Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Paragus ... bicolor group (female)

Posted by Liliane D on 15-04-2023 19:14
#1
Hello,
In the south of France on 15 April 2023.
Body length: 6.5 mm.
A female who was actively looking for a place to lay eggs in the low vegetation.
I thought of Paragus bicolor but I don't see the two hairy bands in the eyes (I only see one) and there is little red on the abdomen.
I believe that in the south of France there may be other species.
Thank you for your advice.
Edited by Liliane D on 17-04-2023 10:50

Posted by Liliane D on 15-04-2023 19:15
#2
Other picture

Posted by Liliane D on 15-04-2023 19:17
#3
Other picture
Edited by Liliane D on 16-04-2023 07:45

Posted by Liliane D on 16-04-2023 12:30
#4
Sorry, I made a mistake, please disregard this reply.
I don't know how to delete it.
Edited by Liliane D on 16-04-2023 12:33

Posted by JWV on 17-04-2023 10:32
#5
Hi Liliane,

I think this specimen belong to the Paragus s. str., bicolor group. Two hairbands covering the eyes (although only one is visible), reddish markings on the abdomen and whitish stripes on the tergites point to bicolor group in my opinion.
Paragus is difficult to identify to species level based only on females, and with males, most of the time genital characters are needed for a 100% ID.

Best, Jonne

Posted by Liliane D on 17-04-2023 10:48
#6
Thank you very much Jonne,
I was hoping that the limited size and distribution of the red on the abdomen might allow for identification. I have seen P. bicolor females with much more red. But this may be just one of the possible variations in the bicolor group?