Physopelta (Afrophysopelta) melanoptera Distant 1904
Creators: name: Stehlík, Jaroslav L.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2013
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hemiptera
Largidae
Physopelta
Physopelta melanoptera

description: Physopelta (Afrophysopelta) melanoptera Distant, 1904
(Figs 62–79)
Physopelta melanoptera Distant, 1904: 61–62 (partim; description, distribution).
LECTOTYPE (here designated): ♂, Cameroons (BMNH).
Note. The species was described based on more than one specimen but the number of syntypes is unknown. Another female syntype deposited in BMNH actually belongs to Ph. dentipes sp. nov. (see above). The lectotype is designated here to fix the identity of the species.
Physopelta melanoptera: DISTANT (1909): 78 (distribution); BERGROTH (1913): 167 (catalogue); HUSSEY (1929): 32 (catalogue, distribution); SCHOUTEDEN (1929): 72 (distribution); VILLIERS (1951): 40 (key); VILLIERS (1952b): 1197 (distribution); VILLIERS (1967): 370 (distribution); LESTON (1969): 225–227 (key, biology, ecology, host plant, distribution); DUVIARD (1974):26–32 (morphology of female internal genitalia, biology, ecology); MEDLER (1980): 119 (checklist); LINNAVUORI (1988): 16 (distribution); ROBERTSON (2004): 4–5 (key, catalogue, distribution); STEHLÍK & JINDRA (2008b): 30 (distribution).
Type material examined. LECTOTYPE: ♂, ‘Type [p, white circular label with red circle submarginally] // ‘melanoptera / Dist.’ [hw, white label] // ‘Cameroons, / Escalera, / 1903-355’ [p, white label] // ‘♂’ [p, white label] // LECTOTYPUS / PHYSOPELTA / MELANOPTERA / Distant, 1904 / des. J. L. STEHLÍK 2013 [p, red label]’ (BMNH). The lectotype is pinned through scutellum on black-enameled pin without head; well-preserved, only left antennomere 4 is missing.
Additional material examined. ANGOLA: CUANZA NORTE: (A26), Salazar, I.I.A.A. [= Vila Salazar, currently N’dalatando], at light, Southern African Exp., B.M. 1972-I, 9.–15.iii.1972, 3♂♂ 3♀♀, no collector (BMNH). – LUANDA PROVINCE: Luanda env., 22.iii.2002, 1 ♂, J. Brezinski lgt. (ZJPC). – LUNDA NORTE PROVINCE: Dundo, i.1949, 1 ♂, A. B. Machado lgt. (MMBC). – BENIN: Moyen-Benin, Plateau de Zagnando (saison des oranges et tornades [= season of oranges and tornados]), 1910, 5♀♀, P. Ducorps lgt.(MNHN); Pobé, forêt [= forest] (P.L.) 06°59′N 02°41′E, 28.–29.vi.2000, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, H. Perrin lgt. (MNHN); Cotonou, 06°24′N 02°31′W, 11.xi.1995, sweeping grasses, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, M. R. Wilson lgt. (NMWC). – CAMEROON: CENTRAL PROVINCE: Yaondé env., 1 ♂, no collector (MNHN); ditto, Mt. Fábé, 6.viii.1967, 1 ♀, L. Matile lgt. (MNHN); ditto, N’Kolbisson, 18.v.1966, 1 ♀, 28.vi.1966, 1 ♂, both B. de Miré lgt. (MNHN). – EAST PROVINCE: Batouri district, 03°45′N 13°45′E, 1.v.