Adult morphology of Paramorganiella adventurosa Tonnoir (Diptera: Mycetophilidae: Sciophilinae), including a description of the unique maxillary palpi

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2010
Authors:Jaschhof, M., Blank, S.M., Kallweit U.
Journal:Zootaxa
Volume:2559
Pagination:36-46
Keywords:anatomy, Australia, female description, maxillary palpus, Mycetophilidae, Paramorganiella adventurosa, sexual dimorphism, sexual selection
Abstract:

The adult morphology of male Paramorganiella adventurosa Tonnoir is redescribed on the basis of new material from Tasmania. Details of the male genitalia are described and figured for the first time. The female is described for the first time. Special attention is paid to the clypeus and maxillary palpus, both sexually dimorphic, of which the anatomy is extensively illustrated and discussed with respect to possible function and in the context of palpal modifications found in other Mycetophilidae. Anatomy suggests the palpi of males function as a mechanical tool rather than a probing organ, which is unique among Mycetophilidae and Diptera. Various functional hypotheses are discussed in the context of sexual selection.

Refereed Designation:Refereed
Thu, 2010-08-05 06:19 -- br
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith