Hoplistomerus nobilis Loew, 1858

Londt, Jason G. H., 2007, A review of the genus Hoplistomerus Macquart, 1838 (Diptera: Asilidae: Laphriinae), African Invertebrates 48 (2), pp. 167-198 : 174-180

Hoplistomerus nobilis Loew, 1858

Figs 2 , 21–23 , 42

Hoplistomera nobilis: Loew 1858: 357 ; 1860: 120–121.

Laphria serripes: Loew 1862: 10 . Misidentification of Mozambique material ( Oldroyd 1940: 317).

Hoplistomerus nobilis: Oldroyd 1940: 316–317 (figs 1a ơ terminalia, 1b antenna, 1c head, 2 metathoracic leg, 3 wing, 5i ơ clasper); 1980: 350 (catalogue); Hull 1962:96 (figs 87 antenna, 1977 ^terminalia,

2103 & 2106 ơ terminalia).

Diagnosis: Size: Moderate (wing length from humeral cross-vein to tip 8–11 mm). Head: Eye wider than face (in anterior view measured at level of greatest head width). Relative proportions of antennal segments (scape, pedicel and postpedicel) 1.0:0.9:3.6 (i.e. scape and pedicel approximately equal; postpedicel more than three times and a half times length of scape). Thorax: Presutural macroseta(e) absent.Anepisternal macroseta absent.Prosternal ventromedial setation short to absent.Male metatibial spur large.Scutellum with a transverse groove at mid-length. Wing cell m 3 with microtrichia limited to a narrow posterior strip and small distoposterior area. Prothoracic coxa and prosternum both dark red-brown. Prothoracic femur dark red-brown (tips may be paler). Abdomen:T3 setulae white laterally, golden medially. ơ genitalia as in Figs 21–23 .

Type specimens studied: 1ơ lectotype ‘ Mozambique / Tette [16°10'S: 33°36'E] / Peters S. ’ [blue, printed], ‘427’ [white, printed], ‘ Typus’ [red, printed], ‘ Zool. Mus. / Berlin’ [white, printed]. Condition: Good. Left mesothoracic leg broken off beyond trochanter. 1 ? paralectotype [presumed ^], ‘ Tette / Peters’ [blue, handwritten], ‘ nobilis ’ [white, handwritten, small violet, no writing], ‘ Coll. H. Loew’ [white, printed], ‘ Typus’ [red, printed], ‘ Zool. Mus. / Berlin’ [white, printed]. Condition: Poor. Right antenna broken off beyond pedicel. Abdomen broken off beyond T4 ( ZMHB) .

Note: In describing the species, Loew (1858) indicated that he had seen both sexes, but did not record how many specimens were available. Both ZMHB specimens, labelled as types, appear to be the only ones seen by Loew and must be considered syntypes. The male is in better condition than the female and is accordingly designated here as lectotype.

