Triphleba aequalis (Schmitz, 1919)

DISNEY, R. Henry L. & WINQVIST, Kaj, 2018, New records including new species of Megaselia Rondani and Triphleba Rondani (Diptera: Phoridae) from Finland, Fragmenta Faunistica 61 (1), pp. 11-33 : 29-30

Triphleba aequalis (Schmitz, 1919)

( Figs 81–84 )

Trupheoneura aequalis Schmitz, 1929: 189 (male).

The hitherto unknown female is described below.

In the key of Schmitz (1943) it runs to couplet 57, lead 1 to T. excisa . However, its female sternite 7 has much shorter posterolateral processes (Fig. 168 in Disney 1983). The subsequently described T. bifida Schmitz (1949) runs to the same point in the key and its sternite 7 closely resembles that of T. aequalis but with shorter posterolateral processes ( Fig. 85 ). In addition Schmitz gave its wing length as 2.79 mm, its costal index as 0.55 and its costal ratios as 1.65: 1.35: 1. For the females of T. aequalis reported below these measurements differ a little (see below). It is possible that Schmitz’s measurements represent small extensions of the ranges for T. aequalis and that the shorter posterolateral processes of sternite 7 in T. bifida as figured by Schmitz ( Fig. 85 ) represent a foreshortening due to the tilt of a pinned specimen. If so then T. bifida would become a synonym of T. aequalis .

Female. Head as Fig. 81 . Abdominal tergites 1–6 brown with moderate hairs. T6 longer than T5 and slightly tapered and T7 represented by hairs only. Sternite 7 as Fig. 82 . Hind femur and tibia as Fig. 83 . Wing ( Fig. 84 ) 2.11–2.26 mm long. Costal index 0.50–0.54. Costal ratios 1.72–2.13: 1.44–1.68: 1.

Previously Known from Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden.

Material examined. 2 males, 4 females, Finland: Lkor : Savukoski, Ainijärvi 7522397:3602914 and 7522293:360311, 30 Jul–28 Sep 2015, J. Salmela leg. (Malaise trap) ( UCMZ, 34-187, 189) .

Figures

Figs 81–84. Triphleba aequalis female: 81 – head; 82 –sternite 7; 83 – hind femur; 84 – wing.

Fig. 85. Triphleba bifida Schmitz, female sternite 7 (from Schmitz, 1949).