European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24

http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2013.58

ISSN 2118-9773

www. europeanj ournaloftaxonomy. eu

2013 • Sabine Kortenhaus & Thomas Wagner

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Research article

um:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F3F3995B-7009-467F-99Cl-43ED56039BFA

Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa, with revision of two species and

description of four new species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

Sabine KORTENHAUS 1 & Thomas WAGNER 2 *

12 Institut fiir Integrierte Naturwissenschaft - Biologie, Universitat Koblenz-Fandau,

Universitatsstrafie 1, D-56070 Koblenz, Germany

Email: [email protected] (corresponding author)

1 um:lsid:zoobank.org:author:95CDF19F-25Dl-4ED7-839A-0513BACD765A

2 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:author:6AF65C9C-246B-41CA-B326-2D93C427CCDl

*42 nd contribution to the taxonomy, phylogeny and biogeography of the Galerucinae

Abstract. After our taxonomic revision of Ootheca Chevrolat, 1837, and the description of Oothecoides

Kortenhaus & Wagner, 2011 and Ootibia Kortenhaus & Wagner, 2012, it became clear that a further

four galerucine species, closely related to the above named taxa, form a distinct monophyletic group,

that constitutes a new genus, Oosagitta gen. nov. with O. anningae sp. nov., O. geescheae sp. nov., O.

melanopicta sp. nov. and O. thomasi sp. nov.. Exosoma angolensis Faboissiere, 1939, the type species

of the new genus, and Ergana minuta Faboissiere, 1937 are newly transferred to Oosagitta gen. nov.

All species of Oosagitta gen. nov. are characterized by a broad body and pronotum, a more or less

convex dorsum and short legs, and as such are most similar to the other above named genera. The

antennae of Oosagitta gen. nov. are distinctly longer than those of Ootheca , Oothecoides and Ootibia.

Genital structures of the males allow a reliable identification of the genus. (Re-)descriptions are given

for all species, including semi-schematic illustrations depicting the habitus outline, shape of the basal

antennomeres and the median lobe. Photographs of the name-bearing types and distribution maps are

provided.

Keywords. Afrotropical Region, taxonomy, Ootheca , new genus, new species.

Kortenhaus S. & Wagner T. 2013. Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa, with revision of two species and description

of four new species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae). European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24. http://dx.doi.

org/10.5852/eit.2013.58

Introduction

Over the last years we revised a number of species, originally described in the galerucine genus Ootheca

Chevrolat, 1837 (Kortenhaus & Wagner 2010) or its junior synonym Ergana Chapuis, 1879 and species

later transferred from Malacosoma Chevrolat, 1837 - and its replacement name Exosoma Jacoby, 1906

- to Ootheca. We identified several species, which have to be excluded from Ootheca (Kortenhaus &

Wagner 2011, 2012). Some of them, characterized by asymmetrical structures of the median lobe and a

comparatively dorsoventrally compressed body shape, have been transferred to Oothecoides Kortenhaus &

European Journal of Taxonomy 58 : 1-24 ( 2013 )

Wagner, 2011. Further two species, with sexual dimorphic characters of the metatibia and a distinct male

genital pattern, have been transferred to and recently described in Ootibia Kortenhaus & Wagner, 2012. Two

other species. Exosoma angolensis Laboissiere, 1939 and Ergana minuta Laboissiere, 1937, do not belong

to these taxa and have to be transferred, together with four newly described species, to a new genus that is

herein described. Oosagitta gen. nov. has the broad pronotum, more or less convex dorsum, short legs and

also the shape of the spennatheca in common with Ootheca , Oothecoides and Ootibia , but its antennomeres

are significantly more elongated. The most distinctive character for this new group is the male genitalia, that

possesses a peculiar arrow-lilce apical part of the endophallus, a very long median tectum and a pair of very

long, elongated tectorial spures that can be considered as a synapomorphic character.

Material and methods

Abbreviations

Our revision is based on 1433 specimens from the following collections (Tab. 1):

BMNH

HNHM

IRSNB

MCGD

MNHN

MNHU

MRAC

NMK

ZFMK

ZMUH

The Natural History Museum, Tondon

Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest

Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, Bruxelles

Museo Storia di Naturale “Diacomo Doria”, Genova

Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris

Museum fur Naturkunde der Humboldt Universitat, Berlin

Musee Royal d’Afrique Centrale, Tervuren

National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi

Zoologisches Forschungsmusuem Alexander Koenig, Bonn

Zoologisches Museum der Universitat Hamburg

Table 1 . Numbers of examined specimens in the studied collections.

0. angolensis (Laboissiere, 1939) comb. nov.

0. minuta (Laboissiere, 1937) comb. nov.

0. anningae sp. nov.

0. geescheae sp. nov.

0. thomasi sp. nov.

0. melanophthalma sp. nov.

total

BMNH

HNHM

IRSN

MCGD

MNHN

MNHII

MRAC

1321

1346

NMK

ZFMK

ZMUH

total

1383

1433

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

Depending on the available specimens, 11 to 30 specimens were measured per species. Absolute

measurements include:

total body length from apex of labrum to apex of elytron

maximum height in lateral view; pronotal length

maximum pronotal width

length of elytron

maximum width of both elytra combined

Fig. 1 . Measurements taken. Absolute measurements: TL = total length from apex of labrum to apex of

elytron; PL = pronotal length; PW = maximum pronotal width; EL = elytral length; EW = maximum width

of elytra combined. Relative measurements: 2, 3, 4 = length of second, third and fourth antennomeres;

DE = minimum distance between eyes; WE = maximum width of eye; TA = length of basimetatarsus;

TI = length of metatibia.

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

Relative measurements were:

PW/PL

EW/EL

2. /3.

3. /4.

WE/DE

TA/TI

pronotal width to pronotal length

maximum width of both elytra combined to elytral length

length of second to third antennomere

length of third to fourth ante nn omere

maximum width of eye to minimum distance between eyes

length of basimetatarsus to length of metatibia (Fig. 1)

For each species, a standard set of figures is given. External characters are documented by dorsal

semi-schematic habitus illustrations, including the left antenna, detailed illustrations of the four basal

antennomeres of males and females, and legs on the right-hand side of the body. In one case, the illustration

depicts the elytral colour pattern. The male genitalic structures are illustrated in dorsal and lateral views.

