Plural: taxa.
Systematic category used in scientific, biological classification, like species or family. For example, in Diptera, the family Tipulidae is one taxon, as is the genus Tipula and the species Tipula maxima. These taxa represent different levels in a hierarchical scheme. A taxon at a certain level usually exists of more taxa at a lower level (for example, species in a genus).
The proximal one of the two plates in the axillary area of the wing located at the extreme base of the costal margin. The basicosta is the distal one.
Synonym: epaulet.
Image given: hthttp://www.dgrc...tegula.gif
From tergal meaning 'dorsal'.
In Diptera the upper (dorsal) sclerite of an abdominal segment.
In descriptions and keys tergites are numbered (from the base of the abdomen starting at 1) and often abbreviated. An example:
"TG1 and T8 sparsely brown pruinose. T2-T4 over 1.5 times more long than wide, remaining tergites shorter and wider. T8 visible only on right side. Tergites short setose except TG1, lateral margins of T2 and T3 with long setae." (Neohybos cinereus; Hybotidae).
"Opposite" of sternite a ventral sclerite.
Enlargement of sternite 5/6 in females of many Conopidae, sternite 5 is then produced ventrally as a pad-like structure anteriorly and with a variously developed plate-like portion posteriorly; sternite 6 often similarly developed but with pad-like anterior portion usually smaller and with pate-like posterior portion usually larger than those in segment 5.
Illustration showing a female of Conops flavipes, but in, for example, Sicus the theca is much smaller and rather inconspicuous.
Second long and well visible segment of the leg, counting from base, situated between the femur (first segment) and the tarsus (distal part of the leg that usually consists of five smaller segments).
Plural: tibiae.
With tomentum. For example: Dasybasis elquiensis (Tabanidae): 'Tergites I to VI with broad greyish tomentose median posterior spots. Tergites III-VI with pale greyish tomentose sublateral spots.'
Pubescence that is composed of matted hair; a covering of short, flattened, recumbent, scale-like hair which merges gradually into dust or pollen. The colour may change with the angle of view.
Vernacular name for species in the genus Glossina, the single genus in the family Glossinidae. The name is pronounced /ts/e-/ts/e, teet-SEE, or set-see. Well-known vector of trypanosomiasis.
Links: http://en.wikiped...lossinidae
The series of specimens on which the original author bases a new nominal species-group taxon. In the absence of a holotype designation, any such specimen is eligible for subsequent designation as the name-bearing type (lectotype); pending lectotype designation, all the specimens of the type series are syntypes and collectively they constitute the name-bearing type. Excluded from the type series are any specimens that the original author expressly excludes or refers to as distinct variants, or doubtfully includes in the taxon. (From the Glossary of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature).
Practical: When a biological species is named a single specimen is designated to carry the name. It is a standard of reference and if the species is already described or two species are merged types are maintained in case of dispute. This single specimen is the holotype. Other types are recognized: lectotype is the most significant.
Official: A term used in previous editions of the Code for a holotype, lectotype or neotype, or for any syntype; also used generally for any specimen of the type series. (From the Glossary of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature).
Links: http://en.wikiped...zoology%29
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