Eyes asetose, distinctly widened at lower pole in males (e.g., see Fig. 4A); clypeal free margin bituberculate (e.g., see Fig. 3C); tarsal claws with a ventral denticle (e.g., see Fig. 3A); mid and hind tibiae apically with a pair of unequal spurs (serrate in females) (e.g., see Figs 3A; 8B, C); second metasomal segment with felt lines deposited laterally on tergum and sternum (e.g., see Fig. 9C). MALES. Fully winged forms; fore and hind wings with anal lobes; metanotum mostly provided with a pair of more or less developed dentiform horns (e.g., see Fig. 4C). FEMALES. Apterous forms; mesosomal dorsum with visible sutures (e.g., see Fig. 7D); pronotum wider than fused meso-metanota, the latter more or less contracted and narrower than propodeum (e.g., see Fig. 7D); propodeal dorsal face rounded or truncate behind, without scutellar scale (e.g., see Figs 7D; 20B); T6 subconvex, with pygidial area having poorly expressed sculpture (e.g., see Fig. 9A, B) (Lelej 1985, 2002).

Figure 3. 

Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug) (Male) A, B habitus, lateral and dorsal views, respectively (lateral felt line on T2 indicated, ventral denticle on tarsal claw in magnified pretarsus indicated) C head, frontal view (denticulations on clypeal free margin indicated) D head and antennal scape, dorsal view.

Figure 4. 

Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug) (Male) A head, lateral view (mandibular basal lower tooth indicated) B antenna C, D mesosoma, dorsal and lateral views, respectively (metanotal horns indicated) E T3–T7, dorsal view.

Male (Figs 3–5; 10A–C; 33A, B). Body length 12.3–18 mm. Head and mesosoma including tegula dark red (Figs 3C, D; 4A, C, D); antennal flagellomeres blackish-brown, at most F11 pale at the tip (Fig. 4B); posterior metasomal segments (4^th to 7^th) more or less brownish-yellow, distinctly contrasting with darkened anterior segments (Fig. 5B, C). First metasomal segment and S2 (except posteriorly) clothed with long white setae, remaining metasoma densely clothed with golden setae (Figs 5B, C; 10B, C); T1 with apical fringe of sparse white setae, T2–T6 and S2–S6 with apical fringes of dense golden setae (Figs 5B, C; 10B, C). POD 1.5–1.85 × OOD (Fig. 3D); distance between apex of lower mandibular tooth and upper mandibular ridge slightly longer than mandibular height at base (1.08–1.15 ×) (Fig. 4A); T1 rather sparsely foveate (Fig. 5B); metanotal horns well developed (1.7–1.8 × as long as wide), distinctly diverging toward the apex (Fig. 4C); fore wing wholly deeply infumate in most specimens, with dark brown veins (Fig. 5A), with 3^rd abscissa of Rs distinctly longer than crossvein r-rs (usually 1.3–1.4 ×, in few specimens reaches 2 ×) (Fig. 5A). Cuspis of volsella narrow apically, digitate (Fig. 33B); parapenial lobe subrounded, with broadly rounded apex (Fig. 33A); genital ventral lobe, rounded apically, with outer margin slightly concave (Fig. 33B).

Figure 5. 

Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug) (Male) A right fore wing (relevant veins and cells labelled) B, C metasoma, dorsal and ventral views, respectively.

Female (Figs 6–9). Body length 15.5–17 mm. Propodeum, T2 and T3 with yellowish-white to golden setae (Fig. 6A); T1–T5 and S2–S5 with apical fringes of compact golden setae (Figs 8D; 9C). Vertex with distinct anterior and posterior ocelli (Fig. 7A); distance between apex of mandibular lower tooth and upper mandibular ridge nearly as long as mandibular height at base; interspaces between foveae or punctures on frons, vertex and mesosomal dorsum irregularly coarsely tuberculate (Figs 7A, B, D; 8A); propodeal dorsal face distinctly widened laterally, sharply declivitous posteriorly (truncate), 0.50–0.55 × as long as maximal width (Figs 7D; 8A); meso- and metapleura punctate (Fig. 8A); mid and hind tibiae with strong prolongation at their apices (Fig. 8B, C); hind tibia without a groove on inner face (Fig. 8C); T6 with oval-shaped pygidial area, finely rugose on disc and obliquely striate laterally (Fig. 9B).

Figure 6. 

Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug) (Female) A, B habitus, lateral and dorsal views, respectively.

Figure 7. 

Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug) (Female) A head, frontal view B head and antennal scape, dorsal view C antenna (with only part of scape) D mesosoma, dorsal view.

Figure 8. 

Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug) (Female) A head and mesosoma, lateral view (tubercles on propodeal dorsum indicated) B, C mid and hind tibiae and basitarsomeres, respectively (prolongation at the apices of mid and hind tibiae indicated) D metasoma, dorsal view.

Figure 9. 

Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug) (Female) A T4–T6, dorsal view B T6 (after removing setae surrounding pygidial area) C metasoma, ventral view (felt lines on T2 and S2 indicated).

Examination of Pseudophotopsis kassalina f. semiaurata Bischoff, 1920 (Fig. 10A–D), through a series of photos taken of the “type” specimen kept in MSNG, confirm synonymizing of this form with P. aurea (Klug) as proposed by Lo Cascio et al. (2012), and contributes to reinforcing the identity of the new P. subaurea described here. On the other hand, the same authors (2012) considered this form as unavailable infrasubspecific name according to the article 45.6.4 of ICZN, where Bischoff (1920) specified it as a form, but specified other taxa in the genus (e.g. maura) as subspecies, showing that he considered semiaurata to be infrasubspecific.