Other specimens studied: ANGOLA: 1^Cuche [14°36'S: 16°58'E], x–xi.1951, Padre Eduardo (CASC). BOTSWANA: 1ơ Kasana, 1725CC, 29–31.xii.1984, Forchhammer; 1^Botswana to Chobe S.W.A., Serendellas [18°50'S: 24°57'E], 30.xii.1980, Reavel, grass & herbs in shade; 4ơ 2^Botletle R. near Maun, 20°00'S: 23°22'E, 10–20.xii.1990 (1ơ 1^) 1–7.i.1991 (3ơ 1^), Bestelink, 1000 m, Acacia thornveld; 1ơ Botletle R. near Maun, 20°00'S: 23°22'E, 14.i.1991, Bestelink, 1000 m, Acacia thornveld; 1^Damara Pan [22°06'S: 22°27'E], 15–21.iv.1930, V.-L. Kal. Exp.; 3ơ Farmer’s Brigade, 22°25'S: 26°44'E, xi.1989 (2ơ) 28.xi.1990 (ơ), Forchhammer, Malaise; 1ơ Farmers Brigade, Serowe, 22°26'S: 26°44'E, i.1991, Forchhammer, Malaise; 1ơ Serowe [22°25'S: 26°44'E], 27.ii.1982, Forchhammer; 1ơ 1^Serowe, 27.xi [ơ] 10.xii.1982, Forchhammer (UZMD); 1ơ Serowe, 3.xii.1982, Forchhammer, day; 1ơ Serowe, ii.1983, Forchhammer, Malaise; 1ơ Serowe, 14.xi.1983, Forchhammer; 1ơ 1^6 km SE of Serowe, 19.xi.1983, Forchhammer, grassveld / Eucalyptus ; 11ơ 12^Farmers Brigade, 5 km SE of Serowe, 2226BD, 6.ii.1984 (^), 8.ii.1984 (ơ), 18.ii.1984 (ơ), 13.i.1985 (^), 19.iii.1985 (^), 15.iv.1985 (^), 16.iv.1985 (^), xii.1985 (4ơ), i.1986 (1ơ 2^), ii.1986 (3ơ 4^), iii.1986 (1ơ 1^), Forchhammer, Hillside N slope, Malaise trap; 1ơ Farmers Brigade, 5 km SE of Serowe, 2226BD, 7.iii.1984, Forchhammer, Hillside N slope, bush; 1^Farmers Brigade, ca. 5 km SE Serowe, 2226BD, 31.i.1985, Forchhammer, A. tortilis woodland, forest nursery, Malaise; 1^Forestry nursery, 6 km SE of Serowe, 2226BD, iii.1986, Forchhammer, 1300 m, Malaise trap; 1^Farmers Brigade, 5 km SE of Serowe, 2226BD, 9.xi.1984, Forchhammer, Hillside N slope, Mercury vapour trap; 1ơ 1^Farmers Brigade, 5 km SE of Serowe, 2226BD, xi.1987 (^) i.1988 (ơ), Forchhammer, Hillside N slope, Malaise trap; 2ơ 5^Farmers Brigade, Serowe, 2226BD, x.1988 (^) 8.xii.1988 (ơ) xi.1989 (^) i.1990 (^) ii.1990 (2^) iii.1990 (ơ), Forchhammer, Malaise; 2ơ 6^Farmers Brigade Serowe, 2226BD, xii.1989 (1ơ 2^) iii. 1990 (^) iv.1990 (1ơ 3^), Forchhammer, mercury V.L. (NHRS); 1^Palapye [22°33'S: 27°08'E], 4.iii.1934, Ogilvie (BMNH); 1ơ Molepolule [24°25'S: 25°31'E], 4.iii.1963, Schofield; 1ơ 2^Metsimaklaba [24°32'S: 25°29'E], 7–12.iii.1930, V.-L. Kal. Exp. (NMNH 1ơ 1^, NMSA ^); 3^Gaberones [24°39'S: 25°54'E], 1915, Ellenberger (MNHN). KENYA: 1^Mombasa [04°02'S: 39°40'E], 27.ix.1927, Bequaert (MRAC). LESOTHO: 1ơ 4^Mamathes [29°08'S: 27°51'E], 7.xii.1947 24.xi.1949 (ơ) 26.xii.1951 24.ii.1951 6.i.1953, Jacot-Guillarmod (AMGS); 1ơ Mamathes, 3.i.1948, Jacot-Guillarmod (MZLU);1ơ 2^Mamathes, 21.xii.1947 14.iii.1948 28.xi.1949 (ơ), Jacot-Guillarmod (NMNH); 2^Mamathes, 13.xi.1945 17.xi.1945, Bevis (DMSA); 2^Mamathes, 17.xi.1945 23.xi.1945, Bevis (NMNH); 1^Mamathes, 10.ii.1946, Guillarmod (DMSA); 1^Roma, Maseru Distr. [29°27'S: 27°44'E], i.1963, Stuckenberg, 550 ft, valley floor, old lands; 1^Vallée de H-Orange [? Locality], 1900, Ellenberger, 1500 m (MNHN). MALAWI: 1^Senga Bay, 20 km NE Salima, 1334DC, 7–8.iii.1987, Londt, woodland on hill behind hotel. MOZAMBIQUE: 1ơ 2^Tambara [15°07'S: 32°03'E], ii.1929, Lesne (MNHN); 1^Nyaka [16°40'S: 32°42'E], ii.1924, Lawrence (SAMC); 1^Chiramba [16°55'S: 34°39'E], i.1929, Lesne (MNHN); 2ơ 1^Chiouzi, Env. De Chiramba, 23.iv.1929, Lesne (MNHN); 1^Moulima [?], Moyen Sangadzé [R., 17°12'S: 34°55'E], 21.iii.1929, Lesne (MNHN); 2ơ 2^Haut Sangadzé, Canxixe [17°35'S: 34°18'E], 21.i.1929, Lesne (MNHN); 1ơ Nova Chupanga [Mission 18°02'S: 35°36'E], i.1929, Surcouf (MNHN); 1ơ Nova Chupanga, v.1928, Surcouf (MNHN); 1ơ 1^Chimoio [18°08'S: 34°29'E], iii.1928, Lesne (MNHN); 1^Nhampalamassa [Nhampala Monte, 18°33'S: 33°56'E], 1929, Lesne (MNHN); 1ơ Vallée du Pungoué, Guengére [19°05'S: 34°15'E], i.1906, Vasse (MNHN); 1^Env. Vila Pery [19°08'S: 33°29'E], iv.1928, Lesne (MNHN); 1ơ 1^Macequete [21°56'S: 34°14'E], ii.1928, Lesne (MNHN); 2^Inhambane [23°51'S: 35°29'E], i.1924, Jones (SAMC); 3ơ 3^Mapulanguene [24°29'S: 32°05'E], 3–6.iii.1964, Moore (NMNH); 2ơ Moamba [25°36'S: 32°15'E], 9– 12.iii.1964, Moore (NMNH); 1ơ Lour. Marques [= Maputo, 25°58'S: 32°34'E], 19.v.1921, Hardenberg (NMNH); 2? L. Marques, Howard (NMNH); 1ơ 1^Bas Sangadzé, Pindiriri [?], 6 [^] 9 [ơ] iv.1929, Lesne (MNHN); 6ơ 3^Chiqubo [?], 11–20.ii.1964, Moore (NMNH); 2^Mombawe [or Mambawe?], 22– 25.iii.1964, Moore (NMNH). NAMIBIA: 1^Katima Mulilo, 1724AC, Du Preez; 1ơ 1^Etosha Pan [18°36'S: 16°41'E], 3–6.iii.1969, Lamoral; 2ơ 4^Abachaus [1814CC], Damaraland, xii.1951, Hobohm; 1ơ 1^Abachaus, Otjiwarongo Distr., iii.1950, Hobohm; 4ơ 1^Zesfontein [19°08'S: 13°37'E], ii.1925, Mus. Exp. (SAMC); 1ơ Tsumeb [19°16'S: 17°39'E], 1920, Koecbig (SAMC); 3ơ 1^Okosongominigo, 2017CA, 6.iii.1979, Whitehead (SAMC); 2ơ 3^Outjo [20°12'S: 15°53'E], i.1925, Mus. Exp. (SAMC); 1ơ 2^Otjimarongo [Otjiwarongo, 20°39'S: 17°05'E], Werner (SMNS); 1ơ 3^Hochfeld, 21°29'S: 17°50'E, 18.iii.1984, Londt & Stuckenberg, Acacias, long grass near cattle pens; 3ơ Okahandja [21°59'S: 16°37'E] / 27.ii.1938, Gaerdes (SMNS); 1^Okahandja, 30.i.1937 (SMNS); 1ơ Nubuamis 37 Windhoek, 2217AC, 5.i–20.iii.1975, Malaise; 1^24 km N Witvlei, 22°16'S: 18°26'E, 18.iii.1984, Londt & Stuckenberg, Acacia thornveld and grassy verge of road; 3^Ongeama [22°19'S: 17°13'E], 23–28.i.1970, Lindner (SMNS); 1ơ 1^Gobabis [22°27'S: 18°58'E], ii–iii.1971; 2ơ 1^Valencia 42 farm, Windhoek Distr. [23°08'S: 16°28'E], 14–24.iv.1972, Strydom & Jones; 1^Keetmanshoop [26°35'S: 18°08'E], 5.i.1943; 2ơ 5^Warmbad [28°27'S: 18°44'E], ii.1925, Mus. Exp. (SAMC); 1ơ 1^Kalahari [no locality given], Schultze (ZMHB); 9ơ 2^Südwest Afrika [no locality], i. ii. iii. x. 1954 55 & 56 [various dates scribbled under labels], Werner (SMNS); 1^S.W.Afrika [no locality], 31.xii.1937, Gaerdes (SMNS). SOUTH AFRICA: 1^Messina Nat. Res., 22°24'54"S: 30°05'12"E, 14.ii.2005, Londt & Dikow, 487 m, Mopane dry woodland Sand R.; 1ơ Messina, 2228BA, 28.iv.1976, G vd M; 1ơ Messina, 18.xii.1972 – 8.i.1973, Holm (SANC); 1ơ Pafuri [22°25'S: 31°18'E], K.N.P., 24–28.iv.1961, Rorke; 1ơ Kruger Nat. Park, Pafuri, Bobomene Camp, 22°26'S: 31°12'E, 200 m, 31.i–3.ii.1994, Oberprieler (SANC); 1ơ 2^Kruger Nat. Park, Pafuri, 22°26'S: 31°12'E, 23–29.i.1984, Eardley (SANC); 5ơ 2^Kruger Nat. Park, Pafuri, 22°26'S: 31°12'E, 264 m, 20–24.i.1985, Mansell Prinsloo & Swain (SANC); 1^Kruger Nat. Park, Pafuri, 22°26'S: 31°12'E, 17.iv.1984, Braack (SANC); 1ơ 1^6 km N of Vivo, 2229CC, 23–24.ii.1980, Londt & Schoeman, bushveld veget. & old lands; 1ơ 3^Pafuri, N Kruger Nat. Park, 22°27'S: 31°17'E, 22–23.iv.1981, Miller & Stabbins, nr Levubu R.; 1ơ Soutpan, Soutpansberge, 2229CD, 23–24.ii.1980, Londt & Schoeman, bushveld vegetation; 1^Pafuri, Kruger Nat. Park, 2231AC, 29.xi.1973, v. Reenen; 1^Langjan Nat.Res., 22°52'S: 29°14'E, 10–20.i.1980, Prinsloo (SANC); 1ơ 1^Happy Rest Nat. Res., 22°59'S: 29°46'E, 10.iii.1990, Eardley (SANC); 1ơ Blouberg Nat. Res., 23°02'S: 29°04'E [2329AA], 22.xi.1997, Barraclough & James, 2900 ft, bushveld; 1^Louis Trichardt [= Makhado, 23°03'S: 29°54'E], i–ii.1928, Lawrence (SAMC); 1^Blouberg [23°07'S: 28°59'E], 10.i.1955, Transvaal Mus. Exp., 6000–6714 ft; 1ơ Blouberg, 16–21.i.1955, Transvaal Mus. Exp.; 2ơ Hans Merensky Nat. Res., 23°40'S: 30°39'E, 27–30.xi.1981, Mansell & Prinsloo (SANC); 1ơ Lapalala Nat.Res., 23°52'52"S: 28°20'19"E [2328CD], 16.ii.2005, Londt & Dikow, 1318 m, Acacia –Combretum woodland; 3ơ Polokwane Nat. Res., 23°57'23"S: 29°29'07"E [2329CD], 12.ii.2005, Londt & Dikow, 1318 m, Acacia woodland on rocky slope; 1^Beacon Ranch 20 km NW Gravelotte [23°57'S: 30°37'E], 17.ix.1978, Brothers & J-Guillarmod; 1^Beacon Ranch, Gravelotte [23°57'S: 30°37'E], i.1966, Brothers (AMGS); 1ơ Mogol Nat. Res., Ellisras Distr., 23°58'S: 27°45'E, 28.i.1988, Uys (SANC); 1ơ 1^Sedula, nr Leydsdorp [23°59'S: 30°30'E], 1.iii.1928 / v. Son; 1ơ Ellisras, 2327DB, 30.i.1978, Londt JGH, grass near trees on Mokolo R. banks; 1^Shingwidzi, Kruger Nat. Park, 2331AB, 1.xii.1973, v. Reenen; 2ơ Letaba, Kruger Nat. Park, 2331DC, 3–6.xi.1973, v. Reenen, riverine forest; 2ơ Shilouvane Ztb. Distr. [Shiluvane, 24°02'S: 30°16'E], 19 [not completed], Junod; 