Elaphropeza malayensis Shamshev & Grootaert, 2007

Grootaert, Patrick & Shamshev, Igor V., 2012, The fast-running flies (Diptera, Hybotidae, Tachydromiinae) of Singapore and adjacent regions, European Journal of Taxonomy 5, pp. 1-162 : 89-90

Elaphropeza malayensis Shamshev & Grootaert, 2007

Figs 132-135

Elaphropeza malayensis Shamshev & Grootaert, 2007: 94 .

Diagnosis

Occiput black, postpedicel 3.0 times longer than wide, stylus nearly 2.0 times longer than postpedicel; thorax yellow, acrostichals 2-serial, dorsocentrals 1-2-serial; tarsomere 5 of all legs brownish, hind tibia with 1 anterodorsal bristle; only tergite 5 with squamiform setae.

Material examined

SINGAPORE: 1 ♀, Semakau (SMK05), 3 June 2009, mangrove, Mal. (reg. 29144, leg. P.G.); 1 ♂, Sungei Buloh (SBWR01), 2 June 2009, mangrove, Mal. (reg. 29126, leg. P.G.); 1 ♀, Kranji (KNT01), 12 May 2009, mangrove, Mal. (reg. 29052, leg. P.G.); 1 ♀, Kranji (KNT01), 19 May 2009, mangrove, Mal. (reg. 29075, leg. P.G.).

Distribution

Malaysia, Singapore.

Habitat and seasonal occurrence

This species occurs in mangroves and occasionally in terrestrial forests. Collection records are from May and June.

Remarks

This is a rare species that is generally represented by single females. Here we record the third known male specimen. Elaphropeza malayensis , E. chanae sp. nov., E. gohae sp. nov. and E. lowi sp. nov. all belong to a complex of species that are very closely related and quite difficult to separate (see key to species). There are differences in length of the postpedicel and stylus and the presence of biseriate or multiseriate acrostichals on the scutum. Male genitalia are similar but distinct especially in the presence/ absence of spine-like bristles on the right epandrial lamella (surstylus).

Figures

Figs 132-135. Elaphropeza malayensis Shamshev & Grootaert, 2007, ♂. 132. postpedicel and stylus of antenna, lateral view. 133. right epandrial lamella, lateral view. 134. epandrium with cerci, dorsal view. 135. left surstylus, lateral view. Scale bar= 0.1 mm (after Shamshev & Grootaert 2007).