Figure 10. 

Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug) (“Holotype” male of P. kassalina f. semiaurata Bischoff (MSNG)) A habitus, dorsal view B metasoma, dorsal view C metasoma, latero-ventral view D labels.

1♂ (Eritrea, Arafali), Leg. Magretti P. [“Holotype” of P. kassalina f. semiaurata Bischoff, MSNG]; 1♂ (WY1), 11.x.2013, LT, leg. Rasool I. [KSMA]; 1♂ (WBQ), 04.xi.2013, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 2♂ (SH5), 2♂ (SH6), 2♂ (SH7), 1♂ (SH8), 21.iv.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH5), 6♂ (SH8), 3.vi.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (SH5), 1♀ (SH8), 5.vi.2014, PT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (GR1), 1♂ (GR2), 8.vi.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (GR2), 26.viii.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (WR2), 20.x.2014, LT, leg. Al-Harbi M. & Rasool I. [KSMA]; 1♂ (WN2), 10.xii.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH5), 2♂ (SH6), 2♂ (SH7), 3.vi.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH8), 27.vii.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (GR3), 2♂ (GR4), 31.vii.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (GR2), 31.vii.2015, PT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH2), 1♂ (SH3), 1♂ (SH7), 2.ix.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 2♂ (SH2), 12.xi.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH5), 1♂ (SH6), 15.xi.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (SH1), 15.xi.2015, HP, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH1), 14.xi.2015, LT, leg. Ahmed M. Soliman (AMS) [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH3), 18.xi.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ & 1♀ (SH4), 24.iii.2017, LT for ♂ and HP for ♀, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (WM1), 4.iv.2017, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (Al-Sajid), 28.iv.2017, LT, leg. Abu-Elghiet U. & El-Sheikh T. [KSMA]; 1♀ (Al-Huseis), 28.iv.2017, PT, leg. Abu-Elghiet U. & El-Sheikh T. [KSMA]; 1♀ (Al-Mashoor), 29.iv.2017, PT, leg. Abu-Elghiet U. & El-Sheikh T. [KSMA]; 1♀ (WRY), 7.iv.2019, HP, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (WM2), 11.iv.2019, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (WK), 12.iv.2019, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA].

Sana’a, Socotra and Ta’izz provinces (Yemen) (Lelej and van Harten 2006; Lo Cascio et al. 2012; Madl 2018); Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Makkah regions (southwestern Saudi Arabia) (Fig. 1).

Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen (Gadallah et al. 2020).

Male. Body length 8–17 mm. Head and mesosoma (including legs) brown; metasoma black, 1^st segment entirely and S2–S7 lighter; flagellomeres light brown; fore wing hyaline, with brown veins. Head with prolonged temples, weakly convergent behind eyes; distance between posterior ocellus and posterior head margin longer than longitudinal posterior ocellus diameter; POD 2.1–2.5 × OOD; F1 slightly shorter than F2 (0.9 ×); basal lower mandibular tooth significantly bent downwards, distance between apex of lower tooth and upper mandibular ridge slightly longer than mandibular height at the base (see fig. 30 (8) in Lelej 1985); S2 with well developed median basal tubercle; T2 basally and laterally with small dense foveae, becoming sparse on disc (several diameters distance apart); cuspis of volsella narrow at tip (Fig. 35D); parapenial lobe slightly oblique inward, with broadly rounded apex (Fig. 35C); genital ventral lobe rather cylindrical, extending directly posteriorly, with broadly rounded apex (Fig. 35D). (Bischoff 1920; Lelej 1985).

Female. Unknown.

No specimens examined.

Ash Sharqiyah South province (Oman) (Monks et al. 2019) (Fig. 1).

Central Asia, India, Iran, Oman (Gadallah et al. 2020).

Holotype ♂, Sultanate Of Oman, Ayn Hamran (Taqah, Dhofar province) [17°05'51"N, 54°16'59"E, alt. 1097 m], 20.xi.2017, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA].

Male. Distance between posterior ocellus and posterior head margin longer than longitudinal posterior ocellus diameter (1.8 ×) (Fig. 11D); distance between apex of lower mandibular tooth and upper mandibular ridge distinctly less than mandibular height at base (0.73 ×) (Fig. 12C); metanotal horns weakly developed, short, slightly longer than wide (1.15 ×), parallel (Fig. 12D); T1 rather long, 1.3 × as long as its maximal width (Fig. 14A); second metasomal segment with apical fringe of sparse fine white setae (Fig. 14A, B); lateral felt line on T2 about 0.85 × as long as distance between felt line and posterior tergal margin (Fig. 14C); S2 without median basal tubercle (Fig. 14B, C); genitalia with ventral lobes strongly bent inward, with outer margins strongly convex and apices directed posteriorly (Fig. 33C, D).

Figure 11. 

Pseudophotopsis dhofarensis sp. nov. (Male) A, B habitus, lateral and dorsal views, respectively C head, frontal view D head, antennal scape and pedicel, dorsal view.

Figure 12. 

Pseudophotopsis dhofarensis sp. nov. (Male) A head, fronto-lateral view B antenna C mandible, lateral view D mesosoma, dorsal view.

Figure 13. 

Pseudophotopsis dhofarensis sp. nov. (Male) A head and mesosoma, lateral view B right fore wing.

Figure 14. 

