Neoperla transvaalensis (Enderlein, 1909)

1. Neoperla transvaalensis (Enderlein, 1909) View in CoL

( Figs. 1–3 View FIGURES 1–5 , 6–7 View FIGURES 6–10 )

Ochthopetina transvaalensis Enderlein, 1909c: 402 View in CoL .

Ochthopetina tenera Navás, 1915: 374 View in CoL ; syn. nov.

Neoperla transvaalensis View in CoL — Klapálek 1923b: 136, 140.

Ochthopetina transvaalensis View in CoL — Barnard 1934: 519 (partim: female, egg (figs.4c,d), not the male (figs. 4a,b))

Neoperla kunenensis Barnard, 1934: 552 View in CoL , fig. 6; syn. nov.

Neoperla seyrigiana Navás, 1934: 17 View in CoL , fig. 105; syn. nov.

Neoperla transvaalensis View in CoL — Zwick 1973a: 504, figs. 76–77; redescription from holotype.

Neoperla kunenensis View in CoL — Zwick 1973b: 389, figs. 10–11.

Neoperla Species B — Picker 1980: 188 ff.

Neoperla sp. B , sp. C, N. transvaalensis View in CoL — Moore 1991, figs. 32–34, 43–44, 49–52.

Type material studied.

Neoperla transvaalensis : Republic of South Africa: ♀ Holotype: Ochthopetina transvaalensis Enderlein \ Transvaal, Zoutpansberg [23.15°S, 29.77°E;] ( PAN, No. 1311; the pinned type is in fair condition; genitalia (stained with safranin) and eggs in Eukitt on Zelluloid ) GoogleMaps .

Neoperla tenera : Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: ♂ Holotype: Muséum Paris Ethiopie mérid. Haut Aouache Endessa \ Ochthopetina ? tenera ♂ Nav. [in Navás’ hand] \ Typus [red card, handwriting] \ Neoperla transvaalensis (End.) det. P. Zwick 1980 ( MNHN; pinned, in poor shape, wingspan 27mm, everted penis in microvial on specimen pin).

Neoperla seyrigiana : Republic of Kenya: ♂ Holotype: Mery (Kenya) 6.VI.32 \ Muséum Paris Longin Navás legit 19[illegible] \ Neoperla seyrigiana Nav. det Navás S.J. \ Type \ Neoperla transvaalensis (End.) det. P. Zwick 1980 ( MNHN; pinned, in poor shape, WL 13.3mm, everted penis in microvial on specimen pin).

Neoperla kunenensis : Republic of Namibia: ♂ Lectotype, ♀ Paralectotype (here designated to ensure stability of nomenclature): Otjimbumbe Kunene R. Mar. 1923 / K.H.Barnard B.M. 1934-162 \ Ochthopetina kunenensis ♂ \ Neoperla transvaalensis (End.) det. P. Zwick 1980 ( BMNH, ♂ genitalia originally glued on card, transferred to Euparal on Zelluloid); ♂ Paralectotype: Erikson’s Drift Kunene River Mar. 1923 / S.W. Africa Mus. Exped.\ K.H.Barnard B.M. 1934-162 \ Ochthopetina kunenensis ♂ \ Neoperla transvaalensis (End.) det. P. Zwick 1980 ( BMNH, cleared ♂ genitalia originally glued on card, penis missing; transferred to Euparal on Zelluloid). Additional paralectotypes (here designated): 3♀: Otjimbumbe Kunene R. Mar. 1923; 1♀: Erikson’s Drift Kunene River, South West Africa, K.H.B. & R.F.Lawrence, III.1923 (S.Afr.Mus.; pinned, genitalia and eggs in Euparal on Zelluloid slides on the pins; egg slide also PZ).

