---

In Fonseca's 1968 key to Lispocephala, this runs easily to couplet 11/14 but then is not so straightforward.

The hind tibia has setae near the tip stouter on the anterior face than on the posterior, and the apical segment of the fore tarsus black except for a very narrow pale strip at the base, much less than a third: L. pallipalpis

The middle lobe of the genitalia is broad with three longitudinal ridges: L. almi

The lobes on sternite 5 have a large rounded distal extension like Gregor et al. 2002 show (fig. 44r) for L. falculata

I'm opting for alma as the middle lobe of the genitalia looks the least doubtful character but I'd appreciate a second opinion please.

John

---

Dorsal view

---

The hind tibia has setae near the tip stouter on the anterior face than on the posterior.

---

The apical segment of the fore tarsus black except for a very narrow pale strip at the base, much less than a third: L. pallipalpis

---

The middle lobe of the genitalia is broad with three longitudinal ridges: L. almi

---

The lobes on sternite 5 have a large rounded distal extension like Gregor et al. 2002 show (fig. 44r) for L. falculata

---

The lobes on sternite 5 have a large rounded distal extension like Gregor et al. 2002 show (fig. 44r) for L. falculata

---

I think that even Palaearctic Lispocephala requires revision. For example, a week ago I collected in Crimea around small pond a series of 3 males. tar1-5 - entirely black - L. pallipalpis. 2 males with a setulae in apical third of t3 distinctly more erect and lengthened. 1 male with a seta on t3 unmodified.

---

This series of pictures almost exactly mirrors a fly I ran through the keys last week, John. I ended up having exactly the same problem you are having and ended up plumping for alma, just as you have, based on the middle lobe of the genitalia. Pleased to see you had the same problems as me...if frustrated at the same time.

---

Those are interesting responses, thanks.

I forgot to give the site details. It was collected 27 March 2015 in a small rocky wet heath within birch woodland, Llandegfan Common, SH577750, North Wales, UK.

John