Robber fly (Daptolestes limbipennis)

- No description given -

comments (6)

WildFlower

Lion

I think it is a Daptolestes limbipennis. Could you specify the location. Posted 7 years ago
1. Martin Lagerwey
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks for your diligent ID work. ID is added now. I see this one is a good fit visually and well within range. Tony Daley has one sighting from Tasmania. http://www.bowerbird.org.au/observations/11412 It has the wings closed, as I would expect for any typical robberfly. The open wings would seem to be part of its mimicry. Posted 7 years ago
2. Martin Lagerwey
  
  Lion
  
  I have already added this to the bowerbird website because spottings can sometimes get professional attention and I did get a reply from a specialist. Robert Lavigne thinks it is an described species. Of the three species in this genus D. limbipennis is the only candidate. The main difference I can see is a white face/head on mine. I have learned from beetles that in some cases you need to see many specimens before you can know for certain which species you have.
  http://www.bowerbird.org.au/observations/97891
  http://www.bowerbird.org.au/observations/11412
  Ken Walker (Ken Walker built bowerbird) says
  Robert Lavigne provided the ID and commented: "My best guess is that it is an undescribed species of Daptolestes. " Posted 7 years ago
3. 1. WildFlower
    
    Lion
    
    You're welcome. I used the wing pattern of the collection specimens to determine the species within the genus. It looks like a good match to me. If the experts think it is different, maybe I am missing something. Feel free to remove the ID if you think it is wrong or maybe we could keep the ID for now - it is the closest existing one.
    https://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:biodiversity.org.au:afd.taxon:aa79e636-74b9-4bba-a8d9-672b2a8b7324#gallery Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Martin Lagerwey
      
      Lion
      
      "it is the closest existing one."
      I agree.
      If they ever split the species into two we can move it. Until then there is no other species to call it. Posted 7 years ago