Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Australian Sphaeroceridae
Posted by Graeme Cocks on 19-09-2014 19:05
#1
Can any one suggest a family for this tiny fly? Malaise trap. Townsville, Queensland.
Edited by Graeme Cocks on 19-09-2014 22:47
Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 19-09-2014 20:25
#2
Sphaeroceridae
Posted by Graeme Cocks on 19-09-2014 20:27
#3
Thanks Nikita. Another new family for me.
Posted by Andrzej on 19-09-2014 20:58
#4
Is it the hind first tarsomere shorter than the second segment or not ?
Posted by John Carr on 19-09-2014 21:33
#5
In North America it would be
Rachispoda or
Leptocera, which may be considered synonyms, subgenera, or genera. It has typical wing venation of Limosininae and those are the only (regional) genera with more than two pairs of marginal bristles on the scutellum.
Rachispoda is distinguished by having a pair of bristles near the front of the thorax pointing inwards towards each other rather than backwards like any normal bristle would lean.
Posted by Graeme Cocks on 19-09-2014 22:12
#6
Hi Andrzej. I think the 1st and 2nd tarsomeres on the hind leg are of equal length.
Posted by Graeme Cocks on 19-09-2014 22:20
#7
John, there are bristles on the front of the thorax pointing inwards. A check on ALA and there are 7 species of Rachispora listed for Australia.