1^Shilouvane, Junod (MCMI); 1^Malta Forest 15 km W Ofcolaco [24°10'S: 30°14'E], 21.ii.1980, Londt & Schoeman, road & forest margin; 1^Malta, Ptbg. [Pietersburg = Polokwane, 23°54'S: 29°27'E], 3.ii.1927, Van Son; 1ơ Marico [24°13'S: 26°54'E], ii.1973, Scholtz; 1^Marico, 27.xii.1929, WKR; 1ơ Marico, i.1918 (SANC); 1ơ Chuniespoort Transvaal [24°13'S: 29°32'E], i. iv.1979, Schoeman; 1^Waterberg nr Potgietersrus, 24°18'S: 28°50'E, 18.i.1980, Eardley (SANC); 1ơ Strijdom Tunnel, 24°25'S: 30°38'E, 24–25.xi.1981, Mansell (SANC); 2^Groenfontein, 35 km E Thabazimbi, 24°34'S: 27°45'E, 27.xi.1980, Kok & Van Tonder (SANC); 1^Rietfontein nr Ohrigstad [24°43'S: 30°34'E], 24.ii.1981, Prinsloo (SANC); 1ơ Kruger Nat.Park, Skukuza, 24°59'S: 31°35'E, 292 m, 14–17.i.1985, Prinsloo (SANC); 1ơ Kruger Nat. Park, Skukuza, 26.v.1969, Starke (SANC); 1ơ 30 km W Hoedspruit [24°23'S: 30°40'E], 27.xi.1978, Brothers & J-Guillarmod; 1^Satara, 24°23'S: 31°47'E, iii.1978, Theron; 1^Naboomspruit [24°31'S: 28°43'E, 2428DA], 13.i.1997, Picker; 3ơ 3^Nylstroom [24°42'S: 28°24'E], 16–31.xii.1921, v. Dam; 1^Nylstroom, 16–31.xii.1923, v. Dam; 1ơ 5 mi. W Warmbad [Warmbaths = Bella Bella, 24°52'S: 28°17'E], 24–25.ii.1968, Krombein & Spangler (NMNH); 1ơ 1^Warmbath, xii.1910, v. Niekerk; 1^Het Bad Nat. Res., 24°54'39"S: 28°16'49"E [2428CD], 17.ii.2005, Londt & Dikow, 1111 m, Acacia woodland , dry sandy soil; 1ơ Lower Sabie R., 17 km E Skukuza [24°59'S: 31°36'E], 16.xii.1985, Wright; 1ơ Thabazimbi, 2427CB, 23.ii.1980, Du Toit; 1ơ Drummondlea, 9 km S Potgietersrus, 2428BB, 29.i.1978, Londt, grass under trees; 2ơ Olifants R. nr Balule, Kruger Park, 2431BB, 9.xii.1972, Stuckenberg, riparian woodland; 3ơ Mazithi Dam, 10 km north of Tshokwane, Kruger Park, 2431DB, 6.i.1974, Stuckenberg, grassland; 1ơ Sabie R., 4 km E Skukuza, 2431DC, 9.xii.1972, Stuckenberg, Ficus gallery forest; 3ơ 4^Vicinity of Skukuza, Kruger Nat. Park, 2431DC, 9–12.iv.1985, Londt, Bushveld; 1^Nwamuriwa Mountain summit, 6 km NE of Tshokwane, Kruger Park, 2431DD, 6.i.1974, Stuckenberg; 2ơ 3^Lydenburg Distr. [25°06'S: 30°27'E], 1896, Krantz; 1ơ Kruger Nat. Park, Pretoriuskop, 25°09'S: 31°16'E, 591m, 17.i.1985, Prinsloo (SANC); 1^Loskopdam Nat. Res. area, 2529AD, 24.i.1978, Londt, bushveld near river; 1^Loskopdam, 25°23'S: 29°28'E, 4.iii.1995, Henning; 1ơ Loskopdam, 25°25'S: 29°20'E, 3.iii.1995, Nel; 1^Komatipoort [25°26'S: 31°56'E], 3.vi.1969, Starke (SANC); 4ơ Malelane [25°29'S: 31°31'E, 2531BC], ii.1915, Roberts; 1^Kruger Nat. Park, Malelane, 30.v.1969, Starke (SANC); 1^Loskopdam, 25°30'S: 29°20'E [2529CB], 3.iii.1995, De Beer; 2ơ 1^Louwscreek [25°38'S: 31°18'E], iii.1920, D G v 7 Rob; 1^Soutpan, Pretoria Distr., 25°24'S: 28°06'E, 11–12.i.1984, Mansell (SANC); 1ơ Hectorspruit [25°26'S: 31°41'E], 17.x.1927, Taylor (BMNH); 1^Botsalano Game Res., Mogolodi Hide area, 25°33'15"S: 25°40'16"E, 18.iii.2003, Londt, 1350 m, Rhus , Acacia savannah; 1^Swartruggens, 25°35'S: 24°54'E [coordinates probably reversed], 5.v.1994, Steyn; 1ơ Zwartruggens, Marico, 15.i.1921, Brauns; 1ơ Bray, Graupner farm guest camp, 25.35545°S: 23.35738°E, 17.i.2001, Slotow & Hamer, 1058 m, Kalahari sandveld; 1ơ Rustenburg Nat.Res., 25°40'S: 27°12'E, 8.xii.1983, Eardley (SANC); 1ơ Rustenburg [25°40'S: 27°15'E], xii.1908, Jenkins; 1^Cullinan [25°40'S: 28°31'E], v. Heerden; 1^Roodeplaat [25°41'S: 28°18'E], xii.1919, Breyer; 1^Rustenburg, 25°42'S: 27°10'E [2527CA], 27.11.1999, Le Rouz; 1^Pretoria [25°44'S: 28°11'E, 2528CA], 17.i.1967, Mohr; 1^Pretoria, 21.xii.1970, Jacobs; 1ơ Pretoria, i.1973, Battey; 1^Pretoria, iii.1948, MT; 1ơ Pretoria, 20.iii.1928, MD; 1ơ Sandfontein, Pretoria Distr., 22.i.1911, v. Niekerk; 1ơ 1^Pretoria, 11.iii.1906, Swierstra; 1^Pretoria, 15.i.1902, Swierstra; 2^Pretoria, 6.i.1909, Janse; 1^Pretoria, 15.i.1902, Swierstra; 1ơ Pretoria, 4.i.1914, Munro; 1ơ Pretoria, 11.xii.1929, Jeppe; 1^Fount. Grove [?], Pret. [Pretoria] Distr., 19 [not completed], Swierstra; 1ơ 5 m South of Zoutpan (Pta) [2528AC], 5.i.1968, Jones; 1ơ Pumalani, 2528CB, Bailnard; 1ơ 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria [2528CB], 5.iv.1977, Bernon; 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 27.i.1977, Bernon; 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 4.iii.1977, Bernon; 1ơ 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 24.iii.1977, Bernon; 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 17.ii.1977, Bernon; 2^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 22.iii.1977, Bernon; 1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 12.iv.1977, Bernon; 1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 16.iv.1977, Bernon; 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 24.xi.1977, Bernon; 1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 25.xi.1977, Bernon; 1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 2.xii.1977, Bernon; 1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 3.xii.1977, Bernon; 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 7.xii.1977, Bernon; 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 29.iii.1977, Bernon; 1^Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 21.i.1977, Bernon (SANC); 4ơ Boekenhoutskloof, 30 km NE Pretoria, 20.ii.1977, Bernon; 1ơ Pretoria, 2528CC, ii.1979, Serfontein; 1ơ Hartbeespoort Dam nr Pretoria, 25°42'S: 27°51'E, 14.ii.1982, Grobbelaar (SANC); 1^Pretoria [25°44'S: 28°11'E], 22.iv.1941, Wagner (SAMC); 1^Pretoria, 25.i.1919, Brauns (MRAC); 1ơ Pretoria, 19.ii.1913, Munro (NMNH); 1ơ Pretoria, 10.xii.1906, Howard (NMNH); 1^Pretoria, 10.ii.1914 (SANC); 1^Pretoria, 4.iii.1917 (SANC); 1^Barberton [25°47'S: 31°03'E], 9.x.1919, Munro; 1ơ Barberton, 25°48'S: 31°03'E, 20–21.iii.1979, Moolman (SANC); 1^Noordkaap R. at Barberton Nelspruit Road, 2530DB, 7.xi.1970, Stuckenberg, river bank bushveld; 1ơ 2531AC, 2.xi.1980, Walt; 1^Mafikeng Game Res., Kolobe Drinking Pond, 25°50'59"S: 25°43'10"E, 16.iii.2003, Londt, 1320 m, Rhus lancea savannah; 2ơ 2^Mafikeng Game Res., Kolobe Drinking Pond, 25°50'59"S: 25°43'10"E, 17.iii.2003, Londt, 1320 m, Rhus lancea savannah; 1ơ Koster [25°52'S: 26°54'E], 2.i.1927; 1^Joh’burg [Johannesburg, 26°12'S: 28°05'E], i.1905, Cregoe (BMNH); 2ơ JHB [Johannesburg], ii.1953, LeMare; 1ơ Joh-burg [Johannesburg], 31.xii.1942,Anderssen; 1ơ Gemsbok Pan [26°20'S: 24°48'E], 23.iv–5.v.1030, V.-L. Kal. Exp.; 1^Heidelburg [26°29'S: 28°21'E], 21.i.1921, Munro (NMNH); 1^P’chefstr’m [Potchefstroom, 26°43'S: 27°05'E], 13.i.1911, Moor; 1ơ 1^Potch [Potchefstroom], 21.xii.1942, v. Heerden; 1ơ Vryburg [26°57'S: 24°44'E], i.1917, Brauns; 1^Vryburg, i.1919, Brauns (NMNH); 1ơ Manguzi R. nr Maputa [26°59'S: 32°45'E], xi–xii.1945, Bell-Marley (DMSA); 1ơ 1^Bordeaux, 2624CB, 23.ii.1980, Whitehead (SAMC); 2ơ 4^Delarey [Delareyville, 2625CB], i.1917, Brauns; 1ơ 1^Delarey, i.1917, Brauns (SAMC); 2ơ Delarey, i.1919, Brauns; 1^De la Rey, i.1919, Brauns (MRAC); 1ơ Delarey, i.1917, Brauns (MCMI); 1ơ 1^Ndumu Game Res. Rest Camp, 2632CD, 23–9.xi.1977, Brothers & J-Guillarmod, 95 m, Malaise; 1^Ndumu Game Res. Rest Camp, 2632CD, 15.ii.1978, Brothers, 95 m, Malaise; 1^Cecil Mack’s Pass, Ingwavuma Distr. [27°04'S: 31°59'E], ii.1957, Stuckenberg; 2ơ 1^Cecil Mack Pass, Ingwavuma Distr. 