Pseudophotopsis dhofarensis sp. nov. (Male) A, B metasoma, dorsal and ventral views, respectively C 2^nd and 3^rd metasomal segments, ventro-lateral view D T6–T7, dorsal view.

Body length 9.5 mm. Color (Figs 11A–C; 12B, C; 14B, D). Head, mesosoma, and first metasomal segment reddish-brown, T1 darkened at posterior margin; metasomal segments 2–6 blackish-brown to black, with posterior margins narrowly more or less yellow; last metasomal segment yellowish-brown, T7 lighter than S7 and S8 (hypopygium); antenna, palps, basal two-thirds of mandible, tegula and fore leg testaceous; mid and hind legs reddish-brown; apical third of mandible polished-chestnut colored, basal lower mandibular tooth darkened. Wings hyaline with yellowish-brown veins, pterostigma and Sc+R vein brown.

Setation (Figs 11C, D; 12A, C, D; 13A; 14A–D). Body including legs and basal third of mandible clothed with long erect white setae mixed with short suberect to recumbent setae on metasomal segments 2–7; T2 and S2 with apical fringes of sparse (not compact) white fine setae.

Head (Figs 11C, D; 12A–C) . Densely setiferous punctate; head height (from free clypeal margin to vertex) 0.94 × maximal width; POD 2 × OOD; distance between posterior ocellus and posterior head margin 2 × as long as longitudinal posterior ocellus diameter; vertex broadly emarginate posteriorly; clypeus with well developed, lamellate, longitudinal median carina; distance between apex of mandibular lower tooth and upper mandibular ridge about 0.73 × as long as mandibular height at the base, subapically with two teeth, preapical tooth extremely small; pedicel as long as wide, 0.52 × as long as F1; F1 1.8 × as long as wide, as long as F2 and F3.

Mesosoma (Figs 12D; 13A). In dorsal view 1.8 × as long (excluding pronotal flange) as its maximal width; pronotal dorsal face setiferous foveate-reticulate, except for smooth and polished posterior margin, with humeral angles gently rounded, and lateral face horizontally carinulate near posterior margin; mesoscutum sparsely setiferous punctate, with complete notauli slightly diverging anteriorly; scutellum smooth on disc, densely setiferous foveolate laterally; metanotal horns short, parallel, scarcely longer than wide (1.15 ×); propodeum setiferous areolate, gently sloping posteriorly; mesopleuron foveate-reticulate, except the smooth posterior margin of mesepimeron.

Fore wing (Fig. 13B). Cell 2R1 1.9 × as long as pterostigma, with rounded apex; anterior margin of 2R1 1.5 × as long as pterostigma; first discal cell (1M) about 0.75 × as long as 2R1; 3^rd abscissa of Rs as long as crossvein r-rs; vein 1M convex.

Metasoma (Fig. 14A–D). T1 1.3 × as long as maximal width, setiferous foveate-reticulate; T2 0.9 × as long as its maximal width, densely setiferous foveate laterally mixed with small punctures, sparsely setiferous punctate basally and on disc, puncticulate along posterior margin, with polished interspaces between punctures; length of lateral felt line on T2 less than distance between felt line and posterior tergal margin (0.85 ×); T3–T7 and S3–S6 setiferous punctulate (T7 with vague longitudinal median polished ridge); S2 foveate, foveae mixed with dense fine punctures, especially on sides; S2 without median basal tubercle; S8 (hypopygium) with median apical small tubercle.

Genitalia (Fig. 33C, D). Cuspis of volsella narrow, digitate, not reaching apex of paramere, with few long setae; parapenial lobe oblique inward, with broadly rounded apex; ventral lobe extremely bent inward, having apex directed anteriorly, with strongly convex outer edge and serrulate inner edge.

Female. Unknown.

The new species, P. dhofarensis, resembles the Asian species, P. caucasica (Radoszkowski, 1885), in having the fore wing with yellow veins, S2 without a median basal tubercle, and T2 with the lateral felt line shorter than the distance between the felt line and the posterior tergal margin. However, it differs from P. caucasica in the following aspects: the distance between the posterior ocellus and posterior head margin 2 × as long as the longitudinal posterior ocellus diameter (Fig. 11D) (this distance slightly larger than the longitudinal posterior ocellus diameter in P. caucasica); cuspis of volsella narrow, digitate, not reaching apex of paramere (Fig. 33C, D) (somewhat broad, reaching apex of paramere in P. caucasica (see fig. 32(3) in Lelej 1985); genital ventral lobe extremely bent inward, with a strongly convex outer edge and an apex directed anteriorly (Fig. 33C) (this lobe only slightly bent inward, with the outer edge nearly straight, and an apex directed posteriorly in P. caucasica (see fig. 32(3) in Lelej 1985).

The new species, P. dhofarensis, is named after Dhofar province (Oman) where the holotype male specimen was collected.

Dhofar province (Oman) (Fig. 1).

Male (Figs 15–17; 34A, B). Body length 8.8–16 mm. Metasomal segments darkened, at most 7^th segment yellowish-brown to red (Fig. 17B, C); fore wing slightly infuscate on distal half, with brown veins (Sc+R and pterostigma darker) (Fig. 17A); antennal flagellomeres more or less light brown (Fig. 16A). Distance between apex of lower mandibular tooth and upper mandibular ridge less than mandibular height at base (about 0.85 ×) (Fig. 16B); POD 1.3–1.6 × OOD (Fig. 15D); metanotal horns well developed, distinctly longer than wide (about 1.5 ×) (Fig. 16C); T1 distinctly long, about 1.45–1.65 × as long as maximal width (Fig. 15B); lateral felt line on T2 about 0.6–0.75 × as long as distance between felt line and posterior tergal margin; S2 with extremely small median basal tubercle (mostly absent) (Fig. 17C); parapenial lobe slightly oblique inward, with subrounded apex (Fig. 34A); genital ventral lobes at most oblique inward, with outer margin obtusely angulate (Fig. 34B).