Variation in spermatecal shape is very small between species and therefore only given in the description

of the genus. General structures of the head, ventral side of the thorax and metathoracic wing are very

similar to those of Ootheca , and details can be found in our revision of that genus (Kortenhaus & Wagner

2010). For name-bearing type specimens, the label data are cited verbatim and sexes are given; data for

all other specimens have been standardized and include the following information: country, province,

numbers of specimens, locality, latitude and longitude coordinates, altitude, date, collector and depositary

(in brackets). Localities are given as precisely as possible. Countries and localities (e.g. towns), recorded

as traditional names on labels, are listed, together with their current names; coordinates were taken from

the geographical database GeoNames; if a location remains unidentified, mean coordinates of the given

district or region were used; in cases of doubt, where there was one location with many coordinate

possibilities, we did not allocate coordinates. Data were imported into the program ArcGis (ESRI-Arc-

Map Version 9.3) to produce GIS-based distribution maps.

Results

Class Hexapoda Blainville, 1816

Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Superfamily Chrysomeloidea Latreille, 1802

Family Chrysomelidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Galerucinae Latreille, 1802

Oosagitta gen. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:llFBE0A7-E2BB-4072-B6BD-87B5AEBBA47E

Type species

Exosoma angolensis Laboissiere, 1939.

Differential diagnosis

Oosagitta gen. nov. are Galerucinae with an elongate-ovate body shape, elytron slightly widened in the

posterior half, convexly rounded, and a pronotum slightly narrower than the elytra (Figs 2, 10, 15, 19,

23, 27). Head broad, with widely separated, strongly protruding eyes (Fig. 1). Legs short and robust, the

basi-tarsomeres are slightly enlarged and the claws appendiculate (Fig. 4).

From Ootibia it can be differentiated by the characteristic shaped metatibia of the male specimens.

From this genus, as from Ootheca and Oothecoides, it can be differentiated by the long and slender

antennomeres. The mean antennal length to total body length ratio of Oosagitta gen. nov. is 0.60-0.93,

with an overlap ratio to the other three genera of 0.60 in O. minuta comb. nov. Thus Oosagitta gen.

nov. can be differentiated from Ootheca (mean antennal length to total body length ratio 0.47-0.61),

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

from most specimens of Oothecoides (0.61-0.72) and from Ootibia (0.66-0.71). Length of the second

antennomere is about 60 % of the third and length of the third antennomere about 70 % of the fourth

(Figs 5, 11, 16, 20, 24, 28). With respect to the maximum height in lateral view, Oosagitta gen. nov.

(Fig. 3) is similarly dorso-ventrally compressed as Oothecoides , while Ootheca and Ootibia are more

bulged. Due to significant overlap in body size, measurements and colouration at least of some species,

a reliable identification of these four genera is doubtless possible by dissection of the male genitalia.

The symmetric median lobe of Oosagitta gen. nov. is poorly conical towards apex, slightly down-curved

in lateral view, tapering to two more or less elongated tectorial spures separated by an incision and has

dilated basal orifice. The tectum possesses a broad base and a narrow apex. The endophallus shows two

triangular appendices at its apex (Figs 7A, 12A, 17A, 21 A, 25A, 29A), the endophallus brush emerges

from this arrow-like structure (Figs 7B, 12B, 17B, 21 A, 25B, 29A). This endophallus-“armature” of

Oosagitta gen. nov. allows a clear differentiation from the shape of the endophallus of Ootheca. The

similarity between aedeagal structures of Oosagitta gen. nov. and those of Ootheca is obvious: the

symmetrical median lobe of Ootheca is usually parallel-sided, slightly conical towards the apex, or

constricted in the middle. The apex can be either rounded or pointed without an apical incision, or

have a deeply U-shaped apical incision. In lateral view, the median lobe is more or less evenly down-

curved. The tectum is very characteristic in Ootheca , consisting of two dorsal, more or less slender,

often apically hooked, tectorial spurs that are attached at the base of the apical third of the median

lobe, and extend from its middle sometimes to near its apex. However no long median tectum occurs in

Ootheca. The apical part of the symmetrical endophallus can usually be distinguished clearly between

the bases of the tectorial spurs.

The main difference between Oosagitta gen. nov. and Oothecoides concerns the endophallus: only

Oosagitta gen. nov. possesses a symmetrical triangular, arrow-like apex of the endophallus, Oothecoides

has two very specific asymmetrical spines. The aedeagal shape of Oosagitta gen. nov. differs strongly

from that of Ootibia. The shape of the median lobe in Ootibia (obtuse, compact, almost rectangular,

parallel-sided, slightly conical towards apex, slightly down-curved in lateral view, with a very dilated

basal orifice) is also different. Apically, the median lobe of Ootibia displays two ventrally situated

projections, like “ears” (in dorsal view), which taper to form one or two points (in lateral view). The

endophallus has a peculiar endophallic brush and two symmetrical triangular appendices.

Etymology

Combination of Ootheca and sagitta , which refers to the arrow-like shape of the endophallus; gender:

female.

Description

Total length. 3.10-6.20 mm; means of total body length for the species range from 3.75 to 5.54 mm.

Females are somewhat longer than males.

Head. Yellowish to dark brown, labrum in the same colour as head, only in O. geescheae sp. nov., the

yellowish head becomes darker towards labrum. Rarely (O. melanopicta sp. nov.) with dark brown to

black patch behind the eye. Maxillary palps yellowish to brown, last palpomere conical with fine apex.

Eyes convex and ovate, separated by triangular frontal calli, and a transverse, curved depression divides

the Irons from the vertex (Fig. 1); ratio for maximum eye width to minimum distance between eyes

varies from 0.55-0.92 (means of species vary between 0.67 and 0.83). Antennae completely yellowish

(O. anningae sp. nov., O. melanopicta sp. nov.), brown (O. angolensis comb, nov.), yellowish and the

apical antennomere with darker apex (O. geescheae sp. nov.), basal first antennal article yellowish,

antennomeres 2-11 brown (O. thomasi sp. nov.) or basal four antennomeres yellowish, antennae

becoming darker towards apex (O. minuta comb. nov.). Mean antennal length ratio to total body

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

length ratio 0.60-0.93; mean length ratio of ante nn omere two to three 0.43-0.64; mean length ratio of

ante nn omere three to four 0.69-0.83.

