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Advance\ In Neuropterology Procccd~ng\ of the l ' h~ rd Iiiteriidt~ondl S q l l ~ p o \ ~ u n ~ on Weurt~ptcrologq Berg en Dal, K~uger National Park, R S A , 1988 Man\ell, M W & A\poch, H (E&) Pretorla, R S A 1990 Pp 287 298

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Post-Symposium Neuropterological excursions

Mervyn W. MANSELL & Horst ASPOCK Natlon,ll Collection of In\ect\, Pretorla & Un~ver\lty o t Vier~nd

This Third International Syniposiurn was unique in Neuropterology, and probably any other entomological discipline, as it included two extensive post-syniposium excursions in addition to the fornial ~neeting. This provided an opportunity for many of the world's leading specialists on the Neuroptera, as well as incipients, to reside, travel and work together for a whole month. It was the largest group of Neuropterologists yet assembled for such a prolonged joint-venture. The excursions represented an important and valuable extension of the Symposiun~, both scientifically and socially, and it was deemed essential to place these activities on record as part of the overall proceedings. This resume high- lights the more significant implications of the field trips and provides details of the collec- tion localities, together with tables listing the taxa collected at each. It records the itinerary, depicted in Fig. 1 , the additional aim being to facilitate future work on the specimens. The species lists will naturally be augmented as the material is evaluated in the future, but they provide an initial record and an indication of the success of the excursions.

Many significant discussions took place during the trips, joint projects were initiated and a large quantity of valuable material was obtained to enhance our knowledge of the rich southern African neuropterous fauna. The National Collection of lnsects in Pretoria ac- quired a fully representative sample of the taxa collected, and had the priority choice of specimens for the ongoing studies of the southern African Neuroptera.

Several new taxa, including a hitherto unrecorded subfamily, will be added to the bur- geoning list of Neuroptera inhabiting this subregion. In addition, distributional data of many species have been extended and vital biological information has accrued as a result of these excursions. This is of particular relevance to the long-term survey of the Neurop- tera of southern Africa which is in progress. Surveys are also being focussed on several conservation areas which were visited, namely the Kruger and Kalahari Gemsbok Nation- al Parks and the NamibINa~ikluft Park in S.W.A./Namibia. Material cc>ilected in these Parks will augment the infor~nation on the Neuroptera of these areas and contribute towards these projects. This gathering of international specialists on the Neuroptera provided a unique and valuable apportunity to apply their expertize to our local fauna.

A significant feature of the trip was the abundance of certain species of Myrnieleontidae at some localities. This is pertinent to several species of Cueta, Obus and, especially, the large and beautiful Pulparrs in1rtlrn.su.s McLachlan. These ant-lions are obviously a very important component of the insect fauna of the arid regions and undoubtedly play a cen- tral role, both as predators and as prey for larger animals. This underscores the impor- tance of Neuroptera. not only as significant predators in the agricultural sphere. but also in thc wider ecological sense. The differences between the easterly and westerly faunas of the subregion was also manifest in the material collected. In the easterly localities of

M. W. Mansell & H. Aspock

the Transvaal, there was a greater diversity of families but low numbers of individuals, whereas in the west many individuals of a limited range of families were present.

As the days were largely occupied by extensive travelling, the bulk of the material was taken in the evenings at light traps. In view of excellent weather conditions, it was possi- ble to collect on each evening during the excursions. The light traps were all variations of the umbrella-type device, with the ultra-violet and mercury vapour light sources being powered by portable generators and rechargeable batteries. Each late afternoon heralded the appearance of at least eight of these traps, preceded by fevcrish activity to secure favourable positions for their placement.

The first field trip of five days duration comprised a journey through the length of the Kruger National Park and part of the northern Transvaal (Fig. 1). It covered 1200 km and included five main collecting localities. All the delegates with the exception of Dr L.A. Stange and Mrs S.M. Mansell participated. Ecological information on the Kruger National Park localities is partly derived from Braack (1983).