2731BB, 27.ii.1971, Stuckenberg; 1ơ 2^15 km SE Ingwavuma, 2732AA, 21.ii.1979, Londt, bushy area with big trees; 2^20 km N of Hotazel, 27°07'S: 22°59'E, 14.iii.1991, Whittington & Londt, 1050 m, Kuruman R. banks; 1^Drakenstein [27°09'S: 22°48'E], 12.iii.1943, v. Heerden; 2ơ 1^35 km N Jozini, 27°11'S: 32°04'E, 22.i.1981, Oberprieler (SANC); 3ơ 2^14 km S of Hotazel, 27°19'S: 22°54'E, 14.iii.1991, Whittington & Londt, 1050 m Ga-Mogara R. bed; 2ơ 4^Bothaville [27°22'S: 26°37'E], 22.xi.1998 [1ơ] 25.xi.1898 [1^] 15.xii.1898 [1ơ 1^] 15.ii.1899 [1^, no date 1^], Brauns (NHMW); 1^Bothaville, 22.xi.1998, Brauns (NMNH); 2ơ 2^Magude [Magudu 27°32'S: 31°39'E], x.1918, Swierstra; 2ơ S A Lombard Nat. Res., 27°37'S: 25°29'E, 12.iii.1991, Londt & Whittington, 1250 m, sand, Acacia thornveld; 1^Mkuze Game Res., 27°37'S: 32°14'E, 8–12.iii.1987, Weaving (AMGS); 1ơ Mkuzi Game Res., 27°38'S: 32°14'E, 12.i.1994, Natal Mus. Exp., 160 m, Nsumu Pan Area; 1ơ Mkuzi Game Res. [27°38'S: 32°15'E], 8.xii.1986, JOW; 2ơ 1^Mkuze Game Res., 1–2.iv.1984, Weaving (AMGS); 1^Bube Hide, Mkuze Game Res., 31.iii.1984, Weaving (AMGS); 2ơ Bloemhof Dam (reserve), 27°38'05"S: 25°40'13"E [2725DA], 12.iii.2003, Londt, 1230 m, Acacia , Ziziphus savannah; 1ơ Sandveld Nat. Res., 27°40'S: 25°45'E, 24–25.ii.1993, Eardley (SANC); 1ơ Sandveld Nat. Res., 27°40'S: 25°45'E, 25.ii.1993, Adam (SANC); 1^Mkuzi Game Res., 27°40'S: 32°19'E, 12.i.1994, Natal Mus. Exp., 30 m, Fig Forest Trail; 1ơ 1^Kroonstad [27°40'S: 27°14'E], 10.i.1965, Brothers (AMGS); 1^Kroonstad, 14.xii.1966, Brothers (AMGS); 2ơ 3^Kube Yini Game Res., 27°48'S: 32°14'E, 10–14.i.1994, Natal Mus. Exp., 360 m; 1ơ Olifantshoek [27°56'S: 22°44'E], 20.ii.1980, Whitehead (SAMC); 2ơ 4^5 km W Hotazel, 2722BB, 2.iii.1982, Londt & Schoeman,Acacias / Grass / Shrubs; 1ơ 20 km N Jozini, 2732AC, 28.xi.1971, Irwin, 750 ft, dry hillside; 1ơ Nzimane R., Hluhluwe Res. [28°01'S: 32°16'E], 20.xi.1995 [Reavel], on grass; 4ơ Hluhluwe Game Res., 18–21.iii.1985, Weaving (AMGS); 2^Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Res., 28°05'S: 32°01'E, 31.xii.1995, Londt & Cradock, 150 m, Nzimane R. area; 3^Hluhluwe Game Res., 28°05'S: 32°02'E, 12–15.i.1995, Barraclough, 180 m, for. margins & riv. gullies; 2ơ Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Res., 28°09'S: 32°02'E, 29.xii.1995 – 3.i.1996, Londt & Cradock, 160 m, Munyawaneni Camp area; 1^Senekal [28°19'S: 27°36'E], 12.xii.1941, Ac US; 1^Senekal, 10.xii.1941, Ac US; 1^Senekal, ii.1941; 1ơ Senekal, i.1942, Ac US; 1^Smith’s farm, St Lucia, 28°20'S: 32°25'E, 12.i.1986, Reavell, 40 m, grass patch in sandveld forest; 1^Upington [28°23'S: 21°29'E], 27.xi.1950, Brink & Rudebeck (MZLU); 1ơ Witsand Farm, 28°32'S: 22°30'E, 2–4.ii.1979, Lamoral Bampton & Barnley, Malaise; 1ơ Adullam Farm near Clarens, 28°34'S: 28°28'E, 15–18.i.1986, Eardley (SANC); 1ơ Mfongosi [28°42'S: 30°48'E], 1914, Jones; 1^Mfongosi, xii.1911, Jones; 1ơ 1^Mfongosi, iii.1914, Jones (DMSA); 3ơ 2^M’fongosi, iv– v.1934, Jones (SAMC); 1^M’fongosi, ii.1912, Jones (SAMC); 1ơ M’fongosi, xii.1911, Jones (SAMC); 1^M’fongosi, iv.1934, Jones (SAMC); 1ơ M’fongosi, xii.1914, Jones (SAMC); 1^M’fongosi, iv– ix.1934, Jones (SAMC); 1ơ 1^M’fongosi, xii– ii.1935, Jones (SAMC); 1^M’fongosi, iii–iv.1935, Jones (SAMC); 1ơ 1^Kimb. [Kimberley, 28°45'S: 24°46'E, 2824DD], 1896; 1ơ 1^Weenen [28°51'S: 30°05'E], iv.1924 (ơ) i–iii.1927 (^), Thomasset (BMNH); 1ơ Weenen, iv.1924, Thomasset; 1ơ 1^Weenen, xi– xii.1923, Thomasset (NMNH); 1ơ Weenen, 2840 ft, iii.1924, Thomasset (SANC); 1^Insuzi R. [28°52'S: 31°02'E], 25.ii.1962, Bevis (DMSA); 1ơ 1^Groblershoop [28°53'S: 21°59'E], ii.1978, Moolman (SANC); 1^Frere [28°53'S: 29°46'E], 8.xi.1913, Dibben (DMSA); 1^Heavitree Frere, 9.iv.1913, Dibben (DMSA); 1ơ 1^Heavitree, 25.i.1914 (ơ) 29.i.1916, Munro (NMNH); 1ơ Roaring Sands Resort nr Witsand, 2822CB, 17–18.iii.1982, Londt & Schoeman, Acacia woodland / Sandy area; 1^35 km W Kimberley, 2824CB, 17.iii.1982, Londt & Schoeman, Acacias / grass / sand; 1ơ 1^20 km W Tugela Ferry, 2830CA, 26–27.ii.1977, Miller, Malaise; 1^Junction of Blaawcrantz [Bloukransrivier] & Tugela rivers [2830CC], x.1896, Marshall (MCMI); 1ơ Estcourt [29°00'S: 29°53'E], xii.1896; 1^Estcourt, xii.41, Marley (SAMC); 1^Estcourt, ix–x.1896, Marshall (BMNH); 1ơ Will Brook Estcourt, Wroughton (DMSA); 1ơ Mhlopeni Ranch [29°00'S: 30°25'E], 12–14.x.1990, Farquharson; 1ơ Mlopheni [sic] R., Muden, 29°01'S: 30°25'E, 24.iv.1991, Whittington, 900 m, dry bushveld, riverine; 3ơ 3^Mhlopeni Nat. Res., 29°01'13.0"S: 30°25'01.6"E, 13.ii.2004, Londt & Dikow, 860 m, Acacia savannah; 2ơ 1^Mhlopeni Nat. Res., 29°01'09"S: 30°24'56"E, 15.iii.2000, Londt & Dikow, 900 m, Acacia thornveld; 1^Mhlopeni Nat. Res., Muden, 29°01'S: 30°25'E, 24.iv.1991, Evenhuis; 1ơ Bloemfontein [29°10'S: 26°00'E], 23.i.1918, Brain; 1^Bloemfontein, 3.xii.1920, Irving (NMNH); 1ơ Harold Johnson Nat. Res., 29°12'S: 31°26'E [2931AB], 18.xii.1996, Barraclough, coastal forest & margins; 1^Harold Johnson Nat. Res., 29°13'S: 31°26'E, 14.i.1994, Natal Mus. Exp., 40 m, grassland, forest edge; 1ơ 1^18 km NNW of Marydale, 29°15'S: 22°04'E [2922AC], 18.iii.1991, Whittington & Londt, 970 m, open Acacia savannah; 1ơ New Hanover, Natal [29°21'S: 30°32'E], 16.i.1915, Hardenberg; 1ơ Dewets d. [Dewetsdorp, 29°35'S: 26°40'E], 11.ii.1987; 1^Tongaat [29°35'S: 31°08'E], 1908–9, Burnup; 1ơ 1^Umhlanga [29°43'S: 31°05'E], 15.ii.1892, Marley (SAMC); 2ơ Camperdown [29°44'S: 30°32'E], 11.xii.1908, Leigh; 1ơ Camperdown, 11.iii.1908, Leigh; 1^Camperdown, 14.xii.1908, Leigh; 1^Krantz’K [Krantzkloof, 29°45'S: 30°51'E], 7.iv.1917, Marley; 1^Kloof [29°47'S: 30°50'E], 7.ii.1915, Marley (SAMC); 1ơ Kelvin Grove, 29°50'S: 29°20'E, 4.iii.1995, Cradock; 1^Sarnia [29°50'S: 30°52'E], 22.ii.1925, B-M; 1ơ 1^Durban [29°51'S: 31°01'E], xii.1915, Marley; 1^Durban, 1.iv.17, Chubb (DMSA); 1^Durban, 5.iv.19, Barker (DMSA); 1ơ Durban Stella, 18.iii.21, Barker (DMSA); 1^Durban, Bell Marley (DMSA); 1ơ 1^Port Natal [Durban], 1940, Krauts (SMNS); 1^Port Natal [Durban, 29°51'S: 31°01'E] (NHMW); 1^Pt Natal [Durban], 1844, Poeppig (NHMW); 3ơ Natal, near Durban, Stella Bush, 6.i.1905, Leigh (OXUM); 1^Stella B, i.1915, Marley; 1^Shongweni Dam [29°51'S: 30°43'E], 24.i.1984, Quickelberge (DMSA); 3ơ Modderpoortspruit 15 km NE of Ladybrand, 2927AB, 28.xii.1982, Stabbins & Miller; 2ơ Mhlopeni Nat. Res. 15 km SE Muden, 2930AB, 22.xii.1983, Londt; 1^Mhlopeni Nat. Res. 15 km SE Muden, 2930AB, 4.ii.1984, Londt; 2ơ 1^Mhlopeni Nat. Res. 3 km SE Muden, 2930CD, 3.iv.1983, Londt; 1ơ Mhlopeni Nat. Res. 8 km SE of Muden, 2930AB, 8.iv.1983, Londt, Barraclough & Seymour, thornveld; 1ơ 3^Harold Johnson Nat. Res., 2931AB, 27.i.1987, Londt, indigenous bushveld; 1ơ Umkomaas R. valley Josephins Bridge area, 30°00'38"S: 30°14'50"E, 11.ii.2006, Londt, 337 m, riverine bush; 4ơ 3^Rolfontein Nat. Res., 30°01'19"S: 24°45'31"E, 24–26.iii.2006, Londt, 1248 m, mixed Acacia Woodland & Rhino midden; 1ơ 1^Mackston, Ixopo Distr., 30°01'S: 30°18'E, iv.1977, Miller, Malaise; 1ơ 1^Ixopo Distr., Mackston, 30°01'S: 30°18'E, iv.1977, Miller, Malaise trap; 1^Umkomaas R. valley below Josephine’s Bridge, 30°05’35"S: 30°24’21"E, 12.ii.2006, Londt, 228 m, grassland; 2ơ 1^Nhlavivi R., Ixopo Distr. [30°33'S: 30°04'E], 17.iii.1957, Stuckenberg; 1^Vanwyksfontein, 8 km W of Norvalspont [30°38'S: 25°27'E], 19.i.1985, Gess (AMGS); 1ơ Vanwyksfontein, 8 km W of Norvalspont, 24.i.1982, Gess (AMGS); 1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, 30°41'S: 28°28'E, 1.ii.1988, Vogt; 1ơ Oribi Gorge [30°42'S: 30°15'E], 12.ii.1974, Middlekauff (CASC); 2^Josephines Bridge, 3030AA, 20.xii.1984, Londt; 1ơ 14 mi E Middelburg C. Prov. [31°29'S: 25°01'E], 8–14.xii.1960, Brown Fürst & Haacke (SANC); 1ơ Umtata [Mthatha, 31°35'S: 28°47'E], 18.ii–18.iii.1923, Turner (BMNH); 2ơ 2^Port St. Johns [31°38'S: 29°32'E], iii.1967, Gess (SAMC); 1^Port St. Johns, 13–14.ii.1974, Middlekauff (CASC); 1ơ Port St. Johns, 18– 31.iii.1924, Turner (BMNH); 2ơ Bashee Valley bridge, 3128CD, 28.i.1984, Barraclough; 1^East London [32°02'S: 27°55'E], 20.ii.1919, Munro (NMNH); 1ơ Cradock [32°11'S: 25°37'E], i.1947, Moolman; 1^Mpofu Game Res., 32°36'S: 26°37'E, 20–22.ii.1997, Barraclough & James, 500 m, Mpofu Lodge, thornveld; 1ơ 2^Umdala, Fort Beaufort [32°48'S: 26°39'E], iii.1954, SA Museum (SAMC); 1^East London [33°02'S: 27°55'E], i.1947, Nanni; 1^Kudu Res., nr Grahamstown, 33°07'S: 26°40'E, 21.i.1981, Hulley (AMGS); 1^Grahamstown, R.U. Campus, 33°18'S: 26°32'E, 1.iv.1976, Shead, 400 m; 1^Grahamstown [33°18'S: 26°32'E], 12.ii.1971, Londt; 1^Grahamstown, 17.ii.1971, Londt; 1^Doonside [33°25'S: 25°22'E], 15.i.1917, Bevis (DMSA); 1ơ Kasouga [33°39'S: 26°45'E], xii.54, MJC (AMGS); 2ơ Stellenbosch [33°56'S: 18°51'E], iii.1949, Geogala; 1ơ Louterwater, 3323DC, 1.xii.1979, Londt & Stuckenberg, grass & hillside macchia; 1ơ Swartwaterspoort, 3325BB, 1.i.186, Gess (AMGS); 1ơ S Africa [no locality] (NHMW); 1ơ N Transvaal [? locality], vi.1971, ACS; 1^W.v.b. [?], xii.1898, Br. Dr;

