A revision of the African species the genus LeptacLs Forst

A revision of the African species of the genus LeptacLs Forst.

(Hymenoptera-Platygasteridile)

by L r : ~ t n ~ i a MASIC; El1 (Laboraton. oi Insect Pathology, Institute oi Biology ?s:\v, r iaha)

This paper is to be considered as a continu~ttion of the ;lt~thor's preceding attempt to give at least a preliininas) wrvey of .\frican Procto- trupoitls, epeci;~ll! of such groups whitlt h a w not jet I:wn srutliecl in tletaiis. T h e present stutlv is baser1 mainly on rnatesi;lis originatinq Irom various areas of Central and East-Africa ;IS 1\1rlI ;I, Mailagrtscar. Th i s o~>~>ortuni ty is taken to express the best thanks to Dr. S . KELNER- PII.I..~L.I~T (Xius. Hist. Sat.. Paris), Dr. P. I2-\sl~.e\v\r;v O I u . KO\. Congo Ilelge, Tervuren) anti Ilr. R. P\C:LIIS (Inht. 5ci. ilc X1~1cl:tp~~ar. T;~ni i- narive) i'or their kind 3itbmitting 0 1 ntatesiai. 111 the ,;me wa\ , the author [eels intlebtetl to Dr. ,I. 121snec (Cornmiss. I'h>to,anit. Interalr., Lontlon) lor his kind lentling of the necess;iry type-~n;t~erial.

Tlte genus Leptncjs FBRST. was up to now unsult'iciently known it1 the Ethiopian Kegion. T h e first representatives of titis genus have been tlescribed by KIEFFER (1910) Irom Central hlrica and were included in the genus Amblyaspis F ~ R S T . Later on, KIEFFER (1926) transferecl aii these species - Amblynspis lirnnochnris KIEFFER, Arnbly- nspis macroloma KIEFFER and Amhlga.spz.r monttcoln KIEFFER - to Proleptncis KIEFF. The first two oE them belong in f ~ c t to Leptacis F i i ~ a ~ . (cont. F o r x , 19241, while the last one seems to be rather a Synopcns- than a Leptncis-species. Recently, RISBEC (1953, 1957) clescribed two new species originating lrom Reunion ant1 hladagascar. One of them is fount1 in the literature under the name illandraka

pauliani RISBEC, the second one was named Leptacis paziliani RISBEC. Mandraka RISB. (see also below) is considered as a subgenus of Leptacis FORST., whereas Leptacis patdiani RISB. belongs to Synopeas F~RST. Synopeas otiosus KIEFFER (Algiers), Synopeas bifoveatus (KIEFFER) (Seychell-Isls.) and Synopeas paolii F o u ~ s (Italian Somaliland) are considered to be true Synopeas-species and are not included - like Ecta- dit~s striatus RISBEC (Belgian Congo) - in the general enumeration (see below). Finally, several Leptacis-species from Central Africa were described by RrsBEc (1958) and included in Piestopleura FORST. (P. celi~i RISBEC, P. leroyi RISBEC, P. kivziensis RISBEC and P. congoana RISBEC). All of them - excepting the last one which belongs rather to Synopeas FORST. - represent true Leptacis-species.

Thus, the total number of Lcptacis-species in the Ethiopian Region increased to six. In the present paper, further seventeen new species are described. It is evident that this number (23 species) is not yet final ant1 that further new species will be discovered in the future. This is due to the fact that the majority of the niaterial examined originates Irom a limited number of localities ancl the greatest part of the whole Region remains still unexploretl. In view of this, the present paper is to be considered as a mere preliminary revision of the genus in the Ethiopian Region. The list of species given below inclutles all known Ethiopian Leptacis-species together with those which are described in this paper.

LIST OF ETHI0PI.-IN LEPTACIS-SPECIES

L. (Leptacts) afrzcana n. sp. - Belglan Congo (Katanga) L. (Leptacts) ambrensts n. sp. - ~Madagascar L. (Leptacts) aramts n. sp . - Belgian Congo (Katanga) L. (Leptncrs) aranea n. sp. - Belgian Congo (Yawinawina) L. (Leptaczsj athos n. sp. - Belgian Congo (N. Lac Kivu) L. (Leptacts) relz~z (RISBEC) - Belgian Congo (Kivu) L. (Leptacts) d u x n. sp. - Belgian Congo (N. Lac Kivu), Uganda

(Bugiri) L. (Leptacts) insularzs n. sp. - Isl. Glorleuse (Madagascarian Sub- 3

region) L. (Leptacts) katanga n. sp. - Belgian Congo (Katanga) L. (Leptaczs) kzvz~enszs (RISBEC) - Belgian Congo (N. Lac Kivu) L. (Leptacts) leroyi (RISBEC) - Belgian Congo (N. Lac Kivu), Tan-

gany~ka L. (Leptacts) ltmnochans (KIEFFER) - Belgian Congo (N. Lac Kivu),

Ruanda

L. (Leptaczs) longtspznztla n sp - Madagascar L. (Leptaczs) macrotomu (KIEFFER) - Belgian Congo, Ruanda, Tan-

gany~ka L (Leptaczsj nnna n. sp - Madagascar L (Leptactsj oculata n sp. - Madagascar L (~Mnnd~aka) pnzilzant (RISBEC) - Madagascar L (Leptans) pottltos n sp - Belgian Congo (N. Lac Kivu) L. (Leptacts) plrmzlto n. sp. - Madagascar L (Leptncls) i~sbcct n sp. - Reunion (Madagascarlan Subregion) L (Leptncts) sa t~gt n sp. - Madagascar L (Leptncts) Iei~lcola n sp - hIatlagascar L (Leptnc~sj xestonota n. sp - Matlagascar

Genus LEPTACIS FORSTER, 1856

Lcjltacrs FORSTER, 1856 - type specles . Zchnezimon t~pulae KIRBY C~)atnczs T*lo\~>o\, 1859 - type species : Cetatncls flnvtpes THOXISON P~oleptacts I<ILFFER, 1926 - type specles . Lcptncts foetstert KIEF~ER -

n. svn ,-l nnco yphe DEBAUCBE, 1947 - type specles : rl nncoyplre orchymontt

DEBA~CHE. - subgenus (n. status) iMand~aka RISBEC. 1953 - type species : ~Vfandraka pattltanz RISBEC -

subgenus (n. status)

We give first ,i short discussion dealing with the limits of the genus LeptaCis FORST.

The genus was interpreted in different conceptions by different authors. Already FOUTS (1924) has sunken sorhe genera to Leptacis (like Synopeas FORST., Ectaditts FORST., Ceratacis THOMS., Dolichotrypes CRAWF. gC BRADL., Anopedins FBRsT.) and his opinion was followed later on by MUESEBECK and WALKLEY (1951, 1956). The present author regards some of these genera not to be synonymous with Leptacis FORST. (e: g. Synopeas FORST., Ectadius FORST.) and such ones like Anopedias FVRST. not even related to it. On the other hand, Proleptacis KIEFFER is considered synonym 06 Leptacis FORST., while Anacoyphe DEBAUCHE and ~Vlandmka RISBEC as subgenera of Leptacis FORST. In opposite to Leptacis FORST.: the genus Proleptacis KIEFF. was based on two characters : maxillary palpi 2 jointed, male's antenna with long erect bristles. According to our opinion, the difference in palpi is not a good character for the separation of an independent genus (conf. SZEL~NYI, 1958). Further, this character is sometimes useless, if one specimen only

- -I -

is available for examination. The shape 01 male's antenna is also not a reliable generlc character. Some species tn Leptacrs show In the male _ a moderate transltlon to the mentioned type of antenna. O n the other hand, the female is - excepting the difference in palpi - unseparable from Leptacis. Anacoryphe DEB. was based on the same characters proposed already by FORSTER (1856) lor Isu~hombus FORST., i.e. the position of ocelli, the shape of head and of female's antennal club. The position of lateral ocelli in Leptacis presents a certain degree of variability : they may be situated close to eyes or remote from them at their own diameter or even at a greater distance; especially in European species of Leptacis, this feature may be asgertained. The shape ok the head is also not specific : in Leptacrs, a number ok various modifications ot the vertex is known (carinated, obtuse-elevated, rounded a.s.0.). In the same way, the shape of antennal club in iemale is not a reliable generic character. The number of antennal joints in the club varies from three [e. g. in Leptacis leroyi (Klsn.)] over three-tour [L. (,\land?.nka) pauliani (KIsB.)] to a distinct 4-jointed club (majority oE species). Nevertheless, it seems adviaable to keep 2-lnacu~ypl~e DEB. - for the present time at least - as a subgenus ot Leptacis FOK~T. because of the strange combination of characters tliscussetl above. ~\ lnnd~-akn K I ~ co~nbines some ch;il.acters of dmblynspis F ~ R S T . with those of L(!ptiicrs F ~ R S T . It was basetl on the presence of a peculiar scape-membrane in both sexes. On the other hand, this character may be fount1 (in a aomewhat moderate kxm) in some European Amblycispis-specics antl heems t11 be at most ot subgeneric (i.e. not generic) value. Chara~teri given later on by Krsn~c (1957) as allegetllv typical tor l\lnndr.eikn. occur almost in all ,-irnblpnspis- as well as Leptc~c~s-species ;uncl refer in Eacr to quite another species (Leptncis ~isbeci n. sp. - see below). As Far as the author is entitletl to express his opinion, it seems atlvisable to keep blc~ndrnka Rlse. henceforward as a subgenus of Leptncis FBRST.

