AbstractLaccophilus Leach, 1815, are revised, on the basis of study of adult specimens. In all, 105 species are now recognized. A phenetic character-analysis was undertaken, which resulted in a split of the genus into 17 species groups. Diagnoses and a description of each species are given together with keys for identification of species groups and species. We also provide habitus photos, illustration of male genitalia and distribution maps for all species. New species are described as follows: Laccophilusgrossussp. n. , Laccophilusrocchiisp. n. , Laccophilusferrugosp. n. (Mozambique), Laccophilusfurthisp. n. (Madagascar), Laccophilusisambertisp. n. (Madagascar), Laccophilusinobservatussp. n. , Laccophiluscryptossp. n. , Laccophilusenigmaticussp. n. , Laccophilusbellussp. n. , Laccophilusguentherisp. n. , Laccophilusguineensissp. n. (Guinea), Laccophilusdecorosussp. n. (Uganda), Laccophilusempheressp. n. (Kenya), Laccophilusinconstanssp. n. , Laccophilusbrancucciisp. n. , Laccophilusincomptussp. n. (Cameroon), Laccophilusaustralissp. n. , Laccophilusminimussp. n. (Namibia), Laccophiluseborissp. n. (Ivory Coast), Laccophilusinsularumsp. n. (Madagascar), Laccophilusoccidentalissp. n.  and Laccophilustransversovittatussp. n. (Madagascar). Laccophilusrestrictus Sharp, 1882, is restored as good species; not junior synonym of Laccophiluspictipennis Sharp, 1882. New synonyms are established as follows: Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschwendtner, 1935 = Laccophilusperplexus Omer-Cooper, 1970, syn. n., Laccophilustaeniolatus Régimbart, 1889 = Laccophiluscongener Omer-Cooper, PageBreak1957, syn. n., Laccophilusadspersus Boheman, 1848 = Laccophilusvitshumbii Guignot, 1959, syn. n. = Laccophilusadspersusnigeriensis Omer-Cooper, 1970, syn. n. = Laccophilusadspersussudanensis Omer-Cooper, 1970, syn. n., Laccophilusmodestus Régimbart, 1895 = Laccophilusespanyoli Hernando, 1990, syn. n., Laccophilusflaveolus Régimbart, 1906 = Laccophiluspampinatus Guignot, 1941, syn. n., Laccophilustrilineola Régimbart, 1889 = Laccophilussimulator Omer-Cooper, 1958, syn. n., Laccophilusmediocris Guignot, 1952 = Laccophilusmeii Rocchi, 2000, syn. n., Laccophilusepinephes Guignot, 1955 = Laccophiluscastaneus Guignot, 1956, syn. n., Laccophilussaegeri Guignot, 1958 = Laccophiluscomoensis Pederzani & Reintjes, 2002, syn. n., Laccophilusrestrictus Sharp, 1882 = Laccophilusevanescens Régimbart, 1895, syn. n., Laccophilusincrassatus Gschwendtner, 1933 = Laccophilusvirgatus Guignot, 1953, syn. n., Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp, 1882 = Laccophilusshephardi Omer-Cooper, 1965, syn. n., Laccophilusburgeoni Gschwendtner, 1930 = Laccophiluswittei Guignot, 1952, syn. n., Laccophilussecundus Régimbart, 1895 = Laccophilustorquatus Guignot, 1956, syn. n., Laccophilusdesintegratus Régimbart, 1895 = Laccophilussanguinosus Régimbart, 1895, syn. n. and Laccophilusflavopictus Régimbart, 1889 = Laccophilusbergeri Guignot, 1953, syn. n. = Laccophilussegmentatus Omer-Cooper, 1957, syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for the following taxa: Laccophilusproductus Régimbart, 1906, Laccophilusruficollis Zimmermann, 1919, Laccophilussordidus Sharp, 1882, Laccophilusalluaudi Régimbart, 1899, Laccophiluspictipennis Sharp, 1882, Laccophiluswehnckei Sharp, 1882, Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschwendtner, 1935, Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschwendtner, 1932, Laccophiluscomplicatus Sharp, 1882, Laccophilusrivulosus Klug, 1833, Laccophilusampliatus Régimbart, 1895, Laccophiluspilitarsis Régimbart, 1906, Laccophilusadspersus Boheman, 1848, Laccophiluslivens Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilusmodestus Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilusnodieri Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilusflaveolus Régimbart, 1906, Laccophiluspallescens Régimbart, 1903, Laccophilusrestrictus Sharp, 1882, Laccophilusvermiculosus Gerstaecker, 1867, Laccophilusmocquerysi Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilusbizonatus Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilustschoffeni Régimbart, 1895, Laccophiluspersimilis Régimbart, 1895, Laccophiluspoecilus Klug, 1834, Laccophiluslateralis Sharp, 1882, Laccophiluslateralisvar.polygrammus Régimbart, 1903, Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp, 1882, Laccophilusshephardi Omer-Cooper, 1965, Laccophilusconjunctus Guignot, 1950, Laccophilusgrammicus Sharp, 1882, Laccophilusflavoscriptus Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilusflavosignatus Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilusbrevicollis Sharp, 1882, Laccophilussecundus Régimbart, Laccophilusdesintegratus Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilusgutticollis Régimbart, 1895, Laccophilusluctuosus Sharp, 1882 and Laccophilusinornatus Zimmermann, 1926. Laccophilusremex Guignot, 1952, comprises a species complex with uncertain taxonomic delimitation; the complex includes Laccophilusconcisus Guignot, 1953, Laccophilusturneri Omer-Cooper, 1957 and Laccophiluspraeteritus Omer-Cooper, 1957, as tentative synonyms of Laccophilusremex Guignot, 1952.The African species of the genus  Laccophilus Leach, 1815 is by far the most species rich genus among Laccophilinae. The most recent world catalogue AMGS The Natural History Museum, London, UK (Christine S. Taylor)BMNH California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, USACAS Collection Clive Turner, Plymouth, UKCCT Collection Fernando Pederzani, Ravenna, ItalyCFP Collection Gilbert Challet, Celonova, Foothill Ranch, California, USACGC Collection Garth Foster, Ayr, Scotland (UK)CGF Collection Günther Wewalka, Vienna, AustriaCGW Collection Ignacio Ribera, Barcelona, SpainCIR Collection Saverio Rocchi, Firenze, ItalyCSRPageBreak Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, HungaryHNHM Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, Brussels, Belgique (Martina Peeters and Patrick Grootaert)IRSNB Museum d’Histoire Naturelle, Geneva, Switzerland (Giulio Cuccodoro)MHNG Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (Antoine Mantilleri)MNHN Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale, Tervuren, Belgique (Marc De Meyer)MRAC Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Milan, Italy (Fabricio Rigato)MSNM Museo de Zoologia, Barcelona, Spain MZBS Museum Zoologicum , Helsinki, FinlandMZH Zoological Museum, Lund, Sweden (Roy Danielsson)MZLU Museo di Zoologia dell’Università, La Sapienza, Roma, Italy (Maurizio Mei)MZUL Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel, Switzerland (the late Michel Brancucci and Matthias Borer)NHMB Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm, Sweden (the late Bert Wiklund)NHRS National Museum, Windhoek, Namibia NMNW National Museum , Prague, Czech Republic (Jirí Hájek)NMPC Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria (Manfred Jäch)NMW Oberösterreichisches Landesmuseum, Linz, Austria (Fritz Gusenleitner and Claudia Reitstätter)OLML Nationaal Natuurhistorische Museum , Leiden, the Netherlands (A. van Assen)RMNH Iziko Museum of Cape Town, South Africa (Margie Cochrane and Dawn Larsen)SAMC Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde, Stuttgart, GermanySMNS Tel Aviv University, Israel (Netta Dorchin and Leonid Friedman)TAU Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, South Africa (Ruth Müller)TMSA National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C., USA (David G. Furth)USNM Museum für Naturkunde der Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany (Manfred Uhlig)ZMHB Zoologische Staatssammlung, München, Germany (Martin Baehr)ZMSC Zoological Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark (Alexey Solodovnikov)ZMUCNames in brackets in the list above refer to colleagues responsible for arrangements of loans.The material studied is given for each species in a separate section, where relevant countries are arranged from west to east and north to south.Species geographical records were provided with decimal degree latitude and longitude coordinates whenever possible . Focus range was assessed with live view images delivered by EOS Utility . All species were photographed with the MPE-65 lens set at 3:1 magnification. The PMax algorithm in Zerene Stacker under default settings was used to create an extended focus image from the original stack of photos. Postediting of images was done in Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended  where also a scale was added using a calibration file.Species geographical records were provided with decimal degree latitude and longitude coordinates whenever possible. Named geographical units were identified on the Microsoft Encarta Premium Suite (version 2003) world map when present. Other sources for the geographical position of named units include published expedition reports, vintage atlases and google search. Records providing only general information like names of regions and countries were not provided with coordinates. Other problematic cases include redundant names without discriminating information. For each species a list of records expressed as decimal degree latitude and longitude coordinates were added to a basemap layer provided by ESRI using ArcGIS 10 and WGS 1984 projection.The species groups used in this revision are based on the phenetic analysis presented on p. 12. Within the species groups the species are ordered on the basis of morphological similarity.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGenusLeach, 1815Dytiscusminutus Linnaeus, 1758.(by monotypy). Laccophilus Leach, 1815: 84  ; Laccophilushyalinus De Geer); Dytiscusminutus Linnaeus); Dytiscusminutus Linnaeus, 1758); Laccophilinae phylogeny discussion, based on larval morphology); Dytiscusminutus Linnaeus); Laccophilini, including the genus Laccophilus, is characterized by not visible scutellum when elytra closed, a single metatarsal claw, and prominent lobes at the anteroapical apices of the metatarsomeres. All African species of Laccophilus have bifid metatibial spines  and double . When distinctly double, body covered with large meshes which generally contain a various number (2–8) of fine (less pronounced) meshes. Commonly, lines of large meshes in part reduced and weakly developed; sometimes almost absent and only discerned as fragments/rudiments. Less commonly, lines of finer meshes are reduced and difficult to discern within larger meshes. Sometimes mesh-categories in part mixed and microsculpture appears indistinct or absent while distinct in another location of same specimen. Rarely meshes of microsculpture elongated, being comparatively long in relation to breadth. Dorsal surface of body shiny to mat. Large parts of body in ventral-aspect with very fine, simple and slightly undulate linear microsculpture, which can be reduced, in part absent. Punctures on dorsal surface of body generally sparse and concentrated to various regions. Head at eyes with fine and irregular punctures. Punctures at area of head often enlarged narrowly towards head-centre, forming a sparse, transverse row of punctures connecting ocular punctuate areas. On pronotum fine punctures often discernible, especially at pronotal margins. Elytra with fine, irregular, longitudinal rows of punctures often discernible on disc, dorsoventrally and laterally. Ventral surface largely lacking punctures. Apical ventrite, however, generally with scattered, fine punctures. Lateral, pre-apical furrow of elytra generally distinct and pubescent.Laccophilus species have curved, fine striae on basal ventrites of abdomen . As no other larvae have been reared from eggs laid in captivity, identifications remain slightly uncertain, and some of the descriptions refer only to Laccophilus spp. Bertrand PageBreak(1928) described the larva of Laccophiluscomplicatus Sharp based on material from Madagascar, and later he provided descriptions of unidentified species collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea and the Ivory Coast . Below, recognized and examined characters are briefly described and discussed. Three additional Laccophilinae genera are included in the survey: Philodytes J. Balfour-Browne, 1939, Neptosternus Sharp, 1882, and Philaccolus Guignot, 1937.Despite problems in understanding Laccophilus, introduced in this revision do not coincide well with those presented by The recognized groups of species in African In Table PageBreakApices of metatibial spurs bifid Fig.  (1) / NoLaccophilus, all species exhibiting the feature. In all other Laccophilinae genera the corresponding spines are pointed and most probably bifid spines are a derived character, which indicates the genus Laccophilus is monophyletic. However among species outside Africa Laccophilus species with pointed metatibial spurs, a likely reversal.The bifid spurs have total coverage in Body in posterior half dorso-ventrally somewhat flattened Fig.  (1) / BoLaccophilinae and also present in all but one species group of Laccophilus. Accordingly, the feature could represent a plesiomorphy while the subcylidrical body-shape is a synapomorphy, characteristic of the Laccophilusmorondavensis species group.The dorso-ventrally flattened body is widely distributed in Microsculpture of dorsal body surface simple (1) / Double, mixed (2).PageBreakstrongly impressed in the body surface than the small ones. A large mesh encloses often a number of small meshes, which can vary in number between 2 and 8. Reduction of meshes occurs often in regard of large meshes but can also be the case for small meshes. When reduced, the meshes are either in part or totally lacking. In such cases fragments of meshes can be detected, mixed with complete meshes of different kind. Sometimes mesh-categories appear variable so that division in size-classes is impossible. Rarely the meshes are deformed and their shape is elongate. Two species groups of African Laccophilus have simple microsculpture (i.e. Laccophilusmorondavensis and Laccophilusdesintegratus species groups), while 15 species groups seem to have double, by the above definition.Simple microsculpture indicates reticulation on body, where the meshes are similar in size and shape. No size-categories can be distinguished between meshes, neither are there differences in their qualitative feature – the meshes form a smooth coverage on body surface. Double microsculpture means that there are two kinds of reticulation mixed on same location; large meshes and small meshes. The large meshes are generally more Metacoxal plates have a stridulatory file Fig.  (1) / StLaccophilus both sexes seem to have the device when present. Presumable use of it can be related to intraspecific communication but it may also be used e.g. in defence against predators. Three species groups of African Laccophilus exhibit this feature. In one group  with a modest number of species, only two species have it. In the two remaining species groups (Laccophilusleonensis and Laccophiluslaeticulus species groups) all representatives are provided with it. In the latter species group the file, however, is very weakly developed and may be rudimentary and out of function. A similar stridulatory device is also present in other Laccophilinae genera, e.g. in genus Philaccolus while lacking in e.g. Philodytes.The stridulatory file is a semicircular device which is formed by densely located ridges on the metacoxal plate. The function of it has not been thoroughly studied and possible sound has not been heard, nor recorded. In African Abdominal ventrites provided with sparse, somewhat curved striae Fig.  (1)/ StrLaccophilus species have a number of sparse, curved striae on abdominal ventrites. This character seems to be widely distributed in Laccophilinae as it may be recognized at least in Philaccolus and Philodytes and in a reduced state in Neptosternus.All African Prosternal process slender, posteriorly distinctly extended, apically pointed Fig.  (1) / PrLaccophilus have slender, extended prosternal process while in 7 species groups the process is shorter and broader, which seem to be the case in Laccophilinae outside Laccophilus as well. The slender process may be a synapomorphy of a supposed clade containing the respective species groups.At least 10 species groups of Metacoxal process posteriorly expanded and modified Fig.  (1) / MeLaccophilus one species placed in its own species group (Laccophilusisamberti species group) exhibits this enigmatic and unique feature. It definitely represents the derived state and future studies will reveal if the species deserves a status of a separate genus within Laccophilinae.In PageBreakPosterior edge of apical ventrite modified, forming an undulate structure, with medial part distinctly extended backwards Fig.  (1) / PoLaccophilus 13 species groups out of 17, exhibit the modified apical ventrite. Besides Laccophilus, Philodytes has a similar modified apical ventrite while at least Philaccolus and Neptosternus lack it.In African Male apical ventrite strongly asymmetric, when provided with a distinct, small knob or process on one side of the midline of ventrite Fig.  (1) / NoLaccophilus in Africa, exhibit this, most probably derived character. It may turn out to be a good synapomorphy for them.In total 9 recognized species groups of Penis apex narrow, often curved and exhibits only slight modifications in anatomical shape Figs , 237 (1)Laccophilus here distinguished, have a slender to rather slender, often quite evenly curved penis, lacking considerable modifications.In all six species groups of To be considered slightly tentative and mostly only applicable for male specimens.Diagnosis. Large species with length of body 4.1–5.7 mm, width 1.9–3.0 mm, except one small species, Laccophilustavetensis, with length 3.1–3.4 mm and width 1.6–1.7 mm.Shape of body subcylindrical, dorsoventrally not flattened Fig. . Body doProsternal process moderately broad, posteriorly not distinctly extended, apically pointed. Apical ventrite modified; posteriorly on both side of midline more or less excavated and post-medially often extended to a narrow enlargement Fig. . Apical Paramere simple, elongate, apically not distinctly enlarged or modified Fig. . Apical Species composition and distribution. Seven African species are included to the group (see the identification key). None of them occurs outside Africa south of Sahara or Madagascar.PageBreakNote. Male of Laccophilusmirabilis is unknown. Large body (length 5.1–5.7 mm). Elytral colour pattern consisting of separate, longitudinal dark markings .(1 ex.). Holotype: male: “Afrique Orient. Anglaise Taveta Alluaud & Jeannel mars 1912 – 750 m St. 65 / male symbol / Type / Det. Dr. Guignot Sudan: “Prov. N Darfur El Geneina / ad lucem Ibrahim M. Abuzinid 20.8. 1979” (1 ex. CGW). – Kenya: “S, Voi 11. 1997 leg. Snizek” ; “Kenya eastern Sosoma ca. 200 km E of Thika 27.11. 2011, light trap” (1 ex. NMPC). – Botswana: “Chobe NP Savuti-Camp 18°33'55"S-24°03'53"E, 11.3. 1993 lux leg. Uhlig” . A deviate species, separated from the other species in this species group by having small body size in combination with peculiar shape of penis; somewhat sinuate and distinctly enlarged posterior to narrow apex. Note also differently shaped male apical ventrite in comparison with other species in the species group Fig. .Body length 3.1–3.4 mm, width 1.6–1.7 mm. Pale ferrugineous, dorsal colour pattern ferrugineous and sometimes vague and slightly variable Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous, no colour pattern. Submat, with fine, dense microsculpture. Reticulation simple; only with small, uniform meshes. Impunctate, except at eyes; with fine, irregularly located punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern. Submat, with fine, dense microsculpture. Reticulation simple; only with small, uniform meshes. Impunctate, at margins with fine to very fine, somewhat irregular punctures. Mediobasally punctures absent.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, sometimes with vague, ferrugineous, longitudinal markings Fig. . ElytralVentral aspect: Abdomen dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, metathorax and –coxal plates ferrugineous, and prothorax pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely microsculptured. Abdomen with fine, curved striae. Impunctate, except a few fine punctures on apical ventrite; symmetric Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, extended, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in dorsal aspect clearly sinuate with narrow tip; in lateral aspect almost evenly curved Figs Female: Unknown.Sudan, Kenya, Botswana Fig. .In Botswana collected with light.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/9D64A9B0-3AA9-4A2D-9276-604D813312B815.55E, 17.25S).Namibia: Damaraland, Oshikango  1956–234” (BMNH). – Paratypes: Same data as holotype ; “Angola Rocadas 30.3. 1972” (1 ex. CFP); “Namibia 23.2. 1994 17°26'S/14°21'E, Kunene, Ruacana Dorp, lux, leg. M. Uhlig” (1 ex. ZMHB).(5 exs.). Holotype, male: “South Africa Damaraland Oshikango, v. 1948 Laccophilusgrossus belongs to a group of species, characterized by large body-size, by uniform microsculpture, with one kind of meshes  and by slender, PageBreakslightly sinuate penis. The new species is probably closest related to Laccophilusrocchii, another so far undescribed species. The two species are distinguished by difference in body size, by deviating dorsal, colour pattern of body and by details in shape of penis apex (curved in different directions).Body: Length 4.9–5.2 mm, width 2.7–2.8 mm. Dorsal colour pattern exhibits only slight variation Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous to brownish; posteriorly at pronotum slightly darker than anteriorly; however, change of colour gradual and no colour pattern formed. Submat, entire head finely microsculptured; meshes small and only of one kind. Impunctate, except at eyes, with some fine, irregular punctures. Anteriorly, close to edge of head with a few transverse impressions formed by elongated punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, medially broadly, distinctly darker; basal area blackish. Submat, finely and densely microsculptured. Meshes of microsculpture small, uniform and of one kind only. Impunctate, except at margins, finely and somewhat irregularly punctate. Broad area basally in middle lacking punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with blackish to dark ferrugineous, slightly variable marking Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Blackish to dark ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern formed. Submat, finely to very finely microsculptured. Abdominal ventrites with dense, curved striae. Metacoxal plates with some transverse furrows, which posteriorly fade away. Apical ventrite lacks asymmetric knob/process Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pale ferrugineous, hindlegs slightly darker, ferrugineous to brownish. Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with fine suckers.Male genitalia: Apical half of penis slightly sinuate and when viewed from above; tip of penis slightly curved right Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender. Apical ventrite as in Fig. grossus is a Latin adjective meaning “big”. It here associates with the body size of the new species.The species name Angola, Namibia Fig. .Almost unknown. In Angola collected at light.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/54EC33EF-CC49-4674-B2F2-110CF108F698Mozambique: Manica Province, 60 km W Chitobe.SMNS). – Paratypes: “Tanzania Dodoma Pr. 40 km N Dodoma 14–16.12. 2006, 1100 m A. Kudrna Jr. lgt.” (1 ex. CFP); “Botswana: Chobe Dist., Savute Drift Camp site, 18°34'S, 24°04'E, 29. Dec. 1988 R.D. Ward / Robert D. Ward Collection / Laccophilusproductus Rég. det. S. Rocchi 92” ; “Mocambique Prov. Inhambane 15 km SE Save, 18–21.12. 2005, A. Kurdna Jr. lgt.” ; “Namibia Exp. ZMB 1992 East Caprivi: Katima Mulilo, lux, 17°29'S/24°17'E, 3–8.3. 1992 leg. M. Uhlig” (1 ex. ZMHB).(15 exs.). Holotype: male: “Mozambique Manica Province 60 km W Chitobe, 16.12. 2005 P. Schüle leg.” (Laccophilusgrossus (p. 19).See diagnosis of Body: Length 4.3–4.9 mm, width 2.3–2.6 mm. Body dorsally pale ferrugineous, with quite distinct and uniform blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous marking Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation simple. Meshes small, of same size and shape. Impunctate, except at eyes where head is provided with fine, somewhat irregularly distributed punctures. Anteriorly, close to frontal edge with some punctures, forming slightly irregular transverse impression.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, basally in middle with distinct blackish ferrugineous spot. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation simple. Meshes small, of same size and shape. Impunctate, except along margins, with irregular, fine punctures, however, punctures lacking basally in middle.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with quite distinct, quite uniform blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous marking Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern formed. Submat, very finely microsculptured, except abdomen basally, rather shiny, microsculpture indistinct. Apical ventrite of male Fig. . VentritLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged, with suckers.Male genitalia: Apical half of penis in dorsal aspect only slightly sinuate, almost straight; extreme tip slightly curved to left Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, not enlarged. Apical ventrite as in Fig. The name is a noun in its genitive form based on the name of Mr. Saverio Rocchi, Florence, Italy, who kindly provided us with a part of the type material of the new species besides various other interesting materials.Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique Fig. .In Namibia collected at light.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1957LaccophilusmorondavensisMadagascar: Foret sud de Befasy.Laccophilusmorondavensis sp. n. Type, male symbol” . Holotype: male: “Morondava foret sud de Befasy I-56 R.P. / Institut Scientifique Madagascar / F. Guignot det., 1956 Madagascar: “W Madag. 60 km NE of Morondava, Foret de Kirindi, 30 m Bednarik leg. 28.1.1996 / Laccophilusmorondavensis Guignot 1957 Jiri Hájek det. 2006” (1 ex. NMPC).(1 ex.): Laccophilusmorondavensis is characterized by its distinct, elytral colour pattern and by peculiarly shaped penis apex. The species resembles externally most of Laccophilusproductus but body is somewhat larger and broader. Additionally, pronotum is extensively dark while in Laccophilusproductus almost entirely pale ferrugineous. Tip of penis is slightly upwards curved in Laccophilusmorondavensis while it is almost straight in Laccophilusproductus.Body length 5.3 mm, width 2.9 mm. Dorsal, aspect of body with rather distinct colour pattern Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Posteriorly, head becomes gradually slightly darker but lacks distinct colour pattern. Rather shiny, although finely and densely microsculptured; reticulation simple, of one kind. Impunctate, except at eyes, with fine, slightly irregular punctures. Medially, areas with punctures extend slightly towards centre of head.Pronotum: Blackish to ferrugineous, laterally pale ferrugineous. Colour change gradual; colour pattern vague. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured. Reticulation of one kind; consists of small meshes. Entire disc with fine, sparse punctures. At margins, except mediobasally, with slightly irregular, coarse punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with blackish to dark ferrugineous markings Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, prothorax paler; pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured. Abdominal reticulation reduced, in part absent. Abdomen, with fine, curved striae. Metacoxal plates with reduced, transverse furrows, which are only discernible in anterior half. Almost impunctate. Apical ventrite, with punctures, symmetric, lacks lateral knob Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender, somewhat extended, with suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis both in lateral and dorsal aspect broader than related species; apical tip curved upwards Figs .Female: Unknown.Madagascar Fig. .Unknown.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1906LaccophilusproductusKenya: Samburu.Laccophilusproductus Rég. sp. n. typ” . – Paralectotypes: Similar data and on same pin as lectotype (2 exs. MNHN); “Samburu Wa-Nyika / Afr. Orle Angl. Alluaud / Museum Paris coll. Maurice productus Rég.” . Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Afrique Orle Anglaise Samburu (Wa-Nyika) Dr. Alluaud IV. 1904 / Museum Paris coll. Ch. Alluaud / TYPE / Tanzania: “Kwakiyembe D.O.Afr. April 1916 Methner / Laccophilusproductus Rég. det. Brancucci 1982” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Narobi b. Tanga 5. 1915 Methner” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Nord-Rabeho D.O. Afr. leg. Methner” (1 ex. ZMHB).(3 exs.): Laccophilusproductus is characterized by quite large but slender body and by peculiar dorsal colour pattern and male genitalia . The species resembles most of Laccophilusmorondavensis which occurs in Madagascar; diagnostic features are given under diagnosis of Laccophilusmorondavensis on p. 22.Body length 4.1–4.9, width 1.9–2.5 mm. Elytra with distinct colour pattern Fig. ; only miHead: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely and densely microsculptured. Reticulation simple; only with small, distinct meshes. Impunctate, except at eyes with scattered, fine, punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, mediobasally with a vague ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous marking. Submat, finely and densely microsculptured. Reticulation simple; only with small, distinct meshes. Impunctate, except at margins; with fine, somewhat sparse and irregular punctures. Mediobasally punctures absent or indistinct.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous, with subbasal, preapical and apical, pale ferrugineous area Fig. . Colour Ventral aspect: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous; colour pattern vague, indistinct. Rather shiny, finely microsculptured. Abdomen with fine, curved striae. Almost impunctate, except for apical ventrite; with scattered irregular punctures and shape symmetric Fig. . MetacoxLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Apical half of penis in dorsal aspect slightly sinuate; extreme apex slightly bent to left Figs .Female: Apical ventrite apically extended Fig. . Pro- anKenya, Tanzania Fig. .Unknown.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1956LaccophilusmirabilisMadagascar: Bas Mangoky.Laccophilusmirabilis Type” (MNHN). – Paratypes: “Station Agric Bas Mangoky / female symbol / Paratype” . Holotype: female: “Type / Station Agric Bas Mangoky / Institut Scientifique Madagascar /Guignot det., 1956 Laccophilusmirabilis belongs to a distinct group of species characterized by body shape, being longer, thicker and relatively more slender than other African Laccophilus species. Other diagnostic features are the body microsculpture, which is simple and fine and shape of penis which is narrow and in dorsal view peculiarly, slightly twisted. Laccophilusmirabilis is thus far, however, only known from female but it can be separated from closely related, continental African species by being somewhat larger and by exhibiting different colour pattern of body.Body length 5.1–5.7 mm, width 2.8–3.0 mm. Only slight variation observed in elytral colour pattern Fig. .PageBreakHead: Pale ferrugineous to pale brownish. Submat, finely and distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation simple, of one kind. Impunctate, except at eyes; with a few, fine and irregularly placed punctures. Additionally, in a small depression located a short distance from eyes towards middle with some fine punctures. Frontally along anterior edge with a faint, somewhat irregular impression.Pronotum: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Laterally pronotum becomes gradually paler; pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely but distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation simple, of one kind. At margins except basally in middle with fine, sparse and irregularly located punctures. Extremely small, scattered punctures may be discerned on disc.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, with fairly distinct dark ferrugineous markings Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Blackish to dark ferrugineous. Prothorax ferrugineous to pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate, except apical ventrite, which especially on apex is distinctly punctate Fig. . Rather Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender.Male: Unknown.Madagascar Fig. .Unknown.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/DF20C176-9844-458D-A342-94DA2A3DADC2Mozambique: Prov. Inhambane, 15 km SE Save.CFP; habitus in Fig. CFP, 1 ex. MZH, 1 ex. NHRS).(5 exs.): Holotype, male: “Mocambique Prov. Inhambane 15 km SE Save, 18–21.12. 2005 A. Kurdna Jr. lgt.”  in combination with peculiar, abrupt end of penis-apex, distinguishes Body length 4.2–4.7 mm, breadth 2.2–2.4 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern lacking or very indistinct and vaguely delimited Fig. .Head: Ferrugineous; frontally often narrowly and slightly paler; with a vague, pale ferrugineous border at foremargin. Impunctate, except at eyes; with scattered, irregular punctures. Slightly matt, reticulation, simple, meshes small and of equal size.Pronotum: Ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern. Impunctate, except at margins; with fine, irregular punctures, which are lacking medially at base. Slightly matt, with fine, simple reticulation; meshes small and of equal size.Elytra: Ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous; sometimes with vague, dark ferrugineous to blackish areas . Dark areas, when present a very diffuse and their delimitation vague Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Ferrugineous, abdomen in part darker; ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Scattered punctures on apical ventrite which lacks small knob on one side Fig. . Rather Legs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, provided with suckers. Apex of metatibial spines bifid, although very finely so.Male genitalia: Penis, lateral aspect, from approximately middle to apex evenly curved; tip somewhat enlarged, ends abruptly Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical sternite Fig. .The species name “ferrugo” is a Latin noun meaning rust (of iron) and relates to the body colour of the new species.Mozambique Fig. .Unknown.Diagnosis. Quite small sized Laccophilus with length of body 3.2–3.4 mm and width 1.8 mm.Shape of body oval; body dorsoventrally flattened Fig. . Body doProsternal process moderately broad, posteriorly not distinctly extended, apically pointed. Apical sternite not distinctly modified; lacks asymmetrical, small knob Fig. . No striParamere simple, elongate, apically not distinctly enlarged or modified Fig. . Apical Species composition and distribution. One African species is recognized. Only known from Madagascar.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeZimmermann, 1919LaccophilusruficollisMadagascar.(3 exs.). Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Madagascar / Type / Samml. A. Zimmermann / Paratypus” . Basally with vague, transverse, dark ferrugineous marking. Rather shiny although finely microsculptured; reticulation mostly uniform: small and large meshes difficult to distinguish. Laterally and at anterior margin, finely punctate.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous, with distinct pale ferrugineous markings Fig. . SlightlVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; lacks distinct colour pattern, but abdomen in part slightly darker. Rather shiny, very finely microsculptured (in part microsculpture hardly discernible). Scattered, curved striae discernible but sometimes rather indistinct. Almost impunctate. Apex of prosternal process comparatively short although pointed. Apical ventrite simple, not distinctly modified Fig. .Legs: Protarsus slightly extended and enlarged; mesotarsus long and slender. Provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Rather delicate in size and exhibits hardly any modifications; penis in lateral aspect slender and evenly curved Fig. .Female: Externally almost as male. Protarsus slender. Apical ventrite as in Fig. Madagascar Fig. .Unknown.PageBreakDiagnosis. Large species with body length 4.0–5.3 mm, and width 2.2–3.0 mm.Shape of body oblong to oval, dorsoventrally flattened Figs . Dorsal Prosternal process moderately slender, posteriorly not strongly extended, apex pointed. Apical ventrite not distinctly modified; lacks asymmetric knob on one side Fig. . Two speLaccophilushyalinus extreme apex of penis finely hooked DytiscushyalinusLaccophilushyalinus (De Geer), Laccophilustestaceus Aubé, Laccophilusinterruptusvar.testaceusLaccophilusinterruptus = Laccophilushyalinus, synonymy). Aubé, Laccophilushyalinusvar.testaceus Aubé, Laccophilushyalinustestaceus Aubé, Laccophilushyalinusab.testaceus Aubé, Laccophilushyalinusvar.inflatus Wollaston, Laccophilushyalinusinflatus Wollaston, The present list of references is incomplete; selected references with association to Africa and Canary Islands are included. Synonymy of different taxa is based on earlier studies : (NHRS). (1 ex.). Laccophilustestaceus: “France, Italy, Spain” (in Brussels).Morocco: “Tanger 25–29.4. 1926 Lindberg” (7 exs. MZH); “Marrakesh 21–23.5. 1926 Lindberg” (5 exs. MZH); “Marrakech 28.5. 1934, 450 m Ball 20M79 / ab.testaceus” (1 ex. MNHN); “Atlas mai, Reraia 29.5–15.6. 1926 Lindberg” (6 exs. MZH); “Atlas mai., Amismiz 24–25.5. 1926 Lindberg” (1 ex. MZH); “M. Atlas Azrou 1200 m 15.3. 1961 Lindberg” (4 exs. MZH); “Foret de la Mamora 23.3.1961 Lindberg” (1 ex. MZH); “Tiflet-Oulmes 18.2.1961 Meinander” (1 ex. MZH); “Oued Tensift pr., Marrakesh 13.3. 1961 Lindberg” (1 ex. MZH); “nr. Figuig, Defilia 5–20.4. 1966/Hutson” (1 ex. BMNH); “Mar. bor. Tetouan 600 m 25.5. 1994 leg. Majzlan” ; “Ouazaza-Te 12.5. 1975 Eckerlein” ; “Oulad Teima pr. Oued Sous 14.2. 1961 Lindberg” (4 exs. MZH); “Mogador (Essaouira) 12.2. 1961 Meinander” (12 esx. MZH); “Tiferhlal N de Tiznit 18.2. 1961 Meinander” (6 exs. MZH); “Oued Massa N de Tiznit 18.2. 1961 Meinander” (3 exs. MZH); “Maroc sud Torkoz 23–24.2. 1961 Meinander” (7 exs. MZH); “Maroc sud Assa 22.2. 1961 Lindberg” ; “Bouqie 17.7. 1955 Lauck leg.” (1 ex. USNM). – Tunisia: “Totzeur 5.4. 1924 Lindberg” (1 ex. MZH); “Ichkeulsee 1.8. 1991 Schödl” (2 exs. NMW); “Djeb. Ressas / J. Sahlb.” (1 ex. MZH). – Libya: “Libya bor. occ. 653 asl, PageBreakprov. Yafran 9.5.2002 Ain Az-Zarqa (W of Jadu) / 31°57'21.2"N, 12°00'25.9"E, Reiter A. lgt.” (27 exs. NMPC); “Libya Darnah prov. Wadi Darnah, 117 m, 32°42'06.4"N, 22°36'39.9"E, A. Reiter leg. 15.5. 2002” (17 exx. NMPC); “Libya bor. occ. 605 m asl, prov. Yafran-Ghadamis Nana tala, 10 km W Ar Rhaibat 27.5.2002 / 31°47'09"N, 11°47'07.9” Reiter A. lgt.” (3 exs. NMPC); “Libya bor. occ. 336 m asl, prov. Tarhunah 26.5.2002 Ain Sharshara, 3 km N Tarnuah / 32°27'57.7"N, 13°37'04.7” E. Reiter A lgt” (25 exs. NMPC). – Egypt: “Wadi Kujib 12.6. 1994 Ullrich / Laccophilushyalinus Deg. Hendrich det. 1994” (24 exs. USNM); “Madiba Wala 20.6. 1994 Ullrich / Laccophilushyalinus Deg. Hendrich det. 1994” (4 exs. USNM). – Canary Islands (Spain): “Tenerife, Valle de Masca 12–13.5. 1947 Lindberg” (1 ex. MZH); “Tenerife, Bco Bufadero 10.8. 1949 Fernandez” (4 exs. MZH); “Gran Canaria, Aldea S. Nicolas 1.3. 1949 Lindberg” (9 exs. MZH); “Gran Canaria, Maspalomas 9-10.3. 1950 Lindberg” (1 ex. MZH).(310 exs.): Laccophilushyalinus resembles most among African species of Laccophilusdemoflysi, which also has a similar stridulation apparatus as Laccophilushyalinus. For separation of the two species, see diagnosis of Laccophilusdemoflysi (p. 31). Stridulation apparatus located on metacoxal plates distinguishes Laccophilushyalinus from Laccophilusminutus, Laccophilusmateui and Laccophilussordidus, all of which lack similar device. Clear differences between the species are also exhibited in shape of the penis.Body length 4.7–5.0 mm, width 2.7–2.8 mm. Habitus generally with somewhat paler, longitudinal markings, which often are rather vague, in part indistinct Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. At eyes, in shallow depression with fine punctures. In short horizontal depressions close to eyes and in connection with shallow depression, with fine punctures. Reticulation double, large meshes contain 2–6 fine meshes. Fine meshes in part weakly developed and indistinct.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. At foremargin and medially with slightly darker areas (dark areas not on surface but “inside” cuticula). Almost impunctate, with a few irregular punctures at frontal margin. Rather finely microsculptured. Reticulation double. Fine meshes in part largely absent, in part very fine to fine. Large meshes, when discernible, contain 4–6 fine meshes.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous to pale brown, with slightly paler, in part indistinct markings Fig. . ElytralVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous. Impunctate. Slightly mat, due to dense, fine microsculpture. Metacoxal plates with about 10 transverse, shallow furrows. Basal segments of abdomen with curved striae. Pronotal process medially slightly enlarged, apex pointed (not strongly extended and sharp). Stridulation apparatus consist of a curved series of about 20 shallow ridges located posteriorly on metacoxa Fig. . Apical Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, provided with distinct suckers Fig. .Male genitalia: Extreme apex of penis in lateral aspect strongly curved upwards Fig. .PageBreakFemale: Provided with similar stridulation apparatus as male. Apical ventrite with uneven surface Fig. . Pro- anMorocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Canary Islands Fig. . AdditioInformation from Africa is rare. In Europe often found in large bodies of running water, in sections with a slow current and some vegetation. Less frequently collected in ponds and lakes .Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeNormand, 1938LaccophilusdemoflysiTunisia: El Hamma de Tozeur.(not studied): Holotype: female: “El Hamma de Tozeur, 4. 1937 Demoflys” .Tunisia: “Tunisia, centralis oasis Douz env. 31.5.-1.6. 1994 lgt.S. Becvar / Laccophilusdemoflysi Norm.det. Rocchi 1998” : Laccophilushyalinus. Only difference observed was the shape of the body, in Laccophilusdemoflysi being stouter than in Laccophilushyalinus. Both involved species have a stridulatory apparatus on metacoxal plates, which separates them from Laccophilusminutus, Laccophilusmateui and Laccophilussordidus. Taxonomic status of Laccophilusdemoflysi remains open. More specimens  are needed to settle this question.External characters agree in large with Laccophilushyalinus are recognized). Body length 4.7 mm, width 2.8 mm. Dorsal colour pattern vague, almost absent DytiscusminutusLaccophilusminutusLaccophilusobscurus Panzer, junior synonym of Laccophilusminutus);  (Linnaeus), Europe.Dytiscusminutus (Ins. Linn.), www.linnean.org).(not examined): “Europe”. Type specimen deposited in The Linnean Collections, London, UK (item data: LINN 6347 Morocco: “Tanger 25-29.4. 1926 Lindberg” (6 exs. MZH); “Tiflet-Oulmes 18.3.1961 Lindberg-Meinander” ; “Rabat 3–4.5. 1926 Lindberg” (2 exs. MZH); “Gharb 7.7. 1926 Lindberg” (11 exs. MZH); “Marrakesch 21–23.5. 1926 Lindberg” (6 exs. MZH); “Dayet Jerans (lake) 11 km E.N.E. Ifrane 5400 ft. 28.5. 1961 / P.N. Lawrence” (1 ex. BMNH); “Middle Atlas, nr Ifrane 28.5. 1961 Dayet Jerane P.N. Lawrence” ; “Oued Zad 65 km S Ifrane 21.5. 1961 / P. N. Lawrence / Tiny pond, flooded grass” (1 ex. BMNH); “Fr. Mor., Petit Jean 9.7. 1955 D.L. Lauck” ; “Sp. Mor., El Kaar, El Kebir 8.7.1955 D.R. Lauck” (2 exs. USNM). – Algeria: “Bouqie 17.7. 1955 D.R. Lauck” (1 ex. USNM). – Tunisia: “Tunis J. Sahlb.” (1 ex. MZH); “Tunisien 2.9. 1991 5 km W Utique Schödl” (1 ex. NMW); “Tunisien 3.8. 1991, 22 km N Jendouba Schödl” (1 ex. NMW). – Libya: “Libya bor. or. 495 m a.s.l. prov. Al Jabal Al Akhdar, 5 km SW Al Bayda 18.5.2002 / 32°43'41.9"N, 21°41'14"E, Reiter A. lgt.” (1 ex. NMPC). [Comment: Only material collected from Africa is listed.](49 exs.). Laccophilusminutus resembles most of Laccophilusmateui and Laccophilussordidus, both species also lacking stridulation apparatus on metacoxal plates. Laccophilusminutus is separated from the two close species by having smaller body and more delicate and slender penis .(1 ex.). Holotype: male: “Type male / H. B. Leech Collection / det. J. Omer-Cooper Algeria: “55 km N Tamanrasset 16-17 March 1971 J.A. Gruwell” . Laccophilusmateui is a close relative to Laccophilusminutus and Laccophilussordidus. All three species have similar general appearance and same ground plan regarding penis-shape. Absence of stridulatory apparatus separates it from Laccophilushyalinus and Laccophilusdemoflysi. Shape of penis distinguishes it from Laccophilusminutus (penis apex is broader in Laccophilusmateui) and Laccophilussordidus (penis is stouter in Laccophilusmateui and longer in Laccophilussordidus). Laccophilusmateui (>5 mm) is also larger sized than Laccophilusminutus, a species which don’t exceed 5 mm in length.Body length 5.1–5.3 mm, width 2.8–3.0 mm. Body dorsally pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, elytral colour pattern vague to fairly distinct Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous, at pronotum darker, ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous (delimitation of colours often vague). Almost impunctate, at eyes with a few, scattered, somewhat indistinct punctures. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation double. In central part of head fine reticulation indistinct, in part obliterated; in lateral parts of head fine reticulation clearly discernible; large meshes contain 3–6 fine meshes.Pronotum: Ferrugineous, laterally pale ferrugineous . Frontally, sometimes with a quite distinct dark ferrugineous area. Impunctate, at margin with a few, indistinct, coarser punctures discernible. Submat, rather densely microsculptured; reticulation double, fine meshes in part almost absent or indistinct.Elytra: Ferrugineous, with vague pale ferrugineous markings Fig. . ElytralVentral aspect: Ferrugineous, metacoxal plate in part dark ferrugineous but no distinct colour pattern formed (delimitation vague). Almost impunctate. Submat, finely microsculptured. No stridulatory apparatus. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with some vague, transversely located, slightly irregular furrows. Abdomen in basal half with rather distinct curved striae. Apex of prosternal process broken in holotype; it is keeled, short and apex pointed. Apical ventrite as in Fig. Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis comparatively robust; in lateral aspect apical half evenly curved Fig. .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite as in Fig. Algeria  Fig. .Unknown.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeSharp, 1882LaccophilussordidusSaudi Arabia: El Hedjaz.Laccophilussordidus / Laccophilussordidus Sharp Type ”  / Syntype” (1 ex. BMNH).(2 exs.). Lectotype: male, designated by Brancucci (1980a): “Syntype / Type / Hedjaz Millingen / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Laccophilussordidus Shp det J. Balfour-Browne” (1 ex. BMNH).(1 ex.): Yemen: “Aden Prot., Mukeiras, 85 mls NE of Aden, 7000 ft. 29.12. 1939-6.1. 1940 Hebbert / Laccophilussordidus is closely related to Laccophilusminutus and Laccophilusmateui. From Laccophilusminutus, Laccophilussordidus is separated by its larger body and by having a clearly longer penis. From Laccophilusmateui, Laccophilussordidus is separated by its lack of elytral markings – Laccophilusmateui is generally provided with a clearly discernible elytral colour pattern. Additionally, the penis of Laccophilusmateui is distinctly shorter than in Laccophilussordidus.Body length 4.6–5.2 mm, width 2.6–2.8 mm. Dorsal, aspect of body dark ferrugineous to brownish, no distinct colour pattern exhibited Fig. .Head: Dark ferrugineous to brownish; no colour pattern discernible. Submat to mat, distinctly microsculptured; reticulation double. Large meshes may contain 3–6 small meshes. At eyes with an irregular row of punctures, which extends a short distance towards middle.Pronotum: Dark ferrugineous to brownish, no colour pattern formed. Submat, distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double. Large meshes contain 3–6 small meshes. Pronotal disc impunctate; at margins with punctures. Laterally at side margin, punctures form a slightly irregular row. Anteriorly punctures very fine and scattered. Latero-basally with a few fine, irregular punctures; mediobasally pronotum impunctate.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous to brownish. No distinct colour pattern exhibited Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern. Submat, finely microsculptured. Microsculpture of abdomen weaker and in part reduced. Abdomen with fine, curved striae. Metacoxal plates lack stridulatory apparatus. Very shallow, rudimentary transverse furrows discernible on metacoxa. Impunctate, except abdomen with scattered, sparse punctures especially apically. Prosternal process medially slightly enlarged, moderately extended and apex pointed. Apical ventrite almost symmetric Fig. .Legs: Ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged and provided with suckers.Male genitalia: In lateral aspect penis comparatively long, evenly curved; extreme apex slightly bent and it ends abruptly (not rounded) Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite as in Fig. The species has been described from Saudi Arabia. African records include Libya and Egypt . Thus faLaccophilussordidus is briefly described in The habitat of Diagnosis. Medium sized to large species; length of body 3.3–5.8 mm, width 1.8–2.9 mm.Shape of body, oval-oblong to oblong; body dorso-ventrally flattened Fig. . Body doProsternal process rather slender, moderately backwards extended, apically pointed. One species with comparatively short prosternal process. Apical ventrite not distinctly modified, lack asymmetric knob Fig. . No striSpecies composition and distribution. Six species are recognized in this species group, all of which occur on Madagascar or on nearby islands.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1955LaccophiluscomesMadagascar, Tampolo.MNHN). – Allotype (= Paratype), female: “Madagascar Tampolo VIII. 1949 / female symbol / Allotype” . Holotype: male: “Madagascar Tampolo VIII. 1949 / male symbol / Type” ; same data but “BMNH<670654>” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toam, Ambatondrazaka, Zahamane, Zahamena NP river, P60BI04: N: E: m, 29.12. 2006 leg. Isambert et al / DNA Voucher BMNH <830741> MSL399:F2 / Laccophiluscomes Bergsten det.” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “BMNH <830743> MSL399:F4” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toam, Ambatondrazaka, Zahamane, Zahamena NP stream, P60BI15: PageBreakN: -17.52 E: 48.721: 1075m / m, 29.12. 2006 leg. Isambert et al / DNA Voucher BMNH <830737> MSL399:E10 / Laccophiluscomes Bergsten det.” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “Analamaintsoa 3rd stream before Camp 1, stream of pools almost dry P60BI08, 30.12. 2006 N-17,50500, E48,72450, 1054 m Isambert et al (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “BMNH <830748> MSL399:F)/P60BI12: N: -17.517 E: 48.72: 1075 m, 31.12. 2006” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “Zahamena NP 1st stream btw. Camp 1 and 2, stream of pools, 31.12. 2006, N-17,51733, 48,72067, 1075 m” ; same data but “Analamaintsoa Forest 4th stream btw Camp 1 and 2, P6OBI15, 31.12. 2006, N-17,52050, E48,721337, 1075 m” (14 exx. NHRS); “IF Anadiana: Sahamalaotra Ranomafana NP: small stream P27MD31, N -21.2359 E: 47.3963, alt. 1123 m, 6.12.2004 leg. Balke et al / BMNH(E) <794196> DNA Voucher” (1 ex. NHRS); same but” BMNH(E) <794198>” (1 ex. NHRS); same but” BMNH(E) <794197>” (1 ex. NHRS); Mahajanga melaky, Tsingy de Bemaraha NP, S19.03419, E044.77499, 41 m.a.o., 15.12. 2009, Water net, field, Bergsten et al. / 000000464 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); same but “S19.03572, E044.77507, 66 m.a.o., 15.12. 2009 / 000000467 NHRS/JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); same but “S18.75643, E044.71398, 119 m.a.o., 17.12. 2009 / 000000463 NHRS/JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); “Ampasimpotsy Moramanga Antsabe 11.12. 2004 N-18,94300, E48,40630, 979 m, Balke et al” (2 exx. NHRS).(116 exs.): Madagascar: “Andasibe 11.12. 