Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Medetera? USA 2012-V-18 (= M. aberrans)

Posted by John Carr on 19-05-2012 01:08
#1
Massachusetts, USA May 18, 2012. Body is 3.5 mm long.

I think it is a female Medetera. It was hopping around a nearly horizontal surface instead of playing woodpecker on a tree trunk.

Can it be identified to species group? The key to North American species wants males so I haven't tried to key it.

farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7224181416_651dbc5fcc.jpg
(Click for larger size.)

farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7224181490_5fff3b6ce4_n.jpg
Edited by John Carr on 21-01-2013 02:01

Posted by Stefan Naglis on 19-05-2012 10:51
#2
Medetera sp. female is correct.

Posted by John Carr on 21-01-2013 02:00
#3
I have identified this as Medetera aberrans Wheeler by the combination of general color shining metallic green (vs. dull in most species), lateral scutellar bristles about half as long as apical, coxae dark, legs yellow, 3 dc. Habitat is near grassy wetlands as described in Bickel's revision. The male would be distinctive with modified fore tarsi.