Search

Alcohol consumption is associated with oxidative stress and an increased risk of carcinoma of the upper aero-digestive tract (UADT). Recently, it has been found that some microorganisms in the human oral cavity may locally metabolize ethanol, forming acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic metabolite of alcohol. In a cohort of patients first visited for UADT cancers, we estimated their alcohol consumption by measuring Ethyl Glucuronide/EtG (a long-lasting metabolite of ethanol) in the hair and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin/CDT (short-term index of alcohol intake) in the serum. Moreover, we analyzed, by culture-based methods, the presence of Neisseria subflava, Streptococcus mitis, Candida albicans, and glabrata (microorganisms generating acetaldehyde) in the oral cavity. According to the EtG values, we correlated drinking alcohol with endogenous oxidative stress and the investigated microorganism’s presence. We found that 55% of heavy drinkers presented microorganisms generating acetaldehyde locally. Moreover, we found that the presence of oral acetaldehyde-producing bacteria correlates with increased oxidative stress compared to patients without such bacteria. As for the study of alcohol dehydrogenase gene polymorphisms (the enzyme that transforms alcohol to acetaldehyde), we found that only the “CGTCGTCCC” haplotype was more frequent in the general population than in carcinoma patients. This pilot study suggests the importance of estimating alcohol consumption (EtG), the presence of bacteria producing acetaldehyde, and oxidative stress as risk factors for the onset of oral carcinomas.

Blepharidina guttulata (Baly) (Figs 6, 20, 42, 58, 69) Blepharida guttulata Baly, 1881: 52 Blepharidina guttulata (Baly): Bechyn�� 1968: 1707; Biondi et al. 2017: 130, 142 Type material examined. Lectotype ♀ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ��� Angola ��� (BMNH). Paralectotypes: same data as lectotype, 5 ♀ (BMNH), 1 ♀ (MNHN). Additional material examined in Appendix 1. Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina guttulata can be attributed to the species group including B. bimbiensis, B. carinata, B. partita, B. rudeli, and, probably, B. sedecimguttata (Figs 2, 4, 6, 16, 19) (see the paragraph ���Taxonomic observations��� in B. bimbiensis). Dorsal integuments in B. guttulata are slightly variable in color, but always with yellow, rather small patches on darker pronotum and elytra, often similar to B. bimbiensis (Figs 2, 6). However, B. guttulata is immediately distinguishable from B. bimbiensis by its larger size. The aedeagus of B. guttulata is easily distinguishable because more slender in ventral view, with narrower apical part, and subtriangular apex (Figs 39, 41���42, 52). Compared with the other species of the group, spermatheca shows a slightly shorter distal part (Figs 56, 58, 63���64, 67). Males and females are apparently similar each other, and little variable in size, with females showing slightly shorter antennae (see Morphometry in Appendix 2). Distribution. Angola and Republic of Congo (Fig. 69). Central Afrotropical (CAT) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection sites fall within the area of the Guineo-Congolian Swamp Forest, the Miombo & Associated Broadleaf Savanna, and the Guineo-Congolian Evergreen & Semi-Evergreen Rainforest vegetation (belonging respectively to the Tropical Flooded & Swamp Forest, the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland, and the Tropical Lowland Humid Forest formations)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Baly, J. S. (1881) Descriptions of new species of Galerucidae. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London, 1881, 51 - 59. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1365 - 2311.1881. tb 01532. x","Bechyne, J. (1968) Contribution a la faune du Congo (Brazzaville). Mission A. Villiers et A. Descarpentries. LXXXI. Coleopteres Alticidae. Bulletin de L'Institut Francais d'Afrique Noire, Serie A, 30, 1687 - 1728."]}

Blepharidina sedecimguttata (Weise) (Fig. 69) Blepharida sedecimguttata Weise, 1912: 94 Blepharidina sedecimguttata (Weise): Biondi et al. 2017: 133 Taxonomic observations. Blepharida sedecimguttata was described by Weise (1912) from Gawiro in Uhehe (Tanzania, Gairo 6��08���06''S, 36��51���44''E). Neither the type nor other specimens attributed to this species were found in any examined collections. However, the description by Weise (1912) leaves no doubt about its attribution to the genus Blepharidina, as well as its similarity with B. rudeli. B. sedecimguttata can be distinguished from B. rudeli by the: eight large yellow patches on each elytron, as well as a small yellow patch in the shoulder angle before the humeral callus, with only one patch in front of the apex (nine large yellow patches, with two patches in front of the apex in B. rudeli); more finely impressed elytral punctation; more sparsely stained pronotum, with shorter longitudinal furrows. Distribution. Tanzania (Fig. 69). Possibly Northern-Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of Eastern African Xeric Scrub (belonging to the Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Weise, J. (1912) Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Chrysomeliden. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 78, 76 - 98."]}

Blepharidina picta (Kolbe) (Figs 17, 32, 37, 53, 65, 69) Blepharida picta Kolbe, 1897b: 336; Weise 1902: 160; Ferreira 1963: 517 Blepharidina picta (Kolbe): Biondi et al. 2017: 132, 144 Type material examined. Lectotype ♂ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ��� D. O. Afrika, (Tanzania)?Khutu (7��46���32''S, 37��36���10''E), Stuhlmann S.��� (ZMHB). (Kolbe (1897b: 336) reports Ukami (8��30���00''S, 35���44���00''E) as type locality. Paralectotypes: ��� D. Ost. Afrika,?Khutu, 1897, S. Stuhlmann ���, 2 ♂ (ZMHB). Africa, 1 specimen (BMNH); Deutsch-Ostafrika, 1 specimen (NMPC), 1 specimen (MNHN); ditto, S. Stuhlmann leg., 4 specimens (ZMHB). Additional material examined in Appendix 1. Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina picta is closely related to B. laesa, with which it shares the same shape of the aedeagus. However, B. picta is distinguishable from B. laesa by some external characters (Figs 12, 17): size clearly larger (LB �� 8.38 mm; LB = 6.88 mm in B. laesa); elytral interstriae flat (weakly but distinctly carinate B. laesa); elytral yellow patches more rounded (more irregularly shaped in B. laesa); elytral punctures pale (brownish in B. laesa), clypeus and labrum yellow (both reddish in B. laesa). About the median lobe of aedeagus, B. picta shows a more rounded apical part and slightly longer basal part (more clearly trapezoidal apical part and straight and slightly shorter basal part in B. laesa) (Figs 48, 53). Spermatheca (Fig. 65) with piriform and very sclerotized basal part; ductus thick, with ventrally oriented proximal part. Both males and females are moderately variable in size, but females generally show higher LE / LP ratio and shorter antennae (see Appendix 2). Distribution. Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania (Fig. 69). Eastern Afrotropical (EAF) chorotype. Ecological notes. The collection sites fall within different vegetation types: Eastern African Dry Semi- Deciduous Forest; Eastern & Southern African Lowland Evergreen & Semi-Evergreen Forest; Afromontane Dry Forest; Southern African Swamp Forest; Indo-West Pacific Mangrove; Miombo & Associated Broadleaf Savanna; Eastern African Salt Pan; Eastern African Xeric Scrub., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Kolbe, H. J. (1897 b) Coleopteren. Die Kafer Deutsch-Ost-Afrikas. Dietrich Reimer, Berlin, 367 pp.","Weise, J. (1902) Afrikanische Chrysomeliden. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 68, 119 - 174.","Ferreira, M. C. (1963) Catalogo dos Coleopteros de Mocambique. Revista de Entomologia de Mocambique, 6, 1 - 531."]}

