Rhantus (Rhantus) latus (Fairmaire 1869)

Size:ML, 11.6–13.0 mm; MW, 6.2–7.0 mm; Lp,1.2–1.6 mm; Wp, 4.7–5.3 mm; Le, 9.3–10.1 mm (n = 12). Head. Testaceous with black areas inside and posterior of eyes. Interocular black pattern often rather broadly separated medially (Figure 2d). Dense micropunctuation but no reticulation. Pronotum. Somewhat infuscated and with one wide dark spot which is not medially divided (Figure 2d). No rim at lateral margin. Micropunctation and vague microreticulation (Figure 3g). Elytra. Testaceous ferrugineous with black irrorations, leaving paler sides and yellow sutural lines (Figure 2d). Black irrorations regular throughout, even posteriorly with no sign of preapical black areas. Microreticulation double, meshes are well impressed posteriorly but vague anteriorly. Micropunctation within and at edges of meshes (Figure 3h–i). Ventral side. Dark brown to black. Epiplura testaceous. Metafemur infuscated (Figure 4c). Male. Protarsal claws long and slender, almost twice the length of last tarsal segment, somewhat sinuated and unequal, anterior claw longer (Figure 5e–f). Mesotarsal claws curved and unequal, the anterior claw is almost twice as long as the posterior and much broader (Figure 6e–f). Penis long and slender, apically upturning in lateral view, in dorsal view with the apex curved to the left and sharply pointed (Figure 7e–f). Parameres with dorsal edge straight (Figure 7i).

Possibly endemic to Madagascar as we have not been able to verify the records from mainland Africa by Régimbart (1895) “Cafrerie, Cap” and by Guignot (1961) “Sud d’Afrique”. In Madagascar rather widespread over the central high plateau (Figure 8). Known from Andasibe-Mantadia NP, Antananarivo and Ambohijanahary NP, which are the northernmost records. Further known from several localities south of Antananarivo along RN7 from Manjakatompo forestry station to Andringitra NP, and further southwest to Isalo NP and Zombitse-Vohibasia NP. Seemingly lacking from the northern third of Madagascar.