A review of the genus Gibbasilus Londt, 1986 in southern Africa (Diptera, Asilidae)

By

Londt, Jason G.H.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2016-7-8

Original Publication

African invertebrates : a journal of biodiversity research

Volume

57

Series / Issue

Issue: 1

Pages

67--81

Subjects

Afrotropical , Asilidae , Asilinae , Gibbasilus , new species , Restionaceae

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Council of the Natal Museum 2001-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/afrinvertebr.57.8696

 

Abstract

Gibbasilus Londt, 1986, a small genus of asiline Asilidae endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa, is taxonomically revised. Three species are described for the first time (alboala, condylus, crinitus) and added to those already known (arenaceus, brevicolis, centrolobus). A key for the identification of species is provided. Little is known of their biology, but a close association with species of Restionaceae, a dominant element of the Cape Floristic Region, has been observed. It is suspected that females, which possess long, laterally compressed, knife-like ovipositors, use these plants as oviposition sites.