Blepharidina kenyana sp. nov. (Figs 10, 29, 46, 68) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 0FFDCE28-0A4E-4014-BC78-8187DF2AA5EB Type material. Holotype ♂: ���Kenya, Eastern, Mwingi, Nguni env. (1��31'S 37��57'E), 28.xi.1999, M. Sn��zěk leg.��� (BAQ). Paratypes. Same data as the holotype, 1 ♂ (MNHN); KENYA: Eastern, Mwingi env. (0��56'S 38��03'E), 4.xii.1997, M. Sn��zěk leg., 1 ♂ (BMNH); Sagala Hills (3��28'S 38��35'E), xii.1993, Werner leg., 1 ♂ (BAQ); Kenya, Eastern, E 729, Sosoma, 202 km E of Thika (0��53'S 38��40'E), 20.xi.2007, M. Sn��zěk leg. (BAQ). Diagnosis. Blepharidina kenyana sp. nov. is similar to B. regalini sp. nov. in size, habitus, and color pattern (Figs 10, 18). However, the new species can be easily distinguished by the: aedeagus, clearly different in size, lateral view, and shape of the dorsal ligula (Figs 46, 54); more slender antennomeres and more distinctly carinate elytral interstriae (Figs 29, 33). Description of the holotype (♂). Body elliptical-elongate, rather convex (Fig. 10); LB = 6.50 mm; maximum pronotal width (WP = 2.44 mm) in basal third; maximum elytral width (WE = 3.22 mm) in middle. Head brown, darker medially; antennae yellowish; pronotum yellowish, with brown patches; elytra yellowish, with brown striae and some small irregular brown patches on interstriae; legs brown, with slightly paler tibiae and pale tarsi. Head moderately pubescent, roughly punctate; frontal grooves weakly impressed; frontal tubercles poorly delimited, flat; interantennal space little wider than length of first antennomere; interocular space about as wide as transverse ocular width; antennae slightly longer than half body length (LAN = 3.84 mm; LAN/LB = 0.59); LA: 100:39:67:78:100:89:89:87:81:78:92. Pronotum subrectangular, distinctly transverse (LP = 1.38 mm; WP/LP = 1.77), with weakly sinuate lateral margin; anterior margin slightly thicker than basal margin, and moderately sinuate laterally; anterior angles slightly prominent laterally (Fig. 29); pronotal surface with lines and groups of differently sized punctures; pronotal base with two lateral, moderately impressed, longitudinal striae. Scutellum brown, subrounded, moderately elongate. Elytra moderately elongate (LE = 4.69 mm; WE/LE = 0.69; LE/LP = 3.41), subparallel laterally, jointly rounded and entirely covering pygidium posteriorly; punctation distinctly impressed, arranged in 9 (+ 1 scutellar) regular rows; interstriae slightly carinate. First pro- and mesotarsomeres clearly dilated; tarsal claws bifid. Ventral parts brown; last abdominal ventrite without distinctive preapical impressions. Aedeagus (LAED = 3.16 mm; LE/LAED = 1.49) (Fig. 46) in ventral view moderately slender, distinctly narrowed in apical third, obtusely subtriangular apically, with a small median tooth; ventral sulcus wide, open towards basal part; in lateral view, aedeagus straight, tapered towards subapical part; apical part slightly sinuate; dorsal ligula short, connected to approximately apical fourth of median lobe. Variation. Paratypes (males) very similar in shape, sculpture, color and morphometry to the holotype; size moderately variable (see Appendix 2). Etymology. The female specific epithet is after Kenya, where the species was collected in several localities. Distribution. Kenya (Fig. 68). Possibly Northern-Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection sites fall within the area of Eastern African Xeric Scrub vegetation (belonging to the Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland formation), and Eastern & Southern African Dry Savanna & Woodland (belonging to the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635

Blepharidina regalini sp. nov. (Figs 18, 33, 54, 66, 68) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: E35D5006-AAF1-442F-957A-422B48 B34647 Type material. Holotype ♂: ���Kenya SE, SW of Voi (3��24'S 38��33'E), 8���12.xii.2009, M. Sn��zěk leg.��� (BAQ). Paratypes. Same data as the holotype, 2 ♂ (BAQ; BMNH). KENYA: Voi, S. Foot Sagala (Sagala Hills 3��28'S 38��35'E), 19.iv.2008, M. Sn��zěk leg., 1 ♂ (ZMHB); Kiboko env. (2��12'S 37��43'E), 21.xi.1999, M. Sn��zěk leg., 1 ♂ (MNHN); Taveta, Tsavo West N. P., Lake Jipe (3��33'S 37��45'E), xii.1993, R. Regalin leg., 1 ♀ (BAQ); 202 km E Thika, Sosoma (0��53'S 38��40'E), 3.xii.2010, M. Sn��zěk leg., 1 ♂ (BAQ). Diagnosis. Blepharidina regalini sp. nov. and B. kenyana sp. nov. share similar size, habitus and color pattern (Figs 10, 18). However, B. regalini can be easily distinguished for the following characters: aedeagus clearly different in size, lateral view and shape of the dorsal ligula (Figs 46, 54); slender antennomeres and more distinctly carinate elytral interstriae (Figs 29, 33). Aedeagus of B. regalini sp. nov. is also similar to B. aliquantula sp. nov. and B. kasigauensis sp. nov., but it is distinguishable because more bent dorsally in lateral view (Figs 38, 45, 54). Based on the external characters, B. regalini sp. nov. is also recognizable by: lateral margin of pronotum moderately sinuate (more distinctly sinuate in the other two species), with anterior angles visible in dorsal view (Figs 26, 28, 33); interocular space about as wide as the transverse ocular width (wider in the other two species); elytral color pattern without defined patches (with evident patches in the other two species) (Figs 1, 9, 18). Description of the holotype (♂). Body elliptical-elongate, rather convex (Fig. 18); LB = 6.25 mm; maximum pronotal width (WP = 2.50 mm) in basal third; maximum elytral width (WE = 3.34 mm) in middle. Head brown, with paler clypeus and labrum; antennae yellow; pronotum yellow, with brown patches on groups and lines of punctures; elytra yellow, with brown striae and some small, brown patches on interstriae; legs brownish, with yellowish distal part of tibiae, and tarsi. Head distinctly pubescent, roughly punctate; frontal grooves short, moderately impressed; frontal tubercles poorly delimited, flat; interantennal space little wider than length of first antennomere; interocular space about as wide as transverse ocular width; antennae about as long as half body length (LAN = 3.06 mm; LAN/LB = 0.49); LA: 100:35:65:65:85:71:71:65:59:53:71. Pronotum subrectangular, clearly transverse (LP = 1.31 mm; WP/LP = 1.90), with moderately sinuate lateral margin (Fig. 33); anterior margin slightly thicker than basal margin, and moderately sinuate laterally; anterior angles moderately prominent laterally; pronotal surface with lines and groups of differently sized punctures; pronotal base with two distinctly impressed lateral and longitudinal striae. Scutellum light brown, subrounded, moderately elongate. Elytra moderately elongate (LE = 4.69 mm; WE/LE = 0.71; LE/LP = 3.57), subparallel laterally, jointly rounded and entirely covering pygidium posteriorly; punctation distinctly impressed, arranged in 9 (+ 1 scutellar) regular rows; interstriae flat, weakly carinate only laterally and posteriorly. First pro- and mesotarsomeres distinctly dilated; tarsal claws bifid. Ventral parts brown; last abdominal ventrite without distinctive preapical impressions. Aedeagus (LAED = 2.59 mm; LE/LAED = 1.81) (Fig. 54) slightly sinuate laterally in ventral view, with subtriangular apical part and small median tooth; ventral sulcus wide, open towards basal part; in lateral view, aedeagus straight but gradually and strongly narrowed in subapical part, because of sinuate dorsal side; dorsal ligula short, connected to approximately the apical fourth. Variation. Paratypes rather similar in shape, size and sculpture to the holotype; some specimens with slightly darker integument. Female distinguishable by the first pro- and mesotarsomeres not dilated, and the shorter antennae (see Morphometry in Appendix 2). Spermatheca (Fig. 66) with globose, elongate basal part; distal part very short, less sclerotized than basal part; ductus thick, but gradually narrowing towards distal part; distal part with a trace of coil. Etymology. The specific epithet is after one of its collectors, Renato Regalin, our friend and colleague, renowned specialist of Clytrini (Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae), who prematurely passed away in 2016. Distribution. Kenya (Fig. 68). Possibly Northern-Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection sites fall within the area of Eastern African Xeric Scrub (belonging to the Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland formation), and Afromontane Moist Forest (belonging to the Tropical Montane Humid Forest formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635

