Sphex satanas satanas Kohl, 1898

Dörfel, Thorleif H. & Ohl, Michael, 2022, The wasp genus Sphex in Sub-Saharan Africa (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae), European Journal of Taxonomy 796 (1), pp. 1-170 : 141-145

Sphex satanas satanas Kohl, 1898

Figs 113, 115, 118 (yellow)

Sphex satanas Kohl, 1898: 339 , ♀, ♂.

Sphex gorgon Kohl, 1913: 204 , ♀. Synonymized with Sphex satanas by Leclercq 1955: 7.

Differential diagnosis

Among the members of its species group, the female of S. satanas s. lat. can easily be recognized by having an entirely black scutellum and metanotum ( Figs 113–114 ). In S. pseudosatanas sp. nov. ( Fig. 109 ) and S. rufoclypeatus sp. nov. ( Fig. 110 ), these areas are completely ferruginous instead, and S. socotrensis sp. nov. has the metanotum and the posterior margin of the scutellum ferruginous ( Fig. 116 ). The subspecies S. satanas memnon subsp. nov. has the propodeal setae black instead of silvery ( Fig. 114 ).

Male specimens are slightly harder to distinguish. They are characterized though their somewhat infuscate cellular wing area ( Fig. 115 ), whereas the other members of the group have it barely fuscous or completely hyaline. Furthermore, males of S. satanas possess narrow placoids on the proximal halves of flagellomeres IV–VI, a configuration similar to that of S. socotrensis sp. nov. and S. pseudosatanas sp. nov. However, these two species lack the more or less distinct folding just above the middle of the free clypeal margin, which is present in S. satanas and S. rufoclypeatus sp. nov. (compare Fig. 28 ).

Material examined

Lectotype (designated here) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO – Kongo Central • ♀; Boma Sundi; P. Rolin leg.; IRSN.

Presumed paralectotypes (see Remarks) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO – Kongo Central • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Boma ; [5°51ʹ S, 13°03ʹ E]; M. Tschoffen leg.; IRSN • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; MRAC • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for lectotype; IRSN • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Boma, West Africa ; [5°51ʹ S, 13°03ʹ E]; NHMW .

Other material

BURUNDI – Bujumbura Rural Province • 1 ♂; Rusizi National Park ; 3.34364° S, 29.27246° E; 13–20 Apr. 2010; R. Copeland leg.; ICIPE .

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO • 2 ♀♀; Lulua; 1929; Walker leg.; MRAC. – Haut- Katanga • 1 ♂; Lubumbashi ; [11°40ʹ S, 27°29ʹ E]; Apr. 1951; Ch. Seydel leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Lufira River ; [10°54ʹ27ʺ S, 26°59ʹ42ʺ E]; alt. 3500 ft; 9 Sep. 1907; BMNH • 1 ♀, holotype of Sphex gorgon Kohl, 1913 ; Lukafu; S.A. Neave leg.; MRAC. – Haut-Lomami • 2 ♀♀; Tshibamba ; [8°15ʹ42ʺ S, 24°21ʹ45ʺ E]; Mar. 1933; F.G. Overlaet leg.; MRAC. – Haut-Uele • 1 ♂; “ Yebo Moto ”; 1926; L. Burgeon leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Vankerhovenville ; [3°18ʹ N, 29°26ʹ E]; J. Bequaert leg.; MRAC. – Ituri Province • 1 ♀; Terr. Wamba , Epulu; [1°23ʹ52ʺ N, 28°34ʹ51ʺ E]; Sep. 1956; M. Poll leg.; MRAC. – Kasaï-Central • 4 ♀♀; Lula (Kasai) ; [7°43ʹ51ʺ S, 22°51ʹ56ʺ E]; 1958; A.J. Jobaert leg.; MRAC • 7 ♀♀; Lula (Kasai) , Terr. Luisa; [7°43ʹ51ʺ S, 22°51ʹ56ʺ E]; Aug. 1956; M. Poll leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Lula (rés. chasse Bushimaie ), Terr. Luisa; [7°43ʹ51ʺ S, 22°51ʹ56ʺ E]; Aug. 1956; M. Poll leg.; MRAC. – Kongo Central • 1 ♀; Boma ; [5°51ʹ S, 13°03ʹ E]; 18 Jun. 1915; J. Bequaert leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; MRAC. – Lomami • 1 ♀; Lomami , Kambaye; [6°52ʹ38ʺ S, 23°44ʹ09ʺ E]; Sep. 1930; P. Quarré leg.; MRAC. – Lualaba • 1 ♀; 150–200 mi. W of Kambove; 12 Oct. 1904; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 27–30 Oct. 1907; BMNH • 1 ♀; Kapanga ; [8°21ʹ S, 22°34ʹ E]; Aug. 1932; F.G. Overlaet leg.; MRAC • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Sep. 1932; MRAC • 12 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Oct. 1932; MRAC • 6 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Nov. 1932; MRAC • 8 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but Dec. 1932; MRAC • 1 ♀; Kapiri ; [10°18ʹ S, 26°11ʹ E]; Sep. 1912; Miss. Agric. leg.; MRAC • 1 ♀; Lulua , Luashi; [10°55ʹ41ʺ S, 23°36ʹ28ʺ E]; Nov. 1938; F. Freyne leg.; MRAC. – South Kivu • 1 ♀; Uvira ; 28–29 Aug. 1931; A. Mackie leg.; BMNH. – Tanganyika • 1 ♂; Kabalo ; [6°03ʹ S, 26°55ʹ E]; 7 Jul. 1947; M. Poll leg.; MRAC .