T h e author was able to stutly antl compare a consirlerably rich material both of European and African Leptacis-species, the result oE rvhich is a new conception of Leptncis, presented in this paper. T h e aim was to eliminate from the 4 classical D Leptacis (type-species L. tipulae (KIRBY) all heterogenous elements antl, last not least, to reco- , p i r e the extreme limits of the genus. I t is obvious that - when rtu- clying by means of this method whatever genus - we should reject ato- cnistic tendencies in creating unnecessary new genera.

T h e tolloruing generic diagnosi3 of Lcplncrs should he consicleretl as a comparative one to those of all related genera. There are some empha-

sized characted (not used before) which insure a true recognition of this genus.

Head in frontal aspect usually circular, rarely in shape of a lozenge: vertex frequently elevated in sharp ridge (carina) or obtuse angle; lateral ocelli close to eyes or considerably remote from them; antenna 10 jointed in both sexes, in female usually shorter than in male, distinctly clavate apically, the club 3-4 jointed, 4th antenna1 joint frequently elongated and narrowed; antenna in male either thread-like in shape, with distinct neck- like constrictions arnong flagellar joints, bearing simultaneously long erect bristles - or motlerately clavate, covered by short tight piles: thorax arched clorsally, not remarkably compressed laterally: parapsitlal furrows either absent or present (then tlix-ergent or parallel posteriorly); scutellum elongated or at least triang~tlar in shape. protrutletl backwards in a gradually narrowed spine or cone, being obtuse or pointed apically: fore- wing, with consitlernbly (aornetirnes extremely) long fringes; ah~lomect distinctly petiolatecl, not .,e,sile or subsessile, consi- tlerably llattenetl tloraove~ttr;~lly, obtuse or pointed apically, hut Iievrr protutletl apically in ;t t ~ l b t ~ l a r formation in female (like in Ecttirli~ls Fiiuar.); petiolus gootl visible, usually cylin- tlrical, with sparse hairs aside, never covered completely by dense bilvery piles (like in Syno/xns F~~RsT.) a

Arnblynspis FORST. is separated from Lcptacis FORST. on the basis of the shape of the scutellum (both sexes) and of the antennal joints 9 and 10 (in female). Ectndizls FORST. and Synopcos FORST. are characterized - apart from others - by an abdomen sessile or subsessile and a petiolus short (i.e. transverse), this being - like the basis of the second tergite - covered by dense silvery piles, so that usually only a silvery stripe is visible from above instead of a normal petiolus. T h e fore-wings - in both genera - have extremely short fringes. Ectadi~rs FORST., moreover, is a peculiar type with prolongated abdomen in female. I t is of interest that the colour of the legs and antennae is prominantly red or reddish-yellow in Leptacis-species whereas in Synopeas and Ecta- dim it is usually darker. Nevertheless, there still exists a possibility of misleading interpretation because of moderate transitions between Synopeas FORST. and Leptacis FORST. FOUTS (1924) pointed out to this fact, stating that some transitional species could be included either in Leptacis o r in Synopeas. But the author is inclined to believe that - by using the complex of characters given above - it will be possible to avoid practically every misinterpretation in this respect.

As mentioned above, the genus Leptacis FORST. comprises in Ethio- pian Region altogether 23 species. .Among them, there may be observed two groups.

The first one contains forms with a large robust body anct should be considered as genuine, showing phylogenetical relations to the neigh- bouring genus Amblynspis FORST. Within this group, the following species are referred : Leptacis (~Wandmka) paziliani (RIsB.), L. ocz~lata n. sp., L. risbeci n. sp., L . seyrigi n. sp., L. nrnb~ensis n. sp. and L. longi- spinz~la n. sp. A rather isolated species is L. xesto~zota n. sp. T h e presence of percurrent parallel parapsidal furrows and a polished mirror- like shining mesoscutum are striking characters within Leptncis FORST. The author is not quite sure in which group this species should be cor- rectly included.

The secontl group is nu~nerically the most abunrlant, comprising forms of rather slender ant1 gracile shape of body. I t seems that the genuine types of this group are in certain connection wit11 those of the first group. Leptncis celisi (RISHEC) - owing LO its blunt cone-like sci~tellum ant1 Iargcr ctimensions of the body - appears to be a connec- tive to robust species of the first group. On the other hand, in the serontl group, it joins rather robust pecies like I.. portl~os n. sp., L . d ~ l x n. sp. ant1 L. 1irnnocl~nl.i~ (I~IEFF.). Leptncis terricoln n. sp. and L. L. rnrtc~.otornn (KIEFF.) are very close to each other like L. nfrirnna n. sp. to L. nramis n. sp. A very remarkable species appears to be L . athos n. sp. with its peculiar membranous formation on the propotleum. All species mentionecl above (within the seconcl group) form a natural unit, characterized in the female by an elongated fourth antennal joint, a distinct 4-jointed antennal club and normally or motlerately elongated legs. In addition to this homogenous unit, there are within the second group five remarkable species, each of them showing one or two pecu- liarities : L. kivzlensis (RISBEC) and L . insularis n. sp. are distinguished by having the 4-th antennal joint in female not narrowecl ancl protrutletl (in opposite fo the prececling species); in the same way, the dimensions of their 5th antennal joint in female are not current. - Leptacis katanga n. sp. represents a small but stout type within Leptacis FORST. T h e rounded vertex (showing no trace of the usual carina), the stout but yet good visible petiolus and a triangular sharply .pointed 6th abdominal tergite are the main characters of this species. L . leroyi (RISBEC) is one of the most interesting species within the African representatives of the genus Leptacis. The unusual shape of scutellum, in combination with a striking antennal club in feniale, characterize this pygmy. - ,4n exclusive feature within Leptacis is,

no doubt, Leptacis aranea n. sp. It combines many peculiar characters, quite unexpectable in this genus. The length of the 3rd and 7th antenna1 joint is an unique character. Nevertheless, ~t is not advis- able to create a new genus for this species.

NOTES ON T H E FIGURES

All figures contained in this paper were drawn under same enlarge- ment and are equiproportional each to other. Figures illustrating the scutellum from the lateral aspect should be consiclered as schematic only. The scutellum In aeveral species shows posteriorly (beneath the spine) a more or less developecl tranalucid h\aline membranous area, separated - in figures - from the true scutellum by an interrupted line.

KEY T O T H E SUBGENERA OF LEPTACIS FOKST.

1. Lower edge of c a p e ( 9 8 ) bears - along its whole length - a remarkable tranalucirl membrane, this being nearly as wide as the maximal width of the scape (figs. 9-k, 35). Vertex very sharp, highly elevated (fig. -18). Hind itletatarsu very w o n g (fig. 36 9 ). (Madagascarian Subregion only) ...... Subgenus Mandraka KISBEC.

- Lower edge of scape without such a membrane: if some present at all, then it ir extremely narrow ....................................... 2.