Subgenus Blepharidina Bechyn�� Blepharidina Bechyn��, 1968: 1725; Biondi et al. 2017., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Bechyne, J. (1968) Contribution a la faune du Congo (Brazzaville). Mission A. Villiers et A. Descarpentries. LXXXI. Coleopteres Alticidae. Bulletin de L'Institut Francais d'Afrique Noire, Serie A, 30, 1687 - 1728."]}

Blepharidina carinata (Bryant) (Figs 4, 35, 41, 56, 69) Blepharida carinata Bryant, 1944: 137; Ferreira 1965: 941 Blepharidina carinata (Bryant): Biondi et al. 2017: 129, 142 Type material examined. Lectotype ♂ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ��� Angola 76-28, G.E. Bryant ��� (BMNH). Paralectotypes: same data as lectotype, 1 ♀ (BMNH). Additional material examined in Appendix 1. Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina carinata can be attributed to the species group including B. bimbiensis, B. guttulata, B. partita, B. rudeli, and, probably, B. sedecimguttata (Figs 2, 4, 6, 16, 19) (see the paragraph ���Taxonomic observations��� in B. bimbiensis). However, it can be easily identified by the: singular color pattern, with black elytral striae and yellowish interstriae (Fig. 4); distinctly carinate interstriae (Fig. 35). About the aedeagus, B. carinata is very similar to B. partita (Figs 41, 52), but it is easily distinguishable by the median lobe more evenly curved laterally in ventral view. The spermatheca is characteristic by the co-presence of a distinctly elongate, hook-shaped distal part and a moderately globose basal part (Figs 56, 58, 63���64, 67). Morphometry in Appendix 2. Distribution. Angola (Fig. 69). Possibly Central Afrotropical (CAT) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of Miombo & Associated Broadleaf Savanna vegetation (belonging to the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Bryant, G. E. (1944) New species of Blepharida from Africa (Halticinae, Col.). Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Series 11, 12 (86), 129 - 137.","Ferreira, M. C. (1965) Catalogo dos Coleopteros de Angola. Revista de Entomologia de Mocambique, 8, 415 - 1317, 1 map."]}

Blepharidina rudeli (Weise) (Figs 19, 67, 69) Blepharida rudeli Weise, 1905: 41 Blepharidina rudeli (Weise): Biondi et al. 2017: 133 Type material examined. Lectotype ♀ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ���(Tanzania) Lukuledi (10��33���36''S, 38��48'E), Rudel��� (ZMHB). Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina rudeli can be attributed to the species group including B. bimbiensis, B. carinata, B. guttulata, B. partita and, probably, B. sedecimguttata (Figs 2, 4, 6, 16, 19) (see ���Taxonomic observations��� in B. bimbiensis). However, B. rudeli is easily recognizable by the partially irregular elytral punctuation (Fig. 19), and the reddish-brown dorsal integuments with large and roundish yellow patches. These characters are likely shared, based on the original description of the latter species by Weise (2012), with B. sedecimguttata. However, B. rudeli seems distinguishable for the: number of large yellow patches on each elytron (nine instead of eight in B. sedecimguttata); deeper and coarser elytral punctation; larger yellow patches on pronotum; more elongate pronotal longitudinal furrows. Compared to B. carinata, B. guttulata and B. partita, the spermatheca in B. rudeli has more slender and sclerotized basal part and more sclerotized ductus (Figs 56, 58, 63, 67). Male is unknown for this species. Morphometry in Appendix 2. Distribution. Tanzania (Fig. 69). Possibly Northern-Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of Miombo & Associated Broadleaf Savanna (belonging to the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Weise, J. (1905) Neue afrikanische Chrysomeliden und Coccinelliden. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift, 1905, 33 - 54."]}

Blepharidina aliquantula sp. nov. (Figs 1, 26, 38, 68) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: DC3DCC40-9994-4A33-AB3D-798DFF6D8842 Blepharidina (Blepharidina) burtli (Bryant): Biondi et al. 2017: 129 (pars) Type material. Holotype ♂: ��� Somalia, Mogadiscio (2��02'N 45��21'E), 17.vi.1934, S. Patrizi leg.��� (MSNG). Diagnosis. Blepharidina aliquantula sp. nov. shows major affinity with B. kasigauensis sp. nov. and B. regalini sp. nov. due to the similar shape of the aedeagus (Figs 38, 45, 54). However, B. aliquantula sp. nov. has clearly smaller size, brighter color on the dorsal integuments (Figs 1, 9, 18) and the aedeagus more distinctly bent dorsally at the apical third in lateral view (Fig. 38). The new species also differs from B. kasigauensis sp. nov. for the antero-lateral part of pronotum (Figs 26, 28), visible in dorsal view (not visible in B. kasigauensis because downward oriented), and from B. regalini sp. nov., for the different punctation on the antero-lateral surface of pronotum (Figs 26, 33). Description of the holotype (♂). Body elliptical-elongate, rather convex (Fig. 1); LB = 4.81 mm; maximum pronotal width (WP = 2.03 mm) in basal third; maximum elytral width (WE = 2.66 mm) in middle. Head brown with yellowish antennae; labrum with lateral pale patches; pronotum with bright yellow and brown patches, latter mostly on groups and lines of punctures; elytra bright yellow with brown striae of punctures and some large and irregular brown patches (4 medial and 5 lateral); legs brown, with slightly paler tarsi. Head distinctly pubescent, roughly and densely punctate; frontal grooves short, weakly impressed; frontal tubercles slightly elongate, flat; interantennal space little wider than length of first antennomere; interocular space wider than transverse ocular width; antennae as long as half body length (LAN = 2.41 mm; LAN/LB = 0.50); LA: 100:46:69:69:85:69:69:69:69:69:85. Pronotum subrectangular, distinctly transverse (LP = 1.19 mm; WP/LP = 1.71), with clearly sinuate lateral margin; anterior margin slightly thicker than basal margin, and slightly sinuate laterally; anterior angles distinctly prominent laterally; pronotal surface with lines and groups of differently sized punctures (Fig. 26); pronotal base with two moderately impressed lateral longitudinal striae. Scutellum brown, subtriangular. Elytra moderately elongate (LE = 3.63 mm; WE/LE = 0.73; LE/LP = 3.05), subparallel laterally, jointly rounded and entirely covering pygidium posteriorly; punctation clearly impressed, arranged in 9 (+ 1 scutellar) regular rows; interstriae flat, apart from most lateral weakly carinate posteriorly. First pro- and mesotarsomeres distinctly dilated; tarsal claws bifid. Ventral parts brown; last abdominal ventrite without distinctive preapical impressions. Aedeagus (LAED = 2.31 mm; LE/LAED = 1.57) (Fig. 38) in ventral view slightly sinuate laterally, with subtriangular apical part and small median tooth; ventral sulcus wide, open towards basal part; in lateral view, median lobe distinctly narrowed subapically, with clearly bent dorsally apical third; dorsal ligula short, connected to apical fourth. Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latin female adjective referring to its small size. Distribution. Somalia (Fig. 68). Possibly Northern-Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological Notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of Eastern African Xeric Scrub vegetation (belonging to the Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635

