Is anybody able to identify this Diptera for me? A couple of specimens were collected from an emergence trap in a New Zealand river (Tukituki River). I presume they are aquatic: I know they are they are not Chironomidae, but perhaps they are Empididae (?). Since Diptera are out of my area of expertise any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
I don't work with New Zealand insects so there might be a family out there that I am missing. However I would say those front legs and the mouth parts do look very much like Empididae. I'm not sure if I would go with Hemerodromiinae but you could try someone like Dr Jeffery Cumming or Sinclair at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and see if they know.
Hi Phillip and Will,
Thanks for your responses. I have just been informed it is an Empididae from the genus Ceratomerus.
Best wishes,
Brian
I am revising the New Zealand species of Ceratomerus. This species appears to be what I call C. n.sp. #14. The subfamily Ceratomerinae is classified in the family Brachystomatidae (Empidoidea). The larvae are presumably aquatic. Adults are readily collected in yellow pan traps set along streams and rivers.
Hi Bradley - that is very interesting. I set light traps at the river and have benthic samples from the same location. Providing the adults come to UV light, perhaps I can send you some when I have sorted the samples.
Regards,
Brian
Brian, yes, I would be interested in seeing your sample of empidids from the trap.
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