S. Mahunka szerk.: Folia Entomologica Hungarica 34/1. (Budapest, 1981)

2. Genus: Rhyssemus Mulsant The genus Rhyssemus Mulsant is the largest genus of the tribe Psammodiini and thus, it is not easy to identify its species. The South-African species are divided below into four groups depending on the structure of elytral intervals. Of course, these groups are of no phylogenetic importance. They were established here just to facilitate identification. The examination of paratypes and other specimens of R

. zumptl Petrovitz and R. casper

i Petrovitz revealed that the latter name is a synonym of the former since, the differences were within the variation range. Key to Rhyssemus groups 1 (2) Even elytral intervals (suturai intervals considered as first Interval) lower than odd intervals (second interval sometimes represents an exception). Odd intervals usually remarkably carinate Group 1 2 (l) All elytral intervals of about same height, flat or moderately convex, never carinate. 3 (4) Elytral intervals, viewed from above, with two rows of granules (at least one row, however, usually two rows of granules quite distinct) Group 2 4 (3) Granules on elytral intervals, in the area of elytral disc either absent or indistinct in dorsal view. Elytral intervals seem to be only transversely wrinkled, viewed from above (granules may be recognized in lateral view). Sometimes a few granules near the base can be recognized from above. 5 (6) Granules weak, however, yet present, distinct in lateral view Group 3 6 (5) Elytral intervals only transversely wrinkled (like in Rhyssemus germanus /L./). Granules absent, thus, not visible even from lateral view Group 4 Key to Rhyssemus species - Group 1 1 (2) Clypeus broadly rounded at each side of emargination (Fig. 57). Elytral intervals consisting of elongate granules. 3.8 mm. - RSA (Cape Province). hottentottus Petrovitz, 1963 2 (1) Clypeus angular (Fig. 58), (at most with obtusely rounded angles) at each side of emargination. Odd elytral Intervals represented by continuous, sharp carinae. 3 (4) First (anterior) pronotal ridge completely broken up Into discrete tubercles. 3.5-4.0 mm. - South Rhodesia, Congo, Guinea, East Africa, Angola (carinatlpennts Péringuey, 1901) 4 (3) First pronotal ridge continuous (at least partially). 5 (6) 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th elytral intervals quite flat. 2.5-3.1 mm. - SWA - Namibia sexcostatus Ad. Schmidt, 1909 6 (5) 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th elytral intervals lower than neighbouring odd intervals, however, yet rather carinate, never quite flat. 2.2-2.5 mm. - SWA - Namibia rlt8emae Clouët, 1901 Key to Rhyssemus species - Group 2 1 (2) A large, plump species. 4.5-5.0 mm. - RSA (Cape Province) maximus Clouët, 1901 2 (1) Smaller (at most 4.2 mm), subparallel-sided species. 3 (4) Clypeus broadly rounded at each side of emargination. First pronotal ridge consisting of discrete granules. 3.5-4.0 mm - RSA (Cape Province) capensis Clouët. 1901 4 (3) Clypeus angular, at most moderately rounded at each side of emargination. First pronotal ridge more or less continuous medially. 5 (6) Granules in medial rows on elytral intervals very small and sparsely distributed, intervals thus appearing to have only one row of granules. 3.4-3.5 mm. - SWA - Namibia laevinasus Petrovitz, 1964 6 (5) Elytral intervals with two distinct rows of granules. 7 (8) Granules in lateral row on elytral intervals elongate. 3.4-3.8 mm. - RSA (Cape Province, Natal) atramentarius Péringuey, 1901 8 (7) Granules in lateral rows rather rounded. 9 (10) Pronotal transverse ridges at least as wide as transverse furrows behind them. 3.5 mm. - SWA - Namibia hauseri Balthasar, 1961