Laccophilus cyclopis Sharp, 1882

Bistroem, Olof, Nilsson, Anders N. & Bergsten, Johannes, 2015, Taxonomic revision of Afrotropical Laccophilus Leach, 1815 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae), ZooKeys 542, pp. 1-379 : 177-184

Taxon classification Animalia Coleoptera Dytiscidae

Laccophilus cyclopis Sharp, 1882 Figs 147-149, 332, 478-480, 564

Laccophilus cyclopis Sharp 1882: 308 (original description, faunistics); v. d. Branden 1885: 20 (catalogue, faunistics); Régimbart 1894: 237: (description, faunistics); Régimbart 1895: 140 (description, faunistics); Zimmermann 1920a:18 (catalogue, faunistics); Zimmermann 1920b: 225 (faunistics); Gschwendtner 1935a: 18 (faunistics); Guignot 1946c: 269 (description, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1957: 15, 90 (description, discussion, faunistics); Guignot 1959a: 558, 562, 564 (description, faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1962: 295 (faunistics); Omer-Cooper 1965: 76, 83, 85 (description, biol.); Bertrand and Legros 1967: 862 (faunistics); Curtis 1991: 186 (faunistics); Nilsson 2001: 242 (catalogue, faunistics); Pederzani and Reintjes 2002: 38 (faunistics); Nilsson 2015: 210 (catalogue, faunistics).

Laccophilus shephardi Omer-Cooper 1965: 76, 84 (original description, faunistics); Nilsson 2001: 251 (catalogue, faunistics) Nilsson 2015: 217 (catalogue, faunistics). New synonym.

Type localities.

Laccophilus cyclopis : South Africa: Grahamstown.

Laccophilus shephardi : South Africa: Mt Currie district, nr. Zwartberg.

Type material studied

(18 exs.). Laccophilus cyclopis : Lectotype (by present designation): male: "Type / S. Africa / Grahamstown / Type 573 Laccophilus cyclopis 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 / Laccophilus cyclopis Sharp Co-type" (3 exs. BMNH).

Laccophilus shephardi : Lectotype (by present designation): male: "Syntype / Laccophilus shephardi 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 Laccophilus shephardi 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 Laccophilus shephardi O-C." (1 ex. AMGS).

Additional material studied

(655 exs.). 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" (21 exs. BMNH, 2 exs. MZH); "Okahandja 4700 ft. 22.5. 1954 / Water-hole and seepage through sand J. Balfour-Browne" (8 exs. BMNH, 1 ex. MZH); "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" (5 exs. TMSA, 1 ex. MZH); "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" (9 exs. ZMHB, 4 exs. MZH, 2 exs. NMNW); "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, dwarf 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. / Laccophilus cyclopis Sharp det. Brancucci 1982" (2 exs. ZMHB). - Botswana: "Metsimaklaba 7-12.3. 1930 / Laccophilus cyclopis Sharp det. J. Omer-Cooper" (1 ex. TMSA); "Tiokweng 15-21.3. 1988 Ward / Laccophilus cyclopis Sharp det. Rocchi 1991 " (1 ex. CSR). - South Africa: "Pretoria, van Son / Laccophilus cyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper" (1 ex. TMSA); "Pretoria 8.2., A.J.T. Janse / Laccophilus cyclopis 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 / Laccophilus cyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper" (13 exs. TMSA); same data but " Laccophilus cyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper" (1 ex. TMSA); "Transvaal gravel pits Ermelo 8.12. 1948 JOC. / Laccophilus cyclopis 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" (1 ex. BMNH; habitus in Fig. 480); "Transvaal Middleburg 29.11. 1948 JOC." (2 exs. AMGS); "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 / Laccophilus lineatus 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 / Laccophilus cyclopis Shp det. J. Omer-Cooper" (1 ex. TMSA); "Fountains Pta 5.10. 1932 G. van Son / Laccophilus cyclopis 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, High veld 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" (1 ex. TMSA, 1 ex. MZH); "Van Rhyn’s Pass N. 1933 G. van Son" (1 ex, TMS); "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 / Laccophilus cyclopis 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 / Laccophilus cyclopis 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."(2 exs. CNG, 1 ex. MZH); "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" (= WCPr. Krom River 33,56,29S, 18,50,56 E) "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 / Laccophilus cyclopis 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." (2 exs. NMW, 1 ex. MZH); "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." (1 ex. ZMHB; habitus in Fig. 479); "C.Pr., Karoo NP, 32°19'S, 22°30'E, 12-14.11. 1993 Deckert leg." (1 ex. ZMHB; habitus in Fig. 478); "C.Pr., 20 mi SE Swellendam 3.1. 1951 Brinck-Rudebeck exp." (6 exs. MZLU); "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. / Laccophilus cyclopis 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" (5 exs. BMNH, 1 ex. MZH); "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 Bergsten " (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" (6 exs. CGC, 1 ex. MZH); "SA NW, CPr., 1 km No Palersheuwel, 28.2. 1997 Challet" (5 exs. CGC, 1 ex. MZH); "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" (78 exs. NHRS, 5 exs. MZH); "Cape Col. Victoria West / P.D. Morris coll." (2 exs. NMW); "Somerset West 28-29.12.1991 Mazzoldi / Marshy area nr Firgrove / Laccophilus cyclopis 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, N- 34.27.02, E20.10.51, 62 m, 10.9. 2003 Turner. Mann & Reavell" (1 ex, CCT); "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" (63 exs. CCT, 10 exs. MZH); "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 / Laccophilus cyclopis 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 / Laccophilus cyclopis 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).