Thorax. Pronotum convexly rounded dorsally, lateral margins clearly differentiated from disc, anterior

angles rounded (Fig. 1), disc convexly rounded; finely punctate, unicolourous yellowish or brown;

pronotal length 0.65-1.30 mm (means of species vary between 0.81 and 1.17 mm); pronotal width

1.00-2.00 mm (means of species vary between 1.28 and 1.85 mm); pronotal width to length ratio 1.41-

1.94 mm (means of species vary between 1.56 and 1.76 mm). Prothorax dark brown to yellowish.

Elytron unicolourous or with a brown base and apex of elytron in only one species ( O. geescheae sp.

nov.); elytron coarsely and more deeply punctate than pronotum; punctation irregular; length of elytron

2.35—4.95 mm (means of species vary between 2.82 and 4.33 mm); maximum width of elytra combined

1.80-3.70 mm (means of species vary between 2.23 and 3.31 mm); maximum width of elytra combined

to length of elytron ratio 0.66-0.88 (means of species vary between 0.72 and 0.88). Scutellum almost

triangular, dark brown/black or yellowish. Meso- and metathorax in same colour. Legs unicolourous

yellowish to brown or dark brown with paler brown coxae and distal/proximal parts of femur and tibia

(< O . minuta comb. nov.). Mean length of metatarsus to length of metatibia 0.24-0.35 (means of species

vary between 0.29 and 0.32).

Abdominal ventrites. Five visible ventrites (seven sternites; Fig. 3) of the same colour as the pro-/

meso- and metathorax. Apical sternite in females evenly rounded, males with two incisions in outer

apical margin.

Male genitalia. Median lobe, tectum and endophallus symmetrical (Figs 7, 12, 17, 21, 25, 29). Median

lobe slightly waisted in the middle and conical towards apex, where it is pointed (Figs 12A, 29A)

or shallowly incised (Figs 7A, 17A, 21 A, 25A). In lateral view, median lobe is more or less curved

ventrally (Figs 7C, 12C, 21C, 25B, 29B), sometimes with significant hook (Fig. 17C). The tectum with

broad base and strongly narrowed to apex, long as the ventral part of the median lobe (Figs 7A, 17A,

21 A, 25A, 29A) or shorter (Fig. 12A), covering most parts of the endophallus by forming a tapering tip

(Figs 7, 25 29), a slender, rectangular structure (Fig. 21) or a shorter, conical apex (Figs 12, 17). The

median part of the tectum has moveable, slender tectorial spures on each side that are straight at apex

(Figs 7, 21, 25, 29), hooked (Fig. 12) or crossed (Fig. 17, 29). The endophallus possesses two triangular

appendices at its apex, giving it an arrow-like appearance (Figs 7B, 12B, 17B, 21 A, 25A, 29A). The

basal aedeagal orifice is very dilated with an incision (Figs 7A, 12A, 17A, 21 A, 25A, 29A).

Female genitalia. Spermatheca with spherical nodulus. Spermathecal ductus slightly sunken in the

nodulus, cornu slender, strongly and evenly curved (Fig. 6).

Host plants, biology and immature stages

Unknown.

Oosagitta angolensis (Laboissiere, 1939) comb. nov.

Figs 2-9

Exosoma angolensis Laboissiere, 1939: 112-113.

Differential diagnosis

Oosagitta angolensis comb. nov. has a brown head and pronotum and yellowish elytron, brown legs and

underside, while O. geescheae sp. nov. has a brown pattern on yellowish elytron, legs and underside

yellowish, O. thomasi sp. nov. is yellowish with brown antennae - except the basal antennal article,

O. melanoptica sp. nov. and O. anningae sp. nov. are completely yellowish and O. minuta comb. nov.

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

has a dark brown elytron, legs and underside and is much smaller. Oosagitta angolensis comb. nov. is

on average the largest species of the group, and, in the majority of cases, can be easily differentiated

from other species by size. Total body length varies between 4.90 and 6.20 mm (O. geescheae sp. nov.

4.50^1.80 mm, O. anningae sp. nov. 4.25-5.35 mm, O. minuta comb. nov. 3.10^1.20 mm, O. thomasi

sp. nov. 4.65-5.50 mm, O. melanoptica sp. nov. 4.15—4.70 mm). The shape of the median lobe with

slender, incised apex, long tectum with very slender tectorial spures allows a clear identification of the

males.

Type material

Holotype

S, “Kuvangu mars 1933/Angola Miss. Sc. Suisse, 1932-33/Coll. R. I Sc. N. B./Exosoma angolensis

m., V. Laboissiere - Det. 1939/Holotype/AfriGa specimen 753, documented 25.VII.2005” (IRSNB).

(Fig. 9).

Type locality

ANGOLA: -14.4/16.4.

Figs 2-4. Oosagitta angolensis comb. nov. 2. Habitus, semi-schematic dorsal view, $. 3. Habitus, lateral

view, §. 4. Legs: A. Prothoracic leg. B. Mesothoracic leg. C. Metathoracic leg. Scale bars = 1 mm.

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

Other material examined

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: 2 exx., Kasenga, -10.36/28.63, Feb. 1912, Dr. Bequaert

(MRAC); 68 exx., Lulua, Kapanga, -8.35/22.58, Dec. 1931, G.F. Overlaet (MRAC); 6 exx., Lulua,

Sandoa, -9.68/22.86, Jan.-Dee. 1931, G.F. Overlaet (MRAC); 5 exx., Lulua, Tshibamba, -8.25/24.37,

Dec. 1931, G.F. Overlaet (MRAC); 41 exx., Lulua, Sandoa, Jan.-Dee. 1932, G.F. Overlaet (MRAC);

274 exx., Lulua, Tshibamba, Jan./Feb. 1932, G.F. Overlaet (MRAC); 1 ex., Kafalcumba, -9.68/23.73,

Dec. 1932, G.F. Overlaet (MRAC); 625 exx., Lulua, Kapanga, Sep-Dec. 1932, G.F. Overlaet (MRAC);

316 exx., Lulua, Kapanga, May-Dec. 1933, G.F. Overlaet (MRAC); 11 exx., Mukonkoto, -10.30/23.95,

Jan. 1937 (IRSNB); 7 exx., Lulua: Kabomba, -6.20/22.37, Nov. 1937, Vanderstichele (MRAC); 1 ex.,

Lulua: Kabomba, Dec. 1937, Garlier (MRAC); 1 ex., Ngowa-Kwango, Dec. 1938, P. J. Mertens (IRSNB);

1 ex., Maka-Lualaba, 3.13/26.78, Jan. 1939, H.J. Bredo (IRSNB); 2 exx., Musosa, -8.38/29.63, Sep.

