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Physopelta melanoptera

Physopelta melanoptera

Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Nigeria
Status
Not Evaluated

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Grassland, Ocean

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
Omnivorous

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
Diurnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Type material examined. LECTOTYPE: ♂, ‘ Type [p, white circular label with red circle submarginally] // ‘ melanoptera / Dist. ’ [hw, white label] // ‘ Cameroons, / Escalera, / 1903 - 355 ’ [p, white label] // ‘ ♂ ’ [p, white label] // LECTOTYPUS / PHYSOPELTA / MELANOPTERA / Distant, 1904 / des. J. L. STEHLÍK 2013 [p, red label] ’ (BMNH). The lectotype is pinned through scutellum on black-enameled pin without head; well-preserved, only left antennomere 4 is missing. Additional material examined. ANGOLA: CUANZA NORTE: (A 26), Salazar, I. I. A. A. [= Vila Salazar, currently N’dalatando], at light, Southern African Exp., B. M. 1972 - I, 9. – 15. iii. 1972, 3 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, no collector (BMNH). – LUANDA PROVINCE: Luanda env., 22. iii. 2002, 1 ♂, J. Brezinski lgt. (ZJPC). – LUNDA NORTE PROVINCE: Dundo, i. 1949, 1 ♂, A. B. Machado lgt. (MMBC). – BENIN: Moyen-Benin, Plateau de Zagnando (saison des oranges et tornades [= season of oranges and tornados]), 1910, 5 ♀♀, P. Ducorps lgt. (MNHN); Pobé, forêt [= forest] (P. L.) 06 ° 59 ′ N 02 ° 41 ′ E, 28. – 29. vi. 2000, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, H. Perrin lgt. (MNHN); Cotonou, 06 ° 24 ′ N 02 ° 31 ′ W, 11. xi. 1995, sweeping grasses, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, M. R. Wilson lgt. (NMWC). – CAMEROON: CENTRAL PROVINCE: Yaondé env., 1 ♂, no collector (MNHN); ditto, Mt. Fábé, 6. viii. 1967, 1 ♀, L. Matile lgt. (MNHN); ditto, N’Kolbisson, 18. v. 1966, 1 ♀, 28. vi. 1966, 1 ♂, both B. de Miré lgt. (MNHN). – EAST PROVINCE: Batouri district, 03 ° 45 ′ N 13 ° 45 ′ E, 1. v. – 6. vi. 1935, 2 ♀♀, F. G. Merfield lgt. (BMNH). Mieri (Batouri), 30. i. 1976, 1 ♂, F. Paylaert lgt. (MRAC). – LITTORAL PROVINCE: Manengole, iv. 1949, 1 ♂, R. Tesárek lgt. (NMPC). – NORTH- WEST PROVINCE: E of Big Babanki, 06 ° 06 ′ 57 ″ N 10 ° 17 ′ 14 ″ E, 5. – 13. iii. 2008, 1 ♀, R. Sehnal lgt. (ZJPC); ditto, 06 ° 06 ′ 698 N 100 ° 15 ′ 938 E, 5. – 13. iii. 2008, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. Horák lgt. (ZJPC); Babanki / Bambili, Kefem forest, 06 ° 01 ′ 56 ″ N 10 ° 17 ′ 14 ″ E, 1,890 m a. s. l., iii. 2008, 2 ♀♀, R. Sehnal lgt. (ZJPC); Tubach, Big Babanki env., 06 ° 06 ′ 57 ″ N 100 ° 16 ′ 23 ″ E, iii. 2008, 1 ♂, R. Sehnal lgt. (ZJPC); ditto, 06 ° 06 ′ 20 ″ N 10 ° 13 ′ 07 ″ E, 1,158 m a. s. l., iii. 2008, 1 ♀, M. Heckel lgt. (MMBC); Big Babanki village env., 06 ° 06 ′ 698 ″ N 10 ° 15 ′ 938 ″ E, 1,200 m a. s. l., 5. – 13. iii. 2008, 1 ♀, P. Votruba lgt. (MMBC); Bamenda, Lac de Bambonloa [lake], v. 