The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)
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#1 2019-10-31 15:54:26
- colinleb
- DF Members
- Name: Colin Le Boutillier
- From: Luton, Bedfordshire
- Registered: 2008-03-03
- Posts: 271
Tipulid
I usually expect not to ID Tipulids and once again I am not disappointed. Palps shorter than head, vein R1 ends in Costa, eyes bare, takes me to Limoniidae?
If I have correctly labelled R2, which does not reach the wing margin, then R2+3 is forked. Tibia are spurred. Takes me to Limnophilinae, without much confidence.
Lower basal cell not divided. R1 turned up at apex. Discal cell present. Wing not like Epiphragma. Vein m-cu beyond base of discal cell.
Wing more like Phylidorea than Austrolimnophila - not obviously like either?
Then doesn't really work within Phylidorea key.
So, gone wrong somewhere but don't know where.
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#2 2019-10-31 22:06:35
- Geoff F
- DF Members
- Name: Geoff Foale
- From: South Devon
- Registered: 2014-05-12
- Posts: 225
Re: Tipulid
Just a thought (I also usually struggle with most craneflies) and I initially went down the same route as you without getting anywhere.
Then, another idea. Vein Sc (which isn't clear) appears to curve down to end in R1 ? Which took me to the Tipula keys (ignoring palp length which could be camera angle shortened). R2 being short is important now and took me to Pterelachisus. Then things get difficult but I eventually appeared at varipennis (possibly).
Definitely not an identification, just an alternative thought!
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#3 2019-11-01 18:12:40
- johnkramer
- DF Members
- Name: John Kramer
- From: Oadby, Leicester
- Registered: 2008-02-20
- Posts: 265
Re: Tipulid
Good with the downcurved Sc, so this is a Tipula. (It is difficult to see, which is one reason why it is harder with photos !) Vein R2 is incomplete which sends you to Mediotipula or Pterelachisus and the deeply cleft T9 sends you to the latter. You are now down to on of 4 species. It looks too pale for the grey/dark varipennis. Could it be T. submarmorata ??? See key. When did you catch it ??
John K
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#4 2019-11-02 16:53:00
- colinleb
- DF Members
- Name: Colin Le Boutillier
- From: Luton, Bedfordshire
- Registered: 2008-03-03
- Posts: 271
Re: Tipulid
Thanks Geoff, John.
Now I've been told, I can see SC joining R1.
Easily follows key to Pterelachisus. Then, tergites darkish grey with paler hind margins. Femora dark for apical third. Eyes far apart below. I can't identify the inner and outer claspers with certainty so can't decide on those characters between varipennis and pseudovaripennis. Anyway I don't think it is submarmorata. Extent of black on femora suggests varipennis.
Should have said in my original post, specimen taken in Beds thin woodland with ponds on 24th April 2019.
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