2. Head - seen irom tront - lorenge-like In ahape, i.e. verter obtuse-angled (not carinated) and highly e'levatetl upwarcls (conf. fig. 49). Lateral ocelli situated very far from eyes Palearctic Region only) ........................... Subgenus Anacoryphe DEBAUCHE

- Head - seen from front - usually rouncleci, or if higher than broad, then vertex sharply carinaterl and lateral ocelli remote from eyes at most at their own diameter (i.e. the space between the median ,and lateral ocellus is greater than that between lateral ocellus and eye-margin) (nearly world-wide in distribu- tion). .................................... Subgenus Lept~cis F ~ ~ R ~ T E R s. str.

KEY T O T H E SPECIES (males)

1. Lower edge of scape bears - along its whole length - a remarkable translucid membrane, this being nearly as wide as the maximal width of the scape (fig. 35). (A robust species, characte-

rized by a strongly elevated sharp vertexial carina (fig. 481, scutellum protutled apically in a tubular formation i.e. the spine is blunt ant1 looks like an oblique neck of n bottle (fig. 14); hint1 metatarsus strong, slightly longer than remaining tarsal joints combined; antennal club rather distinct -4 jointed, antennae

....................................... with very short piles only (fig. 35)

.L (Mandraka) puiiani (RISBEC) (Madagascar) .......................... - Lower edge of scape bears not such a n~frnbrane (see e. g.

fig. 19, 20) ..................................................................... 2. 2. Eyes (l'rontal aspect) very curious in shape, being protrutlecl into

blunt horns above (fig. 46). (A robust species with a feeble but yet visible vertexial carina; scutellum protrutletl in a very long

............... acute spine (fig. 18); petiolus tlistinctly eiongatetl) ................................................ L. oculata n. 51' (.\I:~cl;cgascar)

- Eyes of norm;ll ahape i.c. rountlctl ;cntl not horn-like protrudeti (see e. g. figs. 'f7, 49) ......................................................... 3.

3. Scictellum terminating apically in ;I tttbctl;cr I'ort~~;ction (I;cter;~l ;Lspect, fig. 17). (.X rohti\t spccics, &owing ;I great ~ e r t e x i a l c;trin;l, very strong :tntl long hint1 mct:it;lrsus and tli>tinctly cla-

.............................. vatc .Irltenn;l wit11 ljointctl club (fig. 33) ................................................ L. seyrigi n. $p. (.\I;ttl;~gascar)

- Scc~tellurn never terminaling in such ;I tubular lorm;~tion, being sharp or blunt posteriorly (see figs. 2, 5, 9) ........................... 4.

.4. P;trap'irlal furrows percurrent ant1 ~)arallel like in Ir'cstonotiden C,~H. (fig. 32). (.k gracil 5pecies 5howing an extremely narrow ;inti long acutel1;cr spine (fig. 5 ) ; mesoscnturn smooth ancl mirror- like shining: ventrum ant1 pleurae of thorax intensively honey- yellow) .................................... L xestonota n. sp. (hlaclagascar)

- Parapsitlal furrowr completely fused; thorax entirely black ...... 5. 5. Five of four apical antennal joints with very long bristles; the

joints themselves, protrutletl distally in neck-like constrictions (figs. 20, 38); the general shape of antenna thread-like, never clavate or hubclavnte ..................................................... 6.

- None of zntcnnal joint; bears such long bristles (figs. 26, 39); the joints themselve; showing no neck-like constrictions tlistally: the general shape of antenna slightly subclavate till apparently clavate .......................................................................... 9.

6. Propodeum covered by a peculiar, massive, yellowish lather-like membrane, forming there a A-shaped keel (comp. fig. 54). (A gracil species with a highly elevated vertexial carina, very short and rather blunt scutellar spine (fig. 1); fifth antennal joint a t

least as long (or even longer) as the fourth one (fig. 20) ......... ................................................ L. athos n. sp. (Belgian Congo)

. Propocleum free - not with such a membrane ..................... 7. 7 . Vertexial carina sharp and distinct (rather robust species; scu-

tellar spine as long as the the remaining portion of scutellum; the distal constricted part of the 4th antennal joint (i.e. behind the tooth-like hump) very long; neck-like constrictions among antenna1 joints rather short) ............................................. .......................................... J.,. longispinula n. qP. (>la(l"gasc4r)

- Xo vertexial carina present, vertex perfectly rounded above (conlp. e. g. fig. 51) ......................................................... 8.

8. Antenna1 joints 3rtl-10th very long ;rncl slender (fig. 38). ('4 gracil species; acutellar spine considerably long, sl~arply pointed apically (fig. 2 ) .................. L. limnochatis (KIEFFER) (Belgian Congo)

- .Antenna1 joints 3rd-10th remarkably shortened. (An extremely small species, measuring 0,45 in111 only; acutellar spine very short, being situ;ctetl oli the ac~~~c l lu r r i soniew11:ct more below tli;~n irl other species) .................. L. pumilio 11. sp. (kladagascar)

9. Scutellar spine extrclriely short, ne:irly inconspicuo~ts (fig. 9); rhc ~vholc scutcllu~il i\ co~le-like in s11al)c. (.I vcr) gl-acil 5pecies; antenn;tl club well tlcveloppetl, 4jointetl (fig. 39); It11 ;intcnnal joint with well cletinetl elevated carina) .............................. .......................................... L leroyi (RISBEC) (Belgian Congo)

- Sc~ctellar spine well tlevelopetl, rather till consitlerablv long and acute (fig. 7 ) ................................................................... 10.

10. Fourth ;tntennal joint tliatinctly curvetl, i.e. proxim;tlly con. str~ctetl and tlistallv rlarged, bearing here a ahalp hump (comp. e.g. fig. 38). (Rather robust species: vertexial carina present; apex of scutellar spine dark like the whole scutellum, being finger-nail-like in shape; scape with narrow bu t le t visible translucitle membrane) ..................... L. ambtensis n. sp. (Madagascar) Fourth antennal joint not curved, being obconical in shape (fig. 26). ('4 very gracil species; apex of scutellar spine remarkably testaceous and distinctly pointed, not finger-nail-like in shape; scape with no membrane a t all) .............................. ....................................... I.,. kivuensis (RISBEC) (Belgian Congo)

(Females)

1. Lower edge of scape bears - along its whole length - a remarkable translucide membrane, this being nearly as wide as

- 10 - 3 the maximal width of the scape (fig. 34). (A robust species with 4 strongly elevated sharp vertexial carina (fig. 48); scutellum pro- 3 truded apically in a tubular formation i.e. the spine is blunt I:

and looks like an oblique neck of a bottle (figs. 13, 14); hind . metatarsus very strong, much longer than remaining tarsal joints

combined (fig. 56); wings strongly infuscated) ........................ ........................... L (Mandraka) pauliani (Rrsa~c) (Madagascar)

- Lower edge of scape bears not such a membrane (see e. g. figs. 21, 23) .................................................................... 2.

2. Seventh antennal joint more than 5times as long as wide (fig. 36). (A curious long-legged species (fig. 55); antennae extremely long, 3rd joint longer than the 4th. (fig. 36); vertex perfectly rounded, the usual carina fused; scutellar spine very long and thin (fig. 8); abdomen remarkably petiolated) ............... ............................................. L. aranea n. sp. (Belgian Congo)

- Seventh antenna1 joint at most twice as long as wide .............. 3. 3. Antennal club distinctly 3jointed (fig. 30). (..\ very gracil pyg-

my species; scuteltum in form of a cone, the sptne very short but yet conspicuous and pointed apically (fig. 9); vertexiai carina present; 6th abdominal tergite rather pointed apically, nearlv triangular in shape (fig. 43); legs and antennae (excepttng the club) bright-yellow throughout) .......................................... .......................................... L. Ieroyi (RISBEC) (Belgian Congo)

- Antenna1 club distinctly 4jointed (see e. g. figs. 24, 25) ............ 4. 4. Propodeum covered by a lather-like thick membrane, rh~s being

elevated In the mitlclle In a A-shaped formation (fig. 54). (A gracil species; vertexial carina extreme)^ elevated (fig. 49). scutellar spine rather short, massive and blunt apically (fig. 4); abdomen distinctly petiolated (fig. 54); petiolus smooth and mirror-like shining) .................... L. atkos n. sp. (Belgian Congo)

- Propodeum of a quite another shape, free, showing not such a membrane ..................................................................... 5.

5. Scutellar spine looks like cut-off apically, i.e. not pointed (figs. 10). (Rather robust species; abdomen distinctly petiolated; vertexial carina not well developed; 4th antennal joint prolongated (fig. 28); 6th abdominal tergite obtuse apically (fig. 41). ........................................... L celisi (RISBEC) (Belgian Congo)

- Scutellar splne of other shape, more or less pointed apically. ...................................................................................... 6.

