Revision of the Afrotropical species of Zaprionus (Diptera, Drosophilidae), with descriptions of two new species and notes on the internal reproductive structures and immature stages

Abstract

A new classification of the subgenus Zaprionus is proposed in light of recent phylogenetic findings. The boundaries of the armatus and inermis species groups are redefined. The vittiger subgroup is upgraded to the level of a species group. The tuberculatus subgroup is transferred from the armatus to the inermis group. A new monotypic group, neglectus, is erected. Full morphological descriptions of four species belonging to the vittiger group are given: Z. lachaisei sp. n. from Tanzania and Z. santomensis sp. n. from Sao Tome and Principe, and two cryptic species of the indianus complex, Z. africanus Yassin & David and Z. gabonicus Yassin & David. Three nominal species are synonymised: Z. beninensis Chassagnard & Tsacas, syn. n. with Z. koroleu Burla, Z. simplex Chassagnard & McEvey, syn. n. with Z. neglectus Collart, and Z. megalorchis Chassagnard & Tsacas, syn. n. with Z. ornatus Seguy. Half of the 46 species of the subgenus are available as laboratory strains and this has allowed full descriptions of the internal structure of their reproductive systems and their immature stages.