Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Asilidae from Zadar

Posted by Mollusca on 09-09-2014 14:59
#1
Another insect from Croatia, found in August:

Posted by jaho on 09-09-2014 18:04
#2
Unfortunately not all features are visible, but even so only black bristles on legs and characteristically cutted epandrium point to Machimus gonastites.

Posted by Mollusca on 09-09-2014 20:40
#3
Thanks Jan Grin

Posted by Mollusca on 09-09-2014 20:48
#4
Maybe this pic is better?
Edited by Mollusca on 09-09-2014 20:49

Posted by Quaedfliegh on 09-09-2014 22:59
#5
Being a bit opinionated....In Engel it keys out to Machimus fimbriatus. Description fits pretty good. Personally i think the epandrium is too pointy and curved. Whatever your conclusion keep a cf.

Hypopygium M. gonatistes: http://www.robberflies.info/keyger/images/800/Asilinae/Machimus/gonatistes_m1_11_COGG.jpg




Posted by jaho on 10-09-2014 11:19
#6
I took M. fimbriatus into consideration, but with all the respect I still think the epandrium does not fit. Adding cf. is always safer and in this case it would be justified.
Staying on the subject of Machimus species and hypopygiums, what do you think of this one Reinoud? http://www.diptera.info/forum/viewthread.php?forum_id=2&thread_id=56809

Posted by Quaedfliegh on 10-09-2014 16:39
#7
: ) A strange thing that. In this case it proves you can't id an animal based on opinion and pictures that do not show all needed characters. As in humans there are always differences in individuals and even the epandria can look different. Certainly after mating.

On your Greek asilid: There seems to be trouble in the land of the black legged Machimus species.

Different keys are unclear and sometimes contradictory.

I guess this is either M. setibarbus, M cyanopus or M. modestus. We can't even rule M. caliginosus out for the type is a female only.

You will have to study the gonapods to id with more certainty. Check, if possible Theodor '76 and the website of Danny Wolff on the discussion on Machimus setibarbus, intermedius, cyanopus and caliginosus.


Posted by jaho on 10-09-2014 18:50
#8
Hmm... Asilidae copulatory apparatus is made of chitin whereas human's not... Wink
I agree with being confused with entirely black legged Machimus species, anyways thanks for your attention.

Posted by Quaedfliegh on 11-09-2014 02:22
#9
You are correct of course, but they are not made in Japanese or German factories : ). I could rant on about the seperate parts of which they consist or about the larval stadia or the moment they emerge from their pupae but i will not : )