A Review of Afrotropical Trichardis Hermann, 1906, and the Description of the First Oriental Representative of the Genus (Diptera: Asilidae: Laphriinae)

ABSTRACT The Afrotropical species of Trichardis Hermann, 1906 are reviewed, and the first species to be recorded from the Oriental Region is described. Brief descriptions are provided for all Afrotropical species studied, and keys supplied for their identification. The following new species are described: Afrotropical T. abdelkuri (Yemen), crassipala (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), eburacta (Ivory Coast, Nigeria), effrena (Namibia, South Africa), glabra (Gambia), hesperia (Gambia, Senegal), lavignei (Somalia), malawi (Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe), mellina (Eritrea), ornata (Chad), similis (Malawi), spicata (Mozambique), zinidi (Kenya, Tanzania); Oriental T. indica (India). The previously described species are redescribed: T. apicalis Oldroyd, 1974; cribrata (Loew, 1858); grisescens Engel, 1924; katangaensis Oldroyd, 1970; leucocoma (Wulp, 1899); nigrescens (Ricardo, 1903); picta Hermann, 1906; pohli Geller-Grimm, 2002; rueppelii (Wiedemann, 1828); terminalis Oldroyd, 1974; testacea (Macquart, 1838); turneri Oldroyd, 1974. A lectotype of Hoplistomera leucocoma Wulp, 1899 has been designated. The following new synonymies have been established: Trichardis lucifer Oldroyd, 1974 = Trichardis picta Hermann, 1906; Triclis rufescens Austen, 1914 = Trichardis leucocoma (Wulp, 1899).


INTRODUCTION
Trichardis  is primarily an Afrotropical genus. It is also recorded for the Palaearctic Region where four species, including one also found in the Afrotropics, were catalogued by Lehr (1988) (i.e. T. afanasievae Lehr, 1964;cinctella Séguy, 1934; leucocomus (Wulp, 1899); mongolica Richter, 1972). While this genus has not been previously recorded from any other region, I have found an undescribed species from India (Oriental Region), which is described at the end of this paper. The systematic position of the genus, which has been placed in both the Laphriinae and Laphystiinae, has been discussed by Londt (2007a, b) who recommends that it be treated, together with Perasis Hermann, 1905 andHoplistomerus Macquart, 1838, within the Laphriinae. These relatively small robber flies have been confused with the generally larger species of Hoplistomerus, and it is hoped that this paper will finally resolve any confusion that may still exist.
An adequate generic diagnosis is provided. If a fuller description is required that of Hull (1962) may be consulted. Species descriptions are brief and confined largely to characteristics that are considered helpful in the separation of species. Final illustrations were prepared from pencil drawings and do not depict setae that are not considered to have diagnostic value. Measurements were taken as follows: antennal postpedicel length (L) includes terminal style, depth (D) is taken at maximum level; wing length is from humeral crossvein to tip, breadth is taken at its maximum level; metathoracic (hind) femur length is measured in anterior view (excluding any part of coxa or trochanter), height is taken at its maximum level. Morphological terminology generally follows McAlpine (1981). TAXONOMY Genus Trichardis Trichardis Hermann, 1906. Type species: Laphria testacea Macquart, 1838, by designation of Hermann (1920: 177). Strobilothrix Becker, 1907: 42-43. Type species: Strobilothrix albipila [Hoplistomera leucocoma Wulp, 1899, by monotypy.
Diagnosis (Figs 1-4): Laphriine asilids (wing length <7 mm) with the following combination of characters. Head: Antennal postpedicel moderately elongate to clavate; proboscis small and hardly protruding beyond lower epistomal margin. Thorax: Postpronotal lobe with at least a few strongly developed macrosetae; anatergal macrosetae usually present; scutellum with weakly developed marginal macrosetae; Figs 1-4. Trichardis species: (1-3) T. testacea (Macquart, 1838): (1) dorsal view of entire male, (2) lateral view of entire male, (3) wing; (4) T. effrena sp. n., wing. See text for measurements. postmetacoxal area membranous; hind femora robust (length:breadth ratio <4), with a swollen appearance and usually equipped with ventral tubercles; hind leg of male usually lacking a tibial spur; vein R2+3 bent anteriorly at tip and joining R1 just before or at C; cell r 5 always closed; C continues fairly strongly along wing margin to Cu+A1 before becoming much weaker along anal cell and completely absent from alula. Abdomen: Terga with discal setae beyond T1 and lacking obvious golden setation. _ genitalia: Epandrium in dorsal view hardly if at all incised (i.e. not divided into lobes); hypandrium usually absent or at best poorly developed; gonocoxites usually closely associated ventrally and rarely with a median projection (when present it is short and medially directed) and commonly with mediodistal macrosetae. Notes: Hermann's original description makes reference to 'Hoplistomera' and includes figs 5 (antenna) and 7 (wing), but no indication of which species was involved. Hermann (1920) separates Trichardis from Strobilothrix on the basis of femoral setation. Oldroyd (1970: 247) says the genus is not easily separated from Hoplistomerus and provides a brief discussion of the characterisation of these taxa.
Abdomen: Anterior four terga dark red-brown, terminal two visible segments and hypopygium orange, apruinose except for narrow silver pruinose distolateral margins, setae transparent whitish. T2 dark red-brown, apruinose except for narrow silver pruinose posterior margins laterally.
_ genitalia (Figs 5,6): Epandrium in lateral view slightly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections distally and with mediodistally arranged macrosetae, mediodistal projection fairy slender with slightly upturned distal end. Gonostylus slender with straight distal end. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight with small terminal tubules. Variation: The paratype _ is slightly teneral and displays a few minor differences in coloration. Both scape and pedicel are yellowish brown and both have major setae black. Macrosetae of thorax and abdomen are transparent, lacking colour. The ^paratypes are similar to the holotype, but have the first five terga dark red-brown.
Distribution and biology: Known only from the type series. The species may be confined to the island of Abd el Kuri and has so far only been collected in May. No biological information is available. Similar species: T. abdelkuri is superficially very similar to nigrescens, but the species can be reliably separated on male genital features. Although I have seen relatively few specimens of both species, all specimens of abdelkuri have mesonotal, anepisternal and ocellar setae yellowish, while these setae are mostly black in nigrescens (some variation exists). These species are also somewhat similar to pohli, but easily separated on size and male genital form. Oldroyd, 1974 Figs 7, 8, 58 Trichardis apicalis : Oldroyd 1974: 120;1980: 355 (catalogue).
