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Hi,

Here is a Tabanidae I found in Rhodopi mountains in Bulgaria.
With its hairs on eyes, i first thought about Hybomitra, but it would lead me to H micans or H caucasica which seems unlikely.
And then I noticed that Tabanus rupium fit really well with this specimen. What do you think?


clovis : Bulgarie : Zabardo : 4850 : 19/07/2013
Altitude : 1531 m - Taille : 14 mm environ
Réf. : 156225

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clovis : Bulgarie : Zabardo : 4850 : 19/07/2013
Altitude : 1531 m - Taille : 14 mm environ
Réf. : 156226

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clovis : Bulgarie : Zabardo : 4850 : 19/07/2013
Altitude : 1531 m - Taille : 14 mm environ
Réf. : 156227

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So, 0-1 or 3 bands on an eye ?


Theo

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Well, i only have this picture of the specimen alive, and i don't remember how where the eyes (but i really think i would remember if there was 3 bands!). So i'd rather go on 0-1 band, that's why I think rûpium could fit.

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You can see the bands in dead specimen as well, if you look at the eye with a strong light on it and play with the light.

Rupium has one incomplete band, a very distinctive feature.

So, the tibiae are distinctly reddish at base, is that correct ?

Theo

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Hum, playing with light and with faith i think there is a really incomplete band (but what i see cover max 1/8 go the eye.) Not 3 bands anyway.
Not, femurs are all black, what we see is trochanters whose are partly read.

Would you want me to make other pictures?

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Sorry: not femora, but tibiae !

Theo

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Well, base of tibia 2 is red on base, but on a really small part (<1mm)
Tibia:
-tibia I is brown on basal half (paler anyway)
-tibia II is read on a small basl part, and entirely brown
-Tibia III is integrally black

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Yes, totally oK for rupium !


Theo

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So cool!!!!! Many thanks :D