The second excursion, from 12 to 27 February 1988, encompassed parts of the north- western Cape and a large area of SWAINamibia (Fig. l) , and involved 5000 km of travel- ling. Rich collections were made at 14 sites. the highlights being Helmeringhausen, Usakos,

Fig. l . Post-Symposium excursions, routes and collecting localities

Abbreviations: P - Pretoria; B - Berg en Dal; Sa - Satara; SW - Shingwedzi; Pm - Punda Maria; I - Ingwe Motel; V - Vanzylsrus; T - Twee Rivieren; N - Nossob; Mm - Mata Mata; Ma - Maltahohe; H - Helmeringshausen; G - Gobabeb; U - Usakos; A - Ameib Ranch; W - Windhoek; Km - Keetmanshoop; Ka - Karasburg; 0 - Olifantshoek

Post-Symposium excursions

Arneib Ranch and Keetmanshoop. The following 18 delegates undertook this excursion: Prof Horst Aspock, Dr Ulrike Aspiick, Dr George Butler, Dr Peter Duelli, Miss Franzis- ka Feichter, Dr Johann Gepp, Miss Beth Grobbelaar, Mr Herbert Holzel, Prof Keith Kevan, Mrs Kathleen Kevan, Dr Hans Malicky, Dr Mervyn Mansell, Mr Les Minter, Dr Peter Ohm, Mr Hubert Rausch, Dr Dany Simon, Mr Michael Stelzl and Miss Carol Veenstra. Both journeys colnmenced and ended in Pretoria.

FIRST EXCURSION

Transvaal.

Berg en Dal, Kruger National Park (25.263 3 1.27E. 350m). 2-4 Feb. 1988. Situated in the subtropical lowvcld of the Transvaal, this new restcanip nestles among the wooded hills typical of this southernmost region of the Park. During the three evenings spent at this, the Synlposium venue. light traps were placed near the fence at the perimeter of the camp bordering the Matjulu Stream. Six families of Neuroptcra were recorded. but in very low numbers of species and individuals, possibly due to the full moon and Symposi- urn activities taking priority over light trapping.

Satara, Kruger National Park (24.23s 31.46E. 350m). 5 Feb. 1988. En route to Satara, stops were made at Skukuza (the main restcamp of the Park) and Tshokwane Rest Area. Satara is situated in the flat central region of the Park where Sclerocatyu cu@-a (marula), Combreturn irnberhe (leadwood), Acacia nigrescens (knob thorn) and other acacias dominate the grassy plains. The most successful traps were situated in the centre of the camp where Tricheliu ernetica (Natal mahogany) and Kigelia africanu (sausage tree) trees yielded a rich crop of Chrysopidae. Satara also provided seven out of the 12 southern African fami- lies, making it one of the richest localities in terms bf diversity.

Shingwedzi, Kruger National Park (23.07s 31.26E. 3.50111). 6 Feb. 1988. The journey to Shingwedzi included stops at the Olifants River lookout and at Lctaba Rest- camp for Icnch. Shingwedzi lies in the northern region of the Park, on the banks of the Shingwedzi River. The surrounding vegetation comprises mopane veld characterized by rnopane (Co1opho.sperm~im rnopnne) and mlala palm (Hxph~rzcj I Z N ~ U ~ ~ I I S ~ S ) and rich river- ine vegetation dominated by large figs (F'icus syc.omorus). Fine examplcs of large old mo- pane trccs prcsidc over the interior of the camp. Six families were taken here, with numbers bcing generally low with no dominant taxa.

Punda Maria, Kruger National Park (22.43s 31.02E. 3.50111). 7 Feb. i988. This remote northernmost camp which manifests the atmosphere and beauty of the Park is situated on the side o f a hill surrounded by dense subtropical vegetation. On a very warm evening (29 " at 19h00), light traps were placed at various sites within the camp, yielding scvcn families including Dilaridae, Psychopsidac and a number of other interest- ing taxa. During the afternoon immature stages of Itcilocl~f:\;sa were found and at least two species were collected by sweeping.

Ingwe Motel near Louis Trichardt (22.58s 29.56E. 1 1 8O1n). 8 Feb. 1988. The motel is in Wyllies Poort next to the main road to thc north which traverses the Sout- pansberg mountain range. It is on the drier northern side o f the mountain and the well- vegetated slopes and gullies above the niotcl support a rich and varied neuropterous fau- na. Seven hrnilies were also represented in the material taken here. including at least two new records for South Africa, narnely a species of Bar1~utu.s (Myrmcleontidae) and a Corriocortll?.srr (Coniopterygidae). During the aticrnooti. the party climbed the mountain- side behind the motel. collecting Neuroptcra along the way. The following (lay was oc- cupicd by the long drive back to Pretoria, concluding the first excursion.