_ genitalia (Figs 9, 10): Epandrium in lateral view significantly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger fairly long and strongly dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium moderately developed, with characteristic bilobed shape distally. Gonocoxite in ventral view with moderately well-developed median projection distally and lacking macrosetae except for a group of small ones on median projection; mediodistal projection stout, broad, laterally flanged, strongly sclerotised with characteristic shape. Gonostylus short, slender, largely hidden by gonocoxite. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight with moderately well-developed trifurcate tip. Distribution and biology: The species is widely distributed in Africa north of the Equator, being found in West Africa (Mali, Burkina Faso), Central Africa (Niger) and East Africa (Sudan). Adults fly between May and August (no records for June), the northern hemisphere summer (Table 1). No information is available concerning habitat preference, but locality information suggests that this is a savannah species.
Similar species: A member of what is here called the 'cribrata species group' which consists of crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis, spicata and indica. These species are superficially similar, but can be easily separated on characters of the male genitalia. T. crassipala is most similar to similis in that both species have welldeveloped hypandria.
Abdomen: Dark red-brown with narrow brown-orange posterior margins, fine pale white setose. T2 dark red-brown, apruinose except for narrow weakly silver pruinose posterior margins laterally.
_ genitalia (Figs 11,12): Epandrium in lateral view significantly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections distally and with a row of about 7 mediodistally arranged macrosetae; mediodistal projection long, welldeveloped and with slightly upturned sclerotised distal end. Gonostylus stout with relatively straight and broadly rounded apex. Aedeagal prongs small, more or less straight and with small trifurcate tip. Type specimens: Despite an extensive search, I have not been able to trace the whereabouts of the type material. Loew's (1858) short description, in Latin, was based on '_ &^' from 'Caffraria (Wahlb.)'. As no holotype was designated his specimens must be considered syntypes. There is only one species from southern Africa that answers to the description, so I am confident that the material here assigned to this taxon has been correctly allocated, and that there is little need for a neotype to be designated. Type locality designation: Loew's material, collected by Wahlberg, came from 'Caffraria', a term used to cover much of the eastern part of present day Southern Africa. As Wahlberg passed through the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, I hereby designate the Mhlopeni Nat. Res., SE of Muden, as type locality as a good series has been collected there.
Distribution and biology: The species is a southern African endemic, distributed widely within the eastern half of the subregion (eastwards of about 23°E), but does not appear to occur along the subtropical and tropical eastern coast (Fig. 59). Adults fly during the summer months of October and March (there is a record for July that needs verification) ( Table 1). While little information is available concerning habitat, labels suggest that the species is found mainly in Acacia savannah and woodland. Similar species:  compared katangaensis with cribrata, but these species are in fact quite different in many respects. T. cribrata is a member of what is here called the 'cribrata species group' which consists of crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis, spicata and indica. These species are superficially similar, but can be separated on characters of the male genitalia. T. cribrata appears to be a fairly distinctive species within the group.
Trichardis eburacta sp. n. Figs 13,14 Etymology: From Latin ebur (ivory) and acta (shore). Refers to the country of Ivory Coast, where most of the type specimens were collected. Description (based on holotype in excellent condition): Head: Dark red-brown to black, fine silver pruinose except for much of face and frons. Antenna dark red-brown to black, black setose; postpedicel not markedly clavate (L:D=3.7:1). Mystax white with black macrosetae along epistomal margin. Ocellar tubercle with 2 macrosetae. Proboscis and palpi dark red-brown to black. Thorax: Dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose except for some shiny apruinose areas. Postpronotum medially silver pruinose, laterally apruinose; mesonotum largely apruinose except for lateral and posterior margins. Scutellum apruinose except for narrow anterior margin. Anepisternum with pale yellow posterior macroseta, dorsally and posteriorly pruinose, anteroventrally apruinose. Proepimeron pruinose except for posterior margin, katepisternum pruinose except for anterior margin, anepisternum entirely pruinose. Legs: Dark red-brown to black, pulvilli and empodium of similar length. Hind femur dark red-brown to black, length:height ratio 3.6:1, ventral tubercles well-developed. Hind tibia lacking ventrodistal spur. Wing: 4.3×1.7 mm. Costal vein well-developed and extending along much of wing margin, weakly along anal cell, absent from alula. Membrane extensively microtrichose-discal and r 5 cells entirely microtrichose. Abdomen: Dark red-brown to black anteriorly becoming progressively red-brown posteriorly. T2 dark red-brown, apruinose except for silver pruinose posterior margins laterally.
_ genitalia (Figs 13,14): Epandrium in lateral view significantly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed, lower valve long. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view with sharp median projection dorsodistally and without distally arranged macrosetae; mediodistal projection moderately well developed with fairly straight, broadly rounded distal end. Gonostylus fairly stout, jutting out beyond medial process of gonocoxite, with slightly upturned distal end. Aedeagal base with a short finger-like projection laterally; prongs more or less straight, stout, with small trifurcate tip. Distribution and biology: The species has only been found in West Africa. Adults fly during the summer months of April and June (Table 1). Little information is available concerning habitat, however, I collected specimens in woodland and open areas adjacent to forests. Similar species: T. eburacta is a member of what is here called the 'cribrata species group' which consists of crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis, spicata, and indica. These species are superficially similar, but can be separated on characters of the male genitalia. T. eburacta appears to be a fairly distinctive species, however it is most similar to crassipala and similis in that the hypandrium is better developed than in other species and the form of the gonocoxites is very similar. sp. n. Figs 4,15,16,59 Etymology: From Latin effrena (unrestrained). Refers to the absence of the costal vein along the posterior margin of the wing. Description (based on holotype in excellent condition): Head: Brown-orange, entirely fine silver pruinose. Antenna brown-orange except for distal part of postpedicel and style which are red-brown, setae orange; postpedicel clavate (L:D=2.4:1). Mystax uniformly shiny orange. Ocellar tubercle with 4 macrosetae. Proboscis proximally orange-brown distally dark red-brown, palpi orange-brown. Thorax: Brown-orange with some red-brown areas, extensively fine silver pruinose. Postpronotum medially pruinose, laterally apruinose; mesonotum brown-orange with red-brown dorsal stripe and laterally situated broad bands, apruinose except for narrow lateral and posterior margins. Scutellum entirely apruinose. Anepisternum with orange posterior macroseta, extensively pruinose except for small anteroventral area. Proepimeron pruinose; katepisternum red-brown pruinose posteriorly, apruinose anteriorly; anepisternum entirely pruinose. Legs: Brown-orange (femora, tarsomere 5 and hind tibiae darker), pulvilli and empodium of similar length. Hind femur orange-brown, length:height ratio 3.4:1, ventral tubercles poorly developed. Hind tibia lacking ventrodistal spur. Wing: 4.6×1.8 mm. Costal vein strongly developed only as far as wing tip, very weak or absent along entire posterior margin of wing. Membrane not extensively microtrichose-discal and r 5 cell almost entirely lacking microtrichiae. Abdomen: Brown-orange, macrosetae orange, fine setulae pale yellow. T2 brown-orange, apruinose except for strong silver pruinose spot posterolaterally.