–6.vi.1935, 2 ♀♀, F. G. Merfield lgt. (BMNH). Mieri (Batouri), 30.i.1976, 1♂, F. Paylaert lgt. (MRAC). – LITTORAL PROVINCE: Manengole, iv.1949, 1 ♂, R. Tesárek lgt. (NMPC). – NORTH- WEST PROVINCE: E of Big Babanki, 06°06′57″N 10°17′14″E, 5.–13.iii.2008, 1 ♀, R. Sehnal lgt. (ZJPC); ditto, 06°06′698N 100°15′938E, 5.–13.iii.2008, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. Horák lgt. (ZJPC); Babanki/Bambili, Kefem forest, 06°01′56″N 10°17′14″E, 1,890 m a.s.l., iii.2008, 2 ♀♀, R. Sehnal lgt. (ZJPC); Tubach, Big Babanki env., 06°06′57″N 100°16′23″E, iii.2008, 1 ♂, R. Sehnal lgt. (ZJPC); ditto, 06°06′20″N 10°13′07″E, 1,158 m a.s.l., iii.2008, 1 ♀, M. Heckel lgt. (MMBC); Big Babanki village env., 06°06′698″N 10°15′938″E, 1,200 m a.s.l., 5.–13.iii.2008, 1 ♀, P. Votruba lgt. (MMBC); Bamenda, Lac de Bambonloa [lake], v.1971, 1 ♀, J. F. Villiers lgt. (MNHN). – WEST PROVINCE: Foumbot, 20.v.1971, 3 ♂♂ 9 ♀♀, J. F. Villiers lgt. (MNHN, NMPC); Galim, before Tshabai-Mbato, 1,200 m a.s.l., 14.viii.1971, 4 ♀♀, Miss. Zool. Cameroun, F. Puylaert, P. M. Elsen, R.Asselberg lgt.(MRAC). – PROVINCE NOT IDENTIFIED: Tchoma, Okula, test cacao, 21.vi.1965, 1♀, B. de Miré lgt. (MNHN). – CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: BAMINGUI- BANOSAN PROVINCE: 35 km N Ndélé, 08°29′N 20°57′E, 17.v.2009, 1 ♂, J. Halada lgt.(ZJPC). – BANGUI PROVINCE: Bangui, 15.viii.1969, 1♀, Pujol lgt., P. Kment det. (MNHN). – KEMO- GRIBINGUI PROVINCE: Fort-Sibut, Haut-Chari, collection le moult, no date, 1 ♂, coll. E. de Bergevin (MNHN); 80 km W Sibut, 05°41′N 18°17′E, 25.v.2009, 1 ♂, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); 30 km S Sibut, 08°25′N 19°08′E, 14.iii.2010, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, J. Halada lgt. (MMBC); 45 km N Sibut, 08°08′N 19°08′E, 530 m a.s.l., 13.iv.2010, 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (MMBC). – LOMBAYE PROVINCE: 80 km W Boda, 04°29′N 16°47′E, 490 m a.s.l., 21.xii.2008, 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); Boukoko, 15.ix.1966, 1 ♀, M. Boulard lgt. (MNHN); 10 km NE Mbaïki, 03°56′N 18°00′E, 400 m a.s.l., 5.xii.2008, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); Lamaboké, 8.iv.1955, 1 ♀, 13.vii.1955, 2 ♀♀, 14.xi.1955, 2 ♂♂, all R. Pujol lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 19.vi.1957, 1 ♀, P. Teocchi lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 15.ii.1965, 1 ♀, 13.vii.1965, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, 14.ix.1965, 1 ♂, both R. Pujol lgt. (MNHN); ditto, v.1964, 1 ♂, J. Carayon lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 7.ix.1965, 1 ♂, 10.iii.1966, 1 ♂, both R. Pujol lgt.; ditto, 30.ix.1967, 1 ♂, at light, L. Matile lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 16.xi.1967, 1 ♂, 16.ii.1968, 1 ♂, 17.iii.1968, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, all P. Teocchi lgt. (MNHN); ditto, x.1969, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, 1969, 9 ♂♂ 9 ♀♀, both R. Pujol lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 