1ơ Krabbefontein [?], xii.1902, Breyer. SWAZILAND: 1^Lebombo Hills [26°15'S: 32°00'E], Junod ( BMNH) ; 3ơ 4 km N of Mafutseni, 26°25'S: 31°30'E, 24.iv.1991, Londt & Schoeman, 400 m, Mafuteni Ranch –farm. TANZANIA: 1ơ Kilwa [Distr. 09°05'S: 39°00'E] ( ZSMC) ; 9ơ 4^Nyassa-See, Langenburg [= Lumbria, 09°34'S: 34°07'E], ii [2ơ 1^], 19–30.iii [1ơ 1^], iii–iv [3ơ 2^], iv [2ơ], 3.x– 4.xi. [1ơ] 1898, Fülleborn ( ZMHB) . ZAMBIA: 1ơ 1^Luangwa Valley S Game Res., Schultz Camp , 13°05'S: 31°50'E, 9–11.xii.1989, Reavell, riverine zone, Malaise ; 1ơ 2^Haut-Zambéze , Lealui [15°12'S: 23°20'E], ii.1915, Ellenberger ( MNHN) ; 1^Kafue [15°56'S: 28°55'E], 7.i.1981, Grout T. ZIMBABWE: 1^Rekomitjie [16°08'S: 29°24'E], iii.1988, Phelps, Mopane woodland; 1^Rekomitjie Research Station , 1989, Phelps; 1^Karoi [16°34'S: 31°35'E], 2.v.57, Bennett ( AMGS) ; 1^Salisbury [Harare, 17°49'S: 31°02'E], 24.xii.1941, Pinhey; 1ơ Hillside [17°50'S: 31°05'E], 30.i.1923, Swinburne & Stevenson; 1ơ Hillside, 5.xii.1921, Swinburne & Stevenson; 1^Hillside, 12.xii.1922, Stevenson; 1^Hillside, 18.ii.1923, Swinburne & Stevenson; 1ơ Hillside, 4.ii.1923, Swinburne & Stevenson; 2ơ 1^Sawmills [19°35'S: 28°01'E], 11.ii.1923, Swinburne & Stevenson; 1ơ Sawmills, 12.ii.1923, Swinburne & Stevenson; 1ơ Sawmills, 14.xi.1924, Stevenson ( MCMI) ; 1ơ Bulawayo [20°09'S: 28°35'E], 4.iii.1923, Stevenson; 1^Bulawayo, 3.i.1924, Stevenson ( SAMC) ; 1ơ 1^Devuli Ranch [20°09'S: 32°07'E], 11.ii.1971; 1^Devuli, 24.xi.1965, Cookson; 1ơ Balla Balla [20°27'S: 29°03'E], xii.1932, Cuthbertson ( BMNH) ; 2ơ Bubye [21°20'S: 29°56'E], 28.i.1976, Hulley ( AMGS) . UNKNOWN COUNTRY: 1ơ British Caffraria [?], 1862, Caslelueau [? almost illegible] (OXUM); 1^illegible label (OXUM); 1ơ Sndimoe [? Indimoe], i.1917, Brauns ( NMNH) .