Republic of Cameroon: Libamba   GoogleMaps [3.55°N, 11.10°E, 646m] 10km East of Makak, 7–9-XII-1973, at black light, J.A.Gruwell ( PZ ex USNM; 1♀ with similar data except - III-1974: T. Moore, 1991, figs. 43, 44); 1♀, Cameroon (Littoral) Reg. de Kribi   GoogleMaps [2.94°N, 9.91°E], D.Gronier 1925, Mai, Juillet, Neoperla africana Klap. det. Navás S.J. ( MNHN). 1♂, Kamerun, Ekona   GoogleMaps [4°40’N, 9°20’E], 17.4.–20.5.38 Buhr S.G.; 1♂, N.W. Kamerun, Moliwe [4.08°N, 9.29°E] b. Victoria, Vorwerk Wöhrmannshöhe, Frfr v. Maltzau G. 1.–8.12.07 (both MfNB). 1♀: Cameroon, Akom [2.7866 N, 11.304], 450m, 18.X.66, Ross & Lorenzen ( CASENT 8413006 ); 1♀: Cameroun, Nanga-Eboko   GoogleMaps [4.683 N, 12.367 E], 620m, 5.X.66, Ross & Lorenzen ( CASENT 8413008 ); 2♀: Cameroon, Nkongsamba   GoogleMaps [4.968 N, 9.935 E], 960m, 2.XI.66 Ross & Lorenzen ( CASENT 8413011 ). 2♀ CAMEROUN: Bertoua   GoogleMaps [4.5196, 13.6998], 660m, 4-X-1966, E.S.Ross & K.Lorenzen ( CASENT 8413111 , 8413112 ). Central African Republic: 1♀, Oubanghi-Chari   GoogleMaps , Bangui [4.39°N, 18.56°E, 376m] I/III.68 coll. Breuning ( MRAC). Democratic Republic of the Congo: 1♀, Rep. Congo, P.N. d’Odzala [1.19°N, 14.85°E; 560m], Mbdanza   GoogleMaps XI.1993 G. Carpaneto ( PZ, gift R.Fochetti); 1♀, Kongo, Odzala Nat. Park , 29.9.– 3.3.1997 leg. V.Sinaev ( NEOP023 ; MfNB). 1♀, Belg. Congo, Rwindi Camp at light, 6.4.1948, Emersen   GoogleMaps [0.78°S, 29.29°E, 1005m] (Mus. N.Y.); 3♀: B. Congo   GoogleMaps , 39 km S of Walikale [1.47S, 28.07E], 700m, XII-25-57 E.S.Ross & R.E.Leech ( CASENT 8413012 and 8413016); 1♀: B. Congo   GoogleMaps , 20mi E Kizomba [5.05S, 17.25E], 13.8.57, Ross & Leech ( CASENT 8413004 ); 1♀, Congo (Zaire), Kisangani   GoogleMaps , Yoko   GoogleMaps [0.52°N, 25.20°E; 400m], 12.2.2008, LF, leg. V.Zolotuhin ( NEOP032 ;MfN). 1♀, Kongo, Kaswabilenga, 17.X.47 Miss. de Witte Nr. 845a; 1♀, Lusinga [8.93°S, 27.18°E] (1760m) 12.–17.XII.1947 Mission de Witte   GoogleMaps \ Hynes det. N. spio ; 1♀, Costermansville [Bukavu, -2.49, 28.84] V-1938 J. Ghesquière; 1♀, Kongo, Katanga   GoogleMaps [9.28°S, 26.48°E, 814m], Kinda, 1950 M. Dierckx ( PZ); 1♀, Musée du Congo Mongbwalu (Kilo) 1937 Mme Scheitz; 1♀, Coll. Mus. Congo W.Kivu Mulungu près Shabunda   GoogleMaps [-2.98693, 27.55371] 1939 Dr. Hautman; 1♀, Mus. roy. Afr.Centr. Lualaba: Ruwa (à la lumière) I-1980 Dr. V. Allard; 3♀, Coll. Mus. Tervuren Oubanghi-Chari: Bangui I/ III.1968 ex coll. Breuning; 1♀, Coll. Mus. Congo Uelé: Gangala na Bodio 14–15-IV- 36 L. Lippens 139 (all MRAC). 2♂, 4♀, Loudima   GoogleMaps [-4.117, 13.067], 10.XII.1963, J.Balogh, A. Zicsi collected by lamplight ( HNHM). 1♂, 1♀, Kwango [6.7°S, 17.72°E], terr. de Feshi, Bae de la Rivière de Kwenge   GoogleMaps , light trap, Leleup; 1♀, Kundelungu   GoogleMaps [Parc National de K., 10.65°S, 27.83°E], Riv. Lualala 16.10.51 22.10.51, Marlier; 1♂, Kundelungu, Riv. Kalumbulua, 16.10.51, Marlier; 1♀, Etang de Kanere No. 12, 15.7.1950, G. Marlier Vmtl. MNHN, Paris. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: 1♀, Bahar-dar, edge of Lake Tana , 1500m, at light 18.10.1973 G. de Rougemont ( PZ). 