12.v.1970, 2 ♀♀, M. Boulard lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 14.x.1972, 11 ♂♂ 13 ♀♀, 2.iv.1973, 1 ♂, 5.viii.1973, 7 ♂♂ 6 ♀♀, vii.1973, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, all R. Pujol lgt.; ditto, 9.iii.1973, 3 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, 2.iv.1973, 1 ♂, both P.Teocchi lgt. (MNHN, NMPC). – OMBELLO- MPOKO PROVINCE: Bangui, 3.xii.1951, 1 ♀, R. Mussard lgt. (MHNG); 70 km NN Bangui, 04°57′N 18°46′E, 445 m a.s.l., 24.–28.xi.2011, 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (MMBC); Oubangi-Chari, Bangui, i.–iii.1968, 1 ♂, Breuning lgt. (MRAC); Bangui, no further data, 2 ♀♀ (MNHN). – OUHAM PROVINCE: 50 km E Bossanoga, 06°28′N 18°02′E, 500 m a.s.l., 27.v.2009, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC). – SANGHA PROVINCE: 45 km E Nola, 03°32′N 16°26′E, 340 m a.s.l., 8.vi.2009, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); 129 km S Nola, 02°42′N 16°06′E, 340 m a.s.l., 14.xii.2008, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); 90 km NE Nola, 04°07′N 16°37′E, 560 m a.s.l., 5.–9.xii.2010, 1 ♂, J. Halada lgt. (MMBC). – CHAD: LOGONE ORIENTAL PROVINCE: Bebedjia, 4.ix.1964, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. P. Besson lgt. (MNHN). Mondou, Bebedja, 21.i.1978, 1 ♂, G. Ruella lgt. (MRAC). – COMORES: GRANDE COMORE: 4–5 km E of Nioumbadjou, Bandalamadji, 640 m a.s.l., 15.–18.iii.1980, 1 ♂, P. Viette lgt. (MNHN). – DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (former Congo Belge, Zaire, Congo Kinshasa): BAS- UELE: Mobwasa, x.1911, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, De Giorgi lgt. (MRAC); Dingila, i.–iv.1933, 1 ♂, H. J. Bredo lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 21.vi.1933, 1 ♀, J. Leroy lgt. (MRAC); ditto, viii.1933, 1 ♂, H. J. Bredo lgt. (MRAC). – EQUATEUR: Bamania, ii.–iii.1958, 2 ♀♀, 15.–30.iv.1961, 1 ♀, i.–vi.1965, 1 ♂, all Rév. P. Hulstaert lgt. (MRAC); Buya, 4.vi.1912, 1 ♀, Dr. Christy lgt. (MRAC); Eala, i.1935, 1 ♀, J. Ghesquière lgt. (MRAC); Eala, Inganda, 8.viii.1930, 1 ♂, J. Vrydagh lgt. (MRAC); Mbandaka, 10.xi.1931, 1 ♀, Lt. Dorman lgt. (MRAC); Boso Kubu, 29.vi.1935, 1 ♀, G. Settembrino lgt. (ISNB); Lukolela, no date, 1 ♀, de Guide lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 21.i.1930, 1 ♀, H. J. Breda lgt. (MRAC); ditto, x.–xii.1941, 1 ♀, Breulheid lgt. (MRAC). – HAUT- KATANGA: Lubumbashi, i.56–i.57, 1 ♀, Ch. Seidel lgt. (MRAC). – HAUT- UELE: Mota, 1924, 1 ♀, L. Burgeon lgt. (MRAC); Rungu, 4.vii.1914, 1 ♀, Dr. Rodhain lgt. (MRAC); Bambesa, 15.x.1933, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. V. Leroy lgt. (MRAC); ditto, i.–ii.1934, 1 ♀, H. J. Bredo lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 28.