Trichardis effrena
_ genitalia (Figs 15,16): Epandrium in lateral view longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections distally and with a distal row of about 7 macrosetae; mediodistal projection stout, with strongly upturned and scerotised distal end. Gonostylus fairly stout, with broadly rounded, fairly straight distal end. Aedeagal prongs small, more or less straight and with a small terminal end. Distribution and biology: The species is a southern African endemic, being found in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and in western Zimbabwe (Fig. 59). While I hesitate to give type status to the single Zimbabwean specimen because of its isolated position relative to the other records, I am fairly confident that the specimen is correctly labelled and identified. Botswana is generally poorly sampled and so this kind of apparently disjuct distributional pattern should not cause undue concern. Other asilid species have been shown to have a similar distributional pattern. For example Londt (2004) demonstrated that Laphystotes albicans (Engel, 1932) is similarly distributed. Adults of the new species are active during summer and have been collected between January and March (Table 1). This species is associated with open Acacia savannah and mixed woodland. All the specimens captured at Witsand Nat. Res. were found resting on sandy pathways. Similar species: Although sharing a number of characters with glabra and mellina, effrena is a distinctive species in that it displays a remarkable reduction in wing venation and has a distinctive male genital form.
_ genitalia (Figs 17,18): Epandrium in lateral view slightly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view with large broadly-rounded dorsomedial projection equipped with moderately developed setae; mediodistal projection sinuous at base with long slender slightly curved distal end. Gonostylus fairly broad basally with slender downcurved distal end. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight and with small terminal tubules. Distribution and biology: Known only from the type locality in Gambia, specimens being collected in April and May (Table 1). All specimens were collected in scrub along a river bank. No other biological information is available. Similar species: T. glabra is most similar to mellina, and they key out together. The male genitalia, especially the form of the gonocoxites are particularly diagnostic in this pair. T. effrena shares some characteristics with these species, but is otherwise distinctive. Engel, 1924 Figs 19, 20 Trichardis grisescens Hermann, 1920: 178. Nomen nudum. Trichardis grisescens: Engel 1924Hull 1962: 97;Oldroyd 1980: 356 (catalogue).
Wing: 5.3×1.9 mm. Costal vein extends around most of wing margin, weak along anal cell, absent from alula. Membrane extensively lacking microtrichiae-discal and r 5 cells entirely lacking microtrichiae.
Abdomen: Red-brown, apruinose, macrosetae pale yellow, setulae shiny white. T2 redbrown, apruinose. _ genitalia (Figs 19,20): Epandrium in lateral view longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium reduced, with somewhat pointed distal end and simple structure. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections and distally with a single short, stout macroseta; mediodistal projection slender with slightly upturned distal end. Gonostylus long, slender with straight distal end. Aedeagal prongs slightly sinuous, with small trifurcate tip.   attributed the species to 'Herm. In litt.', and the specimen is labelled 'Type Hrm', this action has no validity and Engel himself must be credited with authorship. Distribution and biology: A widespread species having been collected in both West Africa (Senegal, Gambia) and East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya) and both north and south of the equator. Adults fly between November and May (no records for December) (Table 1). Label data do not provide insights into the habitat requirements of the species. Although Engel and Cuthbertson (1939) records the following for grisescens-'In S. Rhodesia [Zimbabwe] this species is known from the Nyamandhlovu district, Matabeleland, and Urungwe, Lomagundi district. At Kariba Gorge, Zambezi River, it is found on leafstrewn ground in September. The prey consists of leaf-hoppers and small Hymenoptera (teste W.L. Williams). Rhodesian specimens (males) are much larger than the types which came from Gambia.'-the accepted distribution indicates that these notes must refer to another species.
Similar species: T. grisescens has an entirely pruinose postpronotal lobe and in this respect can be grouped with apicalis, ornata, picta, terminalis, testacea, turneri, and zinidi. The species is, however, most similar to terminalis.

Figs 21, 22
Etymology: From Latin hesperia (western). Refers to the West African distribution of this species.
_ genitalia (Figs 21,22): Epandrium in lateral view as long as basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger long, strongly dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view with projections distally and with a few laterally positioned macrosetae; mediodistal projection stout, fairly straight. Gonostylus slender, slightly sinuous with slightly down turned tip. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight, fairly stout, with small trifurcate tip. Distribution and biology: This West African species is known from Gambia and Senegal. Adults have been collected in May and August and so the species is probably active during the northern hemisphere summer. Apart from the fact that specimens have been collected on bare ground, dry river beds and in woodland, no biological information exists. Similar species: A member of what is here called the 'cribrata species group' which consists of crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis, spicata, and indica. These species are superficially similar, but can be easily separated on characters of the male genitalia. T. hesperia is distinctive.  Figs 23, 24 Redescription (based on holotype in good condition, with wings a little crumpled and with damaged hind margins): Head: Dark red-brown to black, silver pruinose (sparse on lower face), setae longish black, yellow and white. Antenna dark red-brown, black setose; postpedicel not markedly clavate (L:D=3.9:1). Mystax shiny yellowish with black macrosetae along epistomal margin. Ocellar tubercle with 2 macrosetae. Proboscis and palpi dark red-brown. Thorax: Dark red-brown to black, postpronotal and postalar lobes orange-brown, goldsilver and silver pruinose, generally appearing more setose than many other species. Postpronotum medially narrowly pruinose, laterally extensively apruinose; mesonotum apruinose with narrow silver pruinose lateral and posterior margins, macrosetae black, setulae mixed long black and short yellow. Scutellum apruinose. Anepisternum with black posterior macroseta, pruinose except for large anteroventral area. Proepimeron entirely pruinose, katepisternum pruinose except for small central area, anepisternum entirely pruinose. Legs: Dark red-brown except for orange-brown coxae, pulvilli and empodium of similar length. Hind femur dark red-brown, length:height ratio 3.1:1 (i.e. moderately inflated), ventral tubercles well-developed. Hind tibia with well-developed ventrodistal spur. Wing: 6.1×2.2 mm. Costal vein extends along most of wing margin, weakly along anal cell, absent from margin of alula. Membrane extensively microtrichose-discal cell microtrichose but weakly so anteroproximally, cell r 5 entirely microtrichose.

