallus and it is difficult to determine whether the upper part is present or not, most likely it is curled up and hidden because of its transparency. All parts of a normal veil are present in the paratype of M. congoliana. The veil was described by Lehrer (2005: 155, second item in key option 3) as “rudimentaires” but this is an error.
The holotype and paratype of Maraviola congoliana Lehrer had been misidentified as B. spinifemorata by Zumpt (1956: 170). Zumpt had suspected that two species were involved under his “ B. spinifemorata ” although he gave up the idea. He was right as far as his Congo material concerns, see discussion above under B. racovitzai.
The veil is described as rudimentary also in M. samburella (Lehrer, 2005: 155, second item in key option 3). In the holotype the veil is somewhat crimpled and bent, but it is perfectly normal otherwise, not at all rudimentary. Lehrer separated M. samburella from M. congoliana on the basis of minute differences in the drawings of the ST5 flap, which I do not accept as sufficient reason to create a separate species.
The nominal species M. amlaka Lehrer & Freidberg and M. danakiliana Lehrer & Freidberg were based mainly on the presence of small irregularities in the distal part of the veil processes. In my review of Lehrer’s book (Rognes 2006: 466) I described the presence of a “small subterminal tooth not illustrated by Lehrer … on both the long lateral aedeagal apophyses [= veil process].”. This feature is shown in Fig. 25. Lehrer & Freidberg (2008) do not cite this observation on my part, in spite of the fact that amlaka and danakiliana are both based on similar modifications of the veil process. The tip of the veil process on the right side of the holotype of M. amlaka is illustrated in Fig. 26, and the one on the left side in Fig. 27. Lehrer & Freidberg (2008: 2, fig. 1C) illustrated only the left side for their amlaka and failed to notice that the shape of the tip of the veil process on the right side in the amlaka holotype is identical to the one on the left side of the holotype of their M. danakiliana (illustrated by Lehrer & Freidberg 2008: 4, fig. 2C), and that the tip of the veil process on the right side in the holotype of danakiliana, having a similar rather prominent tooth and a curved distalmost part beyond the tooth, is almost identical with the one present on the left side in amlaka (Fig. 27). Both nominal species were based on holotypes from high altitude in Ethiopia. Again, this demonstrates the futility of studying genitalia from the left side only.
The veil itself is described by Lehrer & Freidberg (2008), respectively, as “ relativement courtes ” [relatively short] (M. amlaka, p. 3, under the term “[l] es apophyses postérieures ”), and “ assez petites ” [rather small] (M. danakiliana, p. 4, under the term “[l] es apophyses terminales postérieures du paraphallus ”).
Interestingly, the holotype of M. erithreana (Eritrea, Dongolo Basso) has a conspicuous projection of the right veil process, which is broken beyond it (the veil process on this side is stuck to the hypophallic lobe and difficult to observe). The veil process on the left side is also broken and a very small projection is present a little proximal to its broken end. In the paratype of M. erithreana (Ethiopia, Kefa province near Jima) a similar projection or tooth is present on one of the veil processes, whereas the other is covered with a layer of more or less opaque glycerol jelly and it is not possible to decide whether a projection is present or not. No such projections were reported by Lehrer in M. erithreana and those present have evidently been overlooked by him.
It is clear that one cannot uphold species status on features that vary between the right and left sides of the body, and which vary gradually from specimen to specimen.
In the holotype of Maraviola amlaka the beak is distally broad and flaring and the ejaculatory opening is rather large. This may possibly be an artifact or perhaps an after-effect of a mating. The feature is shown in Lehrer & Friedberg’s figure of the distiphallus (Lehrer & Freidberg 2008: 2, fig. 1C). No such modification is present in the Maraviola danakiliana holotype, and neither in any other specimens of B. seniorwhitei I have seen.
M. erithreana is keyed and illustrated as having a slightly different ST5 flap than M. seniorwhitei. I do not accept such slight variations among drawings as good enough reason to establish or diagnose species.