Figure 15. 

Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea (Male) A, B habitus, lateral and dorsal views, respectively C head, frontal view D head and antennal scape, dorsal view.

Figure 16. 

Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea (Male) A antenna B head and antennal scape, lateral view C, D mesosoma, lateral and dorsal views, respectively.

Figure 17. 

Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea (Male) A right fore wing B, C metasoma, dorsal and ventral views, respectively.

Female (Figs 18–22). Body length 10.8–16.5 mm. Anterior ocellus absent, only a pair of poorly developed posterior ocelli present (Fig. 19B); distance between apex of mandibular lower tooth and upper mandibular ridge 0.86–0.88 × as long as mandibular height at the base (Fig. 19D); F1 about 1.2 × as long as F2 (Fig. 20A); mesosomal dorsum regularly punctate, with interspaces between punctures ridged but not tuberculate (smooth), clothed with long erect to suberect golden setae (Fig. 20B, C); pronotal dorsal face (excluding anterior flange) gently declivitous antero-medially, with convex anterior border (Fig. 20B); propodeal dorsal face gently declivitous (rounded) posteriorly, 0.70–0.77 × as long as maximal width (Fig. 20B); meso- and metapleura mostly smooth (with scattered fine punctures) (Fig. 20C); mid and hind tibiae without prolongation at their apices (Fig. 21A, B); hind tibia with narrow shallow groove extending along inner face (Fig. 21B); T1–T5 and S2–S5 with apical fringe of compact golden setae (Figs 18A, B; 21C, D); T2 densely punctate, punctures 1–2 diameters apart (Fig. 21C); T6 with bell-shaped, finely wrinkled pygidial area (Fig. 22B).

(hitherto unknown) allotype (Figs 18–22). Body length 10.8 mm. Color (Figs 18A, B; 19A, D; 20A; 21D). Head (including antennal scape, pedicel and F1 and basal third of mandible) and mesosoma (including legs) dark red (mid and hind legs darker); remaining flagellomeres light brown, F11 yellowish apically; mandible black apically; metasomal terga black (except blackish-red T6), sterna blackish-red to black.

Figure 18. 

Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea (Female) A, B habitus, lateral and dorsal views, respectively.

Setation (Figs 18A, B; 19A–D; 20C; 21C, D; 22A). Head (including scape, pedicel and F1 of antenna and basal third of mandible), pronotal lateral face, meso- and metapleura, legs, T1 and S1–S2 clothed with long erect white setae; mesosomal dorsum and T2–T5 with long erect to suberect golden setae; T1–T5 and S2–S5 with apical fringe of extremely dense (compact) golden setae, paler on sterna.

Figure 19. 

Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea (Female) A–C head, frontal, dorsal and lateral views, respectively D mandible, fronto-lateral view.

Head (Figs 18B; 19A–D; 20A). In dorsal view, subquadrangular, scarcely narrower than pronotum, convergent behind eyes, with broadly rounded temple; head height slightly greater than width; only a pair of poorly developed posterior ocelli present, anterior ocellus absent; frons, vertex, and gena densely setiferous foveate, interspaces between foveae thick (ridged) without tubercles; eye rather oval-shaped, widely separated from mandibular articulation (malar space about 0.85 × mandibular basal height); scrobal carina well developed, polished and thick; clypeal longitudinal median carina ridged, free margin with a pair of small tubercles; mandible with strong subbasal lower tooth, distance between apex of tooth and upper mandibular ridge about 0.86 × as long as mandibular height at base, subapically with distinctly small inner tooth. F1 1.7 × as long as maximal width, 1.2 × as long as F2, hardly longer than F3 (1.1 ×).

Mesosoma (Figs 20B, C; 21A, B). Dorsum regularly setiferous punctate, with interspaces between punctures ridged and polished, not tuberculate; pronotal dorsal face slightly wider than propodeum (1.15 ×), rather gently declivitous anteromedially, with slightly convex anterior border and broadly rounded humeral angles; pronotal lateral face foveate-reticulate; promesonotal suture gently arched; mesonotum suddenly contracted behind pronotum (about 0.75 × as wide as pronotum), with posterior suture nearly straight; propodeal dorsal face about 0.77 × as long as maximal width, subparallel at sides, gently declivitous (rounded) posteriorly; propodeal posterior face foveate-reticulate (interspaces between foveae not tuberculate); meso- and metapleura shiny, mostly smooth (with scattered fine punctures), mesepisternum with vertical row of close foveae on ventral half of strong mesopleural ridge; mid and hind tibiae with a double row of 5–7 strong spines on outer faces, both tibiae without prolongation at their apices; hind tibia with longitudinal narrow and shallow groove extending along inner face.

Figure 20. 

Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea (Female) A antenna (only part of scape) B, C mesosoma, dorsal and lateral views, respectively.

Metasoma (Figs 21C, D; 22A, B). Sessile; T1 without distinct dorsal face (sharply sloping forward), wider than long (1.3 ×), densely finely punctate apically (punctures 1–2 diameters apart), sparsely punctate at the base; T2 densely punctate throughout (punctures larger than those on T1, 1–2 diameters apart); exposed parts of T3–T5 finely punctate; T6 nearly entirely covered with long golden setae arising from apical fringe of T5 and laterally on T6 (removal of setae shows finely wrinkled, bell-shaped pygidial area of T6); S1 with strongly elevated inverted Y-shaped carina; S2 densely punctate, basally with large median tubercle.

