Elaphropeza biuncinata ( Melander, 1928 )

Grootaert, Patrick & Shamshev, Igor V., 2012, The fast-running flies (Diptera, Hybotidae, Tachydromiinae) of Singapore and adjacent regions, European Journal of Taxonomy 5, pp. 1-162 : 79-80

Elaphropeza biuncinata ( Melander, 1928)

Drapetis (Elaphropeza) biuncinata Melander, 1928: 313 (male).

Elaphropeza biuncinata – Shamshev & Grootaert 2007: 14 (re-description), figs 1-9, 209, 211, 219-221, 239, 241, 251, 258.

Diagnosis

Occiput largely yellow, broadly darkened above neck. Antenna with postpedicel nearly 3.0 times longer than wide; stylus normally pubescent, about 3.0-3.5 times longer than postpedicel and nearly 2.0 times as long as scape, pedicel and postpedicel combined. Thorax almost uniformly yellow, katepisternum (= sternopleuron) and meron (= hypopleuron) along lower margin and entire metanotum usually brownish; acrostichal and dorsocentral bristles undifferentiated. Legs uniformly yellow; hind tibia bearing 2 black curved subapical anteroventral bristles. Wing uniformly finely infuscate; halter dark.

Material examined

SINGAPORE: 2 ♂♂, Semakau, 20 May 2009, beach forest, sweeping (reg. 29097, leg. P.G.); 1 ♂, Kranji (KNT01), 12 May 2009, mangrove, Mal. (reg. 29052, leg. P.G.).

Distribution

Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.

Habitat and seasonal occurrence

This is one of the most common species of Elaphropeza in Singapore, with records from all forest types. The species was already known in Singapore from Bukit Timah, Nee Soon, Chek Jawa and Sime forest. Here we add records from Semakau and Kranji. Elaphropeza biuncinata is present throughout the year. In the first half of the year there are short, small peaks nearly every month that probably reflect a onemonth generation time interval. It is abundant and continuously present from the beginning of August until mid of December. The sex ratio is almost 1/1 suggesting a similar activity pattern for females and males.