Genus Heterophlebus

Heterophlebus sp(p?). – White (1916) described the only Tasmanian species under ‘Tenontomyia‘ gracilipes. This species shares much with those below, especially the short, thick, proboscis bearing long hairs, the long and bare legs, and the wing venation (note the R4 branch connecting R2+3), along with the combination of laterotergite bristled and wing veins R1 and R4+5 bristled above and R2+3 bristled below. White’s T. gracilipes have both females and males with eyes separated. Those below with holoptic (ie touching) eyes appear to be males, and apart from the larger head share similar external features with those with separated eyes. Bodylengths are around 5.5mm.

[Previously we placed these flies in Oreogetonidae, under ‘Oreogeton‘-group – historically a grouping of ‘misfits’. Thanks to Keith Bayless for pointing out they are now placed under Heterophlebus, and will key there following Sinclair & Cumming (2000). Oreogeton is considered a northern hemisphere genus (Sinclair & Cumming 2006).]

Early May 2011
Buckland
Photo AD