Figure 21. 

Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea (Female) A, B mid and hind tibiae and basitarsomeres, respectively (apices of mid and hind tibiae indicated) C, D metasoma, dorsal and ventral views, respectively.

Figure 22. 

Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea (Female) A T4–T6, dorsal view B T6 (after removing setae surrounding pygidial area).

(174 males, 11 females). 1♀ (WM2), 11.iv.2019, HP, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (JB), 10.ix.1983, leg. Buttiker W. [NMB]; 1♂ (Al-Wesam), 11.x.2010, leg. AlDhafer et al. [allotype KSMA]; 2♂ (Al-Shafa), 12.x.2010, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (GR2), 1♀ (GR3), 8.iv.2014, PT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 2♂ (SH6), 1♂ (SH7), 21.iv.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 6♂ (GR1), 24.iv.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 8♂ (SH2), 2♂ (SH5), 2♂ (SH6), 6♂ (SH7), 3.vi.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 18♂ (GR1), 12♂ (GR2), 3♂ (GR3), 8.vi.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 4♂ (GR1), 1♂ (GR2), 1♂ (GR6), 26.viii.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 2♂ (GR1), 1♂ (GR3), 20.x.2014, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (WK), 30.x.2014, LT, leg. Al-Harbi M. & Rasool I. [KSMA]; 1♀ (SH7), 26.i.2015, PT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH2), 27.i.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 2♀ (SH3), 1♀ (SH8), 2.iii.2015, PT, leg. ElTorkey et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (SH8), 3.v.2015, PT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH3), 4♂ (SH5), 5.v.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (GR2), 7.v.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 5♂, (WY2), 22.v.2015, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (Al-Soudah), 23.v.2015, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 3♂ (SH2), 2♂ (SH5), 1♂ (SH6), 1♂ (SH7), 2♂ (SH8), 27.vii.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 5♂ & 1♀ (GR1), 1♂ (GR2), 4♂ & 1♀ (GR3), 10♂ (GR4), 1♂ (GR5), 31.vii.2015, LT for males PT for females, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH3), 1♂ (SH6), 1♂ (SH7), 1♂ (SH8), 2.ix.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 2♂ (GR1), 1♂ (GR2), 1♂ (GR3), 1♂ (GR4), 5.ix.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 5♂ (SH1), 3♂ (SH2), 4♂ (SH5), 1♂ (SH8), 14.xi.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (WN1), 15.xi.2015, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (GR1), 3♂ (GR2), 1♂ (GR4), 18.xi.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (Wadi Mashwas), 20.xi.2015, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 3♂ (WM1), 16.iv.2016, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (WBD), 19.x.2016, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ & 1♀ (WM2), 11.iv.2019, LT for ♂ and HP for ♀, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (WK), 12.iv.2019, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA].

Prior to the present study, P. mascatiana was known only from males and restricted in its distribution to the Afrotropical region in Somalia and Yemen (Lelej and van Harten 2006). Here this species is recorded from Saudi Arabia with discovery of the opposite sex (female) for the first time. The sex association is based on the overlapping distribution areas of males and females (frequently both sexes were collected from the same locality at the same time or within a short period) (Fig. 2), and the general color pattern in both sexes. On the other hand, there is another species, P. aurea, common to southwestern Saudi Arabia and known from both sexes; the females of these two species are similar in having T1–T5 and S2–S5 with apical fringes of compact golden setae; however, P. mascatiana differs from P. aurea in the following aspects: the head and mesosoma are dark red (Fig. 18A, B) (they are dark brown with slight reddish tint in P. aurea (Fig. 6A, B)); the frons and vertex with smooth (not tuberculate) ridges between the foveae (Fig. 19A, B) (with coarsely tuberculate ridges between the foveae in P. aurea (Fig. 7A, B); the anterior ocellus is absent, only a pair of poorly developed posterior ocelli being present (Fig. 19A, B) (three well developed ocelli are present in P. aurea (Fig. 7A, B)); the mesosomal dorsum is clothed with golden setae, regularly punctate, with smooth (not tuberculate) ridges between the punctures (Fig. 20B, C) (in P. aurea the mesosomal dorsum clothed with pale (yellowish-white) setae, coarsely foveate, with ridges between foveae tuberculate (Figs 7D; 8A)); the pronotal dorsal face gently declivitous antero-medially, with a convex anterior border (Fig. 20B) (sharply declivitous antero-medially, with a straight anterior border in P. aurea (Fig. 7D)); the propodeal dorsal face is subparallel at its sides, gently declivitous (rounded) posteriorly, and 0.70–0.77 × as long as its maximal width (Fig. 20B, C) (in P. aurea the propodeal dorsal face is strongly expanded at the sides, sharply declivitous (truncate) posteriorly, and 0.50–0.55 × as long as its maximal width (Figs 7D; 8A)); meso- and metapleura are mostly smooth (Fig. 20C) (sparsely punctate in P. aurea (Fig. 8A)); the mid and hind tibiae lack prolongation at their apices, hind tibia with a groove extending along inner face (Fig. 21A, B) (the mid and hind tibiae with strong prolongation at their apices, hind tibia without such groove on inner face in P. aurea (Fig. 8B, C)); T6 with a bell-shaped, finely wrinkled pygidial area (Fig. 22B) (T6 with an oval-shaped pygidial area that is minutely rugose on the disc and obliquely striate laterally (Fig. 9A, B)).

