Leptomorphus mandelai (Classification)
Diagnosis: Based on:
Systematics and Phylogeny of Leptomorphus Curtis (Diptera: Mycetophilidae)
Etymology:
This species is named in honour of former South African President Nelson R. Mandela, in recognition of his role in ending apartheid in South Africa and for his advocacy of peace, reconciliation and social justice.
Habitus:
The only extant species of Leptomorphus with the following combination of characters: laterotergite, anepisternum and anepimeron yellow; scutellum yellow; scutum mostly dark brown with yellow restricted to anterior and lateral margins; abdomen with tergite 7 brown; male genitalia with tergal evagination bearing ventrally-directed fold along most of posterior margin and small point on apicomedial corner. This species can be distinguished from other Afrotropical species by the yellow scutellum, brown tergite 7, and lack of small setae covering the scutum (except along dorsocentral lines).
South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal; Howick district, Karkloof Range, Geekie’s Farm (28.16°S, 30.21°E)