Rhopalia gyps Bowden, 1987

Dikow, T., 2010, Order Diptera, family Mydidae, Arthropod Fauna of the United Arab Emirates 3, Abu Dhabi: Dar Al Ummah, pp. 608-615 : 612

Rhopalia gyps Bowden, 1987

Specimen studied: Wadi Maidaq , 1 ♀, 29. iii– 1. iv. 2006, leg. A. van Harten ( NMWC) .

Diagnosis: R. gyps is a medium-sized Mydidae species of brown colouration. It is most easily distinguished from other Mydidae on the Arabian Peninsula by the well-developed proboscis, the presence of vein CuA 1 + M 3 that reaches the posterior wi ng margin, and the colouration along the wing veins M 1 + 2, M 3, and CuA 1. For other features see Bowden (1987) and the image in Deeming (2007).

Remarks: This species was described by Bowden (1987: 153) from the Tuwayq Hills in central Saudi Arabia and was first recorded in the UAE and illustrated by Deeming (2007).

Distribution: Saudi Arabia, UAE.

Specimens studied: S of Ra's al-Khaymah , 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 5 - 6. iv. 2008, leg. K. Mahmood ( NMWC, UAEIC) .