2004 Laccophiluscomes forms together with Laccophilusalluaudi, Laccophilustigrinus, Laccophiluspseustes and Laccophilusfurthi a distinct group characterized by similar colour pattern of body and male genitalia. Laccophiluscomes, Laccophilusfurthi and Laccophilusalluadi are smaller than the other species in the group. The three species are separated by small differences in shape of penis; see diagnosis of Laccophilusalluaudi on p. 41 and Laccophilusfurthi on p. 42.Body length 3.3–3.9 mm, width 1.8–2.2 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern distinct and uniform Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. At eyes with fine, irregularly distributed punctures. Rather shiny, although microsculptured. Reticulation double; coarse meshes only slightly stronger developed than fine meshes. Coarse meshes, when discernible, contain 2-3 fine meshes. In part, mesh categories cannot be distinguished.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Impunctate, except anteriorly, with scattered, fine punctures. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured. Reticulation double. Coarse meshes only slightly more strongly developed than fine meshes; contain when discernible 3-4 fine meshes.Laccophilusalluaudi. Posteriorly with rather fine, scattered punctation. Submat, distinctly and densely microsculptured. In part, reticulation double. Two kinds of reticulation clearly visible at scutellar region; posteriorly and laterally meshes of reticulation approximately one kind.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with distinct, blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, longitudinal markings Fig. . In a fePageBreakProsternal process rather slender, apex pointed but not strongly extended backwards. Abdomen with fine, sparse, curved striae. Apical ventrite not distinctly modified . – Paralectotypes: Same data as in lectotype, but two of the specimens with female symbol . Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Madagascar Diego-Suarez Ch. Alluaud 1893 / male symbol / Cotype / Museum Paris col. Guignot” 670568_MSL007: B10, 19.11.04 / Laccophilusalluaudi Régb. det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “BMNH(E)670572_MSL007: CO2” (1 ex. NHRS); “Antsiranana II Mt d’Ambre, Grande cascade stream parallel to GC in deep very steep gorge, mostly isolated pools 17.11. 2004, N: -12,49920 E: 49,17600, 800 m Balke et al” ; “Antsiranana II Foret d’Ambre, small water hole in dry streambed, gardenland at edge of dry forest 19.11. 2004 N-12,47540, E49,21730, 545m leg. Balke” (2 exs. NHRS); “Antsiranana 1 Mtd French Streampool 12.11. 2004 N-12,33360, E49,35350, 171 m, leg Balke et al” (12 exs. NHRS); “Antsiranana 1 Mt.d’Ambre 16.11. 2004, N-12,52830, E49,17253, 1020 m Balke et al.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toli, NW Ft Dauphin, forest, watersource, P54E: N: E:: m 19.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten/BMNH(E): <?94192> DNA voucher / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toli, NW Ft. Dauphin, creek with gravel, stones and sand in rainforest along the creek, in small water holes and (Madaglymbus) in waterpool on a large rock with wood and leaves 19.5. 2006 N-24°45.583, E46°51.821, 300 m Bergsten et al.” (2 exs. NHRS); “Ambilobe, Anjiabe Ambony Antsabe: Galoko Mts, hygropetric cascade; alt. 50 m, P2506M N -13.6093 E 48.7212, 23.11. 2004 leg. Monaghan, Andriamparany, Balke / BMNH(E) <794160> DNA voucher / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Anjiabe Ambony, Ambilobe Antsabe stairways-like cascade with vertical steps, exposed, extremely hot day 23.11. 2004 N-13,60930, E48,72120, 303 m Balke et al.” (17 exx. NHRS); “Ambilobe, Anjiabe Ambony Antsabe: waterhole in streambed on clearing: 50 m, P25MD11 N - 13.648 E 48.721, 21.11. 2004, leg. Balke et al/BMNH(E) <794189> DNA voucher / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toli, Taolanaro; Isaky Ivondro, Foret Manangotry, running water, P67B: N: -24.859: E: 46.862: 310 m, 9.4. 2007 leg. Ranarilalatiana et al / DNA voucher BMNH <830767> MSL399:H4 / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Ants, Sambava, Marojejy, Marojejy NP: Forest stream P57BI01: N: -14.437: E: 49.773: 464 m, 6.12. 2006 leg. Isambert et al. / DNA voucher BMNH <830690> MSL399:A11 / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toam, Ambatondrazaka, Zahamena; Zahamena NP: Stream P60BI08 N: -17.505: E: 48.724: 1054 m, 30.12.2006 leg. Isambert et al. / DNA voucher BMNH <830696> MSL399:B5 / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “P60BI06 N: -17.508: E: 48.724: 1068 m” and “BMNH <830701> MSL399:B10” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “Zahamena NP, Analamaintsoa 1st stream before Camp 1 within a few m from the GPS point P60BI06, 30.12. 2006 N-17,50617, E48,72400, 1068 m” (4 exs. NHRS); “TOAM Ambatondrazaka Zahamena NP on the way to camp 2 to Fenerive Est “Route des contrebandiers” P60BI29 02.1. 2007, N: -17,54167 E: 48,72183, 1322m leg. Isambert et al” (37 exs. NHRS); same data but “Analamaintsoa, 2nd stream btw Camp 1 and 2, stream of pools 31.12. 2006 N-17,51850, E48,72217, 1075 m” (4 exs. NHRS); same data but “Analamaintsoa, 3rd stream before Camp 1, stream of pools, almost dry P60BI08, 30.12. 2006, N-17,50500, E48,72450, 1054 m Isambert et al” (10 exx. NHRS); “Montagne des Francais, Lat. -12.3336 Lon. 49.3535 leg. Balke & Otke, BMNH(E)_671210 MSL014; 1/1/1904 / DNA voucher BMNH <671210> MSL014: H02/Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Saratanana, leg. Lees & Ranaivosolo MNH(E)_672835_MSL028; 1/1/1904 /DNA voucher BMNH <672835> MSL028: B05 / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Antsabe Lat -13.6093 Lon 49.7212, Balke leg. BMNH(E) _670700_MSL008 23.9. 2004/1904/DNA voucher BMNH <670700> MSL008: E10/Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Ants, Nosy Be: Lokobe R.N.1, 50 m, 2004/DNA voucher BMNH(E) <794171> / Laccophilusalluaudi det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “R.N.I. Lokobe Nosy Be, 50 m, 15.12. 2004 Ravo” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga: Boeny Mahavavy Kinkony RS. S16.05648, E045.76371, 55 m.a.o., 5.12. 2009 water net, field, Bergsten et al. (19 exs. NHRS); same data, add: “000000465 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga: Melaky: Tsingy de Bemaraha NP, S19.03572, E044.77507, 66m m.a.o., 15.12. 2009, water net, field, Bergsten et al.” (12 exs. NHRS); same data but “S18.75643, E044.71398, 119 m.a.o., 17.12. 2009” (2 exs. NHRS); same data but “S19.03419, E044.77499, 41 m.a.o., 15.12. 2009” (2 exs. NHRS); same data but PageBreak“S18.75724, E044.71239, 72 m.a.o., 17.12. 2009” (3 exx. NHRS); same data, add: “000000468 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “S19.14114, E044.81245, 45 m.a.o., 14.12. 2009/000000466 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex.NHRS); “Prov. Antsirarana, P.N. Montagne d’Ambre, elev. 960 m 26–29.1. 2001/N -12*30'52” E 49*10'53” leg. Irwin & al, malaise trap” (1 ex. CAS); “Prov. Antsirarana, P.N. Montagne d’Ambre, elev. 1125 m 30.5.-6.6. 2001/N -12°31'13” E 49°10'45” leg. Irwin & Hala, malaise trap” (1 ex. CAS); “Prov. Antsirarana, P.N. Montagne d’Ambre, elev. 1125 m 21-26.4. 2001/N -12°31'13” E 49°10'45” leg. Irwin & Hala, malaise trap” (1 ex. CAS); “Prov. Antsirarana, Sakalava beach, dwarf littoral forest 10 m, 13–20.8. 2001/N -12°15'46” E 49°23'51” Irwin & Hala leg., malaise trap – across sandy trail” (1 ex. CAS); “Andjamangirana (Majunga) 19.10. 2001/stream in dry forest, upstream. Rice field area (road to Tsaratanana) 200 m a.s.l., 30,8 °C, 0.008 mS/cm/Gerecke & Goldschmidt leg.” ; “Anjozorobe (Antananarivo) Ravoandrina Riv. Ampanakamonty 21.7.2001 / 1280 m asl, 12,8 °C, 0,078 mS/cm/Gerecke & Goldschmidt leg.” (1 ex. BMNH); “SE-Mad. Rés. Nat. Integr. de Andohahela (NW Ft. Dauphin) Parcelle 1 (versante E) – 300 m foresta pluviale 26.5. 1991/Bartolozzi, Taiti, Raharimina leg. / Laccophilusalluaudi Rég. det. CSR); “E-Mad. Ampamoho nr Andilamena 1200-1300 m asl, 18-20.1. 1995 Dunay & Janak” (1 ex. MZH); “Fiananrantsoa, Mania River S Ilaka, 900 m 27 rd km NNW Ambositra 23.10. 2001 Schuh leg.” (1 ex. NMW); “Foret de Fito, ex. coll. Dr. Breuning” (1 ex. MRAC); “Prov. de Tamatave, Foret de Perinet 17.7. 1970 Pederzani / Laccophiluslateralis Sharp det. Pederzani” .(189 exs.): Laccophilusalluaudi forms together with Laccophiluscomes, Laccophilustigrinus, Laccophiluspseustes and Laccophilusfurthi a distinct group of species characterized by quite similar colour pattern of body and male genitalia exhibiting same ground plan. Penis of Laccophilusalluaudi, Laccophiluscomes and Laccophilusfurthi is not evenly curved in lateral view as in Laccophilustigrinus, but angled. Longitudinal markings of Laccophiluscomes reach humeral region while in Laccophilusalluaudi and Laccophilusfurthi corresponding markings fade away before reaching humeral region. Finally, penis  in Laccophilusalluaudi is strongly twisted, while almost straight in Laccophilusfurthi. Furthermore Laccophiluscomes penis is in lateral view medially slightly depressed and immediately after angle towards apex there is a minute, sharp knob which is lacking in Laccophilusalluaudi.Laccophiluscomes; only diagnostically important differences noted): Body length 3.4–3.9 mm, width 1.9–2.1 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern .(2 exs.): Holotype: male: “Madagascar: Prov. Fianarantsoa, 7 km W Ranomafana, 1100 m 8-21. October 1988 W.E. Steiner / From stream with mossy rocks and sandy bottom, montane rainforest” .Body length 3.7–3.8 mm, width 2.0 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body as in Fig. Head: Pale ferrugineous. Submat to rather shiny, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double, but size classes of meshes difficult to distinguish. In part meshes mixed and sculpture appears irregular, consisting of variable shaped meshes. Impunctate, except at eyes; with fine, irregular punctures, which extend a short distance towards middle of head-disc.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern. Submat to rather shiny, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double but size classes of meshes difficult to distinguish. In part meshes mixed, and sculpture appears irregular, consisting of variable shaped meshes. Impunctate, except frontally and laterally; with very fine, scattered punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dark ferrugineous to brownish, longitudinal areas, which anteriorly, gradually fade away in the holotype while quite distinct in paratype Fig. . Rather PageBreakVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous, except metathorax and -coxal plates; blackish to dark ferrugineous. Shiny to rather shiny, microsculpture almost absent. Only very fine rudimentary microsculpture can sporadically be discerned. Abdomen with very fine, curved striae. Impunctate, except apical ventrite; with some fine, scattered punctures; shape of ventrite almost symmetric Fig. . MetacoxLegs: Pale ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged and extended, with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis exhibits few modifications, being almost straight both in lateral and dorsal aspects Figs .Female: Unknown.Laccophilus collections for this study, deposited in USNM.The name is a noun in its genitive form based on the name of Dr. David Furth, Washington D.C., USA, who kindly assured the loan of large African Madagascar Fig. .Laccophilusfurthi has been “collected from stream with mossy rocks and sandy bottom in montane rainforest”. The single paratype was collected by black light.Collecting label informs that Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1959LaccophilustigrinusComoro Islands: Anjouan, Foret de M’Remani.Laccophilustigrinus sp. n. Type, male symbol” (MNHN). – Paratypes: Same data as holotype but labelled “Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); “Anjouan Fet de M’Remani X-1953 (Millot) / male symbol / Paratype” ; Same data but provided with label “Coll. Guignot” and a peculiar label with the following text: “R. Mouchamps det. 63 Laccophilusmohelicus sp. n. paratype” (1 ex. MNHN).(5 exs.). Holotype: male: “Type / F. Guignot det. 1955 Comoro Islands: “Grande Comore Nioumbadjou 9.8. 1981 R. Joqué”; “Moheli Foret de Fomboni 600 m 2eme torrent 6.54 (J.M.)” (2 exs. IRSNB).(5 exs.): Laccophilustigrinus resembles most of all species of Laccophiluscomes, Laccophilusalluaudi and Laccophilusfurthi, but it is often slightly larger and penis in lateral view almost evenly curved and not angled. Additionally, penis of Laccophilustigrinus on one side, provided with a latero-basal expansion which is absent in Laccophiluscomes, Laccophilusalluaudi and Laccophilusfurthi. Resembles also of Laccophiluspseustes but size of body smaller.Laccophilusalluaudi are recognized):. Holotype: male: “Isalo sur Pandamus, Inst. Sci. Madagascar VIII.48 RP / Type / Guignot det. 1955 Madagascar: “Fian: Isalo, source of piscine naturelle, waterhole, P41K: N -22.553: E: 45.368: 859 m 12.5. 2006 leg. Bergsten et al / BMNH(E) <794199> DNA voucher / Laccophiluspseustes det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “BMNH(E)<745062> DNA voucher ” (1 ex. NHRS); “Fian: Isalo, source of piscine naturelle, small water holes at beginning of stream P41K, 12.5. 2006 N-22°33.206, E45°22.089, 859 m, Bergsten et al.” (5 exs. NHRS); “Fian: Isalo, Canyon de Makis: River: P41E: N: -22.548: E: 45.408: 780 m, 11.5. 2006 leg. Bergsten et al / BMNH(E) <745068> DNA voucher / Laccophiluspseustes det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Fian: Isalo, Canyon de Makis, sandy bottom of river, with side pools and hygropetric sections at sides, wood in water, P41E 11.5. 2006 N-22°32.922, E45°24.064, 780 m Bergsten et al.” ; “Fian, Isalo, Namaza R.: stagnant waterpool P41I: PageBreakN: -22.539: E: 45.377: 794 m, 12.5. 2006 leg. Bergsten et al / BMNH(E) <745060> DNA voucher / Laccophiluspseustes Bergsten det.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Fian, Isalo: P41O: Trib. to Namaza R.: Waterhole, N: -22.543: E: 45.377, 842. 1624 m, 13.5.2006 leg. Isambert et al / DNA voucher BMNH(H) <831017> MSL 402:E2 / Laccophiluspseustes det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); same as but “DNA voucher BMNH(E) <831016> MSL402:E1” (1 ex. NHRS); same as but “DNA voucher BMNH(E) <831019> MSL402:E4” (1 ex. NHRS); same as but “DNA voucher BMNH(E) <831020> MSL402:E5” (1 ex. NHRS); “Fian: Isalo Namaza R. stagnant water pool with lots of woody debris and leaves 12.5. 2006, N-22°32.348, E45°22.626, 794 m, Bergsten et al. (2 exs. NHRS).(23 exs.): Laccophiluspseustes resembles most Laccophilusalluaudi and Laccophiluscomes and also of some other species in this group but its body is generally clearly larger. Additional diagnostic features are found in the shape of the penis: In lateral aspect, penis long and narrow and extreme apex slightly curved upwards; in dorsal aspect, penis quite broad and somewhat sinuate with narrow slightly curved tip.Body length 4.1–4.2 mm, width 2.3–2.4 mm. Elytral colour pattern slightly vague Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Rather shiny, finely microsculptured. Reticulation indistinctly double. Large meshes only slightly more strongly developed in comparison with small meshes. In part, small meshes reduced and hardly visible. Impunctate, except at eyes; with fine, scattered punctures; closely towards centre of head, there is an additional small group of fine punctures located in a small depression.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double; large meshes contain 3–5 small meshes. Laterally and frontally, with fine, scattered punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with somewhat vague, dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous colour pattern Fig. . SlightlVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern. Submat, very finely and in part indistinctly microsculptured. Abdomen with fine, curved striae. Metacoxal plates with some 8–9 transversely located, shallow furrows. Almost impunctate, except on apical ventrite; with a few scattered punctures. Apical ventrite symmetric and lacks lateral knob Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged, extended and provided with suckers. Hindlegs quite robust.Male genitalia: Penis in dorsal aspect comparatively broad with narrow, slightly curved apex; in lateral aspect, penis quite slender and long with tip curved slightly upwards Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender.Madagascar Fig. .PageBreakMainly unknown. Label data simply indicate that the species has been collected in a river with sandy bottom, with side pools and hygropetric sections at sides, wood in water. Additionally, recorded in stagnant water pool with lots of woody debris and leaves.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1937LaccophilusseyrigiMadagascar: Békily.MNHN). – Paratypes: Same data as holotype but “Paratype” .(6 exs.). Holotype: male: “Madagascar Békily III 1936 – S / male symbol / Type” . Apical ventrite pale except for latero-basally, with dark ferrugineous areas. Apical ventrite not modified Fig. . Almost Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender and extended, with protruding suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in dorsal aspect long, slender and straight; in lateral aspect basally, with a distinct enlargement Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, somewhat extended. Apical ventrite uniform Fig. .Madagascar Fig. .Unknown.Diagnosis. Medium sized species with body length 3.7–4.0 mm, width 2.2–2.4 mm.Shape of body oval-oblong, body dorsoventrally flattened Fig. . Dorsal Laccophilus)  Fig. .Paramere quite simple but clearly enlarged in apical half Fig. . Penis, Species composition and distribution. One species recognized in this species group. Only recorded from Madagascar.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/DA915883-FB68-4C10-AE9B-A579CFA7CA21N: -17,50800 E: 48,72283).Madagascar: Zahamena N.P., Ambatondrazaka. ; same data as holotype and “DNA VOUCHER BMNH(E) <834433> MSL:430:G02” (1 ex. BMNH); same data as holotype, but ”<834432> MSL:430:G01” (1 ex. BMNH); “MAD TOAM: Ambatondrazaka Zahamena: Zahamena N.P. Analamaintsoa Forest between Camp Site 1 and Camp Site 2 Manambota River. PB60BI02: N: -17,50750 E: 48,72250: 1071 m 29.XII. 2006 Leg. Isambert et al. / Laccophilus sp.n. lateralis gr. Det. J. Bergsten 2008/DNA VOUCHER BMNH(E) <834434-7> MSL:430:G03-6” ; same data but not vouchers ; same data but”P60BI04” ; “MAD TOAM: Ambatondrazaka Zahamena: Zahamena N.P. Analamaintsoa Forest Manambota Rv, 500 m between Camp 1 & Camp 2 PB60BI11 30.XII. 2006 N: -17,50717 E: 48,72400 leg. Isambert et al. / Laccophilus sp.n. lateralis gr. Det. J. Bergsten, 2008/DNA VOUCHER BMNH(E) <834438> MSL:430:G07” (1 ex. BMNH); same data but not vouchers (2 exs. NHRS); “MAD TOAM: Ambatondrazaka Zahamena: Zahamena N.P. Analamaintsoa Forest 5th stream between Camp 1 and Camp 2 PB60BI16 31.XII. 2006 N: -17,52183 E: 48,72067 1092 m leg. Isambert et al. / Laccophilus sp.n. lateralis gr. Det. J. Bergsten, 2008/DNA VOUCHER BMNH(E) <834439> MSL:430:G08” (1 ex. BMNH).(23 exs.): Holotype: male: “MAD TOAM: Ambatondrazaka Zahamena: Zahamena N.P. close to Camp site 1 Manambota River, on the Rocks. PB60BI01: Laccophilusalluaudi). Laccophilusisamberti, however, exhibits peculiar modification on metacoxal process, being posteriorly expanded .PageBreakvariable. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double, but large meshes strongly reduced and almost absent. Fine, scattered punctures form a discal row. Dorsolateral and lateral rows indicated by a few scattered punctures. Lateral, pre-apical furrow shallow, rather finely pubescent.Elytra: Blackish to dark ferrugineous, with pale ferrugineous, longitudinal markings. Posteriorly markings undulate Fig. . Width oVentral aspect: Blackish to dark ferrugineous; without distinct colour pattern. Rather shiny, very finely microsculptured. Reticulation in part absent. Abdomen basally with fine, curved striae. Almost impunctate; ventrites with fine punctures. Apical ventrite as in Fig. Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with suckers.Laccophiluspictipennis, placed in an own species group 6.Male genitalia: Shape of penis Figs  resembleFemale: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite as in Fig. The name is a noun in its genitive form based on the name of Dr. Benjamin Isambert, Toulouse, France, who collected the type material during his PhD studies.Madagascar, so far only known from Zahamena National Park Fig. .This is a lotic species occurring in rivers and streams. The known localities are at an altitude of 1000-1100 m.Diagnosis. Large species with body length 4.4–4.7 mm and width 2.5–2.8 mm.Shape of body oval-oblong; body dorsoventrally flattened Fig. . Dorsal Prosternal process moderately slender, posteriorly not strongly extended, apex pointed. Apical ventrite with posterior end excavated on both sides and medially ventrite moderately produced backwards; lacks asymmetric knob on one side Fig. . No striParamere simple, elongate, apically not enlarged or modified Fig. . Penis rSpecies composition and distribution: One species recognized in this species group. In Africa it occurs in north-eastern part; also recorded from Arabian Peninsula.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeSharp, 1882LaccophiluspictipennisLaccophiluswehnckeiLaccophiluswehnchei Sharp, misspelling: description, faunistics, discussion); Laccophiluspictipennis Sharp, discussion); Confirmed synonym.Laccophiluspictipennis: Saudi Arabia: Hedjaz.Laccophiluswehnckei: Tanzania: Zanzibar.Laccophiluspictipennis: Lectotype ; “Paralectotype / Paralectotypus / Abyssinia / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Type 566 Laccophiluspictipennis / Laccophiluspictipennis Shp M.E. Bacchus det. 1977 Syntype” (1 ex. BMNH); same data but add: “Raffray” (1 ex. BMNH).(6 exs.): Laccophiluswehnckei: Lectotype (by present designation): female: “Type / E. Africa / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Type 620 Laccophiluswehnckei sp. n. Zanzibar” .Ethiopia: “Saati Levander” (1 ex. MZH); “Abyssinia” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Somalia: “Daragodleh 25.6. 1963 Linnavuori” (6 exs. MZH); “Lasgori / Laccophiluspictipennis Sharp det. Brancucci 1982” . Non-African record: – Yemen: “W. Aden Prot. nr Lahej 9-15.7. 1963 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH).(15 exs.). Laccophiluspictipennis and Laccophiluswehnckei is confirmed by study of external characters; no diagnostically important differences detected. As no males are available of Laccophiluswehnckei we could not in this case undertake comparison of male genitalia. Laccophilusdiscretus Sharp, 1882, described from Saudi Arabia, has earlier been synonymized with Laccophiluspictipennis. It has never been recorded from Africa by its own name and accordingly, it is outside the scope of this study.Earlier established synonymy of Laccophiluspictipennis is characterized by peculiar elytral colour pattern in combination with penis, which is slightly and evenly curved, tapering gradually towards its apex. Note also that male apical ventrite lacks asymmetrically located knob, although excavated on each side of midline and slight medial extension .Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. At frontal margin with a vague, ferrugineous, almost bilobed marking. Punctation fine, sparse to rather sparse and irregularly distributed. Punctures frontally densest. Rather shiny although microsculptured. Reticulation indistinctly divided into two kinds; smaller meshes sometimes discernible within large meshes. In part, only large meshes well-developed.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with extensive, distinct, dark ferrugineous to brownish markings Fig. . SometimVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Rather shiny, although extensively, finely microsculptured. Besides microsculpture metacoxal plates with shallow, transverse furrows and abdomen especially basally with distinct striae. Apical ventrite lacks knob Fig. . Apex ofLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with fine suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite broad, from base slightly and evenly curved to apex Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite Fig. .Somalia, Ethiopia, Tanzania (Zanzibar) Fig. . MateriaAlmost unknown in Africa. PageBreakDiagnosis. Medium to large sized species; body length 3.5–5.3 mm, width 1.9–2.9 mm.Shape of body oval-oblong, dorsoventrally flattened Fig. . Body doProsternal process rather slender, extended, apically pointed. Apical ventrite posteriorly on each side excavated, medially posteriorly extended, but asymmetrical knob always absent  Fig. . No striParamere simple, somewhat enlarged but not distinctly modified Fig. . Penis mSpecies composition and distribution. Nine species are recognized; two of them occur in Madagascar and seven in mainland Africa, South of Sahara. To observe, that from point 3 in the key below, external characters are variable and male genitalia must be studied.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGschwendtner, 1935LaccophilusposticuscontinentalisLaccophiluscontinentalis Gschwendter, LaccophilusperplexusNew synonym.Laccophiluscontinentalis: Botswana: Kalahari, Tsotsorogo Pan.Laccophilusperplexus: Mozambique: Umbeluzi River near Goba.Laccophiluscontinentalis: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “V.-L. Kal. Exp. Tsotsorogo Pan 17/6-9/7/30 / Type male (symbol) Gschw. / Laccophilusposticuscontinentalis det. Gschwendtner” ; “V.-L. Kal. Exp. N’Kate Makarikari 6-23/8/1930 / Paratypus Laccophilusposticuscontinentalis ssp. L. Gschwendtner” ; same as lectotype but labelled as “Paratype Gschw.” .(21 exs.). PageBreakLaccophilusperplexus: Holotype: male: “Type / Laccophilusperplexus sp. n. / Mozambique Umbeluzi River near Goba 4.12. 1948 J.O.C.” .Senegal: “Sumpf von Peykone, Senegal 9. 08 Riggenbach S.V.“ (1 ex. ZMHB). – Gambia-S. Senegal: “Stream of Selety 13°10'N-16°36'W 19.2. 1976 Holmen leg.” (2 exs. ZMUC). – Sudan: “Wad Medani a. Bl. Nil 29.10. 1979 Hieke“ (1 ex. ZMHB); same but “12.10. 1979 lux“ (2 exs. ZMHB); same but “18.10. 1979“(1 ex. ZMHB); same but “8.10. 1979“ (2 exs. ZMHB); same but “9.10. 1979“ (1 ex. ZMHB); same but “30-31.10. 1979“ (1 ex. ZMHB); same but “20.10.1979“ (1 ex. ZMHB); same but “15.10. 1979“ (1 ex. ZMHB); same but “22.10.1979“ (2 exs. ZMHB); same but “leg. Königsmann“ (1 ex. ZMHB); “Senaar a.Bl. Nil, lux 21.10.1979 Hieke“ (5 exs. ZMHB); “Umm Banein, light trap 14.11. 1962 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH). – Ghana: “N Region Nyankpala 183 m N9°25’-W1°00’ Dr. S. Endrödy-Younga / shore washing 10.2. 1970“ (1 ex. CGW). – Nigeria: “Samaru 17.5. 1959, Sands / light trap” (1 ex. BMNH); “Nt Kano 1.5. 1928 Lindwer Madsen” (1 ex. ZMUC). – Somalia: “Somali Rep. 1961 Roffey”. – Kenya: “Kibwezi Scheffler leg.“ (1 ex. ZMHB); same as but “1906“ (1 ex. ZMHB); “Eastern Mwingi, Nguni env. 28.11. 1999 Snizek” (1 ex. NMW); “SE Kenya ShimbaHills 20 km S Mombasa 5.6. 1985 Lödl” ; Mafisini, pond, Kwale District 19.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Maji ya Chumvi River, Kwale District 16.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Maji-Chumwi (Wa Nyika) Alluaud 7. 1903” (2 exs. NHMB); “Athi River, Machakos District 14.9. 1976 Holmen det“ (1 ex. ZMUC); “Kombeni River, Mazeras, Kilifi distr 15.9. 1976 Holmen” ; “Mariakani dam, Kilifi District 16.9. 1976 Holmen” (4 exs. MZH); “Mandera R. Dana 23.10. 1970 Brown” (1 ex. BMNH); “Wajir 27.10. 1970 Brown” (1 ex. BMNH); “Malindi, alle luci, 15.11.-5.12. 1989 / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschwendtner det. CSR); “Voi 11. 1997 Snizek M. / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschwendtner det. CSR); “Voi Mtito Andei, light trap roof Tsavo Inn 24-25.11. 1990 Päts & Viklund” (1 ex. MZH); “Fort Hall / Coll. E. Häuser / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschwendtner det. Brancucci” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Afr. or Jkurha” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Tanzania: “Daressalaam, Pangani und Hinterland Regner” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Daressalaam leg. Methner” ; “Reg. Morogoro Mikumi 17-20.12. 1993 Bednatik” (1 ex. NMW); “Mts Uluguru, Morogoro Campus Fac. Agric., UV, 600 m 5-6. 1971 / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. det. Bilardo” (1 ex. NHMB); “Ponds S of Korogwe, Korogwe District 24.9. 1976 Holmen” ; “Rice field S of Tanga, Tanga District 26.9. 1976 Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Tanga / Sjöstedt” (1 ex. NHRS); “Tanga Reimer S.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Tanganyika Pond in stream 103 (?) miles from Dodoma 15.2. 1954 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “Tanga Prov. 4-5. 1950 Sweeney / At light” (2 exs. BMNH); “Usa River 3900 feet Dr. J. Szunyoghy / Light trap 15.11.-31.12. 1965” (1 ex. CGW); ”2 mi to L. Manyara, seashore 3150 feet Dr. J. Szunyoghy / singled material 1–26. 1965” (1 ex. CGW); “Usagara” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Umgb Urumba 15.9. D.O.A. leg. Methner / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. det. M. Brancucci” (3 exs. ZMHB); “J. PageBreakKurha” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Zanzibar Pemba 23. Sept. 1955 Fowler” (5 exs. AMGS); “Zanzibar 13th Sept. 1955 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Zanzibar 5. 1954 Brown” ; “Zanzibar / Reimer S. & Schultz. – Zambia: “S Luangwa NP, Mfuwe Crocodile Farm, 13.06.03S, 31.47.32E, 450 m, lux 23.3. 1993 Uhlig” ; same but “21.3. 1993” (4 exs. ZMHB); same but “24.3. 1993” (6 exs. ZMHB); same but “13.06S, 31.47S, 21-24.3. 1993 Göllner” (2 exs. ZMHB); same but “Deckert” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Namibia: “E Caprivi: Katima Mulilo, lux, 17.29S, 24.17E, 3-8.3. 1992 Uhlig” ; “E Caprivi: 3 km E Katima Mulilo, 17.29S, 24.18E, Hippo Camp, in Swimming Pool 6.3.1992 Uhlig” (1 ex. ZMHB); “E Caprivi: 30 km SE Katima Mulilo 17.31S, 24.25E, Zambesi – Altwasserarm, lux 6.3. 1992 Uhlig” ; “E Caprivi: Mudumu NP, Nakatwa, 18.10S, 23.26E, 8-13.3. 1992 Uhlig” (3 exs. ZMHB); same but “Buffalo Trails Camp lux, ca. 18.10S, 23.26E, 12.3. 1992” (3 exs. ZMHB); same but “Kwando-Ufer, Phragmites, schlammig” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Kavango Popa Falls 18.07S, 21.35E, lux 26.2.-3.3. 1992 lux Deckert” (1 ex. ZMHB); same but “Uhlig” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Kavango Mahango Game Reserve 18.17S, 21.43E, lux 2.3. 1992 Göllner” (1 ex. ZMHB); Okavango Distr., Mutompo, 60 km S Rundu, 18.18.38,7S, 19.15.29,4E, 1180 m NN, 13.3. 2003, hand light trap, Frisch & Voland” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Botswana: “Serowe, sevage ponds, Farmer’s Brigade 1.6. 1987, SE22 26 BD, Forchhammer leg.” (3 exs. MZH); same but “7.6. 1987” (3 exs. MZH); same data but ”4. 1988 / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschwendtner det. Rocchi 1993” (2 exs. CSR); “Kasane, Chobe Safari lodge, 17.48.32S, 25.08.39E, 26.11.1993 lux, Uhlig” ; “5 km NW San-ta-wani Safari Lodge, 19.27.01S, 23.38.46E, lux 8-9.3.1993 Uhlig” (27 exs. ZMHB); “5 km NW San-ta-wani Safari Lodge, 19.27S, 23.38E, lux 8-9.3. 1993 Göllner” (1 ex. ZMHB); “6 km E Kalkfontein, 22.04S, 20.56E, 7.3. 1993 lux Göllner” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Okavango Delta, Moremi Wildlife Res. Third Bridge Campsite, lux 10.3. 1993, 19.14.22S, 23.21.24E, 10.3. 1993 Uhlig” (3 exs. ZMHB); “Chobe NP Savuti Camp 18.33.55S, 24.03.53E, lux 11.3. 1993 Uhlig” (5 exs. ZMHB); “R. Thamalakane 7 mls NE Maun 20.4. 1972/at light” (1 ex. BMNH). – Zimbabwe: “Victoria Falls Zambezi NP –Camp 11-12.12. 1993, 17.53S, 25.49E, lux, Uhlig” (1 ex. ZMHB); “S. Rhodesia Pool Lundi 22. N. 1948 JOC.” (6 exs. AMGS); “S. Rhodesia Wankie Reserve water holes 3.9. 1948 / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. Det. JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. 5 Sept. 1948 JOC. Pools at Robins rest camp / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. Det. JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. 4 Sept. 1948 JOC.” ; “Wankie Reserve water hole Sept. 1948” (13 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Reserve Shapi pond 5.IX. 1948 JOC. / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. Det. JOC.” (9 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Reserve Shapi pan 5.IX. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Reserve Musumu dam 14.IX. 1948 JOC. / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. Det. JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Wankie Game Reserve Sept. waterhole 1948 JOC. / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. Det. JOC.” (7 exs. AMGS);”5 mi SE Wankie 7.4.1968 Spangler” ; “Marandellas 2. N. 1948 JOC. / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. Det. JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Gwai PageBreakRiver 3.4. 1968 Spangler” (8 exs. USNM); “Shamgani 60 km SW of Gweru 2.12. 1998 F. Kantner leg.” (1 ex. NMPC);”Tongwe 30 km N Beitbridge 7.12. 1998 Kantner leg.” (1 ex. NMPC). – Mozambique: “Mozambique Beira 7. Sept. 1955 JOC.” (12 exs. AMGS); “Moz., Dambo Pan 30.6. 1960” (2 exs. AMGS); “Port. E Afr. Lorenco Marques 3.12. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Lourenco Marques Dec. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Umbuluzi R. nr. Goba 4.12. 1948 J.O-C.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Swaziland: “Muddy pond nr Stegi 4.12. 1948 / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. Det. JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS). – South Africa: “Kruger Nat. Pk. Mathlakusapan 22.37S-31.22E / shorewashing 9.2. 1994 Endrödy-Younga leg.” ; “Kruger Nat. Pk. Skukuza 12 km S, 25.04S-31.37E / UV light, 6.3. 1996 Endrödy-Younga leg.” ; “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza Res. camp 24.59S-31.36E / UV light & trap 25.2. 1995 Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza Res. camp 24.59S-31.35E / UV light 3.3. 1996 Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza Res. camp 25.00S-31.35E / UV light & trap 19.2. 1995 Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza, 40 km S dam 20.04S-31.36E/Shorewashing 23.2. 1995 Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza Res. camp 24.59S-31.35E / UV light 7.3. 1996 Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Pafuri research camp 4 km W, 22.25S-31.09E / 1.2.1994 UV light & trap Endrödy-Younga leg.” (4 exs. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Pafuri res. camp, 22.25S-31.12E/30.1. 1994 UV light & trap Endrödy-Younga leg.” ; “Kruger Nat. Pk, Pafuri research camp, 22.25S-31.10E / 2.2. 1994 UV light & trap Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk Levuvu River 22.27S-31.10E / 12.2. 1994 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga leg.” (4 exs. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Malonga springs 22.36S-31.20E / 8.2. 1994 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk Punda Maria Ngots Dam 21.26S-31.14E / 7.2. 1994 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk Letaba Riv. bel. dam 23.46S-31.30E/1.3. 1995 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Transvaal Kruger National Park, Leeu Pan NE Skukuza 1.5. 1951 / Laccophiluscontinentalis Gschw. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. MZLU); “Trsvl, Waterhole nr Police Picket, KNP. 30.6. 1960” (25 exs. AMGS); “Trsvl, Kumana Pan 24 km S Satara Camp, KNP, N-24.610, E31.800, 18.6. 1960” (1 ex. AMGS); “Gauteng Tswaing 25.24S-28.06E / 16.2. 2003 light trap TMSA staff leg.” (2 exs. TMSA); “Trsvl Mmabolela Estate 22.40S-28.15E / 21.11. 1991 shorew. Limpopo Riv. Klimazewski leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Trsvl 5 mi W Warmbad 24-25.2. 1968 Spangler” (1 ex. USNM); “Trsvl, Hartebeespoortdam, N-25.730, E27.820, 30.5. 1971 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “N. Prov. Messina Nat. Res. 22.21S-30.03E / 13.12. 2000 light trap Müller, Burger leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kw. Natal, Sivai Lagoon 10.3. 1981 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Zululd. Ndumu Banzi fresh. wat. pan 26.53S-32.16E / 16.2. 1989 shorewashing Endrödy & Klimazew” (1 ex. TMSA); “Natal Zululand Mtuba-tuba 23.9. 1947 JOC”. (1 ex. AMGS); “Natal Durban Umgeni Trägårdh” (1 ex. MZLU); “Zululand Hhu-Hluve 18.IX. 1947” (1 ex. AMGS); “Natal, roadside puddles, ca. 2 km S Mbazwana to Hluhluwe nr Sodwana 9.1. 1997 Turner” (9 exs. NHMB); same data but ”5.3. 1997” (6 exs. NHMB); “Natal, Mkuze NP 17.36S, 32.13E, 2-3.2. 1994 lux PageBreakUhlig (1 ex. ZMHB);”Natal, Waterton Timber Co. N-28.20.5, E32.14, at light Atkinson” (5 exs. NHMB).(518 exs.). AMGS); “Kotsch Lu.(?) Kohu” (1 ex. NMW).“Lowrie 17.5. 1955” . Almost impunctate; at eyes with fine, hardly discernible punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally with a vague dark ferruginous to dark brownish marking. Darker marking on disc sometimes reduced and visible in frontal part of pronotum. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation almost simple; indistinct fragments of coarse reticulation discernible: large meshes incomplete. Almost impunctate; frontally and laterally with scattered, very fine punctures discernible.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with variable, dark ferrugineous irrorations. Irrorations sometimes in part reduced; outlines only distinct Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous. Abdomen in part ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, with lateral and apical areas paler. Almost impunctate. Extensively very finely microsculptured. Prosternal process slender; apex extended and pointed. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with some transversely located, shallow furrows. Abdomen with sparse but distinct striae. Apical ventrite Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus rather long and slender. Pro- and mesotarsus provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Extreme apex of penis forms a short, sharp and small extension Fig. .Female: Apical ventrite Fig. .PageBreakLaccophiluscontinentalis is recorded from Swaziland .NHRS JLKB 000030279/Ex – Museo Dejean / D. Sharp Monogr. / irroratus après Dej. / Laccophilusposticus var. / Dr. Régimbart vidit 1893 / Coll. Oberthur” (MNHN). (12 exs.). Laccophilusmonas: Holotype: male: “Holotypus / I.R.S.A.C. –Mus. Congo/Route Shangugu-Usumbura riv. Lua 5-VIII 1949 G. Marlier / Type / Eaux thermals rivier Lua 5-8-49/R Dét. I. 6182 / Guignot det., 1953 Laccophilusmonas Guign. Type, male/= simplicistriatus Gschw. det. J. Omer-Cooper May 25th 1954” (MRAC).Sudan: “Meya Saku 43 mi. from Amadi, Juba rd. 29.I. 1954 JOC” (2 exs. AMGS); “L. Yirol 6,33N, 30,3E 24.I. 1954 JJOC” (2 exs. AMGS); “Nimule, Fula rapids 4.XI. 1954 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Nimule Ferry 4.XI. 1954 JJOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “L. Nyibor 23.I. 1954 JJOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Sandy river 50 mi. NW of Juba JJOC.” (5 exs. AMGS); “Aluakluak 30,5E, 6,30N 15.IV. 1954” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream from hot springs Nyangwara 30,5E, 4,39N 29.I. 1954 JJOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Equatoria Tali Post 8.IV. 1954” (1 ex. AMGS); “L. Shambe 21.I. 1954 JJOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Upper Nile, Malakal 5-20.1. 1963 Linnavuori / ad lucem” (4 exs. MZH); “Upper Nile, Malakal 5-20.1. 1963 Linnavuori” (10 exs. MZH); “Upper Nile Malakal Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “Upper Nile Pr. Malakal, nr junction Nile – Sobat 21.9. 1957 Forsberg/Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “Blue Nile Ingessana Mts. 17-22.11. 1962 Linnavuori” (2 exs. MZH); “Weisser Nil bei Tonga 10-13.4. 1914 Ebner”(1 ex. NMW); “Mongalla 50 Werner” (2 exs. NMW); “Kadugli at light, 11. 1954 Sweeney” (1 ex. BMNH); “Torit 2.7. 1980 Armstrong” ; “Gilo water tank (pumped of from stream) 20.3. 1980 Armstrong” ; “Kinyetti Riv. at Imeila 19.3. 1980 Armstrong” (4 exs. USNM); “SW Sudan nr Yambio Abbott” (1 ex. USNM); “Nairege Riv. 27.2. 1980 Armstrong” (1 ex. USNM). – Ethiopia: “Arsi, Dehra 40 km N Assella 25.9. 1988 1800 m, temp pool, Persson / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. PageBreakdet. Nilsson” (2 exs. MZLU); “Shoa, Soddere 16.10, 1988, 1500 m, temp. pool without vegetation Persson / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson” (1 ex. MZLU); “Shoa, Soddere 25.9. 1988, 1500 m Persson / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson” (2 exs. MZLU); “Shoa Dobre Zeit Hora lake 15.3. 1989, 2200 m, polluted water Persson /Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson” (1 ex. MZLU); “7000 ft. Hora Harsadi Addas 2.XII. 1926 J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “West marsh L. Zwai 5500 ft. 2-3.XI. 1926 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); 5000 ft. small pond Hora Shala 21.XI. 1926 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “7000 ft. Mt. Chilalu 8.XI. 1926 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Baher Dar 8.10.1968 Horde leg. /Lichtfang” ; “Bahar Dar, at light 4.4. 1967 P. Stys leg.” (1 ex. NMPC). – Zaire: “Kigoma V. 1930 / Paratype / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Gschwendtner” ; same as preceding but no determination label ; “Karemi V- 1912 Dr. Bayer / Laccophilussimplicistriatus G. J. Balfour-Browne det. 1963” (3 exs. MRAC); “Riv. Lobozi 5.11.1912 / Laccophilustaeniolatus Rég. var. R. Peschet det. 1914“ (1 ex. MAC); “Kivu: Luvungi XII-1932” (2 exs. MRAC); “Elisabethville (a la lumière) X/XI-1950 / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Guignot 1953” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG I/c/4, 15.3. 1950 Demoulin 234 / Paratype / Laccophilusmonas Guign. det. Guignot” ; “PNG Napokomweli 18.X. 1950 G. Demoulin 893 / Laccophilusmonas Guign. det. Guignot 1957” (1 ex. AMGS); “PNG, I/a/2, 21.4. 1950 Demoulin 452” (1 ex. NHMB); “PNG, Ndelele 19.3. 1952, 3199” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG II/fd/12, 10.3. 1952, 3180” ; “PNG PpK/14/g/14s, 4.4. 1952, 3290” ; “PNG II/fd/14s, 3.4. 1952, 3278” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG II7fd/Gar 29.2. 1952, 3152” (1 ex. MAC). – Uganda: “Mabira Forest Tinga 19.7. 1970 Brown” (1 ex. BMNH). – Kenya: “Lambwe Valley on light 11.6.1974 van Etten” (1 ex. RMNH); “Aberdares NP 5.12. 1989 Jäch” (1 ex. NMW); “Thika 7.12. 1989 Jäch” ; “Meru Distr., Gatunga 5.4. 1987 Mourglia” (1 ex. NHMB). – Rwanda: “Rumonge, Regenwald Jan. 1986 Heiss” (1 ex. NHMB). – Tanzania: “Ukerewe Tang. Terr. VIII. / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Gschwendtner” (4 exs. OLML); “TPC S of Moshi canals 28.9. 1976 Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Mwanza nr. Lake Victoria 31.7. 1957 / sweet potato channels” (2 exs. BMNH); “Mwanza nr. L. Victoria 1957 / Marginal pools and ditches” (7 exs. BMNH); “Tanganyika 1959 Eccles” (1 ex. BMNH); “SW Tanganyika Mpanda (dans ruisseau) 6. 1960 Leleup” (1 ex. MAC); “T.T. Rukwa Milepa 25.4. 1951 Water in road- tracks Backlund / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “T.T. Rukwa Tumba 29.1. 1951 Backlund / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “T.T. Rukwa Tumba 12.1. 1951 T. river Backlund / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “T.T. Rukwa Kipangati 28.11. 1950 sulphurous pools, shallow in rich woodland Backlund / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “Tang. terr. Nzega, Naro 19.8. 1951 Backlund / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “Rukwa, Rungwa Riv. 18.5. 1950 Backlund / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “T.T. Shinyanga 21.2. 1935 Burtt” (1 ex. BMNH); “T.T. Rukwa Mkumbwa 12.5. 1950 Backlund / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “Iringa Prov., 100 km NE Iringa 07°37'S, 36°17'E, 9.1. 2007, 660 m, J. Halada leg.” PageBreak; “Mbeya prov., 120 km E Mbeya 08°51'S, 34°00'E, 1220 m, 6.1. 2007 m, J. Halada leg.” (1 ex. NMPC). – Angola: “Namakunda 6. 1948, 16.15E, 18.50 S Koch” ; “Namakunda 6. 1948, 16.15 E. 1850S, Koch” (11 exs. BMNH); “Mongua 4.6. 1954, shallow reedy vlei” (1 ex. BMNH); “Mossamedes Distr., Rio Coroca 23.6. 1954/small clear pool with Chara” (1 ex. BMNH); “Rio Coroca 8 m. N of Porto Alexandre 22-23.6. 1954/Pond with Algae & Lemna, fringing Juncus” (1 ex. BMNH); “Pediva, ca, 30 mi. E of Porto Alexandre 400 ft. 26-27.6. 1954 / Ponds in warm, saline river; thick weed” (1 ex. BMNH); “Angola Schönlein” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Zambia: “Central Pr. Lusaka 8.1. 1982 Selander / rain pond” (1 ex. MZH); ”29.3.1993. Kafue NP., Chunga Camp, 15°02'35"S/26°00'09"E, lux Uhlig” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Malawi: “Stream 20 mi. from Dedza on Lower Lilongwae rd 30.IX. 1948” (8 exs. AMGS); “R. Diedma Lilongwe rd 30.IX. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Bua R. 2.X. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Dallys Hotel nr. Ft. Johnstone 23.VIII. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Zomba plateau res.7.XI. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream, Zomba plateau 6000 ft. 7.XI. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Gomba plateau (?) 7.XI. 1948” (3 exs. AMS); “Stream 6 mi. N of R. Mtiti 2.X. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Swampy pool nr. L. Nyasa 9.6. 1946” (1 ex. BMNH). – Zimbabwe: “Stream at Salisbury17.IX. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Marandellas 2. XI. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Small stream nr. Halfway Hotel Salisbury-Gatooma 14.IX. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Reserve water holes 3.IX. 1948” (5 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. IX. 1948 water holes” (10 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. IX. 1948 water hole / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Omer-Cooper” (3 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. Mazume Dam 4.IX. 48 / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Omer-Cooper” (5 exs. AMGS); “Wankie game reserve, Shapi pan 5-6.IX. 1948 (7 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Reserve 4.9. 1948 / J. OmerCooper” (1 ex. BMNH); “Wanki Game Reserve 4-5.9. 1948 J. Omer-Cooper / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. J. Omer-Cooper”; ”5 mi SE Wankie 7.4. 1968 Spangler” ; “Victoria Falls rainforest 6.X. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Gwai River 3.4. 1968 Spangler” . – Mozambique: “Niassa Prov., S12°17'28.8”, E34°46'31.4” Mandambuzi Marsh, Watson 6.4. 2009” (1 ex. CGF); “Niassa Prov. Cmimulimuli River, S12°11.520’, E34°42.288’, Watson 10.2. 2008” (1 ex. CGF). – Namibia: “Windhoek Town Dam 7.VII. 39” (1 ex. AMGS); “Okahandja Distr. Toggekry 250, Omatako Ranch, 55 km NNW, NNW Okahandja, thornbush savannah / 7.2. 2001, 21°30'43"S/16°43'00” lux 22°-14°, 25.4. 2001, 17,45-20,00 Uhlig & Ebert” ; “Damaral. Okahandja 21.59S-16.52E / 12.9. 1974 shore washing, Endrödy-Younga” ; “Damaraland Oshikango 5. 1948 15.55 E 17.25 S Koch” (1 ex. BMNH); “Kavango:Popa Falls 18°07'S-21°35'E, 26.2.-3.11.1992 lux Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Ovamboland Namutoni 31.5. 1954 / weedy waterhole and stream” ; “Oshikango SE of frontier post 2.6. 1954/shallow water, svampy marsh” ; “Ca. 7 mls N.E. of Grootfontein / waterhole in dolomite” (4 exs. BMNH); “Okarupa, ca. 17 mi. E of Okahandja, 4900 ft, 22.5. 1954 / pools in overflow stream from dam, much weed & algae” (2 exs. BMNH); “Kro, ca. 15 mi. SE of Namutoni 30.5. 1954 / shallow & muddy with algae” (1 ex. BMNH); PageBreak“Etosha Pan Okaukujo camp 19.11S-15.55E/28.12. 1974 shore washing Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Etosha Pan, 60 m. NW Namutoni 5. 1937”(1 ex. TMSA); “Etosha Game Res., Namutoni 27.5. 1937” ; “Kaokoweld Kowares, 90 mi SE Ohopoho 3.6. 1951” (1 ex. MZLU); “Kaokoweld Sanitatas, abt 85 mi. WSW Ohopoho 14-16.6. 1951” (1 ex. MZLU); “Kaokoweld Anabib (Orupembe) 100 mi. W Ohopoho 12-13.6. 1951” (1 ex. MZLU); “Kaokowelld Omutati, 70 mi. WSW Ohopoho 5.6. 1951” (2 exs. MZLU); “Kaokoweld 17.10. 1963 Gaerdes” (1 ex. MZLU); “Kaokoweld Sesfontain, 17 km WSW, 19.12S-13.32E/1.2. 1975 singled in riv. bed, Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Distr. Grootfontein leg. Irish / Farm klein Nosib 19.28S-14.50E Anfang April 1989” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Okomite R, temp. pool, N-17.4305, E14.1666, 12.11. 1997 De Moor” (5 exs. AMGS); “Omapapurawe Guard Post, 200 m from campsite, Kunene R., N-17.218, E13.645, 15.11. 1997 Bethune & al.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Kunene R., stream from cave into pool, N-17.00.07, E12.59.54, 20.6. 1997 De Moor & al.” (1 ex. AMGS). – Botswana: “Tsotsorogo Pan 17.VI-9. VIII. 1930 / Type male / female / paratype / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Gschwendtner” ; “Chobe Park Savuti Camp11.3. 1993, 18°33'S/24°03'E, lux Göllner” (1 ex. ZMHB); ”5 km NW San-ta-Wani Safari Lodge 19°27'01”/23°38'46”lux, Uhlig” (1 ex.ZMHB). – South Africa: “Trsvl 5 mi W Warmbad 24-25.2. 1968 Spangler” (1 ex. USNM); “Trsvl Randburg, N-26.070, E27.950, 6.6.1971 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Caffraria / J. Wahlb.” (1 ex. RMS); “Gauteng Cullinan Premier Mine Res. 25,40S–28,29E / 17.1.2002 Endrödy-Younga, light trap” (1 ex. TMSA); “Gauteng Tswaing 25.24S-28.06E / 16.2. 2003 light trap, TMSA staff leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Roodeplaat Pretoria distr. 10. 1960 Neubecker” (1 ex. TMSA); “Xolo R, small stream, riverbed, trib. Kunene R, 15.11. 1997 De Moor” (1 ex. AMGS). – Swaziland: “Eranchi 5-10.1. 1955 Capener / Laccophilussimplicistriatus J. Omer-Cooper det.” (3 exs. MZH). – Lesotho: “Nazareth M. S., 20 mi.ESE Maseru 24.3. 1951” (1 ex. MZLU).(396 exs.). Cameroon: female “Yaounde, Bor to Kosti by boat 13-14.3. 1978 Perkins” (1 ex. USNM).Mauritius: male “Insel Mauritius Westw. Nr. 9984 / Laccophilussimplicistriatus Gschw. det. Brancucci 82” (1 ex. ZMHB). Until additional specimens from Mauritius are available, this record is considered a case of mislabelling.Laccophilussimplicistriatus followed when Laccophilussimplicistriatus and at the same time he provided a short description of the species. Originally this act was not ment to be the original description, which it is in fact. Accordingly, the report  and not reduced frontally at suture. In Laccophilustaeniolatus elytral irroration frontally at suture is always sparser, often formed as a pale somewhat irregular spot. Shape of penis apex exhibits differences separating Laccophilussimplicistriatus from Laccophiluscomplicatus (apex of penis sharp and strongly curved) as well as from all other Laccophilus species.Body length 3.6–4.3 mm, width 1.9–2.4 mm. Habitus, dorsal aspect as in Fig. Head: Pale ferrugineous. Finely microsculptured; reticulation indistinctly double. In part, coarser meshes not discernible. When visible one large mesh contains 2–6 fine meshes. At eyes with fine, irregular punctures; a few scattered punctures medially between eyes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, anteriorly and posteriorly in middle with narrow ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous area. At margins, except basally in middle, with fine, irregular punctures. Microsculpture fine; reticulation indistinctly double . Slightly coarser, large meshes contain 2–6 fine meshes.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with quite coarse and distinct, dark ferrugineous irrorations Fig. . IrroratVentral aspect: Ferrugineous, apical half of abdomen dark ferrugineous. Rather shiny, although extensively, very finely microsculptured. Almost impunctate. Metacoxal plates with some transversely located, shallow furrows. Abdomen with fine striae. Prosternal process narrow, apically pointed. Apical ventrite not distinctly asymmetric (no process or knob on one side) Fig. .Legs: Pale ferrugineous, hindlegs a little darker. Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender, claws not especially long, slightly curved. Pro- and mesotarsus with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect, with apical half, somewhat enlarged on both sides of apex; extreme apex with two small processes Fig. .Female: Externally as male but apical ventrite less impressed on both side of midline and apex more extended backwards and rounded Fig. .Sudan, Ethiopia, Zaire, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho Fig. . UncertaLaccophilussimplicistriatus. In Malawi Laccophilussimplicistriatus was e.g. collected in a reservoir surrounded by a marshy area with small areas of open water and red mud and from a swift river with a wide coarse gravel bed where the species was collected in a pool. Additionally from Malawi, the species was sampled in a clear river with white water lilies, reed beds and patches of swamp. In Zimbabwe the species was collected in a number of water holes, springs and dams used by the game, and also in a dam with reeds and PageBreakwater plants, the bottom largely covered with dark mud, but sand in places. Finally, also in Zimbabwe collected in a series of pools with a small stream connecting them. The bottom of the water body was rock, sand and gravel with some deposited mud. Some vegetation growing in the pools. Also recorded from streams ; Laccophylus); New synonym.Laccophilustaeniolatus: Angola: Humpata.Laccophiluscongener: South Africa: Transvaal, Belfast.Laccophilustaeniolatus: Holotype: male: “P.J. vd Kellen Humpata Afr. trop. / Laccophilustaeniolatus sp. n. type Régb. / taeniolatus sp. n. Régimb.” . Laccophiluscongener: Holotype: male: “Type / Transvaal Belfast pond 23. N. 1948 Omer-Cooper / Brit. Mus. 1957-660 / Laccophiluscongener O-C.” (BMNH). – Paratype: female: Same information as holotype but labelled as “Allotype” (1 ex. BMNH); additional paratypes: same information as holotype but labelled as “Paratype” (4 exs. AMGS); “Paratype / Transvaal Belfast 30 Dec. 1948 J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Paratype / Transvaal Standerton 8.12. 1948 J.O-C. /Laccophiluscongener O-C. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Paratype / Transvaal R. Nyl at Num Num 23 Aug. 1948 J.O-C. (1 ex. AMGS); Paratype / Transvaal Misselburg 29 N. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS).AMGS); “Paratype / Transvaal Poerzya R., Waterberg Distr. 19.8. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS). (2 exs.): “Paratype / Transvaal Deel Kraal 20.8. 1948 J. O-C.” ; “Bathurst Jan. 1968 Leiler T.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Outside Abuko Nature Reserve at water works, at light 18.30–21.00, 4.11. 1977 / Cederholm-Danielsson-Hammarstedt-Hedquist-Samuelsson” (1 ex. MZLU); same data but ”19.00–22.00, 26.11. 1977” (1 ex. NHMB); same data but ”in and at Lamin stream 25–26.11. 1977” (1 ex. NHMB); “Abuko Nature Reserve, at light at the bamboo-pool 18.30-20.30, 18.11. 1977 / Cederholm-Danielsson-Hammarstedt-Hedquist-Samuelsson” ; “2 km S Kitty, 7 km SSW Brikama rd., junction in and at fresh water stream 13.2. 1977 / Cederholm-Danielsson-Hammerstedt-Hedquist-Samuelsson” (1 ex. MZLU). – Senegal: “Swamps ca. 3 km SW of Ziguinchor 8.3. 1977 / Cederholm-Danielsson-Larsson-Mireström-Norling-Samuelsson” (1 ex. MZLU); “In forest 1,5 km NE Djibélor, ca 6.5 km SW Ziguinchor, PageBreak8.3. 1977, at light 19.00-21.30 / Cederholm-Danielsson-Larsson-Norling-Samuelsson” (1 ex. MZLU); “Village Saré Sara 21 km ESE Kolda, in and at the junction of Rivers Koring and Tiángol, Dianguina 6.3. 1977 6.3. 1977 / Cederholm-Danielsson-Larsson-Norling-Samuelsson” (1 ex. MZLU). – Guinea Bissau: “Cacheu, 12 km E Varela, earth pit pond 9.4. 1993 S. Persson leg.” (8 exs. MZLU); “Cacheu, Bula, temporary pools 16.7. 1992 S. Persson leg.” (2 exs. MZLU); “Cacheu, 5 km W Bula, ponds 25.7. 1992 S. Persson leg.” (3 exs. MZLU). – Guinea: “Seredoux, lux 7-8.4. 1975 Zott” ; same data but ”4.5. 1975” (5 exs. ZMHB); same data but ”5.4. 1975” (2 exs. ZMHB); same data but ”4.4. 1975” ; same data but ”16.4. 1975” (1 ex. ZMHB); same data but ”18.4. 1975” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Burkina Faso: “Karfiguéla 29.10. 1973 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Niangoloko 26.10. 1973 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Ouagadougou 7.10-11. 1926” (1 ex. NHMB); “Nadiagow MV August 2005 Moretto” (1 ex. NHMB). – Chad: “Bebedja 28-31.5. 1973 Linnavuori leg.” (7 exs. MZH); “Nr Bongor 27.5. 1973 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH). – Central African Republic: “Bambari UV 2. 1964 Pierrard” (1 ex. MRAC). – Sudan: “Equatoria, Yambio 18-25.4. 1963 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Dahr el Ghazal, Wau 19.2. 1963 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Dahr el Ghazal R. Malmul 21.2. 1963 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Aluoklua Riv. 30.5E-6.30N, 15.4. 1954 Reid T.” (1 ex. AMGS); “L. Shambe 21.1. 1954 Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Alel R. Lau 14 mi.NE of Yirol 17.1. 1954 Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “L. Nyibor 23.1. 1954” (1 ex. AMGS); “Rain ponds S of Rumbek nr Wulu 19.1. 1954”(3 exs. ZMHB); “R. Maila 30.57E, 4.39N, 29.1. 1954” (5 exs. AMGS); “Minkammon 31.31E-6.2N, 16–17.1.1954 O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS). – Sierra Leone: “Makeni 28.11. 1993 light trap/Cederhalm-Danielsson-Hall” (4 exs. MZLU); same data but ”27.11. 1993” ; same data but ”9.11. 1980” (1 ex. USNM); same data but ”25.10. 1980” (4 exs. USNM). – Liberia: “Suakoko 26.4. 1952 light trap Blickenstaff” (1 ex. USNM); “Suakoko 8.4. 1953 Blickenstaff” (1 ex. USNM). – Ivory Coast: “Nord CI, Ferkessedougou 10-20.5. 1964 Decelle leg.” (1 ex. MRAC). – Ghana: “Upper East Pr. Navrongo Env. 11-13.6. 2006 Pokorny S. leg.” . – Togo: “Reg. Plateaux, Pref. Kloto, nr. Kpimé, 1 km NW Seva village 10.2.2006 Komarek & Hounguè leg. / 300 asl, agricultural irrigation ditch” (1 ex. NMW); “Sokodé- Kmpamgalam, FL HQ (niedere vegetat.) N-22.132 S, 4. 1980/Krell leg.” (1 ex. NHMB). – Benin: “Dép. Zou, commune de Zogbodomè 29.1. 2006 Goergen leg. / Lokoli forest 17 m asl, light trap” (1 ex. NMW); “Penessoulou, pond, forest area Oct. 2003 Goergen leg.” ; “SE Benin, 15 km SE Save 8–11.4.2000 Halada leg.” (1 ex. NMW). – Nigeria: “NW St. Badeggi rice fields 8-9.8.1973 Linnavuori leg.” (70 exs. MZH); “Ilorin Prov., Ilorin15–18.2 1949 Malkin / small clear pond” ; “NW St. Yelwa 23.7. 1973 Linnavuori leg.” (5 exs. MZH); “W St. Igboho-Kishi 19.7.1973 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “R St. nr Mbiama 4-5.7. 1973 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “MW St. Sapoba forest 1.9.1973 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “NE St. Gombe-Bauchi 27.8.1973 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Ibadan ca. Jan.-Juni 1954 Stenholt-Clausen leg. / Laccophiluscongener O-C. J. Balfour-Browne PageBreakdet. 1961” (2 exs. ZMUC); “R. Kaduna at Kadoura ? 1964” (1 ex. AMGS); “Little stream Oyo-Ibadan 28.3. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pools in dry stream bed Kontagora 5.4. 1963” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pools in river bed Kontagora 3.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream at Assob 36 miles from Jos 13.4. 1963” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream reservoir Jos 10.4. 1963” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pond in stream bed Kontagora-Kaduna rd 5.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream 86 miles from Makurdi at Jos road 24.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Detritus pond, Jos-Bauchi rd 9.4. 1968” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream, escarpment, rd Jos-Wambe 13.10. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream 64 miles from Bida on Jebba rd 15.IV. 1963 JOC.” (9 exs. AMGS); “Stream Zaria rd about 3 miles from Kaduna 4.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream nr Zaria 4.4. 1963 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream 3,5 miles from Oyo 28.3. 1963 JOC.” (10 exs. AMGS); “Trib. of R. Gagere (?) Zaria-Katsina 5.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Zaria 1969” (1 ex. NHMB); “Rivercrossing rd about 49 miles from Makurdi in Enyogo direction 24.4. 1963 JOC.” (4 exs. AMGS); “New Calabar River nr Port Harcourt 13.1. 1989 Umeozor leg.” (1 ex. USNM). – Cameroon: “SW Kumba-Mamfe 23.6. 1973 Linnavuori leg.” (2 exs. MZH); “Maroua 10/11.1965 (lumière) Schmitz leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Boura, partially parched small stream with riverine forest in savannah, at light 13.1. 1978/Gärdenfors-Hall-Samuelsson” (1 ex. MZLU); “Obala Juin 1969” (2 exs. NHMB); “Tsang Monatiele 5.1. 1970” (1 ex. NHMB). – Gabon: “Lagune Iguelá, Fortét à Est. Tassi Gen. 97 Bilardo / Laccophiluscongener O-C. det. Rocchi S. 1998” (1 ex. OLML). – Congo: “Brazzaville P.K. Rouge G. Onore 4. 1979 G. Onore / Laccophiluscongener O-C. det. Rocchi S. 1998” (1 ex. OLML); “Djili P.K. Rouge 3. 1979 Onore” (2 exs. NHMB); “Loudima, sur la route en savane 20.3. 1980 Onore” (3 exs. NHMB). – Zaire: “Parc National Garamba 1.9.1952 De Saeger leg.” (1 ex. MRAC); PNG II/fc/13, 7.3. 1952 De Saeger 3257” (1 ex. IRSNB); “PNG 30.1. 1950 G. Demoulin 240” (1 ex. NHMB); same data but ”8.5. 1950, 494” (1 ex. NHMB); “PNG II/fd/12, 10.3. 1952 De Saeger 3180” (1 ex. NHMB); “Tshuapa-Mbandaka 1964, A.B. Stam leg.” (3 exs. RMNH); “Dilolo 8-9. 1931 de Witte” (2 exs. NHMB); “Haut Uele Moto 1920 L. Burgeon / Laccophiluscongener O-C. det. Wewalka 1981”(1 ex. OLML); “Lusindoi 15.7. 1911 L. Burgeon/Laccophiluscongener O-C. det. Wewalka 1981” (1 ex. OLML); “Elisabethville 1.1956-1.1957 à la lumière Seydel leg.” ; same but ”1957-1958”(1 ex. NHMB); “Katanga Kansenia 6. 1925 G.F. de Witte / Laccophiluscongener O-C. det. Wewalka 1981” (1 ex. OLML). – Kenya: “Mariakani Dam, Kilifi distr. 16.9.1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Machakos district, Athi River 14.9.1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Djili P.K. Rouge 3. 1979 G. Onore” . – Tanzania: “Petukiza, ponds, Tanga Distr. 23.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Deforested place nr Mangula, 297 m, N-07°52'20”, E36°55'06”, 18.7. 2004, 297 m at light, Sprecher” . – Angola: “Pediva ca. 30 mi. E of Porto Alexandre 400 ft. 26-27.6. 1954 / Pools in warm, saline river, thick weed” (1 ex. BMNH); Mossamedes Distr. Rio Coroca 23.6. 1954 / Small clear pool in sand with Chara”(1 ex. BMNH); “Rio Coroca 8 m N of Porto Alexandre 22-23.6. 1954 / Pond with Algae & Lemna, fringing Juncus” ; “Ca. 10 mls. W of Cainde, ca 3500 ft 15.6. 1954 / Stagnant water hole, nitellid algae and muddy silt” (2 exs. BMNH). – Zambia: “Central PageBreakProv., Lusaka 8.1. 1982 Selander leg. / rain pond” (2 exs. MZH); “Lusaka 8.5. 1974 Lange” (3 exs. CGC); same data but ”23.4. 1974” (1 ex. CGC); “Kafue NP Chunga Camp, 15.02.35S-26.00.09E, 29.3. 1993 lux Uhlig leg.” ; “Kackhalola 820 m, 14.45.43S-30.35.46E, 19.3. 1993 lux Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Copperbelt Pr. Mwekera 23.1. 1982 Selander leg. / rain pond” (2 exs. MZH); “Abercorn 13.4. 1951 H.O. Backlund leg. / Laccophiluspropinquus O.-C. det. A.N. Nilsson 1996” (1 ex. MZLU); “Kasanka Nat. Res. N-12.30, E30.15, rain-filles dams Reavell” (4 exs. NHMB). – Malawi: “Fort Hill 8.10. 1945 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Mulanje Mts.,env. 22.-26.12. 2001 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Dambo below Livingstonia, lakeshuve 21.9. 1945” (1 ex. IRSNB). – Zimbabwe: “Wankie Res. waterhole 3.9. 1948” (5 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. 9. 1948 waterhole JOC: / Laccophiluscongener det. J. Omer-Cooper” (10 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. Shapi Pan 5.9. 1948 / Laccophiluscongener det. J. Omer-Cooper” (2 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. Shapi Pond 5.9. 1948” (1 ex. AMS); “Wankie Game Res. 4.9. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Res., Masumu Dam 4.9. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Res., Masumu Dam 9. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Res., Masumu Dam 9. 1948, waterhole” (2 exs. AMGS); ”5 mi. SE Wankie 7.4. 1968 Spangler” ; “Marandellas 2.9. 1948 JOC. / Laccophiluscongener det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Sinkukwe 30.12. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Small stream, Halfway Hotel Salisbury-Gatooma 14.9. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Gwaai River 1.9. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Gwai R. 3.4. 1968 Spangler” (4 exs. USNM). – Mozambique: “Niassa Prov. S12°17'28.8”, E34°46'31.4”, Mandambuzi Marsh Watson 6.4. 2009” (1 ex. CGF); “Jangamo Block N-24.3212, E35.280, 7.6. 2008 De Moor” (1 ex. AMGS). – Namibia: “Windhoek, New Dam 7.7. 34 JOC:” (3 exs. AMGS); “Windhoek Town Dam 7.7. 1939” (1 ex. AMGS); “SW Prot. Windhuk Parch 1919” (1 ex. SAMC); “E Capriwi, Katima Mulilo lux, 17.29S-24.17E, 3-8.3. 1992 Uhlig leg.” ; “Kavango: Kaudom-Camp, Wasserloch, Schilf + Gras-Gesiebe, 18.31S-20.43E, 22-25.2. 1992 Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “E Capriwi Mudumu NP: Nakatwa 18.10S-23.26E, 8-13.3. 1992 lux Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “E Capriwi Mudumu NP: Buffalo Trails Camp, lux, ca. 18.10S-23.26E, 12.3. 1992 Uhlig leg.” ; “Kavango Mahango Game Reserve, piknik site, lux 24.11. 1993, 18.13S-21.45E Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Kavango: Popa Falls 18.07S-21.35E, 26.2.-3.3. 1992 Uhlig leg.” ; “Namib Mt. Naukluft river 24.16 S-16.15 E 10.8. 1989 shorewashing, river Endrödy & Klimaszew” (1 ex. TMSA); “Damaral. Okahandja 21.59S-16.52E / 12.9. 1974 shore washing Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kro, ca.15 mi. SE of Namutoni 30.5. 1954 / Shallow and muddy, with algae” ; “Ca. 7 mi NE of Grootfontein 29.5. 1954 / Waterhole in dolomits” ; “Ovamboland Namutoni 31.5. 1954 / Weedy water-hole and stream” (1 ex. TMSA). – Botswana: “Tsotsorogo Pan 17.6.-9.7. 1930 / Laccophilustaeniolatus Régimbart det. Gschwendtner” (14 exs. TMSA); same data but Laccophiluscongener“ O-C. det. Wewalka 1981” (3 exs. OLML); “N´Kate Makarikari 6-23.8. 1930 / Laccophilustaeniolatus Régimbart det. Gschwendtner” (2 PageBreakexs. TMSA); “Chobe NP, Savuti-Camp 18.33.55S-24.03.53E, 11.3. 1993 lux Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB). – South Africa: “Trsvl., 5 mi W Warmbad 24-25.2. 1968 Spangler” ; “Tvl Nylstroom Donkerpoort dam 24.8. 1948” ; “Tvl Dam wall 28.11. JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Tvl Potgietersrust 23.4. 1933 Taylor” (1 ex. AMGS); “OLF 101D 21.3. 55” (TVL Olifantsvlei) (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal Bronkhorstspruit Rinosterpoort b. Franz leg.” (1 ex. NMW); “C. Transvaal Roodeplaat Dam 28.37S-28.23E / 14.8.1974 shore washing leg. A. Strydom” ; “Transvl Pretoria distr., Roodeplaat / UV light trap 30.10.-10.11. 1960 Dr. Neubecker” (1 ex. TMSA); “Roodeplaat Pretoria Distr. 10. 1960 Neubecker” (2 exs. TMSA); “Tv Nelshoogte Forest Station 25.50-30.50E / 2.12.1986 UV light collection Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex.TMSA); “Tv Nelshoogte galery for. below St. 25.51S-30.53E / 4.12. 1987 UV light collection leg. Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Tvl Naboomspr. Torino Ranche24.37S-28.38E / 15.1. 1989 UV light, vlei edge Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Tvl Rhenosterpoort N.R. 25,45S-28.55E / 15.11. 1975 at light Endrödy-Younga leg.” ; “Nelspruit Pond 27.4. 2010, S25°32'13,83”, E30°59'50,35” Hidalgo-Galiano & Kleynhans leg.” (1 ex. CIR); “Transvaal April 1946” (1 ex. AMS); “Fountains 26.8. 05” (1 ex. TMSA); “Fountains 26.8. 1895(?)” (1 ex. TMSA); “Plat River 6-18.4. 05 / Waterberg Distr. Swierstra / Laccophilustaeniolatus Régimbart Gschwendtner det.” (7 exs. TMSA); “W Cape Arniston 7. 1946” (1 ex. BMNH); “ECPr. Matatiele 4-5.5. 1956 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “ECPr. Matatiele 5.5. 1956 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS);” “ECPr. Matatiele 5.5. 1956 JOC. / Laccophiluscongener O-C. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (5 exs. AMGS); “ECPr. Mt Currie 6.5. 1956 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “EC., Hwy 352, 3 km S Tsomo, in river 22.5. 2005 Challet” (1 ex. CGC); “ECPr., Qumbu 2.5. 1956 J.O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transkei Port St Jones Silaka 31.33S-29.30E/2.12. 1987 UV light collection leg. Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); Nat. -Drakensbg. Cathedral Peak 28.57S-29.12E / 15.3.1976 at light leg. Endrödy-Younga” (3 exs. TMSA); “Natal, TUG 77 Q38 ; “Natal Zululand Mtuba-tuba 23.9. 1947 JOC.” ; “Natal 1942” (1 ex. AMGS); “Caffraria / Wahlb.” (1 ex. NHRS). – Swaziland: ”9 mi. from Mbabane 6.12. 1948 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS). – Lesotho: “Hensley’s Dam 8 mi. SW Leribe 30.3. 1951 / Brinck-Rudebeck” (6 exs. MZLU).(457 exs.): Laccophilustaeniolatus and Laccophiluscongener have been examined and compared with each other. No diagnostic differences can be discerned in shape of male genitalia. Externally both species are similar and accordingly they both belong to the same species, and Laccophiluscongener is hence a junior subjective synonym of Laccophilustaeniolatus.The holotypes of Laccophilustaeniolatus is a widely distributed, but still reasonably uniform species. It resembles externally most of Laccophiluspropinquus, Laccophilussimplicistriatus and Laccophiluscomplicatus. From the two latter species Laccophilustaeniolatus can in most cases be separated by study of the elytral colour pattern: dark irrorations are clearly reduced frontally on each side of the suture and an irregular, pale area is formed on base of each elytron. Laccophiluspropinquus and Laccophilustaeniolatus requires dissection of male genitalia for correct PageBreakidentification; apex of penis exhibits a small difference in location of the small, frontal process. Additionally penis is distinctly shorter in Laccophiluspropinquus.Body length 3.8–4.2 mm, width 1.9–2.3 mm. Colour pattern of dorsal aspect of body distinct; exhibits limited variation Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous, posteriorly darker, ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Sometimes posteriorly with darker area; however vague and hardly discernible. Slightly mat; rather finely microsculptured; double reticulation indistinct; weakly developed medially on head. At eyes finely and irregularly punctate; between eyes with a few scattered, fine punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally and posteriorly in middle with a dark brownish to dark ferrugineous marking. Posterior margin narrowly dark. Frontal and basal dark areas sometimes connected by a vague, ferrugineous area. Finely microsculptured, submat. Reticulation indistinctly double; large meshes (when distinguishable) contain 2–4 small meshes. At margins with very fine, sparse and irregularly distributed punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dense, dark ferrugineous to blackish irrorations, which are somewhat unevenly distributed on elytra. Frontally, along dark suture, dark irrorations sparser, in part absent. Longitudinal, dark irrorations can in part  simply be “hollow” and consist only of dark outlines Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. No distinct colour pattern. Rather shiny, very finely microsculptured; in part microsculpture indistinct. Abdomen basally very finely and sparsely striated. Metacoxal plates with fine, shallow, transversely located furrows. Apex of prosternal process slender, pointed. Apical sternite lacks asymmetric knob; provided with curved, sublateral impressions  Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged, rather long. Provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite long and evenly curved; minor frontal process protuding Fig. .Female: Apical sternite Fig. .Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, Central African Republic, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho Fig. . BecauseLaccophilustaeniolatus is a good flier and has often been captured at light collection. It also occurs in water bodies created or highly influenced by man, as in agricultural PageBreakirrigation ditches. It dwells in forests as well as in open habitats as steppes and savannas ; “Paratype / Nyasaland Zomba Plateau Reservoir 7.11. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Paratype / Nyasaland Reservoir Mwanza 9.11. 1948” (2exs. AMGS); “Paratype / Nyasaland stream longer Lilongwe rd. 20 miles from Dedza 30.9. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Paratype / Nyasaland dam on lower Lilongwe rd. 29.9. 1948” (2exs. AMGS); “Paratype / Nyasaland Cisaiti R. nr. Dedza 28.9. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “S. Rhodesia Inganyi River 17.IX. 1948 / Laccophiluspropinquus sp. n. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (4 exs. AMGS); Nyasaland Dambo below Livingstonea Lake shore 21.9. 1945 / Paratype / Laccophiluspropinquus O.-C., O. Cooper det.” (1 ex. IRSNB).(14 exs.). Holotype: male: “Type / male, female (symbols) Types / River near portuguese border, near Mwanza 9.II. (11 ?) 1948 / Brit. Mus. 1957-660 / Tanzania: “Ruvu North Forest Reserve, waterholes, 3 km SE of Base 6°37'20” S, 38°55'00” E alt. 250 ft 1.11. 1992 / Hynd Collection” ; “Ruvu North Forest Reserve, Base Camp6°37'40” S, 38°51'14” E alt. 200 ft 30.10. 1992 / Hynd Collection” (1 ex. MZH); “Zanzibar Pemba Sept. 1955 Fowler” (3 exs. AMGS); “Zanzibar Mangapwani Rd. Sept. 1955 JOC.” (5 exs. AMGS). – Malawi: “Dam, Dedza on lower Lilongwe rd. 30.9. 1948” (2exs. AMGS); “Mtiti R. 1.10. 1948” (3exs. AMGS).(20 exx.). Laccophiluspropinquus is very closely related to Laccophilustaeniolatus and externally very similar to this species. Small but distinct differences in shape of penis allow confident separation of the two species; penis short and apical process vague in Laccophiluspropinquus .Body length 3.8–3.9 mm, width 1.9–2.0 mm. Pale ferrugineous; dorsal, dark ferrugineous colour pattern of body quite distinct Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous, posteriorly with vague dark ferrugineous area. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation almost of one kind, simple; double reticulation indistinct, weakly developed and difficult to distinguish. At eyes with irregularly distributed, sparse punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, anteriorly and at base with rather narrow, vague blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous markings which are medially connected by a vague ferrugineous area. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation indistinctly double but size classes difficult to separate. Laterally and anteriorly with indistinct and sparse punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with rather distinct dark ferrugineous markings formed as irrorations Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous. Rather shiny and very finely (partly indistinctly) microsculptured. Abdomen with fine to very fine striae. Metacoxal plates with fine and shallow transverse furrows. Almost impunctate. Prosternal process slender, pointed. Apical ventrite almost symmetric, lacks lateral knob; apex more angle-shaped than in female Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus long, slender, and with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis In lateral aspect comparatively short, evenly curved and apical process not prominent Fig. .Female: Externally as male but apex of apical ventrite broader and more rounded Fig. .Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Zanzibar Fig. . Omer-CoThe species has been collected in streams e.g. with rocks, sand and some vegetation. It is also recorded from standing water in a swamp and a reservoir.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeSharp, 1882LaccophiluscomplicatusMadagascar.PageBreakLaccophiluscomplicatus: Lectotype (by present designation) male: “Type / Madagascar / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Madag. / Laccophilusrivulosus Klug /Type 574 Laccophiluscomplicatus sp. n. Madagascar” (BMNH). – Paralectotype: female: ”574 / Cotype / Madagascar / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Madagascar / Laccophiluscomplicatus Shp Co-type” (1 ex. BMNH).(2 exs.). Madagascar: “E-Mad., Morarano, N. Morananga 900 m asl, 13.1. 1995 Janák” ; “E-Mad. Ampamoho nr Andilamena 1200-1300 m asl 18-20.1. 1995 Dunay & Janák” (20 exs. NMW); “Ambatombe nr Andilamena 900 m asl, 17.1. 1995 Dunay & Janák” ; “E-Mad. Andranokobaka, N Moramanga 800 m asl 13.1. 1995 Dunay & Janák” (21 exs. NMW); “W-Mad. Manindaray W Sakahara 700-800 m asl 30.1. 1995 Dunay & Janák” (1 ex. NMW); ”5 km S Ampamoho 950-1000 m asl 18-20.1. 1995 Dunay & Janák” (3 exs. NMW); “E Sakahara 30.1. 1995 Manindray 700-800 m Dunay & Janák” (1 ex. NMW); “Mad. Centr. Antananarive 18-19.1. 1993 Janák” (1 ex. NMW); “Envir. de Tananarive 7. 1970 Pederzani” ; “Prov. Tananarive, env. de Arivonimamo 22.7. 1970 Pederzani” (1 ex. AMGS); “Tan. Manjakatompo 3.1. 1958 Keiser” (1 ex. NHMB); “Mandrare Bas., Loc. prés Andaza, affl. non nommé, Riv., 46°34'05"E, 24°03'16"S, Alt. 315 m 26.4. 1995 Elouard & Pilaka” (1 ex. NMW); “Prov. Tamatava, 3.3 km N Ambabasoratra 31.8. 1962 Cashatt” (1 ex. USNM); “Mad-est 1100-1200 m, NP Ranomafana / Vohiparara 21-24.1. 1993 Janák” (2 exs. NMW); “Prov. Fianarantsoa 7 km W Ranomafana, 1100 m 8-21-10. 1988 Steiner W.E. / At black light in montane rainforest” ; “Prov. Fianarantsoa 7 km W Ranomafana, 1000 m 23-28.2. 1990 Steiner W.E.” (1 ex. USNM); “Ankaratra (Antananarivo) Res. Manjakatompo 6.10. 2001 / Gerecke et Goldsmith leg. / Helocrene at left border of affluent to Lac Froid, 1700 m asl” (2 exs. BMNH); “Manjakatompo 5.10. 1989 Bartolozzi & Taiti leg. / m 1700 Stazione pescicoltura / Laccophiluscomplicatus Sharp det. Rocchi 1989”(3 exs. CSR); “Antranovy (Antananarive) 13 km W from Arivonimana, 13.7. 2001 helocrene in rice field exp. N / 1480 m asl / Gerecke et Goldsmith leg.” ; “Tsimelahy (Tuelar) 5.9. 2001, Riv. Antarantsa downstr. piceine naturelle / 200 m asl / Gerecke et Goldsmith leg.” (1 ex. BMNH); “Foret de l’Est Perinet-Anosibe 11-12. 1959” (1 ex. BMNH); “Tan. Madag, Ampefy, Lac Kavitaha wi 25.III. 58 Keiser” (1 ex. NHMB); “Tam. Perinet 3.12. 1957 Keiser” (1 ex. NHMB); “La Mandraka, ex. coll. Breuning” (1 ex. MRAC); “Suberbieville, ex. coll. Breuning” (5 exs. MRAC); “Tananarive 22-29.i. 1972 Hecq” (1 ex. MRAC); “Tananarive, at light 12.12. 1955 E. Mac (?) Callan” (1 ex. AMGS); “Tananarivo Friedrichs / Laccophiluscomplicatus Sharp det. Brancucci” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Fianarantsoa Prov., Foret d’Antsirakanbiaty, 7.6 km 285˚ WNW Itremo, elev. 1550 m 22-26.1.2003 / 20°35'36"S 046°33'48"E, collected at light in montane rainforest, Fischer, Griswold & al. leg.” (2 exs. CAS); “Fianarantsoa Ranomafana National Park, Talatakely res. lab. area, black light mercury vapour / light, elev. 940 m 21°14'53,5"S, 47°25'35,9"E, 31.10-20.11.1998 Lee & Ribardo leg.” (1 ex. CAS); “Fian Isalo Menamaty R., degraded river with lots of vegetation used by women to wash clothes in, 11.5. 2006, N-22°33.001, E45°24.074, 757 m Bergsten et al.” ; “Fian PageBreakAndringitra Zomandao R. bridge on road to the camp belamba, vegetation rich edges along the river N-22°6.225, E46°55.244, 8-9.5.2006, 1421 m Bergsten et al.” (13 exs. NHRS); “Fian. Col. des Tapias Rte Tana-Fianarantsoa, vegetation- rich pond with fish 6.5. 2006 N-20°46.376, E47°10.749, 1718 m Bergsten et al.” (9 exs. NHRS); “Mangoky Bas, Loc. Andringitra, Camp B, Zomandao River 46°53'46"E/22°07'12"S 1600 m asl 30.11. 1993 leg. ORSTOM” (1 ex. NHRS); “Andringitra Rambavy R. (Cascade) N-22.153, E 46.9, 1979 m, 8.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. / BMNH(E) <794244> DNA Voucher” (1 ex. NHRS); “Ft Dauphin, rice paddies N-24.824, E 46.866, 34.44 m 19.5. 2006 Bergsten at al/BMNH(E)(E) <794247> DNA voucher” (1 ex. NHRS); “TOLI Zombitse, N-22 64 Andramomena R. pool, N-22.64, E44.864: 577 m, 15.5.2006 leg. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mangoro Bas Loc. Ankirihitra Tsarantanana River 47°17'37"E/19°23'00"S, 11.1. 1997 Elouard leg.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mad-est. 1100-1200 m P.N. Ranomafana / Vohipara 21-24.1. 1993 Dunay & Janák leg.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mah/Tol. Melaky/Menabe Ambojihanahary NP, S18.26849. E045.46346, 906 m.a.o., 19.12. 2009 water net, field Bergsten et al. / NHRS-JLKB 000000723” (1 ex. NHRS); “Madagascar” .(390 exs.). NMW); “Mexique” (1 ex. MHNG).(2 exs.). “Dirjo 24” .(1 ex.): Holotype, male: “Data in Mauritius: “I. Maurice Montrésor Ch. Alluaud 1893 / male symbol / Museum Paris coll. Maurice Régimbart” (1 ex. MNHN); “I. Maurice Mon Désert P. Carie Fév. 1903 / Laccophilusirroratus Aubé / Museum Paris coll. 1945 R. Peschet” (1 ex. MNHN); “Ile Maurice / de Borre” (3 exs. MHNG); “Ins. Mauritius Westw.” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Reunion: “La Reunion Palmistes Ch. Alluaud 1893 / Museum Paris coll. Maurice irroratus Aubé” ; “E St. Joseph Riv. Langevin 250 m 28.12. 1998 leg. Wewalka / Laccophilusirroratus Aubé Wewalka det. 99” ; “Plaine des Cafres 3.3. 1935 Vinson” (1 ex. MNHN); “Ins. I. Fr. Dufr.” (1 ex. ZMHB).(21 exs.). Laccophilusirroratus is characterized by large body size, peculiar elytral colour pattern and penis, which is different from all other African Laccophilus species; penis in lateral aspect quite delicate, distinctly curved and simple, exhibiting minor modifications.Body length 4.0–4.3 mm, breadth 2.4–2.6 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body stable, exhibits only minor variation Fig. .Head: Pale ferruginous, posteriorly close to pronotum with narrow but distinct, dark ferrugineous area. Rather shiny, although distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double, large meshes contain 3–5 small meshes. In middle of head small meshes in part reduced. At eyes with scattered, fine punctures; area with punctures extends towards middle of head.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Anteriorly, at level of eyes with a broad, black to dark ferrugineous area. At base with a quite narrow, black to dark ferrugineous area, which is medially somewhat enlarged. Delimitation of darker areas is somewhat vague. Rather shiny, although distinctly microsculptured; reticulation double. Large meshes distinct while small meshes, especially medially, are fine, in part hardly visible or totally absent. Punctures absent, except in frontal part and laterally where puncture very fine and scattered.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with distinct, only slightly variable, dark ferrugineous irrorations Fig. . One speVentral aspect: Blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern but three basal ventrites are somewhat paler than apical ones. Rather shiny, in part with very fine microsculpture. Almost impunctate, except apical ventrite, with scattered fine punctures, and frontally on metathorax, with fine, fairly dense punctures. Abdominal ventrites with fine, curved striae. Metacoxal plates with about 10 shallow and in part slightly indistinct furrows. Metacoxal process not modified. Apical ventrite, symmetric (no knob discernible) Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, somewhat extended. Segments provided with suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis delicate, in lateral aspect distinctly curved; apex simple and exhibits hardly any modifications Fig. .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite Fig. .Laccophilusirroratus is an endemic species of Mascarene Islands  Nr. 9982 Laccophilusrivulosus Kl. Madagascar Goudot Zool. Mus. Berlin” (ZMHB). – Paralectotypes: Madagascar Goud. Nr. 9982 / Typus / Hist-Coll. (Coleoptera) Nr. 9982 Laccophilusrivulosus Kl. Madagascar Goudot Zool. Mus. Berlin” (3 exs. ZMHB).(4 exs.): Lectotype (by present designation): male: “9982 / Typus / Madagascar: “Antakotako II 1936” ; “Mad. Sud, Ft Dauphin Alluaud” (2 exs. MNHN); “Tamatave Perrot” ; “Antsianaka Perrot Freres, 1er Semestre 1892” ; “Antsianaka / Laccophilusrivulosus Kl. det. M. Brancucci” (1 ex. MNB); “Suberbieville” (1 ex. MNHN); “Mt. d’Ambre / Mai” (1 ex. ZMHB); “St. Marie Moaroay / Mad. Kaudern / Laccophilusrivulosus Kl. det. Zimmermann” (4 exs. NHRS); “Mahajanga Melaky, btw Bekopaka-Antsalova, S18.91556, E044.55546, 47 m.a.o. 16.12. 2009 water net, field Bergsten et al.” (2 exs. NHRS); same data but add “NHRS-JLKB 000000726” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga Melaky, btw Antsalova-Maintirano S18.30233, E044.18071, 37 m.a.o., 18.12. 2009, water net, field, Bergsten et al. /NHRS-JLBK 000000728” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga Boeny, Ankarafantsika NP, S16.30341, E046.81073, 74 m.a.o., 29.11. 2009, 22 W black light, field, Bergsten et al.” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “S16.31215, E046.81523, 76 m.a.o., water PageBreaknet, field” (2 exs. NHRS); same data but “S16.31215, E046.81523, 76 m.a.o., water net, field/NHRS-JLKB 000000724” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga Boeny, Mahavavy Kinkony RS, S16.06651, E045.77672, 24 m.a.o., 5.12. 2009, water net, field, Bergsten et al./NHRS-JLKB 000000727” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toliara Menabe, Kirindy R. S., S20.07641, E044.674708, 65 m.a.o., 11.12. 2009 water net, field, leg. Bergsten et al” (2 exs. NHRS); “FIAN, Isalo, Piscine Noir, hygropetric 12.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. /BMNH(E) <794159> DNA voucher / Laccophilusrivulosus Kl. det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Madagascar Fairmaire / Laccophilusrivulosus Kl. Madg.” (1 ex. NMW); “Madag. Perrier” (2 exs. SAMC).(38 exs.). Laccophilusrivulosus is characterized by large body, peculiar elytral colour pattern and shape of penis. Dark longitudinal markings of elytra are quite broad and distinct. Pale irrorations can generally be discerned within dark, longitudinal marking. Penis resembles much of penis of Laccophilusposticus but it is somewhat larger and extreme apex more extended. Additionally large body size and clear differences in elytral colour pattern easily separates Laccophilusrivulosus from Laccophilusposticus.Body length 4.8-5.3 mm, width 2.7-3.0 mm. Dorsal colour pattern of body generally distinct and uniform Fig. ; rarely Head: Pale ferrugineous, posteriorly between eyes with a distinctly delimited blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous area. Rarely dark area reduced and only in part visible because hidden beneath frontal part of pronotum. Almost impunctate. At eyes in shallow depression with fine, irregularly distributed punctures. Submat, rather distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double. Coarser meshes only slightly stronger in comparison with fine meshes. In part, kinds of meshes difficult to separate. When discernible coarse meshes contain 3-5 fine meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally with a distinct, dark ferrugineous area. Posteriorly in middle with an, often, bilobed, dark ferruginoeus, narrow spot. Almost impunctate. No distinct punctation discernible. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double. Coarse meshes well developed, contain 2-5 fine meshes.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with distinct, longitudinal, dark ferrugineous markings. Dark markings somewhat undulate and merged into pairs, forming pale, inner, irrorations Fig. . Rarely Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous. Almost impuntate; abdomen with a few scattered punctures. Rather shiny, although extensively, finely microsculptured. In part microsculpture almost obliterated or totally obliterated. Abdomen laterally with fine, curved striae. Apical ventrite as in Fig. Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, somewhat extended and provided with some protruding suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis quite robust, in lateral aspect distinctly curved and apex extended and sharp Fig. .Female: Apical ventrite as in Fig. Endemic for Madagascar Fig. .Information on biology is almost totally lacking. Diagnosis. Quite large species with body length 4.3–4.5 mm, width 2.3–2.5 mm.Body shape oval-oblong, dorsoventrally flattened Fig. . Body coProsternal process slender, slightly extended, apically pointed. Apical ventrite modified; posteriorly on each side somewhat excavated; medially, posteriorly extended, lacks asymmetrical knob on one side of ventrite Fig. . No striParamere apically narrow, basally enlarged; moderately modified Fig. . Apical Species composition and distribution. One species is recognized and distributed in South Africa.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeSharp, 1882LaccophilusimmundusLaccophilusspadixConfirmed synonym.Laccophilusimmundus: South Africa: Cape Town.Laccophilusspadix: South Africa: Cape Province, Caledon district.Laccophilusimmundus: Holotype: female: “Type / S. Africa / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Type 595 Laccophilusimmundus sp. n. Capetown” (BMNH). – Laccophilusspadix: Holotype: male: “Type / W Cape P., stream with pools in pine wood, Caleda dist. 18.XI. 1947 J. Omer-Cooper / Brit. Mus. 1957-660 / Laccophilusspadix O-C. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (BMNH). – Paratypes: female: “Type / Cape Peninsula, small vlei nr Cape Town 18.XI. 1947 J. Omer-Cooper / Brit. Mus. 1957-660 / Laccophilusspadix O-C. det. J. Omer-Cooper female allotype” (1 ex. BMNH); “W. Cape Pr., stream with pools in pine wood Caledon distr. 18.XI. 1947 JOC. / Laccophilusspadix O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS).(4 exs.). South Africa: “Western C. Pr. stream with pools in pine wood Caledeon Dist. 18.XI. 1947 Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pools in Caledon 11. 1947” (14 exs. AMGS); “WC. Prov. Princess vlei Cape Town 13.IV. 1947”(1 ex. AMGS); “Cap. b. sp. De Vylder / Laccophilusimmundus Shp det. A. Zimmermann” (5 exs. NHRS); “Cape Prov., Cape Flats, Varden Vlei 2 mi E Ottery, 2.2. 1951 / Laccophilusspadix = Laccophilusimmundus det. J. Omer-Cooper” ; “Cape Good Hope Nature Reserve 7-10.3. 1968 Spangler” ; “CPr., Cape of Good Hope 8.1. 1994 Wewalka” (2 exs. CGC); “WC, Cape point Res., Cape peninsula 28.8. 2007, dam, Pryke leg., 34.30947S, 18.44977E” (2 exs. CCT); “WC, Cape of Good Hope 20.3. 2001, pond 2 km N field museum, Ribera et Cleslak” (1 ex. CIR); “WC, Cape of Good Hope Reserve, pond, 26.2. 1997 Turner” ; same data but “16.2. 1997” (100 exs. CCT); “WC, Cape Point Reserve, S341436, E182306, 30.8. 2003, seasonal pool with fibrous vegetation, Turner, Mann & Reavell” ; “WC, Cape Point Res., seasonal pool, 3418S, 182631E, alt. 87 m, Turner, Mann & Reavell” (25 exs. CCT); “WC, Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope Res., pond 26.2. 1997 Turner” (166 exs. CCT); same data but “Reservoir on roadside to Bordjlesri 15.2. 1997 Turner” (55 exs. CCT); “WC, Kromrivier at roadsite, Cape G.H. Res. 15.2. 1997 Turner” (1 ex. CCT); “WC, Schusters Kraal, stream, netted between footbridge and dam, 341223S, 182237E, 13.9. 2003, Turner, Mann & Reavell” (8 exs. CCT).(945 exs.). Laccophilusimmundus, being older than Laccophilusspadix, is the valid name of the species.Holotypes of both involved taxa have been examined and compared. No diagnostically important differences detected and accordingly, earlier introduced synonymy is confirmed. A peculiar species, which is especially characterized by shape of penis apex (harpoon-like) and by body, being almost one-coloured, piceous to dark brownish or dark ferrugineous.Body length 4.3–4.5 mm, width 2.3–2.5 mm. Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, dorsal colour pattern of body is vague, reduced and rather indistinct Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, posteriorly and at eyes dark ferrugineous; delimitation of colour pattern vague. Rather finely to finely and densely punctate. Close to eyes with a few coarser punctures. Submat, distinctly microsculptured. Meshes double; larger meshes include 2-5 fine meshes.PageBreakPronotum: Ferrugineous, basally in middle with a dark ferrugineous marking. Punctures fine to very fine, rather dense and slightly irregularly distributed. At margins with a partly irregular row of punctures.  Microsculpture distinct, dense and double: coarser meshes include 2-6 finer meshes.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous, vague darker markings sometimes discernible but form no distinct colour pattern Fig. . Finely Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. In part, very finely microsculptured. Metacoxal plates, especially in frontal part with rather distinct furrows. Apical ventrite lacks “one-side” asymmetric knob Fig. . VentritLegs: Pro-and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis quite long and slender, slightly sinuate and apex “harpoon-like” Fig. .Female: As male but apical ventrite slightly different in shape Fig. . Pro- anSouth Africa Fig. .Poorly documented. Label data gives various water bodies as pond, stream with pools in pinewood as a collecting sites, but available information is generally quite superficial.Diagnosis. Large species; body length 5.3–6.0 mm, width 3.0–3.4 mm.Shape of body oval, dorsoventrally distinctly flattened Fig. . Dorsal Prosternal process quite broad, rather short, apex pointed. Apical ventrite somewhat modified; posterior end of ventrite excavated on both sides and medially ventrite somewhat extended. Asymmetric knob on one side of ventrite lacking Fig. . StridulParameres moderately modified. Penis is exceptionally large with apex strongly modified; clearly different from all other African species Fig. .Species composition and distribution. One species recognized in this species group, distributed in Africa South of Sahara excluding Madagascar.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeSharp, 1882LaccophiluspellucidusLaccophilusampliatus Régimbart and Laccophiluspellucidus); LaccophilusampliatusLaccophilusampliatus and Laccophiluspilitarsis Régimbart); Laccophilusampliatus and Laccophiluspellucidus Sharp); Confirmed synonym.LaccophiluspilitarsisLaccophilusampliatus Régimbart); Laccophiluspellucidus Sharp); Confirmed synonym.Laccophiluspellucidus: South Africa: Natal, Bedford District.Laccophilusampliatus: South Africa: Natal.Laccophiluspilitarsis: Kenya: Taveta.Laccophiluspellucidus: Holotype (type unique): male: Laccophiluspellucidus“ Type D.S. Bedford District, Caffraria 175 Laccophilus / Type H.T. / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 (BMNH).(6 exs.). Laccophilusampliatus: Lectotype (by present designation): female: “Natal / Museum Paris Coll. Maurice ampliatus Rég. type” (MNHN). – Paralectotype: female: “98 / Laccophilusampliatus Rég. type unique / SAM Type acc. no. 838” (1 ex. SAMC). PageBreakLaccophiluspilitarsis: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Afrique Orle Anglaise Taveta Ch. Alluaud I-IV. 1904 / Museum Paris coll. Alluaud / Type” (MNHN). – Paralectotypes: “Afrique Orle Anglaise Nairobi (Wa Kikuyu et Masai) Ch. Alluaud 2. sem. 1903 / Museum Paris coll. Alluaud / Type” (2 exs. MNHN).Ethiopia: “Abyssinia Hora Bishoftu 7000 ft. 23.XII. 1926 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Hora Horeso 7000 ft. 1.12. 1926 JOC.” (12 exs. AMGS); “Small pond Hora Abjata 5000 ft. 18.XI. 1927 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Sudan: “S. Sudan R. Yei at Amadi 28.1. 1954 JJOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “S. Sudan stream from hot springs Nyangwara 30,5E 4,39N 29.1. 1954 JJOC.” (6 exs. AMGS); “S. Sudan R. Yel at Amadi 28.1. 1954 JJOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “S Sudan, sandy river 50 mi NW Juba 29.1. 1954 J. & J. Omer-Cooper” (5 exs. AMGS); “Equatoria Mundri-Lalyo 25-26.2. 1963 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “Blue Nile Ingessana Mts. 17-22.11. 1962 Linnavuori” (2 exs. MZH); “Equatoria Lalyo-Juba 26-27.2. 1963 Linnavuori” (7 exs. MZH). – Uganda: “Madi V. 1927 Carpenter” (1 ex. AMGS). – Kenya: “Selengai Riv. 21.6. 1970 E.S. Brown” (2 exs. BMNH); “River Athi Bushwackers´ Camp 29.3. 1964 E.S. Brown” (1 ex. BMNH); “Athi River Machakos District 14.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. M. Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Nairobi Natnl Park 22.3. 1953 Hippo pools E.S. Brown” (1 ex. BMNH); “Kibwezi River Machakos District 13.9. 1976 Holmen M. / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen 1976” (8 exs. ZMUC); “Cha Shimba R., Kwale Kwale District 18.9. 1976 M. Holmen” (3 exs. ZMUC); “Mwatsuma R. Mariakani Kilifi District 16.9. 1976 M. Holmen” (2 exs. ZMUC); “Manjewa Riv Mariakani Kilifi / Kwale District 16.9. 1976 M. Holmen” (5 exs. ZMUC); “Maji ya Chumwi River Kwale District 16.9.1976 M. Holmen / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. M. Holmen 1976” (3 exs. ZMUC) “Afrique Orle Anglaise Voi Ch. Alluaud 1909 / Septembre” (2 exs. MNHN); “Afrique Orle Anglaise Voi Ch. Alluaud 1909 / Septembre / Det. Dr. Guignot Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég.” (1 ex. MNHN); “Fort Hall Br. O. A.” ; “Mulango Br. O. A.” (1 ex. ZMHB);” Br. O. A. Kibwezi Scheffler” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Tanzania: “Mkulumuzi Riv. Paramba, Tanga District 26.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen det.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Sigi Riv. Ralley Estate Tanga District 26.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. M. Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Kombe Stream Doda Tanga District 23.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen” (2 exs. ZMUC); “TPC S Moshi canals 28.9. 1976 / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen” (3 exs. ZMUC); “Stream of Hegongo Tanga District 22.9. 1976 M. Holmen / Laccophiluspilitarsis Régb. det. Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Uluguru Mts. Kimboza Forest 250 m 18.7. 1981 Stoltze & Scharff leg. / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. Holmen 1981” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Kilimandj. Sjöstedt / Kibonoto 1-1200 m” (4 exs. NHRS); same data but “1000-1300 m” (1 ex. ZMHB); “? einem Tümpel nahe am Myanwaya Fluss 24.5. 1899” (1 ex. NHMB). – Zaire: “C.B. PNU, Kamusanga affl. g. Lufira / f. mt. Sombwe (750 m) 12.VII. 1949 Mis. De Witte 2776a” (1 ex. MNHN). – Zambia: “Muchinga Escarpment ca. 47 km ENE Rufunsa 14°57'S, 30°04'E lux Göllner leg. 25.3. 1993” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Mountain stream crossing road Kafue-Chirundu 9.8. 1986 Pederzani / Laccophiluspellucidus Sharp det. CSR). – Malawi: “7 km W Golomoti SE14,34Bc 11.12. 1983” (2 exs. TMSA); “Nyasaland Ft. Hill Yambe Stream 17.10. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Nyasaland 40 mi. from Njakwa on Ft Hill rd 18.10. 1948” PageBreak(1 ex. AMGS); “Nyasaland stream 20 miles from Dedza on Lower Lilongwe rd 30.9. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Nyasaland Mtiti River 1.X. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Selima env. 80 km E Lilongwe 5-6.1. 2002 Kantner” (3 exs. NHMB); “Mulanje mnts env. 22-26.12. 2001 Kantner” (2 exs. NHMB). – Mozambique: “Mkura Stream on Chikukwa Camp, N-19.5516, E33.06916, 24.9. 2002 Bills” (1 ex. AMGS). – Zimbabwe: “S. Rhod., stream with lilies betw. Salisbury & Bromley 12.IX. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Rhodesia Sebakwe” (2 exs. SAMC); “Shangani R. / 13.9. 1948 JOC. / Laccophiluspilitarsis Rég. det. J. Omer-Cooper” ; “Wankie Nat. Pk. Main Camp nr Pan S. / MV light trap 10.11. 1961 J.S. Weir” . – Swaziland: “Little Usutu River nr. Mbabane 5.12. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS). – South Africa: “Tv. Nelshoogte gallery forest below St. 25.51S-30.53E / 4.12. 1986 UV light collection Endrödy-Younga 2354” ; “Kruger Nat. Pk Letaba Riv. bel. dam 23.46S-31.30E / shorewashing 1.3. 1995 Endrödy-Younga 3122” ; “Kruger Nat. Pk Levuvu Riv.22.27S-31.10E / 12.2. 1994 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga 2998” (1 ex. TMSA); “Trsvl KNP, Gudzani, N-24.260, E31.840, 30.6. 1960” (1 ex. AMGS); “Trsvl, Wit R at Plaston, N-25.350, E31.070, 25.6. 1960” (3 exs. AMGS); “Trsvl, Polluted Pan, S of Olifants Gorge, KNP, N-24.010, E31.740 28.6. 1960” (1 ex. AMGS); “Trsvl, Satara KNP, Windmill dam, N-24.400, E31.770, 30.6. 1960” (2 exs. AMGS); “KNP survey Shingwedzi 19-20.11. 1961 Vári & Rork” (1 ex. TMSA); “Trsvl Warmbad 24-25.2. 1968 Spangler” ; “Trsvl Bundu Inn 25.28S-28.55E / 24.3. 1974 shore washing Endrödy-Younga 304” (1 ex. TMSA); “Fountains Pta 5.11. 1932 G. van Son” (7 exs. TMSA); “Transvaal Koop R. Barberton 5. Dec. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “OFS Parys” (1 ex. SAM); “Zululand Hluhluwe Game Res. 28.05S-32.04E / 27.11. 1992 shorewashing, shade, E-Y 2861” (2 exs. TMSA); “Natal Hluhluwe Game Reserve 18.4. 1951/Brinck-Rudebeck” (2 exs. MZLU); “Natal R. Natal National Park, the Hostel 5.4. 1951/Brinck-Rudebeck” (8 exs. MZLU); “Zululd Mtubatuba 28.22S-32.19E / 4.4. 1974 muddy shore washing, Endrödy-Younga 319” ; “Natal Richmond 4.7. 1947 J.O.C.” ; “Natal Little Bushmans River 15.4. 54 Oliffe” (2 exs. AMGS); “Umzikulu 6.4. 1947 J.O.C.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Natal Celenso (?) 12.11. 1953 / Tug 36Q3 12.11.53” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Mhlatuze R above weir, Felixton N-28.840, E31.910, 7.3. 1962” (7 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, below Masonite Effluent. Estcourt, Little Bushmans R., N-29.000, E29.880, 15.4. 1954 Oliff” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Lufafa R confluence, N-30.001, E30.1825, 5.5. 1996 Dickens & de Moor” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Mooi R, at Hornet Corner, N-28.950, E30.380, 15.3. 1995 Dickens” (3 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Mooi R, at Glenfem Bridge, N-29.390, E29.810, 15.3. 1995 Dickens” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Klein Mooi R, at Durleigh Farm, N-29.230, E29.900, 15.3. 1995 Dickens” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Betw. Aberfoyle, Impofana Farms, Mpofana R. N-29.400, E30.070, 3.1. 1995 Dickens” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Mooi R., above Rosetta N-29.320, E29.970, 15.3. 1995 Dickens” (26 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Lions R, at Weltwreden Farm, N-29.440, Dickens” (1 ex. AMGS); “NW Pr., twin streams in Siyai, 10.3.1981 Reawell” (5 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Richards Bay, Umhlatuze floodplain PageBreak7.6. 1985 Reavell” (4 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Volkrust Road Bridge, Ncandu R., N-27.750, E29.930, 4.12. 1973 Metz” (6 exs. AMGS); same data but “24.9. 1974” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “20.5. 1974” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “8.1. 1974” (2 exs. AMGS); same data but “19.3. 1974” (2 exs. AMGS); Kw. Natal, Ncandu R. St. 7, 27.8. 1974 Metz” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Ngagane R., below Newcastle Sewage works, N-27.720, E30.020, 5.12. 1973 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “20.3. 1974” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Ngagane R., Mandini-Iscor Rd. Bridge, N-27.720, E30.060, 24.9. 1974 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Ngagane R., Steildrift rd., N-27.770, E30.020, 19.6. 1974 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Injambili R, inland S coast rd., N-30.620, E30.520, 7.6. 1972 Chutter” (20 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Amahlongwa R, S Coast Rd. N-30.250, E30.720,9.6. 1972 Chutter” (12 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Izotsha R., Inland Coast Rd. 5.6. 1972 Chutter” (10 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Buffalo R, at Retreat, N-27.720, E30.180, 7.11. 1973 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Little Amazimtoti R. N-30.060, E30.820, 15.6. 1984 Pretorius” (5 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Stn 10 at Colenso, Tugela R., N-28.730, E29.820, 12.11. 1953 Oliff” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Ingane R., old S Coast Rd., N-30.170, E30.780, 15.6. 1964 Pretorius” (17 exs. AMGS); “Coward’s Bus Dam 26.6. 1993 Reavell” (9 exs. AMGS); “Nyebo Stream Transkei 5.4. 1947 J.O.C.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Butterworth Riv. 16.4. 1947 J.O.C.” (4 exs. AMGS); “Freddy van Zyl Bridge, Oorslas Spruit 25.2. 1947 J.O.C.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Modder River” (1 ex. SAMC); “Z.A. Barbeton Distr. Suid Kaap R. / Humus Oct. 1961 / Leleup” (1 ex. TMSA); “East London Fort Jackson pond by railway 14.III. 1955” (3 ex. AMGS); “E.C.Pr. Plutos Vale 20 July 1946 J.O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., close to entrance of Dwesa Nature Reserve, stone bottomed river edge, S32°15.602, E28.46.368, Alt. 27 m, 23.1.1905 Bergsten leg.” (2 exs. NHRS); “Albany Blouwkrantz 1939” (1 ex. AMGS); “WPr., Mouth Swart R entering Hartebeesport Dam, in Eichhornia beed 30.5. 1971 Reavell (1 ex. AMGS); “CPr., Swart Kei R, nr Tylden, N-32.110, E27.020, 4.2. 1973 Stuart & Greig” (3 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Bloukrans R. GHT Pt Alfred Road, N-33.375, E26.705, 9.9. 1972 Stobbs” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R., N-32.54.48, E27.36.52, 11.8. 2003, De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R, Trib. Buffalo R., N-32.54.48, E27.36.52, 11.2. 2003, De Moor & Barber” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 18.5. 2004” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 30.8. 2001 De Moor & De Moor” (2 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Xolo R, Trib. carrying sewage works discharge, N-32.50.11, E27.37.49, 11.12. 