Specimens with unknown country association.

"Africa / J. Hope Coll. B.M. 1948-217" (4 exs. BMNH).

Comments on synonymy.

Type material of Laccophilus cyclopis and Laccophilus shephardi have been examined and compared. Laccophilus cyclopis , being a quite widely distributed species exhibits distinct variation in appearance of dorsal colour pattern of body. Being so, it is evident that Laccophilus shephardi represents a colour morph of the species. We have not observed the differences in male genitalia and last abdominal ventrite of male, stressed by Omer-Cooper in the original description of Laccophilus shephardi . Accordingly, we consider Laccophilus cyclopis and Laccophilus shephardi as synonyms. Laccophilus cyclopis , which is the older name, is the valid name of this species.

Diagnosis.

Laccophilus cyclopis is a distinct, although, externally a variable species. It resembles quite much of species exhibiting distinct, dark, longitudinal, elytral markings, e.g. as Laccophilus incrassatus and Laccophilus quindecimvittatus . Longitudinal markings, however, when present, are strongly undulate in Laccophilus cyclopis . In some specimens of Laccophilus cyclopis elytral dark markings strongly reduced and are lacking. Double elytral reticulation exhibited by Laccophilus cyclopis is also a useful feature at identification because large meshes often strongly reduced in a number of close species, and microsculpture appears in such cases, simple or almost simple.

Description.

Body length 3.8-4.8 mm, width 2.2-2.6 mm. Body dorsally with distinct, somewhat variable colour pattern. Dark longitudinal irrorations of elytra rarely strongly reduced (Figs 478-480).

Head: Pale ferrugineous. At pronotum, generally with vague darker area. Rather shiny, although distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double; finer meshes often reduced, and hardly visible. At eyes, with minute irregular punctures.

Pronotum: Pale ferrugineous. Frontally and posteriorly often extensively darker; dark areas sometimes absent. Rather shiny, although distinctly microsculptured. Reticulation double; fine meshes in part indistinct or totally absent. At margins, with fine, scattered punctures.

Elytra: Pale ferrugineous with dark ferrugineous, almost uniform, longitudinal irrorations (Fig. 475). Irrorations sometimes reduced (Figs 478-480). Submat, with distinct reticulation which is double. In general, large meshes contain 3-8 fine meshes. Sporadic fine punctures form vague, longitudinal, punctured areas (not distinct rows). Lateral punctate area continues towards apex as a densely punctate and pubescent row.

Ventral aspect: Pale ferrugineous, metathorax and base of metacoxal plates slightly darker; colour variation vague. Submat, finely microsculptured. Metacoxal plates with some transversely located shallow depressions. Base of metacoxal plates somewhat elevated in comparison with base of abdomen. Abdomen densely striated. Apical ventrite (Figs 147-148); apex bifid and on one side provided with a low knob. Prosternal process long, slender and pointed.

Legs: Pro- and mesotarsus long, at base slightly enlarged, narrows gradually towards apex. Segments provided with distinct suckers.

Male genitalia: Penis in lateral aspect broad, from base to apex slightly curved; extreme apex formed as a short, medium broad and apically, sharp extension (Fig. 332).

Female: Apical ventrite symmetric, lacks knob and apex not bifid (Fig. 149). Pro- and mesotarsus slender.

Distribution.

Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho (Fig. 564). Omer-Cooper (1965) adds Swaziland. Records outside southern Africa are considered doubtful.

Collecting circumstances.

According to label data, the species has been sampled in dams, pools, water-holes etc., with various, often thick vegetation of weed, algae, grass, Juncus and Lemna . Also collected at light. Omer-Cooper (1965) reports the species as occurring "in every type of fresh water habitat".