Revision of the Afrotropical Arge mirabilipes group, with description of two new species and annotations to other Arge species of this region (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Argidae: Arginae)

Abstract

The Arge mirabilipes group of the Afrotropical Region is revised. The previously known species Arge mirabilipes Pasteels, 1955, A. tibialis Pasteels, 1963 and A. intermedia Pasteels, 1963 from South Africa, are redescribed. Two additional species from Namibia and Kenya are described: Arge kungveldensis sp. n. and A. taitaensis sp. n. The species of this group are characterized by the medially slightly widened hind tibia, a very short hind basitarsomere, and the sawsheath is broadly and obtusely pincer-shaped apically. According to these characters, Arge tibialis (= A. bisignata Konow, 1907) and A. intermedia are removed from this group. A. tibialis is synonymised under A. bisignata. A key to the three valid species is provided. The genitalia of all species are illustrated, and geographic distribution and taxonomic relationships are discussed.