1971, 1 ♀, J. F. Villiers lgt. (MNHN). – WEST PROVINCE: Foumbot, 20. v. 1971, 3 ♂♂ 9 ♀♀, J. F. Villiers lgt. (MNHN, NMPC); Galim, before Tshabai-Mbato, 1,200 m a. s. l., 14. viii. 1971, 4 ♀♀, Miss. Zool. Cameroun, F. Puylaert, P. M. Elsen, R. Asselberg lgt. (MRAC). – PROVINCE NOT IDENTIFIED: Tchoma, Okula, test cacao, 21. vi. 1965, 1 ♀, B. de Miré lgt. (MNHN). – CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: BAMINGUI- BANOSAN PROVINCE: 35 km N Ndélé, 08 ° 29 ′ N 20 ° 57 ′ E, 17. v. 2009, 1 ♂, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC). – BANGUI PROVINCE: Bangui, 15. viii. 1969, 1 ♀, Pujol lgt., P. Kment det. (MNHN). – KEMO- GRIBINGUI PROVINCE: Fort-Sibut, Haut-Chari, collection le moult, no date, 1 ♂, coll. E. de Bergevin (MNHN); 80 km W Sibut, 05 ° 41 ′ N 18 ° 17 ′ E, 25. v. 2009, 1 ♂, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); 30 km S Sibut, 08 ° 25 ′ N 19 ° 08 ′ E, 14. iii. 2010, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, J. Halada lgt. (MMBC); 45 km N Sibut, 08 ° 08 ′ N 19 ° 08 ′ E, 530 m a. s. l., 13. iv. 2010, 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (MMBC). – LOMBAYE PROVINCE: 80 km W Boda, 04 ° 29 ′ N 16 ° 47 ′ E, 490 m a. s. l., 21. xii. 2008, 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); Boukoko, 15. ix. 1966, 1 ♀, M. Boulard lgt. (MNHN); 10 km NE Mbaïki, 03 ° 56 ′ N 18 ° 00 ′ E, 400 m a. s. l., 5. xii. 2008, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); Lamaboké, 8. iv. 1955, 1 ♀, 13. vii. 1955, 2 ♀♀, 14. xi. 1955, 2 ♂♂, all R. Pujol lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 19. vi. 1957, 1 ♀, P. Teocchi lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 15. ii. 1965, 1 ♀, 13. vii. 1965, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, 14. ix. 1965, 1 ♂, both R. Pujol lgt. (MNHN); ditto, v. 1964, 1 ♂, J. Carayon lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 7. ix. 1965, 1 ♂, 10. iii. 1966, 1 ♂, both R. Pujol lgt.; ditto, 30. ix. 1967, 1 ♂, at light, L. Matile lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 16. xi. 1967, 1 ♂, 16. ii. 1968, 1 ♂, 17. iii. 1968, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, all P. Teocchi lgt. (MNHN); ditto, x. 1969, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, 1969, 9 ♂♂ 9 ♀♀, both R. Pujol lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 12. v. 1970, 2 ♀♀, M. Boulard lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 14. x. 1972, 11 ♂♂ 13 ♀♀, 2. iv. 1973, 1 ♂, 5. viii. 1973, 7 ♂♂ 6 ♀♀, vii. 1973, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, all R. Pujol lgt.; ditto, 9. iii. 1973, 3 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, 2. iv. 1973, 1 ♂, both P. Teocchi lgt. (MNHN, NMPC). – OMBELLO- MPOKO PROVINCE: Bangui, 3. xii. 1951, 1 ♀, R. Mussard lgt. (MHNG); 70 km NN Bangui, 04 ° 57 ′ N 18 ° 46 ′ E, 445 m a. s. l., 24. – 28. xi. 2011, 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (MMBC); Oubangi-Chari, Bangui, i. – iii. 1968, 