Ceratopogon, Meigen, 1803

Borkent, Art, 2024, The Phylogeny of the Genera of Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of the World, Zootaxa 5438 (1), pp. 1-274 : 227-228

Ceratopogon :

- In females the frons between the scapes is defined by two ridges dorsally but which merge gradually and then again diverge ventrally ( Fig. 11F ) (but do not attach to the anterior tentorial pits) (frons modified in numerous other configurations in others).

- Hind tibia with either a very reduced spur or with this absent. Borkent & Grogan (1995: character 2) described this as a synapomorphy of Ceratopogon , noting that it was also absent in a few other genera (see also Dasyhelea ), all of which are clearly unrelated to Ceratopogon .

- Parameres expanded and overlapping near midlength ( Fig. 4J ). This feature, unique within the Culicomorpha, is present only in some Ceratopogon . Borkent & Grogan (1995: character 3) proposed this as a derived feature of the genus because it is present in the early lineages and is otherwise widespread in Ceratopogon .

- Ventral plate with medial portion divided into two elongate prongs ( Fig. 4K ). This feature was discussed by Borkent & Grogan (1995: character 1). The feature as defined, however, is not unique.

Figures

FIGURE 4. Male genitalia. A–E. Austroconops mcmillani Wirth & Lee (from Borkent et al. 1986: Fig. 4). A. Entire genitalia, in ventral view. B. Parameres, in ventral view. C. Ventral plate, in ventral view. D. Genitalia with parameres and ventral plate removed, in ventral view. E. Entire genitalia, in lateral view. F–H. Leptoconops gallicus Clastrier, in ventral view (from Clastrier 1973: Fig. 4). F. Entire genitalia with gonostyli removed, in ventral view. G. Parameres and macula, in ventral view. H. Entire genitalia with gonostyli removed, in lateral view. I–K. Ceratopogon boomerangus Borkent & Grogan (from Borkent & Grogan 1995: Fig. 2D–F). I. Entire genitalia, in ventral view. J. Parameres, in ventral view. K. Ventral plate, in ventral view.

FIGURE 11. Head capsules of female Ceratopogonidae, in anterior view.A. Dasyhelea sp. B. Culicoides variipennis Coquillett. C. Culicoides paraimpunctatus Borkent.D. Paradasyhelea macfiei Spinelli & Grogan. E. Washingtonhelea n. sp. F. Ceratopogon boomerangus.