Empidideicus hispanus Francois 1969

Abstract

Empidideicus hispanus François Empidideicus hispanus François, 1969:112. Evenhuis, 2024: 40. Type. Holotype ♀ from Spain. Almeria: Cabo de Gata [36.75°N, 2.18°W], 0–50 m, 26 Mar 1966. Type in Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen (photos examined). Material Examined. Morocco. 1♂, Rif, Ametrasse, Oued Ametrasse, 35°05′00.7′′N, 5°05′02.3′′W, 950 m, 20 May 2022, K. Kettani (MNHNR). Diagnosis. Easily separated from those species in this region that have a black occiput, predominantly black mesonotum, and a yellow scutellum; by having brown along the posterior margin of the scutellum (this area of the scutellum all yellow in the other species). Remarks. Previous to this study, no specimens of this species had been collected since the type in 1966. The holotype in the Natural History of Denmark is pinned, with the scutellum, both wings and abdomen missing. The left wing was illustrated by François (1969). The abdomen may have been removed for genitalic study, but there is no associated slide material and François (1969) did not illustrate them. The type is a female and the specimen collected in this study is a male. The detailed description by François (1969) (done before removal of body parts) fits this species perfectly, so there is no need for a redescription. In Morocco, this species was recorded only from a riverbank covered by diverse Asteraceae plants within a cork-oak forested environment in the Rif Mountains. Distribution. Morocco, Spain (new record).