Notes: Loew’s (1858) short description in Latin is based on ‘ơ & ^’ from ‘Caffraria (Wahlb.), Mozambique, (Peters).’ The two syntypes from Mozambique are accounted for, but the Wahlberg material from Caffraria (= South Africa and southeast Botswana) has not been seen. Loew (1858) also gives ‘ Laphria serripes Loew. Ber. Berl. Ac. 1852 .’ as a synonym. I have not seen the 1852 paper, but assume that he misidentified some specimens.

Distribution and biology: A very widely distributed species that has been collected in every month of the year except July and August (mid-winter) (Table 1). Although most records are for southern African countries ( Fig. 42 ) the species is also recorded from Angola, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya. Little variation of note can be detected over this extensive range. In southern Africa it is interesting to note that the distribution closely mirrors the distribution of grassy biomes (Savannah and Grassland), with few records from areas categorised as Desert, Succulent Karoo or Fynbos (refer to map of biomes published by Van Wyk and Smith (2001)). An explanation for this may include the fact that these flies have a predilection for dung beetles that are associated with the dung of large grazing mammals. Personal observation suggests that nobilis individuals are commonly encountered perching on top of accumulations of dung of the kind produced by cattle, buffalo and rhino. While Bernon (1981) did observe nobilis utilising dung as an oviposition medium, these flies have never been seen associated with the pellet-like dung produced by many African antelope; the inference is that they prefer dung with a high water content, and the reason for this may be that the larvae develop within it. Bernon (1981) lists elephant dung as being utilised by nobilis , and it would not surprise me if hippo dung was not also suitable.

