Helina lasiophthalma query

Hi Martin

I have a recent specimen which looks very similar to that and keyed out to H.pubescens in both Fonseca and Frantiscek et al. I am not 100% convinced that is correct but both keys is a good sign ... or same mistake twice ...

Its front tibia has a posterior bristle clearly visible in this photo so it can't key out to lasiophthalma? If you start at couplet 58/61 and go to 61 (because abd and tibia bristles both don't match) then I think you end up same place as me

Cheers

Ali

My Fonseca keying:

Subfamilies:
4. Pteropleuron bare
5. Not Fanniidae
6. Palpi not spathulate
7. Not equilateral triangle katep.
-> Phaoniinae

Phaoniinae:
2. Discal not curved forward
4. Not Acanthiptera
10. Hind coxae bare posteriorly
12. Labella normal
28. Tib 3 no d/pd
30. Discal not curved forward (!)
31. Fem2 with well dev'd anterior apical, thoracic centrum pale stripe
33. Radial bare
34. Pre-alar well dev'd, 4 dk thoracic stripes
-> Helina

Helina:
6. Hypopleuron bare
20. Radial bare (upper and lower)
44. Tib3 no pd
48. No pre-sut acros
49. 4 post dcs
55. Sterno-Pl 2:1 (5F)
57. Arista plumose
61. Abd no paired spots
62. Eyes hairy
    Scut tip yellow
    Arista wide
    X-veins distinctly infuscated
->H.pubescens
 

Hi Ali,

Thank you very much for going to so much trouble. I have compared your photos with by fly and am convinced they are of the same species: pattern of leg colouration, thoracic dusting and bristles, and many other details. I cannot find any photos of H. pubescens on-line or anywhere else. Perhaps there is someone who can help. I note that pubescens is an uncommon species.

Martin

That's what gives me cause to recheck, Martin! I'll have another look at it tonight

Cheers

Ali

Do have another look at the hind tibia - your picture appears to show a posterodorsal, in which case Phaonia may provide a better route to identification.

Thanks Ali. I will be away for a couple of days, so will reassess when I get back.

Martin

I think my specimen has dried out a little and lightened to a more normal tone. Assuming I'm looking at the same one I think it's just plain old P.tuguriorum! How I overlooked the hind pd will forever remain a mystery.

Thanks,Tony.

Yes, it they look like P. tuguriorum and it all fits. Many thanks for your help.

Martin