–29.v.1937, 1 ♀, 6.vi.1937, 2 ♂♂ l ♀, 18.vi.1937, 1 ♂, 23.vi.1937, 1 ♂, 21.vii.1937, 1 ♂, 30.x.1937, 1 ♀, 2. xii.1937, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, all J. Vrydagh lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 9.v.1938, 1 ♂, P. Henrard lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 9.iii.1939, 1 ♀, J. Vrydagh lgt. (MRAC). – ITURI: Ishwa, 2.vi.1954, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. Hecq lgt. (MRAC); Malema, 6.vi.1912, 1 ♀, Dr. Christy lgt. (MRAC); Penge-Bamboli-Putnam, vi.1933, 1 ♀, no collector (MRAC); Nioka, vi.1953, 2 ♀♀, vii.– viii.1954, 1♀, ix.1954, 1♀, all J. Hecq lgt. (MRAC). – KINSHASA: Mayidi, 1942, 1♀, Rev.P.van Eyen lgt.(MRAC). – KONGO CENTRAL: Boma, xi.1955, 1 ♀, R. F.Anselmus lgt. (MRAC); Boma, Nzobe, 4.–12.i.1916, 1 ♂, R. Mayné lgt. (MRAC); Makaia N’Tete – Temvo, 20.–30.xi.19l5, 1 ♂, R. Mayné lgt. (MRAC). – LUALABA: Ruwe, i.–ii.1960, 5 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, Dr. V.Alluaud lgt. (MRAC); 150–200 miles W of Kambove, 1.x.2007, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, 2.x.1907, 7 ♂♂ 11 ♀♀ 2 spec., 19.x.1907, 2 ♀♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – MANIEMA: Kasongo, iii.1960, 5 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, P. L. G. Beniot lgt. (MRAC); Kindu, no date, 1 ♂, L. Burgeon lgt. (MRAC). – MONGALA: Terr. Lisala, Modjebo, 10.xi.1938, 20 ♂♂ 24 ♀♀, J. J. Dehyen leg. (MRAC); ditto, 9.xi.1939, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, Leontovitch lgt. (MRAC); Bumba, 1940, 1 ♂, Rév.P.Lootens lgt.(MRAC). – NORD- KIVU: N. Lac Kivu: Rwankwi, xi.1947, 1♀, J. V. Leroy lgt. (MRAC). – NORD- UBANGI: Libenge, viii.1937, 1 ♂, Leontovitch lgt. (ISNB); ditto, 4.ix.1947, 1 ♀, 2l. x.1947, 7 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, 24.x.1947, 1 ♂ l ♀, 27.x.1947, 2♂♂ 2♀♀, 13.xi.1947, 1♂ 3♀♀, 22.x.1944, 1♂, 8.i.1948, 3♀♀, all R. Cremer & M. Neumann lgt. (ISNB); Libenge, Mission Mawuya, 11.x.1947, 1 ♂ l ♀, 12.x.1947, 3 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, 17.x.1947, 1 ♀, 24.x.1947, 14 ♂♂ 10 ♀♀, 20.ix.1947, 8 ♂♂ 8 ♀♀, 22.i.1948, 6 ♂♂ 6 ♀♀, all R. Cremer & M. Neumann lgt. (ISNB); Yumbi, 22.x.1947, 9 ♂♂ 7♀♀, R. Cremer & M. Neumann lgt. (ISNB); Bili, 14.iv.1954, 2 ♂♂ 1♀, Ch. Verbeke lgt. (ISNB). – SUD- KIVU: Terr. Mwengo, Kitutu, 650 m a.s.l., iv.1958, 1 ♂, N. Leleup lgt. (MRAC); Mont Kahuzi, km 82, ix.1951 – ii.1952, 1♂, at light, H. Bomans lgt. (MRAC). – TANGANYIKA: Niunzu, 1935, 1♂, Dr.Saeger lgt.(MRAC); Kalemie, xi.1954, 1 ♀, at light, H. Bomans lgt. (MRAC); Katompe, ii.1935, 1 ♂, Ch. Seidel lgt. (MRAC). – TSOPO: Kisingani, Masoko. I.G. 31.915, 29.v.–2.vi.2011, 1 ♂, J. L. Wetsi Lofete lgt. (ISNB). – ETHIOPIA: ILUBA PROVINCE: 60 km E Tepi, 7.iv.2007, 2 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC). – KAFFA PROVINCE: 4 0 km W Bonga, 1850 m a.s.l., 9.iv.2004, 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC). – GABON: Belinga, M’Vadi, 13.iii.1963, 2 ♀♀, H. Coiffait lgt. (MNHN); Belinga, Mission Biologique au Gabon, no date, 2 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, P. Grassé lgt. (MNHN); Makakou-Coline, 