Taxonomic revision of the assassin-fly genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Insecta, Diptera, Asilidae)

Abstract

The genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Diptera: Asilidae: Brachyrhopalinae) is revised. Currently, three species are known from Namibia and western South Africa, i.e. Microphontes megoura Londt, 1994 from north-western South Africa, Microphontes safra Londt, 1994 from Namibia and Microphontes whittingtoni Londt, 1994 from western South Africa. Four new species, Microphontes ericfisheri sp. n. from the Little Karoo of South Africa, Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. from the Namib desert of Namibia and Microphontes jasonlondti sp. n. and Microphontes kryphios sp. n. from western South Africa, are described. Distribution, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International and seasonal incidence are discussed. Descriptions/redescriptions, photographs and identification keys are provided and made openly accessible in data repositories to support future studies of the included taxa. An unusual flight pattern of male Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. is discussed. A unique morphological feature on tergite 8 of Microphontes females, termed postero-paramedian T8 pores, is described, illustrated and discussed.