TABLE 1. Genera and species of Neuroptera recorded during the excursions

Post-Symposium excursions

TAB1.E 1. (continued)

M. W. Mansell & H. Aspock TABLE 1. (continued)

D. vansoni Tjeder

Genus Semirhynchia Tieder , 1 1 1 1 1 ,

S. sp. nov. I Subfamilv Crocinae l l l l 1 I I . -

Thysanocroce damarae (McL).

Laurhervasia namibica Mansell

Family MYRMELEONTIDAE Subfamily Palparinae m * m . Genus Crambomorvhus McL.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

C sinuatus (Olivier)

Genus Golafrus Navis • G. oneili (P6ringucy) I m . Genus Palpares Rambur m * e * F! annulatus Stitz I / m / * F! ? campanai Navis

F! flavo fasciatus McLachlan

I F! sobrinus P6ringuey • • F! sp.nov.(nr.pulchellusE.-P) I I I I I I I R sp. nov. (nr. annulatus) P. gen. et sp. nov. (Gobabeb) I I I I I I I Genus Palparidius P6ringuey • • F! capicola P6ringuey • Subfamily Myrmeleontinae • • • • • Genus Bankisus Navis

I B. oculatus Navis I I I1.I.I I I

B. carinifrons (Esben-Petersen)

Genus Cymothales Gerstaecker

C congolensis Navis

Genus Banyutus Navis 1 1.1 1 B. Iethalis (Walker) B sp. nov. I 1.1 I Genus Centroclisis Navis I I.I./e

istincta (Rambur)

ngicornis (Rambur)

Post-Symposium excursions

TABLE 1 . (coiztirzued)

TABLE I . (corztirzucd)

SECOND EXCURSION

Cape Province

Vanzylsrus (26.533 22.03E. 800m). 12 Feb. 1988. This tiny village in the Kalahari Desert was reached after the first day's drive from Pretoria, a distance of some 750 km. It lies on the banks of the dry Kuruman River in characteristi- cally sandy country with scattered Acacia trees, mainly A. erioloha. The light traps were set up on the outskirts of the village and the catch proved typical of this area where there was a low diversity of families (three). dominated by Myrmeleonticlae. This was also the first experience of the rich niyrmelcontid fauna of the western part of the subregion.

Twee Kivieren, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. (26.283 20.37E. 750m). 13 Feb. 1988. This is the headquarters of' the remote Kalahari Park, and the modern camp overlooks the dry Molopo River. It is surrounded by high grass-covered red dunes and very sparse acacias. Only three families were taken here, with Ncrnoptcridae (Drrlzytzcliia wnsoni Tjeder) making their first appearance for the trip.

Nossob Camp, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (25.253 20.36E. 850m). 14 Feb. 1988. Among the most isolated places in South Africa, this camp is situated in one of the great wilderness areas of the world in sandy. dune country supporting rolling grasslands sparsely dotted with Acacia. It lies on the banks of the dry Nossob River, which demarcates the boundary between Botswana and South Africa. The territories on both sides of the river are conservation areas, providing a vast biotope in which the herds of game can roam, and insects can proliferate. The shallow riverbed supports many beautiful Acacia eriolo- OCI (cat~icl thorn) trees. Only two families were represented in the material here, but large numbers of ant-lions. especially Ciictu, were present.

Mata Mata, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (25.47s 20.00E. 850m). 15 Feb. 1988.

Post-Symposium excursions

Lies on the border between South Africa and SWAiNamibia on the banks of the Auob River. It is also situated in sandy country similar to Nossob. Again, there was a low fami- ly diversity (two) but many Myrtneleontidae, especially Cuetu and the beautiful Golafrus oneili Pkringuey .

South West AfricaINamibia

Maltahohe (24.50s 16.58E. 1250m). 16 Feb. 1988. The light traps were placed just outside of the town on a north-facing rocky hillside. The banks of the Hudub River at the base of the hill support a dense stand of Acacia karroo. Myrmeleontids were again prevalent and two fanlilies were taken at this site.

