Copidapha are Scaptia-like, having stout abdomen and wing cell m3 open, but differs by long, slender proboscis (longer than the head height) with palpi less than half the length, and females typically have the frons borders diverging anteriorly. Additionally many species have wings with clouding and cell r5 either closed or narrowed.
Copidapha ianthina is a Tasmanian endemic species, and likely the only described Copidapha present in the state. This species is an intermediate species with long Copidapha-like proboscis, but females with frons parallel (Scaptia-like). Colour and markings as follows: dark antennae and legs; strong dorsocentral grey striping on thorax; wings without clouding; and brownish abdomen (tergites paler behind) with medial white spots, the second visible tergite with complete pale hairing band.
Copidapha cf. ianthina (female)
Early February 2017
Mount Wellington / kunanyi
Images by Reiner Richter, used with permission.