6. Scutellum conical, the spine very short and nail-like in shape when viewed from above (fig. 1). (Rather robust species; verte-

xial carina present; abdomen distinctly petiolated; 3rd and 4th joints nearly of equal length (fig. 3 1) ...... L rhbeci n. sp. (RCunion)

. Scutellum and spine of other shape (figs. 6, 11, 16) ............... 7. 7. Fourth antennal joint narrowed and distinctly elongated, nearly

pencil-like in shape (see figs. 21, 23, 29) .............................. 8. - Fourth antennal joint stouter, not pencil-like in shape (fig. 27).

....... .............................................................................. 15.

8. Sixth abdominal tergite in form of an isosceles triangle, very sharply pointed apically (fig. 40). (A small but yet stout species; no trace of vertexial carina present (cornp. fig. 51); apex of scutellar spine tending slightly downwards (fig. l l ) ; petiolus moderately transverse, but the abdomen itself looks distinctly petiolated) .................................... L. katanga n. 5p. (Belgian Congo)

- Sixth abdominal tergite of other shape, tlistinctly shorter and broader (see fig. 41, 12) .................................................. 10.

9. Sixth abdominal tergite in form of a semirouncled plate, nearly as long as three foregoing tergites co~nbinetl (fig. 33). (A very gracil species; abtlomen elongated, very slender, nearly spindle- like in shape, cliatinctly petiolatect (fig. 53); vertexial carina clistinct; legs, antennae (excepting the club) ant1 the apex of scutellar spine uniformly yellow) ....................................... .......................................... L. africana n. sp .(Belgian Congo)

- Sixth abdominal tergite of other shape, distinctly shorter and broader (see figs. 41, 42) ................................................... 10.

10. Vertex with sharp but not distinctly elevated carina (fig. 50) ...... 11. - Vertex perfectly rounded above (fig. 51) .............................. 12.

11. Scutellum (inculing the spine) 1.7 times as long as its basal width, overlapping nearly the whole petiolus (fig. 15). (A rather robust species; abdomen distinctly petiolated; 6th abdominal tergite very short and broad, obtuse apically (fig.42); antenna see fig. 23) .................................. L. dux n. sp. (Belgian Congo)

- Scutellurn (including the spine) 1.1 times as long as its basal width, not overlapping the petiolus (fig. 16). (A rather robust species, very close to the foregoing one; the different length of

...... scutellum seems to be the only distinguishing character) ............................................. L. ponhos n. sp. (Belgian Congo)

12. Fourth antenna1 joint 4times as long as the third one (fig. 21) (A very gracil species; each of tarsal joints - especially of legs I1 and 111 - extremely constricted at the base and dilated at the

...... apex; scutellar spine shorter and rather massive (Fig. 12) ............................................. L. aramis n. sp. (Belgian Congo)

- Fourth antennal joint 2.5 times as long as the third one (figs. 22, 29) ..................................................................... 13.

13. Joints of antennal club distinctly lengthened (fig. 29). (Rather robust species, very close to the following ones; legs - includine coxae - intensively orange-yellow) .................................... ............................................. ,L. terricola n. sp. ('Llaclagascar)

. Joints of antenna1 club nearly cubic (fig. 22) ........................ 14. 14. Scutellar spine very long and sharply pointed apically (fig. 3).

(Xfore gracil species when compared with the foregoing one: petiolus elongated) ......... L. macrotoma (KIEFFER) (Belgian Congo)

- Scutellar spine shorter antl somewhat blunt apically. (A very ... small species, showing the petiolus nearly rquare in shape)

................................................... L. nana n. sp. (Maclagascar) 15. Vertexial carina well develapetl. (.A rather small species; scu-

tellar spine rather long antl dirty-yellow in colour (fig. 7); fifth antenna1 joint longer tllar~ usually within Leptacis (fig. 27) ... ....................................... L. kivuensis (K~suec) (Belgian Congo)

- Vertexial carina absent. (A rather small species, resembling in many respects the Foregoing species) .................................... ............................................. L. insularis n. sp. (151. Glorieuse)

Leptacis seyrigi n. cp. (figs. 17, 33)

Male : black: antennae (excepting three termlnal joints) and legs uni- formlv orange-yellow; wings rather infuscatetl.

Head : seen from front - resembling in ~ h a p e that of L. (illandraka) paztlinnt (Kr\sec.) (comp. fig. 47), i.e. the vertex is hightlv elevaterl, lo rm~ng a prominent ridge above the eye,. Ocelli relatively I q e , being situated nearly in one direct line, the lateral one remote from eye- margin less at a half of their diameter. T h e surEace of the from shows a delicate leather-like sculpture, but inspite of that, still slightly shining. Antennae see fig. 33.

Pronotum well developed above and aside, protrucled in a neck-like prominention frontally. Portions of pronotum - viewed from above - sculptured, rather dull, covered with minute piles. Sides of pronotum smooth and mirror-like shining, showing no sculpture and piles at all. Mesoscutum elongated, exhibiting a delicate rugose sculpture, covered by dense short piles. No traces of parapsidal furrows present. Meso- pleurae of the same sculpture like the sides of pronotum, separated from mesosternum by a prominent strong arched ridge. Scutellum in sculpture and pilosity similar to mesoscutum, being cone-like in shape, showing no true spine posteriorly, but an excavated blunt tubular for-

mation. Tegulae smooth, shining. Metapleurae smooth, mirror-like shining. Propodeum with elevated central keel, covered by dense pilosity above, nearly bare aside. Wings with conspicuous fringes, surpassing distinctly abdomen. Hind metatarsus very strong.

Petiolus distinctly elongated (21 : 14), nearly bare above, intensively hairy aside and partially also ventrally. Gaster elongated, second tergite smooth and shining, with two pits (fulled with piles) anteriorly and a narrow stripe of sculpture along the hind margine. 3rd-7th tergites narrow, showing the same sculpture like the hind margin of the second tergite.

Length : 1,6 mm approx. Female : unknown. Material examined : 1 8 (holotype). Locality : >laclagascar : Mandraka, F e b ~ . 1941, A. SEYRIG Igt. Holotype in coll. Mus. Hist. Sa t . Par~s. Nametl in honour of A. SLYRIG, who has collected many interesting

Hymenoptera in l[adagascar. Leptacts seyrtgt n. sp. is a typical representative of the first group of

species (see above), exhibiting in many respects characters common to both Leptncis F~~RsT. and Amblyaspis F i i ~ s ~ . It seems to be closely related to L. risbeci n. sp., from rvhich it rnay be distinguiahecl (apart from other characters) by the different ahape o f acutellum.

Leptacis (Subg. Mandnka) pauiiani (RISREC) (figs. 13. 14. 34, 35, 45, 47, 48, 56) comb. n.

1953, dlandinka Pnltirnnt R I ~ U E C . .\[ern In\t %I AIadagascar, 3 : 343- 344 (nec R I ~ B E C . 1957, ~bltlem, 8 . 332)

Originally described from Madagascar, where it was reared from galls of an unidentified host. As mentionecl above, the author is inclined to consider iVandraka RISE. as a mere subgenus of Leptacts FORST. RISBEC (1957) r e p ~ r t e d this peculiar species also from Reun~on. H e states that the material exam~ned differs in some respects from the original diagnosis (RISBEC, 1953), and, therefore these specimens were included in Mandraka by Rrssmc only provisionally. T h e present author was able to check one female from the material mentioned above and discovered that it belongs to the new specles (see below Leptncrs ~tsbect n. sp.).

T h e male of L. (iblandraka) paz~ltanz was - up to now - unknown. The author discovered one male in materials of Musee Royal du Congo Belge which belongs - no doubt - to this species. It corresponds perfectly to the description of female, excepting the characters of secon-

dary sexual dimorphism (i.e. antenna, abdominal sclerites, total body- length). Fig. 35 illustrates the shape of antenna.

Material examlned : 1 9 , 1 $ (allotype). Locality : Madagascar : Mandraka (locus classicus), Febr. 1944, A.

SEYRIC Igt, reared from galls of an unidentified host. Allotype in coll. Musee Royal du Congo Belge.