1 ♂, Breuning lgt. (MRAC); Bangui, no further data, 2 ♀♀ (MNHN). – OUHAM PROVINCE: 50 km E Bossanoga, 06 ° 28 ′ N 18 ° 02 ′ E, 500 m a. s. l., 27. v. 2009, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC). – SANGHA PROVINCE: 45 km E Nola, 03 ° 32 ′ N 16 ° 26 ′ E, 340 m a. s. l., 8. vi. 2009, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); 129 km S Nola, 02 ° 42 ′ N 16 ° 06 ′ E, 340 m a. s. l., 14. xii. 2008, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC); 90 km NE Nola, 04 ° 07 ′ N 16 ° 37 ′ E, 560 m a. s. l., 5. – 9. xii. 2010, 1 ♂, J. Halada lgt. (MMBC). – CHAD: LOGONE ORIENTAL PROVINCE: Bebedjia, 4. ix. 1964, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. P. Besson lgt. (MNHN). Mondou, Bebedja, 21. i. 1978, 1 ♂, G. Ruella lgt. (MRAC). – COMORES: GRANDE COMORE: 4 – 5 km E of Nioumbadjou, Bandalamadji, 640 m a. s. l., 15. – 18. iii. 1980, 1 ♂, P. Viette lgt. (MNHN). – DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (former Congo Belge, Zaire, Congo Kinshasa): BAS- UELE: Mobwasa, x. 1911, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, De Giorgi lgt. (MRAC); Dingila, i. – iv. 1933, 1 ♂, H. J. Bredo lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 21. vi. 1933, 1 ♀, J. Leroy lgt. (MRAC); ditto, viii. 1933, 1 ♂, H. J. Bredo lgt. (MRAC). – EQUATEUR: Bamania, ii. – iii. 1958, 2 ♀♀, 15. – 30. iv. 1961, 1 ♀, i. – vi. 1965, 1 ♂, all Rév. P. Hulstaert lgt. (MRAC); Buya, 4. vi. 1912, 1 ♀, Dr. Christy lgt. (MRAC); Eala, i. 1935, 1 ♀, J. Ghesquière lgt. (MRAC); Eala, Inganda, 8. viii. 1930, 1 ♂, J. Vrydagh lgt. (MRAC); Mbandaka, 10. xi. 1931, 1 ♀, Lt. Dorman lgt. (MRAC); Boso Kubu, 29. vi. 1935, 1 ♀, G. Settembrino lgt. (ISNB); Lukolela, no date, 1 ♀, de Guide lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 21. i. 1930, 1 ♀, H. J. Breda lgt. (MRAC); ditto, x. – xii. 1941, 1 ♀, Breulheid lgt. (MRAC). – HAUT- KATANGA: Lubumbashi, i. 56 – i. 57, 1 ♀, Ch. Seidel lgt. (MRAC). – HAUT- UELE: Mota, 1924, 1 ♀, L. Burgeon lgt. (MRAC); Rungu, 4. vii. 1914, 1 ♀, Dr. Rodhain lgt. (MRAC); Bambesa, 15. x. 1933, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. V. Leroy lgt. (MRAC); ditto, i. – ii. 1934, 1 ♀, H. J. Bredo lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 28. – 29. v. 1937, 1 ♀, 6. vi. 1937, 2 ♂♂ l ♀, 18. vi. 1937, 1 ♂, 23. vi. 1937, 1 ♂, 21. vii. 1937, 1 ♂, 30. x. 1937, 1 ♀, 2. xii. 1937, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, all J. Vrydagh lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 9. v. 1938, 1 ♂, P. Henrard lgt. (MRAC); ditto, 9. iii. 1939, 1 ♀, J. Vrydagh lgt. (MRAC). – ITURI: Ishwa, 2. vi. 1954, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. Hecq lgt. (MRAC); Malema, 6. vi. 1912, 1 ♀, Dr. Christy lgt. (MRAC); Penge-Bamboli-Putnam, vi. 1933, 1 ♀, no collector (MRAC); Nioka, vi. 1953, 2 ♀♀, vii. – viii. 1954, 1 ♀, ix. 1954, 1 ♀, all J. Hecq lgt. (MRAC). – KINSHASA: Mayidi, 1942, 1 ♀, Rev. P. van Eyen lgt. (MRAC). – KONGO CENTRAL: Boma, xi. 