Trichardis katangaensis
Abdomen: Dark red-brown, macrosetae pale yellow, setulae longish white. T2 dark redbrown, apruinose except for posterolateral margins. _ genitalia (Figs 23, 24): Epandrium in lateral view longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger short, only moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections distally and with about four medially-directed macrosetae at about mid-length; mediodistal projection stout, with upturned forked distal end. Gonostyli stout with converging, pointed distal ends. Aedeagal prongs small, more or less straight and with small trifurcate tip.   compared the species to cribrata and illustrated the mesopleura of both species. Why he did this is not understood as these species do not have a great deal in common. T. katangaensis can be linked with lavignei in that both species possess hind-tibial spurs. However, both are otherwise distinctive species.

Trichardis lavignei sp. n.
Figs 25, 26 Etymology: Named for Dr Robert Lavigne whose collecting activities in Somalia have added significantly to our understanding of Asilidae from this part of Africa. Description (based on holotype in good condition; the genitalia, macerated and stored in a capsule some years before this study, are intact, but somewhat squashed and inflexible, making it difficult to illustrate the structures in the standard manner used in this paper): Head: Dark red-brown to black, gold-silver pruinose except for area around antennal bases and ocellar tubercle, setae black, yellow and white. Antenna dark red-brown, mainly yellow setose (a few black); postpedicel elongate spindle-shaped (L:D=4.2:1). Mystax black, confined to lower half of face (which in profile has a slightly concave area centrally). Ocellar tubercle with 2 macrosetae. Proboscis and palpi dark red-brown. Thorax: Dark red-brown, postpronotal and postalar lobes and anterior part of scutellum orange-brown, silver pruinose except for bare areas, setae yellowish. Postpronotum apruinose except for a tiny area medially, mesonotum extensively apruinose except for narrow lateral and posterior margins, macrosetae yellow, setulae yellow and white. Scutellum entirely pruinose. Anepisternum with pale yellow posterior macroseta, dorsally pruinose, ventrally apruinose. Proepimeron pruinose; katepisternum pruinose posteriorly, apruinose anteriorly; anepisternum extensively apruinose. Legs: Dark red-brown, femora and tibiae paler proximally, pulvilli and empodium of similar length. Hind femur dark red-brown with paler proximal end, length:height ratio 3.2:1, ventral tubercles well-developed. Hind tibia with ventrodistal spur. Wing: 4.0×1.6 mm. Costal vein extends along most of wing margin, weakly along anal cell, absent from alula. Membrane extensively microtrichose-discal cell microtrichose but weakly so at proximal end, cell r 5 entirely microtrichose. Abdomen: Dark red-brown proximally becoming orange-brown distally, macrosetae pale yellow, setulae white. T2 dark red-brown, entirely apruinose, tufts of white setulae posterolaterally.
_ genitalia (Figs 25, 26): Epandrium significantly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view with slender projections distally and without distally arranged macrosetae; mediodistal projection unusually slender and not medially situated as in most other species. Gonostylus slender, fairly straight, with slightly hooked tip. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight, with small sinuous terminal filamentous tubules. Distribution and biology: The species is recorded only from the type locality. Adults have been recorded in May and June (Table 1). No biological information exists. Similar species: T. lavignei can be linked with katangaensis in that both species possess hind tibial spurs. However, both are otherwise distinctive species.
_ genitalia (Figs 27, 28): Epandrium in lateral view longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections and with about 6 well-developed medially directed macrosetae; mediodistal projection stout with slightly upturned distal end. Gonostylus stout with upturned straight distal end. Aedeagal prongs short, fairly stout, more or less straight, with moderately well-developed tips. New synonymy: I have studied the unique holotype of T. rufescens Austen, 1914 and believe it to be entirely conspecific with T. leucocoma. The species name is therefore a synonym of T. leucocoma. The genus Triclis Loew, 1851 (type species Triclis olivaceus Loew, 1851) is Palaearctic with three catalogued species (Lehr 1988) including rufescens. Although I do not claim to be familiar with the species of Triclis, in attempting to check the classification of rufescens it became clear that it is somewhat unlike other species included in Triclis. Hull (1962) uses the extent of abdominal setation to effectively isolate Triclis from Trichardis in his key. In keying rufescens the species does not agree with the condition described for Triclis. Theodor (1980) draws attention to the condition of the antennal style in keying Triclis, and rufescens does not possess a Triclis-like style. Indeed when comparing the types of rufescens and leucocoma directly, there is little doubt that these are conspecific taxa. Distribution and biology: This is primarily a Palaearctic species. Lehr (1988) summarised the distribution of the species thus-'USSR: KZ [Kazakhstan]; Asia: Arabic States, Israel, Iran, ?Mongolia; North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt; Afrotropical Region.' Previously recorded only from one Afrotropical location (Yemen), the new record from Niger suggests that the species may be far more widely distributed within the Afrotropics. My records show that adults have been collected between February and May as well as August and so the species probably flies during the northern hemisphere summer. Little biological information is available. However, Efflatoun (1937: 212), in his report on Egyptian asilids records: 'T. leucocoma is very common … My records extend from end of March to end of September. The favourite hunting grounds for this Asilid … are the dried stony and sandy beds of Wadies where it sits on sand or on stones. I have never seen it sitting or settling on plants or grasses and I have caught it feeding on Musca lucidula and on two or three species of Tachinids, among which Wolfartia trina Wied.' Similar species: T. leucocoma is very similar to rueppelii and may be a synonym of that older-named species (see discussion under rueppelii) from Algeria. Together these make a distinctive pair not to be confused with any other Afrotropical species. The absence of anepisternal macrosetae sets them apart from all others studied by me. The fact that the species occurs in both the Afrotropical and Palaearctic regions suggests that there may be other similar species in the Palaearctic Region.