13.x.1967, 1 ♂, Mission Biologique, G. Bernardi lgt. (MNHN). – GHANA: ASHANTI REGION: Kumasi, 28.V.1967, 3 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, 25.v.1967, 1 ♂, both S. Endrödy-Younga lgt. (MHNG); ditto, Ashanti Reg., no date, 2 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, A. E. Evans lgt. (BMNH). – EASTERN REGION: Kibi, 6°09′N 0°36′W, light trap, 19.xi.2003, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, H. Perrin lgt. (MNHN); Gold Coast, Koforidua, iv.1921, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. F. Corson lgt. (BMNH); Tafo, 23.iv.1957, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, V. F. Eastop lgt. (BMNH); ditto, Exp. Station, 20 km of Kade, border of primary forest, no date, 1 ♀, no collector (MMBC); ditto, Kade, 7.– 12.xi.1967, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, A. Lelek lgt. (MMBC). – GREATER ACCRA REGION: Accra, 6.iv.1959, 1 ♂, Borchsenius lgt. (ZMAS); Accra, near airport, 10.xi.1995, 3 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, at light, M. R. Wilson lgt. (NMWC). – UPPER EAST REGION: Bolgatanga, v.1965, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, G. Burton lgt. (BMNH). – WESTERN REGION: between Takoradi and Axim, 7.x.1944, 1 ♂, P.A.Buxton lgt.(BMNH). – GUINEA: FARANACH PROVINCE: Gueckedou,no date, 1♀, I. Korecká lgt. (MMBC). – NZÉKORÉ PROVINCE: Mt. Nimba, vii.–xii.1951, 3 ♂♂ 1 ♀, Lamotte & Rey lgt. (MNHN); Nimba, Ziéla, U.V., 30.–31.iii.1957, 1 ♀, Lamotte, Amiet & Vanderplaetsen lgt., P. Kment det. (MNHN). – IVORY COAST: Bibianaha, xi.–xii.1909, 2 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, Dr. Spurrell lgt. (BMNH); Aburi, 2 ♂♂, W. H. Patterson lgt. (BMNH); ditto, 1 ♀, A. R.Gould lgt. (BMNH); Lamto (Taumodi), ii.1968, 11♂♂ 6♀♀, 1.–18.iv.1968, 2♀♀, 3l. viii.1968, 1♂ 1♀, 8.xi.1968, 5 ♂♂ 12 ♀♀, ii.1969, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, 1.–18.iii.1969, 1 ♂, all Cl. Girard lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 17.v.1965, 1 ♀, 18.ii.1975, 2 ♂♂ 7 ♀♀, 25.ii.1975, 1 ♀, R. Vuattoux lgt. (MNHN, NMPC); Bingerville, i.1939, 1 ♂, L. Chopard lgt., P. Kment det. (MNHN); Bingerville, xi.1961, 4 ♀♀, ii.1962, 3 ♀♀, iii.1962, 1 ♀, iv.1962, 1 ♂, xi.1962, 5 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, xii.1962, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, x.1963, 1 ♀, ii.1964, 1 ♀, v.1964, 1 ♀, all J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); 50 km NW Abengourou, vii.1962, 2 ♂♂, viii.1962, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); Zopreghe-Koffikro (Daloa), vii.1961, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); Forkessédougou, 1 ♀, 10.–12.v.1954, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); Yakopa at Gagnoa, 1 ♂, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); Eremankono S Divo, viii.–ix.1962, 1 ♂, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC). – KENYA: KAKAMEGA PROVINCE: Brit. E. Africa, Ilala, Maramas Dist., 14 km E of Mumias, 4,500 ft [= 1372 m a.s.l.], 18.