Blepharidina intermedia (Jacoby) (Figs 8, 22, 44, 59, 68) Blepharida intermedia Jacoby, 1888: 197; Weise 1902: 160 Blepharidina intermedia (Jacoby): Biondi et al. 2017: 130, 142 Type material examined. Lectotype ♂ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ���(Tanzania) Zanzibar (6��09���50, 39��11���53)��� (BMNH). Paralectotypes: ��� Zanzibar, 1909-28 a, Jacoby coll.���, 1 ♀ (BMNH). Additional material examined in Appendix 1. Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina intermedia shows clear affinities with B. laesa and B. picta, with which it shares the following characters: lateral margins of pronotum strongly sinuate, with anterior angles obliquely truncate and pointed (Fig. 32); elytral margin very thin from base up to basal fifth, and distinctly enlarged around basal fifth of elytra (Fig. 37); aedeagus (Figs 44, 48, 53) with ventral sulcus slightly longer than half aedeagal length, closed and shortly divided basally. However, B. intermedia is easily distinguishable by the different elytral color pattern, generally with dark striae, and small, irregular brown patches (evident yellow patches in B. laesa and B. picta) (Figs 8, 12, 17). Aedeagus (Fig. 44) is also distinguishable by the subapical part gradually but distinctly narrower in ventral view, and by the apical part distinctly bent dorsally in lateral view. Spermatheca (Fig. 59) shows piriform basal part, apical part almost 90�� bent respect to the basal part, and a moderately elongate ductus. Both males and females are quite variable in size and morphometric ratios (see Appendix 2). Distribution. Central African Republic, Kenya and Tanzania (Fig. 68). Central Afrotropical (CAT) chorotype. One specimen of B. intermedia from MNHN collection was labelled ��� Madagascar ���, but the presence of this species in Madagascar needs confirmation. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection sites fall within different vegetation types belonging to the following formations: Mangrove; Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland; Warm Desert & Semi- Desert Scrub & Grassland; Tropical Seasonally Dry Forest; Salt Marsh., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Jacoby, M. (1888) Descriptions of new or little-known species of phytophagous Coleoptera from Africa and Madagascar. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London, 1888, 189 - 206. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1365 - 2311.1888. tb 01308. x","Weise, J. (1902) Afrikanische Chrysomeliden. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 68, 119 - 174."]}

Blepharidina delineata (Bryant) (Figs 5, 57, 68) Blepharida delineata Bryant, 1944: 135 Blepharidina delineata (Bryant): Biondi et al. 2017: 129 Type material examined. Lectotype ♀ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ��� Germ. E. Africa (Tanzania), Lulanguru, G.D.H. Carpenter, 1918���56 /17 mls. W. of Tabora (5��05���42''S, 32��38���09''E), 1148 metors. (sic!), Oct.��� Dec. 1917.��� (BMNH). Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina delineata, known from a single female (Fig. 5), is similar to females of B. burtli in size, general shape, and color pattern. However, differences in spermatheca (Figs 55, 57) do not allow to think about a real affinity between these two species. The spermatheca of B. delineata (Fig. 57) is easily recognizable by the elongate ductus and the very short and apically rounded distal part, distinctly bent from the piriform basal part. Other characters useful for distinguishing B. delineata are: the lateral margin of pronotum almost straight and entirely visible in dorsal view (moderately sinuate (Fig. 27), with antero-lateral part not visible in B. burtli); pronotal surface with a complete medial stria of punctures touching both posterior and anterior margins) (incomplete (Fig. 27) in B. burtli); elytral surface with larger points and more distinctly carinate interstriae (with smaller points and flatter interstriae (Fig. 34) in B. burtli). Morphometry in Appendix 2. Distribution. Tanzania (Fig. 68). Possibly Northern-Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of Miombo & Associated Broadleaf Savanna vegetation (belonging to the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Bryant, G. E. (1944) New species of Blepharida from Africa (Halticinae, Col.). Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Series 11, 12 (86), 129 - 137."]}

Blepharidina knighti (Bryant) (Figs 11, 30, 47, 69) Blepharidella knighti Bryant, 1945: 339 Blepharidina knighti (Bryant): Biondi et al. 2017: 131, 143 Type material examined. Lectotype ♂ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ��� Kenya Colony, Makuyu (0��49���39''S, 37��13���59''E), iii���v.1937, C.D. Knight ��� (BMNH). Additional material examined in Appendix 1. Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina knighti is recognizable from other similarly-sized species by the following combination of characters: pronotum with clearly sinuate lateral margin (Fig. 30); elytra comparatively elongate (Fig. 11); elytral striae clearly darkened (Fig. 11); aedeagus (Fig. 47), with very elongate and slightly carinate dorsal ligula. No females are known for this species. Morphometry in Appendix 2. Distribution. Kenya (Fig. 69). Possibly Northern���Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection sites fall within the area of Afromontane Moist Forest vegetation (belonging to the Tropical Montane Humid Forest formation), and Eastern African Xeric Scrub (belonging to the Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Bryant, G. E. (1945) New species of African Chrysomelidae (Halticinae, Col.). Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Series 11, 12 (89), 336 - 340. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934508654728"]}

