Scorpiurus thorpei is a species of fly belonging to the family Dolichopodidae.[1] First described by Kazuhiro Masunaga in 2017, it is endemic to New Zealand.
| Scorpiurus thorpei | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Dolichopodidae |
| Genus: | Scorpiurus |
| Species: | S. thorpei
|
| Binomial name | |
| Scorpiurus thorpei Masunaga, 2017
| |
Taxonomy
editThe species was identified by Japanese entomologist Kazuhiro Masunaga in 2017, based on a holotype he collected 3 km (1.9 mi) west of Linkwater in the Marlborough District in 2007.[2] Masunaga named the species after entomologist Stephen E. Thorpe, who collected many paratypes of the species and assisted in the collection process.[2]
Description
editMales of S. thorpei have a body length ranging between 3.2–4.1 mm (0.13–0.16 in), and a wing length of between 3.9–4.1 mm (0.15–0.16 in), while females' body lengths range between 3.1–4.5 mm (0.12–0.18 in), and have wing lengths of between 3.6–4.5 mm (0.14–0.18 in).[2] The species is morphologically similar to S. aenescens, but differs as S. thorpei has pale brown legs and relatively straight posterior adbominal segments, meaning the species does not have a scorpion-like appearance.[2]
Distribution
editThe species is endemic to New Zealand, found on both the North Island and the northern South Island.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Scorpiurus thorpei Masunaga, 2017". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d Masunaga, Kazuhiro (27 September 2017). "Saltmarsh flies of the genus Scorpiurus Parent from New Zealand (Insecta: Diptera: Dolichopodidae)". Zootaxa. 4324 (3): 581–591. doi:10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4324.3.11. ISSN 1175-5334. Wikidata Q42294009.
- ^ Bickel, Daniel J.; Douglas Steven Kerr (22 May 2018). "Scorpiurus aramoana (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), a new species from New Zealand". Zootaxa. 4422 (1): 78–84. doi:10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4422.1.4. ISSN 1175-5334. PMID 30313512. Wikidata Q55626660.