MALAWI – Central Region • 1 ♂; Fish Eagle Inn , Salima; [13°47ʹ S, 34°26ʹ E]; 19 Aug. 1974; H.R. Feijen leg.; RMNH • 1 ♀; Marimba ; [13°10ʹ S, 33°20ʹ E]; Nov.–Dec. 1910; J.E.S. Old leg.; BMNH . – Northern Region • 1 ♂; Karonga; [9°56ʹ S, 33°56ʹ E]; 7–11 Jul. 1910; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding but 13 Jul. 1910; BMNH • 1 ♂; Nkhata Bay, Rest House ; [11°36ʹ S, 34°18ʹ E]; 27 Sep. 1974; H.R. Feijen leg.; RMNH . – Southern Region • 1 ♀; Mlanje ; [16°01ʹ53ʺ S, 35°30ʹ E]; 12 Jul. 1913; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding but 1 Oct. 1913; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 8 Oct. 1913; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 1 Nov. 1913; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 1 Dec. 1913; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 21 Dec. 1913; BMNH • 1 ♀; Zomba; [15°23ʹ09ʺ S, 35°19ʹ07ʺ E]; Nov. 1913; H.S. Stannus leg.; BMNH .

MOZAMBIQUE – Cabo Delgado Province • 1 ♀; Kitaragio [near Pangane] ; [12°00ʹ3.4ʺ S, 40°31ʹ08.5ʺ E]; 19–27 Nov. 2009; O. Montreuil leg.; MNHN • 1 ♀; Nhica , camp ; 10°45.35ʹ S, 40°136ʹ E; 20 Nov. 2009; C. Villemant leg.; MNHN • 1 ♀; Vamizi Island ; 11°1.97ʹ S, 40°38.74ʹ E; C. Villemant leg.; MNHN . – Sofala Province • 1 ♀; Foret d’Inhandconde ; Oct. 1907; G. Vasse leg.; MNHN • 1 ♀; Tendo du Sungoué , Gorongoza ; [18°30ʹ S, 34°03ʹ E]; Oct. 1907; G. Vasse leg.; MNHN . – Tete Province • 1 ♀; 15 km SSE of Manje; 15°29ʹ S, 33°16ʹ E; 2–4 Dec. 2005; M. Kadlecová leg.; OÖLM . – Zambezia Province • 3 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; foothills N of Mt Chiperone; [16°27ʹ59ʺ S, 35°43ʹ38ʺ E]; 19 Nov. 1913; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 21 Nov. 1913; BMNH .