3♂, 2♀, Ghibe River 13-14/5-61 215 km from Adis Ababa wooden bridge: road: track to The Crown Prince’s Saw Mill) A.Tj. coll (at light); 3♂, 2♀, Cojeb River 9-11/4-61 at light S.Chojnacki leg.; 2♀, Awash River nr. Hot Springs 1/5-61 (at light) S. Chojnacki leg.; 2♀, Oma River 29/4-61 at light S.Chojnacki leg. (gift P. Brinck, SMNS); 1♀, Abessinien 1938 Prov. Wallega   GoogleMaps [Welega, 8.57°N, 35.73°E] F.B.Neuhaus \ Jubdo Wallega 1900m IV–V ( ZSM). 1♂, 2♀: Kaffa, Assandabà , F. Piccole Ghibie, 1700m, 22.x.1973; 1♀: Kaffa, Bonga   GoogleMaps [7.27N, 36.25E], 1800m, 27.x.1973, C.Consiglio; 1♂, 1♀: Gado, Dodola   GoogleMaps [6.97N, 39.18E], guado del F. Uebi Scebeli, 2500m, 6.xi.1973, A.Vigna (all CCR). Guder River: 1♂ Site 1, 17/09/2016, 8°57’56.79N, 37°45’15.42E, 1,987.2 m, W. Graf; 2♂ Site   GoogleMaps 3, 24/09/2016, 8°58’10.44N, 37°45’32.24E, 1,980.5 m ( W.Graf, NEOP022 , PZ). 1♀, Abessinien 1938 Prov. Wallega F.B.Neuhaus \ Jubdo Uollega 1900m IV–V (no body, only pinned slide with genitalia and some macerated eggs, ZSM). Gabonese Republic: 4♀, Gabon Moyen-Ogooué Rég., Najolé , Auberge St. Jean , Ogooué R., 0°11’03’’S, 10°46’00’’S 16.12.1993 C.C. Jongkind ( ZMBN). ~40 ♂, several ♀, Gabun, Makokou   GoogleMaps [0.56°N, 12.86°E, 484m], 227L & 229L ( Fig. 8G View FIGURES 6–10 , coll. Berthélemy, PZ); 4♀, ibidem, 21– 24.3.1971, J. Mateu (egg slide PZ); 2♀, Makokou , light trap, J. Mateu leg. March 14–24, 1971 [ NEOP029 ] (Z16.110; PZ). Republic of Ghana: 2♂, 5♀, Ghana Subri R. 05.11.1993 light trap, NUFU project, ( ZMBN, PZ); 8♀, Ghana Western region, Ankasa game prod. Reserve 10–16.12.93 J. Kjaerendsen & T. Andersen light trap; NUFU-project ZMBN Ref. No. 3 [ NEOP027 ]; 2♂ (P), 5♀, Ghana Volta Region, Wli Falls, Afegame , St. 10 08.03.1993 J.S.Amakye & J. Kjaerendsen light trap; NUFU-project ZMBN Sample no. 1; 2♂ [ NEOP028 ], 5♀, Ghana Volta region, Agumatsa waterfalls, Wli , St. 10 19.11.1993 J. Kjaerendsen light trap; Ref. No. 2; 3♀, Ghana Volta Region, Wli Falls, Afegame , St. 3 10.03.1993 J.S.Amakye & J. Kjaerendsen light trap; NUFU-project ZMBN Sample no. 1; same locality, 2♀, 17.11.1993 J. Kjaerendsen light trap; 1♀, Ghana, Dodo Tamli   GoogleMaps , Asukawkaw R., [~ 7.70N, 0.52E] 22.XI.85, light trap, J.Schorscher; 2♀, Ghana, Eastern Region, Boti Falls, River Pawmp ???? 19.11.1991, J.S.Amakye, light trap (all PZ); 1♀: Ghana: Andem-Volta lake 29./ 30.9.1966 Thys v.d. Andenaerde ( MRAC). GHANA, Banda-Nkwanta   GoogleMaps , 1.9.– 23.10.1965, light trap, savannah [8°22’N, 2°09’W] (Endr ̂dy-Younga 71, 81 90), 15♂ ( HNHM). Republic of Guinea: 2♀, Guinea: Niandan, Bambaya 25.10.1984, light trap, [slide geprüft 19.8.16] J.M.Gibon. 1♂, 2♀, Guinea, Loffa (aff. Diani   GoogleMaps ) W de Boola [8.19°N, 8.67°W], 8.3.88; 1♂, Guinea   GoogleMaps , Konkouré   GoogleMaps à Linsan   GoogleMaps [11.62°N, 12.66°W] 29.01.1987; 1♂, Guinea, Kousankoro no. 2 21.10.1984 (penis slide); 1♂, Guinea, Riv. Léleko affluent Milo près de Kousankoro 11.3.88 (all PZ, gift J.M.Elouard). 1♀: Guinée franc. Mamou Mlles Homburger & Morrel, 1924 juin-juillet saison humide \ Navás det.: africana Klap. ( MNHNP; MP3 , egg slide PZ). 1♂, Guinea, riv. Koumba à Gaoval 29.1.1989 [ NEOP030 ; penis slide]; 1♀, Guinea, Kousankoro no.2, 21.10.84 [ NEOP024 ]; 1♂, Guinea, riv. Koulountou, rte. Youkoukou-Koundara   GoogleMaps [12.49°N, 13.31°W], 28.1.1989 [ NEOP026 ; PZ]. République de Côte d’Ivoire: 2♀, 25 km N Bouaké 27.