Diptera.info

Posted by Maherjos on 12-10-2014 17:37

Photograph taken on January 1 ,February 2, March 3, April 4, May 5, June 6, July 7, August 8, 9 September, on the dining table of my house, in urban environment, Motril, Granada, Spain.
Immediate area of the Mediterranean coast.

Apparent size with wings, about 2-3 mm
Thanks in advance for any help!

Edited by Maherjos on 13-10-2014 19:36

Posted by John Carr on 12-10-2014 18:26

See

Ghonaim, M. F. et al. 2001. A review of the genus Forcipomyia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Egtpt with description of a new species. Oriental Insects 35:39-47. http://mrec.ifas....LI_110.pdf

The new species marsafae is a synonym of F. pulcherrima and comparison should show the range of variation within the species (and between fresh and worn specimens). This according to

Grogan, W. L. et al. 2014. The Old World biting midge, Forcipomyia (Lepidohelea) pulcherrima SANTOS ABREU, new to the fauna of the United States (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Polish Journal of Entomology 82(4):287–302 http://www.degruy...0043-6.xml

Illustrations of antennae do not show the long necks in this photo. Sometimes antennae proportions of dried specimens are markedly different, and that may explain the difference here.

So I think probably F. pulcherrima.

Posted by Maherjos on 12-10-2014 20:43

John Carr wrote:
The body could belong to the common species Forcipomyia (Lepidohelea) pulcherrima, but the antennae look more like Dasyhelea.

John Carr wrote:
See

Ghonaim, M. F. et al. 2001. A review of the genus Forcipomyia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Egtpt with description of a new species. Oriental Insects 35:39-47. http://mrec.ifas....LI_110.pdf

The new species marsafae is a synonym of F. pulcherrima and comparison should show the range of variation within the species (and between fresh and worn specimens). This according to

Grogan, W. L. et al. 2014. The Old World biting midge, Forcipomyia (Lepidohelea) pulcherrima SANTOS ABREU, new to the fauna of the United States (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Polish Journal of Entomology 82(4):287–302 http://www.degruy...0043-6.xml

Illustrations of antennae do not show the long necks in this photo. Sometimes antennae proportions of dried specimens are markedly different, and that may explain the difference here.

So I think probably F. pulcherrima.

I appreciate their identification, and I thank the reasoning that makes getting to your conclusion.
Would seem correct name Forcipomyia (Lepidohelea) cf. pulcherrima.?
Think with that name could climb to the gallery?

Kind regards from southern Spain.
José Marín.

Posted by John Carr on 12-10-2014 21:38

If Fauna Europaea is to be believed, it is no other Forcipomyia (Lepidohelea). There are two European species. One is found only in Spain on the continent of Europe. The other is not found to the southwest of Poland.

I hesitate in case there is a lookalike outside of the subgenus. I think that is unlikely, but it is possible. Most European works on Diptera are not accessible to me.