Genus Vetimicrotes Dyte

(Fig. 39 A–C)

Microtes Becker, 1918: 132 . Type species: Microtes mediterraneus Becker [Palaearctic], by monotypy. Preoccupied by Microtes Scudder, 1900 .

Vetimicrotes Dyte, 1980: 223 . Type species: Microtes mediterraneus Becker, automatic. N. name for Microtes Becker, 1918 .

Remarks. Vetimicrotes includes two Palaearctic species, V. mediterraneus (Becker) and V. nartshukae Negrobov. Beschovski (1972) redescribed V. mediterraneus based on new material from the Bulgarian coast of the Black Sea. Becker (1918) included Ve t i m i c ro t e s (as Microtes) in the Sympycninae and this placement was subsequently followed by Parent (1938). This genus has since been placed either in the Dolichopodinae (Ulrich 1981) or Peloropeodinae (Negrobov 1986, 1991). The cladistic analysis indicates that Ve t i m i c ro t e s is not a dolichopodine (Figs. 1 and 2); however, further studies are required to ascertain its systematic position within the Dolichopodidae . The flattened posterior mesonotum, and setose abdominal T6 and segment 7 suggest a possible relationship with Medeterinae; however, Vetimicrotes possesses a distinct anterior preapical seta on the mid and hind femur, unlike medeterines. The male genitalia of V. mediterraneus are illustrated in Figs 39 A–C.

Material Examined. Vetimicrotes mediterraneus (Becker), [PA]: 4ɗ, 4Ψ (ZISB); 1ɗ, 1Ψ (BMNH).