–30.Oct. 1971 black light trap J.A. Gruwell ( USNM). 1♀, Côte d’Ivoire, Cavally à Lieupleu 03.02.1988 (ex coll. Élouard); 1♀: Ivory Coast , 6mi N Toulépleu, 250m, 18.VIII.1966, E.S.Ross & K.Lorenzen ( CASENT 8413009 ). Republic of Kenya: Kaimosi For.   GoogleMaps [0.13°N, 34.85°E; 1681m], Kakamega, April 1950, E. Pinhey ( USNM). 1♀ Kenya: Narok District, Maasai Mara National Park, Mara River , 27–30 January 1990, Robert C. Drewes collector ( CASENT 8413110 ). Kingdom of Lesotho: 1♀, S. Afr. Basutoland   GoogleMaps , Quthing [30.40°S, 27.71°E] 12–13.III.1951 ( Brinck & Rudebeck 1955: no. 232). Republic of Liberia: 1 ♂, Liberia, Suakoku, 31.1.52 Blickenstaff ; 1 ♂, same, but 10–20.3.52 ( USNM, pinned). Republic of Mali: chute de Ngougny, Bafing , lf 9./ 10.3.1997 1 ♀, W. Tobias ( SMNS). Republic of Namibia: Kunene, Epupa Falls   GoogleMaps [17.00S, 13.25E]: 8♂, 1♀, 20.2.2008; 4♂, 5♀, 21.– 23.2.2008 ( NEOP033 , NEOP034 , NEOP035 ); 9♂, 1♀, 3.– 4.9.2012; 1♀, 15.4.2013 (all W. Mey, MfNB); 1♂, 1♀. C.S.I.R Water Research AML218 \ Epupa falls Kaokoveld, S.W. Africa 26.4.1970 [illegible] Brown taken at light (gift J. Illies, PZ). Federal Republic of Nigeria: 1♂, Nigeria, Samaru   GoogleMaps [11.17°N, 7.63°E], P.H.Ward 3.–10.70; 2♀, S. Nigeria   GoogleMaps , U. C. Ibadan [7.37°N, 3.95°E; 203m], H.T. Sutton 26.X.1957 (all BMNH). 2♀, Nigeria, N.W. State, Mokwa   GoogleMaps [9.29°N, 5.05°E], I. A.R., Mile 4, 17.–19.8.70, light trap, P.H. Ward ( BMNH; PZ, slides 16/45 & 18/99). 1♀: Nigeria   GoogleMaps , 21 mi W Kaduna [10.508 N, 7.417 E], 650m, 11.IX.66, Ross & Lorenzen ( CASENT 8413010 ). Republic of Malawi: 1♀, Tanganjika, Njassa See [Lake Malawi], Mango , 600m, 10.12.1952, Lindemann + Pavlitzki ( ZSM). 1♀, TANGANYIKA: 52 mi. NE Iringa   GoogleMaps [-7.7854, 35.6855], 575m, XI-15-57 ( CASENT 8413016 ; slide Z17.60). 1♀, Tanganjika, Njassa-See [Lake Malawi], Mango 600m, 10.12.1952 leg. Lindemann und Pavlitzki (pinned, with pinned plastic slide; ZSM). Republic of South Africa: 1♂, 3♀, South Africa: Natal Lindeque   GoogleMaps spruit. 1050m 14km SE Bergville [28.93S, 29.36E] 19 February 1979 D&M.Davis, B. Akerbergs; 3♀, South Africa: Transkei Border Station, Great Kei River   GoogleMaps & Rt   GoogleMaps #N2 [~ 32.51S, 27.98E], 5 March 1978 D.&M.Davis, B.Akerbergs ( USNM); 3♂, 3♀, Prov. Limpopo, Waterberge, Mapote Farm   GoogleMaps , 22.–24.Feb.2012, 24°07’51.41”S 28°38’40.88”E D.Bartsch ( NEOP036 , NEOP037 , NEOP038 , NEOP039 , NEOP040 , NEOP041 ; SMNS); 1♂, Drakensbergen Natal J.C. Faure 4.IV.42 (S.Afr.Mus., cleared abdomen and everted penis in microvial on pin); 1♀, Natal, Drakensberge, Lotheni   GoogleMaps , 29.27S, 29.31E, T.Wagner ( Fig. 8H View FIGURES 6–10 , SMNS); 1♂, South Africa, Natal, Pietermaritzburg area , Entomology Class N.U. J.Truran 13 May 1976 (gift ILLIES, PZ); 1 ♂, South Africa : Cape Prov. Groebal R, Schoemanspoort ca. 18km N of Oudtshoorn ca. 700m, 17 March 1978, D. & M.Davis, B. Akerbergs (Depository ??; from photos provided by W. Li); 1♀, Upington [28.40°S, 21.24°E, 835m], Cape, Fath. Sollier   GoogleMaps Mar. 1919 ( Barnard 1934, S. Afr. Mus.); 1♂, 15♀ (most spent), Kwazulu-Natal, Ukhalamba-Drakensberg NP, Giant’s Castle, River Forest Trail , 23-III-2005, G.Svenson, K. Miller, S. Bybee ( BYU, Slide Z18.71). 