Posted by Jessica on 11-03-2020 18:33
#1
Hello,
Is this female a Cricotopus ?
May be can we tell a species name (but I know that in this family it's often difficult).
Jessica Joachim : France : Mazères : 09270 : 07/03/2020
Altitude : 229 m - Taille : 4 mm environ
Réf. : 249541
Posted by John Carr on 11-03-2020 19:25
#2
Resembles
Cricotopus annulator Goetghebuer, 1927... and at least two other species that can only be reliably distinguished by slide mounting females to look at the spermathecae. The key to species groups starts by asking whether there are anterior notopleural hairs, which are rarely visible in photos. It continues with hair patterns on tergites. It is better than modern keys which don't even try to identify female Chironomidae, but it is not easy to apply to photographs.
Edited by John Carr on 11-03-2020 19:30
Posted by Jessica on 11-03-2020 20:54
#3
Oh okay, it's very difficult ! To have the genus name is a good thing so.
Thank you !