Helmeringhausen (25.53s 16.498. 1250m). 17 Feb. 1988. This tiny hamlet situated on the edge of the Namib Desert is bounded on one side by rocky hillocks and on the other by the Konkiep River with its associated riverine acacias. One light trap was placed on a hillside to the west of town, whilst the others were mainly near the river. This locality yielded exceptionally rich collections, especially of Myrmeleonti- dae, where 26 species were taken. It was also the first locality where Cyrenoberothinae were found, and Crocinae (Nemopteridae) also made their initial appearance for the trip. Five families were recorded here.

Gobabeb and Homeb, NamibINaukluft Park 18-20 Feb. 1988. The Namib Desert Research Station at Gobabeb (23.353 15.03E. 350m) is situated on the banks of the dry Kuiseb River with immediate access to three desert biotopes. To the south, on the opposite bank of the river, is the great sand desert with its high dunes. This expanse of sand extends from the Orange River to the Kuiseb. The gravel plains and inselbergs of the Namib extend northwards from the Kuiseb, whilst the river itself, with an underground water supply, supports a rich riverine woodland dominated by Acu- ciu albida and A. erioloba. The river is described as a linear oasis which enables many plants and animals to extend their ranges into the otherwise inhospitable Namib.

The Kuiseb also maintains the sharp division between the sand deserf and the gravel plains by eroding away the sand spilling in from the southern bank, preventing it from encroach- ing northwards. The Namib Desert Research Station, with its excellent research and ac- commodation infrastructure, is unique and supports a diverse spectrum of arid-area related research projects. Collecting is not permitted within a ten kilometre radius of the Station, so the light traps were set up at Homeb (23.38s 15.10E. 350m - 400 m), a few kilometres upstream. Homeb is a village inhabited by some of the indigenous people of the area, the Topnaars. The site at Homeb is approached through lunar-like landscape and large A. albida and A. eriolobu trees form dense thickets along the bank at this point. Six fam;- lies were taken at Homeb, with several new taxa being recorded. Earlier, a visit was paid to Narra Valley (23.28s 14.55E. 350 m) downstream from the station, with its high dunes and Acunthosicyos horricla (narra melon) plants. The gravel plains near Homeb also sup- port the southernmost population of Welwitschia mirabilis, a biological highlight of the area. This strange plant is endemic to the Namib, and some of the larger plants may be over 1000 years old. The antiquity and affinities of this plant are still not clear, but it is thought to be related to the gymnosperms.

Usakos (22.00s 15.35E. 8OOm). 21 Feb. 1988. En route to Usakos visits were paid to the Vogelfederberg, near the road to Walvis Bay, in the Namib-Naukluft Park and the picturesque resort town of Swakopmund. At Usakos the light traps were erected against the northern slopes of the arid and rocky mountain just south of the town on a very warm night (26 " at 24h00). Myrmeleontidae again dominat- ed the catch of five fanlilies at Usakos, with P. immensus being the dominant species. This was also one of the three localities where Cyrenoberothinae were recorded.

Tlnrrl Intcrnationnl Syritpnfik~rn on Ncuropterology and pout-ry lliposluni c\curulons I. Pzrt~cipnnts In session at Rcrg, cn Dal. 2. A t Olifants lookout polnt. Krugcr Mational Park: Hans Mal~cky, Peter Ohm, Horst Arpock. Herhert Hdltel , Mewyn Manscll. 3. At Punda Mar~a. 4. Ingwc Motel Vallcy, Horst AspBck. Ulrike hspock, Dany Simon, Mervyn Mansell. 5. Mata Mata. Kalahari G e m s h k Park. 6. Road north of Mata Mata in Namibia. 7. Sorting Material, Mata Mata: Huben Rauwh. Eilrike Aspock, Dany Sirnon. Peter Ohm, Mewyn Mansell. X. Usatos. Hukn Rawach. Peter Ohm. Mervyn Mansell. Herhcn Hnl7cl (Photos H. Aspiick. H. Rausch, M. Manscll).

Posl-Symposium excursions

Ameih Ranch (21.48s E5.39E. 1000rn). 22 Feb. 1988. This neuropterologically rich and beautiful area lies in the Eron~o Mountains. character- izcd hy huyc granirc outcrops and rock formations, The area between the hilts and moun- tains i s sandy. This locality provided a number of rare and interesting taxa. including the Cyrenobernthinae and scvcral M y smeleontidac, Ascalaphidae. Psychopsidae, Crocinae and Chrysopidae, on what proved to be one of the scientificallp most impoftant evenrngs of the expedition.