1♀, S.Africa, R.E.Turner, B.M. 1923-189 Umtata   GoogleMaps [Mthata, 31.59°S, 28.78°E], Transkei, 18.II.–18.III.1923 ( BMNH). 1♀ S.Afr., Bas., Quthing, 12.–13.iii.1951 (Brinck 232). 2♂, N.Transvaal, the Downs, Malta Forest   GoogleMaps [~ 27.26E, 25.81S] 3/12/75, M.Picker; 1♂, Tonquani gorge [~ 27.86E, 25.76S] 21/12/75, M.Picker; 1♂, Magaliesberg [~ 27.86E, 25.76S] Bartlett’s Stream, 26/11/78 on riverside vegetation; 1♀, Injasuti Drakensberg Wazni River   GoogleMaps 1463 m 29°07.102S 29°03.467E 15/3/2002 coll. D. Stevens (all PZ, gift M.Picker). Republic of Rwanda: 1♂, 2♀, Ruanda, Mahembe, Terr. Nyanza   GoogleMaps [2.35°N, 29.75°E], 1400m, 13.–15.1.53, Basilewski; 1♀, Ruanda, Nyabikenke , 1700m, terr. Nyanza, 12.1.53, Basilewski; 1♀, Ruanda, Rukara, s. lac Mohasi , 1400m, 3.–5.2.53, Basilewski; 4♂, 7♀, Ruanda, affl. Ruzizi, Bugarama   GoogleMaps [2.71°S, 29.01°E] 21.7.1949 Marlier ( MRAC) (all MRAC). 1♀, RWANDA: Western Prov., Rusizi District, Nvungwe N.P., Cyamodongo Forest , S 02.54546°, E 028.98478, 2041m, 21.iv.2014, Gen. coll. S.M.Bybee lab ( BYU, NEOP025 ; slide Z18.95). 1♀, Urundi, riv. Ruzizi vii-1934 (Dr. van Sanghem) ( PZ, ex MRAC). Republic of Senegal: 2♂, f. Gambie à Mako [12.31°N, 12.35W], 26.01.89, ex coll. Élouard; 1♂, Senegal, Kokofata   GoogleMaps [12.79°N, 9.94°W] 7.11. 88 P. L.soir, ex coll.Élouard. Republic of Sierra Leone: 1♀, seli à bumbuna [9.05°n, 11.75°w] 10.02.1989 (pz, gift j.m. Élouard); 1♀, Sierra Leone, Northern Province, Bumbuna   GoogleMaps [9.05°N, 11.75°W] 19.11.1984 W. Rossi ( PZ, gift R.Fochetti). Republic of Zimbabwe: 1♂, 2♀, [ Shainowe ] R. S. R. 12/9/56 \ C.N.Smithers; 1♀: C. N. Smithers \ Shawanoe [Shainowe] R. S. R. 17/6/56 (coll. Brinck); 1♀, Domboshawa [17.62°S, 31.14°E, 1511m] S.Rhodesia 7/4/57 C.N.Smithers (coll. Brinck). S. Rhodesia Cashel Dist.   GoogleMaps [-19.56, 32.79], Umvumvumvu R. 18.12.1954 C.N.Smithers (penis in microvial, SMNS). Republic of Sudan: 1 pharate ♀: sub. No. 3662 Nubische Wüste [20.86, 33.79] Hartmann (MfNBerlin, egg slides Z19.09, Z18.106). United Republic of Tanzania: 2♂, 2♀, From light trap, Sigi R. [-5.0318, 38.9071], Amani, Tanganyika 5/6 I 63 ( USNM 144 ). 1♀, 25. Dec. 1987. Tanzania: Kimboza Forest , near Morogoro: lowland rain forest (Slide Z19.72; HNHM). Togolese Republic: ♀, Togo, Amu Oblo   GoogleMaps [région plateaux, 7.30°N, 0.90°E], 23.11.1985; 4♀, Togo, Sio à Kati   GoogleMaps [Région Plateaux, 6.88°n, 0.85°e], 24.11.1985; 10♂, 2♀, Togo, Amoutchou , 28.11.1985 (Z16.119); 6♀, Togo, Kpassi ( Mono ), 30.11.1985; 3♀, Togo, Mono , 01.12.1985; 1♀, Togo, Tchamba 2.12.1985 (slide Z16.122) (all gift V.Landa, SMNS). Republic of Uganda: 2♀, Jinja Bridge [0.42°N, 33.20°E, 1143m], R. Nile, Uganda   GoogleMaps 3.8.1949 coll. R.Lowe; 1♀, Uganda : Jinja, 5.5.1954 N.E.Hickin B.M. 1958-25; 1♀, same locality & collector, 7.5.1954 ( BMNH); 2♂, 20♀, ibidem, leg. Tjönneland ( PZ, gift H.B.N. Hynes); 2♀, Uganda, Bussu Busoga   GoogleMaps [~ 0.42°N, 33.20°E] 1909 Dott. E.Banyon (Mus. Genova).