1939, H.J. Bredo (IRSNB); 4 exx., Mabwe, r.E. lac Upemba, 585 m, -8.65/26.52, Dec. 1948, Miss. G.F.

Figs 5-7. Oosagitta angolensis comb. nov. 5. Basal four antennomeres of2 SS and 2 J J . 6. Spermathecae

of 3 7. Median lobe: A. Dorsal. B. Detail: apex of endophallus. C. Lateral. Scale bars = 1 mm.

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B.

AfriGa

specimen ID:

^ 5*3

leg men data

dccurriented

^5 VCfeoo

K a a i * gu

mars 1933

<i*gi

Fig. 9. Holotype of Oosagitta angolensis comb. nov. A. Overview with labels. B. Close-up of specimen.

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

de Witte (IRSNB); 1 ex. Sankuru, Gandajika, -6.75/23.95, Oct. 1950, de Francquen (MRAC); 1 ex.,

Bas-Congo, Kimwanza, -4.427/18.33, May 1956, Van Eyen (MRAC).

KENYA: 1 ex., Voi, 2000 ft, -3.39/38.56, Nov. 1948, J.G. Williams (BMNH).

NAMIBIA: 1 ex., Bus hm an land: Klein Dobe, -19.42/20.35, Feb. 1992, Namibia Expedition ZMB, M.

Uhlig (MNHU).

UGANDA: 15 exx.. District Masindi, Budono Forest n. Sonso, 1.75/31.58, Jul. 1995, Th. Wagner

(ZFMK).

ZAMBIA: 16 exx., Kabwe, -9.12/30.67, Feb. 1944, H.J. Bredo (IRSNB), 6 exx., Mweru-Wantipa,

-8.75/29.50, Mar. 1944, H.J. Bredo (IRSNB); 4 exx., 29 kmNW Chipata, Kamanga, 825 m, -13.50/30.48,

Mar. 1993, M. Uhlig (MNHU).

Redescription

Measurements, n = 30, total length 4.90-6.20 mm (mean 5.54 mm; Fig. 2); ma xim um height in lateral

view 1.75-2.35 mm (mean 2.00 mm ); (Fig. 3).

Head. Brown. Ma xim um width of eye to m inim um distance between eyes 0.57-0.77 (mean 0.67). Length

of second to third antennomere 0.46-0.75 (mean 0.58), length third to fourth antennomere 0.59-0.81

(mean 0.69; Fig. 5). Antennae brown. Mean antennal length to total body length ratio 0.82.

Thorax. Brown as head. Pronotum brown with delicate punctation on the flat disc. Pronotal width

1.60-2.00 mm (mean 1.85 mm ), length of pronotum 1.00-1.30 mm (mean 1.17 mm), pronotal width

to length 1.43-1.67 (mean 1.59). Elytron yellow to yellowish-brown with irregular, coarse punctation.

Elytral length 3.70-4.75 mm (mean 4.28 mm), ma xim um width of both elytra combined 2.80-3.70 mm

(mean 3.31 mm), ratio of maximum width of elytra combined to length of elytron 0.71-0.87 (mean

0.77). Scutellum brown, delicate punctation like pronotum. Underside and legs entirely brown. Length

of basimetatarsus to length of metatibia 0.27-0.31 (mean 0.30).

Abdomen. Brown.

Male genitalia. Median lobe slightly waisted in dorsal view (Fig. 7A), conical and incised at apex.

Tectum is conical with a very elongated, slender apical part that is bent ventrally at the apex. It has long,

slender tectorial spures at each side (Fig. 7A, C). Endophallus brush emerges from broad, arrow-like

structure (Fig. 7B). Orifice of median lobe is ovoid with a rather deep incision (Fig. 7A).

Distribution

Widely distributed in Central, East and Southern Africa, from the Congo Basin towards Kenya in the

northeast and to Zambia and northern Namibia in the South (Fig. 8).

Oosagitta minuta (Laboissiere. 1937) comb. nov.

Figs 10-14

Ergana minuta Laboissiere, 1937: 151-152.

Differential diagnosis

Oosagitta minuta comb. nov. is the smallest species of the genus with a total body length between 3.10

and 4.20 mm There is no other specimen of the other five species of such small size known. Ante nn ae of

O. minuta comb. nov. are shorter than those of the other described species: mean antennal length to total

body length is 0.56-0.65 (other species 0.75-1.00). Also the coloration differs strongly from the other

species, since O. minuta comb. nov. has dark brown elytron, while all other species show yellowish to

yellowish-brown elytron throughout or yellow with brownish base and apex (O. geescheae sp. nov.).

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

Type material

Lectotype

S, “Uganda, Busso Busoga, May 1909, Dr. E. Bayon/Mus. Civ. Genova/Type male/Ergana minuta, m,

V. Laboissiere m. V. Laboissiere -Det./AfriGa specimen ID 885, 17.IV.2004” (MCGD). A lectotype is

herein designated to fix the name on a single specimen. (Fig. 14).

Paralectotype

1 S, same data as lectotype, additionally “Le Moult vend, via Reinbek, Eing. Nr. 1, 1957” (ZMUH).

Type locality

UGANDA: Bussoga, -0.23/30.11.

Figs 10-12. Oosagitta minuta comb. nov. 10. Habitus, semi-schematic dorsal view. 11. Basal four

antennomeres of 2 $$ and 2 §§. 12. Median lobe: A. Dorsal. B. Detail: apex of endophallus. C.

Lateral. Scale bars = 1 mm.

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

Fig. 13. Distribution of O. minuta comb, nov., O. anningae sp. nov. and O. geescheae sp. nov.

A UGANDA I

J$Jg&s r u Busoqa !

. 19.05!

. Dr e. B : B ayonj

Syntypus

Ergana minuta

AfriGa

specimen ID'

documerfted

Ml/'

2004

TTVI5I7

I YJrh

Fig. 14. Lectotype of Oosagitta minuta comb. nov. A. Overview with labels. B. Close-up of specimen.

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

Other material examined

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: 2 exx., Parc Nat. de la Upemba, affl. Lusinga (1585 m),

0.733/28.62, Dec. 1947, Miss. G.F. de Witte (IRSNB); 5 exx., Parc Nat. de la Upemba, Lusinga (1760 m),

0.167/26.30, Dec. 1947, Miss. G.F. de Witte (IRSNB); 2 exx., Parc Nat. de la Upemba, Mabwe (r. E. lac

Upemba), 585 m, -8.65/26.52, Dec. 1948, Miss. G.F. de Witte (MRAC).

SOUTH AFRICA: 1 ex., Natal, Malvern, C.I.E. Coll. No. 15946, G.E. Bryant det.: Ergana proteus

(BMNH); 1 ex., Siidafrika: Transvaal, lekgalameetse Nat. Res., -24.08/30.25, Dec. 1995, F. Koch

(MNHU).

Redescription

Measurements, n = 12, total length 3.10—4.20 mm (mean 3.75 mm; Fig. 10), maximum height in lateral

view 1.30-1.50 mm (mean 1.40 mm).

Head. Yellowish to brown, mandibles dark brown. Maximum width of eye to m inim um distance between

eyes 0.55-0.78 (mean 0.68). Length of second to third antennomere 0.5-0.75 (mean 0.64), length third to

fourth ante nn omere 0.67-0.89 (mean 0.78; Fig. 11). Basal antennomeres yellowish, antennae becoming

darker towards the apex. Mean antennal length to total body length ratio 0.60.

Thorax. Pronotum yellowish with very delicate punctation. Pronotal width 1.00-1.50 mm (mean

1.28 mm), length of pronotum 0.65-0.95 mm (mean 0.81 mm), pronotal width to length 1.41-1.77

(mean 1.57). Elytron dark brown, irregular punctation, coarser than pronotum. Elytral length 2.35-

3.25 mm (mean 2.82 mm), maximum width of both elytra combined 1.80-2.60 mm (mean 2.23 mm),

ratio of maximum width of elytra combined to length of elytron 0.73-0.88 (mean 0.79). Pro-, meso- and

metathorax, abdomen and legs dark brown, coxae and distal/proximal parts of tarsomeres yellowish

or light brown. Tibia has all around setae and is gently curved. Length of basimetatarsus to length of

metatibia 0.25-0.35 (mean 0.30).

Male genitalia. The symmetric median lobe tapers and is down-curved in lateral view. The tectum is

shorter than median lobe and nearly triangular (Fig. 12A). Tectorial spures are very slender, the basal

two thirds covered by the tectum, the apices very fine and dorsally hooked (Fig. 12A, C). Endophallus

with broad base fine “arrow-hooks” (Fig. 12A, B). Basal orifice of median lobe ovoid with an incision

(Fig. 12A).

Distribution

Known from southern Uganda, southeastern Congo and from the northern states of South Africa (Fig. 13).

Oosagitta anningae sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:76E6057D-8AB6-4DA8-BE69-CC7BF76F68BC

Figs 13, 15-18

Differential diagnosis

Oosagitta anningae sp. nov. is completely yellowish, while O. angolensis comb. nov. has a brown head

and pronotum and yellowish elytron, O. geescheae sp. nov. has a brown pattern on yellowish elytron,

O. thomasi sp. nov. has brown antennomeres, O. melanoptica sp. nov has a dark brown postocular patch

and O. minuta comb. nov. has dark brown elytron. It is the only species from tropical western Africa and

occurs allopatrically with all other species. A definitive identification is possible by examination of the

shape of male genitalia (Fig. 17).

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

Etymology

Named after Sabine Kortenhaus’ daughter Anning.

Type material

Holotype

<$, “Coll. Mus. Tervuren Cote dTvoire: Bingerville, Sep. 1963, J. Decelle/AfriGa specimen ID 1898,

26.XI.2012” (MRAC) (Fig. 18).

Paratypes

GHANA: 3 exx., Takoradi, 4.88/-1.75, Besnard (MRAC).

Figs 15-17. O. anningae sp. nov. 15. Habitus, semi-schematic dorsal view. 16. Basal four antennomeres of

2 $$ and 2 5 ?• 17. Median lobe. A. Dorsal. B. Detail: apex of endophallus. C. Lateral. Scale bars: 1 mm.

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

IVORY COAST: 2 exx., Adiopodoume, 5.34/-4.13, Aug. 1952 (MNHN); 1 ex., Adiopodoume, Feb.

1957, R Dessart (MRAC); 1 ex., Zepreghe-Koffikro (Daloa), 6.91/-6.37, Jul. 1961, J. Decelle (MRAC);

2 exx., Bingerville, 5.36/-3.89, Feb. 1963, J. Decelle (MRAC).

TOGO: 1 ex., Misahohe, 6.95/0.58, May 1894, E. Baumann (MNHU).

Type locality

IVORY COAST: Bingerville, 5.36/-3.89.

Description

Measurements, n = 11, total length 4.25-5.35 mm (mean 4.85 mm : Fig. 15); maximum height in lateral

view 1.60-2.05 mm (mean 1.80 mm).

Head. Yellowish, mandibles darker brown. Maximum width of eye to min im um distance between eyes

0.73-0.83 (mean 0.79). Length of second to third antennomere 0.36-0.50 (mean 0.43), length third to

fourth ante nn omere 0.69-0.83 (mean 0.75; Fig. 16). Antennae yellowish. Mean antennal length to total

body length ratio 0.91.

Thorax. Pronotum yellowish with very delicate punctation. Pronotal width 1.50-1.90 mm (mean 1.71 mm ),

length of pronotum 0.90-1.20 mm (mean 1.05 min ), pronotal width to length 1.50-1.73 (mean 1.62). Elytron

is yellowish and has irregular punctation, only a bit coarser than pronotum. Elytral length 3.35M.25 mm (mean

3.91 mm), maximum width of both elytra combined 2.50-3.45 mm (mean 3.04 mm), ratio of maximum width

of elytra combined to length of elytron 0.73-0.83 (mean 0.78). Pro-, meso- and metathorax, abdomen and legs

are yellowish. Tibia is gently curved. Length of basimetatarsus to length of metatibia 0.24—0.32 (mean 0.29).

Male genitalia. Aedeagus very broad, rather erect, only the outermost apex of median lobe and tectum

curved ventrally (Fig. 17C). The slightly waisted, broad tectum covers basal two thirds of very long,

slightly bent and apically crossed tectorial spures that are much longer than the ventral part of the

median lobe (Fig. 17A). Endophallus long, with slender base, two short “arrow-hooks” and very slender

and long apical part that is emerging out of the median lobe (Fig. 17A, B). Orifice of median lobe ovoid

with a rather deep incision (Fig. 17A).

