Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Hoplistomerus nobilis?

Posted by Will van Niekerk on 07-09-2015 07:51
#1

Quite a large robberfly, very comparable to local Laxenecera, but with minor differences. Oldroyd and Londt's keys to Asilidae and Laphriinae seem to take it to Loew's Hoplistomerus nobilis, but Oldroyd seems to be describing a somewhat hairier fly; this discrepancy doesn't appear to carry through to Loew's original description, so thinking that this might be variable, but also aware that my understanding of Latin and German is weak, at best.

Hoping someone can confirm or correct?

In long, annually cut grass within garden, in wider matrix of residential gardens, farmland, and still a bit of scrub, in Lusaka East, Zambia.

Stranded in a downpour, 17/01/2015

Edited by Will van Niekerk on 07-09-2015 07:56

Posted by Will van Niekerk on 07-09-2015 07:53
#2

Unfortunately no angles showing whether it does or doesn't have the Hoplistomerus tubercles on hind femur, but from above:

Posted by Eric Fisher on 07-09-2015 17:47
#3

This is Hoplistomerus nobilis; short spines on hind femur originate from the tubercles.

Posted by Will van Niekerk on 09-09-2015 14:39
#4

Thanks! Much easier to see in future.