The nominal species M. congoliana, M. erithreana, M. samburella, M. amlaka and M. danakiliana all have very characteristic and very similar surstyli. The differences described by Lehrer & Freidberg (2008) regarding the size of a projection on the upper edge of the surstylus reflect individual variation and is not a species characteristic.
On the basis of the above I do not accept any of the arguments provided by Lehrer (2005) and Lehrer & Freidberg (2008) for keeping the aforementioned nominal species as good species and synonymise them all under B. seniorwhitei.
Lehrer (2011: 8) wrote that his most recently described nominal species M. akufulana may be mixed up with M. akamanga or M. congoliana because of the shape of the posterior excavation of the ST5 flap (his “ sternite VII ”), but otherwise has given up diagnosing it. According to him “ la spécificité, de celle-ci [M. akufulana] peut être mis en evidence seulement par l’étude de tous les charactères du complexe génital mâle.” [the specific status … can be established only by studying all the characters of the male genital complex.]). The illustrations provided (Lehrer 2011: 10, fig. 3) indicate clearly that he has re-described B. seniorwhitei for the sixth time.
Distribution. Democratic Republic of Congo (Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda.
Material examined. Type material. Maraviola seniorwhitei Lehrer, 2005. Holotype male, in BMNH, labelled (1) HOLOTYPE [printed on round label with red rim]; (2) HOLOTYPUS [printed on red label]; (3) van Someren / Nanyuki (S:) / Kenya, 5 48 [printed]; (4) Pres. By / Com.Inst.Ent. / B.M.1950-323. [printed]; (5) COM. INST. ENT. / COLL. NO. 10998 [printed]; (6) Bengalia / spinifemorata / van Emden det. 1948 Vill [handwritten except van Emden det. 194]; (7) Maraviola 3 / seniorwhitei Lehrer sp.n. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / HOLOTYPUS 2004 [printed on white label] (Fig. 34). In this specimen there is no trace of a subterminal tooth, bifurcation or projection on the distal part of the veil processes. The genitalia, of which the genital capsule is deformed, have been transferred to small glass microvials from the original big plastic vials used by Lehrer. Paratypes. BMNH: 1 male labelled (1) Asuma // 26/10/11 [handwritten in pencil]; (2) ABYSSINIA / NOV. 1911 / R.J.Stordy [printed]; (3) Pres.by / Comm.Inst.Ent. / B.M.1953-343. [printed]; (4) Maraviola 3 / seniorwhitei Lehrer sp.n. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / HOLOTYPUS 2004 [printed on white label]. Note. There are no irregularities on the veil processes in this specimen. Lehrer (2005: 167) misinterprets the handwritten Stordy label reading “Asuma …” as “ Abissinia …”. Asuma is in Ethiopia. 1 male labelled (1) KENYA: / 9–13.xii.1970 / A.E.Stubbs / B.M. 1972–211 [printed]; (2) Karura For., / Nairobi, / 5500 feet [printed]; (3) Maraviola 3 / seniorwhitei Lehrer sp.n. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEH- RER / HOLOTYPUS 2004 [printed on white label]. Note. There are no irregularities on the veil processes. The left third of the ST5 flap has been cut away obliquely, lacking. 1 male labelled (1) van Someren / Nyeri (S.) / Kenya 12 48 [printed]; (2) V.G.L.van Someren / Collection. / Brit.Mus.1959-468. [printed]; (3) COM INST. ENT. / COLL. NO. 11280 [printed]; (4) Bengalia / spinifemorata van Emden det 1949 Vil. [handwritten, except van Emden det. 194]; (5) Maraviola 3 / seniorwhitei Lehrer sp.n. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / HOLOTYPUS 2004 [printed on white label]. Note. This specimen has the ST5 flap in situ on the abdominal tip. There are very small irregularities on the distal parts of the veil processes.
