Chersodromia nigripennis Shamshev & Grootaert, 2005

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 : 36-38

Chersodromia nigripennis Shamshev & Grootaert, 2005

Figs 58-62

Chersodromia nigripennis Shamshev & Grootaert, 2005c: 3 .

Diagnosis

Rather small species (about 2.0 mm) with 2 pairs of vertical bristles; very narrow face; black antennae; conical postpedicel with apical stylus; brownish palpi, halters and legs, and usually deeply infuscate wings.

Material examined

SINGAPORE: 1 ♂, Chek Jawa, 12 September 2005, mangrove, sweeping (reg. 25343, leg. P.G.); 2 ♀♀, Chek Jawa, 15 December 2005, mangrove, sweeping (reg. 25452, leg. P.G.); 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀, Sungei Buloh (SBWR01), 19 May 2009, mangrove, Mal. (reg. 29073, leg. P.G.).

Distribution

Singapore.

Seasonal occurrence and habitat

On beaches in front of mangroves; with flight records in March, May, September, and November- December (most records).

Remarks

This species is likely to show dark-winged (most common) and pale-winged forms. We supposed that the dark wings are a local homochromatic adaptation as a camouflage on a black background. The paler specimens might have an advantage on the white sandy patches ( Shamshev & Grootaert 2005c). Chersodromia nigripennis appears to have an intermediate position between the C. incana and C. cursitans groups (sensu Chvála, 1977).

Figures

Figs 58-62. Chersodromia nigripennis Shamshev & Grootaert, 2005, ♂. 58. palpus, lateral view. 59. antenna, lateral view. 60. right epandrial lamella, lateral view. 61. epandrium and cerci, dorsal view. 62. left surstylus, lateral view. (after Shamshev & Grootaert 2005).