_ genitalia (Figs 29, 30): Epandrium in lateral view significantly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple in structure. Gonocoxite in ventral view with weakly defined projections distally and lacking macrosetae; mediodistal projection stout with upturned darkly sclerotised distal end. Gonostylus fairly stout with slightly upturned tip. Aedeagal base welldeveloped, upturned mediodistally; prongs large, upwardly directed and with expanded trumpet-like openings. Distribution and biology: The species is recorded from Southern and Eastern Africa. Adults have been collected during the summer months of November and December (Table 1). I collected the Malawian specimens resting on the ground in mixed woodland. Similar species: A member of what is here called the 'cribrata species group' which consists of crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis, spicata and indica. These species are superficially similar, but can be easily separated on characters of the male genitalia. T. malawi has distinctive male genitalia.
_ genitalia (Figs 31, 32): Epandrium in lateral view longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger fairly long, strongly dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections distally and with about 4 distally arranged weak macrosetae; mediodistal projection stout at base becoming slender towards sclerotised distal end. Gonostyli short, stout, with broadly-rounded converging distal ends. Aedeagal prongs slender, slightly curved, ending as small terminal filamentous tubules. Distribution and biology: The species is known with certainty only from Ghinda in Eritrea. Apart from the fact that adults fly during June, midsummer in the northern hemisphere (Table 1), nothing is known of its biology. Similar species: T. mellina is most similar to glabra and these species key out together. The male genitalia, especially the form of the gonocoxites are particularly diagnostic in this pair. T. effrena shares some characteristics with these species, but is otherwise distinctive.

Redescription (based on holotype ^in good condition):
Head: Dark red-brown, extensively silver pruinose except for lower face and frons (including ocellar tubercle), black and white setose. Antenna red-brown, black and pale yellow setose; postpedicel elongate spindle-shaped (L:D=5.3:1). Mystax mainly white with a few black macrosetae along epistomal margin. Ocellar tubercle with 4 yellowish macrosetae. Some black occipital macrosetae. Proboscis and palpi dark red-brown. Thorax: Dark red-brown, silver pruinose when present, pale whitish setose. Postpronotum dark red-brown with small orange part posteriorly, largely apruinose except for medial part, mesonotum largely apruinose except for lateral and posterior margins, macrosetae black (notopleurals) and whitish, setulae shiny white. Scutellum apruinose except for narrow anterior margin. Anepisternum with slender, weakly developed posterior macroseta, extensively pruinose except for small area anteroventrally. Proepimeron anteriorly pruinose, posteriorly apruinose; katepisternum posteriorly pruinose, anteriorly apruinose. Legs: Femora dark red-brown, other segments orange-brown, pulvilli and empodium of similar length. Hind femur dark red-brown, moderately slender (length to height ratio not measured), ventral tubercles poorly developed. Hind tibia lacking ventrodistal spur. Wing: 5.5×2.1 mm. Costal vein extends along most of wing margin, weakly along anal cell, absent from alula. Membrane not extensively microtrichose-discal cell largely lacking microtrichiae (a few present), cell r 5 with microtrichiae in distal half only. Abdomen: Anterior five terga dark red-brown with orange-brown hind margins, posterior terga and hypopygium mustard colour, apruinose except for silver pruinose posterolateral corners, setae whitish. T2 dark red-brown, apruinose except for silver pruinose posterolateral corner. _ genitalia: Geller-Grimm (2002: figs 2-4) illustrated a male from Socotra. I here illustrate the genitalia of an already macerated _ from Homhil (Figs 33, 34). While this is probably the specimen illustrated by Geller-Grimm, I believe that my drawings more accurately depict the genital structures and the subtle differences between nigrescens and abdelkuri, the closely similar species from the nearby island of Abd el Kuri. The following is a description of the Homhil _ genitalia based on my illustrations. Epandrium in lateral view slightly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections distally and with mediodistally arranged macrosetae; mediodistal projection fairly slender with slightly upturned distal end. Gonostylus slender with straight distal end. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight and with small terminal tubules. Note: Although this description is similar to that of the genitalia of abdelkuri, the genital differences in these species can easily be detected by comparing the relevant illustrations. The shape of the gonocoxite in ventral view is particularly diagnostic. Distribution and biology: The species has been recorded only from four localities on the island of Socotra. Collections have been made in October, December and January (Table 1). No biological data have been recorded on specimen labels. Similar species: T. nigrescens is superficially very similar to abdelkuri, but the species can be reliably separated on male genital features. Although I have seen relatively few specimens of both species, all specimens of abdelkuri have mesonotal, anepisternal and ocellar setae yellowish while these setae are mostly but not always black in nigrescens. These two species are somewhat similar to pohli, but easily separated on size and male genital form.
_ genitalia (Figs 35, 36; note slight damage to tips of proctiger, aedeagal prongs, tip of mediodistal process of left gonocoxite, and tip of left gonostylus): Epandrium in lateral view longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed (tip broken off). Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without projections and lacking distally arranged macrosetae; mediodistal projection fairly slender with straight distal end. Gonostylus moderately slender, gently curved with broadly rounded apex. Aedeagus with fairly elongate lateral projections basally; prongs more or less straight, tip damaged. Distribution and biology: The species is known only from the type locality. The holotype was collected in August (Table 1). No biological information exists. Similar species: T. ornata has an entirely pruinose postpronotal lobe and in this respect can be grouped with apicalis, grisescens, picta, terminalis, testacea, turneri and zinidi. The species is, however, most similar to testacea.
_ genitalia (Figs 37, 38): Epandrium in lateral view slightly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger hardly dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without projections and with about 7 small, distally arranged macrosetae; mediodistal projection fairly stout with upturned sclerotised distal end. Gonostylus stout, laterally flanged, with broad laterally compressed tip. Aedeagal prongs small, straight. Notes on type material:  based his description on '_' (number of specimens not stated) from 'Capland, Willowmore (Dr. Brauns)'. While  107) records the following material '^Lichtenburg, Transvaal. -1_^Willowmore, Kapland, Dr. Brauns leg.', and these ZSMC specimens (listed below) carry type labels, as do a pair of 'cotype' specimens in the AMGS (also listed below), only one specimen was collected before the published description. The single 1905 specimen must be considered the holotype, others were presurably mislabelled as types by Engel and possibly other workers.
