Iselma brunneipes Haag-Rutenberg 1879

Iselma brunneipes species group

This South African group includes seven species (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008, 2010), distributed in the Succulent Karoo and only one associated to the Strandveld (I. endroedyyoungai). This group is greatly heterogenous and is composed of large-sized species, with entirely reddish or partially black elytra and subserrate antennomeres. The Namibian distribution of both I. brunneipes and I. piscatrix is strictly related to the small portion of Succulent Karoo ecosystem extended in the extreme southwestern Namibia.

Iselma brunneipes Haag-Rutenberg, 1879 (Fig. 1D)

Distribution. Southwestern Namibia and western South Africa.

Material examined and literature records. [Karas] Lüderitz: Namuskluft 88, 27.8000°S 16.8667°E (Bologna et al. 2001; SMWN). Oranjemund: Boom River course, Kloof W, 22 km N of Orange River, 27.8330°S 17.0000°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; SMWN).

Remarks. Types of this species, described generically from “Capland”, were not examined, but we studied specimens compared with types at HNHM.

This species seems to be the most eriecious of the group, distributed primarily in the Succulent and Nama Karoo ecosystems, and marginally in the mountain Fynbos.

Iselma piscatrix Bologna, 2001 (Fig. 1E)

Distribution. Southwestern Namibia (endemic).

Material examined and literature records. [Karas] Karasburg: Gellap Ost 3, 23 km NW Keetmanshoop, 26.4060°S 18.0530°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; MNB); Southern Fish River Canyon top, 27.6333°S 17.6167°E (Bologna et al. 2001, type locality; CB; NHP); Karios 8 (Gondwana Canyon Park), Game Camp not fenced, 92 km S Keetmanshoop, 27.6765°S 17.8110°E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; CB; MNB); Karios 8 (Gondwana Canyon Park), Game Camp not fenced, 92 km S Keetmanshoop, 27.6767°S 17.8039°E (MNB); 100 km W from Noordoewer, 28.0708S 17.1280E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; SAMC); Rosh Pinah, 27.8800S 16.8300E (Pitzalis & Bologna 2008; HNHM).

Remarks. Holotype (NHP) and 9 paratypes (CB, NHP) were examined.

This species represents a micro-endemism of a small Namibian area around the terminal trait of the Fish River, characterized by Succulent Karoo ecosystem. Phylogenetically, it is strictly related to I. rufipennis, endemic to the southern Cape area.