Zodion

Introduction

Zodion are small greyish Conopids, with single bent in their long snout. They inhabit dry grassland habitats. Most often, they are found visiting flowers. Sweeping low grass vegetation with a net may also render Zodion. Their larvae are endoparasites of Halictus-bees.

Recognition

Mei and Stuke (2008) revise the European Zodion.

Key

1.a. Tarsae entirely black, tibiae and femora partly or entirely pale; tip of abdomen black; antennae black or reddish -> 2

1.b Tarsae reddish, last segment black in Z. kroeberi, tibiae and femora entirely reddish; tip of abdomen reddish; antennae red, first two segment may be darkened -> 3

2.a. Antennae entirely reddish; palps pale orange brown. Female: theca long and pointed, with the bristle field narrow and strongly curved. Southern Europe. 9.5-12 mm. -> Zodion nigritarsis Strobl

2.b. Antennae: black or only 3rd segment reddish; palps dark brown; wing: cell R closed or just open. Female: theca broad and short, trapezoidal, with the bristle field broader and less curved. 4.5-9 mm. Central and Southern Europe. -> Zodion cinereum Fabricius (includes Zodion notatum Meigen, which is not a separate species)

3.a. Tarsae reddish with last segment black; abdomen with depressed dots, orange-brown dorsally; wing: cell R open. Female: theca long, with bristle field narrow and strongly curved 7.5-8 mm. D. -> Zodion kroeberi Szilady (= Z. carceli auctorum nec Robineau-Desvoidy)

3.b. Tarsae entirely reddish; abdomen without depressed dots, reddish or yellowish; wing: cell R closed. 6-9 mm. Middle and Southern Europe. -> Zodion erythrurum Rondani

Literature

Mei M. and Stuke J.-H. 2008. Remarks on Zodion nigritarsis (Strobl, 1902) and other European species of Zodion Latreille, 1796, with a revised key (Diptera, Conopidae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 151: 3–10.

Van Veen M. 1984. De Blaaskopvliegen en roofvliegen van Nederland en België. Jeugdbondsuitgeverij, Utrecht.

Last updated 29.03.2010