Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Another Philosepedon, Suffolk, Feb 2016
Posted by Martin Cooper on 26-02-2016 10:45
#1
This one was by the front door of my house in Ipswich, Suffolk on 20 Feb 2016. It seems to be a Philosepedon humeralis according to my key (Phil Withers, 1989), the only Philosepedon in the UK list. Previous discussion here have suggested that it may not be possible to be sure about the species and that there are several Philosepedon likely to be in the UK but for which no published key exists. Comments please.
Here is the fly while alive.
Posted by Martin Cooper on 26-02-2016 10:45
#2
a wing
Posted by Martin Cooper on 26-02-2016 10:46
#3
some ascoids... I was pleased to find them with this specimen as previously they have eluded me!
Posted by Martin Cooper on 26-02-2016 10:48
#4
The head was distorted by the DMHF mountant giving a curious flattened appearance. It was originally more or less round.
Posted by Martin Cooper on 26-02-2016 10:49
#5
... and finally the genitalia, this time complete with retinacula!
Edited by Martin Cooper on 26-02-2016 10:51
Posted by Gunnar M Kvifte on 28-02-2016 14:06
#6
The head is slightly distorted, probably because it hasn't been fully dehydrated prior to mounting. On the other hand, the genitalia preparation and the wing look very nice!
Of the described species, this looks most similar to
P. austriacus Vaillant, 1974 and
P. kowarzi Jezek, 1997; both of which may feasibly occur in the UK. However, I do very rarely put names on
Philosepedon specimens because the taxonomy is a mess and nobody really knows anything about character variability...
Posted by Martin Cooper on 28-02-2016 18:01
#7
Thanks Gunnar!