An interesting case of a possible translocation and range extension has been brought to my attention by Dr Eric Fisher (pers. comm.), who wrote the following account [additional information provided in square brackets] in an as yet unpublished study on the Asilidae of Central America—‘Two specimens of the common, widespread southern African Laphystiinae species Hoplistomerus nobilis Loew are present in the INBio collection [Costa Rican National Collection]. They are from a single locality [Estacion Petilla] in the northeastern Guanacaste Prov., Costa Rica, and were collected more than 10 years ago (no additional finds have been made since).A farm that raised ostriches ( Struthio camelus ) was once located nearby the collection site, and it seems possible that this may have led to an accidental introduction of this strictly Old World fly species—possibly through transfer of contaminated soil (M. Zumbado, pers. comm.). I am unaware of other New World records for this genus or species.’ While it is highly unlikely that nobilis is now established in Costa Rica, the possibility that specimens may have been transported from southern Africa to South America raises another interesting problem. We know that these flies are commonly found in association with the dung of domesticated animals (i.e. cattle) where adults are commonly found feeding on dung beetles attracted to this food supply. While we do not know the reproductive biology of the species, females may utilise dung as an oviposition medium and the larvae may utilise beetle larvae as a food source. As cattle have long been translocated by cattle breeders, these flies might owe a great deal of their success to human activity. In addition, the few isolated and seemingly unlikely records here published for the Western Cape Province of South Africa may represent translocations.

