Thread subject: Diptera.info :: ID Asilinae just using male genitalia

Posted by Susan R Walter on 16-11-2008 23:32
#1

Any chance this specimen can be identified just by it's genitalia? The specimen is generally in poor condition and not worth posting a full photo.

From lowland central France (la Brenne), damp woodland, 2 June 2008, total body length 14mm.

Posted by Susan R Walter on 16-11-2008 23:34
#2

Looking down on the upturned genitals.

Posted by Susan R Walter on 16-11-2008 23:35
#3

A sort of posterior ventro-lateral view.

Posted by Susan R Walter on 16-11-2008 23:35
#4

Ventral view.

Posted by Dysmachus on 23-11-2008 20:10
#5

It seems to be the male genitalia of a Neoitamus species. For a species identification you have to dissect the internal structures.

Posted by Andre on 23-11-2008 21:19
#6

Give it a try and post a picture of the whole specimen, as well as one from the head only, taken from the side.
Don't feel embarrassed by it ;)

Posted by Susan R Walter on 23-11-2008 22:23
#7

Thanks Dysmachus. Neoitamus was my guess too, so that's good.

André – OK, but I'm not sure how much further it gets us. You can see the sharply bent forward hairs on the back of the head though. It has a very red beard, but that doesn't seem to be diagnostic of anything in particular. You can also see the leg colour quite well.

The specimen was collected on a hot but squally day, and was wet. I didn't get a chance to dry him out properly, so the result is he has grown a rather woolly coat of mould. Would an alcohol bath help do you think?

Posted by Susan R Walter on 23-11-2008 22:24
#8

Head shot.