Blepharidina matabelelandensis sp. nov. (Figs 14, 24, 50, 61, 69) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 642DEF0E-0B5B-4B50-9373-708721B6B9A5 Type material. Holotype ♂: ��� Zimbabwe, 50 km S of Bulawayo (20��33'S 28��36'E), Matobo Nat. Park, 3��� 5.xii.1995, S. Bečv��ř leg.��� (BAQ). Paratype. ZIMBABWE: Lonely (Lonely Mine, 19��30'S 28��45'E), H. Swale leg., 1 ♀ (BMNH). Diagnosis. Blepharidina matabelelandensis sp. nov. shows clear affinities with B. himba sp. nov. These two species share similar size, habitus, color pattern (Figs 7, 14), and a very slender aedeagus with laterally widely rounded apical part in ventral view (Figs 43, 50). B. matabelelandensis sp. nov. can be easily distinguishable from B. himba sp. nov. by the: darker integuments; different arrangement of the pronotal punctures, with three lateral groups and a small basal medial group (two lateral groups and an elongate medial group in B. himba sp. nov.) (Figs 21, 24); aedeagus in ventral view fusiform from base to subapical part (clearly tapered in B. himba sp. nov.) (Figs 43, 50). Description of the holotype (♂). Body elliptical-elongate, rather convex (Fig. 14); LB = 7.88 mm; maximum pronotal width (WP = 3.13 mm) in basal third; maximum elytral width (WE = 4.25 mm) in middle. Head brown with pale clypeus and labrum; antennae yellowish; pronotum with several yellow patches, and brown and black areas; elytra mostly blackish, with numerous yellow patches on interstriae; legs brown, with paler tarsi. Head distinctly pubescent, roughly and densely punctate; frontal grooves short, distinctly impressed near upper ocular margin; frontal tubercles small, paler than head, weakly raised; interantennal space distinctly wider than length of first antennomere; interocular space wider than transverse ocular width; antennae slightly longer than half body length (LAN = 4.50 mm; LAN/LB = 0.57); LA: 100:40:79:84:105:90:95:87:79:76:84. Pronotum (Fig. 24) subrectangular, moderately transverse (LP = 1.81 mm; WP/LP = 1.72), with clearly sinuate lateral margin; anterior margin slightly thicker than basal margin, and clearly sinuate laterally; anterior angles distinctly prominent laterally; pronotal surface with lines and groups of differently sized punctures, with no striae of punctures in middle; pronotal base with two lateral, distinctly impressed, longitudinal striae. Scutellum brown, subrounded, moderately elongate. Elytra moderately elongate (LE = 6.13 mm; WE/LE = 0.69; LE/LP = 3.38), subparallel laterally, jointly rounded and entirely covering pygidium posteriorly; punctation deeply impressed, arranged in 9 (+ 1 scutellar) regular rows; interstriae distinctly carinate laterally and posteriorly. First pro- and mesotarsomeres distinctly dilated; tarsal claws bifid. Ventral parts brown; last abdominal ventrite without distinctive preapical impressions. Aedeagus (LAED = 3.59 mm; LE/LAED = 1.70) (Fig. 50) in ventral view fusiform from base to subapical part; apical part widely rounded, with a median tooth; ventral sulcus deep, open towards basal part; in lateral view, aedeagus straight in basal 2/3s, then distinctly curved dorsally, with apex ventrally bent; dorsal ligula connected to about apical fourth, with slightly carinate basal surface. Variation. Paratype (female) similar in shape, sculpture and color to the holotype. Tarsi not dilated. Spermatheca (Fig. 61) with piriform, thick, very sclerotized basal part; distal part short and thin, clearly bent; ductus apically inserted, very thick, with S-shaped distal part. Morphometry in Appendix 2. Etymology. The female specific epithet is after Matabeleland, the Zimbabwe region where the species was collected. Distribution. Zimbabwe (Fig. 69). Possibly Central Afrotropical (CAT) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of Miombo & Associated Broadleaf Savanna (belonging to the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635

Blepharidina partita (Jacoby) (Figs 16, 52, 63���64, 68) Blepharida partita Jacoby, 1895: 323; Weise 1902: 160 Blepharidina partita (Jacoby): Biondi et al. 2017: 132, 143 Type material examined. Lectotype ♀ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ��� Zambeze ��� (BMNH). Additional material examined in Appendix 1. Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina partita can be attributed to the species group including B. bimbiensis, B. carinata, B. guttulata, B. rudeli and, probably, B. sedecimguttata (Figs 2, 4, 6, 16, 19) (see the paragraph ���Taxonomic observations��� in B. bimbiensis). However, B. partita is recognizable by the: elytra black, with numerous subrounded and more or less fused yellow patches; pronotum reddish-brown or pale brown, with irregular yellow patches; third and ninth elytral interstriae entirely yellow (Fig. 16). Aedeagus is similar to B. carinata (Figs 41, 52), but it is distinguishable because of the apex more triangular in ventral view. Basal part of spermatheca is comparatively shorter about as long as the proximal part of the ductus (Figs 56, 58, 63���64, 67). Both males and females are moderately variable in size, but with constant morphometric ratios (see Appendix 2). Females generally show more transverse pronotum, higher LE / LP ratio, and slightly shorter antennae. Distribution. Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Zambia (Fig. 68). Central Afrotropical (CAT) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection sites fall mainly within vegetation types belonging to the Tropical Lowland Humid Forest, and Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formations., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Jacoby, M. (1895) Contributions to the knowledge of African phytophagous Coleoptera. Part. II. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London, 1895, 317 - 341.","Weise, J. (1902) Afrikanische Chrysomeliden. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 68, 119 - 174."]}

Blepharidina macarthuri (Bryant) (Figs 13, 23, 49, 60, 69) Blepharida macarthuri Bryant, 1948: 150 Blepharidina macarthuri (Bryant): Biondi et al. 2017: 131 Type material examined. Lectotype ♂ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ���(KENYA) MacArthur and Museum Staff., Ikutha (2��04���12''S, 38��10���48''E). 1���42��� (BMNH). Paralectotypes: KENYA, ���Makindu (2��16���30''S, 37��49���12''E), xii.1933, MacArthur���, 1 ♀ (BMNH). Additional material examined in Appendix 1. Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina macarthuri shows clear affinities with B. ornaticollis. These two species share: similar size, habitus, sculpture of the dorsal integuments (Figs 13, 15), anterior margin of the pronotum slightly thicker medially than laterally (Figs 23, 25); anterior angles of the pronotum sharply pointed and laterally oriented (Fig. 31), and dorsal surface of the aedeagus densely carinate longitudinally (Figs 49, 51). However, B. macarthuri is mainly distinguishable by the more slender distal part of the aedeagus (Figs 49, 51), and the spermatheca with thicker and subcylindrical basal part (piriform and elongate in B. ornaticollis) (Figs 60, 62). Morphometry in Appendix 2. Distribution. Kenya (Fig. 69). Possibly Northern���Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. The collection sites fall within the following vegetation types: Eastern African Xeric Scrub (belonging to the Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland formation); Eastern African Salt Pan (belonging to the Salt Marsh formation); Afromontane Dry Forest (belonging to the Tropical Montane Humid Forest formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Bryant, G. E. (1948) New species of Chrysomelidae (Halticinae) from East Africa. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Series 12, 1 (3), 145 - 171. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934808653898"]}