–21.vii.1911, 1 ♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – KWALE PROVINCE: Côte d’Afrique or. angl. [= Coast of British East Africa], Tiwi, xi.1911, 1 ♂, Alluaud & Jeannel lgt. (MNHN); Kwale distr., Diani Beach, vii.1951, 3 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, N. L. H. Krause lgt. (BMNH); ditto, Neptune village hotel, 18.–27.ii.2001, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, A. Drumond & Nwarzée (ISNB). – LAMU PROVINCE: E of Garsen, 11.iv.2004, 1♂, M.Snížek lgt. (NHMW). – MOMBASA PROVINCE: Mombasa, iii.1921, 1♂ 1♀, van Someren lgt. (BMNH). – MALAWI: Mlanje [= Mulanje Mt.], 13.vi.1912, 1 ♂, 2.xii.1912, 1 ♀, 13.xii.1912, 1 ♀, 13.vi.1913, 1 ♀, both S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH); ditto, Ruo Valley, 2,000 ft [= 610 m a.s.l.], 14.xii.1913, 1 ♂, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – NIGERIA: CROSS RIVER STATE: Calabar, 9.xi.1955, 1 ♂, Exped. Mus. G. Frey Nigeria-Kamerun, Bechyně lgt. (BMNH); Oban, 1911-400, no date, 1 ♂, P. A. Talbot lgt. (BMNH). – KADUNA STATE: Samaru, on mercury vapour light trap, 18.–25.v.1970, 1 ♀, 26.–31.v.1970, 1 ♀, 3.–l0. vi.1970, 2 ♀♀, 26.vi.–6.vii.1970, 1 ♀, 7.–14.vii.1970, 1 ♀, 21.–29.vii.1970, 3 ♂♂, all P. H. Ward lgt. (BMNH). – LAGOS STATE: Agege, 17.iv.1914, 2 ♂♂·l ♀, Dr.W.A. Lamborn lgt. (BMNH); Lagos Dist., ii.1948, 1 ♂, 16.ix.1948, 1 ♂, W. E. S. Merett lgt. (BMNH). – NIGER STATE: Mokwa, I.A.R., Mile 1, mercury vapour light trap, 8.–17.viii.1970, 1 ♂, P. H. Ward lgt. (BMNH). – OYO STATE: Ibadan, on cotton, 1908, 1 ♂, no collector (BMNH). – PLATEAU STATE: Jos, 14.x.1955, 1 ♀, Exped. Mus. G. Frey Nigeria-Kamerun, Bechyně lgt. (BMNH). – REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Brazzaville, 15.i.1973, 1 ♂, J. F. Cornic lgt., P. Kment det. (MNHN); Dimonika (Mayumbe), Mission A. Descarpentries et A. Villiers 1963–1964, i.1964, 8 ♂♂ 1 ♀, A. Descarpentries & A. Villiers lgt. (MNHN); Mayombe, I.G. 31.516, iv.2010, 3 ♂♂ 13 ♀♀, E. Vingerhoedt lgt. (ISNB); Sibiti, Mission A. Descarpentries et A. Villiers 1963–1964, xi.1963, 1♂, A. Descarpentries & A. Villiers lgt., A. Villiers det. (MNHN). – SÃO TOMÉ AND PRINCIPE: PRINCIPE ISLAND: Princes I., 1 ♂, T. A. Barns lgt. (BMNH). – SENEGAL: Niokolo Koba Nat. Park, 13°00′13″N 13°18′48″W, 1♀, M. Halada lgt.(ZJPC). – SIERRA LEONE: Njala, at light, 23.iii.1925, 1 ♀, 7.viii.1926, 1 ♂, E. Hargraves lgt. (BMNH). – TANZANIA: MOROGORO PROVINCE: Morogoro, 1.ii.1970, 2 ♀♀, E. E. Brown lgt. (BMNH). – TANGA PROVINCE: Muheza Distr., Tanga, Kwangumi For.Res., 4°57′S 38°44′E, 29.x.1995, UV 18-B 3, 1♀, McKamey lgt. (ISNB); Mlingano, 22.i.1956, 2 ♀♀, I. A. D. Robertson lgt. (BMNH); ditto, 22.i.1966, 1 ♀, C. Traf lgt. (BMNH). Tanga, iv.1912, 1 ♀, Alluaud & Jeannel lgt. (MNHN). – ZANZIBAR: no further data, 4 ♀♀ (BMNH). – UGANDA: BUNGIBUGYO PROVINCE: 12 miles NE of Bungibugyo, 4,500 ft [= 1372 m a.s.l.], 0°45′N 30°10′E, 1 ♀, Cambridge East Africa Exped. (BMNH); Ruwenzori Range, Semliki forest, 2,850 ft [= 869 m a.s.l.], 2.viii.–3.ix.1952, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, D. S. Fletcher lgt. (BMNH); Bwamba, vii.–viii.1946, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, van Someren lgt. (BMNH); Bwamba, Hakitengya, 20.viii.1948, 1 ♂, W. H. R. Lumsden lgt. (BMNH); Budongo forest, Unyoro, 3,400 ft [= 1036 m a.s.l.], 11.–15.vii.1911, 1 ♂, S. A. Neave lgt. (BNHN). – KABAROLE / KAMWENGE / KYENJOJO PROVINCES: Daro or Durro Forest, Toro [kingdom], 4,000 –4,500 ft [= 1219–1372 m a.s.l.], 25.–29.x.1911, 1 ♀, 4,800 ft [= 1463 m a.s.l.], 13.–23.xi.1911, 1 ♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – KALANGALA PROVINCE: Lake Victoria, Nkosi Island, S. Sesse, 25.–27.v.1928, 3 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, Dr. G. D. Halle Carpenter lgt.(BMNH). – KAPWENGE PROVINCE: Mpanga forest, 4,000 –4,500 ft [= 1219–1372 m a.s.l.], 25.–29.xi.1911, 1 ♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – KASESE PROVINCE: Ruwenzori range, Ibanda, 4.–12.ix.1952, 1 ♀, D. S. Fletscher lgt. (BMNH). – MUCAN PROVINCE: Mabira forest, Changwe, 3,500 –3,800 ft [= 1067–1158 m a.s.l.], 16.–25.vii.1911, 1 ♂, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – MUKONO PROVINCE: Kawanda, 1.v.1958, 1 ♀, 4.v.1958, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 5.v.1958, 1 ♀, 6.v.1958, 2 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, 7.v.1958, 1 ♂, 22.v.1958, 1 ♀, 27.v.1958, 1 ♀, 7.vi.1958, 1 ♀, 7.ix.1958, 1 ♂, 7.xi.1958, 4 ♀♀, all T. R. Odhiambo lgt. (MMBC, BMNH). – SIRONKO PROVINCE: Siro[n]ko River near W foot of Mt. Elgon, 3,600 ft [= 1097 m a.s.l.], 12.–14.viii.1911, 12 ♂♂ 9 ♀♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – ZAMBIA: COPPERBELT PROVINCE: N’Changa, B.M. 1931-179, 1 ♀, C. T. Macnamara lgt. (BMNH). – NORTH- CENTRAL PROVINCE: Mkushi env., 16.–18.xii.2004, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Snížek & Tichý lgt. (NHMW). – NORTH- WESTERN PROVINCE: NW Kasempo, E of NW Mutumbwa, I.G. 31.175, 5.xi.2008, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, M. Snížek lgt. (ISNB); 50 km E of Mwinilunga, I.G. 31.175, 28.x.2008, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, M. Snížek lgt. (ISNB); 150 km of Mwinilunga, I.G. 31.175, 2.xi.2008, 6 ♂♂ 15 ♀♀, M. Snížek lgt. (ISNB).
Comparative note. For better comparison with Ph. dentipes sp. nov. the following measurements are given (in mm): Males (n = 5). Body length 10.24 (8.91–11.23); head: width (including eyes) 1.62 (1.54–1.70), interocular width 0.93 (0.89–0.97); lengths of antennomeres: 1 – 1.56 (1.24–1.73), 2 – 1.83 (1.57–2.00), 3 – 1.24 (1.08–1.35), 4 – 1.96 (1.73–2.21); pronotum: length 1.72 (1.51–1.94), width 3.16 (2.65–3.56); scutellum: length 1.49 (1.19–1.65), width 1.74 (1.51–1.89); corium: length 5.29 (4.86–5.78), width 1.81 (1.51–2.00).
Females (n = 5). Body length 11.58 (9.99–12.58); head: width (including eyes) 1.74 (1.62–1.84), interocular width 0.98 (0.92–1.05); lengths of antennomeres: 1 – 1.66 (1.35– 1.84), 2 – 1.94 (1.73–2.11), 3 – 1.28 (1.13–1.35), 4 – 2.14 (1.94–2.29); pronotum: length 1.98 (1.78–2.21), width 3.59 (3.19–3.94); scutellum: length 1.68 (1.46–1.84), width 2.00 (1.78–2.16); corium: length 6.32 (5.56–7.02), width 2.02 (1.73–2.16).
Biology. According to LESTON (1969), this is a common species in food- and cocoa-farms in Ghana, widespread within the forest zone and occasionally very abundant. Most localities may be defined as farmbush, which includes the edges of farms, early fallow after foodfarming operation, and the more mature regeneration stage usually styled secondary forest. However, it was also collected in the coastal shrub belt in Ghana (LESTON 1969). In Ghana, the species is often found on Mallotus oppositifolius (though not so abundant as Ph. analis and K. festiva, so another host plant was expected by Leston), where the larvae and adults feed on the fruits, their warning coloration making them easily spotted. LESTON (1969) noted the common co-occurrence of Ph. melanoptera with Ph. analis and Kmentia festiva, all the three species exploiting the same parts of the same host plant at the same time.
According to LESTON (1969), in Ghana the adults of Ph. melanoptera have been captured in every month of the year, but numbers vary greatly. There are probably other generations of this species, perhaps incipient ones, around October to December: the adults mate between February and April. The species is probably mainly diurnal. Arrivals to lights take place between 19.00 hours and midnight. The warning colouration pattern is efficient in so far as large feeding aggregations occur (LESTON 1969). The flight activity and its relationship with development of internal female reproductive organs was studied in Ivory Coast by DUVIARD (1975).
Distribution. Angola (new record), Benin (VILLIERS 1952b, LINNAVUORI 1988, ROBERTSON 2004; this paper), Cameroon (DISTANT 1904; ROBERTSON 2004; this paper), Central African Republic (LINNAVUORI 1988, ROBERTSON 2004; this paper); Chad (new record); Comoros (Grande Comore Island) (new record), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Bas-Uele, Equateur, Haut-Katanga, Haut-Uele, Ituri, Kinshasa, Kongo Central, Lualaba, Maniema, Mongala, Nord-Kivu, Nord-Ubangi, Sud-Kivu, Tanganyika (SCHOUTEDEN 1929; this paper); Ethiopia (new record), Gabon (new record), Ghana (LESTON 1969, ROBERTSON 2004; this paper), Ivory Coast (LINNAVUORI 1988, ROBERTSON 2004; this paper), Kenya (new record), Malawi (new record), Nigeria (MEDLER 1980, LINNAVUORI 1988; this paper); Republic of the Congo (VILLIERS 1967, ROBERTSON 2004; this paper); São Tomé and Principe (Principe Island) (new record); Senegal (new record); Sierra Leone (new record); Tanzania (Tanganyika, Zanzibar) (ROBERTSON 2004, no detail; this paper); Togo (LINNAVUORI 1988, ROBERTSON 2004); Uganda (DISTANT 1909, ROBERTSON 2004, no detail; this paper); Zambia (STEHLÍK & JINDRA 2008b; this paper).
LINNAVUORI (1988) recorded several localities of Ph. melanoptera from Nigeria; however, because of the common occurrence of Ph. dentipes sp. nov. in various regions of that state, the records require revision.
description: Published as part of Stehlík, Jaroslav L., 2013, Review and reclassification of the Old World genus Physopelta (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Largidae), pp. 505-584 in Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 53 (2) on pages 557-563, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5739959