Distribution

Western Africa from Ivory Coast towards Togo (Fig. 13).

Holotypus

Oosagitta anningae

Kortenhaus & Wagner, 2013

AfriGa

specimen ID:

specimen data

documented

20 \\

Fig. 18. Holotype of O. anningae sp. nov. A. Overview with labels. B. Close-up of specimen.

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

Oosagitta geescheae sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:C9A28FBA-6047-4F16-96B3-C752A4642E8F

Figs 13, 19-23

Differential diagnosis

Oosagitta geescheae sp. nov. is the only species of the genus that possesses a brownish elytral base and

apex on yellowish elytron. The endophallus with slender, spatula-like tectum and the very long, slender

tectorial spures are very characteristic for this species.

21 .A 21. B

Figs 19-21. Oosagitta geescheae sp. nov. 19. Habitus, semi-schematic dorsal view. 20. Basal four

antennomeres of 2 $$ and 2 21. Median lobe. A. Dorsal. B. Lateral. Scale bars: 1 mm.

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

Etymology

Named after Sabine Kortenhaus’ daughter Geesche.

Type material

Holotype

<$, “Musee du Congo Lomami: Kaniama, 1931, R. Massart/AfriGa specimen ID 1897, 26.XI.2012“

(MRAC) (Fig. 22).

Paratypes

CAMEROON: 2 exx., Johann Albrechtshohe [Mt. Cameroon], 4.15/9.21, ex. Coll. J. Weise, 1 ex. with

additional label “Typ dCandezea transversicollis Jac. Typ.” in Weise’s handwriting; this species was not

described (MNHU); 1 ex., Kamerun, Barombi, 4.40/9.25, Conrad (HNHM).

DEMOCRATIC REUBLIC OF THE CONGO: 1 ex., Bena-Bendi, Sankuru, -4.28/20.35, Jan. 1895,

L. Cloetens (IRSNB); 1 ex., Kassai, 1904, E. Taymans (IRSNB); 1 ex., Elisabethville [Lubumbashi],

-11.67/27.47, Nov. 1911, Miss. Agric. (MRAC); 1 ex., Kwamouth, -3.18/16.20, Jun. 1913, Dr. J. Maes

(MRAC); 1 ex., Tang. Moero, Niunzu, 1935, H. De Saeger (MRAC); 1 ex., PNA, Secteur Nord, riv.

Talya, affl. dr. Lume, 1215 m, Jul. 1956, R Vanschuytbroeck (IRSNB); 2 exx., PNA, Secteur Nord, riv.

Talya, affl. dr. Lume, 1280 m, Jul. 1956, P. Vanschuytbroeck (IRSNB); 1 ex. PNA, Massif Ruwenzori,

riv. Talya, affl. Lume, 1870 m, 0.38/29.90, Sep. 1956, P. Vanschuytbroeck (IRSNB); 1 ex., PNA, Secteur

Nord, Gundu, affl. rive dr. Semliki, reg. Kylia, 840 m, -1.65/28.87, Jan. 1957, P. Vanschuytbroeck

(IRSNB); 1 ex., Tshuapa, Bamanga, -0.28/25.53, 1960, P. Hulstaert (MRAC).

UGANDA: 3 exx., Bwamba, -0.65/29.83, Jun. 1948, Van Someren (1 ex. BMNH, 2 exx. NMK).

Type locality

DEMOCRATIC REUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Kaniama, -6.13/24.48.

Fig. 22. Holotype of O. geescheae sp. nov. A. Overview with labels. B. Close-up of specimen.

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

Description

Measurements, n = 15, total length 4.50-5.80 mm (mean 5.33 mm; Fig. 19); ma xim um height in lateral

view 1.50-2.50 mm (mean 2.01 mm).

Head. Yellowish, becoming darker towards labrum. Maximum width of eye to min im um distance between

eyes 0.69-0.92 (mean 0.83). Length of second to third antennomere 0.38-0.57 (mean 0.48), length third

to fourth antennomere 0.63-0.75 (mean 0.69; Fig. 20). Ante nn ae yellowish, terminal antennomere with

darker apex. Mean antennal length to total body length ratio 0.93.

Thorax. Colour like head, pronotum and disc of elytron. Pronotum yellowish with delicate punctation.

Pronotal width 1.50-1.95 mm (mean 1.77 mm), length of pronotum 0.88-1.10 mm (mean 1.04 mm),

pronotal width to length 1.62-1.86 (mean 1.71). The yellowish elytron has a brownish base and apex

of elytron (Fig. 19) and an irregular coarse punctation. Elytral length 3.73^.95 mm (mean 4.33 mm),

maximum width of both elytra combined 2.75-3.50 mm (mean 3.22 mm), ratio of maximum width

of elytra combined to length of elytron 0.67-0.81 (mean 0.75). Scutellum integrated in the pattern of

elytron (Fig. 19). Pro-, meso- and metathorax, abdomen and legs yellowish. Length of basimetatarsus to

length of metatibia 0.29-0.33 (mean 0.32).

Male genitalia. The symmetric conical aedeagus slightly curved ventrally (Fig. 2 IB), median lobe

tapers to two short points, separated by a tiny incision (Fig. 21 A). Tectum with very broad base, which

narrows to a ventrally bent, spatulate, nearly rectangular structure. Tectorial spures nearly circular bent

at base, very long and slender toards the apex (Fig. 21 A, B) Endophallus possesses two acute tapering

appendices at its apex. Endophallus brush is emerging from this arrow-like endophallus Fig. 21B).

Orifice of median lobe ovoid with a rather great incision (Fig. 21 A).

Distribution

Cameroon, Congo Basin and western Uganda (Fig. 13).

Oosagitta thomasi sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:61E0C9B7-DF5B-42C8-B5F9-479AlFEllE20

Figs 8, 23-26

Differential diagnosis

With regard to elytral coloration, O. thomasi sp. nov. differs from O. geescheae sp. nov. (with basal and

apical pattern) and O. minuta comb. nov. (dark brown elytron). The basal antennomere is yellowish

and all following ones are brown, while O. angolensis comb. nov. has completely brown antennae and

O. anningae sp. nov and O. melanopicta sp. nov. have yellowish antennae. Only O. minuta comb. nov.

has a similar antennal coloration, but is significant smaller. Clear differentiation is given by the shape

of median lobe: the tectorial spures are nearly as long as tectum (Figs 25 A, 25B), while O. angolensis

comb. nov. has a longer, more curved tectum (Fig. 1C). Tectum of O. geescheae sp. nov. is spatulate

(Fig. 21 A) and O. melanoptica sp. nov. has longer, more slender and crossed tectorial spures (Fig. 29B).