Sana’a, Dhamar, Amran, Ta’izz, and Al-Hudaydah (Yemen) (Lelej and van Harten 2006); Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions (southwestern Saudi Arabia) (Fig. 2).

Somalia, Yemen (Gadallah et al. 2020); Saudi Arabia (new record).

Male (Figs 23–25; 34C, D). Body length 11–16.5 mm. Metasomal segments darkened, at most 7^th segment yellowish-brown to red (Fig. 23A, B); antenna brown (Fig. 24B); fore wing hyaline, frequently with brownish tint around first cubital vein (Cu1) (Fig. 24D); POD 2.15–2.6 × OOD (Fig. 23D); head convergent behind eyes (Fig. 23D); distance between apex of lower mandibular tooth and upper mandibular ridge slightly longer than mandibular height at base (1.1–1.15 ×) (Fig. 24A); F1 as long as F2 (Fig. 24B); metanotal horns well developed, parallel to slightly diverging distally, distinctly longer than wide (about 1.5 ×) (Fig. 24C); T1 as long as maximal width or slightly shorter (Fig. 25A); lateral felt line on T2 nearly as long as distance between felt line and posterior tergal margin; S2 with small median basal tubercle (Fig. 25B); cuspis of volsella narrow apically, digitate, not reaching apex of paramere (Fig. 34D); parapenial lobe slightly oblique inward, with rounded apex (Fig. 34C); genital ventral lobe short, robust, oblique inward, with outer margin straight (Fig. 34D).

Figure 23. 

Pseudophotopsis maura Bischoff (Male) A, B habitus, lateral and dorsal views, respectively C, D head, frontal and dorsal views, respectively.

Figure 24. 

Pseudophotopsis maura Bischoff (Male) A head, lateral view B antenna C mesosoma, dorsal view D right fore wing.

Figure 25. 

Pseudophotopsis maura Bischoff (Male) A metasoma, dorsal view B 1^st and 2^nd metasomal segments latero-ventral view (median basal tubercle on S2 indicated).

Female (Figs 26–28). Body length 13–18 mm. Head and mesosoma (including legs) dark red (Figs 26A, B; 27A, B, D); metasoma black, T6 with reddish tint (Figs 26A, B; 28A–D); flagellomeres bright red to orange, F9–F10 lighter (Fig. 27C). Propodeal disc, T2 and T3 with erect dark brown setae (Figs 27E; 28D); T1–T5 and S2–S5 with apical fringes of a belt of compact white setae (Fig. 28A–D). Distance between apex of mandibular lower tooth and upper mandibular ridge nearly as long as mandibular height at base; S2 with large median basal tubercle (Fig. 28D).

Figure 26. 

Pseudophotopsis maura Bischoff (Female) A, B habitus, lateral and dorsal views, respectively.

Figure 27. 

Pseudophotopsis maura Bischoff (Female) A head, frontal view B head and antennal scape, dorsal view C antenna D mesosoma, dorsal view E head and mesosoma, lateral view.

Figure 28. 

Pseudophotopsis maura Bischoff (Female) A T1 and T2, dorsal view B T3–T6, dorsal view C T6 (showing pygidial area) D metasoma, lateral view (median basal tubercle on S2 indicated).

(22 males, 8 females) from Saudi Arabia. 1♂ (JA), 28.v.1987, leg. M. D. Gallagher [NMB]; 1♀ (IR2), 16.vi.2007, PT, leg. Al-Dryhim et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (IR1), 5.xi.2007, PT, leg. Al-Dryhim et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (Baljurashi), 17.v.2010, SW, leg. Al-Dhafer H. & El-Torkey A. [KSMA]; 1♀ (DS), 20.vi.2010, PT, Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (KH1), 13.iv.2011, LT, leg. Al-Drahim et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (KH2), 7.vi.2011, LT, leg. Al-Drahim et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (KH1), 14.xi.2011, LT, leg. Al-Drahim et al. [KSMA]; 2♂ (RK1), 27.v.2012, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (RK2), 27.v.2012, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (RF3), 10.iv.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 2♂ (RS1), 20.v.2015, LT, leg. Abdel-Dayem M. [KSMA]; 1♂ (RS2), 20.v.2015, LT, leg. Abdel-Dayem M. [KSMA]; 1♂ (RH2), 26.viii.2015, PT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (WH1), 12.x.2015, PT, leg. Abdel-Dayem M. [KSMA]; 1♀ (WH2), 12.x.2015, PT, leg. Abdel-Dayem M. [KSMA]; 1♀ (RH1), 26.x.2015, PT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♀ (RH2), 26.x.2015, PT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 3♂ (RH4), 27.x.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 3♂ (RF2), 15.x.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (RF1), 15.x.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (SH6), 15.xi.2015, LT, leg. Al-Dhafer et al. [KSMA]; 1♂ (WR1), 18.xi.2015, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (WD), 9.v.2018, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA]; 1♂ (WBR), 8.vi.2018, LT, leg. AMS [KSMA].

