Atheta (Oxypodera) togoensis Pace 2012, nov.sp.

T y p e m a t e r i a l: Holotype, Togo, Bismarkburg, 17.XI.1892 (MNHUB). Paratypes: 2 and 1, same origin (MNHUB).

D e s c r i p t i o n: Length 2 mm. Body shiny and reddish, head reddish-brown, third free abdominal tergite brown, antennae reddish-brown with the two basal antennomeres yellow, legs yellowish-red. Fore-body devoid of reticulation, abdomen with very transverse and very superficial reticulation. Puncturation of the head evident, that of the pronotum indistinct. Granulation of elytra and abdomen very superficial. Aedeagus Figs 29-30, spermatheca (incomplete) Fig. 31.

C o m p a r a t i v e n o t e s: The new species has the habitus and aedeagus of smaller dimensions than in A. densiventris FAUVEL 1907 from East Africa, of which I have examined the male holotype (IRSNB). The aedeagus of the new species is still smaller, about 0.24 mm, that of A. densiventris about 0.35 mm. The aedeagus of the new species is hardly arched to the ventral side, that of A. densiventris is deeply arched. The strong internal plates of the aedeagus of A. densiventris are missing in the aedeagus of the new species.

E t y m o l o g y: The new species derives its name from Togo.