Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Giant Asilidae with no location for ID
Posted by
Isidro on 26-08-2019 07:23
#1
The tag is in white so we don't know the collecting data
But this is an enormous critter that could be enough distinctive for an ID. Rivalizes in size with Proagonistes praeceps
Edited by
Isidro on 26-08-2019 07:24
Posted by
Isidro on 26-08-2019 07:55
#2
And another in the same box, roughly the same size, and the same missing of location
#3
Microstylum spp. (2 distinct ones) - females.
Posted by
Auke on 26-08-2019 19:38
#4
Is the label left white, or is it faded? Could UV-light possibly show some remnants of ink?
Posted by
Isidro on 26-08-2019 22:22
#5
No, it's left in white. That white tag is present in many specimens of this exhibition
Above it should be a much smaller tag with some indication - either an abbreviation of locality or the collection where they belong - but it was impossible to read it.
Many thanks for the ID Eric, I never imagined that both - so different - would belong to same genus and sex!! Species is not possible to ID for neither?
#6
I'm afraid that ID is unlikely unless at least continent of origin could be confirmed (likely to be either Africa or Asia). Microstylum is a large genus, and both geographic regions just mentioned have an array of species that look similar to your two. Perhaps the most common are two Madagascar species: M. magnum Bromley (long, slender type) and M. cilipes Macq. (more robust & colorful species, males often with modified spurs on the middle legs).
Posted by
Isidro on 30-08-2019 06:39
#7
Many thanks for the complete reply Eric!