Blepharidina bimbiensis (Bechyn��) (Fig 2, 39, 68) Blepharida bimbiensis Bechyn��, 1948: 547; Scherer (1962: 70, misidentification of Blepharidina guttulata (Baly), cf. Bechyn��, 1968: 1725); Ferreira 1965: 941 Blepharidina bimbiensis (Bechyn��): Bechyn�� 1968: 1725; Biondi et al. 2017: 128 Type material examined. Lectotype ♂ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ���(Angola) Bimbi (8��19���48''S, 15��58���48''E), Oct. 1932 / Angola, Miss. se. Suisse, 1928���29 ��� (NMPC). Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina bimbiensis can be attributed to the species group including B. carinata, B. guttulata, B. partita, B. rudeli, and, probably, B. sedecimguttata (Figs 2, 4, 6, 16, 19), identified by the following combination of characters of the external morphology, aedeagus and spermatheca: anterior margin of pronotum much wider medially than laterally (Fig. 20); elytral margin homogenous in thickness, rather thin, at most weakly enlarged in central third (Fig. 35); aedeagus (Figs 39, 41���42, 52) in ventral view stubby, with wide lateral longitudinal depressions, and with small lateral folds ventrally oriented on the apex; in lateral view, aedeagus about as thick basally than subapically, with apical part ventrally oriented; dorsal ligula formed by two simple lateral lobes and a complex medial lobe; spermatheca (Figs 56, 58, 63���64, 67) generally with globose basal part, and thin, hook-shaped distal part; ductus very thick in proximal part, generally not clearly distinct from spermathecal capsule. Color of the dorsal integuments in B. bimbiensis is like some specimens of B. guttulata, with small, pale, subrounded patches on light brown pronotum and reddish-brown elytra (Figs 2, 6), but its size is distinctly smaller. Aedeagus is easily recognizable by the singular apical part, subrectangular in ventral view (Fig. 39). No female specimens of B. bimbiensis are known. Morphometry in Appendix 2. Distribution. Angola (Fig. 68). Possibly Central Afrotropical (CAT) Chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of West-Central African Mesic Woodland & Savanna vegetation (belonging to the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Bechyne, J. (1948) Coleopteres d'Angola Phytophaga, Chrysomelidae et Halticidae. Revue Suisse de Zoologie, 55 (29), 533 - 548. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 117895","Scherer, G. (1962) Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Alticiden-Fauna Zentral-Afrikas (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Alticinae). Annales Musee Royal de l'Afrique Centrale-Tervuren, Sciences Zoologiques, 113, 1 - 82.","Bechyne, J. (1968) Contribution a la faune du Congo (Brazzaville). Mission A. Villiers et A. Descarpentries. LXXXI. Coleopteres Alticidae. Bulletin de L'Institut Francais d'Afrique Noire, Serie A, 30, 1687 - 1728.","Ferreira, M. C. (1965) Catalogo dos Coleopteros de Angola. Revista de Entomologia de Mocambique, 8, 415 - 1317, 1 map."]}

