A Revision of Genus Harraphidia Steinmann, 1963 with the description of two new species from the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco (Insecta, Raphidioptera)

Abstract

A taxonomical review of the genus Harraphidia Steinmann, 1963 is made. Up to now this genus included two species: its type species Harraphidia harpyia Steinmann, 1963, known from Morocco, and Harraphidia laufferi (Navás, 1915), known from the Iberian Peninsula. For this last species the subgenus Flavoraphidia H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck, 1968 is reconsidered and two new combinations Harraphidia (Flavoraphidia) laufferi n. comb. and Harraphidia (Harraphidia) harpyia Steinmann, 1963 n. comb. are proposed. Two new species: Harraphidia (Harraphidia) subdesertica Monserrat & Papenberg n. sp. and Harraphidia (Harraphidia) divergens Monserrat & Papenberg n. sp. are described from Spain and Morocco. All known bibliographical references to these species are reviewed, and a diagnosis and a subgenera –and species– keys are included and new data on their external morphology, genitalia, biology, phaenology and geographical distribution are given. The generally accepted view that this order of insects requires spending a period at temperature below or close to 0ºC during its preimaginal development is amplified to 8ºC as the minimum annual temperature for the pre-imaginal development in some S./S.E. Iberian species. A brief bio-geographical analysis of the distribution of these species is also undertaken, suggesting a possible bidirectional flow of elements between Europe and Africa during the Eocene and the Miocene.