Median lobes of O. minuta comb. nov. (Fig. 12A) and O. anningae sp. nov. (Fig. 17A) are clearly

different.

Etymology

Named after Sabine Kortenhaus’ husband Thomas.

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

Type material

Holotype

S, “Coll. Mus. Tervuren, Nigeria: Jos, X/XII. 1965, E. Bot Gwong/AfriGa specimen ID 1899,

15.111.2012” (MRAC) (Fig. 26).

Paratypes

NIGERIA: 1 $,2 $5, same data as holotype.

Figs 23-25. Oosagitta thomasi sp. nov. 23. Habitus, semi-schematic dorsal view. 24. Basal four

antennomeres of 2 $$ and 2 25. Median lobe. A. Dorsal. B. Lateral. Scale bars: 1 mm.

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

BURUNDI: 1 <3, Urundi: Bururi, -3.95/29.69, R.R Giraudin, ex coll. Breuning (MRAC).

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: 1 I.R.S.A.C., Kivu, Kavimvira [Karimviza],

-3.35/29.16 (Uviva), Jan. 1956, G. Marlier (MRAC).

Type locality

NIGERIA: Jos, 9.92/8.09.

Description

Measurements, n = 6, total length 4.65-5.50 mm (mean 5.12 mm; Fig. 23); maximum height in lateral

view 1.85-2.20 mm (mean 2.02 mm).

Head. Yellowish. Maximum width of eye to minimum distance between eyes 0.61-0.75 (mean 0.67).

Maxillary palps and mandibles brown. Length of second to third antennomere 0.55-0.62 (mean 0.59),

length third to fourth antennomere 0.69-0.79 (mean 0.75; Fig. 24). Basal antennal article yellowish,

following antennomeres brown. Ante nn al length to total body length 0.75-0.82 (mean 0.78).

Thorax. Yellowish like head, pronotum and disc of elytron. Pronotum with very delicate punctation.

Pronotal width 1.50-1.80 mm (mean 1.65 mm), length of pronotum 0.95-1.10 mm (mean 1.06 mm),

pronotal width to length 1.50-1.63 (mean 1.56). The yellowish elytron has an irregular coarse punctation.

Elytral length 3.90M.40 mm (mean 4.13 mm), maximum width of both elytra combined 2.60-3.30 mm

(mean 2.97 mm), ratio of maximum width of elytra combined to length of elytron 0.66-0.80 (mean

0.72). Pro-, meso- and metathorax, abdomen yellowish. Legs yellowish, only basal part of tibia and tarsi

brownish. Length of basimetatarsus to length of metatibia 0.30-0.33 (mean 0.31).

Male genitalia. Median lobe broad, conical in the apical quarter, strongly curved ventrally (Fig. 25A,

B), apex with shortly curved tip (Fig. 25B). Tectum short, very broad at base, aoical half very narrow

reduces to an elongated, ventrally bent, apical point. It has comparatively short, slender tectorial spures,

which are nearly as long as the tectum (Figs 25B). Endophallus brush is emerging from a very broad,

arrow-like structure (Fig. 25).Orifice of median lobe ovoid with a great incision (Fig. 25A).

Distribution

Nigeria, Congo Basin, Burundi (Fig. 8).

Fig. 26. Holotype of O. thomasi sp. nov. A. Overview with labels. B. Close-up of specimen.

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

Oosagitta melanopicta sp. nov.

um:lsid:zoobank.org:act:4E493FBA-DE58-4EE4-9DE4-79D63C0FD211

Figs 8, 27-30

Differential diagnosis

Oosagitta melanoptica sp. nov. has a peculiar character in the significant black patch behind the eye.

Further differentiation is possible by the characteristic broad shape of the median lobe.

Etymology

Named after the significant dark brown postocular patch.

29.A

29.B

Figs 27-29. Oosagitta melanopicta sp. nov. 27. Habitus, semi-schematic dorsal view. 28. Basal four

antennomeres of 2 SS and 2 29. Median lobe. A. Dorsal. B. Fateral. Scale bars: 1 mm.

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

Type material

Holotype

<$, “Coll. Mus. Congo, Stanleyville: Yangambi, km 7, 29.V. 1956, R. Damoiseau, C.00.53/Recolte sur

Canvalaria curiformis/AfriGa specimen ID 1900, 15.111.2013” (MRAC).

Paratypes

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: 1 2 $$, same data as holotype; 1 Mayidi,

-5.19/15.15, 1942, P. Van Eyen (MRAC).

Type locality

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Stanleyville [Kisangani], Yangambi, 0.81/24.43.

Description

Measurements, n = 5, total length 4.20M.70 mm (mean 4.42 mm; Fig. 27); maximum height in lateral

view 1.80-2.20 mm (mean 1.95 mm ).

Head. Yellowish, dark brown postocular patch, labrum brown. Maximum width of eye to minimum

distance between eyes 0.63-0.75 (mean 0.71). Length of second to third antennomere 0.58-0.67 (mean

0.61), length third to fourth ante nn omere 0.63-0.77 (mean 0.70; Fig. 28). Ante nn ae yellowish. Ante nn al

length to total body length 0.87-0.98 (mean 0.91).

Thorax. Yellowish. Pronotum yellowish nearly without punctation. Pronotal width 1.50-1.75 mm (mean

1.61 mm ), length of pronotum 0.85-1.00 mm (mean 0.92 mm), pronotal width to length 1.65-1.94

(mean 1.76). The elytron is yellowish and has delicate brown margins and an irregular coarse punctation.

Elytral length 3.05-3.75 mm (mean 3.35 mm), maximum width of both elytra combined 2.60-3.15 mm

(mean 2.94 mm), ratio of maximum width of elytra combined to length of elytron 0.81-0.97 (mean

0.88). Metathorax more yellow than pro- and mesothorax and abdomen. Legs paler yellowish. Length

of basimetatarsus to length of metatibia 0.29-0.33 (mean 0.31).

Male genitalia. The symmetric conical aedeagus slightly curved ventrally, median lobe tapers to a short

point (Fig. 29A, B). Tectum with very broad base, which narrows to a ventrally bent, flattened structure.

