Some authors apply the shape of malar area to estimate the length of proboscide; but is it possible to use another type of measurement to estimate this length such as the cephalic index (Cephalic Index = Large/Width of the head)?
I am thinking that is better measure directly the lenght of proboscide. In Tephritidaetyhere are not a good index in this way. I dont knowe if in other diptera it is possible the establishment of this index.
Thank for the answer Daniel, but if you have not the posibility of measure directly the proboscis? (p.e. a museum specimen or a photo-measure specimen)