The two BMNH specimens of lucifer (holotype and paratype) when received, were incorrectly labelled-the female from Kahn River being labelled as the holotype. As  clearly indicated that the male from Satansplatz was the holotype, these labels have been switched. While  called the species lucifer, presumably because the type locality was Satansplatz (i.e. Satan's Place, referring to Lucifer), the spelling was amended to read lucifera in the Afrotropical Diptera catalogue (1980) by the Editor R.W. Crosskey, a change I consider both unnecessary and inappropriate as the name lucifera has a totally different derivation (from Latin lux).

Redescription (based on holotype in excellent condition):
Head: Dark red-brown to black, extensively silver pruinose, but weakly so on frons and apex of ocellar tubercle, setae black and white. Antennal scape yellow-brown, pedicel, postpedicel and style dark red-brown, setae black and white (black setae being better developed than white); postpedicel elongate spindle-shaped (L:D=4.5:1), with few black setulae dorsally. Mystax black and white (black setae better developed). Ocellar tubercle with 4 black macrosetae. Proboscis and palpi dark red-brown. Thorax: Dark red-brown to black with orange parts, silver pruinose except for some apruinose parts, fine setae whitish, macrosetae either black (mesonotum) or white (pleura). Postpronotum largely apruinose except for narrow medial part, mesonotum dark red-brown to blackish except for orange postpronotal and postalar lobes, largely apruinose except for margins, macrosetae black, setulae shiny yellowish. Scutellum dark red-brown with orange posterior margin, anterior half silver pruinose. Anepisternum with slender black posterior macroseta, extensively pruinose except for small area antero-ventrally. Katatergite with white macrosetae. Proepimeron anteriorly pruinose, posteriorly apruinose; katepisternum posteriorly pruinose, anteriorly apruinose; anepisternum pruinose except for anterodorsal part. Legs: Generally dark red-brown to black anteriorly, yellowish posteriorly, pulvilli and empodium of similar length. Hind femur dark redbrown anterodorsally, yellowish posteroventrally; length:height ratio 4.2:1; ventral tubercles hardly evident, major setae pale yellowish. Hind tibia lacking ventrodistal spur. Wing: 4.0×1.6 mm. Costal vein extends along most of wing margin, weakly along anal cell, absent from alula. Membrane not extensively microtrichose-discal cell largely lacking microtrichiae (a few present centrally), cell r 5 with microtrichiae limited mainly to distal half. Abdomen: Terga and hypopygium dark red-brown, but with orange parts laterally, apruinose except for narrow silver pruinose distolateral margins, setae transparent whitish. T2 dark red-brown with orange parts laterally (anterior and posterior parts), apruinose except for narrow silver pruinose posterior margins laterally. _ genitalia: Holotype well illustrated by Geller-Grimm (2002: figs 5-7). Another male from Socotra (NHMW) is here illustrated (Figs 41, 42) and described: Epandrium in lateral view longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view without median projections distally and with mediodistally arranged macrosetae; mediodistal projection slender with slightly upturned tip. Gonostylus long, laterally compressed, with slender slightly down turned apex. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight and with small terminal tubules. Distribution and biology: A species apparently confined to Socotra I. and known with certainty from two localities. Collected in February and April (Table 1). No biological data have been recorded on labels. Similar species: A fairly distinctive species with some similarities to both abdelkuri and nigrescens.
Trichardis rueppelii (Wiedemann, 1828) Wiedemann (1928) gives the provenance as 'Aus Nubien'. This suggests the Nubian Desert which is in Eritrea and not Sudan, as listed by Oldroyd (1980). For the present it is not possible to provide a type-locality.
Taxonomic status: Morphologically the holotype closely agrees with the description provided above for the leucocoma type except for a few small details as follows. Pruinescence of head and thorax is not as strong or extensive; the legs are uniformly orange and totally lack red-brown parts. Bearing in mind that the rueppelii holotype is a female and that some sexual dimorphism is evident in leucocoma everything points to leucocoma being a synonym of rueppelii. However, while I am reasonably sure that this will be the future taxonomic outcome, I refrain from establishing the synonymy until male specimens agreeing with leucocoma are found in Eritrea. This conservative approach also ensures retention of the well-known name, leucocoma, until further investigations of the Palaearctic Trichardis fauna have been undertaken.

Trichardis similis sp. n.
Figs 43, 44 Etymology: From Latin similis (similar). Refers to the similarity between the male genitalia of this species and crassipala. Description (based on holotype in excellent condition): Head: Black, silver pruinose except for strip between ocellar tubercle and epistomal margin, setae black, white and pale yellow. Antenna dark red-brown to black, black setose; postpedicel elongate spindle-shaped (L:D=4.3:1). Mystax shiny yellow-white with black macrosetae along epistomal margin. Ocellar tubercle with 2 macrosetae. Proboscis and palpi dark red-brown to black.
_ genitalia (Figs 43, 44): Epandrium in lateral view slightly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger long, strongly dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium moderately well developed with two pairs of lobes distally. Gonocoxites in ventral view with medially directed dorsal projections and lacking macrosetae; mediodistal projection well-developed, strongly sclerotised, broad with characteristic shape. Gonostylus short, slender, poorly developed, straight. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight, small, tapering to small terminal filamentous tubules. Distribution and biology: The species is recorded from two localities in Malawi. Adults are known to fly in December (Table 1), midsummer in the southern hemisphere. The type material was collected on the ground in Brachystegia woodland.
Similar species: A member of what is here called the 'cribrata species group' which consists of crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis, spicata and indica. These species are superficially similar, but can be easily separated on characters of the male genitalia. T. similis is most similar to crassipala in that both species have welldeveloped hypandria.