Leptacis oculata n. sp. (figs. 18, 19, 46)

Male : black; antennae and legs entirely yellow, joints of antenna] club somewhat darker; wings slightly infuscatecl.

Head : seen from front - broader than high (46 : 37). Vertex carinated, but no too much elevatetl. Ocelli arranged in a very low rri- angle, the lateral ones remote from eye-margin at a half of their own diameter. Eyes protruded in blunt horns above. Surface of Erons, ver:ex ancl occiput with a leather-like sculpture, but, still somewhat shining. Antenna see fig. 19.

Pronotum well tlevelopect, visible from above, with delicate sculpture, slightly shining. Mesoscutum rather tlull, with very fine sculptr~re (much more delicate than that of L. seyrigi n. sp.), covered by sparse hairs. No parapsitles present. Mesopleurae smooth, mirror-like shining, separatetl from meaoFternun1 by n prominent arched ridge. Scutellum elongated, sharply pointed apically, showing more piles on its surface than the mesoscutum. Tegulae smooth, shining. bfetapleurae in sculpture similar to mesopleurae, bearing some hairs along the hind margin. Proporleum in the middle with a prominent translucitle keel (lower than in L. .seyrigi n. sp.), nearly bare above.

Petiolus distinctly elongated (20 : 14), bare above, with scattered piles aside. Gaster like in L. seyrigi n. sp.

Length : 1,5 mm approx. Female : unknown. Material examined : 1 (holotype), 2 $ 8 (paratypes). Localities : Madagascar : Ambositra, Febr., 1944, A. SEYRIG Igt. (holo-

type); Mt. d'Ambre, Dec., 1948, R. PAUI.IAN Igt. (paratypes). Holotype in coll. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris. T h e name used refers to a strange shape of eyes, never seen among

Leptacis-species so far studied. Leptacis oculata belongs - no doubt - to the first group of species.

The shape of the eyes is a strange and unique character, causing the exclusive position of this species within Leptacis. It is noticed that the both paratype-specimens mentioned differ slightly from the holotype by having the apex of scutellar spine curved somewhat downwards. The

Head : in frontal view - slightly higher than broad (30 : 28); frons shining but yet with iine sculpture; the space between median ocellus and the top of vertexial ridge with rather rough leather-like sculpture. Lateral ocelli remote from eye-margin at their own diameter. Vertex highly elevated to form a remarkable ridge. Antenna see fig. 24.

Pleurae of the thorax shining, sculptureless and hairless. Dorsum finelly leather-like sculptured, covered by disperse hairs. Scutellum considerably shortened, but yet conspicuously elongated. Propodeum covered by a lather-like membrane which is forked medially and highly elevated laterally to form two prominent keels.

Petioius distinctly elongated (13 : 9), quite smooth ancl highly polishetl dorsally, with short gracil piles aside. Base of seconcl tergite lacking the usual deep fovae, but showing a regular fine crenulation along the whole front edge. Second tergite itself longer than the remaining tergites combined (37 : 25). Sixth tergite of very characteristical shape, being triangular in shape ant1 sharply pointed apically.

Length : 1,25 mm approx. Male : like the female, excepting the Sorm of antennae (fig. 20) and

partially that oE abdomen. Length : 1.15 ninl appros. Material examined : 1 P (holotype); 1 s (allotype). Localities : Belgian Congo : N. Lac Iiivu, Rwankwi, May 1948,

J. V. LEROY Igt. (holotype). Belgian Congo : N. Lac Iiivu, Rwankwi, Febr., I5th., 1952, J. V.

LEROY Igt. (allotype). Both holotype antl allotype in Musee Royal tlu Congo Belge,

Tervuren. The name used refers to one of the farnous N Three musketeers r.

Leptacis athos n. sp. cannot be interchanged with any of the species dealt with here because of its anomalous prolmtleal membrane. Also the shape of head antl that of scutellar spine are typical characters.

Leptacis aranea n. sp. (figs. 8, 36, 55)

Female : brown; head black, legs, antennae, petiolus, prosternum, scutellar spine and partially also propodeum honey-yellow; thorax brownish, with paler margins, gaster pale-brown; wings broken off.

Head : seen from front - broader than high (32 : 27); frons with very fine sculpture, but yet considerably shining. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at their own diameter. Vertex perfectly ronndecl, with rougher sculpture than that of frons. Antennae see fig. 36.

Thorax dull and covered by sparse hairs. Prothorax well developed above, hairless aside. Mesopleurae with longitudinal striae in the upper half, nearly mirror-like shining in lower half. Hind margin of mesoscutum protruded backwards to form a hyaline nail-like formation which overlaps the base of scutellum. This area shows more intensive pilosity. Scutellar spine extremely thin, the scutellum itself is strongly compressed laterally. Propodeum shows an elevated hyaline central keel and a stripe of short dense hairs along each side.

Petiolus remarkably elongated. Gaster obtuse apically. Length : 1.25 mm approx. Male : unknown. Material examined : 1 P (holotype). Locality : Belgian Congo : Yawinawina, Xug., 1948, P. L. G. BENOIT

lgt. Holotype in lfusee Royal du Congo Belge, Tervuren (wings broken

otE). The name used refers to an anomalous length of legs - a character

widely distributetl among spitlers. Leptacis arcinen n. rp. is one of the most interesting species in Leptacis - bo far known. The length of antennae is :L very striking character, like that of thirtl antenna1 joint, which is longer than the fourth one. In spite of the fact that only one specimen with broken wings was available, there is no reason to hesitate with the description here, because of the unique and extraordinary characters of the species dealt with.

Leptacis aramis n. sp. (figs. 12, 21, 51)

Female : black; legs and scape honey-yellow; wings without darkness. Head : inconspicuously higher than broad (28 : 26); frons with very

fine sculpture, but yet shining. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at a half of their own diameter. Temples, vertex and occiput with distinct leather-like sculpture, this being rougher than that of frons. Vertex perfectly obtuse, showing no ridge at all.

Thorax predominantly shining; pleurae shining throughout like pronotum. lMesoscuttum finely sculptured. Scutellum with denser pilosity than that of mesoscutum and pronotum. Pro.podeum with whitish hairs aside. Wings with extremely long fringes.

Petiolus transverse (10 : 6), intensively hairy ventrally and at the posterior margin. Second tergite with two hairy pits (fovae) anteriorly. Gaster obtuse apically.

Length : 0.8 mm approx. Male : unknown.

Material examined : 1 9 . Locality : Belgian Congo : Katanga, env. d'Elisabethville, galerie

forestiere de la Kisanga, Sept., 1948, N. LELEUP Igt. Holotype in Musee Royal d u Congo Belge, Tervuren. T h e name used refers to one of the famous u Three musketeers D. This gracil species is closely related to L. macrotoma (KIEFFER), L.

terricola n. sp. and L. nana n. sp., from which it differs mainly by its extraordinary long 4th antennal joint. Inspite of its having transverse petiolus, it belongs doubtlessly to Leptacis FBRST. and no to Synopeas F'ORST. This is to emphasise here that the chief difference between both genera mentioned depends on various structures of the base of abdomen. While in Leptncis-species petiolus is quite well visib'le (i.e. the abdomen is apparently petiolatecl), in Synopeas-species petiolus is always strongly transverse - nearly ring-like in shape - and closely attached to propodeum, so that the abdomen looks like subsessile. This character is combined with intensive pilosity, which covers in Synopeas the propodeum, petiolus and the base of second abdominal tergite. I t is also worth to notice that practically all Synopeas-species show only very short fringes in fore-wings, while those in Leptncis (chiefly the smaller ones) exhibit very long fringe-hairs.

Leptacis kivuensis (RISBEC) - comb. n. (figs. 7, 26, 27)

1958, Pzestopleura kivzienszs RISBEC, Ann. Mus. R. Congo Belge, So, Zool., 64 : 132-134.

RISBEC (1958) lncluded this species in Ptestopleuia FORST. T h e present author 1s lnclined to consider this specles for a typical Leptacts (paratype examined). L. kzvzlenszs is closely related to L. lnsularts n. sp. and perhaps also to Synopeas montzcola (KIEFF.). T h e specific character of kzvuenszs is the shape of 4th and 5th antennal joints in female. I t seems this species is not rare in Central Africa.

Material examined : 1 p (paratype) + 18 specimens ( p p , 8 8 ) . Localities : Belgian Congo : N. Lac Kivu, Rwankwi, Febr., 15th..

