Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Funny/frustrating key couplets

Posted by Kahis on 27-10-2006 20:44
#1

Another thread got me thinking about these. My all-time favourite is in a keys to scathophagid genera by Sifner:

32(31) Fore tibiae interiorly with one to two rows of very short bristles or without them
-- Fore tibiae with or without anterodorsal row of distinct bristles


It does almost make sense if you KNOW what he tries to say. Almost.

Edited by Kahis on 27-10-2006 20:44

Posted by Andy Chick on 10-12-2007 13:21
#2

i remember in joys practical handbook of british beetles coming to the end of a key that basically said

(Number ) Like below but slightly more matt. (Tenebrio obsurus)

- Like above slightly more gloss. (T. Molitor)

the problem was the author assumed that the read had acess to a "reliably named collection" which unfortunatly i didnt!