_ genitalia (Figs 45, 46): Epandrium in lateral view significantly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger long and moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium highly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view distally pointed, with moderately well-developed median hook-like projection distally and group of about 6 macrosetae laterally at midlength; mediodistal projection short, stout, straight, strongly sclerotised. Gonostylus short, stout. Aedeagal base with pair of projections that exceptionally long, slender, strongly sclerotised, and gently downcurved to pointed tips; prongs tiny, slightly curved, poorly developed distally. Distribution and biology: The species is known only from the type locality where it has been collected in December (Table 1). No biological data are available. Similar species: A member of what is here called the 'cribrata species group' which consists of crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis, spicata and indica. These species are superficially similar, but can be easily separated on characters of the male genitalia. T. spicata has distinctive male genitalia that cannot be confused with any other species. Oldroyd, 1974 Figs 47, 48, 58  Redescription (based on holotype in fair condition; following parts missing: right antennae beyond pedicel, left pro-and mesothoracic legs, right prothoracic tarsus, right wing): Head: Orange-brown anteriorly dark red-brown posteriorly, but colours masked by silver pruinescence, yellow and white setose. Antenna brown-orange except for red-brown distal part of postpedicel and style, yellowish setose; postpedicel clavate (L:D=2.7:1). Mystax shiny yellowish. Ocellar tubercle with 2 macrosetae. Proboscis and palpi dark red-brown. Thorax: Dark red-brown with red-brown patches, colours masked by silver pruinescence, yellowish setose. Postpronotum entirely pruinose, mesonotum red-brown with dark red-brown dorsal stripe and broad lateral bands, extensively pruinose except for central area, shiny yellowish setose. Scutellum pruinose except for posterior margin. Anepisternum with yellow posterior macroseta, dorsally pruinose, ventrally apruinose.
_ genitalia (Figs 49,50): Epandrium in lateral view longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger short, moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple in structure. Gonocoxite in ventral view without obvious projections distally and with about 5 medially directed distal macrosetae; mediodistal projection moderately stout with upturned sclerotised tip. Gonostylus stout with broad flange-like distal tip. Aedeagal prongs small, fairly straight, with small terminal filamentous tubules.
Type material examined: I have not studied the Macquart types as I am unable to establish their whereabouts. I have studied a number of specimens, in three different collections, that have been labelled as 'types' or 'cotypes' of testacea Hermann. While it is difficult to establish exactly which of these were actually used by Hermann for his 1906 publication it is certain that at least some of them were not available to him. As Hermann's description was based on males (number not stated) from 'Capland, Willowmore (Dr. Brauns)' I suggest that the following three specimens can be accepted as syntypes: SOUTH AFRICA: 1_  Distribution and biology: A fairly commonly encountered, widely distributed and easily recognised southern African species (Fig. 60), being recorded from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and many localities in South Africa. The species is absent from the winterrainfall area, the eastern highlands and subtropical coastal areas of southern Africa. Adults fly between July and April (Table 1). Personal experience and label data indicate that the species lives predominantly in dry woodland (Acacia and Mopane) and is often associated with sandy stream banks or dry river courses where they are found resting on the ground. Little biological information is available. I am aware of five prey records, four in NMSA collection and one in AMGS. These are: 1_ 3^(from Oudtshoorn, 16 km E Cradock, Soutpan & Middelpos respectively) pinned with sweat bees (Hymenoptera: Halictidae), 1^(16 km E Cradock) pinned with a spider-hunting wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae). Engel and Cuthbertson (1934) record for testacea 'Many of both sexes were taken along native paths in mopani forest in December, 1930, at Nympani Vlei near Gatooma. One female has been compared with the type'. Similar species: T. testacea has an entirely pruinose postpronotal lobe and in this respect can be grouped with apicalis, grisescens, ornata, picta, terminalis, turneri and zinidi. Although the species is distinctive in having a number of unique features, such as the clearly marked wings, it is perhaps most similar to ornata.
Thorax: Brown-orange with dark red-brown areas, extensively silver pruinose, yellow and white setose. Postpronotum entirely pruinose, mesonotum dark red-brown with brown-orange borders, apruinose except for lateral and posterior margins, macrosetae pale yellow, setulae white. Scutellum apruinose except for narrow anterior margin. Anepisternum with pale yellow posterior macroseta, extensively pruinose except for a small anteroventral area. Proepimeron pruinose but weakly posteriorly, katepisternum pruinose but weakly anteriorly, anepisternum entirely pruinose. Legs: Brown-orange, femora orange-brown, pulvilli and empodium of similar length. Hind femur orangebrown, length:height ratio 3 Distribution and biology: A South African endemic restricted to the central parts of the country (Fig. 58). Adults recorded in summer between October and February ( Table 1). The species has been collected on sandy ground in Acacia scrubland and in the vicinity of a stream. The biology is otherwise unknown.
Abdomen: Dark red-brown, extensively silver pruinose, shiny pale yellowish setose. T2 dark red-brown, extensively pruinose (central area apruinose). _ genitalia (Figs 53, 54): Epandrium in lateral view slightly longer than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in ventral view lacking projections and with about 6 medially directed distal macrosetae; mediodistal projections stout, converging distally, with fairly sharply upturned sclerotised distal part. Gonostyli well-developed, bulky, converging distally to upturned flange-like tips. Aedeagal prongs small, more or less straight, with small terminal filamentous tubules. Distribution and biology: Recorded from Kenya and Tanzania. Adults collected in April and July (Table 1). Little label data relating to habitat preference exists, although one specimen is labelled 'presso bosco di euforbia' which suggests an arid environment. The life history and prey preferences are unknown.
Similar species: T. zinidi has an entirely pruinose postpronotal lobe and in this respect can be grouped with apicalis, grisescens, ornata, picta, terminalis, testacea and turneri. The species is, however, most similar to apicalis.

ORIENTAL SPECIES
While this paper focuses on the Afrotropical fauna I have identified a single new species of Trichardis from India that represents the first record of the genus from the Oriental Region.
Description (based mainly on holotype, that is in fair condition, but some details taken from paratype; the holotype is missing both mesothoracic legs and parts of the right metathoracic leg, mesonotum and scutellum appear to have been eaten away by dermestid beetles; the paratype is in fair condition although somewhat 'greasy'): Head: Dark red-brown, extensively dull silver pruinose except for central face, setae pale yellow and white. Antennae red-brown, pale yellow setose except for a few black setae on pedicel; postpedicel elongate spindle-shaped (L:D=3.7:1), with few pale setulae dorsally. Mystax pale yellowish, fairly well-developed. Ocellar tubercle with 2 strong pale yellowish macrosetae. Occipital setae whitish. Proboscis and palpi dark red-brown.
