Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Prior to this publication, the biting fly Haematobosca zuluensis (Zumpt, 1950) (Diptera, Muscidae,
Stomoxyinae) was known only from a single male specimen collected in 1923 in Zululand, South Africa. Seven additional males were subsequently captured in the Kruger National Park of South Africa, one in 1984 and six in 1991, but remained unidentified until now. The genus includes species of considerable veterinary significance, but current keys for identification of species are misleading due to inadequate description of H. zuluensis.
METHODS: External morphological features are described to enable species characterization, including intraspecific
variability.
RESULTS: This paper confirms the existence of H. zuluensis, expands its known range, provides a full description of males of the species, and gives an up to date set of keys for the 15 known species within the genus. Available records suggest that Haematobosca zuluensis is a low density species as yet known only from wildlife areas of South Africa.
CONCLUSIONS: The additional specimens of H. zuluensis have enabled an improved description of the species and an improved set of keys to identify constituent members of the genus.
Description:
LB conceived the need for the paper, undertook the microscopic and
descriptive work as well as wrote the initial draft. ACP conducted the
literature search, provided expert taxonomic editing and tracked down the
location of the holotype. Both authors read and approved the final version
of the manuscript.
