Monographs of the Transvaal Museum (10/09/2009)

Abstract

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Author: Joannou, J. Kruger, M.
Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 1
Abstract: The predominantly Afrotropical lasiocampid genus Bombycopsis C. & R. Felder, 1874 is revised. All accessible primary types were examined. The genus is redefined and a subdivision into two subgenera, Bombycopsis (Bombycopsis) and Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) Wiltshire & Legrain, 1997 stat. nov., is proposed, based mainly on characters of the male and female genitalia. Three monophyletic species groups are recognized within the nominate subgenus (the ochroleuca, melaena and varidentata groups, although evidence for the monophyly of the melaena group is inconclusive), whereas six species groups can be defined within the subgenus Bufoidia, viz. the watulegei, nigrovittata, lepta, oligolepis, ledereri, and bipars groups. Two new combinations are proposed for species previously placed in Bufoidia, viz. Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) ledereri (Koçak, 1981) comb. nov. and Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) alfierii (Andres & Seitz, 1925) comb. nov.

Introduction

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 2
Abstract: The genus Bombycopsis C. & R. Felder, 1874 is of predominantly Afrotropical distribution, although a few eremic species extend into Egypt, Arabia and the Levante; it is absent from Madagascar.

Materials and methods

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 3
Abstract: Approximately 2000 mostly adult specimens were examined from the following collections : Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, South Africa (TMSA); Durban Natural Science Museum, Durban, South Africa (DMSA); National Museum of Natural History, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (NMBZ); National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya (NMK); Forestry Institute of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi (FRIM); The Natural History Museum (formerly British Museum (Natural History)), London, U.K. (BMNH); Museum für Naturkunde der Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany (MNHU); Zoologisches Museum und Forschungsanstalt Senckenberg, Frankfurt/M., Germany (SMFL); Museum Witt, Munich, Germany (MWM); Museé Royal de l'Afrique Centrale, Tervuren, Belgium (MRAC); Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (MNHN); Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm, Sweden (NRS); Zoological Museum of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark (ZMUC); and the private collections of Mr Ray Murphy, Mzuzu, Malawi (RMM); Dr D. M. Kroon, Sasolburg, South Africa (DMK); Dr A. Zwick, Schlitz, Germany (CAZS); Dr A. Legrain, Hermalle-sur-Argentiére, Belgium (AL); and Dr L. Kühne, Potsdam, Germany (PSLKP).

Historical biogeography

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 3
Abstract: It is proposed that Bombycopsis originated in central and central eastern Africa because this area today contains not only the greatest diversity of lineages (species groups), but is also home to the sister taxon to all remaining Bombycopsis (Bufoidia), the watulegei group (see Figs 1, 2). It is further proposed that the genus underwent an initial split into the two subgenera recognized, followed by northbound and southbound range extensions of both.

Biology

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 3-5
Abstract: Early stages (Figs 3-18)
Adult (Figs 19-23, 39-230)
Individual and geographical variation
Phenology

Morphology

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 5-7
Abstract: The genus is based on the following autapomorphies : (i) forewings bearing an androconial streak; (ii) tegumen with a scooped, dorsoproximal mesal projection of characteristic, apically broadly rounded shape; and (iii) gnathos remnants fused with socii, the resulting process forming somewhat bird's head-like, mesad projections. Autapomorphies defining the subgenera and species groups will be discussed separately below. Although frequently of diagnostic value, all other characters appear to be shared with relatives, making them symplesiomorphies for the genus.

Phylogeny

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 7-19
Abstract: This revision follows the classification adopted by Lemaire and Minet (1999 [1998]) in keeping with recent contributions (e.g., Regier et al., 2000, 2008).

Checklist

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 20-21
Abstract: Checklist

Taxonomy

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 21
Abstract: Key to subgenera based mostly on male and female genitalia structure.

Bombycopsis (Bombycopsis) C. & R. Felder, 1874

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 21-47
Abstract: Key to species groups
Bombycopsis (Bombycopsis) ochroleuca group
Bombycopsis (Bombycopsis) melaena 'group'
Bombycopsis (Bombycopsis) varidentata group
Unassociated females

Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) Wiltshire & Legrain, 1997

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 47-131
Abstract: Key to species groups
Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) watulegei group
Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) nigrovittata group
Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) lepta group
Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) oligolepis group
Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) ledereri group and three taxa excluded therefrom
Bombycopsis (Bufoidia) bipars group
Unassociated females

Taxa at one time associated with / removed from Bombycopsis

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 131
Abstract: Stoermeriana das (Hering, [1929])
Philotherma brunnea (Aurivillius, 1909)

Acknowledgements

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 131-132
Abstract: We wish to extend our thanks to the following individuals who granted us access to material in their care and assisted in various other ways.

References

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 132-133
Abstract: References

Gazetteer

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 134-139
Abstract: The gazetteer is presented as subordinating fields and listed alphabetically by 'nation', by 'region', by 'town' and finally by 'location'. Where used on specimen labels, previous names are included but referenced to the current name under which any subordinate fields follow. The 'nation' classification in BOLD UPPERCASE type, is self explanatory. The 'region' division is in UPPERCASE ITALICS type. It mono-categorizes, in order of priority, provinces, regions, territories and districts. For example, where a province is further sub-divided into districts, only the province, having priority, is listed. In some smaller countries where no such sub-division exists, the field is simply termed 'undivided'. The 'town' field, in standard lowercase type, may represent the record's collection point, or, that town nearest to the collection point. 'Location', typed in lowercase italics, includes all places below the level of town. Some smaller towns have been subjectively included here, but generally, this field covers villages, suburbs, residential or farm names and other features such as resorts, reserves, mountains and forests. Coordinates are prefixed by 'N', 'R', 'T' or 'L' to indicate the level to which they refer. For example, where the coordinates of a given 'location' could not be traced, but it is known to be near a given 'town' or in a given 'region', that town or that region's coordinates are used and prefixed by a 'T' or an 'R' respectively. Where the coordinates of that 'location' are known, these are prefixed by an 'L'. Where it has been necessary to give coordinates that refer only to the approximate centre of a larger entity, the relevant prefix letter is followed by an asterisk (*). Coordinates have been sourced from label data, maps and various other gazetteers.

Index

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 140
Abstract: Index

Habitus colour plates

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 141-156
Abstract: Habitus colour plates.

Male genitalia plates

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Publication: 2009
Page: 157-177
Abstract: Male genitalia plates.

Female genitalia plates

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 178-184
Abstract: Female genitalia plates.

Composite distribution maps

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Vol Issue 14
Publication: 2009
Page: 185-192
Abstract: Composite distribution maps.