Key to Blepharidina s. str. species 1. Anterior margin of pronotum at least three times wider medially than laterally (Fig. 20). Elytral margin homogenous in thickness, at most weakly enlarged in central third (Fig. 35)........................................................ 2 - Anterior margin of pronotum medially never more twice wider than laterally (Figs 21���25). Elytral margin not homogenous in thickness, thinner in basal fifth of elytra (Figs 34, 36), or very thin from base to basal fifth, and distinctly enlarged between basal fifth and half-length of elytra (Fig. 37)................................................................ 7 2. Elytral punctation almost confused (Fig. 19). Dorsal integument reddish-brown, with large, roundish yellow patches (Fig. 19).................................................................................................... 3 - Elytral punctation arranged in regular rows (Figs 2, 4, 6, 16). Dorsal integument different in color (Figs 2, 4, 6, 16)....... 4 3. Nine large yellow patches on each elytron, as well as a small one on the shoulder (Fig. 19). Elytra deeply and coarsely punctate. Pronotum with large yellow patches and elongate longitudinal furrows. Spermatheca as in Fig. 67. Male unknown........................................................................... Blepharidina rudeli (Weise) (Fig. 19) - Eight large yellow patches on each elytron, as well as a small one on the shoulder. Elytra finely punctate. Pronotum sparsely stained with shorter longitudinal furrows. Diagnostic characters based on the original description (Weise 1912).................................................................................. Blepharidina sedecimguttata (Weise) 4. Elytra with fine black striae on mostly yellowish surface; interstriae distinctly carinate (Figs 4, 35). Aedeagus, in ventral view, evenly rounded laterally from basal part to apex (Fig. 41). Spermatheca with distinctly elongate, hook-shaped distal part and moderately globose basal part (Fig. 56).............................................. B. carinata (Bryant) (Fig. 4) - Elytra with yellow patches on black or reddish-brown surface (Figs 2, 6, 16); interstriae flat or very weakly carinate. Aedeagus, in ventral view, not evenly rounded laterally for the whole length (Figs 39, 42, 52). Basal part of spermatheca more globose and/or distal part shorter (Figs 58, 63���64).............................................................. 5 5. Third and ninth elytral interstriae entirely yellow (Fig. 16); outermost interstria more distinctly carinate than others. Distal six or seven antennomeres blackened (Fig. 16). Aedeagus, in ventral view, weakly but regularly rounded laterally, with subtriangular apical part (Fig. 52). Spermatheca in Figs 63���64.................................. B. partita (Jacoby) (Fig. 16) - Third and ninth elytral interstriae with yellow patches (Figs 2, 6); outermost interstria about as carinate as others. Distal six or seven antennomeres not blackened (Figs 2, 6). Aedeagus, in ventral view, subrectangular in apical part (Fig. 39) or distinctly narrower in apical fifth (Fig. 42).......................................................................... 6 6. Smaller size: LE+LP = 6.2 mm (in the only known specimen, male holotype). Upper interocular space wider than twice transversal width of eye. Aedeagus, in ventral view, with subrectangular apical part (Fig. 39). Female unknown.......................................................................................... B. bimbiensis (Bechyn��) (Fig. 2) - Larger size: LE+LP �� 7.8 mm. Upper interocular space narrower than twice transversal width of eye. Aedeagus, in ventral view, with subtriangular apex (Fig. 42). Spermatheca in Fig. 58............................ B. guttulata (Baly) (Fig. 6) 7. Anterior angles of pronotum distinctly bevelled (Fig. 32). Elytral margin very thin from base to basal fifth, and distinctly enlarged between basal fifth and half-length of elytra (Fig. 37). Aedeagus with closed and shortly divided basally ventral sulcus, slightly longer than half length of aedeagus (Figs 44, 48, 53)................................................ 8 - Anterior angles of pronotum anteriorly or laterally prominent, more or less pointed (Figs 26���31, 33). Elytral margin thinner in basal fifth of elytra (Fig. 34, 36). Aedeagus with ventral sulcus, if present, basally reaching basal part (Figs 38, 40, 43, 45���47, 49���51, 54).......................................................................................... 10 8. Elytra with brown or black striae on mostly yellow surface, generally with very sparse irregular brown patches (Fig. 8). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more slender, clearly narrower in apical third (Fig. 44). Spermatheca in Fig. 59................................................................................................ B. intermedia (Jacoby) (Fig. 8) - Elytra with large and generally roundish yellow patches on dark brown surface (Figs 12, 17). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset, not or very weakly narrower in apical third (Figs 48, 53)............................................... 9 9. Smaller size: LE+LP = 6.6 mm (in the only known specimen, male holotype). Elytral interstriae slightly but distinctly carinate (Fig. 12). Elytra with less regularly rounded yellow patches; punctures brownish (Fig. 12). Clypeus and labrum reddish. Aedeagus, in lateral view, straight, with shorter and straight basal part (Fig. 48)................. B. laesa (Kolbe) (Fig. 12) - Larger size: LE+LP �� 8.3 mm. Elytral interstriae flat (Figs 17, 37). Elytra with more regularly rounded yellow patches; punctures colored as adjacent area (Figs 17, 37). Clypeus and labrum yellow. Aedeagus, in lateral view, slightly sinuate, with longer basal part ventrally oriented (Fig. 53). Spermatheca with piriform and very sclerotized basal part; ductus thick, with proximal part ventrally oriented (Fig. 65)...................................................... B. picta (Kolbe) (Fig. 17) 10. Anterior margin of pronotum medially distinctly thicker than laterally; anterior angles of pronotum clearly pointed (Figs 23, 25, 31). Aedeagus with densely longitudinally carinate dorsal surface (Figs 49, 51). Spermathecal ductus thin, with short distal part (Figs 60, 62).....................................................................................11 - Anterior margin of pronotum laterally about as thick as medially; anterior angles of pronotum more rounded (Figs 21, 22, 24). Aedeagus with not carinate dorsal surface, at most with some sparse carinae on dorsal ligula (Figs 38, 40, 43, 45���47, 50, 54). Spermathecal ductus thicker and/or with longer distal part (Figs 55, 57, 61, 66).................................... 12 11. Anterior margin of pronotum medially about twice wider than laterally (Fig. 25). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset; in lateral view, apical third strongly bent dorsally (Fig. 51). Spermatheca (Fig. 62) with piriform, elongate basal part.................................................................................... B. ornaticollis (Jacoby) (Fig. 15) - Anterior margin of pronotum medially less than twice wider than laterally (Fig. 23). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more slender; in lateral view, apical fourth distinctly bent dorsally (Fig. 49). Spermatheca (Fig. 60) with thick, subcylindrical basal part.............................................................................. B. macarthuri (Bryant) (Fig. 13) 12. Elytra with narrow, rounded or elongate yellow patches on interstriae; elytral surface mostly blackish (Figs 7, 14). Aedeagus, in ventral view, slender, narrower in apical fourth, with laterally distinctly rounded apical part (Figs 43, 50)............. 13 - Elytra differently colored (Figs 1, 3, 5, 9���11, 18). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset (Figs 38, 40, 45, 54), or not distinctly rounded in apical part (Figs 46���47)................................................................. 14 13. Pronotum with three lateral groups of punctures and a longitudinal short area of punctures medially (Fig. 24). Aedeagus, in ventral view, fusiform from base to subapical part; in lateral view, apical third clearly curved dorsally (Fig. 50). Spermatheca in Fig. 61................................................................ B. matabelelandensis sp. nov. (Fig. 14) - Pronotum with two lateral groups of punctures and a longitudinal elongate area of punctures medially (Fig. 21). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more slender, tapered from base to subapical part; in lateral view, apical third slightly curved dorsally (Fig. 4 3). Female unknown.................................................................. B. himba sp. nov. (Fig. 7) 14. Larger size: LE+LP �� 6.9 mm. Elytral points smaller and/or sparser (Fig. 34). Interocular space wide at least twice transversal width of each eye.................................................................................... 15 - Smaller size: LE+LP B. delineata (Bryant) (Fig. 5) - Lateral margin of pronotum weakly but distinctly sinuate (Fig. 27), not visible anteriorly in dorsal view. Pronotal surface with an incomplete medial, longitudinal stria of punctures touching both posterior and anterior margins (Fig. 27). Elytral surface with smaller points and almost flat lateral interstriae (Fig. 3). Spermatheca with slightly thicker and shorter ductus, and more elongate distal part (Fig. 55). Aedeagus in Fig. 40......................................... B. burtli (Bryant) (Fig. 3) 16. Margin of pronotum strongly sinuate in lateral view (Figs 26, 28, 30)........................................... 17 - Margin of pronotum weakly sinuate in lateral view (Figs 29, 33)............................................... 19 17. Smaller size: LE+LP = 4.8 mm (in the only known specimen, male holotype). Antero-lateral part of pronotum weakly oriented downward (Fig. 26), with visible anterior angles in dorsal view. Aedeagus, in lateral view, with apical third clearly bent dorsally (Fig. 38)................................................................. B. aliquantula sp. nov. (Fig. 1) - Larger size: LE+LP �� 5.9 mm. Antero-lateral part of pronotum distinctly oriented downward, with hardly visible anterior angles in dorsal view (Figs 28, 30). Aedeagus, in lateral view, slightly curved dorsally (Figs 45, 47)................... 18 18. Antennomeres slender (Fig. 11). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more slender, clearly narrower in apical third; ventral sulcus more deeply impressed, about as wide as each lateral edge; dorsal ligula elongate and slightly carinate on surface (Fig. 47). Female unknown...................................................................... B. knighti (Bryant) (Fig. 11) - Antennomeres thicker (Fig. 9). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset, very weakly narrower in apical third; ventral sulcus less deeply impressed, wider than each of lateral edge; dorsal ligula short, not carinate on surface (Fig. 45). Female unknown........................................................................... B. kasigauensis sp. nov. (Fig. 9) 19. Antennomeres slender (Fig. 10). Elytral interstriae carinate (Fig. 29). Aedeagus, in ventral view, slender, distinctly narrower in apical third; in lateral view, straight but finely ventrally curved apex (Fig. 46). Female unknown...................................................................................................... B. kenyana sp. nov. (Fig. 10) - Antennomeres thicker (Fig. 18). Elytral interstriae flat (Fig. 33). Aedeagus, in ventral view, more thickset, slightly narrower in apical third; in lateral view, aedeagus distinctly sinuate in distal half (Fig. 54). Spermatheca in Fig. 66................................................................................................. B. regalini sp. nov. (Fig. 18), Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Weise, J. (1912) Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Chrysomeliden. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 78, 76 - 98."]}

Genus Blepharidina Bechyn�� Blepharidina Bechyn��, 1968: 1725; Biondi et al. 2017: 1���38; D���Alessandro et al. 2017: 97���155 Blepharida (Blepharidina) Bechyn��, 1968: Biondi & D���Alessandro 2012: 36 = Blepharida Chevrolat, 1836: 394 (pars) = Blepharidella Weise, 1910: 220 (pars) Type species. Blepharida guttulata Baly, 1881: 52 (Angola), by original designation., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Bechyne, J. (1968) Contribution a la faune du Congo (Brazzaville). Mission A. Villiers et A. Descarpentries. LXXXI. Coleopteres Alticidae. Bulletin de L'Institut Francais d'Afrique Noire, Serie A, 30, 1687 - 1728.","Chevrolat, L. A. A. (1836) In: Dejean, P. F. M. A. (Ed.), Catalogue des Coleopteres de collection de M. le Comte Dejean. Deuxieme edition, revue, corrigee et augmentee, livr. 5. Librairie Mequignon- Marvis Pere et Fils, Paris, pp. 361 - 442.","Weise, J. (1910) Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der schwedischen zoologischen Expedition nach dem Kilimandjaro, dem Meru und den umgebenden Massaisteppen Deutsch-Ostafrikas 1905 - 1906. 7. Coleoptera. 12. Chrysomelidae und Coccinellidae. Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1 (1 - 7), 153 - 247, 1 pl.","Baly, J. S. (1881) Descriptions of new species of Galerucidae. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London, 1881, 51 - 59. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1365 - 2311.1881. tb 01532. x"]}

