SEM studies and discovery of an intriguing new Rhamphomyia (Pararhamphomyia) (Diptera, Empididae, Empidinae) species from the Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

Here we present an intriguing new species of the Empididae genus Rhamphomyia (Pararhamphomyia) from the Kashmir Himalayas. The new species, Rhamphomyia (Pararhamphomyia) aquila, has a distinctive appearance due to its highly deformed male hind legs with extremely shortened hind tibia, a feature very peculiar in the genus. The new species is described along with elements of mating behaviour, the mechanism of male hind leg articulation, and its possible role during mating. Also, scanning electron microscopy analysis is used to elucidate the general morphology and sensilla in both sexes of the new species. Details of the male and female internal reproductive system are described and illustrated. A preliminary checklist of 55 species of the Empididae of India is provided.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A28B850F-6A2D-4FB2-9AC3-E89015C1C5A7http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:C0249B1D-D0C8-4998-96A2-C25D3DB89810

Keywords

• Taxonomy
• Rhamphomyia
• new species
• distribution
• India
• hind tibia