Tethysimyia Species C

Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, A first account of Chyromyidae (Diptera: Acalyptratae) from continental Central and South America and some Caribbean Islands, with descriptions of new species, Zootaxa 5319 (3), pp. 301-331 : 328-329

Tethysimyia Species C ,

Fig. 20C

BONAIRE: 1♀, Washington Slagbaai , Pos Mangel, 4–13.i.2023, 12.2791°N, 68.3485°W, leg. O. Vorst & V. J. Kalkman, Malaise trap, BON 2022-2023.11, Museum Leiden ( RMNH), preserved in alcohol ; 1♀, Washington Slagbaai , Pos Mangel, 7.i.2023, 12.2950°N, 68.3919°W, leg. J.-J. Mekkes & M. Boeken, Malaise trap, 2022- 2023.12, Museum Leiden ( RMNH), preserved in alcohol .

Frons with about 16 scattered pale brown setulae which are longer and thicker than in any of the other species; 3 reclinate fronto-orbital setae with 3 short setulae anterior to them; basal flagellomere with narrow brown anterior margin; arista yellow on basal 1/4; gena at middle about 0.8 height of short diameter of eye; anterior scutal declivity and mediotergite centrally, pale brown; 2 short supra-alars; abdominal tergites with narrow dark bands on segments 2–5, and lateral dark spot on segment 6; acrostichals in 6–8 irregular rows; prescutellars well-developed; tibia and tarsus of anterior and middle legs pale brown, more so in one specimen.

The differences between species A and B, summarized above and T. bonairensis are small and each of these characters alone would not be sufficient to justify considering them different species. However, the complete lack of intermediate characters is very suggestive that they do indeed represent three species. Species C is more convincing with its 3 reclinate fronto-orbitals and the pale brown tibiae and tarsi of the anterior and middle legs.

Figures

FIGURE 20. Tethysimyia spp. female specimens from Bonaire, A. species A. B. species B. C. species C.