NAMIBIA – Hardap Region • 1 ♀; Mariental ; [24°38ʹ S, 17°58ʹ E]; 28 Dec. 1977; H.N. Empey leg.; AMG . – Oshikoto Region • 1 ♂; Namutoni ; [18°48ʹ S, 16°59ʹ E]; 1919; J. Breyer leg.; TMP . – Otjozondjupa Region • 1 ♀; 60 km S of Otjiwarongo; [21°00ʹ45ʺ S, 16°39ʹ21ʺ E]; 17 Nov. 1994; M. Kuhlmann leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; Okahandja ; [21°59ʹ S, 16°55ʹ E]; 17 Dec. 1983; H.N. Empey leg.; AMG • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 3–11 Dec. 1927; R.E. Turner leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 12–18 Dec. 1927; BMNH • 1 ♂, 6 ♀♀; Waterberg ; [20°30ʹ S, 17°14ʹ E]; 15–17 Jan. 1993; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 31 Oct.–2 Nov. 2007; ZMB • 5 ♂♂; Waterberg, Main Camp ; 20°30ʹ S, 17°14ʹ E; 2–10 Nov. 2007; F. Koch leg.; ZMB .

SOUTH AFRICA – Limpopo • 1 ♂; Nwanedi Nature Reserve ; 22°38ʹ S, 30°24ʹ E; 27–30 Oct. 2010; F. Koch leg.; ZMB • 1 ♀; Sikororo [Ga-Sekororo] ; [24°12ʹ27.6ʺ S, 30°24ʹ33.3ʺ E]; Jul. 1922; G.P.F. v. Dam leg.; TMP .

TANZANIA • 1 ♀; Nwaya, N shore of Lake Nyasa; 15–16 Nov. 1910; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH • 1 ♀; Usangu Dist., foot of Kifulufulu Mts ; 16–17 Dec. 1910; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH. – Dodoma Region • 1 ♀; 50 km N of Kondoa; 4°36ʹ S, 35°46ʹ E; 9 Dec. 2006; J. Halada leg.; OÖLM. – Mbeya Region • 1 ♀; Mt Rungwe, near New Langenburg; [9°08ʹ06ʺ S, 33°40ʹ05ʺ E]; 18–21 Nov. 1910; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH. – Morogoro Region • 6 ♀♀; road to Kilossa, Usagara District ; [6°50ʹ S, 36°59ʹ E]; 22–26 Dec. 1910; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH. – Unguja South Region • 1 ♀; Zanzibar , Jambiani ; [6°19ʹ S, 39°33ʹ E]; 23 Mar. 1993; K.M. Guichard leg.; BMNH .

ZAMBIA – Central Province • 1 ♂; 70 km NE of Kapiri Mposhi; [13°41ʹ S, 29°18ʹ E]; 21 Nov. 2005; M. Snižek leg.; OÖLM . – Eastern Province • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; “ Mid-Luangwa Valley ”; 14–16 Aug. 1900; S.A. Neave leg.; BMNH . – Northern Province • 1 ♀; Abercorn [now Mbala]; [8°50ʹ S, 31°28ʹ E]; Oct. 1943; IRSN • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but Nov. 1943; IRSN • 1 ♀; Lake Mweru Wantipa ; [8°42ʹ S, 29°46ʹ E]; Sep. 1944; IRSN • 1 ♀; Luwingu ; [10°15ʹ43ʺ S, 29°55ʹ37ʺ E]; 12 Jul. 1908; S.A. Neave leg.; OUMNH • 1 ♂; Meru Wantipa ; [8°40ʹ38ʺ S, 29°43ʹ22ʺ E]; 10 Jul. 1952; BMNH. – North- Western Province • 1 ♀; Ntambu 150 km W of Solwezi; 12°18ʹ S, 25°10ʹ E; 11 Nov. 2005; M. Halada leg.; THD-018-OOLM ; GenBank CO1 gene: MW538568 ; OÖLM .

ZIMBABWE • 1 ♂; Hillside ; [17°50ʹ15ʺ S, 31°04ʹ54ʺ E]; 1 Nov. 1922; Swinburne and Stevenson leg.; TMP. – Matabeleland North • 1 ♂; Lonely Mine ; [19°30ʹ06ʺ S, 28°44ʹ49ʺ E]; 24 Sep. 1913; H. Swale leg.; BMNH • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 25 Sep. 1913; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 25 Oct. 1914; BMNH • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding but 2 Jan. 1915; BMNH • 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 9 Feb. 1919; G. Arnold leg.; MNHN • 1 ♀; Turk Mine ; [19°44ʹ S, 28°45ʹ E]; 1 Dec. 1958; AMG. – Midlands • 1 ♀; Shangani , 60 km SW of Gweru; [19°46ʹ S, 29°22ʹ E]; 2 Dec. 1998; Ma. Halada leg.; OÖLM .