1952, J. V. LEROY Igt. (the same also Dec., 1951). Type-material in Musee Royal d u Congo Belge, Tervuren; material

examined partially in the collection mentioned, partially in coll. L. MASNER (Ent. Dept. Nat. Mus. Praha).

Leptacis celisi (RISBEC) - comb. n. (figs. 10, 28, 41)

1958, Piestopleura Celisi RISBEC, Ann. Mus. R. Congo Belge, So, Zool., 64 : 130-132.

Like preceding species, included originally by RISBEC (1958) in Pzesto- plet~ra FORST. A very remarkable species, showing certaln relations to the first group of species (i.e. L. seyrzgz, L . oculata, L. rzsbect, etc.). T h e shape of scutellar 5pine (lateral aspect) is a specific character of celzsz.

Material exam~ned : 1 9 (holotype). Male : unknown. Locality : Belgian Congo : Kivu, terr. Lubero, Est Mont Kibatsiro,

July 12th., 1954, R. P. M. J. C f t ~ s Igt. Habits : specimen taken from the soil by BERLESE'S apparatus. Holotype in coll. Musee Royal du Congo Belge, Tervuren.

Leptacis letoyi (RISBEC) - comb. n. (figs. 9, 30, 39, 43)

1958, Piestoplezim Leroy RISBEC, Ann. Muc. R. Congo Belge, So, Zool., 64 : 134-135. Inclutfetl by RISEEC (1958) in Pzestople~i~a FOR~T. One of the most

remarkable apecles, showing an anomalous form of antenna in the female. In the same way, the shape of scutellar splne IS also a speciflc one. Tenth antenna1 joint in female shows a trace oE a transverse suture; the author is not inclined to consitler this one for a regular suture existing among joints. In other case, the antenna woultl be I l jo~nted, which is a qulte unexpectable character \+:thin Leptcrczs. The male e x h ~ b ~ t s the usual 10-jointer1 antennae

>laterla1 exam~ned : 1 P (paratype), 2 9 9 , 2 6 8 . Localities : Belgian Congo : N. Lac Kivu, Rwankw~, Dec., 1951, J. V.

LEROY Igt.: the same Febr., 15th, 1952. Tanganyika terr.; K~limandjaro, hlarangu, July 1957 (2001. Exp. East Africa, BASILE~SKY and N. N, LELEUP).

The last mentioned locality refers to male captured in a cultivated forest area 1600-1750 m.a.s.1.

Type-mater~al in MusCe Royal du Congo Belge, Tenwren.

Leptacis macrotoma (KIEFFER) - comb. n. (figs. 3, 22)

1910, Amblyaspis macrotoma KIEFFER, Ergeb. Zentr.-Afr. Exp., 3 : 2. 1926, Proleptacts macrotoma KIEFFER, Das Tierreich, 48 : 634.

As mentioned already in the preface, the genus Proleptacls KIEFFER is considered to be unnecessarily proposed and thus synonymous with Leptaczs FORST. Unfortunately, the present author was not able to compare the material dealt with here w ~ t h KIEFFER'S type-material. I n this way, there is a possibility of misinterpretation, though the specimens examined appear to be conspecific with KIEFFER'S species, excepting the fact that they are somewhat smaller.

Material examined : 3 p p ; male unknown. Localities : previously recorded from western slopes of Ruwenzo

(1800 d.a.s.l., February), near lake Albert-Eduard (KIEFFER'S record). - Material examined : Ruanda : Kayove, terr. Kisenyl, 2000 m.a.s.l., Febr.. 14th, 1953, P. BASILEW~KY lgt.; Belgian Congo : Yawlnawina, 1948, P. L. G. BENOIT lgt.; Tanganylka; terr. Mt. hferu, Olkokola, 2700m.a.s.l., June 1957, P. BASILEWSKY and N. LELEUP Igt.).

Location of type-material unknown to the author. Material examined in ?vIuske Royal du Congo Belge, Tervuren (part) and coll. L. MASNER (Ent. Dept. Nat. Mus., Praha) (part).

Lepta& limnocharis (KIEFFER) - comb. n. (figs. 2, 38)

1910, Amblyaspis limnocharis KIEFFER, Ergeb. Zentr.-Afr. Exp., 3 : 3. 1926, Proleptacis lirnnocharis KIEFFER, Das Tierreich, 48 : 63.

I n the material examined there are two males which correspond perfectly with KIEFFER'S original cliagnosis. T h e special structure of male's antenna is not consideretl to be a reliable character for the creation of an independent genus. Consequently, in this direction (see preface) lim- nociiaris (KIEFF.) is transferred to Leptncis F ~ R S T . KIEFFER'F type-material was not available for comparison.

Material examined : 2 p p ; female unknown. Locality : Belgian Congo : N. Lac Kivu, Kwankwi, Febr. 15th., 1952,

J. V. LEROY Igt. T h e location of the type-material is unknown to the author. Material

examined in coll. Mus. Rov. Congo Belge, Tervuren @art) and coll. L. MASNER (Ent. D q t . Nat. Mus., Praha) (part).

Leptacis pumilio n. sp.

Male : black; legs and scape honey-yellow, flagellum brown; wings without darkness.

Head : seen from front - nearly rounded, frons slightly sculptured, vertex and occiput with rougher polygonal cells. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at their diameter. Vertex rounded, showing no trace of sharp ridge.

Thorax smooth and shining; mesoscutum with very fine sculpture, but yet strongly shining. Scutellar spine situated somewhat lower than usual (lateral aspect), so that the space between it and the upper edge of propodeum is very narrow.

Abdomen distinctly petiolated, petiolus slightly transverse (5 : 4), covered with sparse hairs like two pits situated on the base of the second tergite.

Length : 0.45 mm approx. Female : unknown. Material examined : 1 8 (holotype). Locality : Madagascar : Fampanambo, Naroantsetra N., Match Znd.,

1956, J. V A D ~ N Igt. Holotvpe in Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris. Derivat~on of the name used is based on the extraorrlinary small

dimensions of this pygmy. Leptncrs pz~mllzo is characterbed first of all by a special shape of

scutellar spine, obtuse vertex and small body. In the same way, the form of antennae is also a typical one.

Leptacis longispinula n. q.

Male : black; legs ant1 scape orange-yellow, scutellar spine antl petiolus reddish: wings inconspicuously infuscated.

Heat1 : in frontal aspect rouncletl; frons with clistinct sculpture, just above the antenna1 insertion is an area of very rough transverse wrinkles; above this peculiar sculpture there are two types of sculpture on the frons - along the inner orbit is a stripe of fine leather-like sculpture, and, in the lnicltlle of the frons, there is a continuation of transverse wrinkles (see above), these being but very fine and nearly inconspicuous. There is to be found a small smooth area around the median ocellus. Vertex antl occiput coarsly sculptured, especially the vertex shows in the sculpture some transverse elements. Vertexial ridge present, sharp, but not too much elevated. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at a half of their own diameter.

Thorax finely sculptured above, smooth and shining aside. Pronotum well developed above, with sparse hairs. Mesoscutum with denser pi!o- sity, especially along the hind margin. T h e base of scutellum with a very long silvery hairs. Hind margin of metapleurae, sides of propodeum and base oE hind coxae intensively hairy.

Petiolus elongated, with hairs laterally and ventrally. Base of second tergite with two hairy pits. Second tergite longer than remaining tergites combined (47 : 10).

Length : 1.6 mm approx. Female : unknown. Material examined : 1 $ (holotype). Locality : Madagascar : Manjakatompo, July 6th, 1956, E. R. Igt. Holotype in Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris. T h e name used refers to the extraordinary long scutellar spine. Leptacis longispinula belongs - no doubt - to the first group of

species. owing to its great dimensions. I n the key however, it is nearest to L. limnocharts (KIEFFER), from which i t differs chiefly by having a quite other shape of scutellum (longe spine) and that of 4th antenna1 joint (see key).

Leptacis risbeci n. sp. (figs. 1, 31)

1957, klandmka Pazlliani R r s s ~ c , err., Mkm. Inat. sci. Matlagascar, 8 : 332.

Female : black; legs and scape honey-yellow, scutellar spine and petiolus dark like thorax and abtlomen: wings slightly infuscated.