2003 De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “19.5. 2004” (3 exs. AMGS); same data but “2.10. 2002” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “20.2. 2002” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Xolo R., upstream of confluence with trib., N-32.50.15, E27.37.48, 8.6. 2000 De Moor & Barber-James” (2 exs. AMGS); same data but “30.8. 2000” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Xolo R. Dam at Lily Stone Farm, N-32.52.10, E27.38.34, 16.5. 2001, De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Xolo R. Tributary, N-32.50.11, E27.37.49,1.12. 2004 De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Xolo R. Dam on Sidney Hill Farm, N-32.52.00, E27.37.09, 1.4. 2000, De Moor & Barber-James” (2 exs. AMGS); “ECpr., Rwantsa R., Dam, N-32.53.20, E27.37.55, 30.8. 2000, De Moor & Barber James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECpr., Rwantsa R. at Farm Wolsley, N-32.54.03, E27.41.51, 2.10. 2002 De PageBreakMoor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “10.12. 2003” (4 exs. AMGS); “ECpr., Rwantsa R. dam at Farm Mistrey, N-32.53.20, E27.37.55, 12.10. 2002 De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “1.10. 2002” (2 exs. AMGS); same data but “15.5. 2001” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “11.12. 2003” (5 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Nahoon River at Witchkranz, N-32.51.10, E27.39.08, 19.5. 2004 De Moore & Barber-James” (2 exs. AMGS); same data but “4.5. 2000” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “Nahoon R system 13.8. 2003” (2 exs. AMGS); “ECPr. Nahoon R. ca. 100 m above Dabadaba R confluence, N-32.50.28, E27.39.21, 10.12. 2003, De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); same data but “19.2. 2002” (3 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Maclear Munic. Dam, Mooi R. trib., N-31.0561, E28.31472, 27.3. 1993 Scott & al.” (3 exs. AMGS); “C.Pr., Upper Gatberg River, at Madun N-31.270, E28.170, 24.3. 1991 Barber-James & De Moor” (1 ex. AMGS)(413 exs.). Laccophiluspellucidus, Laccophilusampliatus and Laccophiluspilitarsis is confirmed. Laccophiluspellucidus, being the oldest, is the valid name of the species.Earlier introduced synonymy of Laccophiluspellucidus is especially characterized by large body combined with very peculiarly shaped penis, different from all other African Laccophilus species; penis voluminous with twisted, apical extension.Body length 5.3–6.0 mm, width 3.0–3.4 mm. Dorsal, aspect of body pale ferrugineous, without distinct colour pattern Fig. . Elytra Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat and distinctly microsculptured; reticulation double; large meshes contain 2–6 finer meshes. At eyes with an irregular row of fine punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, laterally with vague paler areas. Slightly mat, with distinct microsculpture. Reticulation generally of two different kinds; larger meshes contain 2–7 small meshes. At margins, with scattered, fine and irregular punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, without distinct colour pattern; sometimes with vague paler areas/spots Fig. . EpipleuVentral aspect: Almost impunctate, except base of metathorax and two sclerites covered by apical ventrite; with distinct punctures. Rather shiny, extensive and very fine microsculpture discernible. Metacoxal plates and base of abdomen with striae. Prosternal process pointed, comparatively short and broad. Apical ventrite lacks distinct knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus enlarged, somewhat extended and provided with distinct suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis almost straight, voluminous with twisted, apical extension Figs .Female: Rarely elytron laterally, between middle and apex, with a distinct lateral expansion Fig. . Apical Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, South Africa Fig. . AdditioLaccophiluspilitarsis . Apical ventrites with posterior end modified; excavated on each side of midline; at midline posteriorly extended  and by peculiar elytral colour pattern ; Confirmed synonym.LaccophilusvitshumbiiNew synonym.LaccophilusadspersusnigeriensisNew synonym.PageBreakLaccophilusadspersussudanensisNew synonym.Laccophilusadspersus: South Africa: Caffraria interior.Laccophiluslivens: Zaire: Boma.Laccophilusvitshumbii: Zaire: Lake Edouard, Vitshumbi.Laccophilusadsperusnigeriensis: Nigeria: Jos.Laccophilusadspersussudanensis: Sudan: S of Rumbek near Wulu.NHRS). [Commments: no holotype was chosen in original description and neither has any lectotype thus far been designated. One male specimen is provided with Typus label but unfortunately its dissected genitalia are missing. We have dissected another male belonging to the type series (labelled paratype). Male genitalia is preserved in this specimen and we have chosen it therefore to be lectotype of Laccophilusadspersus Boheman.] – Paralectotypes: Same data as lectotype, but labelled as “Typus / Allotypus / Paratypus” (4 exs. NHRS).(56 exs.). Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Caffraria. / J. Wahlb. / Paratype / 3465 E91 / Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet Stockholm Loan no 1261/05” (Laccophiluslivens: Lectotype (by present designation) male: Label with “male” symbol / Matadi Congo / Type / Laccophiluslivens Rég.” (MNHN). – Paralectotypes: “Banana-Boma M. Tschoffen 91. Det. Régimb. 91 / 11174 / Régimbart det. 1891: Laccophiluslivens Rég. / Ex. Typis” (7 exs. IRSNB). [Comment: one additional paralectotype in IRSNB with same data belongs to another species (= Laccophilusmodestus Régb.)]; “Paratype / Banana-Boma M. Tschoffen 91. Det. Régimb. 91 / 11174 / Type Laccophiluslivens Régt.“Type” (1 ex. BMNH); “Cotype / Congo / Laccophiluslivens Régt.“Co-type”” (1 ex. BMNH); “Severin Banana Africa / Banana Boma M. Tshoffen 91 Dét. Régimb. / Laccophiluslivens Rég. Type / Type” (1 ex. RMNH); same, but “Afr. occ.” (2 exs. RMNH); “Matadi M. Tshoffen / Laccophiluslivens Rég. Types / SAM Type Acc. no. 839” (2 exs. SAMC); same data and “Cotype” (1 ex. IRSNB).Laccophilusvitshumbii: Holotype: male: “Lac Édouard, Vitshumbi, 3043, mare I à Juissiaea M.T. 13-14.VI. 1953” . – Paratypes: studied: “Congo Belge Lac. Edouard Vitshumbi, mare I + Juisseau MT 13-14.VI. 1953, 3043 / male symbol / Paratype” (2 exs. MNHN); “Congo Belge, Lac Edouaurd, Ishango d’Semliki (sur Graminées) 5.II. 1954, 3118a / Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); “Male symbol / Congo Belge, Lac Edouaurd, Vitshumbi, mare II + Lemna 14.VI. 1953, 3042 / Paratype / Laccophilusvitshumbii” (1 ex. MNHN).Laccophilusadspersusnigeriensis: Holotype: male: “Type, male symbol / Laccophilusadspersusnigeriensis O-C. / Nigeria, Reservoir, stream, Jos 10.IV. 1963 J.O-C.” (AMGS). – Paratypes: “Laccophilus spp. / adspersus ? / Nigeria, stream & reservoir Jos 10.IV. 1963 J. O-C.” (4 exs. AMGS); “Nigeria, stream near Zaria 4.IV. 1963 J. O-C.” (4 exs. AMGS); “Nigeria (15A), stream Kaduna-Kontagora rd. 3.IV. 1963 J. O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Nigeria, river, Jos-Bauchi rd. 9.IV. 1963 J. O-C.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Nigeria, river between Jos & Bauchi 9.IV. 1963 J. O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Nigeria 27, detritus pond 45 miles from PageBreakJos on Bauchi rd 9.IV. 1963 J. O-C.” (14 exs. AMGS); adspersus“ / Nigeria, stream nr Bukuru 11.IV. 1963 J. O-C:” (1 ex. AMGS).Laccophilusadspersussudanensis: Holotype: male: Laccophilusadspersus“ subsp. sudanensis O-C. / Type / S. Sudan, rain ponds S. of Rumbek nr. Wulu 19.VII. 1954” (AMGS).Sudan: “Rain ponds S of Rumbek nr Wulu 19.VII. 1954” (1 ex. AMGS); “Upper Nile Malakal 5-20.1. 1963 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “Equatoria, Mundri-Lalyo 25-26.2. 1963 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “Equatoria, Mwolo-Mundri 24.2. 1963 Linnavuori” (2 exs. MZH); “Equatoria, Lalyo-Juba 26-27.2. 1963 Linnavuori” (6 exs. MZH); “Equatoria, Loka Forest 8-10.4. 1963 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “Equatoria, Nzara 22.4. 1986 Wewalka / Laccophilusadspersussudanensis O-C. det. Wewalka” (6 exs. CGW). – Ethiopia: “Water hole N Makki River, 6000 ft., 28.9. 1926 J. Omer-Cooper” (5 exs. BMNH); “Stream W of Zaquála 6000 ft., 27.10. 1926 J. Omer-Cooper” ; “Hora Harsadi, Addas 1.12. 1926, 7000 ft, JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “Hora Horeso 7000 ft., 1.12. 1926 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS). – Ivory Coast: “Comoé NP, N8,5° W3,5° Reintjes / 20.2. 1999 temporary creek” (1 ex. NMW). – Nigeria: “Kontagora pools in dry stream bed 3.IV. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream nr Zaria 4.IV. 1963 JOC.” (5 exs. AMGS); “Stream escarpment Jos-Wambe rd 13.IV. 1963 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “River between Jos-Bauchi 9.IV. 1963 JOC.” (4 exs. AMGS); “A stream nr Bakura 11.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream Kaduna-Zaria rd 4.IV. 1963 JOC (10 exs. AMGS); “Kaduna-Zaria rd 4.IV. 1963 JOC” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream & reservoir Jos 10.IV. 1963 JOC” (5 exs. AMGS); “Stream 86 miles from Makureli on Jos road 25.IV. 1963” (5 exs. AMGS); “Pools in dry stream bed Kontagora 5.IV. 1963 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pools, bridge over trib. of R. Niger, rd Kaduna-Kontagora” (1 ex AMGS); “Stream Kaduna-Kontagora rd 3.IV. 1963 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream crossing Kaduna rd Zaria 8.IV. 1963 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “R. Kaduna 4.5 miles from Jos 13.IV. 1963 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS). – Cameroon: “20 km NW Bangante Forest, savannah at river, at light 15.1. 1978/Gärdenfors, Hall & Samuelsson leg.” (1 ex. MZLU); “Maroua 26.8. 1973” (1 ex. NHMB). – Central African Republic: “Bozo 21.5. 1981/Degallier” (1 ex. MZH); same but “12. 1981” (1 ex. NHMB); same but “8. 1981” (1 ex. NHMB). – Zaire: “Longitshimo River, N-7.163, E20.880, 17.8. 2007 Graham” (1 ex. AMGS); “Lulimbi (Rutshuru) 1976 Lejeune” (2 exs. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 29.9. 1951 De Saeger H. 2494” (2 exs. NHMB) “Parc National Garamba 28.8. 1952 De Saeger H. 3987” (1 ex. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 27.6. 1952 De Saeger H. 3717” (1 ex. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 5.5. 1952 De Saeger H. 3421” (1 ex. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 19.3. 1952 De Saeger H. 3199” (1 ex. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 6.2. 1952 De Saeger H. 3095” (1 ex. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 3.4. 1952 De Saeger H. 3278” ; “Parc National Garamba 2.4. 1952 De Saeger H. 3272” (2 exs. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 31.8. 1952 De Saeger H. 3870” (2 exs. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 1.8. 1952 De Saeger H. 3871” (1 ex. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 4.4. 1952 De Saeger H. 3290” (1 ex. MRAC); “Parc National Garamba 1.9. 1952 De Saeger H. 4035” (5 exs. MRAC); “Katanga, Mwadingusha 21.5. 1965 Verheyen leg.” . – Uganda: “Kampala Hoima Rd 16.4. 1929 G.L.R. Hancock” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kampala 30.1. 1927 H. Hargreaves” (2 exs. AMGS). – Kenya: “Mombasa 25 PageBreakkm Nord palude de Kikalibala presso strada 14.7. 1968 Pederzani” (1 ex. AMGS); “Mombasa 30 km Nord Kikalibala swamp 14.7. 1968 Pederzani” (1 ex. AMGS); “Lambwe Valley, on light 11.6. 1974 van Etten” (2 exs. RMNH); “Manjewa R. Mariakani Kilifi / Kwale district 16.4. 1976 Holmen 4281” (1 ex. MZH); “Pond NE of Mariakani, Kilifi Distr. 16.9. 1976 Holmen 6076” (1 ex. ZMUC); Momb. Kilifi district 17.9. 1976 Holmen EF 8057” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Dam N of Gotani, Kilifi District 15.9. 1976 Holmen 5987” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Arabuko Sokoke Forest  8-24.6. 1998 Bartolozzi & Sforzi leg. alla luce” (1 ex. CSR); “Arabuko Sokoke Forest Res., Kilifi Distr., 20 km S Malindi/21.5.-7.6. 1994 Bartolozzi et al” (2 exs. CSR); “Thika 7.12. 1989 Jäch leg.” (1 ex. NMW); “Nairobi 3.11. 1967 / Reichart leg.” (1 ex. USNM); “Rabur 20.11. 1967 / Reichart leg.” (1 ex. USNM); “Kiserian 26.10. 1967/Reichart leg.” ; same data but “30.10. 1967” (1 ex. USNM); “Kibwezi Scheffler” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Meru Distr., Mourglia/Matiri (Mituguu) 8.11. 1983 800 m” (3 exs. NHMB); “Wa Kikuyu Bassin de l’Athi, Alluaud N. 1908” (1 ex. NHMB); “Br. O. A. Fort Hall” (1 ex. NHMB). – Tanzania: “Petukiza, ponds Tanga district 23.9. 1976 Holmen 1772” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Lukoka Pond, Tanga District 22.9.1976 Holmen 7230” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Tanganyika Ukerewe VII. 1933” (3 exs. OLML); “Kilimandjaro Sjöstedt 1905-1906/Kibonoto 1000-1300 m/21 Sept.” ; “Wembäre Steppe 6. 1911” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Pr. Shinyanga 60 km E Kahama 22.12. 2006 1150 m Kudrna Jr. lgt.” (1 ex. CFP); “Pond in stream bed, 107 mi from Dodoma 15.2. 1954” (1 ex. AMGS). – Angola: “Ca 10 mls W of Cainde, c. 3500 ft 15.4. 1954 / stagnant water hole, nitellid algae and muddy silt” ; “Namakunda 6. 1948 16.15E. 18.50S C. Koch leg.”(1 ex. BMNH). – Zambia: “Kasempa env. 16-18.11. 2006, Z. Jindra leg.” (1 ex. NMPC); “Chinganganka 17.3. 1993 lux 15°53’ / 28°11'E, lux, hills, Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Kafue NP, Chunga Camp 26-29.3. 1993, 15°02'S / 26°00'E, lux, Göllner leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Kafue NP, Chunga Camp 27.3. 1993, 15°02'35"S/26°00'09"E, lux, Uhlig leg.” (2 exs. ZMHB); “Africa Copperbelt Pr. Muekera 23.1. 1982 Selander / rain pond” (1 ex. MZH). – Malawi: “R Mtiti N of Lilongwe 1.X. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “R Diedma Lilongwe rd. 30.IX. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “River nr Dedza 28.IX. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream 20 miles from Dedza on lower Lilongwe rd 30.IX. 1948” (4 exs. AMGS); “Dedza dam on lower Lilongwe rd 29.9. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Dedza env. 6-13.1. 2002 Bezdek leg.” (1 ex. NMPC); “Balaka env. 19-20.7. 2001 J. Bezdek leg.” ; same but “5-6.1. 2002” ; “Balaka env., 19.12. 2002 180 km SE Lilongwe Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Stream (?) N of R. Mtiti X. 1948 / Paratype / Laccophilussimulator sp. n. det. J. O. Cooper” . – Zimbabwe: “Wankie Game Res. JOC. Waterholes / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. JOC. (2 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. 5 Sept. 1948 JOC. Ponds at Robins Restcamp / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. September 1948 JOC., waterhole / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. JOC.” (4 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. 2.IX. 1948 JOC. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); ”5 mi SE Wankie 7.4. 1968 Spangler” (2 exs. USNM); “Gokwe Sengwa W.LaccophilusR.I. 28.12. 1982 -4.1. 1983 Bell / blacklight” (1 ex. NHMB); “Shangani R. 13.IX. 1948 J. O-C. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream Halfway hotel Gatooma PageBreakSalisbury 14.IX. 1948 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream Halfway hotel Gatooma-Salisbury 14.IX. 1948 / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pool Lundi 22.N. 1948 J.O-C.” (5 exs. AMGS); “Sinkukwe 30 Dec. 1948 JOC.” ; “Salisbury Mashonaland 1893 Marshall” (2 exs. SAM); “Nuanetsi River, Majinji Pan 4-5. 1961” ; “Matopos NP 28.11-1.12. 1993, 20°33'S/28°30'E lux Uhlig leg.” ; “Gwai River 3.4. 1968 Spangler” (1 ex. USNM); “Ngezi N.P. env., 1.12. 1998 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Birkennough Bridge 24.1. 1998 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Mushandike Sanct. 10.12.1998 Kantner” ; “Kariba env. 20.12. 1998 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Pond 26 mi. from Fort Victoria, Beit Bridge Rd.13.11.1948 J.O-C.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Namibia: “Omapapurawe Guard Post, 200 m from campsite, Cunene R., N-17.218, E13.645, pool, 15.11. 1997 Bethune et al. (1 ex. AMGS); “Kaokoveld, Sanitatas abt 85 mi WSW Ohopoho 14-16.6. 1951 / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (4 exs. MZLU); “Kaokoveld, Kowares 90 mi SE Ohopoho 3.6. 1951” (1 ex. MZLU). – Botswana: “Metsimaklaba 7-12.3. 1930 / Laccophiluslivens Régb. det. Gschwendtner” ; “N’Kate Makarikari 6-23.8. 1930 / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. det. Gschwendtner” (1 ex. TMSA); “Tsotsorogo Pan 17.6.-9.7. 30 / Laccophiluslivens Régimbart det. Gschwendtner” ; “Kasane 25-28.7. 1930 / Laccophilusaddendus Shp det. Gschwendtner” (2 exs. TMSA). – South Africa: “Transvaal Sand R. 16.XII. 1953” (1 ex. AMGS); “Tshakoma Zpbg N. 1931 van Son / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. det. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. TMSA); same but ”det. Gschwendtner” (1 ex. TMSA); “Valdesia Zpbg N. 1931 van Son / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. det. Gschwendtner” (1 ex. TMSA); “Trsvl Koring Spruit / Waterberg Dist. 20.8. 1948 J.O.C. / Laccophiluslivens Rég. det. J. Balfour-Browne” (1 ex. TMSA); “Transvaal Kruger Park 1.VII. 1960” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kruger N.P. Skukuza, 12 km S, 25.04S, 31.37E / 6.3. 1996 UV light, Endrödy-Younga” ; “Kruger N.P. Skukuza Res. camp, 24.59S, 31.36E / 25.2. 1995 UV-light & trap Endrödy-Younga” ; “Kruger N.P. Letaba Riv. bel. dam 23.46S-31.30E / 1.3. 1995 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga” (2 exs. TMSA); “Trsvl, K.N.P., Pan 24 km S Satara Camp, N-24.610, E31.800, 18.6. 1960” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal R. Nyl at Num Num 23.VIII 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Transvaal R. Nyl at Num Num 23.VIII 1948 / Laccophiluslivens Reg. J. Balfour-Browne det.” (1 ex. AMGS); “RSA N. Prov. near Nylstroom 20.11. 2004 Werner & Smrz” (1 ex. NHRS); “Transvaal Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. J. Omer-Cooper” (2 exs. AMGS); “Trsvl Naboomspruit Torino Ranche 24.37S-28.38E / 15.1. 1989 UV light, vlei edge Endrödy-Younga” (3 exs. TMSA); “Trsvl Pretoria distr. Roodeplaat / 25-26.10. 1960 UV-light Neubecker” (2 exs. TMSA); “Pretoria 6.11. 1959 Janse / Laccophilusadspersus det. Gschwendter” ; “Trsvl 5 mi W Warmbad 24-25.2. 1968 Spangler” ; “Trsvl Bundu Inn 25.28S-28.55E/24.3. 1974 at merc. vap. light Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Trsvl Swartspruit Mouth, Hartebeespoortdm. N-25.750, E27.900, 11.2. 1972 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Trsvl, stream in Magaliesberg Mts., mountain stream 11.9. 1972 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Plat R. 6-18.4. 05/Waterberg Distr. Swierstra” (2 exs. TMSA); “Frere Natal 1893 Marshall” (3 exs. SAMC); “Nat. -Drakensbg, Cathedral Peak, 28.57S, 29.12E/14.3. 1976 UV light station EndröPageBreakdy-Younga” (2 exs. TMSA); “Kw. Natal Port Shepstone 20 km W 2.2. 2000 Halada” (2 exs. NMW); “Kw. Natal, McLeod’s Farm nr Dargle, Umgeni R., 4.2. 1989 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal Lundy’s Hill N-29.741, E29.872, marginal vegetation, stones, 30.4. 1996 de Moor et al.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal Gravesend estate N-30.170, E30.736, 12.10. 1996 Dickens et al.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Umlazi R., Tali Area, N-29.800, E30.520, 11.2. 1954 Oliff” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Felixton, main drain from mill, N-28.840, E31.880, 3.7. 1962” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Pond btw. Unizul and Mtunzini N-28.930, E31.750, marginal vegetation 20.9. 1995 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal Volkrust Road Bridge, Ncandu R., N-27.750, E29.930, 4.12. 1973 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Below Newcastle Sewage Works, Ngagane R. N-27.720, E30.020, 19.6. 1994 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Klip R. Stn. 3, 11.9. 1975 Sibbald & Brown” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Ngogo R,. N-28.21.23, E29.43.25., 3.4. 1975 Metz” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Izotsha R. Inland S Coast Rd N-30.780, E30.400, 5.6. 1972 Chutter” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Little Amanzimtoti R, N-30.060, E30.820, 15.6. 1964 Pretorius” (1 ex. AMGS); “Natal Ladysmith 1000 m 29.12. 1993 Wewalka / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. det. Wewalka 1994” (3 exs. CGW); “Natal roadside puddles ca 2 km S Mbazwana to Hluhluwe nr Sodwana 5.3. 1997 Turner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Gauteng Tswaing 25.24S, 28.06E / 16.2. 2003 light trap” ; “ECPr., close to Dwesa Nature Reserve, vegetation rich pond S32°17.027, E28°47.506, alt. 188 m 23.1. 2005 Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “ECPr., close to Dwesa Nature Reserve, muddy pond with vegetation edges S32°18.582, E28°49.002, alt. 76 m 24-25.1. 2005 Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “ECPr. Lusikisiki 19.III. 1956 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr. Komgha quarry pond 20.III. 1955” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr. Quanbu 2.V. 1956” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr. St Johns 10.II. 1956” (3 exs. AMGS); “ECPr. Umzikulu 14.III. 1956 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pirie Forest II. 1944 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “ECPr. Mncotsho R., Trib. Buffalo Riv. N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 18.2. 2002 de Moor” (5 exs. AMGS); ECpr. Nahoon R. at Witch Kranz, site NO, N-32.502, E27.392, 22.5. 2002, de Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECpr., Dam on Rwantsa R, N-32.53.20, E27.37,55, 30.8. 2000 de Moor & Barber-James” (3 exs. AMGS); “ECPr. Rwantsa R. dam on Farm Mistley, N-32.53.20, E27.37.55, 10.11.2000 de Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMSG); “ECPr. Rwantsa R. at Witchkranz, N-32.52.25, E27.38.34, 1.9. 2000 De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr. Rwantsa R. at Witchkranz, N-32.52.25, E27.38.34, 7.6. 2000 de Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Rwantsa R. at Farm Wolsley, N-32.54.02, E27.51.95, 18.5. 2004 de Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Rwantsa R. at Farm Wolsley, N-32.54.02, E27.41.51, 10.12. 2003 de Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Rwantsa R. at Farm Wolsley, N-32.54.03, E27.41.51, 18.5. 2004 de Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr. Rwantsa R. at Farm Sebastepol, N-32.53.00, E27.40.45, 7.5. 2000 De Moor & Barber-James” (3 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Xolo R. trib. carrying sewage discharge, N-32.50.11, E27.37.49, 19.2. 2004 de Moor &Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R., N-32.54.48, E27.36.52, 11.8.2003 de Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R., N-32.54.48, E27.36.52, de Moor 15.5. 2001” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R., trib. Buffalo R., N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 8.11. 2000 de Moor& Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R., trib. Buffalo PageBreakR., N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 30.8. 2000 de Moor & Barber-James” (17 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R., trib. Buffalo R., N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 18.5. 2000 De Moor & Barber-James” (2 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Nahoon R. at Witchkranz N-32,51,10, E27.39.08, 19.5. 2004, de Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Nahoon R. at Witch Kranz N-32,50,28, E27.39.21, 22.5. 2002, De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr. Port, St Johns 15.2. 1956 / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. JOC” (2 exs. AMGS); “ECPr. Mt Frere 8.V. 1956 JOC. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Det. JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECpr. 9.8. 1990 N-33.348, E26.678, Old Quarry Site, Manley Flats, dam, Baber-James & de Moor (2 exs. AMGS); “E Cape 9.3. 1997 Amatola Mts. 20 km NNE Aice 32°47'S 26°50'E Hess & Heckes” (1 ex. NMW); “EC., Hwy 352, 3 km S Tsomo, in river 22.5. 2005 Challet leg.” (1 ex. CGC); “North West 50 km S Kimberley Ritchie 12.1. 2000 Halada leg.” (1 ex. NMW). – Swaziland: “Little Usutu R nr. Bremersdorp 5.12. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Bremersdorp 4.12. 1948 stream with muddy ponds JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS).(428 exs.). Laccophilusvitshumbii; not found). Minor variation in shape of penis apex and dorsal colour pattern can be recognized. There are, however, a series of transitional morphs between the extremes both regarding genitalia and external appearance. Distribution covers extensive areas of Africa south of Sahara which justifies occurrence of minor morphological variation within a species. No clear morphological evidence and distributional pattern are thus present which would merit separation of species or subspecies. Accordingly earlier synonymy of Laccophilusadspersus and Laccophiluslivens is confirmed. Furthermore Laccophilusvitshumbii, Laccophilusadspersusnigeriensis and Laccophilusadspersussudanensis are all considered new synonyms of Laccophilusadsperus. Laccophilusadsperus being the oldest available name is the valid name of the species.The type material of all five taxa involved have been studied and compared .Despite slight variation in shape of penis apex and elytra colour pattern in Body length 3.6–4.2 mm, width 1.9–2.2 mm. Body almost unicoloured pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; elytra with slightly indistinct irrorations. At base irrorations slightly sparser and often slightly reduced. Some specimens exhibit a variable pale spot with reduced irrorations posteriorly on each elytron Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat to rather shiny, finely microsculptured; reticulation indistinctly double. Large meshes contain 2–6 fine meshes. Almost impunctate. At eyes with some scattered, fine punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Finer meshes sometimes indistinct and hardly discernible. When discernible large meshes contain 2–8 finer meshes. Almost impunctate; punctures indistinct and hardly visible. Scattered punctures may be discerned laterally and at anterior margin.PageBreakcontain generally 3–8 fine meshes. Fine meshes in part weakly developed and difficult to discern. Discal, dorsolateral and lateral rows of punctures, irregular, very fine and in part hardly visible. Pre-apical furrow fine, sparsely pubescent.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous. With ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, slightly obsolete irrorations. Sometimes each elytron posterior to middle with a pale spot where irrorations reduced Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny although very finely microsculptured. Metacoxal plates with in part reduced transverse furrows. Abdomen basally with sparse, somewhat curved striae. Apex of prosternal process slender and pointed. Apical ventrite with a small knob on one side Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, somewhat extended, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Note variation in shape of penis apex; extreme apex exhibits a gradual change from pointing straight forwards to, being somewhat curved and blunt Figs .Female: Externally as male but apical ventrite lacks asymmetric knob Fig. . AdditioSudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Zaire, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland Fig. . ConfusiPistiastratiotes and in stagnant remain of brooklet. Laccophilusvitshumbii collected at light, in temporary ponds in almost dry stream (1450–2350 m a.s.l.). Insufficiently documented. Van Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1937LaccophilusolsoufieffiMadagascar: Maroansétra.MNHN). – Paratypes: males and females: “Madagascar Maroansetra X 1936 / Paratype” (1 ex. IRSNB); “Antakotako Madagascar II 1936 / PageBreakfemale-symbol / Paratype” (1 ex. IRSNB); same data but “male symbol” ; “Male / Madagascar Vatomandry VIII. 1934 Vadon / Paratype” (1 ex. AMGS); “Madagascar Antakotako 11. 1936 / female-mark / Paratype” (2 exs. AMGS).(8 exs.). Holotype: male: “Maroansétra, Madagascar X. 1936 / male symbol / Type” .  – “E-Mad. Ampamoho nr Andilamena 1200-1300 m asl.18-20.1. 1995 Dunay & Janak” ; “Toliara Menabe, Kirindy RS, S20.07655, E044.67532, 57 m.a.o., 12.12. 2009, water net, field, Bergsten et al. / 000000470 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS).(12 exs.). Laccophilusadspersus from which Laccophilusolsoufieffi can generally be distinguished by study of the penis. Minor difference can be recognized in bending of the penis. Moreover, body of Laccophilusolsoufieffi seems to be slightly more robust than Laccophilusadspersus in general. In Laccophilusolsoufieffi irroration covers often almost entire elytron but sometimes there is posterior to middle a patch with sparse irroration or irroration is totally absent. Further study may reveal that the two species are synonymous.Resembles most of and probably closely related to Body length 3.8–4.3 mm, width 2.1–2.4 mm. Specimens regarded as aberration “fuscinus” are slightly larger; length 3.9–4.4 mm, width 2.2–2.5 mm. Additionally “fuscinus” lacks pale area (irroration absent or strongly reduced) posterior to middle of elytron. Habitus and dorsal colour pattern Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly dull, rather finely reticulated. Reticulation double; large meshes contain 3–4, often indistinct small meshes. Almost impunctate, except at eyes; fine and scattered punctures may be discerned.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern. Submat, reticulated; reticulation quite distinct and double. Large meshes may contain 4–7 small meshes. Anteriorly and laterally with fine, in part indistinct, scattered punctures.ab.fuscinus”. Submat, finely and quite distinctly reticulated. Reticulation distinctly double; large meshes contain generally 3–6 smaller meshes. Laterally, sublaterally and discally with sparse and irregular punctures . Lateral, pre-apical furrow fine, finely pubescent.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, extensively provided with ferrugineous irrorations Figs . SomewhaVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, distinct colour pattern lacking. Rather shiny to submat; extensively with fine reticulation, which in part is rather indistinct. Basal ventrites with rather distinct, curved striae. Almost impunctate. Apex of prosternal process slender, slightly extended and pointed. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with fine, transversely located, shallow furrows; in posterior half furrows absent. Apical ventrite asymmetric, with knob on one side Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsi slightly enlarged, extended, with suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis long, bended and extreme apex points forwards Fig. .Female: Apical ventrite symmetric, lacks knob Fig. . ProtarsMadagascar Fig. . RecordsNot documented.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1895LaccophilusmodestusLaccophilusmodestusv.tostusLaccophilusmodestus Régimbart); Confirmed synonym.LaccophilusespanyoliNew synonym.Laccophilusmodestus: Mali: Badoumbé .Laccophilusmodestusvar.tostus: Gabon: Cap Lopez.Laccophilusespanyoli: Senegal: Oussaduye.Laccophilusmodestus: Lectotype (by present desgination): male: “Ht. Sénégal Badoumbé Dr. Nodier I à V – 1882 / male symbol / co-type / Laccophilusmodestus Rég.” (MNHN). (2 exs.). Lectotype (by present designation) male: “Ht. Sénégal Badoumbé Dr. Nodier I à V 1882 / male symbol /Co-Type / Gambia: “W Div. Abuko Nat. Res. 27.11. 2003 Vondel / Laccophilusnodieri det. Rocchi” (1 ex. CSR); “Abuko Nat. Res., at light at the Bamboo pool 18.30-20.30 18.11. 1977, UTM 28PCK2181 / Cederholm et. al leg. / Laccophilusnodieri Rég. det. Brancucci 85” (1 ex. MZLU). – Senegal: “Casamance Tabor” (1 ex. MNHN); “Dakar 5. 1939” (2 exs. MNHN). – Mali: “Goundaka, Bandiagara river 14°29'N, 3°56'W, 12.2. 2000 Komarek & Mayer / Laccophilusnodieri Rég. det. Wewalka 2001” (1 ex. NMW); “W Bandiagara, pools 14°22'N, 3°41'W, 12.2. 2000 Komarek & Mayer / Laccophilusnodieri Rég. det. Wewalka 2001” (1 ex. NMW); “W50 km E Djenne 13°50'N, 4°25'W, 12.2. 2000 Komarek & Mayer / Laccophilusnodieri Rég. det. Wewalka 2001” (1 ex. NMW). – Sudan: “Aluakulak 30,5E 6,30N 14.5. 1954 / Laccophilusnodieri Reg. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Alel rock pool 30,56 E 6,11N 18.I. 1954 JJOC.” (7 exs. AMGS); “Sandy river 50 mi. NW of Juba 29.1. 1954 JJOC.“ (4 exs. AMGS); “Stream from hot springs Nyangwara 30,51E 4,39N, 29.I. 1954 JJOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Sandy river 50 mi. NW of Juba 29.I. 1954 JJOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Ivory Coast: “Comoé N8,5° - W3,5°, 22.3. 1999 Reintjes” (6 exs. NMW); same and Laccophilusnodieri“ det. Rocchi” (3 exs. CSR). – Burkina Faso: “Pundu, Mte Volta 1927-28 Dez-Juni Olsufiejev” (3 exs. NHRS). – Ghana: “17 mi S Palbe 1.9. 1971, filtered black light, Gruwell” (1 ex. USNM). – Nigeria: “Stream crossing Kaduna rd. nr Zaria 4.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Trib. of R. Gagere en route Zaria-Katsina 5.IV. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream 64 mi. from Bida on Jebba rd.15.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Detritus pond 45 mi. from Jos on Bauchi rd.9.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “R. Niger, bridge Kontagora-Kaduna rd. 3.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kontagora stream 3.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream nr. Zaria 4.IV. 1963 JOC.” (8 exs. AMGS); “Zaria Pr., Zaria 5-6.3. 1949 Malkin” ; “NC St. Zaria 2-3.8. 1973 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “NW St. Yelwa 23.7. 1973 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “Kano St., Kano-Wudil 17.5. 1973 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “R. Ogun, Olokomeji nr. Ibadan 24.III. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Pond, road Dawria-Kano 6.4. 1963 JOC.” (4 exs. AMGS). – Zaire: “PNG, Utukuru 14/s, 22.7. 1952 De Saeger 3812” (2 exs. NHMB).(70 exs.). Laccophilusnodieri resembles very much of Laccophilusflaveolus. Both species have elytral irrorations in part reduced, which makes coverage of it uneven and patchy. Shape of penis, however, is peculiar with a distinct, sharp knob in inner curvature. Corresponding sharp knob lacks in Laccophilusflaveolus.Externally Body length 4.0–4.3 mm, width 2.2–2.4 mm. Elytral colour pattern consists of rather fine, in part unevenly distributed irrorations Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern. Impunctate, except at eyes; with fine, dense and somewhat irregular punctures. Areas of punctures extend a little towards middle of head. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation almost simple; only indistinct fragments of large meshes discernible. Large meshes, when discerned, contain 3–6 fine meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous; lacks colour pattern. Rather shiny, although very finely microsculptured. Reticulation double, but difference between size classes small. Large meshes contain 3–6 fine meshes. At margins with fine, scattered and irregular punctures, which basally in middle are indistinct.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with distinctly reduced, somewhat vague dark ferrugineous irrorations. Irrorations are sparsest basally and in a transverse area posterior to middle Fig. . SlightlVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern exhibited. Almost impunctate. Submat to rather shiny, very finely, in part indistinctly microsculptured. Metacoxal plates in frontal half with some transversely located very shallow furrows. Abdomen basally with fine curved striae. Prosternal process rather slender, apex slightly extended and pointed. Apical ventrite asymmetric; provided with a minute but sharp lateral knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, somewhat extended and provided with distinct suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect slightly curved, broad, provided with a sharp, minor process, approximately in middle of the inner side of penis. Extreme apex of penis hooked Fig. .Female: Externally as male but pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite not distinctly asymmetric; lacks lateral knob Fig. .Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Zaire Fig. . PersonaSampled e.g. in pools with loamy bottom and in stagnant remain of brooklet van a. Label Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1906LaccophilusflaveolusLaccophiluspampinatusNew synonym.Confusion in determination of species has been a common problem. Accordingly, records and data from old literature must be considered carefully.Laccophilusflaveolus: Kenya: Baie de Kavirondo.Laccophiluspampinatus: Uganda: Central Uganda.Laccophilusflaveolus: Lectotype (by present designation) male: Kenya “Lac Victoria Nyanza Baie de Kavirondo IX-X. 1903 / male symbol / Cotype” (MNHN). – Paralectotypes: Same data as lectotype ; “Cotype / Lac Victoria Nyanza Baie de Kavirondo IX-X-1903” (1 ex. IRSNB); Laccophilusflaveolus“ Baie de Kavirondo Lac Victoria Nyanza Alluaud IX-X. 1903” (4 exs. IRSNB); same data and on same pin ; Afr. Orle Anglaise Baie de Kavirondo (Victoria Nyanza N-E.) Ch. Alluaud IX-X-1903 / Museum Paris coll. Maurice Laccophilusflaveolus Rég. sp. n. type / Type” (20 exs. MNHN); “Baie de Kavirondo (Alluaud) / Museum Paris coll. Maurice flaveolus Rég.” (3 exs. MNHN).(37 exs.). Laccophiluspampinatus: Holotype: male: Uganda, “Ouganda Central Alluaud I-II. 1909 / male symbol / Type / Det. Dr. Guignot Laccophiluspampinatus Guign. Type” (MNHN). – Paratypes: Uganda, Same as holotype, but labelled as “Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN). – Kenya, “Lac Victoria Baie de Kavirondo Alluaud IX. 1903 / male symbol / Laccophiluspampinatus Guignot Paratype / Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); “Afr. Or. Angl. (Lac Victoria) Baie de kavirondo Alluaud & Jeannel Déc. 1911 – 1112 - St. 22 et 23 / female symbol / Laccophiluspampinatus Guignot Allotype female / Allotype” (1 ex. MNHN).Sudan: “Kawrajena 20.3. 1947” (2 exs. ZMUC). – Zaire: “PNA 23.8. 1957 Vanschuytbroeck / Secteur Nord, rive dr. Semliki, rte Muramba, 905 m” ; “PNA 26.8. 1957 Vanschuytbroeck / Secteur Nord, marais Buyansha sur r. dr. Semliki, 905 m” (6 exs. MRAC); “PNA 27.8. 1957 Vanschuytbroeck / Secteur Nord, rive Ihunga, af dr. Semliki 1300 m” (2 exs. MRAC); “PNG Ndelele K. 117/14s 19.3. 1952 H. De Saeger” (2 exs. MRAC); “PNG Ndelele/14s 1.8. 1952 H. De Saeger” (2 exs. MRAC); “PNG PpK.14/g/14s, 4.4. 1952 H. De Saeger 3290” ; PNG II/gd/14, 30.7. 1952 H. De Saeger” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG II/gd/4, 29.5.1952 De Saeger” (1 ex. IRSNB). – Uganda: “Uganda Central Alluaud I-II. 1909 / Cotype” ; “Butiaba Flats 2.9. 1967 Brown” (1 ex. BMNH). – Kenya: “Dam at Kaloleni Mission, Kilifi Distr. 15.9. 1976 Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC). – Tanzania: “Ukerewe I. Father Conrad” ; “Tanganyika Ukerewe / Laccophiluspampinatus Guignot det. Wewalka 1979” (7 exs. OLML); “Mwanza nr Lake Victoria 1957 / Marginal pools and ditches” ; “Mwanza nr Lake Victoria / Sweet potato channels” (1 ex. BMNH); “Stream, Mbeya-Tunduma rd., 18.10. 1948 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “Foothills of Kilimandjaro 14.2. 1954” (2 exs. AMGS); “Zanzibar Pemba, Sept, 1955 Fowler” (2 exs. AMGS). – Zambia: “S Luangwa NP, Mfuwe Crocodile Farm 23.3. 1993 13°06'03"S-31°47'32"E, 450 m, lux Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Lusaka 5.11. 1973 Lange” (1 ex. CGC). – Malawi: “River nr Portuguese border nr Mwanza 9.2. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Zomba plateau, stream 6000 ft 7.3. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS). – Mozambique: “Magude16.8. 1915 C.J. Sw. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. det. Gschwendtner” (8 exs. TMSA). – Zimbabwe: “Small stream Halfway Hotel Salisbury-Gatooma 14.9. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Salisbury 14.9. 1948 J. Omer-Cooper” (2 exs. NHMB); “Wankie Game Res. Masumu Dam Sept. 1948 JOC.” (4 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res. Waterhole Sept. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “5 mi SE Wankie 7.4. 1968 Spangler” ; “Pool Lundi 22. N. 1948 JOC.” (20 exs. AMGS); “Sinkukwe 30.12. 1948 J.O.C.” (6 exs. AMGS). – Botswana: “Tsotsorogo Pan 17.6.-9.7. 1930 V.-L. Kal. Exp. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Gschwendtner det.” ; same data but Laccophiluspampinatus“ Guignot det. Wewalka 1979” (1 ex. OLML); “Kabulabula Chobe River 11-24.7. 1930 V.-L. Kal. Exp. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Gschwendtner det.” (1 ex. TMSA); “N’Kate Makarikari 6-23.8. 1930 V.-L. Kal. Exp. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Gschwendtner det.” (2 exs. TMSA); “Metsimaklaba 7-12.3. 1930 V.-L. Kal. Exp. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. Gschwendtner det.” (3 exs. TMSA). – South Africa: “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza res. camp, 25.00S-31.35E/19.2.1995 UV-light & trap E-Y: 3102, Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza 12 km, 25.04S-31.37E / 6.3. 1996 UV-light E-Y: 3217, Endrödy-Younga leg.” ; “Trsvl Kruger National Pk, Leeu Pan NE Skukuza 1.5. 1951 / Brinck-Rudebeck / Laccophilusflaveolus Régb. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. MZLU); “Mpumalanga, 7 km upstream from Skukuza, Sabie R. N-24.970, E31.540, 25.10. 1990 de Moor” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Levuvu River 22.27S-31.10E / 12.2. 1994 E-Y: 2998 shorewashing” (1 ex. TMSA); “Trsvl., Naboomspruit Torino Ranche 24.37S-28.38E / 15.1. 1989 E-Y: 2774, UV light, vlei edge Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA). – Madagascar: “Zombitse Ankilemiletsy, muddy waterhole N- 22.868, E 44.576, 544 m 14.5. 2006 Bergsten/BMNH(E) <794187> DNA voucher / Laccophilusflaveolus Régb. det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); same data, but “<794193> DNA voucher” (1 ex. NHRS).(155 exs.). Laccophilusflaveolus and the holotype of Laccophiluspampinatus have been examined and compared. No morphological features, which would justify separation of two species were detected. Accordingly, they are synonyms and Laccophilusflaveolus being the older name is the valid name for the species.The lectotype of Laccophilusflaveolus is separated from resembling species by study of elytral colour pattern in combination with peculiarly shaped penis. Externally it resembles most of Laccophilusnodieri but there is clear difference in shape of penis: Penis of Laccophilusflaveolus lacks sharp knob on inner outline. Additionally, penis long, medially somewhat bent and extreme apex hooked with extreme tip sharp ; Bilardo 1982: 447 ; New synonym.LaccophilusturneriLaccophilusremex Guignot ); Confirmed synonym.LaccophiluspraeteritusLaccophilusconcisus Guignot); New synonym of Laccophilusremex.Laccophilusremex: Ivory Coast: Duékoué.Laccophilusconcisus: Zaire: PNU, Lusinga.Laccophilusturneri: South Africa: Boekenhout, Nylstroom (River Nyl at Num Num).Laccophiluspraeteritus: South Africa: Transvaal, Ermelo.Laccophilusremex. Holotype: male: “Cote d’Ivoire Duékoué / Museum Paris 12-1930-IV-1931 Ch. Alluaud et P.A. Chappuis / Det. Dr. Guignot Laccophilustschoffeni Rég. / Type / F. Guignot det. 1952 Laccophilusremex Guign. Type, male symbol” (MNHN). – Paratypes: females: “Cote d’Ivoire Duékoué / female symbol / Museum Paris 12-1930-IV-1931 Ch. Alluaud et P.A. Chappuis / Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); same data but labelled “Allotype” (1 ex. MNHN).(26 exs.) Laccophilusconcisus: Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Congo Belge: PNU, Lusinga  22-25-V-1945 G. F de Witte: 29 / Coll. Mus. Congo (ex. coll. I.P.N.C.B.) / Laccophilusconcisus Guign. sp. n. Type male / F. Guignot det., 1952 Laccophilusconcisus sp. n. Type male” ; same but “7-20-VI-1945” and “191” (2 exs. IRSNB); same, but “Kabwekanono (1.815 m) 18-III-1947” and “64a” (1 ex. IRSNB).PageBreakLaccophiluspraeteritus: Holotype: male: “Male / Type / Transvaal Ermelo / Dec. 1948 J. Omer-Cooper / Laccophiluspraeteritus Omer-Cooper/Brit. Mus. 1957-660 / Laccophilusconcisus Guign. J. Balfour-Browne det. 1960” (BMNH). – Paratypes: “Female / Type / Transvaal Belfast 30.XI. 1948 J.O.C. / Female allotype / Brit. Mus. 1957-660 / Laccophiluspraeteritus” (1 ex. BMNH); “Paratype / Transvaal pond W. Belfast 23.11. 1948 JOC. / Laccophiluspraeteritus O-C. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Paratype / Duivels Kloof Merenskydam 24.11. 1948 Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal sluggish stream / nr Ermelo 1.12. 1948 J.O.C. / Laccophiluspraeteritus O-C. / Paratype” (1 ex. TMSA).Laccophilusturneri: Holotype: male: “Type / Transvaal Nylstroom R. Nyl at Num Num 23. Aug. 1948 J. Omer-Cooper / Type, male / Laccophilusturneri O-C.” (BMNH). – Paratypes: female: Principally with same data as holotype, but labelled as “female allotype” (1 ex. BMNH); Almost labelled as holotype but “paratype” ; “Paratype / Transvaal Waterberg distr. Deel Kraal 20.8. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Paratype / Transvaal Nylstroom 19 Aug. 1948 JOC. / Laccophilusadspersus Boh. J. Balfour-Browne det.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Paratype / Transvaal Duivels Kloof 24. N. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Paratype” .Additional material, studied (278 exs.): Sudan: “Dahr el Ghazal M’Boloko 23.2. 1963 Linnavuori” (1ex. MZH); “Equatoria, Nzara 22.4. 1986 Wewalka” (1 ex. CGW); “O. Sudan Adjuba I.U. Neumann” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Sierra Leone: “Musaia 16.1. 1946 / Hippo mud pan” . – Liberia: “Suakoko 19.12, 1951/6-9 pm light trap Blickenstaff” ; “Suakoko 11.12. 1951 Blickenstaff” ; “Suakoko 1.1. 1952 Blickenstaff” (6 exs. USNM). – Ivory Coast: “Divo 28.11. 1963 Decelle” (2 exs. MRAC). – Ghana: “Ashanti Kumasi 330 m, N6.43-W 1.36 / 15.9. 1967 at light Endrödy-Younga” ; “Kumasi 3.6. 67 Endrödy-Younga / Laccophilusremex Guignot det. Wewalka 76” (1 ex. MHNG); same data but “6.7. 67” (1 ex. MHNG); same data but “16.7. 67” (3 exs. MHNG); same data but “24.6. 67” (2 exs. MHNG). – Nigeria: “Stream 64 mi. from Bida on Jebba rd. 15.IV. 1963 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “EC St. Norcap nr Abakaliki 29.6. 1973” (1 ex. MZH); same and “ad lucem / Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH). – Gabon: “Makoukou Riv. Oua (Ivindo) 16-19.1. 2001 Bilardo / Laccophilusremex det. Rocchi 02” (2 exs. CSR); “Belinga 5.2.-4.4. 1963 Coiffat” (62 exs. NHMB). – Congo: “Parc Nat. d’Odzala Mboko-Lango 21.8. 2002 Bilardo” (1 ex. CSR); “Odzala NP, 400 m, 10.2. 1997 Murzin leg.” (4 exs. NMPC). – Zaire: “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/fd/14, 18.6. 1951, 1946” (1 ex. NHMB); “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/hd/17, 13.10. 1951, 2595” (1 ex. NHMB); “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/fd/14s, 3.4. 1952, 3278” ; “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/fd/12, 10.3. 1952, 3180” ; “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger Pali/8, 22.3. 1952, 3217” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/fd/13, 5.5. 1952, 3421” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/fc/14, 17.7. 1952, 3806” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger I/a/M 7.6. 1950 Rec. G. Demoulin 584 / Laccophilusremex Guignot det. Guignot 1957” (1 ex. AMGS); “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/fc/14, 4.7. 1952, 3736 / Paratype of Laccophilussaegeri Guignot” (1 ex. IRSNB); “PNU Mukana, 1810 m, 24.3. 1947 / Dr. F. Guignot det., 1953 Laccophilusconcisus Guign.”; “PNU PageBreakKabwekanono p.t.s. Lufwa affl. dr. Lufira (1.815 m) 12.1. 1948, 1199a” ; “PNU Kaswabilenga (700 m) 17.10. 1947, 845a” ; “PNU Mubale – 1480 m, 10-13.5. 1947, 352a” ; “de Luebo à Luluabourg N. 1921 Ghesquière / Laccophilusremex Guignot det. Wewalka 1979” (1 ex. OLML). – Tanzania: “Kondoa 300 m 10. 1938” ; “Rukwa 26.12. 1961 C. Carnegie” (3 exs. AMGS); “T.T. Rukwa Tumba 12.1. 1991 T. river Backlund / Laccophilusremex Guignot det. Nilsson -96” (1 ex. MZLU); “Ukerewe VIII., 2 / 1294 B / Laccophilusremex Guign. det. Wewalka 79” (4 exs. OLML); “Zansibar Küste Hildebr.” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Zambia: “Katambora 40 ml W Victoria Falls, April, 1962” (1 ex. BMNH); “Kapiri Mpushi env. 13.12. 2002 Kantner” (2 exs. NHMB). – Malawi: “Nyasal. Bua R. 2.10. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Mozambique: “Mandambuzi, Manda Wilderness Res. S12°17.679’, E34°46.260’, Watson 16.2. 2008” (2 exs. CGF); “Umbeluzi R. Dec. 4. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Namibia: “E Caprivi 10 km SE Katima Mulilo 17°31'S/24°25'E, Zambesi Altwasserarm, lux 6.3. 1992 Uhlig” (5 exs. ZMHB); “Kavango Popa Falls, lux 18°07'S/21°35'E, 26.2.-3.3. 1992 Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Botswana: “Kabulabula Chobe River 11-24.7. 1930” (1 ex. OLML); “Maun Thamalakane R. 10.10. 1982 Bilardo / Laccophilusconcisus G. det. Bilardo” (2 exs. MSNM). – Zimbabwe: “Kyle Recr. Pk at Lake Mutirikwi 1-5.12. 1993, lux Uhlig” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Stream Rusapi 13.11. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Pool Lundi 22. N. 1948 JOC.” (5 exs. AMGS); “Stream between Salisbury-Bromley 12.11. 1948” (6 exs. AMGS); “Small stream Halfway Hotel-Gatooma, Salisbury 14.9. 1948 / Laccophilusturneri O-C. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pool Lundi 22. N. 1948 JOC.” (11 exs. AMGS); “Kariba env. 20.12. 1998 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB). – South Africa: “Transvaal Ermelo stream 7. Dec. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal Ermelo Dec. 1946” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kruger Nat. Pk. Skukuza Res. camp 24.59S-31.35E/3.3. 1996 UV-light Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk. Skukuza Res. camp 25.00S-31.35E/19.2. 1995 UV-light & trap Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Trsvl Bundu Inn 25.28S-28.55E/24.3. 1974 at merc. vap. light, Endrödy-Younga” (2 exs. TMSA); “Natal Lions R. 30.3. 1960” (2 exs. AMS); “Natal Zululand Hlui-Hlui 15.9. 1947” (1 ex. AMGS); “Zululd Ndumu Nyamithi, saline pan 26.54S-32.16E/12.6. 1989 shorewashing Endrödy-Klimaszew” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kwazulu-Natal Ndumu 25.55S-32.18E / 21.11. 2002 light trap Harrison & Müller” ; “Blinkwater Reserve, Greytown Natal, first stream from entrance, 1100 m mist belt grassland 4.2. 1997 Turner” ; “Kwazulu Natal” (1 ex. AMGS); “Gen. 766G 3.7. 1962 ” (1 ex. AMGS); “W. C. Prov., pond on Plettenberg rd, Knysna Distr. 14.2. 1947 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “WCP, Knysna 34°04.28'S, 23°04.11'E 9 m Hotový & Mateju leg.” (2 exs. NMPC); “E. C. Prov. Uitenhage 5.12. 1954 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. Mount Currie 6.5. 1956 JOC.” (6 exs. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. Mount Currie 13.11. 1957 JOC.” (6 exs. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. Hogsback 2. 1942 O.C.” (3 exs. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. E. PageBreakLondon pond nr. Mooiplaats 8.3. 1955” (1 ex. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. Maclear 9.5. 1956 JOC.” (10 exs. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. nr. Zwatrberg 1960 Chutter” (3 exs. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. Krom R. 1960” (2 exs. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. Albany stream Storm May 1939” (3 exs. AMGS); “E. C. Prov. Albany Distr. Grahamstown 10.3. 1946 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “E. C. Pr. Albany distr. Grahamstown Teafontein stream (33 26 AA) 3.V8. 1939 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “CPr. Knysna Main Forest Buffelsnek 18.I. 1951 / Brinck-Rudebeck / Laccophilusconcisus Guig. = Laccophiluspraeteritus O-C. det. JOC” ; “Cape, Gatberg R, vlei, N-31.250, E28.120, 26.3. 1993 De Moor & al.” (1 ex. AMGS).CCT).South Africa: “Blinkwater Reserve, Greytown Natal, bog on summit, 1100 m nist belt grassland 4.2. 1997 Turner” . Additionally external outline of penis is rounded when it is angled in Laccophilusturbatus.Although Body length 4.0–4.7 mm; width 2.2–2.6 mm. Elytral colour pattern variable; elytra covered with dense irrorations, which basally often are to a variable degree reduced. Basally often with quite extensive pale areas where irrorations are absent. Additionally, elytra sometimes with irrorations being sparser posterior to middle Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Posteriorly sometimes with dark area. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double; large meshes contain 2–7 smaller meshes. At eyes with fine and irregular punctures, which extend towards middle of head.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. At frontal margin and medially at posterior margin with a distinct dark to blackish ferrugineous area. Basal dark area sometimes reduced. Frontal, dark marking sometimes totally absent. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation double: larger meshes contain 2–7 smaller meshes. Frontally and laterally with scattered, fine punctures.PageBreakElytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dense, dark ferrugineous to blackish irrorations. At base, irrorations often sparser, in part reduced, sometimes forming variable pale areas lacking irroration Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny, with very fine microsculpture. Metacoxal plates with a few, rather vague, transverse furrows. Ventrites with fine, somewhat curved striae. Apical ventrite of male with fine knob on one side Fig. . Apex ofLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged and extended, with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite broad, medially distinctly bended and extreme apex hooked, outline of it, however, rounded Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender. Apical ventrite symmetric Fig. .Laccophilusconcisus, Bilardo (1982) gives Cameroon.Sudan, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Gabon, Congo, Zaire, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland Fig. . UnverifInformation in literature is superficial and sparse. Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1958LaccophilusturbatusLaccophilusconcisus Guignot?); Laccophilusconcisus Guignot); Laccophilusconcisus Guign.); Laccophilusconcisus Guignot. Restored species.Zaire: Parc National Garamba.Laccophilusturbatus sp. n. Holotype” (MRAC). – Paratypes: “Congo Belge P.N.G. Miss. H. De Saeger/13-X-1951 Réc. H. De Saeger. 2595 / female / Paratype” ; same data but “II/fc/14, 17.7. 1952, 3608” (1 ex. NHMB); same data but “II/gd/14s, 25.8. 1952, 3984” (1 ex. NHMB).(8 exs.): Holotype, male: “Holotypus / Congo belge P.N.G. Miss. H. De Saeger II/hd/17, 13-X-1951 Réc. H. De Saeger. 2595 / Guignot det., 1957Sudan: “S. Sudan stream from hot springs, Nyangwara 30,5E, 4,39N, 29.1. 1954 JJOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Liberia: “Suakoko 18.3. 1952 / Blickenstaff Light trap” ; “Suakoko 20.2. 1952 Blickenstaff” (1 ex. USNM). – Nigeria: “R. Kaduna 4.5 mi. from Jos 13.4.1963 JOC.” (4 exs. AMGS);“R. Kaduna rd. 13.5 mi. from Jos 13.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Zaria 1969 Brancucci” ; “stream Kaduna-Zaria rd. 4.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “river, rd. to Enugo about 79 mi. from Makurdi 24.4. 1963” (1 ex. AMGS); “stream 64 mi. from Bida on Jebba rd.12.4. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kontagora pools in dry stream 3.IV. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Zaire: Same data as paratype, but not labelled as belonging to type material (1 ex. IRSNB); “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/fd/12, 10.3. 1952, 3180” ; same but “II/fd/13, 5.5. 1952, 3421” (3 exs. MRAC); same but “II/fd/14s, 3.4. 1952, 3278” ; “Ht Zaire Umg. Doruma 18.4-10.5. 1986 Wewalka” . – Namibia: “Kavango, Popa Falls 18°07'S-21°35'E, lux 26.2.-3.3. 1992 Uhlig leg.” . – Botswana: “Moremi Res. 6.10. 1982 Bilardo / Laccophilusconcisus Guignot Rocchi det. 1985” (1 ex. CSR).(50 exs.): Comments on synonymy: Laccophilusturbatus as a possible synonym to Laccophilusconcisus, a species, here associated with Laccophilusremex (possible species complex). The latest citation . The shape of penis also resembles that of Laccophilusremex but in Laccophilusturbatus penis is more slender and in lateral view external outline somewhat angled while robust and more evenly curved in Laccophilusremex.Body length 3.5–3.9 mm, width 1.8–2.2 mm. Pale ferrugineous, elytra with dense, dark ferrugineous irrorations, which are slightly sparser at base of elytra. Elytral colour pattern exhibits some variation Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Rather shiny. Reticulation fine, double. Larger meshes contain often 4–6 smaller meshes. Almost impunctate, except at eyes; here with a few scattered, fine punctures. Area with punctures extended towards middle of head.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous; almost unicoloured pale. Mediobasally with narrow ferrugineous area, delimitation of which is vague. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured. Reticulation double but rather indistinctly so; in part fine meshes indistinct and hardly visible. At margins with fine punctures; discally almost impunctate.PageBreaktion : male: “Madag. Sud Pays Androy C. Alluaud / pallescens Rég. types”. – Paralectotypes: Same data as lectotype (2 exs. MNHN). – “Madag. B. Antongil / Museum Paris coll. Maurice Régimbart” (1 ex. MNHN); “S. Baie Antongil / Museum Paris coll. Maurice Régimbart” (1 ex. MNHN); “Madagascar Diego Suarez 10 Ch. Alluaud 1893 / pallescens Rég. sp. n. / Museum Paris coll. Maurice Régimbart” (1 ex. MNHN); “Madagascar Sud Pays Androy Nord Alluaud 1900, 34 / Museum Paris 1945 Coll. R. Peschet / Laccophiluspallescens Rég.” (1 ex. MNHN);“Madagascar Sud Pays Androy Nord Alluaud 1900, 34” (1 ex. MNHN). Additional three specimens are labelled “Baie de Kavirondo”, but Kavirondo is separately (later and incorrectly) written on the label. When the specimens are mounted on exactly similar labels as those regarded as type material our conclusion is that they also can have this status (3 exs. MNHN). The pin is provided with a label bearing the handwritten text “should be Antongil”.(11 exs.). Mali: “Mopti, Niger Riv. 21.2. 2000, 14°30'N, 4°12'W, Komarek & Mayer leg. / Laccophiluspallescens Reg. det. Wewalka 2001 (1 ex. NMW). – Sudan: “L. Shambe 21.1. 1954 JJOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “S. Sudan, stream from hot springs, Nyangwara 30,5E 4,39N 29.1. 1954 JJOC.” (1 ex. AMGS). – Ethiopia: “NO Afr. Galla Erlanger / 13.4. 1901” (1 ex. NHMB). – Ivory Coast: “Divo 28.11.1963” (1 ex. MRAC); “Comoé N.Pk., N8,5° W 3,5° Reintjes leg. / 4.2. 1999 Kongo Riv. / Laccophiluspallescens Régb. det. Pederzani” (2 exs. NMW); “Parc Nat. Comoé, gen. 2000 Moretto” (1 ex. CSR); “Foro-Foro, ad lucem, Duviard leg.” (1 ex. MZH). – Ghana: “Ashanti Reg. Kwadaso, agric. st. 6.42N-1.39W / light trap 26.2. 1969 Endrödy-Younga leg.”; “V.F. Eastop/Tafo, light 8.5. 1957” (1 ex. BMNH); “N. Reg., Nyankpala 183 m, N9°25’, W1°00’ Endrödy-Younga / shore washing 10.2. 1970” (1 ex. CGW); “Kumasi 18.5. 67 Endrödy-Younga / Laccophiluspallescens Rég. det. Wewalka 76” (1 ex. MHNG); same data but ”12.6. 67” (1 ex. MHNG). – Benin: Dep. Atlantique, Allada nr Niaouli (village) 6.2. 2006 leg. Goergen et al/06°44'31,7"N; 02°07'55,6"E, ca. 70 m asl, slowly running stream” (1 ex. NMW); “Dep. Atlantique, Allada Avoutè (village) 31.1. 2006 leg. Goergen et al/06°39'54,9"N; 02°09'34,1"E, ca. 25 m asl, small ponds” (1 ex. NMW); “Dep. Zou, Zogbodomè Lokoli (forest), Hlanzoun Riv. 6.2. 2006 Goergen et al. leg. / 07°03'N, 02°15'E muddy stream” (1 ex. NMW). – Nigeria: “Detritus pond 45 mi. from Jos on Bauchi rd. 9.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream 3,5 mi. from Oyo 25.3. 1968” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream 86 mi. from Makurdi on Jos rd. 25.4. 1963” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream, Kaduna-Zaria, rd. 4.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Zaria 1969 Brancucci” (1 ex. NHMB); “Trib. of R. Gagere en rte Zaria-Katsina 5.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Little stream Oyo-Ibadan 25.3. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Lagos Colony Iseri 26-27.3. 1949 Malkin / stream, deep slimy mud with sand over” ; “Ondo Prov. h’way 15 mi W of Owo 29.1. 1949 Malkin / Muddy pool in forest, dead leaves” (1 ex. BMNH); “Ile-Ife 10.3. 1969 Medler” (1 ex. USNM); “New Calabar River nr Port Harcourt 13.1. 1989 Umeozor leg.” (1 ex. USNM). – Cameroon: “Minkama 15.4. 1970” (1 ex. NHMB). – Central African Republic: “Bozo 21.5. 1981 / Degallier” (1 ex. NHMB); “Bozo lum. 11. 1981 / Degallier” (1 ex. NHMB). – Zaire: “Holotypus / Musée du Congo / K 300 de Kindu 9-V-1911 L. Burgeon / R DET´1621 T PageBreak/ Laccophilusburgeoni Gschw. det. Gschwendt.” ; “PNA 26.7. 1957 Vanschuytbroeck/Secteur Nord, marais près riv. Semliki 690 m” ; “PNA 14.7. 1957 Vanschuytbroeck/Secteur Nord, marais bordure Riv. Semliki 690 m” (1 ex. MRAC); “Katanga Kakyelo 1-9.11. 1931 G.F. de Witte / Laccophiluspallescens Régb. det. Wewalka 1979” (1 ex. OLML). – Kenya: “Lambwe Valley, on light 11.6. 1974 van Etten” (1 ex. RMNH); “S’Afri Kenya, Dian Beach 5. 1957 Krauss” (1 ex. BMNH); “Maji Ya Chumwi, Mombasa 28.12. 1969 Brown” (1 ex. BMNH); “Malindi 20 km Sud strada per Kilifi 16.7. 68 Pederzani” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kombeni Riv., Mazeras, Kilifi distr. 15.9. 1976 Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Manjewa R., Mariakani, Kilifi/Kwale distr. 16.9. 1976 Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC);“Pond NE of Mariakani, Kilifi distr. 16.9. 1976 Holmen” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Dam at Kaloleni Mission, Kilifi distr. 15.9. 1976 Holmen” ; “Pond W of Kinango, Kwale distr. 19.9.1976 Holmen” ; “Maji ya Chumwi River, Kwale distr. 16.9.1976 Holmen” (2 exs. ZMUC); “Shambini, dam, Kwale distr. 18.9. 1976 Holmen leg.”(1 ex. ZMUC); “Stream W of Kwale district 19.9. 1976 Holmen” (1 ex.ZMUC); “Shimba Hills 10.12. 1989 Jäch leg.” ; “Voi 11. 1997 Snizek / Laccophiluspallescens Régb. det. Rocchi 2001” (2 exs. CSR); Laccophilusflaveolus“ Baie de Kavirondo Lac Victoria Nyanza Alluaud IX-X. 1903” . – Tanzania: “Tang. Terr. Ukerewe I. Father Conrad” ; “SW Tanganyika: Mpanda (dans ruisseau) 6. 1960 Leleup” (1 ex. MRAC); “Zanzibar, stream Mangapwani rd. Sept. 1955 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream Mangapwani rd. 13 Sept. 1955 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Zanzibar Sept. 1955” (1 ex. AMGS); “Mtawalani, springs, Tanga district 23.9. 1976 Holmen“ (1 ex. MZUC); “Streams S of Hehongo, Tanga distr. 22.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. MNHN); “Goo, small stream, Korogwe distr. 24.9. 1976 M.H.” (1 ex. MZH); “Morogoro Dec. 1909 Schoenheit” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Mahenge Scarp Forest S08.37.10,6,E36.42.46,3, 562 m, 24.4.2011 light trap Smith & Takano” (1 ex. BMNH). – Zambia: “Mountain stream crossing the road Kafue-Chirundu 9.8. 1986 Pederzani / Laccophiluspallescens Régb det. Rocchi 1988” (2 exs. CSR); “Livingstone env. 6.11. 2006 Z. Jindra leg.” (1 ex. NMPC). – Malawi: “Balaka env. 19-20.7. 2001 J. Bezdek leg.” ; “Balaka env. 19.12. 2002, 180 km SE Lilongwe, Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Mulanje Mts env. 22-28.12. 2001 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Dedza env. 16.7. 2001 J. Bezdek leg.” (1 ex. NMPC); “Nyasaland Njakwa Distr. 18. Oct. 1948 JOC.” (6 exs. AMGS); “River nr Portuguese border nr Mwanza 9.11. 1948“ (1 ex. AMGS). – Zimbabwe: “Wankie Game Res. 4. Sept. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); same data but “5. Sept. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “5 mi SE Wankie 7.4. 1968 Spangler” ; “Sinkukwe 30. Dec. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kariba env. 20.12. 1998 Kantner” . – South Africa: “Transvaal, Nerina Nat. Res. 23.19S-29.47E / 21.12. 1974, from rock pool, leg. Breytenbach” (1 ex. TMSA); “Transvaal Nelspruit 17.5. 1955 C. Frank” (2 exs. AMGS); “Transvaal Kruger Park PageBreak1.7. 1960” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Letaba Riv. bel. dam 23.46S-31.30E / 1.3. 1995, shorewashing, Endrödy-Younga leg.” (2 exs. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Kruger Gate-Skukuza c. 24.59S-31.32E/20.2. 1995 air plancton, Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza Res. Camp 24.59S-31.36E / 25.2.1995 UV light & trap Endrödy-Younga leg.” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza 12 km S, 25.04S-31.37E / 6.3. 1996 UV light Endrödy-Younga leg.” ; “Kruger Nat. Pk, Pafuri Res. Camp 22.25S-31.12E / 30.1. 1994 UV light & trap leg. Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Trsvl, KNP, small waterhole nr Police Picket 30.6. 1960” (1 ex. AMGS); “Zululd, Ndumu, Banzi, fresh wat. pan 26.53S-32.16E / 16.2. 1989, shorewashing, Endrödy & Klimaszew” (1 ex. TMSA); “Natal, roadside puddles, ca 2 km S Mbazawana to Hluhluwe nr Sodwana 5.3. 1997 Turner” ; “Magudu 16.8. 1915 C.J.S.”(1 ex. TMSA); “Tug 77.Q39 ” (1 ex. AMGS). – Madagascar: “Pays Androy, Nord, Alluaud 1900” (1 ex. MNHN); “Ankarana 25.11. 2004, Lat 12.9261, Lon 49.0952 coll. Balke / DNA voucher BMNH <670683> MSL008:D05 / Laccophiluspallescens Régb. det. Bergsten” ; “Toli, Morondava: Kirindy, Kirindy Forest, pond, N:-20,072; E: 44,671, 38 m Isambert et al. / DNA Voucher BMNH <830769> MSL 399: H6 / Laccophiluspallescens det. J. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); Toli, Menarandra, Menarandra R. pool, N: -24,718, E: 45,047, 227 m, 18.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. / BMNH(E) <794201> <794202>, <794203>, DNA voucher / Laccophiluspallescens Régb. det. Bergsten” ; Toli, Taolanaro, Ft Dauphin, Ft Dauphin: Pond N:-25,021, E 46.973: 11 m, 6.5. 2007 Ranarilalalitiana et al. / DNA Voucher BMNH <830771> MSL 399: H8 / Laccophiluspallescens det. J. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); Toli, Fort Dauphin, pond in Ft Dauphin P62, 6.4. 2007 N-25,02119, E46,97319, 11 m, Ranarilalatiana leg.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Ankarana; Lat -12.9215, Lon 49.0866, coll. Balke / DNA Voucher BMNH <675013> MSL045:B12 / Laccophiluspallescens det. J. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toli, Menarandra Menarandra R 40 km from Ampanihy pools beside a river close to village, algae in pools and sandy bottom with some wood 18.5. 2006, N-24°43.104, E45°2.859, 227 m Bergsten et al.” (2 exs. NHRS); “Toliara Menabe, Kirindy RS, S20.07655, E044.67532, 57 m.a.o., 12.12. 2009 water net, field, Bergsten et al.” (5 exs. NHRS); same data, add “000000476 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “S20.07476, E044.67075 / 000000469 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “S20.07641, E044.67478, 65 m.a.o., 11.12. 2009” (7 exs. NHRS); same data, add “000000472 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toliara Menabe, Menabe RS, S19.92773, E045.52253, 102 m.a.o., 10.12. 2009, water net, field, Bergsten et al.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga Melaky, betw. Antsalova-Maintirano, S18.30233, E044.18071, 37 m.a.o. 18.12. 2009, water net, field Bergsten et al.” (11 exs. NHRS); same data, add: “000000477 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga Melaky, Tsingy de Bemaraha NP, S18.75595, E044.71245, 80 m.a.o., 17.12. 2009 water net, field Bergsten et al.” (36 exs. NHRS); same data, add “000000473 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); same but “18.75724 E044.71239, 72 m.a.o. 17.12. 2009” (13 exs. NHRS); same data, add “000000475 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); PageBreak“Mahajanga Melaky, btw. Morafenobe-Ambohijanahary S18.19091, E045.19986, 290 m.a.o. 19.12. 2009 water net, field Bergsten et al.” (1 ex. NHRS); same data, add “000000474 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); “Manakambahiny / Coll. R. Peschet” (1 ex. MNHN); “Antakotako II, 1936” (2 exs. MNHN); “Maroansetra 12. 1946 Vadon” ; “Matitanana Bas. Loc. Nato, Matitanana Riv. 47°49'32” E, 22°18'36"S, alt. 43 m, 19.6.1995 Andriamihaja” (1 ex. NHRS); “Manajary Bas., 1 km avant Kianjavato (Amont) Fotobohitra Riv. 47°51'38"E, 21°22'36"S, 3.12.1995 Pilaka” (1 ex. NHRS); “Tamatave (Toamasina) Park Ivoloina Pfütze an Strasse im Wald 21.11. 2000 Dolin” (4 exs. NHRS).(234 exs.). Swaziland: “Eranchi 5-10.1. 1955 A.L. Capener” (1 ex. AMGS). The specimen bears a second label “Swedish South Africa Expedition 1950-1951 Brinck-Rudebeck” which makes the origin obscure.Laccophiluspallescens, being externally a somewhat variable species, is characterized by shape of penis; in lateral view, external outline of penis with two somewhat vague flexures/bends. Penis shape resembles Laccophilusturbatus but extreme apex much smaller.Body length 3.4–3.8 mm, width 1.7–2.0 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body somewhat variable but similar ground plan of it, is exhibited in all studied specimens Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous; posteriorly often, with two minute, somewhat vague, dark spots. Almost impunctate except at eyes; with irregular, fine punctures. Areas with punctures expand towards middle but puncture-areas are not connected. Shiny to rather shiny although finely microsculptured. Reticulation double but small meshes in part reduced, and indistinct. When discernible, large meshes contain 4–8 fine meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern exhibited. Rather shiny, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double but fine meshes in large extent reduced or absent. Laterally, fine meshes discernible. Almost impunctate except laterally and frontally.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dense, dark ferrugineous irrorations. At base and slightly posterior to middle irrorations sparser . Base sometimes almost lacking dark colour pattern. Irrorations of elytra comparatively coarse Figs . Rather Ventral aspect: Ferrugineous to pale ferrugineous, abdomen slightly paler; pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny and slightly mat, very finely microsculptured; reticulation in part reduced or absent. Abdomen with very fine curved striae. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with very fine, shallow furrows (furrows in part rather indistinct). Prosternal process rather slender, apex somewhat extended and pointed. Apical ventrite asymmetric, with single minute knob located laterally Fig. .PageBreakLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged, slightly extended; provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect, with external outline bended twice; extreme apex finely hooked with outline rounded Fig. .Female: Apical ventrite not distinctly asymmetric; lacks lateral knob Fig. . Pro- anMali, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Madagascar Fig. . GuignotQuite scarcely documented. Sampled in brooklet and in stagnant remain of brooklet and in a rain pool van . Label dTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1889LaccophilustrilineolaLaccophilussimulatorNew synonym.Laccophilustrilineola: Angola: Humpata.Laccophilussimulator: Malawi: Dowa.Laccophilustrilineola. Holotype: female: “P.J. vd Kellen, Humpata, Afr. trop. / Laccophilustrilineola sp. n. type Régb. / trilineola sp. n. Régimb. / type” (RMNH).(5 exs.) Laccophilussimulator: Holotype, male: “Type / Nyasaland, stream 6 miles N of R. Mtiti 1.10. 1948 / Laccophilussimulator sp. n. Det. J. Omer-Cooper” . – Paratypes: Same data as holotype and pinned with it ; “Nyasaland stream, 6 miles N R. Mtiti PageBreak2.10. 1948 / Paratype / Paratype / Laccophilussimulator O-C. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. IRSNB). One additional paratype labelled “Nyasaland stream? N of R. Mtiti 10. 1948 / Laccophilussimulator sp. n. J. Omer-Cooper det” belongs to Laccophilusadspersus Boheman.Zaire: “Dilolo VIII-IX-1931 G.F. de Witte” . Laccophilustrilineola and Laccophilussimulator have been examined and compared. The holotype of Laccophilustrilineola is a female and it is a unique specimen which makes study of male genitalia impossible. Both taxa, however, exhibit peculiar colour pattern on elytra , which lack in other African species. Moreover, shape of female apical ventrite is also characteristic and similar in both taxa. Accordingly, the two taxa are considered conspecific. Laccophilustrilineola, being the older name is the valid name of this species.The holotypes of Laccophilustrilineola is characterized by elytral colour pattern, peculiar female apical ventrite and uniquely shaped penis; penis in lateral aspect quite long, medium robust and medially bent; extreme apex peculiar with external end, expanded to form a sharp extension.Body length 4.0–4.5 mm, width 2.1–2.5 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern as in Fig. Head: Pale ferrugineous, posteriorly only slightly darker. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double. Large meshes in part indistinct. When discernible they may contain 2–6 small meshes. Impunctate, except at eyes where irregular, fine punctures discernible. Areas of punctures extend towards middle of head.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Medially slightly darker than laterally. Rather shiny to submat although finely microsculptured. Reticulation double: Large meshes contain 2–6 small meshes. Finer reticulation laterally, in part indistinct. At margins with scattered very fine punctures; at posterior margin punctures almost absent; a few very fine punctures may, however, be discerned.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dense ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous irrorations. At base with three, slightly irregular, longitudinally extended, pale areas Fig. . SlightlVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern formed. Rather shiny to submat, finely and partly indistinctly microsculptured. Finely and sparsely striated; distinct striae only discerned on two basal ventrites. Almost impunctate. Prosternal process slender; apex extended and pointed. Apical ventrite asymmetric with sharp knob on one side Fig. .Legs: Protarsus slightly enlarged; provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite long, medium robust and external outline medially bent; extreme apex peculiar with external end, expanded to a sharp extension Fig. .Female: Protarsus slender. Apical ventrite Fig. .PageBreakZaire, Angola, Malawi Fig. .According to Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1952LaccophilusmediocrisLaccophilusmeiiNew synonym.Laccophilusmediocris: Ivory Coast: Toumodi.Laccophilusmeii: Republic of Guinea: Faranah, Sidakoro.Laccophilusmediocris. Holotype: male: “Cote d’Ivoire Toumodi /male symbol / Wehnckei Shp det. Gschwendt. / Type / Laccophilusmediocris Guign. Type, male” (MNHN). – Paratypes: “Cote d’Ivoire Toumodi / Museum Paris 12-1930-IV-1931 Ch. Alluaud & P.A. Chappuis / female symbol / Paratype” .(8 exs.) Laccophilusmeii: Holotype: male: “République de Guinée, PNHN 10 10o15'08"N, 10o28'20"W Faranah, Sidakoro, mare, 12.1. 1996 leg. M. Mei” (in acqua con fondo fangoso e molto detrito) / Holotypus / Laccophilusmeii sp. n. det. S. Rocchi 1997” (MZUL). – Paratypes, female with same data as holotype but labelled “Paratypus” (1 ex. MZUL); male: “République de Guinée, PNHN9, 10o27'50"N, 10o26'26"W, Faranah, Somorya F. Koffin 18.1. 1996 leg. M. Mei / Paratypus / Laccophilusmeii sp. n. det. S. Rocchi 1997” (1 ex. CSR).Ivory-Coast: “Comoé NP, N8,5°-W3,5° Reintjes / 20.2. 1999” (1 ex. NMW); same data but “5.1. 1999” (3 exs. NMW); “Touba, a la lumière 4. 2002 Moretto / Laccophilusmediocris det. Rocchi 2002” (1 ex. CSR). – Ghana: “Ashanti Reg. Kwadaso, agric. st., 6.42N-1.39W / 26.2. 1969 light trap Endrödy-Younga” ; “N Reg., Damongo game res. 9.04N-1.48W / at light 12.8. 1971 Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA). – Nigeria: “Kontagora 3.IV. 1963 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream, road Kaduna-Kontagora 3.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “River, Enugo rd about 47 mi. from Makurdi 24.4. 1963 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream Enugo-Makurdi 24.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream 86 mi. from Makurdi on Jos road 25.IV. 1963” (5 exs. MNHN). – Congo: “Ewo 5. 1979 Onore / Laccophilusmediocris Guignot det. Pederzani” (1 ex. CSR).(22 exs.). Laccophilusmediocris and Laccophilusmeii have been studied and compared. Both external and male genital features seem to be identical. Accordingly the two species are regarded conspecific, and Laccophilusmediocris, which is the older name, is the valid name of the species. Laccophilusmediocris seems to have been overlooked when Laccophilusmeii was introduced as a new species because no reference to it is given to it in the original description  knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, provided with protruding suckers.Male genitalia: Penis twisted, in lateral aspect with apical portion of penis comparatively delicate, narrow and moderately undulate; extreme apex finely hooked Figs .Female: Apical ventrite almost symmetric lacking lateral knob Fig. . Pro- anPageBreakMali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo Fig. . Non-verLaccophilusmeii, Rather insufficiently documented. When describing Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1955LaccophilusepinephesLaccophiluscastaneusNew synonym.Laccophilusepinephes: Zaire: Parc National de la Garamba.Laccophiluscastaneus: Senegal: Niokolo Koba, Badi.Laccophilusepinephes: Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Congo belge P.N.G. Miss. H. De Saeger I/a/2, 21-IV-1950 Réc. G. Demoulin / Coll. Mus. Congo (ex. coll. I.P.N.C.B.) / F. Guignot det., 1955 Laccophilusepinephes sp. n. Type male symbol” (MRAC). – Paratypes: Same as holotype but “I/b/2, 27.9. 1950, 847 / Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); “Congo Belge P.N.G. Miss. H. De Saeger II/gd/14s, 25-VIII-52 H. De Saeger. 3984 / Paratype / F. Guignot det., 1958 Laccophilusepinephes sp. n.” ; same data but “I/c/2, 17.3. 1950/Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); same data but “I/a/2-3, 10.7. 1950 Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); same data but “II/hd/14s, 17-X-1951, 2644” (1 ex. NHMB); same data, but “Utukuru/14, 22-VII-52, 3812” .(15 exs.). Laccophiluscastaneus: Holotype: male: “Mission IFAN au Parc National du Niokolo Koba Badi  15.VIII-25.IX -1955 / Type / F. Guignot det. 1956 Laccophiluscastaneus sp. n. Type” (MNHN). – Paratypes: females: “Mission IFAN au Parc National du Niokolo Koba/Badi  15.VIII-25.IX -1955 / female symbol / Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); “Ouassadou 12.VIII. 55 / Mission IFAN au Parc National du Niokolo Koba / female symbol / Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN).Ivory Coast: “Nord C. d’I. Ferkessédougou 10-20.5. 1964 Decelle” . – Nigeria: “River Crossing Erugo rd 80 mi. From Makurdi 24.4. 1963” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream Kaduna-Zaria rd. 4.IV. 1963 JO-C.” (1 ex. AMGS); “River about 79 mi from Makurdi on Erugo road 24.4. 1963” (1 ex. AMGS); “Pools in dry stream bed, Kontagora 5.IV. 1963 J.O-C.” (6 exs. AMGS); “Niger Prov., Zunguru 18.3. 1949 Malkin / pond, much detritus, reeds” ; “Ilorin Prov., Ilorin 15-18.2. 1949 Malkin / small clean pond” (1 ex. BMNH). – Cameroon: “Tokombere (dint. Maroua) 12.7. 1979 leg. Onore / LaccophilusepinephusGuignot det. Rocchi 1981” (5 exs. CSR); “Kamerun int. Satsche 10-14.5. 1909 Riggenbach” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Mokolo pr. Maroua 8-10.7. 1979 Onore / zona pre-Saheliana, pozzangera residuo di ruscello ambiente soleggiato” (1 ex. NHMB). – Gabon: “Res. Lopé-Okanda, milieu de savane 1.2.1986 Bilardo / Laccophilusepinephes Guig. det. Bilardo” . – Congo: “Ewo 12.5. 1979 Onore” (1 ex. NHMB); “Parco Nazion. Mbomo 16.5. 1979 Onore” (1 ex. NHMB); “P. K. Rouge 4-1979 Onore / Laccophilusepinephes Guign. det. Rocchi 1981” (1 ex. NHMB). – Zaire: “Lualaba, Kolwezi riv. Dilolo 1953 Allard” ; “PNG Mabanga 14, 31.8. 1952 H. De Saeger, 3870” ; “PNG Ndelele/14s, 1.8.1952 H. De Saeger, 3871” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG PpK.14/g/14s, 4.4. 1952 H. De Saeger, 3290” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG II/fd/12, 10.3. 1952 H. De Saeger, 3180” (1 ex. MRAC); “PNG II/gd/14, 30.7. 1952 H. De Saeger, 3857” (1 ex. MRAC).(47 exs.). Laccophilusepinephes and Laccophiluscastaneus have been studied and compared. No diagnostically decisive features in external appearance of the body or in the male genitalia were detected. Accordingly the two species are considered conspecific. Laccophilusepinephes, being the older available name is the valid name of the species.The male holotypes of Laccophilusepinephes is characterized by big sized body and peculiar shape of penis. Penis in lateral aspect quite broad, robust, medially distinctly curved and extreme apex protruding forwards, not distinctly hooked.Body length 4.2–4.8 mm, width 2.3–2.5 mm. Elytral colour pattern somewhat vague; ferrugineous with dense but somewhat diffuse, dark ferrugineous irrorations, which sometimes can be rather indistinct. Habitus and dorsal colour pattern as in Fig. Head: Pale ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern. Rather shiny to slightly mat, although finely reticulated. Reticulation double; large meshes contain 2–5 small meshes. Large meshes only slightly more strongly developed that fine meshes. At eyes and on disc, with fine, irregular punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern. Rather shiny to slightly mat although finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Large meshes contain 2–6 small meshes (sometimes meshes rather indistinct and weakly developed). At margins, very fine, irregular punctures may be discerned.PageBreaksmaller meshes. Laterally and posteriorly double reticulation indistinct and mesh-size-classes cannot be distinguished. Discal row of punctures formed by very fine, slightly irregular punctures. Other rows simply indicated by a few, irregular punctures. Lateral, pre-apical furrow shallow, pubescent.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dense and somewhat vague, ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous irrorations Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, abdomen generally slightly darker. Rather shiny to submat, finely microsculptured. Almost impunctate. Basal ventrites with fine, in part reduced, curved striae. Apical ventrite lacks distinct knob but surface on one side uneven (knob-rudiment?) Fig. . Apex ofLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged; provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite broad, robust, medially distinctly curved and tip of penis protruding forwards, not distinctly hooked Figs .Female: Apical ventrite as in Fig. Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Zaire Fig. .According to label-data the species has been collected from pools in dry stream bed, in a pond, with much detritus and reeds. Some additional information is available in Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1958LaccophilussaegeriLaccophiluscomoensisNew synonym.Laccophilussaegeri: Zaire: Garamba National Park.Laccophiluscomoensis: The Ivory Coast: Comoé Nat. Park.Laccophilussaegeri: Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Congo Belge, P.N.G. Miss. H. De Saeger II/hd/14s, 17-X-1951 Réc. De Saeger, 2644 / Coll. Mus. Congo (ex. coll. I.P.N.C.B.) / Guignot det., 1957 Laccophilussaegeri sp. n. Holotype” ; “Congo Belge, P.N.G. Miss. H. De Saeger II/fc/14, 4-VII-1952 H. De Saeger, 3736 / Paratype” ; “PNG Miss. H. De Saeger II/gc/13s, 3.9. 1951 H. De Saeger, 2359” .(16 exs.). Laccophiluscomoensis: Holotype, male: “Cote d’Ivoire Comoé N.P. N8,5, W3,5, leg et det. N. Reintjes / 4.2. 1999 CB6A Comoé River / Holotypus in Quad. Studi Nat. Romagna 16 suppl.: 35-41 / Laccophiluscomoensis Pederzani & Reintjes, 2002 /Laccophiluscomoensis Pederzani & Reintjes Holotype” ; “Cote d’Ivoire Comoé N.P. N8,5, W3,5, leg et det. N. Reintjes / 26.12. 1998 TBIA Temporary pond/Paratypus in Quad. Studi Nat. Romagna 16 suppl.: 35-41 / Laccophiluscomoensis Pederzani & Reintjes, 2002 / Laccophiluscomoensis Pederzani & Reintjes Paratype” (1 ex. NMW).Zaire: “Katanga, Kansenia -6. 1925 de Witte” (1 ex. CGW); “Jadotville 9. 52” (1 ex. NHMB).(2 exs.): Tanzania: “16 km W Iringa, Isimilia-Schlucht 14.8. 1998 M. Wewalka leg.” .(1 ex.). Nigeria: “Kontagora 3.IV. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Zambia: “N. Rhodesia Lusaka” (2 exs. AMGS). (4 exs.). Laccophilussaegeri and Laccophiluscomoensis have been studied and compared. The shape of penis is almost identical. Some minor variation in appearance of elytral colour pattern exists. The difference is, however, superficial and equally great differences are found between the specimens constituting the type series of Laccophilussaegeri. Accordingly, it seems clear that the two species are conspecific. Valid name of the species is Laccophilussaegeri, being the older available name.Holotypes, males, of Laccophilussaegeri is characterized by quite large body; quite uniform elytral colour pattern in combination with shape of penis, which exhibits only minor variation. Penis in lateral aspect distinctly curved, extreme apex pointing forwards and not distinctly hooked. Resembles much Laccophilusepinephes but penis is less broad and quite slender. Laccophilussaegeri resembles in part also of Laccophiluspulcher, here located in specgies group 11 (deceptor). Similarity between Laccophilussaegeri and Laccophiluspulcher is especially confined to shape of penis. Colour pattern of elytra is however completely different . Similarity in penis shape indicates possibility of closer relationship between these two species – this question needs further study.Body: Length 4.1–4.7 mm, width 2.2–2.6 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body exhibits some variation Figs –438.Head: Pale ferrugineous. Post-medially, sometimes with two minor, ferrugineous spots. Slightly mat. Finely microsculptured. Double reticulation discernible but rather indistinct; only in part visible. Large meshes, when discernible may contain 3–7 small meshes. Impunctate, except at eyes; with fine, irregular punctures. Areas of fine punctures extend towards middle of head.PageBreakPronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Anteriorly between eyes often narrowly darkened; with a ferrugineous to dark ferrugneous marking. Mediobasally sometimes with two minute, narrow darkened markings. Pronotum sometimes almost unicoloured pale. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured. Reticulation fine, double and extensively discernible. Large meshes contain 3–7 small meshes. Impunctate, except anteriorly and laterally; with very fine to fine, irregular punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous. Colour pattern variable but specimens exhibit same ground-plan; consists of irregular, dark ferrugineous irrorations, which are sparser subbasally and slightly posterior to mid of elytra where two transverse, pale, areas are discernible Figs –438. RatVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, apically on abdomen and metacoxal processes ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Submat to rather shiny, finely reticulated; in part reticulation obliterated. Basal ventrites with fine, curved striae. Almost impunctate. Prosternal process slender, apex slightly extended, pointed. Apical ventrite as in Fig. Legs: Protarsus slender; claws slightly curved, equally long. Pro- and mesotarsus with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite long, distinctly bended and extreme apex expanding forwards, not distinctly hooked Figs .Female: Not studied. No females have been available for study.Ivory Coast, Zaire Fig. . SpecimeCollected from temporary ponds. See also Reintjes (2002).Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/8A25143F-4849-495B-AF13-8820977C2934Nigeria: Zaria province, Zaria.BMNH(E) 1956-234” (BMNH). – Paratypes: Same data as holotype ; “Sudan (Equatoria) Nzara 22.4. 1986 leg. Wewalka (Z11-13)” .(9 exs.): Holotype, male: “Nigeria Zaria Prov., Zaria 5–6.III. 1949 B. Malkin / B. Malkin Coll. PageBreakLaccophilusenigmaticus is especially characterized by comparatively big sized body, peculiar, uniform elytral colour pattern in combination with the penis, which is different in comparison to all other recognized species in Africa; inner outline curvature medially somewhat enlarged, forming a distinct but smooth expansion of penis. Apex of penis broadly but rather indistinctly hooked.Body length 4.3–4.6 mm, width 2.3–2.5 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body almost uniform, exhibits only minor variation Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat, microsculptured. Reticulation double; large meshes distinctly more strongly developed than small meshes. Large meshes may contain 2–5 small meshes. Impunctate, except at eyes; with fine, irregular punctures, the area of which extends a short distance towards middle of head-disc.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally and basally in middle with narrow, often indistinct, ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous marking. Slightly mat, microsculptured. Reticulation double. Large meshes clearly, more strongly developed than small meshes. Large meshes may contain 2–5 small meshes. Almost impunctate, except frontally and discally; with fine, sparse and irregular punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dense, almost uniform, dark brown to dark ferrugineous irrorations Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate; apical ventrite with some scattered, rather fine punctures. Apical ventrite asymmetric having a small, sharp knob on one side Fig. . Rather Legs: Pale ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect peculiar, being quite slender and curved, provided with a broad extension on inner outline of penis. Extreme apex broadly but moderately hooked Fig. .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite as in Fig. enigmaticus is a Latin adjective meaning “enigmatic” and refers to the situation that, externally, Laccophilusenigmaticus resembles of some other African species but regarding male genitalia, it deviates strongly from the corresponding features in those species.The species name Nigeria, Sudan Fig. .Unknown, no information available.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeSharp, 1882LaccophilusrestrictusLaccophiluspictipennis Sharp); Laccophiluspictipennis Sharp); Laccophiluspictipennis Sharp); Laccophiluspictipennis Sharp). Restored species.LaccophilusevanescensNew synonym.Laccophilusrestrictus: Egypt.Laccophilusevanescens: Zaire: Matadi.Laccophilusrestrictus: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Type / Egypt / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Type 588 Laccophilusrestrictus sp. n. Egypt” (BMNH).(2 exs.). Laccophilusevanescens: Cotype: female: “Matadi Congo / Museum Paris coll. Maurice evanescens Régb.” (MNHN). Ethiopia: “Eth. Merid., Delta de l’Omo Lac Rodolphe 570 m” (1 ex. MNHN). – Sudan: “R. Yei at Amadi 28.1. 1954 JJOC.” (9 exs. AMGS); “Nimule Ferry 4.XI. 1954 J. & J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Chartum coll. Baum” (1 ex. CGW); “Bahr el Abiad / Laccophilusevanescens Régb. det. Brancucci 1982” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Equatoria Nzara 22.4. 1986 Wewalka” ; “Wad Medani am Bl. Nil 20.10. 1979 lux Hieke” (1 ex. ZMHB); same but “26.10. 1979” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Mali: “Bamako” (1 ex. MNHN); “Kogoni X. 1966 Schmitz” ; “Bebedja 28-31.5. 1973 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH). – Guinea: “Faranah, Sidakoro, base-vie N10°14'27”, W10°27'41”, 6-27.5. 1994 Mei / Laccophilusevanescens Régb. det. Rocchi 1996” (1 ex. CSR). – Burkina Faso: “Ob. Volta Pundu Olsifiev” (1 ex. NHRS). – Ivory Coast: “Riv. Leraraba” (1 ex. MNHN); Ferkessédougou 10-20.5. 1964 Decelle”  2.2. 2006 Goergen, Homarek & Hounguè leg./06°23'11.3"N 02°12'30,2” E, lake with rich riparian vegetation” (1 ex. NMW). – Nigeria: “R Jos-Bauchi rd. 9.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “R. St. nr Mbiama 4-5.7. 1973 Linnavuori” (2 exs. MZH); “NW St. Badeggi, rice fields 8-9.8. 1973 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “BPl. St. Wamba-Gudi 7.8. 1973 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “K. State N. Bussa 12.1. 1970 Medler” (1 ex. USNM). – Gabon: “Ogové Riv. Good / Laccophilusevanescens Régb. det. CSR); “Lambarènè 7.8. 1973 Bilardo & Pederzani” (3 exs. CFP). – Zaire: “Banana–Boma M. Tschoffen 91 Det. Régimb. / 11170/Régimbart det. 1895 / Type  / Régimbart det. 1895 Laccophilusevanescens Rég”. (2 exs. IRSNB); PNG 17.7.1952/Miss. H. De Saeger II/fc/14 3806” (1 ex. MNHN); “Tshuapa-Mbandaka ca. 0°03'N-18°28'E, a.l. 1964 Stam leg.” ; “Coquilhatville 3-4.4. 1963 Stam leg. / at light”(1 ex. RMNH). – Kenya: “Br.O.A., Fort Hall” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Zambia: “27.3.1993, 15°02'35"S/26°00'09E, Kafue NP Chunga Camp lux, Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “29.3. 1993, 15°02'35"S/26°00'09E, Kafue NP Chunga Camp lux, Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Mozambique: “Beira 7.IX. 1955 JOC.“ (5 exs. AMGS); “Umbuluzi R. Nr Goba 4.12. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Namibia: “Kavango: Gelukkie Kavango Ufer 18°03'S/21°08'E, 1.3. 1992 Uhlig leg.” ; “Kavango, Popa Falls 18°07'S/21°35’ E Kavango Ufer, Schilf-Papyrus-Ufer-Vegetation, gesiebt 2.3. 1992 leg. M. Uhlig” (2 exs. ZMHB); “E Capriwi, Mudumu NP Nakatwa 18°10’/23°26’ E, 8-13.3. 1992 lux. Uhlig leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “30.3.1999, 18°07'16S/21°34'51 Popa Falls NP. Banks of Okawango, floating Uhlig” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Botswana: “6.4. 1998 Shakawe Fishing Camp 18°27'S, 21°56'E Deckert leg.”(1 ex. ZHMB). – South Africa: “Natal Sodwana Bay Nat.P. 20.12. 1992 Koch leg.” (1 ex. ZHMB).. Laccophilusrestrictus and Laccophilusevanescens, have been compared together with study of some additional specimens. No male type material of Laccophilusevanescens have, however, been available but external PageBreaksimilarity between type material of the two species together with additional studies strongly indicate that they are synonymous. Laccophilusrestrictus, being the older name is the valid name of the species. Laccophilusrestrictus was earlier considered synonymous with Laccophiluspictipennis Sharp. Examination of the type material of Laccophiluspictipennis, however, clearly shows that the two species are not synonyms and accordingly Laccophilusrestrictus deserves rank as a good species.Type material of the two involved species, Laccophilusrestrictus is characterized by vague and weak dorsal colour pattern in combination with penis, which in lateral view has a somewhat angled outline close to base of penis; from angle forwards penis evenly curved to extreme apex. Penis apex is extended to a small tip.Body length 3.3–3.8 mm, width 1.8–2.0 mm. Oval to oblong; dorsal aspect pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. With somewhat irregular and weakly developed, dense irroration on elytra. Irroration rarely quite distinct Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous; posteriorly slightly darker but dark area lacks clear delimitation. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double, of two kinds; difference between fine and larger reticulation in part indistinct. Large meshes include 2–5 small meshes. At eyes, with fine, irregular punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; without distinct darker markings. Submat, finely microsculptured; microsculpture in part indistinct. Reticulation double but in part distinction of different kinds of reticulation difficult. Larger meshes (when distinguishable) include 2–5 small meshes. Laterally and anteriorly, with sparse, irregular, fine punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dense, vague, ferrugineous irrorations; rarely elytral colour pattern comparatively distinct Figs . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous, metacoxal process-area slightly darker; ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Striae and furrows on metacoxal plates and abdomen fine and vague. Almost impunctate. Prosternal process apex slender, extended and pointed. Apical ventrite, with fine knob on one side Fig. .Legs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Protarsal claws slightly extended; and moderately curved. Protarsus and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, somewhat extended and provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect anterior to base distinctly angled and from there forwards, curved to apex, which is extended to a small tip Figs .Female: Externally almost as male. Apical ventrite as in Fig. Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, Mali, Guinea, Chad, Burkina Faso, the Ivory Coast, Benin, Nigeria, Gabon, Zaire, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa Fig. . AdditioPageBreakLaccophilusrestrictus has been collected in a small, grassy stream and in a marsh with lily pools and weeds .(1 ex.). Holotype, female: “IFAN 1964 Kindia Guinee Fse A. Villiers / Type / F. Guignot det. 1955 Liberia: “Suakoko 19.12. 1951 / 6-9 pm light trap Blickenstaff” . Laccophilusamicus resembles externally of Laccophilustschoffeni Régimbart (here located in species group 11 (deceptor)) but with distinctly smaller body. At present, the small body, in combination with peculiar elytral colour pattern is the most useful characters for identification of the species. Laccophilusamicus seems to be closely related to Laccophilusrestrictus and Laccophilusbellus, on the basis of external similarity. Further study will reveal, whether Laccophilusamicus proves to be synonymous with Laccophilusrestrictus.Only female known, which makes diagnosing difficult. According to . Body length 3.3–3.4 mm, width 1.8 mm. Habitus dorsal aspect as in Fig. Head: Pale ferrugineous. Finely microsculptured, reticulation double. Large meshes only slightly stronger developed than small meshes. Large meshes, when discernible, contain 2–5 small meshes. Mesh-size-classes cannot always be distinguished. Almost impunctate; a few very fine, scattered punctures may be discerned at eyes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, anteriorly and basally in middle with vague dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous areas. Basal dark area bilobed. Finely microsculptured, reticulation double. Large meshes only slightly stronger developed than small meshes. Large meshes, when discernible, contain 2–5 small meshes. Mesh-size-classes cannot always be distinguished. Almost impunctate, frontally and laterally with very fine, sparse punctures.PageBreakReticulation double but especially large meshes weakly developed and only indicated by mesh-rudiments. Fine, irregular punctures form a discal row. Dorsolateral and lateral rows of punctures indistinct; indicated by a few scattered punctures. Posterolaterally with a fine, slightly pubescent pre-apical furrow.Elytra: Ferrugineous to brownish, with, pale ferrugineous markings. At base, posterior to middle and apically with pale area expanded; dark ferrugineous to brown irrorations are there sparser Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous; no colour pattern. Rather shiny, very finely microsculptured. Reticulation in part hardly discernible, almost absent. Almost impunctate. Curved striae on abdomen very fine, in part reduced and indistinct. Prosternal process slender, pointed. Metacoxal furrows very indistinct and reduced; some weak fragments only discernible. Apical ventrite symmetric Fig. .Legs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus slender.Male: Thus far unknown.Guinea, Liberia Fig. .Almost unknown. In Liberia collected with light trap.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/B9A796D4-D74D-4CD1-8167-EEFBD988DB4A07°03'N 02°15'E).Benin: Dep. Zou, Hlanzoun Riv, Zogbodomè Lokoli (forest) (07°03'N 02°15'E muddy stream” (NMW). – Paratypes: Same data as holotype: ; “Nigeria Delta St. Osobi Wetland Area N5.533; E5.816, 14.5. 2008 Mesumbe” (1 ex. AMGS); “Nigeria Delta St., R. Orogoda N6.333, E6.250 nr water, 20.7. 2005 Mesumbe” .(20 exs.). Holotype, male: “Bénin: Dep. Zou, Zogbodomè Lokoli (forest), Hlanzoun Riv. 6.II. 2006 leg. Goergen, Komarek & Hounguè (18)/Laccophilusbellus is characterized by peculiar elytral, colour pattern, by comparatively small body and by the shape of the penis, differing it from all other recognized Laccophilus species in Africa. Penis in lateral aspect, delicate, close to base at external outline distinctly angled and forwards from there almost straight to slightly extended tip. Extreme apex only weakly hooked. Possibly, close to Laccophilusamicus on the basis of external resemblance. Male genitalia of Laccophilusamicus are thus far unknown since only female is known of it.Body length: Length 3.1–3.3 mm, width 1.6–1.7. Elytral colour pattern quite uniform; rarely reduced or extended Fig. . SpecimeHead: Uniformly pale ferrugineous. At eyes with fine, irregular punctures, which extend towards middle of head. Finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Size classes of microsculpture in part difficult to distinguish because almost equally, strongly developed. Large meshes, when discernible may contain 2–5 fine meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Basally in middle with a rather narrow, dark brownish area. Frontally in middle with a narrow, weakly delimited darker area. Discally, broadly impunctate. At margins with fine, irregular punctures except medially at base where pronotum is also impunctate. Rather shiny although finely microsculptured. Reticulation indistinctly double. Size-classes of reticulation in part, difficult to distinguish. Large meshes extensively hardly discernible.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous to dark brown, generally with well delimited, pale ferrugineous markings. On dark areas broad, dark undulations may be discerned Fig. . Discal Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny although finely microsculptured. Sternites with sparse, slightly curved striae. Metacoxal plates with about 10 fine, partly reduced, almost transverse furrows. Apical sternite asymmetric, with small knob on one side Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect, delicate, close to base at external outline distinctly angled and forwards from there almost straight/slightly sinuate to slightly extended tip. Extreme apex only weakly hooked Fig. .Female: Apical sternite lacks knob Fig. . Pro- anbellus is a Latin adjective meaning “beautiful”. The name refers to the external appearance of the new species, being especially handsome.The name Benin, Nigeria Fig. .Almost unknown. From label data it appears that the species has been collected in a muddy stream and in vegetation of a river.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1956LaccophilussepticolaLaccophiluspullatus Omer-Cooper Laccophilussepticola Guignot, Laccophilusalberticus Guignot and Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner are synonyms); Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner); Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner). Restored species.LaccophilusalberticusLaccophiluspullatus O-mer-Cooper, Laccophilussepticola Guignot., Laccophilusalberticus Guignot and Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner are synonyms); Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner; Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner). Confirmed synonymy.PageBreakLaccophilussepticola: Senegal: Niokolo-Koba, Badi.Laccophilusalberticus: Zaire: Lake Albert, Mwita.Laccophilussepticola: Holotype: male; “Mission IFAN au Parc National du Niokolo Koba Badi  15.VIII.-25.IX-1955 / Type / F. Guignot det. 1954 / F. Guignot det.1954 Laccophilussepticola sp. n. Type (MNHN). – Paratypes: “Mission IFAN au Parc National du Niokolo Koba Badi  15.VIII.-25.IX-1955 / Paratype / Dr. F. Guignot det. Laccophilussepticola Guign.” (4 exs. IRSNB); same but “Ouassadou 12.VIII. 55” (1 ex. IRSNB).(8 exs.). Laccophilusalberticus: Holotype: male: “Congo Belge. Lac Albert: Mwita  U.V. 22.XII. 1953 J. Verbeke – KEA 4083 / Type / F. Guignot det., 1956 Laccophilusalberticus sp. n. Type male” (IRSNB). – Paratype: “Congo Belge Lac Albert: Bezaha U.V. 19.12. 1953, 4070 / female symbol / Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN).Sudan: “Upper Nile Malakal 5-20.1. 1963 Linnavuori” ; “Sudan / Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “L. Shambe 21.1. 1954 Omer-Cooper” (2 exs. AMGS). – Nigeria: “Marsk, Katsina-Dawura rd. 6.10.1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS). – Zaire: “Lac Albert Kasenyi UV 21.VI. 1953 4012” (1 ex. IRSNB).