Description

Female

SIZE. 18.6–23.0 mm.

COLOR. Black except for the following, which are ferruginous: basal half of mandible, clypeus, scape, pedicel, flagellomeres I–III, collar, pronotal lobe, tegula, prepectus, and legs except coxa and inner margin of claw. Wings fuscous, with violet iridescence.

VESTITURE. Appressed setae on clypeus, paraocular area, collar, scutum and propodeal enclosure silvery. Erect setae on clypeus, paraocular area, collar and scutum dark ferruginous, on propodeal enclosure silvery. Erect propodeal setae oriented anteriorly. Clypeus without glabrous spot. Scutellum sparsely and finely pubescent.

STRUCTURE. Free clypeal margin simple, stepped medially. Clypeus with indentation in lower center, without carina. Scutellum flat. Metanotum not raised, not bituberculate. 2 nd recurrent vein joins markedly proximal from interstitium between submarginal cells II and III. Propodeal enclosure with 4–6 transversal ridges. Foretarsomere I 1.8–2.1 × length of antepenultimate spine. Petiole length 1.5–1.6 × its medial width.

Male

SIZE. 17.3–22.0 mm.

COLOR. Black except for ferruginous stripe in center of mandible. Forewing fuscous, with violet iridescence. Hindwing largely hyaline.

VESTITURE. Appressed and erect setae on clypeus, paraocular area, collar, scutum and propodeal enclosure silvery. Erect propodeal setae oriented anteriorly. Clypeus without glabrous spot. Scutellum densely and finely pubescent.

STRUCTURE. Free clypeal margin simple, slightly stepped medially. Scutellum flat. Metanotum not raised, not bituberculate. 2 nd recurrent vein joins markedly proximal from interstitium between submarginal cells II and III. Propodeal enclosure with 4–6 transversal ridges. Posterior margin of metasomal tergum VII convex. Posterior margin of metasomal sternum VII simple, of metasomal sternum VIII triangular. Penis valvae without conspicuous modifications. Petiole length 1.6–1.9 × its medial width. Flagellomeres IV– VI with narrow placoids covering their proximal halves.

Variation

Unknown.

Distribution

Central, southwestern and southeastern Africa.

Remarks

The original description states that the type series consists of five females and three males collected in Boma and housed in the Royal Belgian Museum in Brussels. We were able to locate a matching number of specimens, the locality labels of which read “Boma” or “Boma Sundi”, that had been distributed between IRSN and MRAC. Some of them had already been labelled as paratypes by unknown revisers or collection staff, but since these designations were apparently never published, they are not valid. Also, there are a male and a female specimen from Boma bearing type labels by Kohl in the NHMW collection. Which of the aforementioned ten specimens actually constitute the type series cannot be determined with complete certainty, but we feel confident in designating a specimen from the IRSN as the lectotype.

Figures

Figs 113–118. 113–114, 116. Habitus of ♀. 115, 117. Habitus of ♂. 113, 115. Sphex satanas satanas Kohl, 1898. 114. S. satanas memnon subsp. nov. 116–117. S. socotrensis sp. nov. 118. Geographic distribution of S. pseudosatanas sp. nov. (red), S. rufoclypeatus sp. nov. (blue), S. s. satanas (yellow) and S. socotrensis sp. nov. (purple).

Figs 106–112. 106–107. Sphex jansei Cameron, 1910. 108. S. schmideggeri sp. nov. 109. S. pseudosatanas sp. nov. 110–111. S. rufoclypeatus sp. nov. 106, 108–110. Habitus of ♀. 107, 111. Habitus of ♂. 112. Geographic distribution of S. decipiens Kohl, 1895 (red), S. pruinosus Germar, 1817 (blue), S. gaullei Berland, 1927 (yellow), S. jansei (purple) and S. schmideggeri sp. nov. (green).

Figs 25–32. 25–26. Ventral and lateral view of sternum VIII and genitalia in male of Sphex abyssinicus (Arnold, 1928). 27–28. Frontal view of free clypeal margin in males. 29–32. Dorsal view of fore- and hindwing in males and females of thegaullei group. 27. S. umtalicus Strand, 1916. 28. S. decipiens Kohl, 1895. 29. S. jansei Cameron, 1910, ♀. 30. S. jansei, ♂. 31. S. gaullei Berland, 1927, ♀. 32. S. gaullei, ♂.