1955, 1 ♀, R. F. Anselmus lgt. (MRAC); Boma, Nzobe, 4. – 12. i. 1916, 1 ♂, R. Mayné lgt. (MRAC); Makaia N’Tete – Temvo, 20. – 30. xi. 19 l 5, 1 ♂, R. Mayné lgt. (MRAC). – LUALABA: Ruwe, i. – ii. 1960, 5 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, Dr. V. Alluaud lgt. (MRAC); 150 – 200 miles W of Kambove, 1. x. 2007, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, 2. x. 1907, 7 ♂♂ 11 ♀♀ 2 spec., 19. x. 1907, 2 ♀♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – MANIEMA: Kasongo, iii. 1960, 5 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, P. L. G. Beniot lgt. (MRAC); Kindu, no date, 1 ♂, L. Burgeon lgt. (MRAC). – MONGALA: Terr. Lisala, Modjebo, 10. xi. 1938, 20 ♂♂ 24 ♀♀, J. J. Dehyen leg. (MRAC); ditto, 9. xi. 1939, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, Leontovitch lgt. (MRAC); Bumba, 1940, 1 ♂, Rév. P. Lootens lgt. (MRAC). – NORD- KIVU: N. Lac Kivu: Rwankwi, xi. 1947, 1 ♀, J. V. Leroy lgt. (MRAC). – NORD- UBANGI: Libenge, viii. 1937, 1 ♂, Leontovitch lgt. (ISNB); ditto, 4. ix. 1947, 1 ♀, 2 l. x. 1947, 7 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, 24. x. 1947, 1 ♂ l ♀, 27. x. 1947, 2 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, 13. xi. 1947, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, 22. x. 1944, 1 ♂, 8. i. 1948, 3 ♀♀, all R. Cremer & M. Neumann lgt. (ISNB); Libenge, Mission Mawuya, 11. x. 1947, 1 ♂ l ♀, 12. x. 1947, 3 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, 17. x. 1947, 1 ♀, 24. x. 1947, 14 ♂♂ 10 ♀♀, 20. ix. 1947, 8 ♂♂ 8 ♀♀, 22. i. 1948, 6 ♂♂ 6 ♀♀, all R. Cremer & M. Neumann lgt. (ISNB); Yumbi, 22. x. 1947, 9 ♂♂ 7 ♀♀, R. Cremer & M. Neumann lgt. (ISNB); Bili, 14. iv. 1954, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀, Ch. Verbeke lgt. (ISNB). – SUD- KIVU: Terr. Mwengo, Kitutu, 650 m a. s. l., iv. 1958, 1 ♂, N. Leleup lgt. (MRAC); Mont Kahuzi, km 82, ix. 1951 – ii. 1952, 1 ♂, at light, H. Bomans lgt. (MRAC). – TANGANYIKA: Niunzu, 1935, 1 ♂, Dr. Saeger lgt. (MRAC); Kalemie, xi. 1954, 1 ♀, at light, H. Bomans lgt. (MRAC); Katompe, ii. 1935, 1 ♂, Ch. Seidel lgt. (MRAC). – TSOPO: Kisingani, Masoko. I. G. 31.915, 29. v. – 2. vi. 2011, 1 ♂, J. L. Wetsi Lofete lgt. (ISNB). – ETHIOPIA: ILUBA PROVINCE: 60 km E Tepi, 7. iv. 2007, 2 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC). – KAFFA PROVINCE: 4 0 km W Bonga, 1850 m a. s. l., 9. iv. 2004, 1 ♀, J. Halada lgt. (ZJPC). – GABON: Belinga, M’Vadi, 13. iii. 1963, 2 ♀♀, H. Coiffait lgt. (MNHN); Belinga, Mission Biologique au Gabon, no date, 2 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, P. Grassé lgt. (MNHN); Makakou-Coline, 13. x. 1967, 1 ♂, Mission Biologique, G. Bernardi lgt. (MNHN). – GHANA: ASHANTI REGION: Kumasi, 28. V. 1967, 3 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, 25. v. 1967, 1 ♂, both S. Endrödy-Younga lgt. (MHNG); ditto, Ashanti Reg., no date, 2 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, A. E. Evans lgt. (BMNH). – EASTERN REGION: Kibi, 