(29 exs.): Laccophilussepticola and Laccophilusalberticus is verified by examination of their holotypes. Laccophilussepticola, being the older name is the valid name of the species. Furthermore, examination revealed that Laccophilussepticola is not synonymous with Laccophilusluteosignatus and Laccophiluspullatus.Earlier synonymy of Laccophilussepticola is characterized by pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous elytra in combination with peculiarly shaped penis (extreme apex slightly extended). Morphologically, in case of penis and body shape, Laccophilussepticola resembles much of Laccophiluspullatus and Laccophilusluteosignatus. These two species have, however, blackish to dark ferrugineous elytra, which separate them clearly from Laccophilussepticola, with its much paler main colour of elytra.Body length 2.9–3.3 mm, width 1.6–1.8 mm. Dorsal, aspect of body almost without colour pattern Fig. . Rarely Head: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely reticulated. Reticulation indistinctly double. Large meshes indistinct; only in part discernible and slightly more strongly developed than small meshes. Almost impunctate; fine punctures discernible at eyes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, mediobasally sometimes slightly darker, but lacks well delimited darkened area. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double; large meshes contain two to five small meshes. Small meshes sometimes weakly developed and hardly discernible. Punctation sparse, very fine, in part absent; discernible at frontal margin and laterally.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. In comparsion with head and pronotum, elytra extensively slightly darker Fig. . Rarely PageBreakVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, very finely and partly indistinctly microsculptured. Basal ventrirtes with fine, curved striae. Almost impunctate. Metacoxal lines-process-area not distinctly modified. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with fine, in part rather indistinct, transversely located furrows. In posterior half furrows almost absent. Prosternal process slightly extended, rather slender, pointed. Apical ventrirte asymmetric; with a sublateral, sharp knob Fig. .Legs: Protarsus slender, claws moderately extensive and slightly curved. Pro- and mesotarsus with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect medially bent and from there penis narrows towards extreme apex, which is extended to a small tip Figs .Female: Apical ventrirte simple Fig. . Pro- anSenegal, Sudan, Nigeria, Zaire Fig. . Only veNot documented. In Sudan sampled at light collection.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeOmer-Cooper, 1958LaccophiluspullatusLaccophiluspullatus synonym with Laccophilussepticola Guignot, Laccophilusalberticus Guignot and Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner); Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner); Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner). Restored species.Malawi: Florence Bay below Livingstonia.Laccophiluspullatus mihi Det. J. Omer-Cooper / Nyasaland, lake shore below Livingstonia 21.10. 1948 / Brit. Mus. 1978-308 / Laccophiluspullatus J. O.C. M. E. Bacchus det 1978 HOLOTYPE” (BMNH). – Paratype: female: “Allotype / Laccophiluspullatus sp. n. J. Omer-Cooper / Nyasaland, Dambo below Livingstonia 21.10. 1948 / Brit. Mus. 1978-308” (1 ex. BMNH).(2 exs.). Holotype: male: “Holotype / Malawi: “Nkhotakota env. 2-3.1. 2002 J. Bezdek leg.” (1 ex. NMPC); “Selima env. 4.1. 2002 Kantner” . AMGS).South Africa: “Natal Zululand Mtuba-Tuba 23.9. 1947 J. O-C”  furrows. Basal ventrites with longitudinal, fine striae. Impunctate. Prosternal process rather slender, apex pointed. Apical ventrite has a sharp knob on one side Fig. .Legs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsi somewhat enlarged; provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect evenly curved from base to apex; extreme apex extended to a small tip Figs .Female: Apical ventrite lacks knob Fig. . Pro- anMalawi Fig. . One femCollected in a “dambo” swamp on a lake shore .Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGschwendtner, 1943LaccophilusluteosignatusLaccophiluspullatus Omer-Cooper, PageBreakLaccophilussepticola Guignot, Laccophilusalberticus Guignot and Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschwendtner are synonyms); Restored species.Zaire: Bukama.Laccophilusluteosignatus Gschw. det. Gschwendt. / Type”. . After examination of types of all involved species we consider Laccophilusluteosignatus not synonymous with Laccophiluspullatus, Laccophilussepticola or Laccophilusalberticus, but being a separate species.Laccophilusluteosignatus resembles most of Laccophilussepticola and Laccophiluspullatus. From the former species Laccophilusluteosignatus is separated by mostly blackish to blackish ferrugineous elytra while from Laccophiluspullatus by exhibiting minor but well delimited pale markings on elytra; elytra of Laccophiluspullatus lack pale markings. Male genitalia seem to be quite similar shaped in all three species, however, penis of Laccophiluspullatus and Laccophilusluteosignatus is evenly curved while distinctly bent in Laccophilussepticola.Body length 2.9 mm, width 1.6 mm. Body distinctly bicoloured; head and pronotum predominantly pale ferrugineous, and elytra blackish to dark ferrugineous with minute pale humeral markings Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, very finely microsculptured; reticulation indistinctly double. Coarse reticulation with meshes almost absent and very indistinct; fine reticulation with distinct meshes. At eyes with fine, irregular punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, medially at base with a transversely located dark ferrugineous marking. Finely microsculptured, reticulation double; coarser meshes only a little stronger developed in comparison with fine meshes. Coarse meshes contain 2–5 fine meshes. Almost impunctate; very fine, somewhat irregular punctures discernible.Elytra: Blackish to dark ferrugineous, with minute, pale ferrugineous markings Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Blackish to dark ferrugineous, thorax pale ferrugineous. Apex of prosternal process long, slender and pointed. Submat, very finely and in part indistinctly microsculptured. Metacoxal plates with some, shallow, transversely located furrows. Ventrites with distinct, somewhat curved striae. Almost impunctate. Male apical ventrite as in Fig. Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus quite extensive, slender and tarsal segments moderately enlarged with fine suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect almost evenly curved from base to apex; extreme apex extended to a small but distinct tip Figs .PageBreakFemale: Unknown.Zaire Fig. .Unknown.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1953LaccophilusbenoitiZaire: Elisabethville.Laccophilusbenoiti Guign. Type male” . Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Coll. Mus. Congo Elisabethville, A la lumière XI-50/VI-51 Ch. Seydel / Type / R. DET H. 6182 / Guignot det., 1953 Zaire: “Allotypus female / Coll. Mus. Congo Elisabethville (à la lumière) 1-III-52/30-IX-1953 Ch. Seydel / Allotype / R. DET H 6649 ee. / Guignot det., 1954 Laccophilusbenoiti Guign. Allotype female” . [Comment: attribution of the female specimen to Laccophilusbenoiti is based on Guignot’s determination.](1 ex.). Laccophilusbenoiti is characterized by exhibiting inconspicuous external characters but with very peculiar, strongly angled penis, which separates it from all other African Laccophilus species. Thus far only one male, however, is known and available for study. Comparison with males of Laccophilusepinephes shows that their bodies are externally identical. The unique appearance of penis, being strongly bent, raises suspicion that it is a case of deformation and that Laccophilusbenoiti in fact is conspecific with Laccophilusepinephes. Further study is needed to settle this problem.Body length 4.3–4.4 mm, width 2.1–2.2 mm. Habitus Fig. , distincHead: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation in part indistinctly double. Large meshes hardly discernible; when discernible large meshes only slightly coarser than fine meshes. At eyes, areas with fine, irregular punctures, the areas which are extended a short distance towards middle of head-disc.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern. Very finely microsculptured; reticulation indistinctly double. Anteriorly and laterally with very fine, sparse and irregular punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with extensive and dense but somewhat indistinct, ferrugineous irrorations Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern discernible. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny, although very finely, in part indistinctly microsculptured. Semitransverse furrows on metacoxal plates shallow, in part indistinct. Abdomen basally with fine, curved striae. Prosternal process slender, apically pointed. Apical ventrite with a small, asymmetric knob Fig. ; ventritLegs: Pale ferrugineous, pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with suckers.Laccophilus species; in lateral aspect penis forms an angle of almost 90° ; Laccophilusaddendus Sharp).Laccophilusaddendusab.geminatus Régimbart, LaccophilusaddendusgeminatusConfirmed synonym. Régimbart, Laccophilusaddendus: Madagascar.PageBreakLaccophilusaddendusvar.geminatus: Madagascar.Laccophilusaddendus: Holotype: female: “Madagascar 591 / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Type 591 Laccophilusaddendus Madagascar” .(1 ex.). Laccophilusaddendusv.geminatus (5 exs. with type status unclear): “Annanarivo Sikora Res(?) Régimb. -91 / Laccophilusgeminatus Rég. sp. n. type” (3 exs. IRSNB); “Tananarive / Museum Paris Coll. Maurice v.geminatus Rég.” (2 exs. MNHN). Madagascar: “Suberbieville Breuning coll.” ; “Tsarafidy Breuning coll.” (1 ex. MRAC); “Maroansetra E. le Moult” (1 ex. RMNH); “E Mad., Ampamoho nr Andilamena 1200-1300 m asl, 18-20.1. 1995 Dunay & Janak leg” (1 ex. NMW); “Fenerive, foret Tampolo 28.12. 1998 Moravec leg.” ; “Ft Dauphin (Tulear) Mandena (QMM area) / Pond at right border of Riv. Maendano, 13.9.2001, 10 m asl., 21.6˚C, 0.211 mS/cm / Gerecke & Goldsmith leg.” ; “Fianarantsoa Prov., Foret d’Ananalava 29.6 km. 280°, W Ranhohira, elev. 700 m 1-5.2. 2003/22°35'30"S, 045°07'42"E, Griswold et al., at light, in tropical dry forest” (1 ex. CAS); “TOLI, Zombitse Ankilemiletsy: muddy waterhole, N: -22.868, E: 44.576, 544 m 14.5. 2006 Bergsten leg. / BMNH(E) <794166, 794206, 794209> DNA voucher / Laccophilusaddendus det. Bergsten” (3 exs. NHRS); “TOLI, Manakaravavy, Manakaravavy Riv., Dried out river P49: N: -24.52, E: 44.623, 218 m, 18.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. leg. / BMNH(E) <794207> DNA voucher / Laccophilusaddendus det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); TOA, Moramanga, Andasibe, Andasibe NP Lenti, N: -18.935, E: 48.417, 933 m, 5.1. 2007, Isambert leg. / BMNH(E) <830996> MSL402:C5, DNA voucher / Laccophilusaddendus det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Andasibe, NP Perinet 1250 m, Pfütze im Urvald 5.12. 2000, W. Dolin” (8 exs. NHRS); “Isaky Ivondro, Foret Managotry, Lotic, N: -24.799, E: 46.862, 406 m, 9.4. 2007, Ranarilalatiana leg. / DNA voucher BMNH(E)<831007> MSL 402:C9 / Laccophilusaddendus det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Isalo, Source of Piscine Naturelle, waterholes, N: -22.553, E: 45.368, 2312 m, 12.5. 2006, Isambert et al. leg. / DNA Voucher BMNH(E) <831005, 831007>MSL402:C1 / Laccophilusaddendus det. Bergsten” (2 exs. NHRS); “Sambava, Marojejy, Marojejy NP, Lentic, N: -14.457, E: 49.79, 162 m, 10.12. 2006, Isambert et al. leg. / DNA Voucher BMNH(E) <830992>MSL402:C1 / Laccophilusaddendus det. Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga Melaky btw Morafenobe-Ambohijanahary N-18.19091, E045.19986, 290 m.a.o. 19.12.2009 water net, field, Bergsten et al” (1 ex. NHRS); same data, add “NHRS-JLKB 000000500”(1 ex. NHRS); “Antsianaka Perrot Freres 1er semester 1892” (5 exs. ZMHB); “SW Madagascar Andranohinaly, Voeltskov S.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Mahajanga Melaky, Tsingy de bemaraha NP, S19.14114, E044.81245, 45 m.a.o., 14.12. 2009, water net, field, Bergsten et al./NHRS-JKLB 000000495” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toliara Menabe Menabe RS N-19.92773, E045.52253, 102 m.a.o. 10.12. 2009 water net, field Bergsten et al” (1 ex. NHRS); PageBreaksame data, add “000000471 NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); “Tamatava Prov., 3.3 km N Ambabasoratra 31.8. 1962 Cashatt” (1 ex. USNM); “Andohahela NP, Tsimelahy, pools in creek 15-16.11. 2007, 24°57'13.69"S, 46°37'23,30"E Stastny” (1 ex. NHRS); “Reserve de Perinet 29.5. 1991, forestra pluviale, L. Bartolozzi leg.” (2 exs. CSR); “Tamatava Pr. 3 km E Perinet 2.4.1963 Cashatt” (1 ex. NHMB); “Pr. Tananarive, env. Arivonimamo 22.7.1970 Pederzani” (1 ex. NHMB); “Env. Tananarive 7. 1934 Olsoufieff / Lac Tsimbazaza” (1 ex. MNHN); “Pr. Tamatave, Foret de Perinet 17.7. 1970 Pederzani” (1 ex. NHMB); “Tamatave (Toamasina) Park Ivoloina, Pfütze auf Strasse im Wald 21.11. 2000 Dolin” (1 ex. NHRS); “SW Mad. Andranohilany Voeltzkow / Laccophilusaddendus Sharp det. Brancucci 1982“ (1 ex. NHMB); “Pays Androy nord Alluaud 1900” (2 exs. MNHN); “Vatomandry 8. 1934 Vadon” (1 ex. MNHN).(54 exs.). var.geminatus) to Laccophilusaddendus has been detected. Accordingly earlier synonymization by Zimmermann (1920) is considered valid.No justification to distinguish a varation  dark ferrugineous. Basally at midline with two small dark ferrugineous spots. Submat, finely reticulated and reticulation double. Large meshes, when discernible, contain 2–6 small meshes. Extensively impunctate; frontally fine, rather sparse punctures may be discerned.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous. Colour pattern consists of extensive dark, irrorations; subbasally dark irrorations sparse forming a pale, transverse, irregular area Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Metacoxal plates somewhat darker; sometimes plates vaguely darker only close to margins. Shiny, submat, very finely reticulated. Basal ventrites with fine, curved striae. Almost impunctate. Prosternal process slender, apex only slightly extended, pointed. Metacoxal plates with shallow, transversely located furrows, which are anteriorly quite distinct, posteriorly indistinct (fade away). Apical ventrite medially keeled; with a small knob on one side Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged; with suckers. Claws slender, slightly curved and almost equally long.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite slender, medially distinctly bent; extreme apex straight and simple, unmodified. In dorsal aspect penis apex ends abruptly Figs .Female: Apical ventrite medio-apically keeled Fig. . Pro- anMadagascar Fig. . RecordsInsufficiently documented. Sampled at light in tropical dry forest. Also reported from a pond and a muddy waterhole.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGerstaecker, 1867LaccophilusvermiculosusLaccophilusmocquerysiLaccophilusvermiculosus Gerstaecker).Laccophilusvermiculosusab.mocquerysi Régimbart, Laccophilusvermiculosusvar.mocquerysiConfirmed synonym. Régimbart, Laccophilusvermiculosus: Kenya: Mombasa.Laccophilusmocquerysi: Senegal: Dakar.Laccophilusvermiculosus: Lectotype (by present designation): female: “43615 / Typus / Hist.-Coll. (Coleoptera) Nr. 43165 Laccophilusvermiculosus Gerst. Mombas v.d. Decken Zool. Mus. Berlin / vermiculosus Gerst. Mombas v.d. Decken” (ZMHB). – Paralectotype: female: “Mombasa v.d. Decken Nr. 43615 / Typus / Hist.-Coll. (Coleoptera) Nr. 43165 Laccophilusvermiculosus Gerst. Mombas v.d. Decken Zool. Mus. Berlin” (1 ex. ZMHB).(9 exs.). Laccophilusmocquerysi: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Sénégal Dakar A. Moquerys Février 1889 / Museum Paris coll. Maurice mocquerysi Régb.” (MNHN). – Paralectotypes: Senegal: Sama data as lectotype (1 ex. MNHN); “Db / Senegal Dr. Roussel / Museum Paris coll. Maurice MNHN). – Gabon: “Gabon Mocquerys / Museum Paris coll. Maurice MNHN). – Zaire: “Matadi Congo / Museum Paris coll. Maurice MNHN).Senegal: “Dakar V. 1939 Bouvet” (4 exs. MNHN). – Sudan: “Agadi Dar el Fungi Alluaud 1906 / Mares temporaries d’eau de pluie” (3 exs. MNHN); “S. Sudan Alel rock pool 30,56E, 6,11N, 18.1. 1954 JJOC.” (5 exs. AMGS). – Ivory Coast: “Comoé Nat. Pk, N 8.5°, W3.5°/11.4. 1999 Temp. Creek leg. Reintjes” (1 ex. NHMW). – Benin: “Dep Littoral Cotonou City, pond 8.2.2006 leg. Goergen, Komarek & Houngué” . – Zaire: “PNA 23.8. 1957 Vanschuytbroeck VS 127a/b/Secteur Nord riv. de Semliki rte Muramba, 905 m” . – Kenya: “Gulanze Dam, Kwale Distr., 19.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” ; “Mafisini Pond, Kwale Distr., 19.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” ; “Makalanga Dam, Kwale Distr., 19.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (2 exs. ZMUC); “Makalanga Dam, Kwale Distr., 19.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (2 exs. ZMUC); “Rice field, Mwande Dam, Kwale Distr., 19.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Maji ya Chumvi Riv., Kwale Distr., 16.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Dam at Kaloleni Mission, Kilifi Distr., 15.9.1976 Holmen leg.” (2 exs. ZMUC); “Mombasa / Ch. Alluaud / Museum Paris coll. Maurice MNHN); “Mombasa Ch. Alluaud” (2 exs. MNHN); “Cote d’Afr. Or. Angl. Tiwi Alluaud & Jeannel 1911 St. 5” (1 ex. MNHN). – Tanzania: “Lukoka, pond, Tanga Distr., 22.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” ; “Narobi b. Tanga 2. 1951 Methner leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “DOA Uruba Methner” (1 ex. ZMHB); same but “15.9.” (1 ex. NHMB); “Tandaguru Linndi Dec. 1909- Jan. 1910 Janensch S.G.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Petukiza, ponds, Tanga Distr., 23.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” ; “Ngezani ponds, Tanga Distr., 23.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (3 exs. ZMUC); “Pongwe, rice field, Tanga Distr., 24.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (1 ex. ZMUC); “Rice fields of Tanga, Tanga Distr., 26.9. 1976 Holmen leg.” (4 exs. ZMUC); “Tang. Terr. Ukerewe L. Conrad leg.” (1 ex. BMNH); “Zanzibar Pemba 23. September 1955 Fowler” (2 exs. AMGS); “Zanzibar 17.5. 1888” (2 exs. ZMHB); “Zanzib.” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Angola: “20 km E Luanda, Luanda-Katete Hwy 9.10. 1949 Malkin / waterhole, gravel and clay bottom” (1 ex. BMNH). – Malawi: “River near Portuguese border nr Malanza 4.XI. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS). – Namibia: “E. Kapriwi: Katima Mulilo 17°29'S, 24°17'E, 3-8.3. 1992 Uhlig PageBreakleg.” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Botswana: “Tsotsorogo Pan 17.6.-9.7. 1930 / Laccophilusmocquerysi Rég. det. Gschwendt.” ; “Serowe sevage ponds, Farmer’s Brigade 1.6. 1987, SE22 26BD Forschhammer leg.” (1 ex. MZH); same data but ”9. 87 / Laccophilusvermiculosus Ger. det. Rocchi 1993” (1 ex. CSR). – Zimbabwe: “Matopos NP 20°33'S, 28°30E, lux 28.9-1.12. 1993 Uhlig leg.” ; “Wankie Game Reserve, Shapi Pan 5.9. 1948 JOC.” ; “Wankie Game Reserve, Sept. 1948 water holes JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Reserve Masumu Dam 4.9. 1948” ; “Wankie Game Reserve 5. September 1948 JOC. Pools at Robins restcamp” (2 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Game Res., waterholes nr head-quarter 2.9. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Wankie Nat. Pk, Pan 0-8 M. V. light trap 9. 1961 Weir leg.” (1 ex. BMNH); “5 mi SE Wankie 7.4. 1968 Spangler” (3 exs. USNM); “Gwai River 3.4. 1968 Spangler” . – Mozambique: “Beira 7 September 1955 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Moz. Dambo Pan 30.6. 1960” (1 ex. AMGS). – South Africa: “Kruger Nat. Pk, Skukuza 12 km S, 25.04S, 31.37E / 6.3. 1996 UV light leg. Endrödy-Younga” ; “Kruger Nat. Pk, Malonga Springs 22.36S, 31.20E / 8.2. 1994 shorewashing leg. Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Kruger Nat. Pk, Punda Maria Ngots Dam 21.26S, 31.14E / 7.2. 1994 shorewashing leg. Endrödy-Younga” (1 ex. TMSA); “Transvaal small cattle dam Louis Trichart 23.III. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal Kruger Park 29.VI. 1960” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Lake Nhlange, Kosi lake compl. N-27.00, E32.50, 27.1. 1967 Allanson” (1 ex. AMGS); “Natal Crocodile R. 5.V. 1956” (1 ex. AMGS).(208 exs.). Laccophilusadspersus Boh. det. Gschwendtner” (1 ex. TMSA).“Magude 16.8. 1915 C.J. Sw. / Laccophilusvermiculosus and Laccophilusmocquerysi was suggested the first time by Laccophilusmocquerysi as an aberration of Laccophilusvermiculosus. Examination of type material of both taxa confirms earlier synonymization.Synonymy of Laccophilusvermiculosus is especially characterized by comparatively large body size, peculiar, slightly variable, elytral colour pattern and shape of penis; curved and apex with a peculiar, bifid projection. Not to be confused with any recognized African Laccophilus species.Body length 4.6–5.1 mm, width 2.4–2.8 mm. Dorsal colour pattern generally quite stable, exhibiting only minor variation Elytral irroration sometimes somewhat reduced but exhibits still original, ground-plan pattern Figs –451. DarHead: Pale ferrugineous, posteriorly close to pronotum with blackish to dark ferrugineous, well-delimited area. Dark area rarely somewhat vague or in part hidden under foremargin of pronotum. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double, but difference between size-categories slight; in part large meshes indistinct or non-discernible. Large meshes, when discernible, contain 2–5 small meshes. Impunctate, except close to eyes; with some, scattered, fine punctures. Punctate areas extend towards middle of head-discussionPageBreakPronotum: Pale ferrugineous; at foremargin and basally in middle with narrow blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous marking. Discally, often with a more or less well-delimited, dark spot, which is often bilobed. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double but size-categories often difficult to distinguish. Large meshes, when discernible, contain 3–7 small meshes. Frontally and laterally with fine, slightly indistinct, scattered punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with distinct, slightly variable, blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous irrorations Figs –451. IrrVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern formed. Rather shiny, with very fine, in part indistinct microsculpture. Abdomen with curved fine striae. Almost impunctate. Metacoxal plates with about ten transversely located shallow furrows. Prosternal process rather slender, apex somewhat extended, pointed. Metacoxal process area does not exhibit any modifications. Apical ventrite asymmetric, with distinct lateral knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged and extended, with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Shape of penis characteristic; somewhat curved and apex with a peculiar, bifid projection Figs .Female: Apical ventrite almost symmetric; lacks lateral knob Fig. . Pro- anSenegal, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Benin, Gabon, Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa Fig. . Omer-CoRather insufficiently documented. According to label data the species is collected in rice fields and various kinds of ponds, dams and pools. In Angola collected from a waterhole with clay and gravel bottom. Sometimes sampled at light collection (e.g. UV). Literature records are scarce; Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeLegros, 1954LaccophilusguignotiPageBreakGuinea: Mont Tò, Nimba.Laccophilusguignoti sp. n. C. Legros det.” (MNHN). – Paratypes: “Mt Tò (1600 m) Camp 1 / Muséum Paris Nimba (Guinée) M. Lamotte II. VI. 42 / Allotype / Laccophilusguignoti Legros” (1 ex. MNHN); same data as preceeding, but labelled as “cotype” (1 ex. MNHN).(3 exs.). Holotype: male: “Mont Tò 1600 m, Camp I / Muséum Paris Nimba (Guinée) M. Lamotte II. VI. 42 / Type / Guinea: “Exped. Mus. G. Frey Franz. Guinea 1951 W. Afr. leg. Bechyne / Région Kindia Mt. Gangan 600 m 18.5. 51 /male symbol” .(3 exs.). Laccophilusguignoti is particularly characterized by large sized body, peculiar elytral colour pattern and female, having expanded epipleura posterior to middle (expansions visible from above). Male genitalia is also characteristic and differs from other Laccophilus; penis strongly curved in lateral view and apex broad, of almost equal width except for basal part which is a little broader. Closest relative may be Laccophilusirroratus. Regarding external colour pattern (e.g. robust irroration) there is some resemblance with species, here placed in Species group 11 (deceptor). Final location of Laccophilusguignoti remains an open question, which need further study to be solved.Body length 4.3–4.9 mm, width 2.5–2.9 mm. Dorsal colour pattern of body rather distinct; elytra with irrorations; at base and preapically with transverse, pale areas where irrorations in part absent or sparser Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. At eyes with a few, scattered, fine punctures. Submat, with distinct and dense microsculpture. Reticulation double. Coarse meshes distinct, contain 2–4 fine meshes. In part, fine meshes indistinct or obliterated.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Frontally in middle with a dark ferrugineous area; basally in middle, narrowly, dark ferrugineous . Anteriorly, very fine, scattered punctures may be discerned. Submat, distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double; coarse meshes distinct but rather small. Coarse meshes contain, in general, 2–4 fine meshes. Fine meshes in part not discernible at all. Large meshes become “crowded” laterally.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, with undulate, dark ferrugineous markings; colour pattern slightly variable Fig. . DiscallVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, distinct colour pattern absent. Impunctate. Slightly mat, due to very fine microsculpture. Ventrites with curved striae. Prosternal process rather slender, apex extended and pointed. Metacoxa with approximately 10 very shallow, in most cases, transversely located furrows. Metacoxal process-area of usual appearance. Apical ventrite with a sharp keel on each side Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender, somewhat extended, first to third segment provided with a few, protruding suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect strongly curved and extreme apex broad, truncate, and almost equally broad in comparison with basal part of penis Figs .Female: Epipleuron posterior to middle for a short distance enlarged. Apical ventrite lacks lateral keels; as in Fig. Guinea Fig. .Unknown.Diagnosis. Medium to large-sized species; length of body 3.5–4.5 mm, width 1.9–2.5 mm.Body shape oblong to oval, dorsoventrally flattened. All species with distinct colour pattern. Elytra with dark ferrugineous to blackish irroration, which is quite robust and often vague. In some species irroration almost entirely merged to extensive areas of dark colour. All species also exhibit pale patches, which in many species are arranged in more or less distinct transverse series Figs , 462. BoProsternal process slender, apically extended and pointed. Apical ventrites modified; posterior part on both side excavated and medial part forms a backwards extending process. Apical ventrite provided with asymmetrical knob on one side of ventrite Figs , 124. MeParamere rather simple, apically enlarged but not strongly modified Fig. . Penis oSpecies composition and distribution. 12 species are recognized in this species group. All of them are distributed in mainland Africa, south of Sahara.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/E04144B3-F345-4911-86B9-826AE71334FDN6°43' – W1°36').Ghana: Ashanti Reg, Kumasi, Nhiasu .(2 exs.). Holotype: male: “Ghana: Ashanti Region, Kumasi, Nhiasu 330 m, Laccophilusguentheri has a broad, pale ferrugineous, basal area on elytra lacking dark spots or areas, and resembles in this respect of Laccophilusguineensis. The shape of male genitalia deviates, however, very strongly. Apical half of Laccophilusguentheri penis is, very characteristic and separates it from the other species recognized in this species group; apex of penis narrow, extreme tip provided with a minute hook,Body length 3.6–3.8 mm, width 2.0–2.1 mm. Dorsal colour pattern distinct; elytra basally with broad, pale area followed by a uniform, dark ferrugineous to brownish area, which towards apex dissolves into fairly robust, pale ferrugineous irrorations Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double; larger meshes contain generally 3–6 small meshes. Impunctate, except at eyes; there with fine, irregularly distributed punctures. Area of punctures continues a short distance towards middle of head-disc as a slightly irregular row of punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double; large meshes moderately stronger developed than fine meshes, contain generally 3–6 fine meshes. Impunctate, except laterally and anteriorly; here with fine and somewhat irregularly distributed punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous with dark ferrugineous to brownish colour pattern Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, no distinctly delimited colour pattern. Prosternal process rather slender, apically extended, pointed. Ventral surface almost impunctate; apically on abdomen with some scattered punctures. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with some 5–6 shallow and in part reduced furrows. Posterior half of metacoxal plates smooth; furrows absent. Abdomen with fine, somewhat curved striae. Apical ventrite asymmetric; with one lateral knob Fig. Legs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect somewhat curved, apical half narrow, peculiarly folded and extreme tip provided with a minute hook Figs .Female: Unknown.The name is a noun in its genitive form based on the name of Prof. Dr. Günther Wewalka, Vienna, who sent the holotype to us for examination.Guinea, Ghana Fig. .Almost unknown. Collected at light.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/29EC75C3-5F13-4530-B8E0-85F0BBB14B70Guinea: Seredou.ZMHB). – Paratypes: Same data as holotype but “4.4. 1975” (1 ex. MZH); “Rep. Guinea Sérédou, lux, 4. Apr. 1975 leg. A. Zott” . Holotype: male: “Guinea Seredou, lux, 5.4. 1975 leg. Zott” . Impunctate, except laterally and at foremargin; here fine, irregular punctures discernible.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with irregularly distributed, dark ferrugineous irrorations. Frontally at pronotum dark irrorations absent, forming an irregular, pale, transverse area. Posterior to pale area dark irrorations thickened, forming a dark transverse area. Posterior to dark area, irrorations somewhat loosened and appear somewhat irregular Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, no distinct colour pattern. Prothorax somewhat paler, ferrugineous to pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate; apical ventrite with some punctures. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured. Prosternal process rather slender; posteriorly somewhat elongated, apically pointed. Metacoxal plates in posterior half smooth; anteriorly with fine, shallow, in part reduced, transversely located furrows. Rather shiny, although very finely microsculptured. Abdomen with fine, curved striae. Apical ventrite as in Fig. ; asymmetLegs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect curved; extreme apex formed as a broad, rounded enlargement; not hooked Fig. .Female: Unknown.guineensis is an adjective meaning “from Guinea”, the country from where, the new species is described.The species name Guinea Fig. .Almost unknown. Collected at light.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1895LaccophilusbizonatusGabon: Riv. N’Gounié, Chutes de Samba.Laccophilusbizonatus Rég.” ; “Gabon Mocquerys / Museum Paris coll. Maurice bizonatus Rég.” (1 ex. MNHN).(3 exs.). Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Chutes de Samba Riv. N’Gounié Mocuerys / Type / Régimbart det., 1895 Cameroon: “Ekiliwindi 19.3. 1970” ; “Belinga 12.5. 1963 Coiffait” (1 ex. NHMB).(23 exs.). Laccophilusbizonatus is especially characterized by peculiar shaped penis; penis medially twisted and somewhat curved; forwards from middle almost straight and extreme apex distinctly hooked.Body length 3.6–4.2 mm, width 2.0–2.3 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body fairly distinct; some variation often observed Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Large meshes contain generally 4–6 smaller meshes. Almost impunctate; at eyes with fine punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous; mediobasally and frontally (area between eyes) with a vague ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous marking. Rather shiny to submat. Reticulation fine, double. In particular medially, smaller meshes rather indistinct. Almost impunctate.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous. Subbasal, transverse area provided with well-delimited pale ferrugineous, longitudinal spots; separate spots often in part confluent. Elytra posteriorly with rather sparse irrorations, which in part are rather indistinct Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, prothorax extensively pale ferrugineous. Apex of prosternal process narrow, pointed. Rather shiny, very finely and indistinctly microsculptured. Basal ventrites with fine, curved striae. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with transversely located, shallow furrows; in posterior half furrows absent. Almost impunctate. Apical ventrite asymmetric; with a basal, right-hand, located process/knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect, medially twisted and somewhat curved; forwards from there almost straight and extreme apex distinctly hooked Fig. .Female: Apical ventrite simple Fig. . Pro- anCameroon, Gabon Fig. .Laccophilusbizonatus occurred in them.Detailed information unknown. Some sampling localities in Gabon are described in Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeBilardo & Rocchi, 2004Laccophiluspulcher0.36N, 13.50E).Gabon: Riv. Louayé, Mékambo, Malouma (Laccophiluspulcher Bil. & Roc. Det. Bilardo 04” (MSNM). – Paratype: female: “Gabon, VIII. Bissok (Oyem) F. Lara 8/8/91 A. Bilardo / 4,00 x 2,24 / Paratypus / Laccophiluspulcher Bil. & Roc. Det. Bilardo 04” : Holotype: male: “Gabon Mékambo  Riv. Louayé (Borne) 24/07/01 A. Bilardo / 4.12 x 2.24 / Holotypus / Laccophiluspulcher resembles much of Laccophilussaegeri, in this revision placed in another species group . – Paratypes: Same data as in holotype but labelled “Paratypus” (7 exs. CFP).(8 exs.). Holotype: male: “R. Centraficaine Zomea près de Mbaiki 29-31.XII. 1980 leg. G. Onore / Central African Republic: Same data as holotype ; “Ebolowa 3.6. 1966 / B. de Miré” (1 ex. NHMB); “Abong-Mbang N. 1966 / B. de Miré” (1 ex. NHMB); “Ngoundéré 14.9. 1969” (1 ex. NHMB). – Equatorial Guinea: “Nkolentangan 11. 07-5. 08 G. Tessmann S.G.” . – Gabon: “Mékambo, vill. Malouma, rivière Louaié 24.7. 2001 A. Bilardo / Laccophilusconcettae Ped. det. S. Rocchi 2002” (3 exs. CSR).(14 exs.). Laccophilusbiai, Laccophilusdeceptor, Laccophilusbilardoi, Laccophilusdecorosus and Laccophilusconcettae have a similar groundplan on their male genitalia. Their penises, in lateral aspect have strongly curved, undulate external outline; penis being also quite slender posterior to middle. Laccophilusconcettae is characterized by dark elytra with pale transverse area posterior to base and apical part of elytra provided with pale, irregular and sparse irrorations. Apex of penis is obtuse in Laccophilusconcettae. See also diagnosis of Laccophilusbiai (p. 167).The species Body length 3.7–3.9 mm, width 2.0–2.2 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body distinct, rather uniform, exhibits only minor variation Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Rather shiny although finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Difference between mesh-size categories rather indistinct; large meshes only slightly more strongly developed than small meshes. In part meshes rather indistinct and reduced. When discernible, large meshes may contain 2–6 small meshes. Almost impunctate, except at eyes, with fine, irregular punctures. Area of punctures extends towards middle of head-discussionPronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Anteriorly, with vague, slightly darker area. Basally, with a vague dark ferrugineous area. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Large meshes slightly more strongly developed in comparison with small meshes. Large meshes contain 2–6 small meshes. Discally meshes in part slightly reduced and indistinct. Almost impunctate; at margins except basally with fine, irregular punctures.Elytra: Blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, with distinct, quite uniform, pale ferrugineous markings Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Blackish ferrugineous to ferrugineous, except prothorax, pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny, finely microsculptured but reticulation extensively indistinct or totally absent. Abdomen with curved striae, which are reduced at midline. Prosternal process slender; apex extended, pointed. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with about ten, almost transverse and shallow furrows. Apical ventrite with laterobasal, flattened knob Fig. .PageBreakLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender, somewhat extended, with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect undulate, posterior to middle quite slender and apex in dorsal aspect obtuse; in lateral aspect penis slightly extended to narrow tip. Furthermore, penis at base provided with a soft flap Figs .Female: Not studied; all four examined specimens are males. According to original description  apical vCentral African Republic, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon Fig. . BilardoLaccophilusconcettae is briefly described as streams in forest with the banks in some places covered by less shaded, semi-submerged vegetation. The bottom is sandy and water is running even in the dry season.Some information is available in Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeBilardo & Rocchi, 1990LaccophilusbiaiMSNM); Gabon: Makokou.Laccophilusbiai Bil. & Rocchi det. A. Bilardo” ; “Gabon Makoukou 15 km Ouest 23.8. 87 A. Bilardo / Laccophilusbiai sp. n. Bil. & Rocchi” (2 exx. CSR).(4 exs.). Holotype: male: “Gabon Makoukou 23.8.1987 A. Bilardo / 4.05. x 2.20 / Holotypus / Gabon: “Bissok (Oyem) F. Lara 8.8. 1991 Bilardo leg” (5 exx. MZH).(5 exs.). Laccophilusbiai resembles most of Laccophilusconcettae, Laccophilusdeceptor, Laccophilusbilardoi and Laccophilusdecorosus. From Laccophilusdeceptor, Laccophilusbilardoi and Laccophilusdecorosus, Laccophilusbiai is distinguished by the transverse pale area at base of elytra, which in Laccophilusbiai is unbroken or almost unbroken, while in the three other the pale basal area is divided into separate, pale spots. Laccophilusbiai and Laccophilusconcettae is separated by differences in the shape of penis; Laccophilusbiai has pointed penis apex  furrows. Rather shiny, although finely reticulate. Abdomen basally with distinct but sparse, curved striae. Impunctate. Prosternal process slender, apically pointed. Apical ventrite with pointed apex and minor knob Fig. .Legs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsi rather long, basally slightly enlarged, with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect strongly undulate; posterior to middle penis quite slender and at base provided with a soft flap. Apex of penis in lateral aspect extended to a small, obtuse extension; in dorsal aspect extreme apex bluntly pointed Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite apically rounded; minor knob absent Fig. .Gabon Fig. .Laccophilusbiai.Original description gives some information of the collecting localities in Gabon . This inTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1953LaccophilusdeceptorZaire: Parc National Upemba, Mubale.Laccophilusdeceptor Guignot Type male / Guignot det. 1952 Laccophilusdeceptor Guign. Type male” (MRAC). – Paratype: female: Same data as in holotype, but labelled as “Paratypus” (1 ex. MRAC).(2 exs.). Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Congo belge P.N.U. Mubale (1.480 m.) 10-13-V-1947 Mis. G.F. de Witte. 352a / Coll. Mus. Congo (ex. coll. I. P. N. C. B.) / Zaire: “Paratypus / Mbuye Bala (1750 m.) / F. Guignot det., 1953 Laccophilusdeceptor sp. n. . (2 exs.). Laccophilusbilardoi but body of Laccophilusdeceptor is distinctly larger. Male genitalia resemble also of genitalia in Laccophilusbilardoi. Laccophilusdeceptor can be distinguished by specific differences in shape of penis .Among resembling species most similar and probably closest related to Body length 4.5 mm, width 2.40–2.5 mm. Dorsal, aspect of body as in Fig. Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat, finely and quite densely microsculptured. Reticulation double but difference between fine and coarser meshes rather small. Coarser meshes contain 2–6 finer meshes. At eyes with fine punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally and at base medially with a dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous area. Submat, reticulation double. Coarser meshes fine but clearly discernible; contain 2-6 finer meshes. Frontally and laterally with irregular, fine punctures.Elytra: In frontal part with an irregular, transverse row of distinct, pale ferrugineous spots. Posterior to pale spots elytra, with somewhat irregular irrorations Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; exhibits no distinct colour pattern. Rather shiny to slightly mat, finely and extensively microsculptured. Almost impunctate. Basal ventrites with fine but distinct, somewhat curved striae. Metacoxal plates with a few very shallow transverse furrows. Prosternal process slender, apex pointed. Apical ventrite asymmetric; with lateral, on one side located, small but distinct knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus quite long, basally slightly enlarged; with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect with external outline strongly undulate but from middle forwards straightened; apex extended forwards to a distinct tip. Penis at base with a soft flap Figs .Female: Externally as male. Apical ventrite almost symmetric (striae with different location), lacks lateral knob Fig. . Pro- anZaire Fig. .Not documented, unknown.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaePederzani & Rocchi, 1982LaccophilusbilardoiCongo (Brazzaville): Impfondo.Laccophilusbilardoi sp. n. Holotype / Laccophilusbilardoi Pederzani & Rocchi, Rocchi S. det. 1982 / “La Specola” Firenze 6869” (MZUF).(1 ex.). Holotype: male: “Congo Rep. Pop., Reg. Nord-Est, Impfondo, à la lumiére 7.6. 80 Onore / Gabon: “Plateaux Batéké Village Léwou, 30.8. 2008 Bilardo / Laccophilusbilardoi Ped. & Roc. det. Rocchi 2009” .(7 exs.). Laccophilusbilardoi resembles much of Laccophilusdeceptor but body-size distinctly smaller in Laccophilusbilardoi (length of Laccophilusdeceptor is about 4.5 mm). Pale colour patches and irrorations are also distinctly more extensive in Laccophilusdeceptor. Both species with quite similarly shaped penis. Useful features for identification are differences in details of penis-apex-outline when penis viewed laterally. See also illustrations of Laccophilusdecorosus  Fig. .Laccophilusbilardoi is given. Label-data of holotype indicate that it was collected at light.Almost unknown. Regarding collecting localities, see Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/E87F69A8-FE8C-4B39-8902-CAE23DF78529Uganda: Lake Nabugabo.BMNH; habitus in Fig. BMNH, 1 ex. MZH; habitus in Fig. (3 exs.). Holotype, male: “Stn. No. B31(HR) / Uganda Lake Nabugabo vii-viii. 1962 / Cambridge Univ. Biol. Survey 1962. B.M. 1963-727” . Large meshes contain 2–6 small meshes. Almost impunctate. At eyes with fine, irregular punctures. Puncture-areas extend towards head-middle but leave still a wide, impunctate gap between them.Pronotum: Dark ferruginous to dark brown, with small, pale ferrugineous spots on pronotal disc posterior to eyes. Rather shiny to slightly mat, finely microsculptured; reticulation clearly double. Large meshes contain 2–6 small meshes. Impunctate, except at margins, where fine, scattered punctures are discernible.Elytra: Blackish to dark ferrugineous, with well delimited but variable pale ferrugineous spots. Basally with a transverse row of irregularly shaped, pale spots. Spots can be reduced and restricted to a humeral spot. Laterally, in middle and apically with a small, pale area. Extensively on elytra, dark, quite rude irrorations may be discerned Figs –463. DisVentral aspect: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, apically blackish ferrugineous. Colour change gradual, no distinct colour pattern formed. Rather shiny, although with very fine microsculpture, except on abdomen which is mainly shiny with microsculpture extensively absent. Ventrites, with sparse, fine and slightly curved striae. Almost impunctate; apical ventrite with a few, scattered, fine punctures. Apical ventrite asymmetric; provided with a comparatively low, but broad, sharp, process on one side Fig. . MetacoxLegs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect with external outline undulate; posterior to middle penis slender. Extreme apex of penis with a quite broad extension and a pre-apical enlargement Fig. .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite lacks lateral, process Fig. . Body ofdecorosus is a Latin adjective meaning “very fair”. It relates to the nice and decorative appearance of the new species.The species name Uganda Fig. .Unknown.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1892LaccophilustschoffeniIRSNB; no description); PageBreaktion, discussion, faunistics);  Régimbart; Zaire: Boma.Laccophilustschoffeni Rég.” (IRSNB). – Paralectotypes: Same data as lectotype ; “Matadi M. Tschoffen / Laccophilustschoffeni Rég. Typus / Laccophilustschoffeni Rég. / Type” (1 ex. IRSNB); “Severin Banana Africa / Banana Boma M. Tshoffen 91 Dét. Régimb. / Laccophilustschoffeni Type Régimb. / Type” (1 ex. RMNH).(7 exs.). Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Banana Boma M. Tschoffen 91 Det. Régimb. 91 / 11176 / Régimbart det, 1891 Zaire:“Congo Boma M. Tshoffen” .(2 exs.). Laccophilustschoffeni is particularly distinguished by the volumnious male genitalia, and therefore it is not to be confused with any other African Laccophilus species; penis in lateral aspect curved, apically provided with membranous, rather narrow flaps.Body length 4.3–4.5 mm, width 2.40 mm. Habitus and dorsal colour pattern of body as in Fig. Head: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, rather finely but distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double; large meshes only slightly more strongly developed than fine meshes. In part, large meshes indistinct. When discernible, large meshes contain 4-8 small meshes. Almost impunctate, except at eyes, with sparse, fine punctures. Punctate area extends towards middle of head.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, basally with vague darker marking. Submat, finely microsculptured. Extensively with double reticulation but difference between mesh-categories in part indistinct. At margins, pronotum with scattered fine punctures.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, with irrorations, except on pale ferrugineous, basal transverse area Fig. . IrroratVentral aspect: Ferrugineous to pale ferrugineous. Prosternal process slender, apically pointed. Almost impunctate; irregularly distributed, hardly visible, punctures are discernible. Rather shiny, very finely microsculptured. Basal ventrites finely striated. Apical ventrite with a minute ridge, as in Fig. Legs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Protarsus rather slender, claws slightly curved and somewhat prolonged. Tarsi provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis large, voluminous; in lateral aspect medially bent, curved, apically provided with membranous, rather narrow flaps Figs .Female: Apical ventrite symmetric, lacks ridge Fig. .Zaire Fig. .Unknown.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1895LaccophiluspersimilisLaccophylus); Gabon: Cap Lopez.MNHN; lectotype is the specimen to right on a label with two specimens, mounted side by side). – Paralectotypes: On same label as lectotype with same data (1 ex. MNHN); “Chutes de Samba, Riv. N’Gounie 92 Mocquerys / persimilis Rég. type / Régimbart det. 1895 Laccophiluspersimilis Rég. / Type” (1 ex. IRSNB); “Museum Paris coll. Maurice persimilis Rég.”(1 ex. MNHN).(4 exs.). Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Cap Lopez / Museum Paris coll. Maurice Gambia: “Bathurst Jan. 1968 Palm / Laccophiluspersimilis Régb. det. S. Persson det.” (1 ex. NHRS). – Guinea Bissau: “Oio, 2 km E Binar, temp. pool 21.7. 1992 Persson leg.” (3 exs. MZLU); “Oio 10 km W Binar, flooded area 29.8. 1992” (3 exs. MZLU) “Cacheu, Bula, temporary pools 25.7. 1992 Persson leg.” (10 exs. MZLU); same but “16.7.” (5 exs. MZLU); same but “5 km W Bula 18.7. 1992” (6 exs. MZLU); “Gabu, 10 km E Gabu, ponds 3.4. 1993 Persson leg.” (8 exs. MZLU). – Sierra Leone: “Makeni 12°03'W, 8°53'N, 27.11. 1993 light trap 18-21 / Cederholm, Danielsson & Hall leg.” . – Nigeria: “Lagos Colony Iseri 29-30.3. 1949 B. Malkin / Meander pool, shallow water” (1 ex. BMNH). – Gabon: “Lagune Iguelà Gen. 97 Bilardo / Laccophiluspersimilis Régb. det. Rocchi 1999” (3 exs. CSR).(42 exs.): Laccophiluspersimilis is particularly characterized by peculiar elytral colour pattern and uniquely shaped penis apex (broad and triangular). This character-combination distinguishes the species from all other African Laccophilus species.Body length 3.8–4.3 mm, width 2.0–2.3 mm. Dorsal aspect with distinct colour pattern Fig. ; slight Head: Pale ferrugineous, posteriorly at eyes with vague, somewhat darker area. Reticulation double; in part weakly developed. Large meshes (when discernible) contain generally 3–6 small meshes. Almost impunctate; at eyes with a few, rather indistinct, slightly coarser punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally at head (between eyes) and mediobasally with dark ferrugineous, slightly vague marking. Slightly mat, rather distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double. Large meshes contain generally 2–6 small meshes. Small meshes sometimes, weakly developed and rather indistinct. Almost impunctate.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous, with distinct pale ferrugineous, subbasal and pre-apical markings Fig. . SubbasaVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous. Abdomen laterally and apically with vague darker (dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous) area. Rather shiny, very finely and indistinctly microsculptured. Basal ventrites with fine, in part indistinct, curved striae. Almost impunctate; scattered fine punctures may be discerned. Prosternal process slender, apex somewhat extended, pointed. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with quite distinct, transversely located, shallow furrows. Posteriorly the furrows are almost absent. Apical ventrite asymmetric; on one side with a sharp knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged; provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect strongly modified; from base to apex enlarged, broadly triangular with a sharp knob in middle of external outline Fig. .Female: Apical ventrite lacks lateral knob, almost symmetric Fig. . Pro- anGambia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Gabon Fig. . BilardoAccording to label data the species has been collected in flooded area, in temporary ponds and at light.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1956LaccophiluscaiaricusSenegal: Cayar.Laccophiluscaiaricus sp. n. Type female” (MNHN). – Paratype: Almost same data but labelled: “Paratype” . Holotype: female: “IFAN 1954 Kayar Senegal / IFAN 1954 No 3254 Abonnene / Type / F. Guignot det., 1954 Laccophilus species in Africa. From species placed in this species group Laccophiluscaiaricus is distinguished by being the smallest species with maximum length of body 3.5 mm (minimum length of body in other species included is 3.6 mm). [Comment: location of Laccophiluscaiaricus in this species group is uncertain.]Most probably to be regarded a distinct species although only female is known. It is distinguished by its peculiar colour pattern, different from all other recognized PageBreakBody length 3.5 mm, width 1.9–2.0 mm. Dorsal colour pattern of body rather distinct, slightly variable Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous; posteriorly at eyes with vague, dark ferrugineous areas. At eyes with fine, scattered punctures; punctures extend towards middle of head-disc . Submat, distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double. Coarse meshes fine, in part hardly discernible. Coarse meshes may contain 2–6 finer meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Frontally in middle with distinct darkened areas. Basally in middle with vague darker area. Frontally with fine, irregular, in part indistinct punctures. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double. Coarse meshes contain 2–6 fine meshes. Fine meshes in part indistinct and hardly discernible.Elytra: Ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, with slightly variable, pale ferrugineous markings; in part dark colour forms vague undulations Fig. . Almost Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny although with very fine microsculpture. Metacoxal plate with about 10 transverse, shallow furrows. Abdomen with fine curved striae. Female apical ventrite Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, somewhat extended.Male: Unknown.Senegal Fig. .Unknown.Diagnosis. Medium sized species with length 3.6-4.0 mm and width 2.0–2.1 mm.Body, shape oval and dorsoventrally flattened. Elytra with vague, quite robust, ferrugineous irrorations and pale areas formed as vague patches Fig. . Body miProsternal process slender, moderately extended posteriorly, apex pointed. Apical ventrite with posterior end distinctly excavated and medial part posteriorly extended; male provided with an asymmetrical knob on one side of ventrite Fig. . MetacoxParamere rather simple; broad at base and narrows strongly towards apex Fig. . Penis qSpecies composition and distribution. One species is recognized from Africa, north of Sahara.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeKlug, 1834LaccophiluspoecilusLaccophilusponticus Sharp); LaccophilusvariegatusLaccophiluspoecilus Klug). , LaccophilusponticusLaccophiluspoecilus Klug); Laccophiluspoecilus Klug). Sharp, 1882, Synonymy follows earlier studies. List of references is not complete and includes only studies with an African dimension.Egypt.Laccophiluspoecilus / Laccophiluspoecilus Klug, Brancucci Klug det. M. Brancucci 92 / Lectotype des., Laccophiluspoecilus Klug. R.B. Angus det. 2003 (1 ex. ZMHB).(1 ex.): Lectotype: female: “9987 / P(not readable) / Aegypten Ehrenberg Nr. 9987/Algeria: “Ouargla / Coll. Laccophiluspoeclius Kl.” (1 ex. MNHN). – (non-African): Greece: “Corfu, U. & J. Sahlb.”. – Croatia-Bosnia-Herzegovina: “Narenta Gabela U. Sahlb.” (1 ex. MZH).(15 exs.). MZH).“Merw Ahnger” ) in combination with broad, truncate penis apex . Penis, external curvature, with deep incision anterior to base of penis – only African species, exhibiting this feature.Body length 3.6–4.0 mm, width 2.0–2.1 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body generally distinct, slightly variable but with same ground-plan Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous, posteriorly towards pronotum narrowly darker; ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double; large meshes only slightly more strongly developed than fine meshes. Large meshes may contain 2–4 smaller meshes. Impunctate, except at eyes, with scattered, irregular punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Frontally at area between eyes with vague, ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous marking. At base in middle, with a rather distinct, bilobed, blackish to dark ferrugineous spot. Submat, rather finely microsculptured. Reticulation double. Large meshes somewhat more strongly developed than small meshes. Large meshes contain 2–4 small meshes. Almost impunctate, except at margins. At margins except basally in middle with fine, scattered punctures.Elytra: Dark to blackish ferrugineous with distinct, somewhat variable, pale ferrugineous markings Fig. . Submat Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. No distinct colour pattern but apical half of abdomen generally somewhat darker. Submat, finely microsculptured. Abdomen extensively with microsculpture absent or very fine. Almost impunctate; apical ventrite with sharp knob on one side and some scattered punctures Fig. . VentritLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged and extended, provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in anterior portion enlarged gradually to broad, truncate apex Fig. . In lateFemale: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite lacks asymmetric knob on one side Fig. .Distribution in Africa: Egypt, Algeria . Also known from inland fresh water, e.g. from peaty water bodies.Diagnosis. Small to large sized species, length of body 3.0–5.1 mm, width 1.6–2.8 mm.PageBreak. – Paratypes: “Paratype / Laccophilusmutatus O-C. / Kenya Athi River 1530 m X-19-1957 / E.S. Ross & R.E. Leech collectors” (2 exs. AMGS); “Paratype / Laccophilusmutatus O-C. / Kenya 17 mi. SW of Nairobi, 1800 m, XI-24-1957 / E.S. Ross & R.E. Leech collectors” (2 exs. AMGS).(4 exs.). Holotype: male: “Athi River 19.X. 1957 ; same data, except “16.10. 1967” (2 exs. USNM); same data except “3.11. 1967” ; same data except “Oct. 1968 / Conway leg.” (1 ex. USNM); “Kiserian 26.10.1967 / Reichart leg.” (3 exs. USNM); “Langata Rd. 4.11. 1967 / Reichart leg.”(1 ex. USNM); “10 km N Nyeri Kinganjo 3.11. 1995 Wewalka” . – Tanzania: “Kilimandj. Sjöstedt / Kibonto 1-1200 m / Laccophilusgrammicus Shp” (1 ex. NHRS).(30 exs.). Laccophilusmutatus externally resembles of Laccophiluscyclopis. Peculiar features of penis apex (extreme apex provided with two distinct processes in Laccophilusmutatus) distinguish Laccophilusmutatus from Laccophiluscyclopis as well as does appearance of elytral colour pattern in general. Beware of Laccophiluscyclopis specimens with reduced elytral colour pattern.Body length 4.2–4.7 mm, width 2.4–2.6 mm. Elytra with, in part, reduced dark longitudinal lines; habitus, as in Figs Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double, coarser meshes contain 2–5 smaller meshes. At eyes with some very fine, irregularly distributed punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, anteriorly in middle with a bilobed, slightly darker spot. Submat, distinctly microsculpturd. Large meshes contain 3–6 fine meshes. Scattered, irregular fine punctures present.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dark, in part reduced, longitudinal markings Figs . PunctatPageBreakVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to pale brown, no distinct colour pattern discernible. Rather shiny, although extensively with fine but in part inditinct microsculpture. Metacoxal plates with some shallow, vague and transverse furrows. Abdomen with some inwards curved striae. Almost impunctate. Apex of prosternal process slender and pointed. Apical ventrite asymmetric, with a small, lateral knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus rather slender, provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis, apical portion, with two distinct processes Fig. . In lateFemale: Apical ventrite apically not incised Fig. . Pro- anKenya, Tanzania Fig. .Unknown, not documented.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1895LaccophilusquindecimvittatusEthiopia: Abyssinia.15-vittatus Rég. Type unique” (MNHN).(1 ex.). Holotype: female: “Abyss. Raffray / Type / Ethiopia: “Abyssinia Wouramboulchi 9000 ft. 2-7.X. 1926 JOC.” ; “Abyssinia Stream W of Zaguala 6000 ft. 27.X. 1926 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Abyssinia 7900ft Pond Djem Djem forest 10.X. 1926 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Abyssinia Katterere Riv. Lake Zwai 6000 ft., 5.IX. 1926“ (1 ex. AMGS); “Arsi, Assella Life Stock Farm 28.10. 1988, 2350 m, flooded oat field, Persson leg. / Laccophilusquindecimvittatus Régimbart det. Nilsson” (1 ex. TMSA); “Arsi, 10 km S Sagure, Ashebaka Riv., 19.6. 1988 leg. Persson / Laccophilusquindecimvittatus Régimbart det. Nilsson” ; same data but ”8.2. 1974” (1 ex. MZH); “Kaffa Shebe 11-12.2. 1974 Silfverberg leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Süd Aethiopien Neumann / Gimivra”(?) (1 ex. ZMHB).(43 exs.). Laccophilusquindecimvittatus belongs to a group of species within this species group, characterized by separate, dark, longitudinal elytral markings (only weekly undulate), which anteriorly can be reduced, forming a transversely located series of dark spots at base of elytra. Additionally, penis of Laccophilusquindecimvittatus, has distinct, hooked apex. It seems to be closely related to Laccophilusincrassatus and the two species are externally separated by difference in size of body, Laccophilusincrassatus being distinctly larger (length 4.6–5.0 mm). Clear differences are also discernible in shape of penis apex, being narrower in Laccophilusquindecimvittatus.Body length 3.8–4.2 mm, width 2.1–2.4 mm. Habitus with dark colour pattern Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous, close to pronotum narrowly blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Large meshes contain 3–5 small meshes. Almost impunctate, except at eyes; with rather fine, somewhat irregular punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Frontally with broad dark ferrugineous area; basally in middle with quite narrow, somewhat vague, dark ferrugineous marking. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation double. Large meshes only slightly more pronounced than small meshes. Large meshes contain 3–5 small meshes. Frontally and laterally with very fine, hardly discernible, scattered punctures.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous with blackish to dark ferrugineous, longitudinal markings Figs . Colour Ventral aspect: Black to blackish ferrugineous. Prothorax pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Abdomen with fine, slightly curved striae. Almost impunctate. Prosternal process slender, apex somewhat extended, pointed. Metacoxal plate with about 10 almost transversely located, fine and shallow furrows. Apical ventrite asymmetric; with lateral knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, extended, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect at base curved, anteriorly quite straight; extreme apex angular, rather narrow. External outline provided apically with a rather narrow membranous area Fig. .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, extended. Apical ventrite symmetric Fig. .Considered as an Ethiopian endemic species Fig. .According to label-data, collected at high altitudes (6000–9000 ft. = appr. 1850–2700 m). The species occurs in both lotic and lentic water bodies; common in densely vegetated locations; collected from high altitudes (1450–2700 m a.s.l.) .PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGschwendtner, 1933LaccophilusincrassatusLaccophilusvirgatusNew synonym.Laccophilusincrassatus: Zaire: Moero, Kasiki.Laccophilusvirgatus: Zaire: Upemba National Park, Riv. Dipwa.Laccophilusincrassatus: Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Musée du Congo Tang. – Moero: Kasiki 20/27-VI-1931 G.F. de Witte / Type Gschw. / R. DÈT. A 2223 / Laccophilusincrassatus Gschw. det. Gschwendt.” .(14 exs.). Laccophilusvirgatus: Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Congo belge: P.N.U., R. Dipwa (1.900 m) 17-I-1948 Mis. G.F. de Witte, 1239a / Coll. Mus. Congo (ex. coll. I.P.N.C.B.) / Laccophilusvirgatus sp. n. Type, male symbol / F. Guignot det., 1952 Laccophilusvirgatus Guign. Type, male symbol” (MRAC). – Paratype: “Congo belge: P.N.U., R. Dipwa (1.900 m) 17-I-1948 Mis. G.F. de Witte, 1242 / Paratype” (5 exs. IRSNB); same but “1293” (1 ex. IRSNB); “Congo Belge P.N.U. Katobwe (Mukana 1810 m) 22-III-1947 Mis. G.F. de Witte: 92a / Paratype” (2 exs. IRSNB); “PNU Mukana 1810 m/12.3. 1947 F. de Witte / Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); “Congo Belge: PNU Lusinga (Mukana) 28-V-1945 / Paratype / Guignot det., 1953: Laccophilusvirgatus sp. n.” .Zaire: “PNU Mukana 1810 m, 24.III. 1947 / F. Guignot det., 1953: Laccophilusvirgatus sp. n.” (1 ex. IRSNB). (1 ex.). Laccophilusincrassatus and Laccophilusvirgatus have been examined and compared but no characteristics, justifying separation in two species were found. Accordingly, the two species are considered conspecific and Laccophilusincrassatus, being older, is the valid name of the species.Holotypes of Laccophilusincrassatus resembles most of Laccophiluscyclopis, Laccophilusquindecimvittatus and Laccophilusempheres. From Laccophiluscyclopis, Laccophilusincrassatus is separated by the elytral reticulation, which is clearly double in Laccophiluscyclopis while simple or almost simple in Laccophilusincrassatus . From Laccophilusquindecimvittatus, Laccophilusincrassatus is separated by having distinctly larger body (max. 4.2 mm in Laccophilusquindecimvittatus). Shape of penis is also characteristic; apex broader in PageBreakLaccophilusincrassatus. From Laccophilusempheres, Laccophilusincrassatus is distinguished by differences detected in male genitalia; penis distinctly broader in Laccophilusempheres.Body: Length 4.6–5.0 mm, width 2.7–2.8 mm. Pale ferrugineous with distinct blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous colour pattern Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Narrowly at pronotum with a dark ferrugineous, fairly well delimited marking. Submat, rather distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double; meshes of two kinds and large meshes only slightly coarser than fine meshes. Large meshes discernible in medial part of head; posteriorly and anteriorly with simple reticulation. Large meshes, when discernible, contain two to almost ten small meshes. At eyes with some scattered, fine punctures extending towards centre of head.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally with a quite broad, slightly vague dark ferrugineous marking; mediobasally with a rather narrow, blackish ferrugineous marking. Microsculpture dense and rather distinct; reticulation double. Large meshes only slightly more distinctly developed in comparison with fine meshes. Large meshes contain two to six fine meshes. Almost impunctate. Sparse and irregular, scattered punctures may be discerned.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with distinct dark ferrugineous colour pattern; with longitudinal, blackish to dark ferrugineous markings, which exhibit some variation Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, metacoxal plates laterally with a narrow blackish area. Metacoxal plates with transveresely located, very shallow furrows. Rather shiny, although, with very fine microsculpture. Abdomen with sparsely located, fine and somewhat curved striae. Almost impunctate. Prosternal process apex extended, slender and pointed. Apical ventrite with a lateral knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus quite long and slender, provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis comparatively long, slightly curved and extreme apex forms an angulate, medium broad process. External outline of penis provided with a distinct membranous area Fig. .Female: Apical ventrite lacks knob Fig. . Pro- anZaire Fig. . Not recUnknown, not documented.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/1D21E352-086B-44C9-9572-B6452B788150Kenya: Nairobi.USNM; habitus in Fig. MZH); “Kenya, Ol Kalou E Nakuru 28.10. 1995 leg. Wewalka (K5)” . Holotype: male: “Nairobi, Kenya 3-XI-67 (STAS) / C.V. Reichart Collector” ; Laccophiluslateralispolygrammus); Laccophiluslateralisvar.polygrammus); Confirmed synonym.Laccophiluslateralis: Madagascar.Laccophiluslateralisvar.polygrammus: Madagascar: Centre-Sud.Laccophiluslateralis: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Madagascar / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / rivulosus Klug / Type 572 Laccophiluslateralis sp. n. Madagascar” (BMNH).(3 exs.). Laccophiluslateralisvar.polygrammus: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Madagascar Centre-Sud Alluaud 1901 67 / male symbol / Cotype / cotype of polygrammus” (MNHN). – Paralectotype: “Madagascar Centre-Sud Alluaud 1901 66 / Museum Paris coll. Maurice MNHN).Madagascar: “Madagascar P. Camboué / Museum Paris, coll. Maurice MNHN; could belong to type material?); “Antsianaka / Museum Paris coll. Maurice var.polygrammus Rég.” ; “Madagascar Ambijoroa Tsaremandroso E.M.C. Callan / Laccophiluslateralis Shp. Det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Foret de Fito, ex. coll. Breuning” ; “F. Dauphin 13.9. 2001 Mandena (QMM area) / Pond at right border of Riv. Amendano, 10 m asl / Gerecke & GoldPageBreakschmidt leg.” (1 ex. BMNH); “Toli Zombitse, Andranomena R. Pool N:-22.64, E: 44.864, 577 m, 15.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. / BMNH(E) <794176> DNA voucher / Laccophiluslateralis Bergsten det.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Toli Zombitse, Ambiamena: stagnant marshland N: -22.86, E: 44.617. 533 m, 14.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. / BMNH(E) <794191> DNA voucher / Laccophiluslateralis Bergsten det.” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mah/Tol: Melaky/Menabe, Ambohijanahary NP., S18.26842, E045.46352, 906 m.a.o., 19.12. 2009, 22 w black light, field Bergsten et al. / NHRS-JLBK 0000000722” (1 ex. NHRS); “Fian, Andringitra, Zomandao R.: River edge, bottle trap, N: -22.104, E: 46.92, 1420 m, 9.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. / BMNH(E) <794183> DNA voucher / Laccophiluslateralis Bergsten det.” (4 exs. NHRS); “Fian, Ambavalavao, Sendrisoa, Hygropetric, 1164 m, 7.5.2006, Bergsten et al./BMNH(E) <830775> DNA voucher / Laccophiluslateralis Bergsten det.” (1 ex. NHRS); Fian, Col des Tapias, Rte Tana-Fianarantsoa: Pond, N: -20.772, E: 47.179, 1717 m, 6.5. 2006, Bergsten et al. / BMNH(E) <794188> DNA voucher / Laccophiluslateralis Bergsten det.” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “N: -20.771, E: 47.18, 1686 m” and <794177> DNA voucher” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga Melaky betw Morafenobe-Ambohijanahary, S18.19091, E045.19986, 290 m.a.o., 19.12. 2009, water net, field Bergsten et al. NHRS-JLKB” (1 ex. NHRS); “Mahajanga Boeny, Ankarafantsika NP, S16.30271, E046.80995, 75 m.a.o., 8.12. 2009, water net, field, Bergsten et al. / NHRS-JLKB 000000480” (1 ex. NHRS); “Ampamoho near Andilamena 1200-1300 masl, 18-20.1. 1995 Dunay & Janak” ; “Pr. Tamatave, Foret de Perinet 17.7. 1970 / Laccophiluslateralis Sharp det. Pederzani” (3 exs. NHMB); “Diego” (Diego Suarez ?) (1 ex. NMW); “Madagascar / Laccophilustenuivittis Rég. type unique / in litt” ; “Madagascar Goud.” (2 exs. ZMHB).(37 exs.). NMPC).“NP Ankarrafantsika 5-12.91(?) 2002 Andreev, Dolin & Andreva”  is generally slightly larger than resembling species, occurring in mainland of Africa.Body length 3.9–4.4 mm, width 2.2–2.4 mm. Dorsal, aspect of body with variable colour pattern Figs . Elytra PageBreakdifficult to distinguish. Larger meshes (when discernible) contain 2–5 small meshes. At eyes (and from eyes towards centre of head) with fine, irregularly distributed punctures.Head: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, posteriorly at pronotum a little darker. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double; in part the two kinds of meshes Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally and basally in middle with dark ferrugineous to blackish, somewhat vague areas. Pronotum sometimes only with vague, slightly paler medial area. Submat, rather finely microsculptured. Reticulation distinctly double, large meshes contain 2–5 small meshes. Laterally and anteriorly with fine to rather fine, irregularly distributed punctures.Elytra: Extensively blackish to dark ferrugineous, with moderate, ferrugineous markings. Often, however, with longitudinal dark markings. There is a gradual change between a morph with distinct, dark, elytral markings and an almost totally dark coloured morph, with reduced pale areas Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Blackish ferrugineous to blackish. Basal segments of abdomen paler; pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Rather shiny, although very finely microsculptured. Transverse furrows of metacoxal plates very fine, shallow and hardly discernible. Abdomen in basal half distinctly striated. Almost impunctate. Apex of prosternal process slender and pointed. Apical ventrite asymmetric, as in Fig. Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with fine but distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis long, in lateral aspect slightly sinuate and in apical half with a distinct enlargement; extreme apex moderately sized, separated by narrow incision Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, slightly extended. Apical ventrite lacks lateral knob Fig. .Madagascar Fig. . GuignotAlmost unknown. Literature information and available label data are very superficial; collected in pools and ponds.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeSharp, 1882LaccophiluscyclopisLaccophilusshephardiNew synonym.Laccophiluscyclopis: South Africa: Grahamstown.Laccophilusshephardi: South Africa: Mt Currie district, nr. Zwartberg.Laccophiluscyclopis: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Type / S. Africa / Grahamstown / Type 573 Laccophiluscyclopis sp. Afr. mer. / Sharp Coll. 1905-313” (BMNH). – Paralectotypes: Same data, but “Cotype” (1 ex. BMNH); same data but “Cotype Caffrarie” (1 ex. BMNH); “Cotype / S. Africa / Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp Co-type” (3 exs. BMNH).(18 exs.). Laccophilusshephardi: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Syntype / Laccophilusshephardi male type / E Cape province Mt Currie Dist. nr Zwartberg 14-XI-1957 J. O-C.” (BMNH). – Paralectotypes: Same as lectotype but labelled as “female type” (1 ex. BMNH); “Cotype / E. Cape Prov. Maclear 9.V.1926 No 275 J. Omer-Cooper /det. J. Omer-Cooper Laccophilusshephardi O-C.” (5 exs. AMGS); “E. Cape Prov. Mount Currie 13.II. 1957 No. 400 J. Omer-Cooper” (5 exs. AMGS); “S. Africa E. Cape Prov. Barkley East 14.II. 1948 JOC. / det. J. Omer-Cooper Laccophilusshephardi O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS).Namibia: “Windhoek Town Dam 7.7. 1939 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Windhoek New Dam 7.7. 1939 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Windhoek River Bed 9 July 1937” (2 exs. AMGS); “Windhoek 5.7. 1939” (1 ex. AMGS); “Windhoek Eros Mt. 1600 m 22.34S-17.06E / 10.9. 1974 shorewashing Endrödy-Younga: 365” (1 ex. TMSA); “Windhoek Distr., Valencia Ranch / 14-24.4. 1972 Strydom” (1 ex. TMSA); “Osona b. Okahandja 19-20.10. 1991 Göllner leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Osona b. Okahandja p. III. –m IV 1988 leg. J. Irish” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Pools in overflow stream from dam, much weed & algae / Okarupa, ca. 17 mi E of Okahandja 4900 ft, 22.5. 1954 / J. Balfour-Browne” ; “Okahandja 4700 ft. 22.5. 1954 / Water-hole and seepage through sand J. Balfour-Browne” ; “Okahandja 4400 ft. 21.5. 1954 Small, deep water-hole, thick Lemna cover J. Balfour-Browne” (3 exs. BMNH); “Khomashochl, Farm Wissenfels 23°20'S-16°25'E / 14.9. 1974 shore washing E-Y: 371” ; “Hardap Dam, Mariental Dist. 10-14. 4. 1972 Strydom & Jones” (6 exs. TMSA); “Hardap GR: Water Institute, pool shore waterplant treating, water catcher 1.12. 1997, 24°29.41S/17°51.52E, leg. M. Uhlig” ; “Otjozondjupa Dist., Toggekry 250 (Omatako) 21°30'42.9"S, 16°43'56.6"E, 1520 m NN, 8.3. 2003, hand light trap Frisch & Vohland leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); same data, but “1100 m, 5.3. 2003” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Otjozondjupa Dist., Otjiamongombe West 44, 21°35'44.7"S, 16°56'17.4"E, 1498 m, NN 28.2.2003 hand light trap Frisch & Vohland leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Keetmanshoop Dist., Gellap Ost 3, 23 km NW Keetsmanshoop, PageBreakdwarf shrub savannah (Nama-Karoo) / 4.4. 2001, 34-28˚C, 26°24'17.7"S, 18°00'41.9” lux 18.00-21.00 leg. Uhlig et al.” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Damaral. Groot Barmen 22.05S-16.40E / 12.9. 1975, shorewashing, Endrödy-Younga: 370” (1 ex. TMSA); Namib Tinkas Dam 22.50S-15.30E / 1.11. 1974 shore washing Endrödy-Younga 440” (1 ex. TMSA); “Grootfontein v. Erffa S.G.” (1 ex. NHMB); “DSWA, ?-erseba 8. 1905 Schultze” (1 ex. NHMB); “DSWA Gr. Etemba Casper S.G. / Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp det. Brancucci 1982” (2 exs. ZMHB). – Botswana: “Metsimaklaba 7-12.3. 1930 / Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. TMSA); “Tiokweng 15-21.3. 1988 Ward / Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp det. CSR). – South Africa: “Pretoria, van Son / Laccophiluscyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. TMSA); “Pretoria 8.2., A.J.T. Janse /Laccophiluscyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. TMSA); “Pretoria 27.9. 1958 L. Vári” (1 ex. TMSA); “Pretoria 1948” (1 ex. TMSA); “Moorddrift 9. 1924 G. v. Dam / Laccophiluscyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper” (13 exs. TMSA); same data but Laccophiluscyclopis“ Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. TMSA); “Transvaal gravel pits Ermelo 8.12. 1948 JOC. / Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp J. Balfour-Browne det.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal gravel pits Ermelo 8.12. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS) “S. Afr. Johannesburg Rivonia 19.XI. 1952 Carpenter” (3 exs. AMGS); “Gauteng, Natalspruit Vlei, Johannesburg, N-26.280, E28.150, 5.6. 1971 Reavell” (4 exs. AMGS); “Transvaal nr Standerton 8.IV. 1954/Pool by muddy stream: algae et grass” ; “Middelburg Dam 22.2. 47 JOC” (3 exs. AMGS); “Freddy van Zyl Bridge, Oorsloog Spruit 25.2. 1947 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); "Trsvl, Jukskei R at Sandspruit N-26.010, E28.050, 9.2. 1956 Allansaon” (2 exs. AMGS); “Trsvl, Jukskei R, at Alexandra, N-26.100, E28.110, 7.2. 1956 Allanson” (2 exs. AMGS); “Trsvl Sandfonteinspruit at Bramley Bridge N-26.110, E28.070, 14.3. 1956 Allanson” (2 exs. AMGS); “Trsvl., Germiston Lake, N-26.230, E28.170, 12.8. 1971 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Trsvl, stream, Cowle’s Dam, Brakpan N-26.230, E28.310, 11.8. 1971 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal Belfast N. 1948 O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Belfast N. 30. 1948 JOC.” (4 exs. AMGS); “Belfast pond 23. N. 1948 OC.” (4 exs. AMGS); “Belfast 29.11. 1948 JOC.” (5 exs. AMGS); “Transvaal Standerton 8.12. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal Sand R. Pietersburg distr. 27.7. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Transvaal Dynamite Factory Dams Wormsley April 1946” (4 exs. AMGS); “Koster 10. 1924 G. v. Dam / J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. TMSA); “pond Breyton rd nr. Chrissie Dec. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Trib. R. Koop nr Barberton 1.12. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Bandolierkop 23. N. 1948 OC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Transvaal Springsl. (?) 20.6. 1950 G.B.H.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Trsvl nr Standerton / pool by muddy stream, algae & grass J. Balfour-Browne leg.” (1 ex. BMNH); “NW Distr. Klerksdorph 20 km W of Botha Ville, Vaal Riv. 31.1. 2001 Snizek leg.” (2 exs. NMW); “Fount. Grove 17.08 05 C. Swiestrai / Laccophiluslineatus Aubé C. Swiestra” (1 ex. TMSA); “NW, 70 km SW Mmabatho Setlagole 21.1. 2000 Halada leg.” (1 ex. NMW); “NW, 50 km S Kimberley, Ritchie 12.1. 2000 Halada leg.” (1 ex. NMW); “TRSVL, trib. of Sand river, Peekes / Laccophiluscyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. TMSA); “Fountains Pta 5.10. 1932 G. van Son / Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp det. Gschwendtner / Omer-Cooper” (2 exs. TMSA); “Trsvl, Pond So Ermelo, Hwy N11, 1.12. 1995 Challet” (1 ex. CGC); “Mpumalanga Ezemvelo, Nat. R. 1374 m, 25.42S-29.01E / 27.1.2004 light trap, HighPageBreakveld E-Y: 3609 TMSA Staff” (1 ex. TMSA); “OFS Vredefort nr Honingsspruit 29.VIII. 1947 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “O.F.St. Sasolburg 11. 1982 D.M. Kroon” ; “Van Rhyn’s Pass N. 1933 G. van Son” ; “OFS, Parys 4 km E, 26.54S-27.35E/Farm Abel 52, 4-7.12. 1992 M. Krüger leg.” (3 exs. TMSA); “OFS, Entembeni Mission nr Kraansfontein, 30.3. 1991 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Colesburg Dam Outsloe Town 12.2. 1947” (1 ex. AMGS); “Norvals Point Colesburg 23.2. 1947 JOC.” (6 exs. AMGS); same but “24.2. 1947” (1 ex. AMGS); “van Wyk´s Fontein, Colesburg 23.2. 1947 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Colesburg, Outside Town 22.2. 1947 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Karkloof R., Mgeni Confluence, N-29.4438, E30.301833, 11.11. 2003 Graham & Dickens” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Mooi R at Mearns Weir, N-29.250, E29.970, light trap, 5.1. 1996 De Moor & Dickens” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Mooi R, at Retreat Farm, N-29.270, E29.970, light trap, 4.1. 1996 De Moor & Dickens” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Mooi R, at Dalcrue Farm, N-29.360, E29.890, light trap, 4.1. 1996 De Moor & Dickens” (5 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Klein Mooi R, at Dartington Vlei, N-29.260, E29.870, light trap, 5.1. 1996 De Moor & Dickens” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Mcleod’s Farm nr Dargle, 4.2. 1989 Reavell” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Ngagane R., Steildrift rd, N-27.770, E30.020, 27.8. 1994 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Lions R., N-29.470, E30.150, 4.7. 1995 Dickens” (3 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Yorkshire Wolds Farm, N-29.3044, E29.773055, 10.6. 1998 De Moor & al.” (5 exs. AMGS); “Natal Engelbrechts Drift Pond, Zaaihoek Dam, 272750S, 300510E, alt. 1740 m, Coke, Ngwenya” (1 ex. CCT); “Natal: Bergville Mont-Aux-Sources 4000 ft. 6.IV. 1954 / farm dam, thick weed at edge / Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp J. Balfour-Browne det. VIII, 1958” (1 ex. BMNH); “Natal Kokstad 14.4. 1947 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Nqutu Zululand 5.8. 1949 Newton” (3 exs. SAMC); “Nqutu Zululand 21.9. 1949 Newton” (1 ex. SAMC); “Durban Natal 20.1. 1903” (1 ex. SAMC); “Natal Bergville Mont-aux-Sources, 4000 ft.6.4. 1954 / farm dam, thick weed at edges J. Balfour-Browne / Laccophiluscyclopis Shp det. J. Balfour-Browne” (1 ex. BMNH); “Natal Crocodile R. 13.VI. 1956” (1 ex. AMGS); “Natal, reservoir next of Pickle Pot on R617, 1000 m 2.2. 1997 Turner” (1 ex. CCT); “NC., drying ponds in stream, 12 km SE Garies 26.2. 1997 Challet leg.”; “CP, Creek 9 km W Ft Beaufort 6.3. 1997 Challet” (1 ex. CNC); “Hutchinson, Cape, Marshall” (1 ex. SAMC); “Kimberley Bro. Power 1.6. 1912” (1 ex. SAMC); “MIL 9 A” (= Scott & Millard 1947 Estuary at Milnerton near Cape Town) (3 exs. AMGS); “U.C.T. FR. W. 72” (1 ex. AMGS); “WC. Pr. Arniston July 1946” (4 exs. AMGS); “ERS 26B”  “8.1. 1953 A.D. Harrison” (2 exs. AMGS); “WC, Franschhoek, rd R45, 25.3. 2001, river 3 km SE Franschhoek Ribera & Cieslak leg.” (1 ex. CIR); “WC Du Toits Kloof rd N1, pond and River Wit in resort 24.3. 2001 Ribera & Cieslak leg.” (2 exs. CIR); “WC Rd 310 before Khayelitsha artificial lagoon 21.3. 2001 Ribera & Cieslak leg.” (1 ex. CIR); “Ceres Pond (964 m), S32°57'59.75” E19°22'59.87” Hidalgo-Galiana & Kleynhans leg.” (1 ex. CIR); “W. Cape, Meerlust dam, farm and fish dam surrounded by indigenous and alien plants, 18.74692E, -34.01554N, alt. 20 m, 2006-2007” (1 ex. CTT); “Victoria West 23.6. 1911 Morris” (2 exs. AMGS); “nr Wellington 300ft. 10.VIII. 1954 J. Balfour-Browne / Deep dam pool with grass and Juncus edging / PageBreakLaccophiluscyclopis Sharp J. Balfour-Browne det. IV. 1962” (1 ex. BMNH);“Paarl 16.10. 1949 Malkin / river” (1 ex. BMNH); “ECpr. Gt Fish R. Res. 33;6;59S, 26;39;3E (ECR 732) sm. river dam, clay, vegetation 7. XI. 2008 O. Biström leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “ECPr. Glenstone Farm nr Grahamstown ca. 1400 ft a.s.l. (ECR 731) in Suurberg Quartzite Fynbos, pool below spring 16.XI. 2008 O. Biström leg.” (2 exs. MZH); “Willowmore 21.2. 1947 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Elliot 11.V. 1956 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kowie Riv. nr. Grahamstown Uys leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “C. Prov. Albany District Grahamstown April 1951” (1 ex. AMGS); “Cape Prov. Albany Distr. 5 m. Hedam, Grahamstown April 1951” (1 ex. AMGS); “EC. Ft Fordyce NR, pond, 32°40'S, 26°29'E, 1.12. 2009 P. Bulirsch leg.” (2 exs. NMPC); “WC. Witsenberg Valley in ditch 25.5. 2005 Challet” (1 ex. CGC); “E. C. Pr. Cathcart 3.IV. 1955” (1 ex. AMGS); “E. C. Pr. Cradock July 1946” (2 exs. AMGS); “E. C. Pr. Plutos Vlei 20.VII. 1946 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “E. Cape Dam at head of stream, Lang? Barn? Dist. 14.2. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “E. C. Pr. Glengrey nr Ladyfrere 6.4. 1955” (1 ex. AMGS); “E. C. Pr. Indwe small pond 6.IV. 1955” (1 ex. AMGS); “E C.Pr. Graaf Reinet Nieu Bethseda 28.1.2001 Snizek leg.” ; “E CPr. Bethesda Rd, Graaf Reinet distr. 29.2. 1941 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., 34 km SE Idutywa N of Willowvale, shallow pool, S32°12.577, E28°36.192 alt. 447 m, 23.1. 2005 Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “Barkley East dam at head of Lang Kloof 14.2. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Aliwal North 18-25.8. 1954 H. Andreae” (3 exs. SAMC); “C.Pr.Karoo NP, Mountain View River 32°13.6S, 22°31.6'E, 17.11. 1997, Phragmites grass + litter sievings, 900 m Uhlig, Ndamane et Ari leg.” (2 exs. ZMHB); “C.Pr., Karoo NP, pond + shore 13.11. 1993, 32°19'S, 22°30'E, Uhlig leg.” ; “C.Pr., Albertinia 10.1. 1951 Brinck-Rudebeck Exp.” (4 exs. MZLU); “C.Pr., Zuurberg Pass 15 mi N Addo 16.1. 1951 Brinck-Rudebeck Exp.” (1 ex. MZLU); “C.Pr. Brandvlei 6 mi SW Worchester 11.2. 1951 Brinck-Rudebeck Exp.” (1 ex. MZLU); “C. Pr. nr. Wellington 300 ft. 10.8. 1954 / Deep, dam pool with grass and Juncus edging J. Balfour-Browne leg. / Laccophiluscyclopis Shp det. J. Balfour-Browne” (1 ex. BMNH); “C.Pr. Heidelberg 4.1. 1994 Wewalka leg.” (1 ex. NMW); “ECPr., Sundays R. below Graaf Reinet, N-32.270, E24.550, 20.2. 1967 Allanson & Forbes” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Sundays R. at Letskraal, N-32.060, E24.830, 14.2. 1968 Allanson & Forbes” (2 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Ronan Vlei, Kuntwanazana R., N-31.20.16, E28.03.33, 26.3. 1993 De Moor & Barber-James” (2 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R, N-32.64.48, E27.36.52, 11.8. 2003 De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Mncotsho R, Trib. Buffalo R., N-32.54.43, E27.36.48, 18.5. 2004 De Moor & Barber-James” (1 ex. AMGS); “ECPr., Xolo R., small dam, N-32.52.43, E27.37.05, 10.12. 2002, De Moor” (1 ex. AMGS); “Karree Douw Pass, Humansdorp, 17.2. 1947” (1 ex. AMGS); “Ca. 12 mi from Queenstown on road to Lady Frere, ca. 3800 ft., 26.3. 1954 / in small grassy dam / J. Balfour-Browne” ; “ECPr. ca 5 km N Queenstown, Alan Marsh Prop, small pond, muddish water, S31°48.859, E26°49.715 alt.1208 m 19.1. 2005 Bergsten” (11 exs. NHRS); “ECPr., ca. 5 km N Queenstown, Alan Marsh Prop., muddy pond with grass beds, S31°48.861, E26°50.067, alt. 1232 m, 19.1. 2005 PageBreakBergsten” (17 exs. NHRS); same data but “muddy pond with sand and grass bed, S31°48.887, E26°49.529, alt. 1191 m” (5 exs. NHRS); “ECPr., Ca. 2 km N Queenstown, Longhill Game Reserve, pond with muddy water, S31°51.317, E26°51.322, alt. 1175 m, 19.1. 2005 Bergsten” (3 exs. NHRS); “EC., stream NW Burgersdorp 18.5. 2005 Challet” (1 ex. CGC); “EC., road to Venterstad from Burgersdorp 18.5. 2005 Challet” (2 exs. CGC); “EC., muddy pond So of Burgersdorp 18.5. 2005 Challet” (2 exs. CGC); “Nyebo Stream Transkei 5.4. 1947 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS). “ECPr. Hogsback 32.35S 26.56E, 6.9. van Noort” (1 ex. SAMC); “ECape prov, King Williams Town 4.4. 1947” (1 ex AMGS); “ECPr., close to Dwesa nature Reserve, muddy pond with vegetation edges S32°18.582, E28°49.002, alt. 76 m, 24-25.1. 2005 Bergsten leg.” (1 ex. NHRS); “EC., 78.7 km So Tarkastadr, rain pond, 21.5. 2005 Challet leg.” (1 ex. CGC); “EC., Gt Brak R., Hwy 56 at Schoombe, 17.5. 2005 Challet leg.” (2 exs. CGC); “EC., Pond 20 km No. Adelaide Hwy 344, 29.8. 2004 Challet” (3 exs. CGC); “EC., stream So of Adelaide 17.5. 2005 Challet” (1 ex. CGC); “ECPr. Farm at Bedford, N-32.670, E26.050, 5.12. 1972 Stuart & Greig” (15 exs. AMGS); “ECPr., 3 km N Sterkstroom, Ivan Hansen Prop., small shallow pond, S31°30.337, E26°32.523, alt. 1380 m, 20.1. 2005 Bergsten” (5 exs. NHRS); “ECPr, 2 km N Sterkstroom, Ivan Hansen Prop., small pond with vegetation S31°30.233, E26°32.160, alt 1414 m 20, 28.1. 2005 Bergsten leg.” (5 exs. NHRS); “ECPr. 3 km N Sterkstroom, Ivan Hansen Prop., small, shallow pond, S31°30.337, E26°32.523, alt. 1380 m, 20.1. 2005 Bergsten” (3 exs. NHRS); “ECPr., 2 km N Sterkstroom, Stretton Prop., vegetation rich pond (at sides and in water), S31°29.221, E26°43.984, alt 1533 m, 21.1. 2005 Bergsten” (7 exs. NHRS); “ECPr., N of Sterkstroom, small pond, S31°31.297, E26°32.259, alt.1388 m, 28.1. 2005 Bergsten” (4 exs. NHRS); “ECPr., N of Sterkstroom, Large dam with vegetation at edges, S31°28.571, E26°29.602, alt. 1975 m, 29.1. 2005 Bergsten” (1 ex. NHRS); “EC., pond @HwyR350, No Hellsport Pass 8.12. 1995 Challet” ; “SA NW, CPr., 1 km No Palersheuwel, 28.2. 1997 Challet” ; “EC., rain pond 20 km SO Indutwe 29.8. 2004 Challet” (3 exs. CGC); “ECPr., 7 km E Idutywa, small dirt pool, S32°07.169, E28°22.563, alt. 772 m, 23.1. 2005 Bergsten” (4 exs. NHRS); “ECPr., S31°24.592, E26°54.700, alt. 1745 m, Bradgate Wilson prop., Large Dam, Ca. 15 km W Dordrecht 22.1. 2005 Bergsten” ; “Cape Col. Victoria West / P.D. Morris coll.” (2 exs. NMW); “Somerset West 28-29.12.1991 Mazzoldi / Marshy area nr Firgrove / Laccophiluscyclopis Shap. det. Rocchi” (1 ex. CSR); “WCPr., Somerset West Mall, Azolla pond, 28.3.2005 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Cape Town” (4 exs. SAMC); “WCape, pond, Cape Good Hope Res. 26.2. 1997 Turner” (2 exs. CCT); “WC, Townsriver rd, N Guydo Pass, Ceres, N-33.10.27, E19.23.28, sandy stream, 3.9. 2003 Turner, Mann & Reavell” (12 exs. CCT); “CPr., pools in riverbed, Williston to Calvinia on R65, Gt Karoo 11.2. 1997 Turner” (5 exs. CCT); “WCp., reservoir on roadside, Bordjilesri, C. G.H. Res., Cape Town 15..2. 1997 Turner” (1 ex. CCT); “WCPr., Zekoevlei Fm, 14 ks S Bremersdorp, Cape L’Algulhas, river, 25.2. 1997 Turner” (1 ex. CCT); “WC, E barrydale on R62, River, slow flowing, silty with sandy rock bottom and emergent veg. N-33.49.05, E20.53.37, 386 m, 4.9. 2003 Turner. Mann & Reavell” (2 exs. CCT); WC. Reservoir, Road from Ouplas to Bredasdorp, PageBreakN-34.27.02, E20.10.51, 62 m, 10.9. 2003 Turner. Mann & Reavell” ; “WC, sandy bottomed stream N Guydo Pass on Toawsrivier rd., N-33.10.27, E19.23.28, 305 m, 3.9. 2003 Turner. Mann & Reavell” (5 exs. CCT); “WC. De Hoop Res., N-34.27.23, E20.26.19, 13 m, 9.9. 2003, Turner. Mann & Reavell” ; “CPr., Stellenbsch, Fauna Aponogeton Vlei 18.9. 1994 Reavell” (1 ex. CCT); “WCPr., Reservoir on R316 ca 20 km S Caledon N-34.15.86, E19.35.54, 122 m, 10.9. 2003 Turner, Mann, Reavell” (17 exs. CCT); “WCPr. Reservoir, Rd N15 E Worcester, N-33.37.05, E19.21.45, 4.9. 2003 Turner, Mann, Reavell” (1 ex. CCT); “WC., River to E Ashton on Mnt. Rd, N-33.49.35, E20.05.31, 263 m, Turner, Mann, Reavell” (3 exs. CCT); “CP., Cape Francis in ditch, 7.12. 1995 Challet” (1 ex. CGC); “C.Pr. Simons Town 12-20.4. 1915 Cameron leg.” (1 ex. BMNH); “C.P. Grootvaderbos 1-6.11. 1940 G. van Son / Laccophiluscyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper” (9 exs. TSMA); “Cape, swampy dam nr Pot R., N-31.990, E28.260, 27.3. 1993 De Moor & al” (2 exs. AMGS); “WCPr., Klein Berg R., N-13.30.03, E18.58.35, 26.4. 1951 Harrison” (2 exs. AMGS); “WCPr., Muizenberg, Pond, N,-33.9505, E, 18.510, 3.1. 1962 M Harrison” (4 exs. AMGS); “Cape, Kroomie R. Ft. Baeufort-Adelaide Rd., N-32.77, E26.43, 5.12.1992 Stuart & Greig” (5 exs. MZH); “Cape, Gorah Farm Dam, N-33,63, E26.610, 30.10. 1972 Stuart & Greig” (1 ex. AMGS); “Cape, Wit R at Slagbloom, N-33.370 E25.670, 20.10. 1972 Stobbs” (1 ex. AMGS); “Cape, Stream, 19 km of Brand R Rd., N-33.890, E21.060, 30.9.1972 Stobbs” (6 exs. AMGS); “Still Bay C.P. 9-12.11. 1940 G. van Son / Laccophiluscyclopis Sharp det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. TMSA); “Capland Willowmore Dr. Brauns” (5 exs. TMSA); “Golden Gate G.G.H.N.P. 16-25.1. 1968 Potgieter & Jones” (1 ex. TMSA). – Lesotho: “Teyateyaneng 2.12. 1955 JOC.” (9 exs. AMGS); “Basutoland Maputomy ?, small dam 7.6. 1956 G. Ewer” (1 ex. AMGS); “Sani Pass, stream, riffles and pools, 2864 m 1.2. 1997 Turner” (6 exs. CCT).(655 exs.). BMNH).“Africa / J. Hope Coll. B.M. 1948-217” ; Laccophilusadjutor by Omer-Cooper belong to Laccophilusnecopinus Guign.); Uganda: Ounyoro province, Kadjoura marsh.MNHN).  Allotype (= paratype): female: Same data as holotype, but “Allotype / female symbol / Laccophilusadjutor Guign. Allotype, female symbol” (1 ex. MNHN).(2 exs.). Holotype: male: “Ouganda Ounyoro Marais Kadjoura pres Hoima Ch. Alluaud 1909 / Male symbol / Paratype” (Nigeria: “Stream of Assab 36 mi from Jos 13.4. 1963 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream, escarpment, road Jos-Wambe 13.4. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS). – Uganda: “Ouganda Occidental Province de Toro env. de Fort Portal Ch. Alluaud 1909 / male symbol / Type / Laccophilusadjutor Guign. Type male symbol” ; “Prov. d’Ounyoro Albert Nyanzas.-e Rivière Mousisi Alluaud 1909 / février / Guignot det. Laccophilusadjutor sp. n. / paratype” (2 exs. IRSNB); “Ounyoro Marais Kadjoura près Hoima Alluaud 1909 / paratype” (2 exs. IRSNB); “Paratype / Mus. Paris Ouganda Ounyoro Marais Kadjoura pres Hoima Ch. Alluad 1909 / F. G. det. 57 Laccophilusadjutor Guign.” (1 ex. AMGS).  “Uganda Kibale K 15, 12.9. 1991 Nummelin leg.” (2 exs. MZH); Same but “6.9. 1991” (1 ex. MZH); “W Prov. Kibale Forest, swamp K 14, 8.4. Nummelin leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Kampala 9.12. 1929 Hopkins” ; same but “4.9. 1929” (1 ex. BMNH). – Kenya: “B.O.A. Kibwezi 26.11. 1907 Scheffler” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Zaire: “Parc National Albert, 2.3. 1957 P. Vanschuytbroeck/Secteur Nord r. dr. Moyenne-Lume affl. dr. Semliki 1340 m” ; same but “26.8. 1956/Secteur Nord May ya Moto 1320 m” (2 exs. MRAc); same but “27.8. 1957/Secteur Nord rive de Semliki, rte Muramba, 905 m” (3 exs. MRAC); same but “23.8. 1957/Secteur Nord, rive dr. Semliki, rte Muramba, 905 m”(1 ex. MRAC); same but “11.2. 1957/Secteur Nord Katamangu affl. g. Butahu 1300 m.” (1 ex. MZh); same but “27.8. 1957/Secteur Nord, river Ihunga, af. dr. Semliki 1300 m” (1 ex. Mrac); same but “6.12. 1956/Secteur Nord, Lume, affl. dr Semliki route Beni-Katwe 1000 m” (1 ex. MRAC); same but “19.9. 1955, 2690 m (ex. plankton)/Secteur Nord, Lusilube –affl. Semliki-Piste Mwenda-Katuka alt. 1860 m” (1 ex. MRAC). – Tanzania: “DOA, 1.9. 1911 W Ruanda 1850 m Sümpf, Meyer” (1 ex. PageBreakNHMB). – Angola: “Luanda Airport-Catete Road 21 km, 23-25.8. 1949 Malkin B. / small deep pond, sand and gravel bottom” (1 ex. BMNH).(40 exs.). Laccophilusadjutor resembles much of especially Laccophilusnecopinus and Laccophilusconjunctus in regard of male genitalia and external appearance. From Laccophilusnecopinus, the species is separated by having a shorter and more curved penis. From Laccophilusconjunctus, Laccophilusadjutor is separated by having, in general, slightly larger body and by elytral, dark colour pattern, which is formed as separate longitudinal markings. Elytra of Laccophilusconjunctus are predominantly dark with limited pale markings. The male genitalia of Laccophilusadjutor and Laccophilusconjunctus are quite similar and future studies may show that the two species are conspecific.Body length 3.4–3.8 mm, width 1.8–2.0 mm. Habitus and dorsal colour pattern Fig. . ExhibitHead: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Finely microsculptured; reticulation indistinctly double. Large meshes only slightly more strongly developed than small meshes. Large meshes, when discernible, contain 3–6 small meshes. Almost impunctate, except at eyes where some irregularly distributed fine punctures are discernible.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally and mediobasally blackish to dark ferrugineous. Reticulation indistinctly double; large meshes generally contain 3–6 minor meshes. Very finely punctate. Punctures irregularly distributed and partly indistinct; densest at foremargin and laterally.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous with blackish to dark ferrugineous colour pattern; pale subbasal area slightly irregular. Posteriorly, with irregular, longitudinal markings which are sometimes partly confluent Fig. . Finely Ventral aspect: Blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, except prothorax, pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Submat, with very fine microsculpture. Basal ventrites with curved striae. Almost impunctate. Transversely located, shallow furrows on metacoxal plates in anterior half rather distinct; in posterior half indistinct, almost absent. Prosternal process rather slender, posteriorly somewhat extended, apically pointed. Apical ventrite; asymmetric with one lateral knob Fig. .Legs: Protarsus rather slender and protarsal claws slender, moderately curved and somewhat extended. Pro- and mesotarsus provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect almost straight; extreme apex with a small, rounded extension; external outline of penis in apical portion provided with a distinct membranous part Figs .Female: Apical ventrite medioapically somewhat extended and keeled Fig. . Pro- anNigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Zaire, Tanzania, Angola Fig. . Only peAlmost unknown.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1942LaccophilusnecopinusUganda: Musisi River.Laccophilusnecopinus Guign. Type male” (MNHN). – Paratypes: Same data as holotype, but labelled “Paratype” (1 ex. MNHN); same data as holotype, but labelled “Paratype” and provided with female symbol . Holotype, male: “Prov. d’Ounyoro Albert Nyanza S.-E. Riviere Mousisi Ch. Alluaud 1909 / fevrier / Male symbol / Type / Nigeria: “R. Kaduna 4,5 mi. from Jos 13.4. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Cameroon: “Dschang 7-14.11. 1967” (1 ex. NHMB); “Ngoundere 30.8. 1969” (1 ex. NHMB). – Zaire: “PNG, Pali/8, 22.3. 1952 De Saeger” (1 ex. MRAC); same but “II/gd/11, 10.8. 1952” (1 ex. MRAC); same but “Ndelele/14s, 1.8. 1952” ; same but “K 117/14s, 19.3. 1952“(1 ex. MRAC); “Elisabethville, à la lumière 1. 1956-1. 1957 Seydel” (3 exs. NHMB); same but “1953-1955” (1 ex. NHMB); “Ruhengeri (s. Kiril) 31.8.-3.9. 1934 G.F. de Witte. Parc Nat. Albert” (2 exs. NHMB). – Uganda: “Kampala 13.Vii. 1929 G.H.E. Hopkins / Laccophilusadjutor Guign. Det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kampala 11.VII. 1929 H. Hargreaves” (1 ex. AMGS); “Monts Ruwenzori (zone Inf.) Roubona 1500-1600 m Alluaud 1909 / Janvier” (2 exs. MNHN). – Kenya: “Bassin du Tana Thika Alluaud 1909 / Laccophilusnecopinus Guign. Parartype” ; “15 km N Nyahurutu, small lake 6.2. 1995 leg. Travnicek” (1 ex. NMPC); “L. Naivasha, Fisherman’s Camp 14.2. 1995 leg. Travnicek” (1 ex. NMPC). – Rwanda: “Cyangugu Gishoma 14.2. 1983 Mühle” (1 ex. NHMB). – Tanzania: “Rungwe X. 1948 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Kilimandjaro Sjöstedt / Kibonoto 1-1200 m” (1 ex. NHRS); “Usa River 3900 ft. Szunyoghy / light trap 15.11.-31.12. 1965” (1 ex. CGW). – Malawi: “R. Mtiti 1.10. 1948 J.OC.” (6 exs. AMGS); “6 mi N of R. Mtiti, stream 2.10. 1948 JOC.” (9 exs. AMGS); “Dedza-Lilongwe rd. Stream 30.IX. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “R. Diedma Lilongwe rd. 30.9. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “dam in lower Lilongwe rd 29.9. 1945” (2 exs. AMGS); “Dedza, hotel dam, 29.9. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS). – Zimbabwe: “Inyanga N. 1948 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Vamba Nat. Park 31.XII. 1962” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream at Salisbury 17.IX. 1948” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream at Salisbury 1948” (5 exs. AMGS); “Marandellas 2 N. 1948 JOC.” (7 exs. AMGS); “Stream Rusapi 13.XI. 1948 / Laccophilusadjutor Guign. Det. J. Omer-Cooper” (3 exs. AMGS). – South Africa: “Transvaal Ermelo stream 7.Dec. 1948 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Trsvl 5 mi W Warmbad 24-25.2. 1968 Spangler” (1 ex. USNM); “Trsvl, pond, rd to Stoffleberg 10.12. 1995 Challet” ; “Trsvl, Hwy 555 No. Stoffberg 10.12. 1995 Challet” (1 ex. CGC); “Nelspruit, pond 27.4. 2010, S25°32'13,83”, E30°59'50,35” Hidalgo, Galiana & Kleynhans leg.” (1 ex. CIR); “Kw. Natal, Lions R nr N-29.471, E30.150, 4.70 Dickens“ (1 ex. AMSG); “Kw. Natal, Buffalo R. Cloontarf, -27.630N, E29.98, 23.9. 1974 Metz” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kw. Natal, Ngagne R, Steildrift, N-27.770, E30.02, 24.9. 1974 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); Kw. Natal, Ngagagne R’ St. 19.3. 1974 Metz” (1 ex. AMGS); “Natal, Dragon Peaks Park, 29°02'S-29°26'E, 1150-1450 m, 9-12.11. 1993 Deckert leg.” ; “Nqutu 1953 Newton” (1 ex. BMNH); “Natal, , 25.9. 1967 Omer-Cooper” (4 exs. AMGS); “E.C.Pr. Dias Cross dune slack pond, 334300S 263730E 27.3. 1994 E. Bruce-Miller” (1 ex. AMGS). – Swaziland: “Mbabane 5.12. 1948 JOC. / Laccophilusnecopinus Guignot det. G. Challet 06” (1 ex. AMGS).(98 exs.). Laccophilusnecopinus resembles most of Laccophilusadjutor and Laccophilusconjunctus. The species is distinguished by apex of penis, which differs clearly from the two other species; extreme apex of Laccophilusnecopinus is distinctly broader and clearly expanded on one side. See also diagnosis of Laccophilusadjutor (p. 198).Body length: 3.8–4.3 mm, width 2.1–2.4 mm. Elytral colour pattern slightly variable; longitudinal, dark markings sometimes merged into a larger dark area Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Posteriorly, with vague, dark ferrugineuos area. Almost impunctate, except at eyes with fine, irregular punctures. Areas with punctures slightly extended towards middle of head-discussion. Rather shiny, finely microsculptured. Reticulation indistinctly double. Large meshes contain 2–5 fine meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Frontally and posteriorly in middle with dark ferrugineous to dark brown area. Almost impunctate, except laterally and anteriorly, with scattered fine punctures. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double but size categories in part difficult to separate. Large meshes reduced and only partially discernible.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dark ferrugineous to dark brown to blackish, longitudinal markings, which sometimes merge into each other. At base, with distinct pale, transverse area . Rarely pale areas strongly reduced; only minor spots present Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, prothorax paler, pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Submat to rather shiny, very finely microsculptured. Abdomen with curved striae. Metacoxal plates with approx. 10 shallow furrows. Prosternal process quite slender, apex extended and pointed. Apical ventrite asymmetric, with lateral, rounded knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, extended and provided with distinct suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis long, in lateral aspect almost straight; extreme apex produced to a quite broad extension, being somewhat expanded on one side. In apical half externally, with a membranous area Figs .Female: Externally resembles much of male. Pro- and mesotarsus are more slender. Apical ventrite almost symmetric, lateral knob lacking Fig. .Nigeria, Cameroon, Zaire, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland Fig. .Rather insufficiently known. Label data give stream and pond as collecting localities.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1950Laccophiluslineatusab.conjunctusLaccophilusconjunctusCameroon: Yaoundé.MNHN). – Paralectotypes: Same data as lectotype but “female symbol / Paratype” ; “Nanga-Eboko Cameroun II. 1937 – Andr. / female symbol / Paratype” . Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Cameroun Yaoundé Vadon! / male symbol / Type” ; same data but “II/gd/11, 10.4. 1952, 3314” ; same data but “Pali’’/11, 25.7. 1952, 3831” (1 ex. MRAC).