[Taxacom] Old World nocturnal Mutillidae (Hymenoptera) - Tricholabiodes

[Denis Brothers]

I'm finishing preparing papers derived from a revision of the genus Tricholabiodes undertaken by an ex-PhD student of mine (Paul Bayliss) some time ago. Since there has been quite some time between the work and now, I am anxious to examine any specimens which may be available from institutions around the world. I realise that I still have many specimens which should have been returned to various collections some time ago, but have only now been able to tackle this project, after recent retirement.

The genus occurs in the arid areas of southern Africa, northern and eastern Africa, the Middle East and southern Asia. Both males and females tend to be yellowish brown, sometimes with a dark abdomen, coloration typical of nocturnal Hymenoptera, and may be collected in numbers in light traps and malaise traps. A photograph of a male from South Africa is at http://www.waspweb.org/Vespoidea/Mutillidae/Sphaeropthalminae/Dasylabrini/Tricholabiodes/Tricholabiodes_species.htm .

I'd be very grateful if anyone who has specimens would contact me. I'm concentrating on the southern African ones at the moment, but would appreciate specimens from elsewhere as well.

Thanks for any assistance that can be provided.

Denis

Prof. Denis J. Brothers
School of Biological and Conservation Sciences
University of KwaZulu-Natal     (Room 105, John Bews B)
Private Bag X01                       (Carbis Road)
Scottsville
3209 SOUTH AFRICA
tel: +27 (0)33 260 5106
fax: +27 (0)33 260 5105
e-mail: brothers at ukzn.ac.za


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