Head : in frontal aspect rounded; frons with very fine sculpture, somewhat shining; vertex with sharp, but not highly elevated ridge. Lateral oceili remote from eyes at their own diameter. Antennae fee fig. 31.

Dorsum of the thorax finely sculptured, hairy, pleurae smooth and shining, practically bare. Scutellar spine very short, tlirectect slightly upwards, when seen from above, blunt apically (finger-nail-like in shape). Propodeum with moderately elevated, median keel, hairy aside like the posterior margin of metapleurae.

Petiolus elongated, intensively hairy ventrally and aside. Two pits with hairs on the base of second terglte. Gaster moderately obtuse apically.

Length : 1.1 mm approx. ,Male : unknown. Mater~al examined : 1 p (hototype) monted In micropreparate,

bearing RIFBEC'S label x ~Wznrlmkn Pa~llrant RESBEC, R e m p a ~ t de Be- louve, Reunion *; remaining females (see RISBEC, 1957) were not examined.

Locality : Isl. Reunion : Bklouve, Jan., 26th, 1955. Holotype in Mu$. Hist. Nat., Paris; paratypes in coll. Inst. sci Mada-

gascar, Tananarive. I t is a great honour for the author to dedicate this remarkable species

to Mr. JEAN RISBEC. Leptacis risbect belongs doubtlessly to the first group of species, and

should be placed in the neighbourhood of Leptacts seyrzgt, from which it is clearly separable by a different shape of scutellum. RISBEC (1957) classsified provisionally a row of specimens of this species to i\fandraka paulzanz RISB. T h e present author recognized that these specimens represent a new species, and, with kind approval of Mr. J. RISBEC, is taking the liberty to describe it here.

Leptacis ambrensis n. sp.

Male : blanck; legs orange-yellow, coxae black, hind third of femora and tibiae of hind legs dark-brown till black, scape orange-yellow, the remaining portion of antennae pale-brown; wings rather infuscated.

Head : In frontal aspect slightly broader than hlgh (40 : 35); frons above antennal InsertLon with rough transverse wrinkles (like In L. longtspzntiln), the upper portion of frons and the vertex w ~ t h regular fine sculpture. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes more than at a half of t h e ~ r own diameter. Vertex with sharp ridge, but not too much elevated (not as in L seylrgi or L. (~Mnndraka) paztltnnr). In general, the antenna like In L seyllg (comp. fig. 33).

Thorax like in the majority of species finely sculptured and hairy above, with smooth antl shining pleurae. Scutellar spine - when viewed tlorsally - obtuse apically because of its linger-nail-like shape. In this respect, L. nmbi.ensis recalls L. risbeci, L. scyrigi antl L. (Mandrakn) pnziliani KISBEC. Prol~ocleum with a raised central keel.

Petiolus moclerntely elongatetl (16 : I j ) , bare above, hairy ventrally and aside. Two small hairy pits on the base of secontl tergite.

Length : 1.4 mnl npprox. Female . unknown. Materlal evam~necl : I 8 (holotvpe). Localitv . Madagascar : Mt. tf'Xmbre, Dee, 1948, RENALD PAVLIAN Igt. Holotvpe in Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris. T h e name used refers to the c loccta classicus B of this species.

Leptaczs nrnbrensis forms a natural unit together with related species of the First group of species like L. seyngz, L. aczrlata, L. nsbecz a.s.0. In the key, however, it runs in couplet with L. kiuuensts (RISBEC), which is - from the standpoint of phylogeny - very far from it. The narrow membrane of the scape proves again that genus i\fandmka Rrss. should be considered at most as a subgenus of Leptacts FORST.

Leptafis insularis n. sp.

Female : black; legs and scape bright honey-yellow, petiolus reddish. scutellar spine pale-yellow; antennal club pale-brown; wings without darkness.

Head nearly rounded; frons finely sculptured. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at their diameter. Vertex nearly without ridge, only a very feeble trace [in contradiction to that of L. kiuzrensts (RIsB.)] of same present. Antenna like that of L. kzuzlensts (Rrs~.) (comp. fig. 27).

Thorax - as usually - finelly scupltured, scutellum and propodeum with dense silvery ham. Scutellar spine rather short, shorter than in L. klvuensts (RIsB.).

Petiolus nearly square in shape, bare above, hairy ventrally and aside. Gaster rather obtuse apically.

Length : 0.6 mm approx. Male : unknown. Material examined : 1 p (holotype). Locality : Madagascarian area : Isl. Clorieuse, Sept., 1958, R. PAULIAN

lgt. Holotype in Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris. T h e name used refers to the occurence on an island. Leptacis instilnris approaches remarkably to L. kivztensis (RISBEC), in

having the antenna of the same form. Especially the shape of 4th antennal joint is a very typical one. It differs from RISBEC'S species (Central-African species) by having no distinct vertexial ridge and scutellar spine shorter.

Leptacis nana n. sp.

Female : black; legs ant1 scape bright honey-yellow, scutellar ,pine reddish; wings incolorous.

Head : seen from front - nearly rounded; frons with very fine sculpture, but yet somewhat shining. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at their own diameter. Vertex obtuse, showing no trace of a ridge.

Thorax prevalently finely sculptured and nearly hairless - except scutellum and propodeum. Scutellar spine somewhat blunt apically.

Pet~olus nearly square in shape, ventrally and aside hairy. Two hziry pits on the base of second tergite. Gaster nearly obtuse apically.

Length : 0.75 mm approx. Male : unknown.

Material examined : 1 q (holotype). Locality : Madagascar : Nosy. Komba, 500 m.a.s.l., May 1956, A. R.

Igt. Holotype in Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris. T h e name used refers to small dimensions of the insect dealt with. In the key, L. nana runs to common couplet with L. macrotoma

(KIEFF.), from which it differs clearly by a shorter scutellar spine and square petiolus.

Lepta& temcola n. sp. (fig. 29)

Female : black; legs, scape and scutellar spine orange-yellow; wings nearly quite clear.

Head : in frontal aspect rounded; frons finely sculptured, shining. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at a half of their own diameter. Vertex obtuse, without any trace of a ridge. Antennae see fig. 29.

Thorax - as usually - finelly sculptured dorsally, smooth ancl shining on the pleurae. Propodeum and scutellum with silvery hairs.

Petiolus nearly square in shape. Two silvery pits on the base of second tergite. Gaster obtuse apically.

Length : 1.0 mm. approx. Male : unknown. Material examined : 1 p (holotype). Locality : CBte cl'Ico~re, Reserve rlu Banco, R. P A I I L I ~ N & C. DEW-

MARE lgt. Bionon~y : unknown; taken from the sod in the night. Holotype in hlus. Hist. Nat., Paris. The name used referr to probable terrestric (or remiterrestric) be-

haviours of this species. Lrptacrs terrtcola is a typical representative of the second group ot

species, being closely related to L. macrotomn (KIEFF.), from which it differs chiefly in the form of antenna1 club.

Leptacis kltanga n. 5p. (figs. 11, 37, 40)

Female : black; legs, scape and scutellar spine orange-yellow; wings nearly quite clear.

Head : reen from front - rounded; frons finely sculptured, somewhat shining. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at a half of their own diameter. Vertex rounded, showing no ridge at all. Antenna see fig. 37.

Dorsum of thorax finely sculptured, covered by sparse hairs. Pleurae smooth and shining. Hind margin of metapleurae and sides of propodeum bearing rather long silvery hairs.

Petiolus transverse, but yet good visible, so that the abdomen is distinctly petiolated. Two hairy pits on the base of second tergite. Sixth tergite of a remarkable shape, being triangular and sharply pointed apically.

Length : 1.0 mm approx. Male : unknown. Material examined : 1 p (holotype).

- 26 -

Locality : Belgian Congo : Katanga, galerie forestikre de la Kisanga, env. d'Elisabethv~lle, Sept., 1948, N. LELEUP Igt.

Holotype In Musee Royal d u Congo Belge, Tervuren. The name used refers to the country of occurrence - the southern $

part of Belgian Congo - Katanga. a

Leptacts katangn n. sp. is a very typical species characterized by ; aharply pointed gaster, rounded vertex and elongatecl 4th antenna1 '

joint. It belongs doubtlessly to the seconcl group of specles.

Leptacis africana n. sp. (figs. 6, 25, 53)

Female : black; Iegs, scape, petiolus and scutellar spine 21oney-yellow; wings quite clear.

