Atherix key

Atherix are stout Snipe Flies that occur alongside streams. They are now placed in their own family Athericidae.
1.a. Legs partly yellow; wing: pterostigma dark on base, yellowish on tip; abdomen broadly flattened; thoracic dorsum brownish black with grey dusting. 8.5-10 mm. -> Atherix ibis
Sometimes mistaken for a Horse Fly (Tabanidae), but lacks colourfull eyes and has different mouth parts.
Preferred environment: Along streams. Identification: Van der Goot (1985).

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1.b. Legs entirely black; wing: pterostigma uniformly dark; abdomen cylindical; tharacic dorsum black; abdominal segments black with whitish hind margin. 7.5-9 mm. -> Atherix marginata

Preferred environment: Along streams. Identification: Van der Goot (1985).

male, collection ZMAfemale, collection ZMA
Last updated 27.12.2006