Maraviola congoliana Lehrer, 2005. Holotype male, in MRAC, labelled: (1) COLL. MUS. CONGO / Rutshuru / 2 -VI - 36 / L. Lippens / 179 [the numbers 2 and 179 are handwritten; the latter is written along the left margin of label]; (2) R. DET. / 6933 / F. [the F is handwritten]; (3) Maraviola 3 / congoliana sp.n. / HOLOTYPUS / Det. Dr. A.Z.LEHRER / 2004; (4) HOLOTYPUS [red label with smaller white label with text glued to its upper side]; (5) large label with same text as label (3). Note. This specimen has been dissected by Lehrer and the genitalia were placed in a large plastic vial. The vial contents were stuck at the bottom and totally dried out when I received the specimen. The stopper was impossible to loosen so the vial was cut open transversely with a scalpel to gain access to the contents. These were allowed to soak in alcohol, then glycerol. The ST5 flap was lacking; genital capsule with one surstylus intact; second surstylus separate; hypandrium with aedeagus separate, veil process on left side broken halfway. Tip of distiphallus a grey amorphous mass. It seems to be the same specimen as listed from Rutshuru by Zumpt (1956: 170) under Bengalia spinifemorata. Paratype. MRAC: 1 male labelled (1) COLL. MUS. CONGO / W.Kivu: Mulungu près / Shabunda 1939 / Dr. Hautmann; (2) R. DET. / 6933 / F. [the F is handwritten]; (3) Maraviola 3 / congoliana sp.n. / PARATYPUS / Det. Dr. A.Z. LEHRER / 2004; (4) PARATYPUS [red label with smaller white label with text glued to its upper side]. Note. This specimen had the dried genitalia glued to card above the labels. The genitalia show the distiphallus to have an intact veil (both upper and lower parts), although wrinkled and appearing white, and both veil processes are present. This specimen appears to be the one listed from this locality by Zumpt (1956: 170) under Bengalia spinifemorata.
Lehrer (2005: 159) also lists a paratype in BMNH from Uganda that lacks the aedeagus, but “… les autres pieces sont identiques à B. [sic] congoliana n.sp. …” [the other pieces are identical to B. [sic] congoliana n.sp. …]. I have not seen this specimen. Because the surstylus allegedly is shaped as figured by Lehrer (2005: 158, fig. 70B) I accept this record.
Maraviola erithreana Lehrer, 2005. Holotype male, in BMNH, labelled: (1) HOLOTYPE [printed on round label with red rim]; (2) HOLOTYPE [printed on red label]; (3) ERITREA: / Dongollo / Basso / 7.II.1957 / D.J.Greathead [handwritten except first and last line, and 7.II. and 7 in fourth line]; (4) Maraviola 3 / erithreana Lehrer n.sp. / HOLOTYPUS / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / 2004 [printed on white label]. Dongollo Basso is at 14°41'50''N, 38°19'31''E (Google Earth, search words ‘Dongollo Eritrea’). Note. This specimen has a small projection at the distal third of the right veil process, which is broken beyond it. The process itself is stuck to the under surface of the right hypophallic lobe, probably by some artifact associated with the glycerol jelly used by Lehrer, making it difficult to observe. The other veil process is also broken and a small projection is present near its broken end (not mentioned by Lehrer). Most of the triangular apical sclerotisation of the semicircular sclerotisation is damaged and lost. The cerci lacks a middorsal depression in profile view (cf. Lehrer 2005: 160, fig. 71 B), apparently because of shrinkage, but it is present in the paratype. The genitalia have been transferred to small glass microvials from the original big plastic vials used by Lehrer. Paratype. BMNH: 1 male labelled (1) ETHIOPIA / Kaffa Prov. / Jimma area / Andode near Serbo [printed] AT LIGHT [handwritten at upper right part of label]; (2) Aug. 1973 / G.B. White / B.M. 1974–85 [printed, except Aug. which is handwritten]; (3) Bengalia / spinifemorata Vill / det. J.P.Dear 1974 [handwritten, last line which is printed]; (4) Maraviola 3 / erithreana Lehrer n.sp. / Det. Dr. A. Z. LEHRER / 2004 [printed]. Note. The genitalia vial lacked the ST5 and ST5 flap. In the distiphallus both veil processes were broken but on one side a small subterminal projection or tooth is visible. The other veil process is covered with a grey irregular layer of stiff glycerol jelly and it is impossible to observe details in its surface structure. The cerci in profile have a middorsal depression. The genitalia have been transferred to small glass microvials from the original big plastic vials used by Lehrer.
