Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Laphria empyrea and hecate
Posted by
jaho on 23-01-2014 22:53
#1
Found this interesting fly in Greece, Peloponnese on 21.V.2009 near Karyes. This female's body length is 26 mm. It took me long to find out which species it represents. Thanks to Engel's 1930 publication, where the original Gerstaecker's description in latin is given, now I'm certain of my determination thus I'm showing a photo of
Laphria empyrea and its biotope for the first time on the web.
Posted by
jaho on 23-01-2014 23:06
#2
Biotope, goats everywhere...
#3
Nice! In gallery please : )
Posted by
jaho on 26-01-2014 21:45
#4
You're welcome

. I've submitted several
Asilidae photos, but I guess they need a confirmation first to show up.
#5
Today I received a very similar specimen from Crete, and this one keys straight out to Laphria hecate. In the original description of empyrea (which is rather short) one can read that the mystax is golden yellow. It also states that the species is very similar to L. flava. The description of Engel himself (he doubts if he has the right species in front of him) is more yellow in chaetotaxy. Did you also consider L. hecate? You can see the type of empyrea here: http://eos.naturkundemuseum-berlin.de/result?Family=Asilidae&Genus=Laphria&Subgenus=&Species=ephippium&InfraspecificEpithet=&AuthorYear=&DrawerCode=
Right top. Type of L. hecate is there too, but hard to see anything because the wings are closed on the abdomen.
#6
Lateral view for the postsutural hair.
Posted by
jaho on 06-02-2018 00:32
#7
It seems you are right, Reinnoud and we both have
L. hecate. Thanks for attaching your specimen. I remember going through Engel's description over and over but how didn't I notice the "aureo-flavis" mystax, must have been tired... Back then I had no clue the collection in Berlin could be seen online which is so useful than just reading description. Thus, I would kindly ask for changing name in the gallery and the thread.
#8
Done. The thread title you could have changed by editing your first post in the thread but I took care of it.

#9
:-)You are welcome Jaho and yes, the Berlin museum is perfect to get a very helpful first impression. Thank you Paul.