Thorax: Dark red-brown, largely apruinose with dull silver pruinose parts, fine setae yellowish, more major setae shiny yellowish. Postpronotum largely apruinose except for narrow medial part, mesonotum largely apruinose except for margins, macrosetae shiny pale yellow, setulae yellowish. Scutellum dark red-brown, apruinose except for anterior margin. Anepisternum with slender pale yellow posterior macroseta, extensively pruinose except anteroventrally. Proepimeron anteriorly pruinose, posteriorly apruinose; katepisternum posteriorly pruinose, anteriorly apruinose; anepisternum largely apruinose. Legs: Orange-brown, pulvilli and empodium of similar length. Hind femur uniformly orange-brown, length:height ratio 3.6:1, ventral tubercles poorly developed, major setae pale yellowish. Hind tibia lacking ventrodistal spur. Wing: 4.0×1.6 mm. Costal vein extends around most of wing margin, weakly along anal cell, absent from alula. Wing membrane extensively microtrichose-discal cell microtrichose, except for tiny proximal part, cell r 5 microtrichose, but weakly so proximally. Abdomen (entire abdomen macerated): Terga red-brown with orange-brown central parts, apruinose, setae transparent yellowish. T2 orange-brown, apruinose. _ genitalia (Figs 55, 56): Epandrium in lateral view slightly shorter than basal part of gonocoxite (i.e. excluding distal projection of gonocoxite and gonostylus). Proctiger small, moderately dorsoventrally compressed. Hypandrium greatly reduced and simple. Gonocoxite in lateral view somewhat extended proximally and tip somewhat clavate, in ventral view without median projections distally and with long mediodistal setae; mediodistal projection moderately developed with pointed distal end. Gonostylus uniquely shaped-fairly broad basal part, in lateral view, with a long slender subapically positioned dorsal projection that projects out to a similar degree to mediodistal lobe of gonocoxite. Aedeagal prongs more or less straight, with small terminal tubules. Distribution and biology: The species is known with certainty from the type locality only. Phenology is uncertain, but a specimen that may be conspecific was collected in April. Nothing is known of its biology. Similar species: This species is of particular interest as it is clearly morphologically most similar to the group of Afrotropical species that has here been called the 'cribrata species group'. The group is made up of eight species, including indica and the following African taxa-crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis and spicata. These are generally small, darkly sclerotised species with entirely microtrichose wings. They are difficult to key without reference to the male genitalia that serve to easily separate the species. T. indica has distinctive male genitalia.
Key to Afrotropical species of Trichardis Although the following key attempts to separate species without reference to characters of the male genitalia it is preferable that well preserved males are used and that identifications are confirmed by comparisons of the genitalia with the illustrations provided.

Taxonomy
Londt (2007a) discussed the situation regarding the characterisation of Afrotropical laphriine genera previously considered to belong to the subfamily Laphystiinae (i.e. Perasis, Hoplistomerus and Trichardis), saying that these rather similar genera had not been adequately separated using published keys. Londt (2007a) gave a provisional key to these genera stating that it would probably have to be updated following revisions of the genera. These studies have now been completed, and, although the provisional key works reasonably well for most of the species, a new key is provided below and is considered superior.
Key to genera of Afrotropical Laphriinae previously classified as Laphystiinae 1 C continues fairly strongly along entire wing margin, including anal cell and alula; postpronotal lobe without macrosetae; covered with tiny setulae only; hind femora slender (length/breadth ratio >5) and lacking tubercles; abdominal terga lacking discal setae beyond T1. When attempting to draw up a key to Afrotropical Trichardis it became evident that there was at least one fairly distinctive 'species group'. The species in this group, comprising seven Afrotropical species (crassipala, cribrata, eburacta, hesperia, malawi, similis, spicata), were difficult to separate using easily observed external characters, but possess highly distinctive male genitalia. As only one of these species (cribrata) had been described, I suggest that the group be called the 'cribrata species group'. Species in this group are widely distributed, occurring mainly in West Africa, but also in East and Southern Africa. Of interest is the fact that the newly described Oriental species (indica) appears also to belong to this group. There may be other groups that can be detected, but as these can only be very poorly defined I prefer to refrain from making further comment on the matter apart from saying that I believe 'related' or 'sister species' tend to key out together in the key provided above.

Distribution and phenology
Trichardis is widely distributed throughout the Afrotropical region (Fig. 57) where the vast majority of species are to be found. The genus is, however, also represented by a few widely scattered species within the Palaearctic and Oriental regions. Only one species, T. leucocoma, has been recorded from two regions. This species is primarily Palaearctic as there are only a few records of it in the Afrotropical region. The limited data available to me suggest, however, that it may be a more widely distributed than currently appreciated.
Bearing in mind that the genus is found straddling the equator, without exception, adult Trichardis appear to be active during the warmer, summer months of the year (Table 1).

Biology
Trichardis appears to be a genus largely restricted to grassland and savannah biomes. Fig. 57 demonstrates its absence from tropical and subtropical areas where forests dominate, and from the winter-rainfall area of the south-western parts of South Africa, which is dominated by succulents and fynbos. Nothing is known about the immature stages of any Trichardis species and biological data relating to the adults are fragmentary. It appears that all species are normally encountered resting on the ground (on sand or peddles) in savannah or woodland biomes (see Londt 1994). Londt (2006) mentions Trichardis in a discussion of asilid predation and this information is added here too. Only six prey records are known to me, four for T. testacea and two for T. picta. Except for a single dipteran (Tachinidae), all prey items are hymenopterans (4 Halictidae, 1 Masaridae, 1 Pompilidae). The possible predilection for Hymenoptera, and Halictidae in particular, is interesting, but probably not significant as these insects are also commonly found resting on the ground and therefore easily accessible as prey.  Figs 5-10. Trichardis species, male genitalia: (5, 6) lateral and ventral of T. abdelkuri sp. n., paratype, Jebel Saleh; (7, 8) lateral and ventral of T. apicalis Oldroyd, 1974, paratype, Ndumu Game Reserve;(9, 10) lateral and ventral of T. crassipala sp. n., paratype, Ouagadougou. Scale lines = 1 mm.   , 9 -T. terminalis Oldroyd, 1974 • -T. turneri .  (Macquart, 1838) in southern Africa.