Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Lauxaniidae/Sciomyzidae/??????

Posted by Gordon on 20-10-2008 12:41
#1
This one has me feeling a bit stupid, at first glance I assumed it was a Sciomyzid, but then I thought to check the book to make sure it wasn't a Lauxaniid, and it seems it is neither. Both the above families have 2 pairs of F-bristles as well as P-Bristles. As the inset clearly shows this has 3 pairs of F-bristles and no P-bristles. Wetland Kerkini: Greece. 25 May to 1st June 2008 1485 m ASL.

Thanks

Posted by Jan Willem on 20-10-2008 13:24
#2
My first impression was Clusiidae.

Posted by Gordon on 20-10-2008 14:11
#3
Dear Jan,
Thanks for the comment, yes I can see why you would suggest that, however I neglected to mention its size, circa 8mm, which is large for Clusiodes as Lonsdale and Marshall put the upper limit at 5.8 mm, see new image with a specimen of C. albimanus for comparison.

Posted by Paul Beuk on 20-10-2008 14:42
#4
In this case you would be looking at Clusia flava, I think, which can be considerably larger than Clusiodes.

Posted by Gordon on 20-10-2008 16:11
#5
Ahh well, I have no literature for that species unfortunately, the Clusiodes paper describes Hendelia beckeri but does not mention the genus Clusia.

Thanks

Gordon

Posted by Jan Willem on 20-10-2008 23:31
#6
Stubbs (1982) says in his key:

3. The most anterior pair of orbital bristles (bristles close to the top eye margin) curve inwards towards each other, in contrast to the more posterior pair/pairs. Thorax completely black or abdomen yellow ............................................4
- All orbital bristles curved upwards and backwards. Thorax partly pale, abdomen never yellow .................. Clusiodes
4. Thorax and abdomen entirely black (small species like Clusiodes) .................................. Heteromeringia
- Thorax and abdomen entirely yellow, or only very narrow black stripes on thorax ................................... Clusia

Following this, your specimen belongs to the genus Clusia. And since there is only one Clusia species in Europe it should be Clusia flava.
Edited by Jan Willem on 20-10-2008 23:33

Posted by Gordon on 21-10-2008 06:00
#7
Dear Jan,
Thanks a lot for that, it is nice to add another species. I have just now been looking through the Sciomyzids from nearby weeks and sites hoping find another specimen. Unfortunately, but perhaps happily, I have not found any yet.

Gordon