Habitus. Most specimens large (WL 12.0– 19.8mm) and uniformly pale ochre, except for dark ocellar rings. A few specimens from the Ethiopian Highlands have darker anterolateral swellings of meso- and metanotum, a pale rhombus on the scutum remains between them. Wing membrane a little turbid, the Angolan female ( NEOP 031) has glass clear wings with fine dark veins.

Male. As for the group. The HT10 process is a straight spike, the mediobasal callus is plump, almost square ( Fig. 1 View FIGURES 1–5 ). Caudal edge of S8 with a short row of stout spines.

Penis large, plump, soft, about twice as long as wide. Base dorsally with a weak triangular sclerite, apex flat ( Fig. 2 View FIGURES 1–5 ). Everted endophallus ( Fig. 3 View FIGURES 1–5 ) plump, nearly straight, apex wide, conical. Triangular sharply pointed teeth with tips directed basad dispersed on about the distal half of endophallus, except on a bare dorsal strip (bs in Fig. 3 View FIGURES 1–5 ). The largest spines form 2 inconspicuous ventrolateral bands that extend far basad.

Female ( Fig. 6 View FIGURES 6–10 ). Caudal edge of S8 slightly convex. The vagina has lateral sclerite rods, a large stack of folds (fo) rests on it, the basal folds are the widest. SSt originating in front of the folds, flat, initially directed forward, then caudad. Cuticle on convex side of SSt thick, next to it a narrow strip with microscopical plicae (magnification 200X, the bare zone in Fig. 6 View FIGURES 6–10 ). Most of stalk with many longitudinal folds ending near blunt tip. Spermatheca an elongate tangle.