Londt (2006) discussed the prey preferences of Hoplistomerus in general terms. The Natal Museum has a number of prey records for H. nobilis and these are listed in full below (number and sex of asilids, locality, prey identification ( Scarabaeidae unless otherwise stated), length of prey specimen(s) with mean in brackets):

7ơ 6^Boekenhoutskloof, (Aphodiinae) Neocolobopterus maculicollis (Reiche, 1847) . 6.8–9.0 (7.9) mm. 1^Boekenhoutskloof, (Scarabaeinae) Euoniticellus intermedius (Reiche, 1848) . 9.5 mm.

1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, (Scarabaeinae) Onthophagus aeruginosus Roth, 1851 . 6.7 mm.

1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, (Scarabaeinae) Onthophagus pallidipennis Fahraeus, 1857 . 6.7 mm.

1ơ Boekenhoutskloof, (Scarabaeinae) Drepanocerus laticollis Fahraeus, 1857 . 5.1 mm.

1^Boekenhoutskloof, (Scarabaeinae) Sphaeridium caffrum Castelnau, 1840 . 4.3 mm.

1^Boekenhoutskloof, Diptera (Calliphoridae) . 8.8 mm.

1ơ Roaring Sands Resort, (Scarabaeinae) Onthophagus signatus Fahraeus, 1857 . 3.2 mm.

2^Mhlopeni Nat. Res., (Scarabaeinae) Onthophagus lamelliger Gerstaecker, 1871 , 4.4–5.0 (4.7) mm.

Of the 22 records above, 21 (95%) relate to the Scarabaeidae , strongly indicating that H. nobilis is a specialist dung beetle feeder. While eight species of beetle are represented in the sample, 13 (62%) of these were specimens of Neocolobopterus maculicollis . Although this fact is unlikely to be of special importance, the size range of prey is probably significant. Prey items ranged in size from 3.2 to 9.5 mm in length, the mean being 6.3 mm, and so nobilis feeds on relatively small beetles.

Bernon (1981) studied the biology of nobilis and especially predator–prey interactions. Unfortunately, his findings have never been formally published. As his prey data are of considerable interest and value, I reproduce them here (Table 2) to make the data more readily available. While I can confirm a number of Bernon’s records as he donated some material to the Natal Museum (those from Boekenhoutskloof listed above), I have not seen his other material. Table 2 shows that Bernon (1981) recorded 150 (actually 149) individual prey items for nobilis . Of these, 144 (97%) were Coleoptera , and of these 135 (93%) were Scarabaeidae . Twenty-six species of Scarabaeidae were recorded, representing nine different genera. Two species, Colobopterus (now Neocolobopterus ) maculicollis (48) and Drepanocerus laticollis (20) accounted for 50.3% of the scarab records. While Bernon (1981) demonstrated that nobilis will feed on flies, bugs and wasps, his statistics leave little doubt about their predilection for beetles, and especially dung beetles.

Figures

Figs 1–4. Hoplistomerus species: (1) H. erythropus Bezzi, 1915, entire female, lateral view; (2) H. nobilis Loew, 1858, entire female, dorsal view; (3) H. oldroydi sp. n., wing; (4) H. pelos sp. n., wing.

Figs 14–23. Hoplistomerus species, male terminalia: (14–17) H. garambensis Oldroyd, 1970, Garamba National Park holotype: (14) lateral, (15) oblique view of ventral process of gonocoxite, (16) distal end of gonocoxite and gonostylus, (17) ventral; (18–20) H. miniatus Oldroyd, 1940, Juba R. holotype: (18) lateral, (19) distal end of gonocoxite and gonostylus, (20) ventral; (21–23) H. nobilis Loew, 1858, Tette holotype: (21) lateral, (22) distal end of gonocoxite and gonostylus, (23) ventral. Scale lines = 1 mm.

Fig. 42. Distribution of Hoplistomerus nobilis Loew, 1858 in southernAfrica.The overlay is of the grassland and savannah biomes.