Diptera.info

Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Asilidae ID: probably Neomochtherus alpinus

Posted by parnassius on 22-09-2018 10:10

I photographed this Asilidaein Susa Valley, Piedmont (Italy) at 1700 mt above sea level, on 14th August 2016. Is it identifiable?

Edited by parnassius on 24-09-2018 21:46

Posted by Quaedfliegh on 23-09-2018 14:43

I think this may be a female Neoitamus castellanii

Posted by parnassius on 23-09-2018 19:58

Thank you very much!!

Posted by Quaedfliegh on 23-09-2018 21:19

I realise that there is another option... Neomochtherus alpinus! Do you have a lateral picture, so we can see the ovipositor better?

Edited by Quaedfliegh on 23-09-2018 21:25

Posted by parnassius on 24-09-2018 11:07

Unfortunately I haven't got other photos... What are the differences between these two species?
Another question: Neomochtherus alpinus is the same species that on Systema Dipterorum is called Paritamus alpinus? And Neomochtherus melanopus is a synonym of this species?

Edited by parnassius on 24-09-2018 11:17

Posted by Quaedfliegh on 24-09-2018 13:54

One of the most clear differences is the shape of the genitalia, in Neoitamus the abdominal segments 1-5 or 6 are tomentose the rest are shiny black and part of the genitalia thus creating a long ovipositor for instance. In Neomochtherus all segments are tomentose. And....yes and yes...
https://www.corzonneveld.nl/diptera/Asiloidea/Asilidae/Asilinae/Neomochtherus.php

Edited by Quaedfliegh on 24-09-2018 13:56

Posted by parnassius on 24-09-2018 15:18

Thank you very much! So what identification do you think is more probable? N. castellanii or N. alpinus? Maybe the distribution and the habitat is more fitting for the second one...

Posted by Quaedfliegh on 24-09-2018 18:02

Yes, I tend now more to N. alpinus, also because of what is visible of the ovipositor..seems to be more fitting.

Posted by parnassius on 24-09-2018 21:45

Great thanks!