Head : in frontal aspect nearly rounded; frons with delicate polygonal cells, strongly shining. Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at a half of their own diameter. Vertex with sharp but not too much elevated ridge. Antenna see fig. 25.

Dorsum of the thorax with very fine sculpture, ahining, with scattered piles. Pleurae smooth ancl shining throughout,.

Petiolus distinctly elongatecl, covered by short silvery hairs. Gaster remarkably elongated, rather narroxc, rnltch nnrrorvel. than in any related species. Sixth abdominal tergite in form oE a plate, which is as long as three foregoing tergites combinecl. .\pex of the said plate is slightly pointed.

Length : 0.75 mm approx. Male : unknown. Material examined : 1 P (holotype). Locality : Belgian Congo : Katanga, galerie forestikre tle la Kisanga,

env. d'Zlisabethville, Sept., 1948, N. LELEUP Igt. Holotype in M u s k Royal d u Congo Belge, Tervuren. The name used refers to the African Continent, where the species

occurs. Leptacts afrtcana is chiefly characterized by an elongated shape of

abdomen and the sixth tergite as well. I t belongs to the second group of species, being related to species like L. macrotoma (KIEFFER) and L. aramts n. sp.

Leptacis dux n. sp. (figs. 15, 23, 42, 50)

Female : black; Iegs, scape and scutellar spine reddish-brown; wings clear.

Head : in frontal aspect rounded; frons with rather rough sculpture.

Lateral ocelli remote from eyes at a half of their own diameter. Vertex with sharp ridge not too much elevated, but, distinctly conspicuous. .antenna see fig. 29.

Dorsum of thorax finely sculptured, with scattered hairs; pleurae smooth and shining. Scutellar spine massive, very long, overlapping nearly the whole petiolus (lateral aspect). Propodeurn covered by silvery hairs.

Petiolus nearly square in shape. Two hairy pits on the base of second tergite. Caster short, stout, perfectly obtuse apically.

Length : 1.0 mm approx. Male : unknown. Material examined : 2 P P (holotype ant1 parat)pe). Localities : (holotype) Belgian Congo : N. Lac Kivu, Rwankwi, Febr.,

15th, 1952, J . V. LEROY Igt.; (paratype) Uganda : Bugiri, 1400 m.a.>.l., Aug., 1957, P. BASILEIVSKY and N. LELEUP 1gt.

Bionomy : unknown; paratype-specimen (Uganda) captureti at light. Type material (holotype ant1 paratype) in .\Iuske Royal du Congo

Belge, Tervuren. The name used refers to a massive scutellar spine which is like a

a~vortl (tlux = lender). L r / ) l n c i s drix is a tv~~ical representative ol the becontl group of species.

It is closely related to L. porthos (described below), Crom which i t tliffers by a longer scutellar spine. T h e author is not quite sure as to whether both species mentioned are not conspecific in fact. There is namely no other distinguishing character apart from said scutellar spine. There are needed rearing-records to solve this problem.

Leptacis porthos n. sp. (figs. 16).

Female : black; legs, scape ant1 scutellar spine honey-yellow; wings clear.

Heat1 : in frontal aspect rounded; frons distinct11 sculptured, but vet shining Lateral ocelll remote from eyes at a half of their own diameter. Vertex w ~ t h a ctist~nct, but not much elevated ridge. Antenna comp. with that of fig. 23.

Thorax like in preceding species, excepting only the length of scutellar spine, which is shorter (i.e. not overlapp~ng the petiolus).

Petiolus moderately square in shape. Caster extremely broad, stout and short, perfectly obtuse apically.

Length : 1.0 mm approx. Male : unknown. Material examined : 1 p (holotype).

Locality : Belgian Congo : N. Lac Kivu, Rwankwi, Dec., 1951, J. V. 2 LEROY Igt.

Holotype in MusCe Royal du Congo Belge, Tervuren. The name used refers to stout shape of body, a typical character of

one of the famous n Three musketeers -.. Leptacfs porthos belongs to the second group of species, being charac-

terized by shorter, but very massive scutellar spine, sharp vertex and distinctly elongated 4th antenna1 joint in female. It remains to be de- cided (see also above) as to whether it is a * good species * or a mere variety of L. dux.

SUMMARY

This paper deals with Ethiopian representatives of the Platygasteride- genus Leptacis FORST., and is to be considered as a first attempt to revise this difficult genus from the whole Zoogeographic Region. In the preface, the generic diagnosis of Leptacis FORST. is discussed and Eol- lowing changes are proposed : Proleptacis KIEFF. is considered synonym of Leptacis FURST., Anacouypl~e DEB. antl illnndrakn Rlsn. are considered subgenera of Leptucis. Synopeas FURST. antl Ectadiz~s F~RST. are considered valid genera. Proleptacis 'limnocharis (KIEFF.) and Pro- leptacis macrotoma (KIEFF.) are transferred to Leptacis; Proleptacis monticola (KIEFF.) to Synopeas FORST.; Leptacis pauliani RISB. to Synopeas FORST.; Piestopleura celisi RISE., Piestopleura leroyi RISB., and Piestopleura Itivz~ensis RISR. to Leptacis, while Piestopleura congoana Rrss. to Synopeas FORST. Simultaneously, 17 new species of Leptacis are described : L. aranea, L. athos, L. katanga, L. africana, L. dux, L. porthos, L. aramis, L. terricola, L. nana, L. insularis, L. cm- brensis, L. risbeci, L . longispinula, L. xestonota, L. seyrigi, L. oculata, L. pumilio spp., n. A short discussion, including an attempt to classify all species mentioned above, is added.

REFERENCES

DEBAUME, H. R., 1947. - Scelionidae de la faune belge. - Bzrll. et Ann. Soc. ent. Relg., 83 : 255-285.

FORSTER, A., 1856. - Hymenopterologische Studien, v. 2, Aachen. Fou~s , R. M., 1924. - Revision of the North American wasps of the

subfamily Platygasterinae. - Proc. U. S. Nat. M u , 65 ; 1-145.

FOUTS, R. M., 1934. - Report on a small collection of parasitic Hyme- noptera from Italian Somaliland. - iMem. Soc. ent. ztal., 13 : 98-109.

KIEFFER, J. J., 1910. - Ergebn. D. Zentr. Afnk. Exp., 3 : 2-3. KIEFFER, J. J., 1926. - Scelionidae. - Das Tierretch, 48 . 632-634. MUESEBECK, C. F. W. & WALKLEY, L. M., 1951. - Hymenoptera of h e -

rica north of ~Mexico. - U. S. Dept. Agrtc., Agric. ~Mono- graph., 2.

MUESEBECX, C. F. W. & WAKLEY, L. M., 1956. - Type species of the genera and subgenera of parasitic wasps comprising the super- fam~ly Proctotrupoidea (Order Hymenoptera). - Pjoc. U. S. Mus., 105 : 319-419.

RISBEC, J., 1953. - Proctotrupidae de Madagascar (Especes recoltees par M. R. P&uLI\N). - iMtm. Inst. sci. ~llndngnscar, 3 : 313-348.

Rrssec, J , 1957. - Hymenopteres Proctotrup~dae et Chalcidoldes. - Mtm. Inst. sci. i\.ladngnscnr, 8 : 321 366.

R~ssec, J., 1958. - Contributions h la connalssance des Hymenopteres, Chdlc~cloides et Proctotrupoides tle I'ifrlque Nolre. - Ann. i\ltis. Roy. Congo Belge, (80, Zool., 64 1.139

SZELLNYI, G. VOU, 1958. - Ueber einige d u ~ c h Zucht erhaltene Scelio- niden und Bethyliden (H>menoptera). - Ann. Hist. ~llzts. Nut. Hung, 50 : 261-270.

i Fig. 19-30. - Antenna

C 19) L. oculuta n. sp. j , 201 L. athos n. sp. 8 , 21) L. aramis n. sp. p , 22) L. macrotoma (KIEFF.) p , 23) L. dux n. sp. p . U) L. dux n. sp. p , 24) L athos n. sp. p , 25) L. ufricana n. sp. p . 26) L. kivuensis (RIss.1 $ , 27) L. kivrcensis (RIsB.) 6 . 27) L. kivuensis (RISE.) p , 28) L. celisi (RISEJ p . 29) L.

terricola n. sp. p . 30) L. leroyi (RISE.) p .

Documents

A revision of the African species the genus LeptacLs Forst