W i n d h ~ k (22.325 17.06E. 1400m). 23 Fcb. 1988. The light traps wcre ereczcd about 10 k m north of !he city amongst Acrrcici species. A numhcr of previously unrecorded taxa wcre collected, including the first Rhachiberothi- nae, Mantispidae and scvcral Myrn~eleonridae. Four farni!ies were recorded at this ver- dant locality.

Third Intcmn~lonal Syrnp)wurn un Nt.uroprerolo~. post-symposium excursions. Lunch ncar Stanlprict, Namibia. 2. En route north oC Hel~l~er~nghausen. Namrbra. 3. At thc "Bulls Party" Ameih Ranch near Uwkm. Namibia. 4. Adm~ring aquatic fauna at Amcth. 5. 6. 7. Light trapping ar Punda Marla, Ingwe, Mata Mata (Photo% H. Aspiick. M. M;~nsell).

Keetmanshoop (26.363 18.08E. 920m). 24 Feb. 1988. This arca is charactcrizcd by boulder-strewn hills and sandy plains, and the evening's col- lecting took place in such terrain immediately west of the town. This also proved to be a rich collecting site, with five families being represented. The rare Palpares sp. (near pulchellus Esben-Petersen) and several Ascalaphidae and Psychopsidae were the highlights.

Karasburg, Fa rm Satco, lOkm west of the town (27.55s 18.42B. 900m). 25 Feb. 1988. En route to Karasburg, a detour was made to view the spectacular Fish River Canyon, one of the wonders of the region.

Light traps were placed next to the dry Satco River with low bush and very sparse Actzcia in a dry area. Four families were taken at this site, but niost species in low numbers. Many Ascalaphidae, however, which were attracted to the light-traps rather early before sunset, were the highlight of the evening.

Cape Province

Olifantshoek (27.56s 22.458. 1 150m). 26 Feb. 1988

This last locality of the excursion was situated a few kilometres from town on the road to Vanzylsrus. The traps were sited on and at the base of a hill next to the road. !t provid- ed an opportunity to sample a biotope in the Cape Province other than the Kalahari sites and six families were found. On the way to Olifantshoek, a stop was made in Upington to view the flooded Orange River, and the following day saw the long trek back to Pretor- ia and the culmination of the excursion.

REFERENCE

BKAACK, L.E.O. 1983. A Struik All-Colour guidc to the K r u g ~ r Natiorzal Pork. I91 pp. C. Struik, Cape Town.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The compilers of this report wish to thank all participants for their contributions to these list\, especially Mr Herbert Hblzel for the section on Chrysopidae and Dr Peter Ohm for that on Coniopterygidae. We are particularly grateful to the National Parks Board (South Africa) and the Department of Nature Conservation and Tourism (SWAINamibia) for per- mission to collect Neuroptera in the Parks mentioned in the text.

Addresses of authors:

Dr Mervyn W. Mansell Prof. Dr Horst Aspock National Collection of Insects Dep. of Med. Parasitology Plant Protection Research Institute Institute of Hygiene Private Bag X1 34 University of Vienna Pretoria Kinderspitalgasse 15 0001 South Africa A-1095 Wien, Austria

Bibliography of the Neuropterida Bibliography of the Neuropterida Reference number (r#): 7272 Reference Citation: Mansell, M. W.; Aspöck, H. 1990 [1990.??.??]. Post-symposium neuropterological excursions. Pp. 287-298 in Mansell, M. W.; Aspöck, H. (eds.). Advances in Neuropterology. Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Neuropterology (3-4 February 1988, Berg en Dal, Kruger National Park, South Africa). South African Department of Agricultural Development, Pretoria. 298 pp. Copyrights: Any/all applicable copyrights reside with, and are reserved by, the publisher(s), the author(s) and/or other entities as allowed by law. No copyrights belong to the Bibliography of the Neuropterida. Notes: File: File produced for the Bibliography of the Neuropterida (BotN) component of the Lacewing Digital Library (LDL) Project, 2010.

7272.pdf Bibliography of the Neuropterida