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Hi,
This is an Asilid from Austria, Tyrol, Niederthai (1.500 m) seen in last August. A comparison with the gallery led me to Choerades gilva; I need experts' help, however.
Many thanks, Sundew

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It could be but the back of that species is red, which is sometimes hard to see because of the wings folded as in this case. I dont see any sign of red..... Maybe Andrenosoma atrum is an option. Can anyone tell me the difference between Andrenosoma and Choerades. It should be something with the antennae.

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Hi Leptogaster,

The most noticeable difference between Andrenosoma & allies (Andrenosomatini) and the Laphriini group (Laphria, Choerades, Lampria, etc.) is the shape of the proboscis. The latter have a long, straight, thin (laterally compressed) proboscis -- which Oldroyd said "looks like a butter-knife." Andrenosoma have a shorter, tapered, dorsoventrally flattened proboscis which sometimes is pointed & upturned at the apex.

This "black asilid" is one of the all-black Choerades (not gilva, I think).

Regards,

Eric

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OK, let's say Choerades spec. then! I can't see a red back either. And the proboscis seems to be laterally compressed. I'll keep that character in mind. Many thanks to both of you!

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Eric thanks for the explanation, maybe you can have a look at my Neoitamus problem?

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Leptogaster, I looked at your Neoitamus socius "problem" (the Netherlands specimen photo). I agree that It does seem to be that species (for example, it has the bulging hypandrium, with long setae). However, as I am by no means an expert on Palaearctic Asilinae, I am reluctant to make a positive confirmation from the photo: you should have Dysmachus or Danny, or some other expert on European Asilinae make a confirmation.

Regards,

Eric

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Is the specimen saved in a collection?

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The Neoitamus has not been collected.

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Sorry, I asked for the Laphriinae of this thread - Neoitamus was another story

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I thought so, but just to be sure again.