Maraviola samburella Lehrer, 2005. Holotype male, in TAU, labelled: (1) KENYA 25 km / NE Kericho / 17.XI.1986 / A. Freidberg; (2) holotypus [red label with black print]; (3) Maraviola n.g. 3 / samburella n. sp. / Det.Dr.A.Z.LEHRER [pinhole in middle]; (4) Maraviola n.g. 3 / samburella n. sp. / Det.Dr.A.Z.LEHRER [pinhole towards the end]. Note. The abdomen has been glued back to the thorax. The dried genitalia of this specimen were stuck at the bottom of the plastic vial without any fluid present. I assume they had already been exerted by the collector, as is the case of the two paratypes (see below). To get the genital capsule out from the vial I soaked the genitalia with a few drops of 10% KOH solution. This made the genitalia loosen from the plastic wall and they could then easily be taken out, rinsed in water and subsequently transferred to alcohol and glycerol. Paratypes. TAU: 1 male labelled: (1) KENYA Rt. A104 / 15KmSENairobi / 29.IV-15.V. / 1991 / A. FREIDBERG / & FINI KAPLAN; (2) paratypus [red label with black print]; (3) Maraviola n.g. 3 / samburella n. sp. / Det.Dr.A.Z.LEH- RER. Note. The genital capsule was exerted before I received the specimen. I nipped it off the abdominal tip and dissected the genitalia, which were transferred to glycerol in a glass microvial. 1 male labelled: (1) KENYA Tambach / 40KmE Eldoret / 12.V.1991 / A. FREIDBERG / & FINI KAPLAN; (2) paratypus [red label with black print]; (3) Maraviola n.g. 3 / samburella n. sp. / Det.Dr.A.Z.LEHRER. Note. This specimen has the genitalia partly exerted. I have not dissected it or examined it further.
Maraviola amlaka Lehrer & Freidberg, 2008. Holotype male, in TAU, labelled: (1) ETHIOPIA: Shola / 2200m, Ahmar Mts / 9°06.4'N 40°57.4'E / 12.xi.2007 / L. FRIEDMAN; (2) holotypus [red label with black print]; (3) Maraviola 3 / amlaka n. sp. / Det.Dr.A.Z.LEHRER; (4) Maraviola 3 / amlaka n. sp. / Det.Dr.A.Z.LEHRER [very big label]. Note. The genitalia have been transferred to a glass microvial with glycerol by KR.
Maraviola danakiliana Lehrer & Freidberg, 2008. Holotype male, in TAU, labelled: (1) ETHIOPIA: SHEWA / Menagesha / Forest 3050 m / 9°02'N 38°35'E / 11.x.2005 / A. FREIDBERG; (2) holotypus [red label with black print]; (3) Maraviola 3 / danakiliana n. sp. / Det.Dr.A.Z.LEHRER; (4) Maraviola 3 / danakiliana n. sp. / Det.Dr.A.Z.LEHRER [very big label]. Note. The genitalia have been transferred to a glass microvial with glycerol by KR. Paratypes. Lehrer & Freidberg list 2 female paratypes from the same locality as the holotype, as well as 4 female paratypes from other localities in Ethiopia. I have not examined any of these.