(6 males, 18 females) from Egypt. 1♀, Zeitoun (Cairo), 31.x.1909, leg. Ferrnt [ESEC]; 3♀, Pyramids (Giza), 3.viii.1913 [PPDD]; 1♀, El-Alag (Qalyubiya), 22.viii.1913 [PPDD]; 2♀, Ain Shams (Cairo), 12.x.1914 [PPDD]; 1♀, Ein Romani (North Sinai), 5.xii.1916 [PPDD]; 1♂, Wadi Digla (Cairo), 29–31.v.1924, LT [PPDD]; 1♂, Wadi Gharaba (South Sinai), 30.iv.1925, LT [PPDD]; 2♀, Borqash (Giza), 8.vii.1925 [PPDD]; 1♀, Helwan, 12.viii.1926 [PPDD]; 2♀, Kafr Hakim (Giza), 24.xi.1926 [PPDD]; 2♀, Salloum (Matruh), 11.viii.1928 [PPDD]; 1♀ Wadi Um Elek (Helwan), 17.xi.1934, leg. Farag [PPDD]; 1♂, Gabal Elba (Red Sea), 16.i.1933, LT [PPDD]; 1♀; 100 Km Cairo-Suez road (Suez), Dec. 1937 [ESEC]; 2♂, Wadi Arbaein (South Sinai), March 1990 [AMS collection]; 1♀, Wadi Isla (South Sinai), March 1990 [AMS collection]; 1♂, Al-Manayif (Ismailiyah), 17.viii.2007, LT [AMS collection].

P. aegyptiaca which is known from females only, has a very similar local (Fig. 1) and global distribution as P. maura, which is known from males only. For the current study, seven P. aegyptiaca specimens were collected from the Riyadh region (central Saudi Arabia), and a single specimen from Baljurashi (Al-Baha). The same is true for P. maura, except for two specimens collected from Shada Al-Ala Natural Reserve (Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia) and Jabal Akhadar (Oman), the remaining 20 specimens were collected from the Riyadh region (sometimes from the same sites and within a short period of time when females P. aegyptiaca were collected as in the site RH2). In terms of global distribution, both species are distributed in North Africa and Israel, while P. maura has recently been recorded in Yemen (Lelej and van Harten 2006), and both species are now recorded in Saudi Arabia (in addition to Oman for P. maura). In terms of morphological characteristics (color pattern and body shape), both species have the head and mesosoma dark red and the metasoma blackish-brown to black, and a robust body. Based on these findings, P. aegyptiaca (Bischoff) (female) and P. maura Bischoff (male) are conspecific, and should be synonymized. Since both available names were published simultaneously, and both as subspecies (although of different species in different genera), the choice of the name to be considered valid rests with the “first reviser”. I hereby synonymize Ephutomma continua subsp. aegyptiaca Bischoff, 1920 with Pseudophotopsis kokpetica subsp. maura Bischoff, 1920 for the following reason: maura was originally described in Pseudophotopsis, whereas aegyptiaca was not.

Abyan, Sana’a, and Socotra provinces (Yemen) (Lelej and van Harten 2006; Lo Cascio et al. 2012); Ad-Dakhiliyah province (Oman) (new record); Al-Baha, Jazan & Riyadh regions (southwestern and central Saudi Arabia) (new record) (Fig. 1).

Algeria, Chad, Israel, Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen (including Socotra Island) (Lelej 2002; Pagliano et al. 2020; Gadallah et al. 2020); Egypt (Bischoff 1920 as Ephutomma continua aegyptiaca; Lelej 2002 & Pagliano et al. 2020 as Pseudophotopsis aegyptiaca), Oman (new record); Saudi Arabia (new record).

Holotype ♂, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, Rawdet Al-Harmalyiah (Al-Quway'iyah, Riyadh region) [24°18'35"N, 45°10'02"E, alt. 774 m], 17.iv.2015, LT, leg. Abdel-Dayem M. [KSMA]; Paratype: 1♂, same data as holotype [KSMA].

Male. Distance between posterior ocellus and posterior head margin about 2.3 × longitudinal posterior ocellus diameter (Fig. 29D); distance between apex of lower mandibular tooth and upper mandibular ridge longer than mandibular height at the base (1.15 ×) (Fig. 30A); metanotal horns well developed, divergent posteriorly, about 1.6 × as long as wide (Fig. 30C); F1 about 2.15 × as long as its maximal width, shorter than F2 (about 0.9×) (Fig. 30B); T1–T3 apically with fringes of rather sparse white setae (Fig. 31C); lateral felt line on T2 about 0.75× as long as distance between felt line and posterior tergal margin (Fig. 32B); S2 with median basal very small tubercle (Fig. 32B); genitalia with cuspis of volsella wide apically (not digitate) (Fig. 35B); parapenial and ventral lobes directly posteriorly directed, the former subtriangular, with apex narrowly rounded and extended beyond apex of penis valve, the latter digitate, with apex tapering and inner edge distinctly serrate (Fig. 35A, B).

Figure 29. 

Pseudophotopsis subaurea sp. nov. (Male) A, B habitus, lateral and dorsal views, respectively C head, frontal view D head and antennal scape, dorsal view.

Body length 11 mm. Color (Figs 29C, D; 30B–D; 31A–C; 32C). Head including mandible blackish-brown; mesosoma, first and second metasomal segments and basal two-thirds of third segment dark reddish-brown; remainder of metasomal segments brownish-yellow; antenna brown (scape, pedicel and F9–11 lighter); palps and tegula testaceous; legs brown (femora and hind tibia darker). Fore wing hyaline on about basal two-thirds, infumate (brown-stained) apically, with yellowish veins (Sc+R and pterostigma brown).

