African Dacus (Diptera: Tephritidae); New Species and Data, with Particular Reference to the Tel Aviv University Collection
Author
White, Ian M.
Author
Goodger, Kim F. M.
text
Zootaxa
2009
2127
1
49
journal article
10.5281/zenodo.274925
534e3106-2d37-4f90-98c7-fe3fab66dc7b
1175-5326
274925
Dacus
(
Didacus
)
ciliatus
Loew
Dacus ciliatus
Loew, 1862
: 7
Other synonyms:
White (2006: 81)
Material.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
:
1 male
, Wadi Maidaq,
25 o18’N
,
56 o 7’E
,
4
–
15.ii.2006
, A. van Harten (3444) (
MHNG
);
1 female
, Sharjah Desert Park,
25o17’N
,
55 o42’E
,
4
–
8.xii.2004
, A. van Harten (378), (
MHNG
).
Remarks.
This is a widespread African and south Asian species. These two non-African specimens have what appears to be a short medial yellow vitta but unlike most species with a medial vitta, it is confined to the posterior half of the post-scutal area. They also have a small barely discernable yellow mark at the extreme postero-lateral corner of the scutum. In all other respects they appear to be
D. ciliatus
and as these yellow marks appear to be artifact (or mere surface colour) rather than true vittae, these specimens will not be described as a distinct species. Most specimens of
D. ciliatus
from
UAE
are typical of the species but some show signs of the laterotergal xanthine extending onto the anatergite, a feature never observed in Africa.