Campsicnemus gladiator

Evenhuis, Neal L., 2009, Review of Campsicnemus (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) of the Marquesas, French Polynesia, with description of four new species groups, Zootaxa 2004, pp. 25-48 : 28-29

The gladiator group

(Marquesan gladiator flies)

Diagnosis. The group is characterized by the male fore coxa possessing a cluster of strong black setae that appear fused together resembling a thorn ( Fig. 2 ). No other species of Campsicnemus possess these “fused” setae.

Remarks. This group is comprised of water-skating species of Campsicnemus in the Marquesas. Species appear to be island endemics with one species per island harboring swift running water. Although no species of Campsicnemus are currently known from there, it is most likely that another species of this group will be found on Tahuata when water sources there are searched diligently.

Species of the englundi group another water-skating species group from Fatu Hiva and Hiva Oa in the Marquesas, are similar in appearance to species of the gladiator subgroup by virtue of the extremely long hairs on the hind femur, but the lack of the fore coxal thorn-like setal cluster (typical of the gladiator group) in combination with the bizarre shape of the mid femur with strong setae easily separate them from the gladiator group.

Common name: The name “Marquesan gladiator flies” refers to the characteristic thorn-like cluster of setae on the fore coxa that are reminiscent of the spiked weaponry of Roman gladiators.

Included species:

gladiator Evenhuis , n. sp. (Marquesas [Ua Pou]; holotype ɗ in BPBM, examined).

limnobates Evenhuis, 2000: 293 (Marquesas [Ua Huka]; holotype ɗ in USNM, examined).

scurra Parent, 1934: 299 (Marquesas [Nuku Hiva]; holotype ɗ in BMNH).

uncleremus Evenhuis, 2000: 294 (Marquesas [Hiva Oa]; holotype ɗ in BPBM, examined).

Figures

FIGURE 2. Campsicnemus gladiator, n. sp., male fore coxa, lateral view, showing cluster of setae.