Setation (Figs 29C, D; 30C, D; 31A, C; 32C) . Body, including legs and basal third of mandible clothed with long erect white setae mixed with suberect to recumbent white setae on metasomal segments 3–7; T1–T3 and S2–S3 with apical fringes of sparse (not compact) white setae. Fore wing sparsely setose on basal half, densely setose apically.

Figure 30. 

Pseudophotopsis subaurea sp. nov. (Male) A head, fronto-lateral view B antenna C mesosoma, dorsal view D head and mesosoma, lateral view.

Head (Figs 29C, D; 30A, B, D). Setiferous punctate-subreticulate to reticulate; head height 0.92 × maximal width; POD 2.0 × OOD; distance between posterior ocellus and posterior head margin 2.3 × longitudinal posterior ocellus diameter; vertex posteriorly broadly emarginate; clypeus with well developed longitudinal median lamellate carina, free margin with a pair of acute small tubercles; mandibles deeply excised beneath, with large tooth subbasally, distance between apex of tooth and upper mandibular ridge about 1.15 × as long as mandibular height at base, with two teeth subapically, preapical one extremely small; pedicel 1.3 × as long as wide, 0.65 × as long as F1; F1 1.8× as long as wide, 0.87× as long as F2 and F3.

Mesosoma (Figs 30C, D; 31A). In dorsal view about 1.85× as long (excluding pronotal flange) as its maximal width; pronotal dorsal face setiferous foveate-reticulate except for smooth and polished posterior margin, with humeral angles gently rounded, and lateral face largely foveate; mesoscutal median area densely punctate, lateral areas rather sparsely punctate; notauli complete and parallel; scutellum with smooth longitudinal median strip, densely setiferous foveolate laterally; metanotal horns well developed, subparallel, horn about 1.6× as long as wide; propodeum setiferous areolate, strongly sloping posteriorly; mesopleuron foveate-reticulate except for smooth posterior margin of mesepimeron.

Figure 31. 

Pseudophotopsis subaurea sp. nov. (Male) A mesosoma, ventral view B right fore wing C metasoma, dorsal view.

Fore wing (Fig. 31B). Cell 2R1 1.85× as long as pterostigma, with truncate apex; anterior side of 2R1 1.4 × as long as pterostigma; first discal cell (1M) slightly shorter than 2R1 (0.93×); vein 1M straight.

Metasoma (Figs 31C; 32A–C). T1 1.2 × as long as its maximal width, setiferous foveate reticulate, sublaterally with strong ridge extending along anterior third or slightly more of its length; T2 0.9 × as long as its maximal width, densely setiferous punctate laterally and basally, sparsely setiferous punctate on disc and apically, with polished interspaces between punctures, apico-medially slightly swollen; length of lateral felt line on T2 less than distance between felt line and posterior tergal margin (0.75 ×); T3–T6 as well as S2–S7 setiferous punctulate, S2 with large foveae mixed with fine punctures; T7 largely foveate on basal half, impunctate apically; S2 with small median basal tubercle; S8 (hypopygium) with median apical small tubercle.

Figure 32. 

Pseudophotopsis subaurea sp. nov. (Male) A T4–T7, dorsal view B 2^nd metasomal segment (ventro-lateral view) C metasoma, ventral view.

Genitalia (Fig. 35A, B). Cuspis of volsella rather wide subapically (not digitate), ending a short distance before apex of paramere; parapenial lobe subtriangular, directly posteriorly directed, with narrowly rounded apex; ventral lobe directly posteriorly directed, digitate, with apex tapering and inner edge distinctly serrate.

Female. Unknown.

The new species, P. subaurea resembles the Afrotropical P. aurea (Klug) in having brownish-yellow posterior metasomal segments. However, it differs from P. aurea in the following: head blackish-brown, tegula testaceous (Figs 29B–D; 30C, D) (head and tegula dark red in P. aurea (Figs 3C, D; 4A, C)); metasoma wholly clothed with sparse white setae, T2–T3 and S2–S3 with apical fringes of short sparse white setae (Figs 31C; 32A–C) (first metasomal segment and S2 with white setae, remaining metasoma densely clothed with golden setae, T2–T6 and S2–S6 with apical fringe of long dense golden setae in P. aurea (Figs 5B, C; 10B, C)); fore wing slightly infumate on distal half, with yellowish veins (except brown Sc+R) (Fig. 31B) (deeply infumate wholly in most specimens of P. aurea, with all veins dark brown (Fig. 5A)); metanotum with parallel to subparallel horns (Fig. 30C) (horns distinctly diverging in P. aurea (Fig. 4C)); cuspis of volsella rather wide apically (Fig. 35B) (narrow in P. aurea (Fig. 33B)); parapenial lobe subtriangular, with narrowly rounded apex (Fig. 35A) (subrounded, with broadly rounded apex in P. aurea (Fig. 33A)); genital ventral lobe tapering apically (Fig. 35B) (rounded apically in P. aurea (Fig. 33B)).

The name subaurea refers to the similarity between this species and P. aurea (Klug).

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh region) (Fig. 2).

Figure 33. 

Male genitalia A, B Pseudophotopsis aurea (Klug), dorsal and ventral views, respectively C, D P. dhofarensis sp. nov., dorsal and ventral views, respectively.

Figure 34. 

Male genitalia A, B Pseudophotopsis mascatiana Invrea, dorsal and ventral views, respectively C, D P. maura Bischoff, dorsal and ventral views, respectively.

Figure 35. 

Male genitalia A, B Pseudophotopsis subaurea sp. nov., dorsal and ventral views, respectively C, D P. binghami Bischoff, dorsal and ventral views, respectively (modified from Lelej (1985)).