6 ° 09 ′ N 0 ° 36 ′ W, light trap, 19. xi. 2003, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, H. Perrin lgt. (MNHN); Gold Coast, Koforidua, iv. 1921, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. F. Corson lgt. (BMNH); Tafo, 23. iv. 1957, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, V. F. Eastop lgt. (BMNH); ditto, Exp. Station, 20 km of Kade, border of primary forest, no date, 1 ♀, no collector (MMBC); ditto, Kade, 7. – 12. xi. 1967, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, A. Lelek lgt. (MMBC). – GREATER ACCRA REGION: Accra, 6. iv. 1959, 1 ♂, Borchsenius lgt. (ZMAS); Accra, near airport, 10. xi. 1995, 3 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, at light, M. R. Wilson lgt. (NMWC). – UPPER EAST REGION: Bolgatanga, v. 1965, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, G. Burton lgt. (BMNH). – WESTERN REGION: between Takoradi and Axim, 7. x. 1944, 1 ♂, P. A. Buxton lgt. (BMNH). – GUINEA: FARANACH PROVINCE: Gueckedou, no date, 1 ♀, I. Korecká lgt. (MMBC). – NZÉKORÉ PROVINCE: Mt. Nimba, vii. – xii. 1951, 3 ♂♂ 1 ♀, Lamotte & Rey lgt. (MNHN); Nimba, Ziéla, U. V., 30. – 31. iii. 1957, 1 ♀, Lamotte, Amiet & Vanderplaetsen lgt., P. Kment det. (MNHN). – IVORY COAST: Bibianaha, xi. – xii. 1909, 2 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, Dr. Spurrell lgt. (BMNH); Aburi, 2 ♂♂, W. H. Patterson lgt. (BMNH); ditto, 1 ♀, A. R. Gould lgt. (BMNH); Lamto (Taumodi), ii. 1968, 11 ♂♂ 6 ♀♀, 1. – 18. iv. 1968, 2 ♀♀, 3 l. viii. 1968, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 8. xi. 1968, 5 ♂♂ 12 ♀♀, ii. 1969, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, 1. – 18. iii. 1969, 1 ♂, all Cl. Girard lgt. (MNHN); ditto, 17. v. 1965, 1 ♀, 18. ii. 1975, 2 ♂♂ 7 ♀♀, 25. ii. 1975, 1 ♀, R. Vuattoux lgt. (MNHN, NMPC); Bingerville, i. 1939, 1 ♂, L. Chopard lgt., P. Kment det. (MNHN); Bingerville, xi. 1961, 4 ♀♀, ii. 1962, 3 ♀♀, iii. 1962, 1 ♀, iv. 1962, 1 ♂, xi. 1962, 5 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, xii. 1962, 1 ♂ 2 ♀♀, x. 1963, 1 ♀, ii. 1964, 1 ♀, v. 1964, 1 ♀, all J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); 50 km NW Abengourou, vii. 1962, 2 ♂♂, viii. 1962, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); Zopreghe-Koffikro (Daloa), vii. 1961, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); Forkessédougou, 1 ♀, 10. – 12. v. 1954, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); Yakopa at Gagnoa, 1 ♂, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC); Eremankono S Divo, viii. – ix. 1962, 1 ♂, J. Decelle lgt. (MRAC). – KENYA: KAKAMEGA PROVINCE: Brit. E. Africa, Ilala, Maramas Dist., 14 km E of Mumias, 4,500 ft [= 1372 m a. s. l.], 18. – 21. vii. 1911, 1 ♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – KWALE PROVINCE: Côte d’Afrique or. angl. [= Coast of British East Africa], Tiwi, xi. 1911, 1 ♂, Alluaud & Jeannel lgt. (MNHN); Kwale distr., Diani Beach, vii. 1951, 3 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀, N. L. H. Krause