Other material. BMNH [5 specimens]: 1 male labelled (1) van Someren / NGONG [Kenya; at about 1940 m a.s.l. according to Google Earth] / April 1941 [handwritten]; (2) Pres.by / Comm.Inst.Ent. / B.M.1950-323 [printed]; (3) Bengalia / spinifemorata Vill. / van Emden det. 1949 [handwritten except last line, 9 in last line also handwritten]; (4) COM. INST. ENT. / COLL. NO. 11280 [printed]. Note. The specimen pin was heavily corroded, with numerous projecting corrosion outgrowths almost breaking the thorax in half. Upon pinching off the tip of the abdomen to study the genitalia, one body half broke loose from the pin. This has been glued to a card on a separate pin, which is labelled (1) van Someren / Ngong / April 1941; (2) Half of body / loose from main / pin because of / massive corrosion; (3) K. Rognes / 18.11.2010 [all labels printed]. The abdomen has rather broad dark marginal bands for a member of the spinifemorata species-group, possibly due to the relatively high elevation of the locality. Genitalia dissected by KR. T4–5, ST5 with ST5 flap and genitalia are in glycerol in glass microvial on the separate pin. Apparent irregularities distally on veil processes turn out to be small stuck dust particles on close examination in microscope. 1 male labelled (1) van Someren / Ngong X. 43 [van Someren’s handwriting]; (2) Bengalia / spinifemorata Villen. / van Emden det. 1946 [printed except the last number in third line which is handwritten]; (3) V.G.L.van Someren / Collection. / Brit.Mus.1959-468. [printed]. Note. The specimen has not been dissected. The ST5 flap is visible and identical with the one in the dissected specimen from Coryndon Museum (cf. next entry). 1 male labelled (1) Coryndon Museum / Expdt. Chyulu Hills [Kenya] / May: 38 Alt. [printed]; (2) Ochromyia / spinifemorata Villen. / van Emden det. 38, ssp.n.? [handwritten, except van Emden det. 38 which is printed]; (3) Pres.by / Imp.Inst.Ent. / B.M.1939-563. [printed, except the number 563 in last line which is handwritten]. Note. I have dissected the genitalia. Dried T1–5 glued to card on pin above labels; genitalia in glycerol in glass microvial on pin below labels. 1 male labelled: (1) TANGANYIKA: / Singida d. / 14 miles N of / Mkalama / 7.VIII.53 [handwritten except first line which is printed]; (2) COM. INST. ENT: / COLL. NO. 13444 [printed except number which is handwritten]; (3) Pres. By / Com.Inst.Ent. / B.M.1954-110. [printed]; (4) Bengalia / spinifemorata Villen. / van Emden det. 1953 [handwritten except van Emden det. 195 which is printed]. Note. I had an accident and knocked off the left hind leg; now glued to card. Not dissected, since ST5 flap matches exactly the similarly labelled specimen from the day after; cf. next entry. 1 male labelled (1) TANGANYIKA: / Singida d. / 14 miles N of / Mkalama / 8.VIII.53 [handwritten except first line which is printed]; (2) COM. INST. ENT: / COLL. NO. 13444 [printed except number which is handwritten]; (3) Pres. By / Com.Inst.Ent. / B.M.1954-110. [printed]. Note. This specimen was already dissected before receipt with genitalia in one piece in glycerol in a glass microvial. I have changed the cork stopper to a white plastic one. ZMUC [1 specimen]: 1 male labelled (1) Kenya, Nairobi Westlands / 01°16'S 36°47'E 1750m / 28–31.vii.1975 / Børge Petersen leg.; (2) Bengalia (m) / seniorwhitei (Lehrer) / K. Rognes det. 2006; (3) Dissected / January 2006 / By Knut Rognes. Abdomen glued to card below specimen, genitalia in glycerol in glass microvial below labels. ZMUN [1 specimen]: 1 male labelled (1) Brit. E. Africa. / Ngare Narok / Masai Reserve. / 31.12.13. about 6,000 ft. / A.O.Luckman; (2) Bengalia / spinifemorata Vill. / van Emden det. 1942 [line1 and 2 are handwritten, on line 3 only the number 2 is handwritten]; (3) Department of Zoology / Natural History Museum / University of Oslo (ZMUN) / World collection. Note. The specimen has been dissected by KR. Dried abdomen glued to card on pin; genitalia in glycerol in glass microvial below labels. The locality is in Kenya at 1°10'N, 36°24'E.
description: Published as part of Rognes, Knut, 2011, Revision of the Bengalia spinifemorata species-group (Diptera, Calliphoridae), pp. 1-29 in Zootaxa 2835 on pages 13-17, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.277348