New data on the dusty wings from Africa and Europe (Insecta, Neuroptera, Coniopterygidae)

Abstract

New data on the biology, distribution and sometimes morphology of 43 Palaearctic and Afro-tropical dusty wings species are given. A great variability margin in the presenceabsence and extension of scale like hairs in male antennae of some species of subgenus Xeroconiopteryx has been detected and such character (very frequently used) is proposed to be rejected as a definitive taxonomical character to differentiate problematic species of this subgenus with very similar male genitalia. On the contrary, vertex sedation and structures (figured for some different species) seem to be a very good character to be taking into account. Coniocompsa silvestriana Enderlein, 1914 = (Coniocompsa smithersi Meinander, 1972) n. syn. and Parasemidalis alluaudina (Navás, 1912) = (Semidalis alluaudina Navás, 1912 = Parasemidalis fusca Meinander, 1963) n. syn. are proposed as new synonymies. Helicoconis canariensis n. sp. and Coniopteryx canariensis n. sp. from Canary Islands and Semidalis pallidicornis n. sp. from Uganda are described as new species.