Type specimens of Neuropterida in the Hope Entomological Collection, Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Abstract

The Hope Entomological Collection in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History holds a large and diverse array of historically valuable type specimens for species in the superorder Neuropterida (Megaloptera, Neuroptera, and Raphidioptera). Most are from the mid-1800s (1823–1874). Here, we report each type found during a rigorous search of the collection, and we confirm the identity and status of each type with bibliographic, specimen, and label data. Images, current nomenclatural information, and references for name changes are provided for each species. We identified primary or secondary types for 76 species in seven families of Neuroptera, primary and secondary types for one species of Raphidoptera (Raphidiidae), and secondary types for three species of Megaloptera (Corydalidae). Among the Neuroptera, we found primary types for 26 species of Mantispidae, 16 species of Myrmeleontidae, 11 species of Ascalaphidae, seven species of Nemopteridae, five species of Chrysopidae, and one species each of Coniopterygidae and Hemerobiidae. Types for only two species that were reported to be in the collection were not found. To help stabilize the nomenclature, we made new lectotype designations for the following six species in the Hope Collection: Colobopterus dissimilis McLachlan, 1871; Mantispa batesella Westwood, 1867; Mantispa myrapetrella Westwood, 1867; Mantispa tropica Westwood, 1852; Myrmeleon anomalus Rambur, 1842; and Myrmeleon singulare Westwood, 1847. We also made new lectotype designations for two species in the Natural History Museum in London: Mantispa indica Westwood, 1852, and Mantispa quadrituberculata Westwood, 1852. In several other cases, holotype determinations in the literature were recognized as lectotype designations. Finally, to correct an important error in the literature, we reinstated the synonymization of Ascalaphus anticus Walker, 1853, A. loquax Walker, 1853, and A. trux Walker, 1853 under A. longus Walker, 1853.