Synonyms
= Semidalis limbalis Fraser, 1955
= Semidalis nigrivena Fraser, 1957
Diagnosis
This is the only species of Semidalis found in Madagascar. There is considerable variability in the darkening of the wing membrane.
Type Depository
typeof Semidalis mascarenica is apparently now lost, but originally in Institut de Recherche Scientifique, Madagascar.
of Semidalis limbalis is: MNHN, Paris. Meinander (1972) indicates that this type could not be located at the museum.
type of Semidalis nigrivena is apparently now lost, but originally in Institut de Recherche Scientifique, Madagascar.
Type Locality
of Semidalis mascarenica is:MADAGASCAR: Tananarive [Antananarivo], 1 male.
of Semidalis limbalis is: MADAGASCAR: Ankaratra, Manjakatompo Forest, May 1951, Rene Paulian, 1 female, beating arboreal mosses.
of Semidalis nigrivena is: REUNION ISLAND: Rempart de Bélouve, January 1955, Rene Paulian, "a number of both sexes, but mostly males".
Geographical Distribution
Ohm and Hölzel (1997) record this species from REUNION, COMOROS, SEYCHELLES, and MADAGASCAR. Within Madagascar this is the most widespread and usually one of the most common species of Coniopterygidae.
Temporal Distribution
This species can be found in the adult stage in all months of the year.
Elevation
9 to 1300 m.
Remarks
There can be great variability in color pattern in this species. Meinander (1974) recognized three distinct color forms: fusca, alba, and nigrivena.
References
Fraser, F. C. 1955. Nouvelles notes sur les Nevropteres de Madagascar. Naturaliste Malgache 7:127-137. 8 figures. Separate: 7:[127]-137.
Fraser, F. C. 1957. Odonata and Neuroptera of Reunion. Memoires de l'Institut Scientifique de Madagascar (E)8:15-28. 5 figures.
Meinander, M. 1972. A revision of the family Coniopterygidae (Planipennia). Acta Zoologica Fennica 136:1-357. 223 figures.
Meinander, M. 1974. Coniopterygidae from Madagascar (Neuroptera). Notulae Entomologicae 54:60-63. 1 figure.
Presented by
Norman Penny