Fig. 30. Holotype of O. melanopicta sp. nov. A. Overview with labels. B. Close-up of specimen.

KORTENHAUS S. & WAGNER T., Oosagitta gen. nov. from tropical Africa

Very long, slender and strongly curved tectorial spures intersect themselves nearly at the apex. Apically

these structures are curved dorsally (Fig. 29A, B). Endophallus brush is emerging from the arrow-like

endophallus (Fig. 29A). Orifice of median lobe ovoid with a rather great incision (Fig. 29A).

Distribution

Only known from two sites along the Congo River (Fig. 8).

Identification key

1. Elytra dark brown, total body length < 4.20 mm, tectum shorter than median lobe with hooked

tectorial spurs (Fig. 12A, C); Uganda, SE Congo and northern states of South Africa (Fig. 13).

. Oosagitta minuta (Faboissiere, 1937) comb. nov.

- Elytra ma inl y yellowish, total body length > 4.20 mm .2

2. Elytron yellowish with a light brown base and apex (Fig. 19), median lobe with tectum narrows

to a rectangular, spatulate structure (Fig. 21 A); Cameroon, Congo Basin towards western Uganda

(Fig. 13). Oosagitta geesc/teae sp. nov.

- Elytron unicolor pale yellowish to yellowish-brown.3

3. Pronotum and head dark brown, contrasting to the yellowish to yellowish-brown elytra, median lobe

with incised apex, ventrally bent, elongated, slender tectum (Fig. 7A); widely distributed in central,

east and southern Africa (Fig. 8). Oosagitta angolensis (Faboissiere, 1939) comb. nov.

- Head, pronotum and elytra unicolorous yellowish.4

4. Scapus yellowish, antennomere 2-11 brown, median lobe broad, tectum very broad at base stringly

narrowed in the apical half (Fig. 25A, B); known from Nigeria, Congo Basin and Burundi (Fig. 8)

. Oosagitta thomasi sp. nov.

- Antennae yellowish throughout.5

5. Head yellow with significant postocular dark brown to black spot, ventral part of median lobe about

the same length as tectum and tectorial spures (Fig. 29); only knowm from to sites along the Congo

River (Fig. 8) . Oosagitta melanopicta sp. nov.

- Head yellow throughout, ventral part of median lobe much shorter than the tectm and the apically

crossed tectorial spures (Fig. 17); restricted to western Africa from the Ivory Coast to Togo

(Fig. 13). Oosagitta anningae sp. nov.

Discussion

During our revision of Ootheca, a group of galerucines endemic to tropical Africa, it became quickly

clear that according to the generotype Ootheca mutabilis Sahlberg, 1823, only a “core” group will be

remain in that genus. There was obviously no clear generic concept of Ootheca in the nineteenth century,

as for many other insect genera, and several leaf beetle species, having a “compact” body shape with

broad pronotum, strongly bulged dorsum and short antennae and legs are described in combination

with Ootheca. Weise gave a first revision of Ootheca , in which he critically revised the characters of

O. mutabilis, that he attributed to Chapuis, 1879, and described three new species from German East

Africa (Tanzania). He corrected some misinterpretations, e.g. concerning the prothoracic coxal cavities

that Chapuis (1879) described as “ouvertes”, but he found as completely closed, what now could be

confirmed. Weise also referred to the problems the generic delimitation of Ootheca cause and to the

complexity to distinguish the species, but found good evidence for species identification in the male

genitalia. This underlines the high quality of his work, since more than one hundred years ago, dissection

of genitalia was an unusual method to delimitate insect species. In our recent revision, the male genital

European Journal of Taxonomy 58: 1-24 (2013)

characters are most crucial for the identification of single species, and also for the delimitation of Ootheca

as compared to other galerucine groups taking phylogenetic principles into account. Several characters

of the median lobe and endophallic armature can be interpreted as apomorphic characters. After the

recent description of Oothecoides and Ootibia , we herein split the third group from Ootheca , where

in total six species are characterized by a distinct endophallic pattern that does not, to our knowledge,

occur in any other group of Afrotropical galerucines. There are some more species originally described

in Ootheca , Ergana , and some further described in Exosoma that are most likely closely related to the

genera named above, but not yet revised. Some work is left for the future.

Acknowledgements

We thank all curators and other colleagues who made material available to us: M. Barclay & S. Shute

(BMNH); D. Drugmand & P. Limbourg (IRSNB); O. Merkl (HNHM): R. Poggi (MCGD); N. Berti f

(MNHN); J. Frisch & J. Willers (MNHU); M. De Meyer (MRAC); W. Kinuthia & Ch. Lange (NMK);

K. Schiitte (ZMUH); D. Ahrens & K. Ulmen (ZFMK).

References

Chapuis F. 1879. Phytophages Abyssiniens du Musee Civique d’Histoire naturelle de Genes. Annali del

Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova 15: 15-31.

Kortenhaus S. & Wagner Th. 2010. Revision of Ootheca Chevrolat, 1837 from tropical Africa -

Redescriptions, descriptions of new species and identification key (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae:

Galerucinae). Zootaxa 2659: 1-52.

Kortenhaus S. & Wagner Th. 2011. Oothecoides gen. nov. from tropical Africa, with redescriptions and

description of six species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae). Entomologische Zeitschrift 121:

259-269.

Kortenhaus S. & Wagner Th. 2012. Description of Ootibia gen. n. from tropical Africa with revision of

two described species and description of three new species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae).

African Entomology 20 (2): 350-370. http://dx.doi.org/10.4001/003.020.021Q

Laboissiere V. 1937. Galerucinae Africains de la Collection du Musee Civique de Genes. Annales de

l Association des Naturalistes de Levallois-Perret 22: 139-184.

Laboissiere V. 1939. Galerucinae (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) recueillis dans FAngola par le Dr.

Monard. Aquivos do Museu Bocage 10: 87-168.

Manuscript received: 18 March 2013

Manuscript accepted: 5 August 2013

Published on: 11 October 2013

Topic editor: Koen Martens

Desk editor: Charlotte Thionois

Printed versions of all papers are also deposited in the libraries of the institutes that are members of

the EJT consortium: Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; National Botanic Garden

of Belgium, Meise, Belgium; Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium; Natural History

Museum, London, United Kingdom; Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium;

Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, De nm ark