(7 exs.). Laccophilusnecopinus and especially to Laccophilusadjutor, from which Laccophilusconjunctus is separated by smaller body size and by dorsal colour pattern; elytral pale areas strongly reduced in Laccophilusconjunctus. Penises of Laccophilusadjutor and Laccophilusconjunctus are almost similar, but minor differences exhibited in shape and outline of extreme apex; almost obtuse in Laccophilusconjunctus vs. rounded in Laccophilusadjutor. External outline of membranous area in apical half of penis shows also minor differences, being slightly sinuate in Laccophilusadjutor. Further studies will show if the two species are conspecific.Close to Body length 3.2–3.5 mm, width 1.7–1.9 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body slightly variable; pale areas reduced to a few spots and a subbasal area Figs .PageBreakmeshes in part strongly obliterated; indistinct. Coarse meshes, when discernible, contain 2–6 fine meshes.Head: Ferrugineous, frontally narrowly slightly paler. At eyes with irregular, fine punctures. Submat, densely microsculptured. Reticulation indistinctly double. Coarser Pronotum: At base and anteriorly darkened, blackish to dark ferrugineous; laterally and towards frontal corners pronotum paler; pale ferrugineous. Change of colour sometimes gradual. Pronotum discally impunctate. At margins with very fine, hardly discernible punctures. Submat, finely and densely microsculptured. Reticulation double. Large meshes distinct; contain 2–6 fine meshes.Elytra: Extensively black to blackish ferrugineous, with somewhat variable pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous markings Figs . DiscallVentral aspect: Black to dark ferrugineous, prothorax pale, ferrugineous to pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny, extensively with very fine, in part indistinct, microsculpture. Metacoxal plates with about 10 indistinct and shallow furrows, most of which are transversely located. Abdomen in basal half with curved striae. Apical ventrite asymmetric, with one, distinct, lateral knob Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus rather long and slender. Tarsi provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis delicate, in lateral aspect slightly curved; apically penis ends in a small extension Figs .Female: Apical ventrite lacks knob; as in Fig. Cameroon, Zaire Fig. . Medler Unknown.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1947LaccophilusbrowneiLaccophilusbrowneiab.celidotusZaire: PNA, Lac Magera.Laccophilusbrownei Guign. Type, male” (MRAC). – Paratypes (incl. Allotype): Same sampling data as holotype  “Paratypus / Congo belge P.N.A. Ngesho 3-VIII-1935 Mission H. Damas: 291 / F. Guignot det. 1948 Laccophilusbrownei Guign.” . Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Congo belge: P.N.A. Lac Magera 2000 m, 27-VIII-1935 Mission H. Damas: (A) 370 / Coll. Mus. Congo (ex. coll. I.P.N.C.B.) / Type / F. Guignot det. 1945 Zaire: “Congo belge P.N.A. Ngesho 3-VIII-1935 Mission H. Damas: 291 / F. Guignot det. 1948 Laccophilusbrowneiab.celidotus sp. n. / Holotype / Paratype” . – Tanzania: “Tanganjika PWD Camp Tundume Mbeya rd 14.X. 1948 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Tanganyika creek Chunya-Mbeya road 11.10. 1948” (5 exs. AMGS).(15 exs.). Laccophilusbrownei is especially characterized by shape of penis; apical half of penis almost straight and evenly broad to distinct apex. Apical part is merged to basal part so that no contraction visible but apex separated from basal part by narrow incision. Dorsal colour pattern resembles corresponding features in some other species located in this species group .Body length 4.2–4.5 mm, width 2.4–2.6 mm. Habitus Fig. . LongituHead: Pale ferrugineous, posteriorly at pronotum narrowly darkened. Slightly mat, distinctly reticulated. Reticulation in part double, which is clearly discernible in a medial area where large meshes contain 2–5 smaller meshes. At eyes with irregular, quite dense punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous; anteriorly at head with a vague, dark ferrugineous marking. Posteriorly, at scutellar region with a broad but narrow, distinct, dark ferrugineous marking. Slightly mat, densely reticulated. Reticulation extensively double; large meshes contain 2–7 small meshes. At margins with scattered, irregular puntures (hardly visible at scutellar region).Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with dark ferrugineous to dark brownish, longitudinal lines. Lines variable; medially independent, not confluent or confluent, especially in centre of elytra Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Metathorax and abdomen pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; metacoxal plates blackish to dark ferrugineous. Impunctate. Very finely microsculptured. Metacoxal plates with shallow, transverse furrows. Prosternal process sharp, narrow. Apical ventrite asymmetric, with a lateral knob Fig. . AbdomenLegs: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged, provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis long, slightly curved at base and almost straight and evenly broad in apical half. Extreme apex broad and moderately extended Figs .Female: Apical ventrite lacks knob Fig. . Pro- anZaire, Tanzania Fig. .Not known.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGuignot, 1952LaccophiluscontiroLaccophylus, description, faunistics); Laccophiluscontiroab.nigrovirgatus. This name is, however, infrasubspecific and has no value in nomenclature.]Ethiopia: Mt Chilalu.MNHN). – Paratypes: “Abyssinia Mount Chillálo ponds 7,000-8,000 ft. 8-9.xi. 1926 J. Omer-Cooper / female symbol / Allotype / contiro” (1 ex. MNHN); “Abyssinia 7000 ft. Mt Chilalu 8.xi. 1926 J. Omer-Cooper / male symbol / Paratype” . Holotype: male: “Abessinia 7,000 ft. Mt. Chilalu 8.xi. 1926 J. Omer-Cooper / male symbol / Type” (Sudan: “W. Nile IX. 1929” (2 exs. AMGS); “Gallery Forest Jebel Marra 12°55’N, 24°08’E, 7. 1984 Ruse P. light trap” . – Ethiopia: “Suc-Suci Lake Zwai 5,500 ft 12.11. 1926 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “7000 ft Mt. Chilalu 8.11. 1926 JOC.” (5 exs. AMGS); “West Marsh Lake Zwai 5,500 ft 2-3.11. 1926 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “March N of Lake Zwai ca 5,500 ft. 4.11. 1926” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kattere River Lake Zwai 6,000 ft 5.11. 1926 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Water Hole N of Makki River 6,000 ft 28.11. 1926 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “C Abyssinia, Abesata Wajju, Bull Bullo 6.3. 1915 Lovacs leg.” (1 ex. BMNH); “Belleta Forest 13-14.6. 1963 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH). – Sierra Leone: “Freetown 1945/Walton G.A.” (1 ex. BMNH). – Nigeria: “NC St. Malumfashi 26-30.7. 1973 Linnavuori leg.”(2 exs. MZH); “W St. Ife 7-8.7. 1973 Linnavuori leg.” (1 ex. MZH); “Stream crossing Kaduna rd. nr Zaria 4.4. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Zaria 1969 Brancucci” (1 ex. NHMB); “Stream & reservoir Jos 10.4. 1963 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Stream nr Bakori en rte Katsina 5.4.1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream nr Zaria 4.4. 1963 JOC” (1 ex. AMGS); “Ponds in PageBreakdry stream bed Kontagora 5.4. 1963” (2 exs. AMGS); “Kontagora stream 3.4. 1963 JOC.” (6 exs. AMGS). – Cameroon: “20 km NW Ban-Gante Forest, savannah at river, at light 15.1. 1978 / Gärdenfors, Hall & Samuelsson” (1 ex. MZLU); “Kamerun int. Satsche 10-14.5. 1909 Riggenbach” (5 exs. ZMHB); “Koza 1.7.1974”(1 ex. NHMB). – Uganda: “Prov. d’Ounyoro, Albert Nyanza S-E, Riv. Mousisi, Alluaud 1909 / Type” ; “Kampala 13.7. 1929 G.H.E. Hopkins” (1 ex. AMGS); same but “15.9. 1929” (1 ex. AMGS); same but “28.2. 1929” (1 ex. AMGS); same but 28.11. 1929” (1 ex. BMNH); same but “29.11. 1929” (1 ex. BMNH); same but “21.2. 1930” (1 ex. BMNH); same but “5.12. 1929” (1 ex. MZH); same but “21.8. 1929” (1 ex. BMNH); same but 9. 1929/Paratype” ; same but “Kitante Swamp 26.9. 1969” (1 ex. BMNH); “Madi 5. 1927 G.D.H. Carpenter” (1 ex. AMS). – Kenya: “Nyeri 2.12. 1989 Jäch” (1 ex. NMW); “Ngong Forestry Sta., 13.4, 1968 Spangler” ; “Nairobi 3.11. 1967 / Reichert collector” (1 ex. USNM). – Tanzania: “?stream Mbeya-Tunduma rd. 18.10. 1948 JOC.” (3 exs. AMGS); “Mpemba stream Mbeya-Tunduma 16.X. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “D.O.A. W Ruangwa 1.9. 1911, 1850 m Sumpf H. Meyer S.G.” (2 exs. ZMHB). – Zambia: “Mbesuma Ranch (Isoka) 9-10.12. 2004 Werner & Smrz” (2 exs. NHRS); “Watergreen Farm Chongwe Valley 60 km E Lusaka 4.8. 1986 Pederzani / Laccophiluscontiro Guignot det. Pederzani” (1 ex. CSR); “Kapiri Mpushi env. 13.12. 2002 Kantner” . – Malawi: “Swamp Dally’s Hotel nr Ft Johnstone 23.8. 1948” (6 exs. AMGS); “Swamp Hawkes Bay 25.9. 1948” (2 exs. AMGS); “Dambo below Livingstonia lake shore 21.10. 1948” (15 exs. AMGS); “Dally’s 18.12. 1946 R.H. Lowe” (2 exs. BMNH); “Ft. Johnston Dally’s swamp nr L. Nyasa 7.6. 1946” (1 ex. BMNH); “Selima env., 4.1. 2002 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Selima env., 60 km E Lilongwe 5-8.1. 2002 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB); “Dedza env., 85 km SE Lilongwe 7-13.1. 2002 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB). – Namibia: “East Caprivi Katima Mulilo 17°29'S-24°17'E, 3-8.3. 1992 Uhlig leg., lux” ; same but “Deckert leg.” (1 ex. ZMHB). – Zimbabwe: “Mashunald Salisbury” (1 ex. SAMC). – South Africa: “Gauteng, RAU system, Germiston Lake 12.8. 1997 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Natal Umlazi R. 19.9. 1962” (1 ex. AMGS); “Kw. Natal S, Port Shepstone 20 km W, 2.2. 2000 Halada leg.” (1 ex. NMW); “Kw. Natal, Barringtonia Swamp For., Amotikela Nat. Res., 24.2. 1991 Reavell” (1 ex. AMGS); “Natal, Durban, Stamford Hill Umgeni Trägårdh leg. / Laccophiluscontiro Guign. det. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. MZLU); “ECPR. St. Johns 16.2. 1956 JOC. / Laccophiluscontiro Guign. det. Omer-Cooper” (6 exs. AMGS); “ECPr. 6 km S of port of St Johns, outside Silaka Nature Res., pond, S31°38.862, E29°30.551, alt. 90 m 26-27.1. 2005 Bergsten leg.” (4 exs. NHRS); “EC, East London, Gorncie Park, coastal pond 18.3. 1955” (2 exs. AMGS); “EC., Pond on Hwy 344 at Adelaide 17.5. 2005 Challet” ; “EC, Groot R., Humansdorp 19.2. 1947 JOC.” (11 exs. AMGS).(162 exs.). Laccophiluscontiro is variable. Extremes are represented by specimens with almost totally confluent dark, longitudinal lines of elytra (dark lines PageBreakonly discernible posterior to middle) or specimens with separate dark, longitudinal lines. Fortunately penis is quite characteristic, the apex being “harpoon-shaped”, and this character distinguishes Laccophiluscontiro from all other Laccophilus species. Morphological variation is still quite extensive and further study will reveal if Laccophiluscontiro must be split up in different species.Dorsal colour pattern of Body length 3.5–3.9 mm, width 1.9–2.1 mm. Elytral colour pattern variable; separate, dark, longitudinal areas almost absent because merged to larger dark areas, or elytral colour pattern consists of distinct longitudinal, dark areas, which sometimes are reduced Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern. Impunctate, except at eyes; with fine, dense and irregular punctures. Area of punctures extended towards middle of head-disc but they are not connected. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double but difference in delimitation of size classes very small; in part hardly discernible. Large meshes, when discernible, contain 2–5 fine meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, frontally and basally in middle with a distinct blackish to dark ferrugineous area. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation quite distinctly double; large meshes contain generally 2–5 small meshes. Almost impunctate. At margins, except basally in middle, with fine, sparse and scattered punctures.Elytra: Colour pattern variable. Dark elytral lines, to a variable degree discernible; sometimes distinct and sometimes almost absent Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous, prosternum paler, pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Rather shiny; scattered very fine, in part indistinct microsculpture may be discerned. Metacoxal plates with approximately 10 shallow and transversely placed furrows. Base of abdomen with curved striae. Prosternal process rather slender, apex somewhat extended and pointed. Apical ventrite with a lateral, sharp knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat extended, provided with distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite broad; from base to apex slightly curved. Extreme apex broad, only slightly extended Figs .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, somewhat extended. Apical ventrite lacks knob Fig. .Sudan, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa Fig. . AdditioLabel data gives limited information on ecological preferences; collected in pools, streams and swamps and sometimes at light. Literature data are considered rather poor.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/63563001-1560-41E1-B296-DAA1E05118BFThe Ivory Coast: Man.MZH; habitus in Fig. MZH); “Coll. Mus. Tervuren Cote d’Ivoire: Bingerville VI. 1962 J. Decelle” ; same and “à la lampe U.V.” (1 ex. MRAC); “same but “VIII. 1962” (2 exs. MRAC); “Bouakè 12.8. 1973 Bilardo & Pederzani” (1 ex. NHMB); “Toumodi 11.8. 1973 Bilardo & Pederzani” (1 ex. NHMB); “Cote d’Ivoire Duékoué / 12. 1930-IV. 1931 Alluaud & Chappuis” (1 ex. MNHN). – Guinea: “Rep. Guinea Seredoux, lux, 7-8.4. 1975 leg. Zott” (1 ex. ZMHB); same data but “18.4. 1975” (1 ex. ZMHB); same data but “4.4. 1975” . – Ghana: “Eastern Region Boti Falls 30 km NE Koforidua Dr. S. Endrödy-Younga / Nr. 490 shore washing 27.XII. 1971” (1 ex. CGW); “Ashanti Region Kwadaso 259 m, N 6.55-W 1.39 Dr. S. Endrödy-Younga / Nr. 367 – light trap on field 2.VI. 1969” (1 ex. CGW); “Ashanti Region Kumasi, Nhiasu 330 m, N 6.43-W 1.36, Dr. S. Endrödy-Younga / Nr. 229 light trap 24.VI. 1967” ; same data but “Nr. 256 at light 10.VIII. 1967” (1 ex. CGW); same data but “Nr. 274 at light 15.IX. 1967” (1 ex. CGW); same data but “Nr. 280 at light 9.X. 1967” (1 ex. MZH); same data but “Nr. 281 at light 18.X. 1967” (4 exs. CGW); same data but “Nr. 282 at light 20.X. 1967” (1 ex. CGW); “Kumasi 24.6. 1967 S. Endrödy-Younga” ; same but “18.5. 1967” ; same but “20.5. 1967” ; same but 12.6. 1967 (2 exs. HNHM); same but 16.4. 1967 (2 exs. HNHM). – Nigeria: “Nigeria W. St. Ife 7-8.7. 1973 R. Linnavuori” (3 exs. MZH); “Ile-Ife W. State 13. Aug. 1972 J.T. Medler Coll.” (2 exs. USNM); “Lagos Colony Iseri 29-30.3. 1949 Malkin / meander pool in shallow water” (2 exs. CGW); same data but “26-27.3. 1949 / Stream, deep slimy mud with sand over” (1 ex. CGW). – Cameroon: “Cameroun Buea-Nord-est Malende 17-1-79 A. Bilardo / Laccophilus sp. (?) near contiro det. S. Rocchi 1985” .(63 exs.): Holotype: male: “Ivory Coast Man 14–21.10. 1973 R. Linnavuori” .Body length 3.1–3.2 mm, width 1.7–1.8 mm. Elytral colour pattern variable; sometimes with quite extensive basal pale marking; sometimes pale markings strongly reduced Figs .Head: Pale ferrugineous, head sometimes a little darker posteriorly. Impunctate, except at eyes with fine, irregular punctures. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double but size-classes of meshes difficult to separate because difference between them is often minimal. When discernible, large meshes may contain 3–6 small meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Basally in middle with distinct, blackish to dark ferrugineous spot. Anteriorly, with a somewhat vague, dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous spot. Impunctate, except anteriorly, where very fine, irregular punctures may be discerned. Slightly mat, microsculptured; reticulation double. Large meshes generally discernible; may contain 3–6 fine meshes.Elytra: Black to dark ferrugineous, with variable pale ferrugineous markings Figs . Almost Ventral aspect: Dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous; no distinct colour pattern. Prothorax pale ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Shiny, indistinctly microsculptured; in part microsculpture lacking. Basal ventrites with fine, slightly curved striae. Metacoxal plates with some ten shallow, in part indistinct furrows, which are mostly transversely located. Apical ventrite asymmetric; on one side with a small knob Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pale ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis slightly curved, quite broad and ends in a distinct, square-like process Fig. .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite simple, no lateral knob Fig. .inconstans is a Latin adjective that here refers to the highly variable appearance of the elytra.The name Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon Fig. .In Cameroon collected with light in secondary forest and plantation. From Nigeria label data give that the species has been collected in a meander pool in shallow water and in a stream.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeSharp, 1882LaccophilusgrammicusPageBreaksion); Laccophilusgrammicus outside Ethiopia and Eritrea is considered uncertain.]Ethiopia: Abyssinia.Laccophilusgrammicus sp. n. Abyssinia” (BMNH). – Paralecotytpes: “569 / Co-type / Abyssinia/Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Laccophilusgrammicus Shp Co-type”; “Co-type / Abyss. Raffray / Abyssinia A. Raffray / Laccophilusgrammicus Shp Co-type”.(3 exs.). Lectotype (by present desgination): male: “Type 569 / Type / Abyssinia / Sharp Coll. 1905-313 / Ethiopia: “Stream W of Zaguala 6000 ft. 27.10. 1926 JOC.” (5 exs. AMGS); “Abyss. Raffr. / Laccophilusgrammicus Shp det. M. Brancucci” (3 exs. NHMB); “Tigray Province ca. 20 km E Axum 2000 m 17.4. 2006 leg. Wewalka” ; “Asmara-Decamere 25.5. 1963 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH); “Ghinda Levander” (6 exs. MZH).(16 exs.). Laccophilusgrammicus resembles a number of species in the same species group and can therefore be difficult to identify solely using external features as appearance of body colour pattern. The species is, however, easily separated by examination of male genitalia; penis in apical half tapers gradually towards apex; in lateral aspect, penis very strongly curved.Body length 4.1–4.3 mm, width 2.2–2.4 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern of body distinct and quite uniform Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double: number of fine meshes in one large mesh varies from 2–5. In part, double reticulation weakly developed and rather indistinct: fine and large meshes difficult to distinguish. At eyes and medially from eyes towards middle of head finely and sparsely punctured. Head extensively impunctate.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous; mediobasally with narrow blackish ferrugineous marking. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation double: large meshes contain 2–6 fine meshes. At margins with irregular, sparse row of fine punctures. At base, row of punctures in part absent.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with distinct blackish to dark ferrugineous, longitudinal markings, which are in part reduced basally, slightly posterior to middle and apically Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Almost impunctate. Very finely microsculptured; in part fine reticulation indistinct or absent. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with shallow, transversely located, in part rather indistinct furrows. Abdomen with fine, curved striae. Apical ventrite with sharp knob on one side Fig. . ProsterPageBreakLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus quite long, slightly enlarged, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in apical half tapers rather evenly and gradually towards apex; in lateral aspect, penis very strongly curved Figs .Female: Apical ventrite lacks sharp knob Fig. . Pro- anEthiopia, Eritrea Fig. . RecordsCollected at high altitudes .Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1895LaccophilusflavoscriptusLaccophilusflavopictus), 540 ; LaccophilusflavosignatusLaccophilusflavoscriptusab.flavosignatus); Confirmed synonym.Laccophilusflavoscriptus: Zaire: Matadi.Laccophilusflavosignatus: Gabon.Laccophilusflavoscriptus: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Congo belge Matadi / male symbol / Cotype / Museum Paris coll. Maurice flavoscriptus Rég.” ; “Banana Boma M. Tschoffen 91 Det. Régimb. 91 / 11165 / Ex Type / Régimbart det. 1895 Laccophilusflavoscriptus Rég.” ; “Boma Tschoffen / Ex Type / Régimbart det. 1895 Laccophilusflavoscriptus Rég.” (1 ex. IRSNB); “Severin Banana Africa / Banana Boma M. Tschoffen 91 Régimb. / Type” (1 ex. RMNH); “Severin Banana Afr. Occ. / Laccophilusflavoscriptus Dét. Régimb. Type / Banana Boma M. Tschoffen 91 Dét. Régimb. / Type” (1 ex. RMNH); “Banana Boma M. Tschoffen 91 / Laccophilusflavoscriptus Régb. Det. Régimbart” (1 ex. SAMC); “Matadi Congo / Museum Paris coll. Maurice MNHN); “Matadi M. Tschoffen / Museum Paris coll. Maurice flavoscriptus Rég.” (2 exs. MNHN); same data but “SAM Type Acc. No. 840” (3 exs. SAMC).(29 exs.). Laccophilusflavosignatus: Lectotype (by present designation): male: “Gabon Mocquerys /male symbol / Cotype” ; “Gabon Mocquerys / Museum Paris coll. Maurice flavosignatus R. Paulian det.”(2 exs. MNHN).Gabon: “Ogové River leg. A. C. Good” (1 ex. CSR).(1 ex.): Comment on synonymy: Study of type material of the two involved taxa and designation of lectotypes for them proved us that that earlier established synonymy was correct.Laccophilusflavoscriptus externally resembles a number of species as Laccophilusnecopinus, Laccophilusconjunctus, Laccophilusadjutor and Laccophiluslineatus, on the basis of dorsal colour pattern of body. Elytral colour pattern is variable in this group of resembling species; variation appears from almost entirely dark to pale with rather distinct, dark, longitudinal markings. For identification of Laccophilusflavoscriptus, fortunately, the penis is very characteristic; apical half of penis is evenly broad and evenly curved towards abrupt apex of penis.Body length 3.5–3.8 mm, width 1.9–2.1 mm. Body with variable dorsal colour pattern (see below).Head: Pale ferrugineous, close to pronotum often slightly darker. Submat, finely, microsculptured; reticulation double but large meshes only slightly more strongly developed than small meshes. Sometimes large meshes strongly reduced and only discernible as fragments of meshes. Almost impunctate; at eyes finer punctures may be discerned.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous with mediofrontal and -basal dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous areas, delimitation of which are vague. Sometimes dark markings almost black to blackish ferrugineous. Submat, reticulation double. Meshes of large reticulation fine; in general one mesh contains 3–5 small meshes. Almost impunctate. Very fine, sparse punctures may be discerned frontally and laterally.Elytra: Pale ferrugineous, with variable dark ferrugineous to blackish colour pattern; elytra sometimes almost entirely dark, sometimes with more or less distinct, longitudinal, pale lines and a basal, pale, transverse area Figs . Submat,Ventral aspect: Blackish to dark ferrugineous, prothorax pale ferrugineous. Rather shiny to slightly mat, very finely microsculptured. Basal ventrites with fine, curved striae. Almost impunctate. Apex of prosternal process somewhat extended, slender, pointed. Metacoxal plates in anterior half with very fine, transversely located, shallow furrows; in posterior half furrows almost absent. Apical ventrite asymmetric; on one side with a subbasal minute tubercle Fig. .Legs: Protarsus slender, claws moderately curved. Pro- and mesotarsus with suckers.PageBreakMale genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect, long, slightly curved and almost evenly broad from base to apex; extreme apex almost unmodified Figs .Female: Apical ventrite Fig. . Pro- anGabon, Zaire Fig. . AdditioAlmost unknown. In Ethiopia collected at high altitude (ca. 5500 ft. = ca. 1672 m) .Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeGschwendtner, 1930LaccophilusburgeoniLaccophiluswitteiNew synonym.Laccophilusburgeoni: Zaire: de Kindu.Laccophiluswittei: Zaire: PNU, Riv. Difiringi.Laccophilusburgeoni: Holotype: female: “Type Gschw. / Musée du Congo K. 300 de Kindu 14.V. 1911 L. Burgeon / Col. Gschwendtner / Laccophilusburgeoni Gschw. det. Gschwendtner / Type” (OLML).(5 exs.). Laccophiluswittei: Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Congo belge PNU Difirinji affl. g. Lufira (700 m) 27-IV-1949 Mis. G.F. de Witte 2732a / Coll. Mus. Congo (ex. coll. I.P.N.C.B.) / Laccophiluswittei Guign. Type, male symbol / Guignot det. 1952 Laccophiluswittei Guign. Type, male symbol” (MRAC). – Paratypes, males: “Congo belge: PNU Ganza pr., r. Kamandula (860 m) saline, 1-VI-1949 Mis. G.F, de Witte, 2648a / Paratype / F. Guignot det., 1953 Laccophiluswittei sp. n. / R.I.Sc.N.B. I.G. 24.054” ; “Congo belge PNU Kabangey 1050 m VI-1949 de Witte / male symbol / paratype” (1 ex. MNHN). Nigeria: “River 3,5 mi. from Jos on Kaduna rd. 13.IV. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Trib. R. Gagere en rte Zaria-Katsina 5.10. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Dam, Vom?, Jos Plateau 11.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream at Assob 36 mi. from Jos 13.IV. 1963 JOC.” (1 ex. AMGS); “R. Kaduna 4,5 mi. from Jos 13.IV. 1963 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS); “Stream, escarpment Jos-Wambe rd. 13.IV. 1963 JOC.” (17 exs. AMGS); “Plateau Prov. Jos 14-17.3. 1949 Malkin leg. / Muddy running stream, gravel bottom” . – Sudan: “Equatoria Lalyo-Juba 26-27.2. 1963 Linnavuori” (1 ex. MZH). – Zaire: “Type Gschw. / Musée du Congo Kindu L. Burgeon / Coll. Gschwendtner / Laccophilusburgeoni Gschw. det. Gschwendtner / Type” ; “Ituri Mahagi 19.V. 1925 / Laccophiluswittei Gschw. det. Guignot 1959” (1 ex. NHMB); “Lukonzolwa 9-17.2. 1931 de Witte” (1 ex. NHMB); “Musosa / 10. 1939 Bredo” (1 wx. MNHN); “PNU Mabwe 2.3. 1949 de Witte” (1 ex. MNHN); “Elisabethville 1935 Richard” (1 ex. NHMB). – Uganda: “Arua 24.2. 1931 Hancock” (3 exs. BMNH). – Tanzania: “NW Usagara 1700-1900 m 15.12. 1912 / Laccophiluslineatus Aubé det. Zimmermann / Laccophiluswittei Guign. det. Brancucci 1982” (1 ex. ZMHB); “Iringa 1.10. 1964 ex pond James” (1 ex. CGC).(80 exs.). Laccophilusburgeoni and Laccophiluswittei have been examined and compared. Minor difference is present in appearance of dorsal colour pattern but at least for the time being this is considered a case of ordinary variation within one species. Laccophilusburgeoni, being the older name is the valid name of the species.Holotypes of Laccophilusburgeoni resembles much of Laccophiluslineatus. The two species are generally distinguished by differences in appearance of external colour pattern and by study of male genitalia. In Laccophilusburgeoni dark markings of pronotum are generally restricted to a narrow basal area and very rarely to a vague anterior marking (in Laccophiluslineatus both anterior and posterior dark markings of pronotum are distinct). Apex of penis in Laccophiluslineatus is shaped as a distinct knob while corresponding feature in Laccophilusburgeoni is absent or at most developed to a minor knob.Body length 3.6–3.8 mm, width 1.9–2.2 mm. Habitus and dorsal colour pattern; exhibit some variation.PageBreakHead: pale ferrugineous. Rather shiny, although finely reticulated. Double reticulation fine but clearly discernible; large meshes contain two to six small meshes. At eyes with fine punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Medially, at foremargin with vague, slightly darker area (area sometimes hardly discernible). Medially, at base with distinct but narrow, dark ferrugineous marking. Rather shiny, although finely reticulated. Reticulation partly double. Larger meshes contain two to nine small meshes. At margins with fine and irregular punctures, except basally in middle; impunctate.Elytra: Colour pattern variable. Pale ferrugineous, with blackish to dark ferrugineous markings. Rarely, some specimens have slightly broader longitudinal lines, in part touching each other or than dark markings anteriorly on elytra are totally lacking Figs . Submat Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, sometimes with vague, lateral, somewhat darker areas. Rather shiny, with very fine, in part hardly visible microsculpture. Abdomen with very fine, curved striae. Almost impunctate. Transversely on metacoxal plates located, shallow furrows discernible but weakly developed and in part reduced. Prosternal process slender, apex extended and pointed. Metacoxal process not modified. Apical ventrite with sublateral knob Fig. .Legs: Pale ferrugineous. Pro- and mesotarsus somewhat enlarged, provided with suckers. Claws of pro- and mesotarsus slightly extended, moderately curved.Male: Genitalia: Penis quite long and somewhat twisted; extreme apex extended to a minor, hardly discernible knob; smetimes knob reduced and absent Figs .Female: Apical ventrite lacks lateral knob Fig. . Pro- anLaccophiluswittei.Nigeria, Zaire, Uganda, Tanzania Fig. . GuignotLaccophilusburgeoni (under name Laccophiluswittei) is a rheophil species. Label data from Nigeria indicate that the species has been collected in a muddy running stream with gravel bottom.Very little information on ecology is available. Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeAubé, 1838LaccophiluslineatusLaccophilusbrevicollisConfirmed synonym.Laccophiluslineatus: Mauritius: Ile de France. ; “Paratype / Nyasaland stream 20 mi. From Dedza on lower Lilongwe rd. 30.9. 1948 / Laccophiluslivingstoni sp. n. Det. J. Omer-Cooper” (2 exs. AMGS); (Tanzania)“Zanzibar Pemba 6. September 1955 J.R. Fowler” (1 ex. AMGS).(6 exs.). Holotype: male: “Paratype / Nyasaland, swamp, Monkey Bay 28.1. 1948 / Tanzania: “Lake Malawi Matema 1.7. 1979 M. Stoltze leg. / Laccophilusbergeri Guignot Holmen det.” (2 exx. ZMUC); “Zanzibar, Manganpwani Rd. 13.9. 1955 JOC.” (2 exs. AMGS). – Malawi: “Mulanje Mnts env. 22-28.12. 2001 Kantner” . – Mozambique: “Prov. Manica 20 km NW Chimoio 21-23.12. 2003 Kudrna jr. lgt.” (1 ex. CFP).(13 exs.): Laccophiluslivingstoni is a good species and not a junior synonym of Laccophilusinornatus Zimmermann.Examination of holotype reveals that Laccophiluslivingstoni is closest related to Laccophilusinsularum. There are, however, some differences in shape of apex of penis; anterior outline of it being almost straight in Laccophiluslivingstoni and clearly curved in Laccophilusinsularum. Laccophiluslivingstoni also resembles quite much of Laccophilusgarambanus regarding colour pattern of body. Laccophilusgarambanus is, however, smaller and have more extensive pale colour on posterior half of elytra.Body length 3.3–3.6 mm, width 1.8–2.0 mm. Dorsal colour pattern quite uniform, exhibits only some variation Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous; posteriorly at pronotum narrowly, slightly darker. Discally, with two, small, dark spots which sometimes are vague. Punctation slightly irregularly distributed, at eyes and from there towards central part, fine to very fine. Submat, finely microsculptured. Reticulation double, but in part this is rather indistinct. Large meshes contain 2–6 finer meshes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, with vague darker areas. At margins with fine to very fine, irregularly distributed punctures. Reticulation double; large meshes in part lack small meshes, and in part, contain 2 to 5 small meshes.Elytra: Blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Anteriorly with an irregular, subbasal series of pale spots which often are in part confluent. Posteriorly, with vague, pale and irregular stripes Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; ventrites laterally somewhat darker. Rather shiny, although very finely reticulated. Ventrites with sparse but distinct striae pointing inwards and backwards. Almost impunctate. Ventrite posterior to apex of abdomen with a few rather irregular punctures; on one side provided with a sharp knob Fig. . MetacoxLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis angled (not evenly curved); external outline apically extended and sharp Fig. .Female: Externally as male but pro- and mesotarsus fairly long and slender. Apical ventrite lacks sharp knob Fig. .Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique Fig. . Record Insufficiently known. The species has been collected from both running and standing waters.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/5126E56D-3F25-40E1-99BE-B851F1D84AA6S16.30271, E046.80995).Madagascar: Ankarafantsika NP, Mahajanga, Boeny (NHRS). – Paratypes: “Madagascar (95)25.ix. 2001 Ranohira (Fianarantsoa), right affl. of Riv. Ihazofotsy nr Isalo Ranch, stagnant areas/750 m PageBreakasl, 21.0°C 0.005 mS/cm/Gerecke & Goldschmidt collectors BMNH(E) 2004-46” ; “S-Madagascar (14) Ambatoveve, Road Betioky-Beneloka 150 m a.s.l., 26.01. 1995 G. Dunay & J. Janák coll.” ; “S-Madagascar (15) Ambialialika, Road Betioky-Beneloka 50 m a.s.l., 27.01. 1995 G. Dunay & J. Janák coll.”  <745072> DNA voucher/MAD: FIAN: Isalo Source of Piscine Naturelle: Waterhole P41K: N: -22.553: E:45.368, 859 m, 12.V. 2006: Leg. Bergsten et al” (1 ex. MZH); same data but “<794195> DNA voucher” (1 ex. MZH); same data but “<745073> DNA voucher” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “<745074> DNA voucher” (1 ex. NHRS); “DNA Voucher BMNH(E) <831021>MSL 402:E6/MAD. Isaky-Ivondro Ampasy (E2); rice paddies: P66: N-24.93: E:46.863: 64 m, 08.IV. 2007 Leg. Isambert et al.” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “BMNH(E) <831023>MSL 402:E8” (1 ex. NHRS); Same data but “BMNH(E) <831022>MSL 402:E7” (1 ex. NHRS); “BMNH(E) <742297> DNA voucher/MAD: FIAN: Isalo: River R41D, N:-22.486: E:45.383: 723 m 11.V. 2006 Leg. Bergsten et al” (1 ex. NHRS); “RM: Betsiboka Bas. (PO123) Loc. Ambalambongo aff. de Betsiboka Riv., 47°00'30"E/16°48'00"S, 30.3. 1993 leg. ORSTOM Antananarivo” (1 ex. NHRS/NMW); “RM: Betsiboka Bas.(PO124) Loc. Ambohimanatrika Kamoro Riv. 47°10'06"E/16°28'55"S, 1.4. 1993 leg. ORSTOM Antananarivo” (1 ex. NHRS/NMW); “Mahajanga: Melaky btw. Morafenobe-Ambohijanahary S18.19091 E045.19986, 290 m.a.o., 19.12. 2009 Water net, field#MAD09-74 Bergsten et al / NHRS-JLKB 0000000479” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but not vouchers (6 exs. NHRS); same data but “S18.19880, E045.15651, 313 m.a.o., MAD09-73 / NHRS-JLKB 0000000484” (1 ex. NHRS); same data as holotype (7 exs. NHRS); “Mahajanga: Boeny Ankarafantsika NP, S16.30271, E046.80995, 75 m.a.o. 8.12. 2009 Water net, field# MAD09-39 Bergsten et al / NHRS-JLKB 0000000491” (1 ex. NHRS); same data but “29.11. 2009, MAD09-10 / NHRS-J LKB 0000000486 (1 ex. NHRS); Est, Sambava c. 20 m Janac & Moravec leg. / 3.3. 1996 Riv. Anovona env., lux, rizieres / bord de la foret” (1 ex. NMPC).(35 exs.): Holotype: male: “Madagascar Mahajanga: Boeny Ankarafantsika NP, S16.30271, E046.80995, 75 m.a.o. 8.12. 2009 Water net, field# MAD09–39 Bergsten et al.” .Laccophiluslivingstoni considered.): Body length 3.0–3.6 mm, width 1.7–2.0 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern uniform; pale spots on elytra may sometimes be in part reduced or expanded . – Paratype: male and female: “Congo Belge, P.N.G. Miss. H. De Saeger II/gc/10, 28-VIII-52 H. De Saeger. 3987 / Paratype / F. Guignot det., 1959 Laccophilusgarambanus sp. n.” ; same data, but “II/fd/14, 23-VIII-52, 3966 / F. Guignot det., 1958 Laccophilusinornatusgarambanus Guignot, paratype” (1 ex. IRSNB); same data, but “II/fd/12, 10-III-1952, 3180” (3 exs. IRSNB); same data, but “II/gd/10, 14-IX-1952, 4099” (1 ex. IRSNB).(7 exs.). Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Congo Belge, P.N.G. Miss. H. De Saeger II/gd/14s, 4-VIII-1951 Réc. H. De Saeger, 2209 / Coll. Mus. Congo (ex. coll. I.P.N.C.B.) / Guignot det., 1957 Zaire: “PNG II/fd/12, 10.3. 1952, 3180” (1 ex. MRAC); “P.N.G. II/gd/10, 14-IX-52, 4099” (3 exs. IRSNB); “Tshuapa, Mbandaka ca. 0.03N - 18.28E, 1964 Stam” (2 exs. RMNH); “Tshuapa, Mbandaka ca. 0.03N - 18.28E, 3-4.4. 1964 Stam” (1 ex. RMNH); “Thsuapa-Mbandaka ca. 0.03N - 18.28E, a.l. 1964 Stam (1 ex. RMNH); “Quqilhatville 3-4.4. 1963 Stam 3-4.4. 1963 / at light (2 exs. RMNH); “Quqilhatville 20-21.1. 1962 Stam 3-4.4. 1962 / at light (1 ex. MZH).(11 exs.). Cameroon: “Ngoundéré 27.7. 1969” .Laccophilusgarambanus is characterized by distinct, although somewhat variable, elytral colour pattern. It is distinguished from other species in this species group by the appearance of male genitalia , besides characteristic, elytral colour pattern.Body length 2.9–3.2 mm, width 1.6–1.8 mm. Elytral colour pattern variable Fig. ; subbasaHead: Pale ferrugineous, partly often slightly darker but lacks clearly delimited, dark area. Submat, finely microsculptured; reticulation simple and dense. At eyes, finely and irregularly punctate.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, medially with large area slightly darker; ferrugineous . Submat to rather shiny, finely microsculptured; reticulation fine and dense; indistinct traces of double reticulation discernible. When discernible large meshes contain 3–6 small meshes. Almost impunctate.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous to blackish ferrugineous, with variable, ferrugineous to pale ferrugineous markings Fig. . One femVentral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, abdomen slightly darker in comparison with rest of ventral aspect. Submat to rather shiny, extensively with very fine microsculpture. Almost impunctate. Stridulatory apparatus fine but clearly discernible; consisting of about 25 narrow but quite long ridges. Apex of prosternal process slender, somewhat extended and pointed. Apical ventrite as in Fig. Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, with fine suckers.Male genitalia: Penis quite robust, short, apical external outline almost straight; extreme external apex broadly rounded Fig. .Female: Apical ventrite simple Fig. . Pro- anZaire Fig. . UncertaAlmost unknown. Sampled at light collection.Taxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaeRégimbart, 1889LaccophilusflavopictusLaccophilusbergeriLaccophilussegmentatus and Laccophilusbergeri); New synonym.LaccophilussegmentatusPageBreak; Laccophilusbergeri Guignot); Laccophilusbergeri). New synonym.Laccophilusflavopictus: Angola: Humpata.Laccophilusbergeri: Zaire (DRC): Elisabethville.Laccophilussegmentatus: South Africa: Transvaal, Ermelo.Laccophilusflavopictus: Holotype (monotypy): male: “P.Y. v d Kellen Humpata Afr. trop / Laccophilusflavopictus sp. n. type / type / flavopictus Régimbart sp. n.” (RMNH).(6 exs.). Laccophilusbergeri: Holotype: male: “Holotypus / Coll. Mus. Congo Elisabethville lumière XI-50/VI-51 Ch. Seydel / Type / R. Det. J. 6182 / Guignot det. 1953 Laccophilusbergeri Guign. Type, male” ; same as holotype, but: “Allotypus female / (A la lumière) X/XI. 1950/R. Det. K” (1 ex. MRAC); same as holotype, but: “Paratypus male / (A la lumière) X/XI. 1950” (1 ex. MRAC).Laccophilussegmentatus: Holotype: male: “Type, male-symbol / Type / Transvaal, sluggish stream nr Ermelo 7. 12. 1948 J. O-C / Brit. Mus. 1957-660 / Laccophilus sp. n. J. Balfour-Browne det. / Laccophilussegmentatus O-C.” (BMNH).Zaire: “Elisabethville (à la lumière) 1957-1958 Seydel” (1 ex. MRAC). – Zambia: “Mwinilunga District, Ikelenge, nr Kalene, Zambezi Rapids / Pinhey 3.5. 1963 M.V. light trap” ; “NC, Mkushi env. E 16-18.12. 2004 Snizek leg.” (1 ex. NHPC); “Northern Province 15 km E Luwingu 3-4.12. 2007 1400 m Kudrna Jr. leg. / Laccophilusbergeri Guign. det. Pederzani” (2 exs. CFP); “100 km SW Serenje 7.12. 2002 Kantner” (1 ex. NHMB). – Malawi: “Dedza Sept. 1948 O-C. / small stream” (1 ex. AMGS); “Dedza Sept. 1948 O-C.”(4 exs. AMGS); “Dedza dam, lower Lilongwe rd 29.IX. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS); “Dedza Hotel, dam 29.IX. 1948” (1 ex. AMGS). – Zimbabwe: “Inyanga N. 1948 JOC. / Laccophilussegmentatus O-C. = Laccophilusbergeri Guign. Det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Stream Rusapi 13.XI. (?) 1948 / Laccophilussegmentatus O-C. det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS); “Marandellas 2.11. 1948 J. Omer-Cooper” (3 exs. MNHN). – Swaziland: “Mbabane 5.XII. 1948 J.O.C. / Laccophilussegmentatus O-C. = Laccophilusbergeri Guign. Det. J. Omer-Cooper” (1 ex. AMGS). – South Africa: “Natal Durban Umgeni Tragardh” (1 ex. AMGS); Laccophilus“ sp. n. J. Balfour-Browne / Paratype / Vlei nr Wasserman’s Beacon 6.12. 1948 / Laccophilussegmentatus O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS).(25 exs.). Laccophilusflavopictus, Laccophilusbergeri, and Laccophilussegmentatus, have been examined and found to be conspecific. Because Laccophilusflavopictus is the oldest available name, it is also the valid name of the species.Male holotypes of the three involved taxa, Laccophilusflavopictus is characterized by the following combination of features: Elytra almost black to blackish ferrugineous; basally provided with a quite narrow but distinct, transverse, pale ferrugineous marking and by non-hooked penis apex. PageBreakExternally it resembles of some species not located in this species group, eg. Laccophilusluctuosus and Laccophilussecundus. Presence of a stridulation apparatus and shape of male genitalia, however, shows that Laccophilusflavopictus belongs to another species group than these two species.Body length 3.4–3.7 mm, width 1.9–2.0 mm. Colour pattern generally distinct and exhibits only minor variation; sometimes in part, dark areas with somewhat vague delimitation Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; posteriorly at pronotum darker; dark ferrugineous. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured; reticulation double (in part indistinct). Large meshes when discernible, contain 2–5 small meshes. At eyes and in a narrow, transverse area between eyes with very fine, somewhat irregular punctures; medially punctures indistinct and hardly visible.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally and basally with a medial, dark marking Fig. . Submat Elytra: Blackish ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous, with distinct pale ferrugineous markings Fig. . Submat Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous, abdominal ventrites at least in part darker, ferrugineous to dark ferrugineous. Stridulatory apparatus consists of about 30 fine ridges. Submat, finely microsculptured. Abdomen provided with fine, slightly sparse, curved striae. Apical ventrite provided with a sharp knob on one side (other side lacks knob) Fig. . ProsterLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slender, somewhat extended and provided with suckers.Male genitalia: Penis comparatively long, slightly angled; apical outline rounded to almost straight Figs .Female: Externally as male but apical ventrite almost symmetric, lacking sharp knob Fig. , Pro- anZaire, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland Fig. . Only veDiagnosis. Small to medium sized species; length of body 2.8–3.4 mm, width 1.6–1.9 mm.PageBreakPosteriorly on elytra with variable, pale spots or irregular, pale stripes : Holotype: male: “Guinée / Museum Paris coll. Maurice Sierra Leone: “Sierra Leone Freetown A. Mocquerys 1889 / Museum Paris coll. Maurice MNHN).(1 ex.). Laccophiluslaeticulus is especially characterized by distinct elytral colour pattern and peculiar, narrow apex of penis. It is closely related to Laccophilusoccidentalis sp. n., also occurring on mainland of the African continent. Male genitalia must be examined for correct determination. Apex of penis narrows in Laccophiluslaeticulus while clearly broader in Laccophilusoccidentalis. Subbasal pale marking on elytra in Laccophiluslaeticulus is generally broader than corresponding marking in Laccophilusoccidentalis. See also diagnosis of Laccophilustransversovittatus occurring in Madagascar (p. 260).Body length 3.1–3.2 mm, width 1.7 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern uniform Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous. Submat, finely and somewhat indistinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double. Difference between size-categories of meshes minor and separation accordingly difficult. Large meshes, when discernible, contain about 3–5 small meshes. Head impunctate, except at eyes; with fine, scattered punctures. A few separate punctures may be discerned in centre of head between eyes.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous, frontally and at base in middle with a somewhat vague dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous area. Submat, finely and somewhat indistinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double. Difference between size-categories of meshes of microsculpture minor and separation accordingly difficult. Large meshes, when discernible, contain about 3-5 small meshes. Frontally and laterally with very fine, rather sparse punctures, which in part may be difficult to discern.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous, with distinct, pale ferrugineous markings Fig. . Submat,Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous, posteriorly gradually darker but exhibits no distinct colour pattern. Slightly mat, finely microsculptured. In part reticulation reduced and obliterated. Almost impunctate. Basal ventrites with fine, curved striae. Prosternal process rather slender, apex extended and pointed. Metacoxal plates with some indistinct, shallow furrows. Fine stridulatory apparatus file consists of broad, fine ridges. Apical ventrite asymmetric, with lateral, triangular knob Fig. .Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged, extended. With distinct suckers.Male genitalia: Penis curved; narrows distinctly towards apex, provided with a small and blunt hook Figs .Female: Unknown.Guinea, Sierra Leone Fig. .Unknown.PageBreakTaxon classificationAnimaliaColeopteraDytiscidaehttp://zoobank.org/ED6393AD-9EC3-4B75-97A9-FFAB600A5417Sierra Leone: Makeni.12°03'W, 8°53'N, 27.XI. 1993 loc. 9 light trap 18-21 / Lund University Sierra Leone Expedition 1993 leg. L. Cederholm-R. Danielsson-R. Hall / Laccophiluslaeticulus Régimbart Det. AN Nilsson -94” (MZLU). – Paratypes: Same data as holotype . – Senegal: “Niokolo Koba NP, 13°01.13'N, 13°18.48'W 15.7. 2004 leg. Marek Halada” (2 exs. NMPC). – Mali: “Soudan francais Bamako” (1 ex. MNHN). – Guinea: “République de Guinea PNHN8 10°28'40"N, 10°26'42"W, Faranah F. Niger, Somorya17-21.1. 1996 leg. M. Mei / Laccophiluslaeticulus Rég. det. S. Rocchi 96” (2 exs. CSR); “Seredou 4.4. 1975 lux, Zott” ; same data but “5.4. 1975” (1 ex. ZMHB); same data but “4.5. 1975” ; same data but “7-8.4. 1975” ; “Kindia Villiers 1954” (1 ex. MNHN). – Ivory Coast: “Cote d’Ivoire Comoé NP, N8,5° W3,5° leg. N. Reintjes, det. F. Pederzani / 11.1. 1999 KB8A Kongo River / KR in Koleopt. Rdsch. 74: 45-74 / Laccophiluslaeticulus Régimbart, 1895” (2 exs. NMW). – Ghana: “Ghana: Northern Reg. Damongo Game res. 9.04N-1.48W / 11.11. 1970: no. 440 leg. Endrödy-Younga” ; “Ghana Kumasi 12.6. 67 S. Endrödy-Younga” ; “Volta Region, R. Volta at Kpong 28.11. 1993 Andersen, light trap” (1 ex. MZH). – Benin: “Benin, Pénésseoulou, pond: forest area Oct. 2003 Leg. G. Georgen / 37 / Laccophiluslaeticulus Rég. det. Wewalka 2005” (1 ex. NMW); “Parakou at light 29.9.1988 leg. C. v. Houdt / Laccophiluslaeticulus Rég. det. S. CSR). – Nigeria: “Nigeria NW St. Badeggi rice fields 8-9.8. 1973 R. Linnavuori leg.” (2 exs. MZH); “Ibadan, Nigeria ca, Jan.-Juni 1954 H. Stenholt-Clausen / Laccophiluslaeticulus Rég. J. Balfour-Browne det. VII. 1961” ; “Ibadan at light 27.XI. 1955” ; “Coll. Mus. Tervuren Nigeria Zaria, à la lumière 1969 Dr. H. Roberts” ; “Stream, Enugo-Makurdi rd. 26.4. 1963 J.O-C.” (1 ex. AMGS); “R. Kaduna 4.5 mi from Jos 13.4. 1963 JOC” (16 exs. AMGS). – Central African Republic: “Bozo 7. 1981 Degallier” (1 ex. NHMB); same data but “21.5. 1981”(1 ex. NHMB). – Zaire: “Congo Belge PNG Miss. H. De Saeger/II/fd/12, 10.3. 1952, 3180” (1 ex. MNHN).(96 exs.). Holotype: male: “Sierra Leone: Makeni Laccophiluslaeticulus and Laccophilustransversovittatus. Correct determination requires study of male genitalia. Diagnostic features for separation of the three species is given under diagnosis of Laccophiluslaeticulus (p. 258) and Laccophilustransversovittatus (p. 260).Very close to Body length 2.8–3.3 mm, width 1.6–1.9 mm. Dorsal, colour pattern distinct, quite uniform Fig. .Laccophiluslaeticulus.Head and pronotum: As in Laccophiluslaeticulus but pale basal marking generally somewhat narrower in Laccophilusoccidentalis. Pale markings posterior to middle often reduced to small, separate spots  741824” (NHRS). – Paratypes: Same as holotype ; “MAD, FIAN. Isalo, Running water, P41B, N -22.546, E 45.397, 773 m, 11.5. 2006 Bergsten / BMNH(E) DNA voucher” (6 exs. NHRS); “MAD, FIAN. Isalo, Menamaty R, degraded river, N -22.55, E -45,401: 757 m, 11.5. 2006 Bergsten et al. leg / BMNH(E) voucher” (5 exs. NHRS); “Madagascar: Mahajunga Melaky btw. Morafenobe-Ambohijanahary S18.19091, E045.19986, 290 m.a.o. 19.12. 2009 water net, field# MAD09-74 leg. J. Bergsten, N. Jönsson, T. Ranarilalatiana, H.J. Randriamihaja” ; “Madagascar: Mahajunga Melaky: Tsingy de Bemaraha NP. S19.13260, E044.80891, 62 m.a.o., 14.12. 2009, water net, field# MAD09-54, leg. J. Bergsten, N. Jönsson, T. Ranarilalatiana, H.J. Randriamihaja” (1 ex. NHRS); “Madagascar (102) 6.10. 2001 Ankaratra (Antananarivo) Reserve Manjakatompo / Helocrene at left border of affluent to Lac Froid, 1700 m asl. 19.5-25.0°C, 0.010-0.100 mS/cm / Gerecke et Goldschmidt collectors BMNH(E)2004-46” (1 ex. BMNH); “Sambirano, Ankaramy env., J. Moravec leg. 4.11. 2000” (1 ex. NMPC); “Antsabe Lat. -13.648 Lon 48.721, 21.11. 2004 Balke Lees & Monaghan / DNA voucher BMNH <672773>” (1 ex. NHRS); “MAD FIAN, Isalo Antsabe source of Piscine Naturelle, Waterhole N-22.553, E 45.368, 859 m, 12.5. 2006 Bergsten et al.” (1 ex. NHRS).(32 EXS.). Holotype: male: “MAD: FIAN: Isalo Menamaty R, degraded river with lots of vegetation, used by women to wash clothes in P41AM01, 11.5. 2006 Laccophilustransversovittatus is closely related to Laccophiluslaeticulus and Laccophilusoccidentalis. Diagnostic characters for all three species are found in the shape of penis apex. Apex in Laccophiluslaeticulus is distinctly more slender than in the two other species. Penis of Laccophilusoccidentalis is straighter than in Laccophilustransversovittatus and apical dent is almost absent while distinct in Laccophilustransversovittatus. Laccophilustransversovittatus resembles externally also of Laccophilusluctuosus, which is also a species solely recorded thus far in Madagascar. PageBreakThe male genitalia of Laccophilusluctuosus is, however, clearly different in comparison with Laccophilustransversovittatus.Body length 3.2–3.5 mm, width 1.7–1.9 mm. Body appears somewhat flattened. Colour pattern exhibits only minor variation; basal, pale, transverse marking on elytra moderately broad but always distinct and only broken narrowly at suture Fig. .Head: Pale ferrugineous; posteriorly head becomes slightly darker. Change of colour-intensity is vague. Slightly mat, finely to very finely microsculptured. Reticulation double; small meshes in part reduced and almost absent. Large meshes contain, when discernible, 3–5 small meshes. Almost impunctate. At eyes with some irregular punctures. Area of punctures continues towards middle of head as a sparse, irregular row of punctures.Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Basally with a broad but quite narrow, distinct, dark ferrugineous marking. Anteriorly with a somewhat vague, dark ferrugineous to ferrugineous spot. Rather shiny, although finely to very finely microsculptured. Reticulation double. Small meshes in part reduced and almost absent. Large meshes contain, when discernible, 3–5 small meshes. Almost impunctate; laterally and anteriorly with fine but irregular punctures.Elytra: Dark ferrugineous, with a distinct, subbasal, pale ferrugineous marking. In addition, laterally with a narrow pale area and posterior to middle and apically with some irregular, small pale spots Fig. . Rather Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous to ferrugineous; abdomen becomes gradually darker towards apex; dark ferrugineous. Rather shiny, although finely microsculptured. Reticulation of abdomen strongly reduced and extensively absent. Abdomen with fine, curved striae. Almost impunctate. Apical ventrite provided with a sharp knob on one side Fig. . MetacoxLegs: Pro- and mesotarsus slightly enlarged; provided with fine suckers.Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect quite broad, distinctly angled with a small but distinct apical dent Fig. .Female: Pro- and mesotarsus slender. Apical ventrite lacks knob Fig. .transversovittatus is a Latin adjective based on a verb meaning “provided with transverse stripes”. It here refers to the transversely located, subbasal, pale area on the elytra.The name Madagascar Fig. .Collected in a degraded river with lots of vegetation, used by women to wash clothes in.PageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakIn a few cases we have mapped country records lacking more detailed locality information. Such records are placed in the center of relevant country and are provided with a circle around the symbol (Figs PageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreakPageBreak