Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Alcimus (Red Robber) Zambia

Posted by Will van Niekerk on 19-01-2012 02:11
#1

The three following images are all of different individuals, but I believe them to be the same species. However, I am at a loss to what species this could be.

Image 1.
Place: Lusaka City, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Habitat: On a shaded termite mound, in area of dry scrub/stables.
Date: 20.10.2011
Size - 2.5-3cm length.

Edited by Will van Niekerk on 28-11-2014 23:47

Posted by Will van Niekerk on 19-01-2012 02:14
#2

2:

Place: Chongwe District, Lusaka Province, Zambia.
Habitat: under mature tree, close to an ornamental pond.
Date: 25.10.2011
Size: 2.5-3cm (possibly larger)

Posted by Will van Niekerk on 19-01-2012 02:18
#3

3:

Place: Chongwe District, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Habitat: sandy soil beneath mature trees.
Date: 24-10-2011
Size: 2.5-3cm (possibly larger.



PS - if i am the only one who remembers "letterland", I apologise for the title of this thread.

Posted by Will van Niekerk on 28-11-2014 23:47
#4

Should actually be Alcimus; Separation here from Philodicus is an issue because the position and thus length of the R2+3/R4 crossvein isn't readily apparent (very short in Alcimus, medium-length in Philodicus. However, the female's ovipositor should be typical of Alcimus, and in a (not here) very fuzzy angle of the male, the vein seems to be right for Alcimus; possible confirmation in similarly-formed specimens photographed elsewhere showing the appropriate venation clearly.