Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Euthycera stichospila << Euthycera

Posted by CedricMondy on 28-01-2022 18:18
#1

Hi everyone,

For this one, I kind of come to the conclusion that it might be Euthycera alaris, a female. However, I am really not sure and some details are bothering me, in particular the colour of the legs that seems very pale for alaris in my understanding.

Thank you for your help!


www.galerie-insecte.org/galerie/image/dos297/big/P1637047.jpg
Cédric Mondy : France : Saint-Maur-des-Fossés : 94100 : 17/10/2021
Altitude : 41 m - Taille : 7.5 mm
Réf. : 297252

www.galerie-insecte.org/galerie/image/dos297/big/P1637066.jpg
Cédric Mondy : France : Saint-Maur-des-Fossés : 94100 : 17/10/2021
Altitude : 41 m - Taille : 7.5 mm
Réf. : 297253

www.galerie-insecte.org/galerie/image/dos297/big/P1637073.jpg
Cédric Mondy : France : Saint-Maur-des-Fossés : 94100 : 17/10/2021
Altitude : 41 m - Taille : 7.5 mm
Réf. : 297254

www.galerie-insecte.org/galerie/image/dos297/big/P1637041.jpg
Cédric Mondy : France : Saint-Maur-des-Fossés : 94100 : 17/10/2021
Altitude : 41 m - Taille : 7.5 mm
Réf. : 297255

Edited by CedricMondy on 12-06-2022 22:21

Posted by CedricMondy on 03-02-2022 18:40
#2

Anyone familiar with this genus that could help me here?

Posted by CedricMondy on 11-02-2022 09:15
#3

Hi,

No one?

Posted by CedricMondy on 17-02-2022 19:05
#4

:|

Posted by jonas on 18-02-2022 08:16
#5

Hi
Euthycera are extremely variable in shape and color, so don't use the colour of the legs for identification.

This is not Euthycera alaris. That is a strictly Mediterranean species and i don't expect them so far north. Besides distribution, several characters do not match... The northernmost record I have seen in collections is still 600km south. That being said, the pattern of wing does lead you to E. alaris in most keys...

Now: this specimen is 99% sure Euthycera stichospila - which I consider a close relative to E. alaris (distinct by male terminalia so definitely valid). Euthycera stichospila is a very rare taxon and in most cases confined to calcareous heathland. The species concept of E. stichospila is widely misunderstood, unfortunately. I remain slightly hesitant on identification because it's a female, which are even more variable then the males (you have no idea how many misidentified female Euthycera are seen in collections :D), so I would advise you to collect a male.

Can you comment on the habitat?
Nice observation!

see you
Jonas

Posted by CedricMondy on 18-02-2022 10:46
#6

Thank you very much Jonas!

The habitat is clearly not a calcareous heathland, it was found in a very urban environment with mostly houses, some gardens and a small park with some grass and trees at proximity.