Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Giant Asilidae with no location for ID
Posted by Isidro on 26-08-2019 07:23
#1
The tag is in white so we don't know the collecting data :( But this is an enormous critter that could be enough distinctive for an ID. Rivalizes in size with Proagonistes praeceps
Edited by Isidro on 26-08-2019 07:24
Posted by Isidro on 26-08-2019 07:55
#2
And another in the same box, roughly the same size, and the same missing of location :(
Posted by Eric Fisher on 26-08-2019 19:27
#3
Microstylum spp. (2 distinct ones) - females.
Posted by Auke on 26-08-2019 19:38
#4
Is the label left white, or is it faded? Could UV-light possibly show some remnants of ink?
Posted by Isidro on 26-08-2019 22:22
#5
No, it's left in white. That white tag is present in many specimens of this exhibition
Above it should be a much smaller tag with some indication - either an abbreviation of locality or the collection where they belong - but it was impossible to read it.
Many thanks for the ID Eric, I never imagined that both - so different - would belong to same genus and sex!! Species is not possible to ID for neither?
Posted by Eric Fisher on 29-08-2019 18:35
#6
I'm afraid that ID is unlikely unless at least continent of origin could be confirmed (likely to be either Africa or Asia). Microstylum is a large genus, and both geographic regions just mentioned have an array of species that look similar to your two. Perhaps the most common are two Madagascar species: M. magnum Bromley (long, slender type) and M. cilipes Macq. (more robust & colorful species, males often with modified spurs on the middle legs).
Posted by Isidro on 30-08-2019 06:39
#7
Many thanks for the complete reply Eric! :)