Blepharidina himba sp. nov. (Figs 7, 21, 43, 68) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: AA2504B9-0A6D-4CBF-9B93-DD64F2521EC0 Type material. Holotype ♂: ��� Kaokoland (Namibia), 4 km E Orumana, 18��1'S 13��50'E, 24.ii.1990, E. Marais & J. Irish leg.��� (ZMHB). Diagnosis. Blepharidina himba sp. nov. shows a clear affinity with B. matabelelandensis sp. nov., with which it shares similar size, habitus, and color pattern (Figs 7, 14) and a very slender aedeagus, with laterally widely rounded apical part in ventral view (Figs 43, 50). However, B. himba sp. nov. can be easily distinguishable from B. matabelelandensis sp. nov. by: the lighter integuments; the different arrangement of the pronotal punctures (Figs 21, 24), with two lateral groups and an elongate medial group (three lateral groups and a small basal medial group in B. matabelelandensis sp. nov.); the aedeagus tapered from base to subapical part (fusiform in B. matabelelandensis sp. nov.) (Figs 43, 50). Description of the holotype (♂). Body elliptical-elongate, rather convex (Fig. 7); LB = 7.31 mm; maximum pronotal width (WP = 2.81 mm) in basal third; maximum elytral width (WE = 3.81 mm) in middle. Head brown with yellowish antennae; pronotum yellow with brown patches mostly on groups and lines of punctures; elytra mostly yellow, but blackish on striae of punctures and part of interstriae; legs brown, with paler tarsi. Head distinctly pubescent, roughly and densely punctate; frontal grooves short, distinctly impressed near upper ocular margin; frontal tubercles small, flat, paler than head; interantennal space distinctly wider than length of first antennomere; upper interocular space wider than transverse ocular width (Fig. 21); antennae about as long as half body length (LAN = 3.63 mm; LAN/LB = 0.50); LA: 100:39:67:83:83:78:78:72:72:72:83. Pronotum (Fig. 21) subrectangular, distinctly transverse (LP = 1.56 mm; WP/LP = 1.80), with clearly sinuate lateral margin; anterior margin slightly thicker than basal margin, and clearly sinuate laterally; anterior angles distinctly prominent and slightly rounded anteriorly, pointed laterally; pronotal surface with lines and groups of differently sized punctures, also with a longitudinal line of punctures in middle; pronotal base with two lateral, distinctly impressed longitudinal striae. Scutellum brown, subrounded, moderately elongate. Elytra moderately elongate (LE = 5.69 mm; WE/LE = 0.67; LE/LP = 3.64), subparallel laterally, jointly rounded and entirely covering pygidium posteriorly; punctation deeply impressed, arranged in 9 (+ 1 scutellar) regular rows; interstriae distinctly carinate laterally and posteriorly. First pro- and mesotarsomeres distinctly dilated; tarsal claws bifid. Ventral parts brown; last abdominal ventrite without distinctive preapical impressions. Aedeagus (LAED = 3.50 mm; LE/LAED = 1.63) (Fig. 43) in ventral view slender and tapered from base to subapical part; apical part laterally widely rounded, with a small median tooth; ventral sulcus deep, open towards basal part; in lateral view, aedeagus straight in basal 2/3s, then slightly curved dorsally, with apex ventrally bent; dorsal ligula connected to about apical fourth, with slightly carinate basal surface. Etymology. The female specific epithet is after Himba people, who inhabit the north-western part of Namibia, where the species was collected. Distribution. Namibia (Fig. 68). Possibly Central Afrotropical (CAT) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of Mopane Savanna vegetation (belonging to the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635

Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia, Biondi, Maurizio (2019): Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyné (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2

Blepharidina laesa (Kolbe) (Figs 12, 48, 68) Blepharida laesa Kolbe, 1897a: 99 Blepharidina laesa (Kolbe): Biondi et al. 2017: 131 Type material examined. Lectotype ♂ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ��� Coll. Stuhlmann, Mozambique (Festland) (~ 18��08���48''S, 34��57���53''E), 4.i.1889 ��� (ZMHB). Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina laesa is closely related to B. picta, with which it shares the same shape of the aedeagus. However, B. laesa is distinguishable from B. picta by some external characters (Figs 12, 17): size clearly smaller (LB = 6.88 mm; LB �� 8.38 mm in B. picta); elytral interstriae weakly but distinctly carinate (flat in B. picta); elytral yellow patches more irregularly shaped (more rounded in B. picta); elytral punctures brownish (pale in B. picta), clypeus and labrum reddish (both yellow in B. picta). About the median lobe of aedeagus, B. laesa shows a more clearly trapezoidal apical part, and a straight and slightly shorter basal part (Figs 48, 53). Morphometry in Appendix 2. Distribution. Mozambique (Fig. 68). Possibly Southern���Eastern Afrotropical (SEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The collection site falls within the area of Eastern & Southern African Dry Savanna & Woodland vegetation (belonging to the Tropical Lowland Grassland, Savanna & Shrubland formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Kolbe, H. J. (1897 a) Uber die von Herrn Dr. F. Stuhlmann in Deutsch-Ostafrika und Mosambik wahrend der Jahre 1888 bis 1890 gesammelten Coleopteren. Mitteilungen aus dem Naturhistorischen Museum in Hamburg, Jahrgang, 14, 75 - 101."]}

Blepharidina ornaticollis (Jacoby) (Figs 15, 25, 31, 51, 62, 69) Blepharida ornaticollis Jacoby, 1888: 196 Blepharidina ornaticollis (Jacoby): Biondi et al. 2017: 131, 143 Type material examined. Lectotype ♂ (Biondi des. in Biondi et al. 2017): ���Africa, Jacoby coll. (1909-28 a)��� (BMNH). Additional material examined in Appendix 1. Taxonomic observations. Blepharidina ornaticollis shows clear affinities with B. macarthuri. They share general shape, sculpture and size (Figs 13, 15), with anterior margin of pronotum slightly thicker medially than laterally (Figs 23, 25), and anterior angles of pronotum sharply pointed and laterally oriented (Fig. 31). Aedeagus is also very similar in the two species (Figs 49, 51), with the densely carinate longitudinally dorsal surface (Figs 49, 51). However, B. ornaticollis is distinguishable by the anterior margin of pronotum more distinctly wider medially than laterally (Figs 23, 25), the more thickset aedeagus (Figs 49, 51), and the spermatheca with piriform, elongate basal part (thick and subcylindrical in B. macarthuri) (Figs 60, 62). Females similar to males in morphometry (see Appendix 2). Distribution. Kenya (Fig. 69). Possibly Northern-Eastern Afrotropical (NEA) chorotype. Ecological notes. Not available. The known collection site falls within the area of Indo-West Pacific Mangrove (belonging to the Mangrove formation)., Published as part of Iannella, Paola D'Alessandro Mattia & Biondi, Maurizio, 2019, Revision of the Afrotropical flea beetle subgenus Blepharidina s. str. Bechyn�� (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in Zootaxa 4545 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4545.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/2618635, {"references":["Jacoby, M. (1888) Descriptions of new or little-known species of phytophagous Coleoptera from Africa and Madagascar. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London, 1888, 189 - 206. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1365 - 2311.1888. tb 01308. x"]}