Key to Tipula (Vestiplex) species groups

Males

1. Tergite 9 divided longitudinally by a pale membrane. Ventral portion with or without appendages on either side of midline. Shape of appendages varies from blackened, narrow or large ear-shaped plates to pale rods. Inner gonostylus with lower beak provided by roundly swollen area. Ventral lobe of A9S varies from small, rounded to finger-shaped................................................................................................... divisotergata species group

- Tergite 9 forming a flattened or shallowly concave and sclerotised saucer. Inner gonostylus in form of broadened plate, lower beak small or completely reduced, upper beak extended into rostrum. Dorsal lobe of A9S absent...................... 2

2. Tergite 9 forming a saucer-shaped plate with specific median sclerotised elevated area extended anteriorly into transverse plate with raised border. Gonocoxite small, unarmed............................................ erectiloba species group

- Tergite 9 forming a flattened or shallowly concaved saucer. Gonocoxite large, triangular or subrectangular in shape......................................................................................... virgatula species group