Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Questions on Norellia spinipes sex
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 19-03-2026 15:33
#1
I hope I can come up here with some questions on male N. spinipes - and you with some answers.
And I would very much appreciate a hint on some reviewing literature.
On some of my pictures of male N. spinipes I see a kind of spike, coming out ventrally towards the end of the abdomen (I do not dare to count segments). In other pictures it looks as if it’s a pairy appendix. And what is it good for – kind of Aedeagus? Or something to hold the female? Thank you so much for your help, any hints are extremely welcome, Jörg
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 19-03-2026 15:34
#2
Spike close to the body...
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 19-03-2026 15:35
#3
Spike and some other appendices?
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 19-03-2026 15:35
#4
Spike now looks more like a very short "leg"
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 19-03-2026 15:36
#5
What happens with spike during copula?
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 19-03-2026 15:37
#6
Again - copula.....
Posted by Jan Willem on 20-03-2026 10:59
#7
What you are referring to is the 5th sternite which is used to 'hold' the female during copulation.
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 20-03-2026 12:38
#8
Oh great, thank you so much! So it is not one "spike" but should be two. Is this known from (which other) flies? Could you please recommend any further reading on this complex? Kindest regards, Jörg
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 20-03-2026 19:38
#9
Thanks to Jan's explanation I had a closer look. So they come in pairs :-) Still, if anyone would be kind enough to supply some more general info on that (e.g.: how common in flies?), it would be gratefully appreciated. Kindest regards, Jörg
Picture 1: ventral view
Edited by Joerg Schneider on 20-03-2026 19:40
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 20-03-2026 19:41
#10
Lateral view
Posted by Joerg Schneider on 20-03-2026 19:42
#11
Ventral view - how are these "special legs" called????
Posted by libor on 20-03-2026 21:09
#12
Joerg, similar segments you can see in some European Micropezidae, for example...
Libor