Anthia

Abstract: A key is presented for the identification of the four species of Anthia Weber (Coleoptera: Carabidae) recorded from the Republic of South Africa: Anthia cinctipennis Lequien, Anthia circumscripta Klug, Anthia maxillosa (Fabricius), and Anthia thoracica (Thunberg). For each of these species, illustrations are provided of adult beetles of both sexes as well as illustrations of male reproductive structures, morphological redescriptions, discussions of morphological variation, annual activity histograms, and maps of occurrence localities in the Republic of South Africa. Maps of occurrence localities for these species are compared against ecoregional and vegetation maps of southern Africa; each species of Anthia shows a different pattern of occupancy across the suite of ecoregions and vegetation types in the Republic of South Africa. Information about predatory and foraging behaviors, Mullerian mimicry, and small-scale vegetation community associations is presented for Anthia thoracica based on field and laboratory studies in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Abstract: 176 VARIATION OF MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS WITHIN POPULATIONS OF GROUND BEETLES ANTHIA SEXMACULATA (COLEOPTERA: CARABIDAE) LOCATED IN DIFFERENT ECOGEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS IN EGYPT By MOSTAFA I. HASSAN, DALIA A. ELSHEWY, AHMED S. BREAM, AND SABER A. RIAD* Department of Zoology, Entomology Unit, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, and Department of Insect Classification and Survey, Plant Protection Research Institute, ARC, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. (*Correspondence:saberiad60@azhar.edu.eg, Tel. 20201000262403) Abstract The morphometric measurements of populations of Anthia sexmaculata in different regions were studied in Egypt. A multivariate comparison of morphometric differences was undertaken by eyepiece micrometer on three different ecogeographical areas in Egypt; Western Mediterranean Coastal Desert (WMCD) (North Coast, Fouka and Mersa Matruh), Western Desert (Siwa, Bahariya and Dakhla Oases) and South Sinai (Saint Catherine and Taba Protected area and Sharm El Sheikh wadis). Twenty-one morphometric traits were studied. Traits best corresponding to the distinction of populations was distinguished by cluster and discriminant analysis (LDA). The first and second discriminant axes (Axis1 and Axis2) recorded 88.38% and 11.62%, respectively, of the total variation in studied sample. Multiple discriminant analysis revealed clear morphometric differences between West Mediterranean Costal Desert, Western Desert and South Sinai populations. Traits connected with morphometric measurements are good characters for differentiation between carabid beetles, South Sinai population of A. sexmaculatus have been shown to differ morphologically from the other populations in Egypt.

Abstract: When Anthia was imprisoned in the robbers' cave one of her guards, Anchialus, a spirited man and one of the most prominent of the band, fell in love with her. At first he tried to win her with words, hoping that she would be given to him as a present by the leader. But Anthia repelled his every attempt, dismayed by nothing, not the cave, nor her chains, nor the robber's threats. She wanted to keep herself for Habrocomes, even though she thought him dead, and often when no one was there to hear her cried: ‘I want to stay Habrocomes' wife and his alone, even though I die, though I suffer worse than I have suffered yet!’ This cast Anchialus into worse torment, and the daily sight of Anthia inflamed his love. Unable to bear it longer, he laid violent hands on her; one night when the robbers and their leader were away, he threw himself on Anthia and tried to violate her. Anthia, in desperate straits, seized a sword that lay to hand and struck Anchialus a mortal blow, for as he was on the point of embracing and kissing her his whole body loomed over her, and she thrust the sword upward into his breast. He had paid the penalty for his wicked passion.

Abstract: Regenpolipus madrasensis n. sp. (Acari: Podapolipidae) is described from the carabid beetle, Anthia sexguttata (Fabricius) from southern India and compared with R. namibius from South Africa. This is the first record of Regenpolipus from Asia. The genus is redefined and a pictorial key to genera of Podapolipidae from Carabidae is presented.