lgt. (BMNH); ditto, Neptune village hotel, 18. – 27. ii. 2001, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, A. Drumond & Nwarzée (ISNB). – LAMU PROVINCE: E of Garsen, 11. iv. 2004, 1 ♂, M. Snížek lgt. (NHMW). – MOMBASA PROVINCE: Mombasa, iii. 1921, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, van Someren lgt. (BMNH). – MALAWI: Mlanje [= Mulanje Mt.], 13. vi. 1912, 1 ♂, 2. xii. 1912, 1 ♀, 13. xii. 1912, 1 ♀, 13. vi. 1913, 1 ♀, both S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH); ditto, Ruo Valley, 2,000 ft [= 610 m a. s. l.], 14. xii. 1913, 1 ♂, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – NIGERIA: CROSS RIVER STATE: Calabar, 9. xi. 1955, 1 ♂, Exped. Mus. G. Frey Nigeria-Kamerun, Bechyně lgt. (BMNH); Oban, 1911 - 400, no date, 1 ♂, P. A. Talbot lgt. (BMNH). – KADUNA STATE: Samaru, on mercury vapour light trap, 18. – 25. v. 1970, 1 ♀, 26. – 31. v. 1970, 1 ♀, 3. – l 0. vi. 1970, 2 ♀♀, 26. vi. – 6. vii. 1970, 1 ♀, 7. – 14. vii. 1970, 1 ♀, 21. – 29. vii. 1970, 3 ♂♂, all P. H. Ward lgt. (BMNH). – LAGOS STATE: Agege, 17. iv. 1914, 2 ♂♂ · l ♀, Dr. W. A. Lamborn lgt. (BMNH); Lagos Dist., ii. 1948, 1 ♂, 16. ix. 1948, 1 ♂, W. E. S. Merett lgt. (BMNH). – NIGER STATE: Mokwa, I. A. R., Mile 1, mercury vapour light trap, 8. – 17. viii. 1970, 1 ♂, P. H. Ward lgt. (BMNH). – OYO STATE: Ibadan, on cotton, 1908, 1 ♂, no collector (BMNH). – PLATEAU STATE: Jos, 14. x. 1955, 1 ♀, Exped. Mus. G. Frey Nigeria-Kamerun, Bechyně lgt. (BMNH). – REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Brazzaville, 15. i. 1973, 1 ♂, J. F. Cornic lgt., P. Kment det. (MNHN); Dimonika (Mayumbe), Mission A. Descarpentries et A. Villiers 1963 – 1964, i. 1964, 8 ♂♂ 1 ♀, A. Descarpentries & A. Villiers lgt. (MNHN); Mayombe, I. G. 31.516, iv. 2010, 3 ♂♂ 13 ♀♀, E. Vingerhoedt lgt. (ISNB); Sibiti, Mission A. Descarpentries et A. Villiers 1963 – 1964, xi. 1963, 1 ♂, A. Descarpentries & A. Villiers lgt., A. Villiers det. (MNHN). – SÃO TOMÉ AND PRINCIPE: PRINCIPE ISLAND: Princes I., 1 ♂, T. A. Barns lgt. (BMNH). – SENEGAL: Niokolo Koba Nat. Park, 13 ° 00 ′ 13 ″ N 13 ° 18 ′ 48 ″ W, 1 ♀, M. Halada lgt. (ZJPC). – SIERRA LEONE: Njala, at light, 23. iii. 1925, 1 ♀, 7. viii. 1926, 1 ♂, E. Hargraves lgt. (BMNH). – TANZANIA: MOROGORO PROVINCE: Morogoro, 1. ii. 1970, 2 ♀♀, E. E. Brown lgt. (BMNH). – TANGA PROVINCE: Muheza Distr., Tanga, Kwangumi For. Res., 4 ° 57 ′ S 38 ° 44 ′ E, 29. x. 1995, UV 18 - B 3, 1 ♀, McKamey lgt. (ISNB); Mlingano, 22. i. 1956, 2 ♀♀, I. A. D. Robertson lgt. (BMNH); ditto, 22. i. 1966, 1 ♀, C. Traf lgt. (BMNH). Tanga, iv. 1912, 1 ♀, Alluaud & Jeannel lgt. (MNHN). – ZANZIBAR: no further data, 4 ♀♀ (BMNH). – UGANDA: BUNGIBUGYO PROVINCE: 12 miles NE of Bungibugyo, 4,500 ft [= 1372 m a. s. l.], 0 ° 45 ′ N 30 ° 10 ′ E, 1 ♀, Cambridge East Africa Exped. (BMNH); Ruwenzori Range, Semliki forest, 2,850 ft [= 869 m a. s. l.], 2. viii. – 3. ix. 1952, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, D. S. Fletcher