Egg ( Fig. 7 View FIGURES 6–10 ). As for the group, length 340–415, mean 368µm, elongate, anchor pole truncate, collar constricted, narrow and short with slightly flanged rim, no cells. Most eggs with 11–12, occasionally up to 16 straight ridges which all end at the same distance from the punctate operculum; no suture. Chorion densely punctate, rough, between the ridges punctures are arranged in groups of transverse lines. Ornaments on top of ridges are small and variable.

DNA ( Figs. 491–493 View FIGURE 491 View FIGURE 492 View FIGURE 493 ). A total of 20 specimens from Ethiopia, Rwanda, D. R. Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Angola, Namibia, and the Republic of South Africa were sequenced for the COX1 DNA barcode fragment and with the genome-skimming approach, representing the large geographic spread of this species and providing maximum support (100/100/100) for the monophyly of the species. The species is placed as sister to a group comprising N. spectabilis n. sp., N. kalengonis n. sp., and N. lujana Navás , but without strong statistical support (33.6/56/4). Both sexes are well represented.

Notes. Neoperla tenera and N. seyrigiana are synonyms of N. transvaalensis . Navás relied on unsuitable habitus characters and often compared his material with misidentified specimens.

Neoperla kunenensis: Barnard (1934) redescribed N. transvaalensis from subjectively associated specimens, his figure shows an egg of N. transvaalensis , probably from the Kunene River. The presumed N. transvaalensis male (from Krantzkop, Barnard’s figs. 4a, b) was a different species ( N. burgeoni , see below) which Barnard compared with N. leroiana Klapálek. A female from Lydenburg (today: Mashishing) in the South African Museum which Barnard identified as N. transvaalensis is in fact N. leroiana . His error made Barnard believe males of the presumedly new N. kunenensis differed much from N. transvaalensis . The large females from the Kunene River are paralectotypes of N. kunenensis that were said to resemble N. transvaalensis “in all characters”. Barnard’s specimens (in the South African Museum) were in a small box labelled “ Ochthopetina kunenensis Barnard ” but there were no name labels on individual specimen pins.

Distribution and variation. N. transvaalensis is very widespread, populations vary. Because endophallus and SSt are membranous and soft, it was not possible to quantify differences. Length/width proportion of eggs varies from 1.6–2.1 within and between populations but biometry of selected egg samples from the entire range revealed no geographical pattern. The holotype and some Ethiopian females have the longest, moderately slender eggs. The shortest and stoutest eggs were observed from the Odzala National Park, in Sierra Leone, and in Rwanda. Eggs from Rwanda and Urundi have wide, very short collars. Size of punctures, roughness of chorion, and accordingly the development of ornaments on ridges vary, one of three N. transvaalensis females from Walikale (in CAS) bears spheres which are very much smaller than spheres in N. laticollis .

Several other species in the N. transvaalensis complex may have similar ornaments.