lgt. (BMNH); Bwamba, vii. – viii. 1946, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, van Someren lgt. (BMNH); Bwamba, Hakitengya, 20. viii. 1948, 1 ♂, W. H. R. Lumsden lgt. (BMNH); Budongo forest, Unyoro, 3,400 ft [= 1036 m a. s. l.], 11. – 15. vii. 1911, 1 ♂, S. A. Neave lgt. (BNHN). – KABAROLE / KAMWENGE / KYENJOJO PROVINCES: Daro or Durro Forest, Toro [kingdom], 4,000 – 4,500 ft [= 1219 – 1372 m a. s. l.], 25. – 29. x. 1911, 1 ♀, 4,800 ft [= 1463 m a. s. l.], 13. – 23. xi. 1911, 1 ♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – KALANGALA PROVINCE: Lake Victoria, Nkosi Island, S. Sesse, 25. – 27. v. 1928, 3 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀, Dr. G. D. Halle Carpenter lgt. (BMNH). – KAPWENGE PROVINCE: Mpanga forest, 4,000 – 4,500 ft [= 1219 – 1372 m a. s. l.], 25. – 29. xi. 1911, 1 ♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – KASESE PROVINCE: Ruwenzori range, Ibanda, 4. – 12. ix. 1952, 1 ♀, D. S. Fletscher lgt. (BMNH). – MUCAN PROVINCE: Mabira forest, Changwe, 3,500 – 3,800 ft [= 1067 – 1158 m a. s. l.], 16. – 25. vii. 1911, 1 ♂, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – MUKONO PROVINCE: Kawanda, 1. v. 1958, 1 ♀, 4. v. 1958, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 5. v. 1958, 1 ♀, 6. v. 1958, 2 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀, 7. v. 1958, 1 ♂, 22. v. 1958, 1 ♀, 27. v. 1958, 1 ♀, 7. vi. 1958, 1 ♀, 7. ix. 1958, 1 ♂, 7. xi. 1958, 4 ♀♀, all T. R. Odhiambo lgt. (MMBC, BMNH). – SIRONKO PROVINCE: Siro [n] ko River near W foot of Mt. Elgon, 3,600 ft [= 1097 m a. s. l.], 12. – 14. viii. 1911, 12 ♂♂ 9 ♀♀, S. A. Neave lgt. (BMNH). – ZAMBIA: COPPERBELT PROVINCE: N’Changa, B. M. 1931 - 179, 1 ♀, C. T. Macnamara lgt. (BMNH). – NORTH- CENTRAL PROVINCE: Mkushi env., 16. – 18. xii. 2004, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Snížek & Tichý lgt. (NHMW). – NORTH- WESTERN PROVINCE: NW Kasempo, E of NW Mutumbwa, I. G. 31.175, 5. xi. 2008, 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀, M. Snížek lgt. (ISNB); 50 km E of Mwinilunga, I. G. 31.175, 28. x. 2008, 1 ♂ 1 ♀, M. Snížek lgt. (ISNB); 150 km of Mwinilunga, I. G. 31.175, 2. xi. 2008, 6 ♂♂ 15 ♀♀, M. Snížek lgt. (ISNB).
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Physopelta melanoptera is officially designated as Not Evaluated. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, grassland, ocean, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of diverse organic matter. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a its natural cycle activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Physopelta melanoptera.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeCentral African Republic, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Nigeria
Habitat RangeForest, Grassland, Ocean
Lifespan
StatusData Deficient
ScientificPhysopelta melanoptera
Registry Info
LifespanUnknown
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyLargidae