The female abdomen and genitalia of Syrphidae (Diptera)

Abstract

The female abdomen of Syrphidae was studied based on a sample from all currently recognized tribes, except Spheginobacchini. All characters found were compared with previous literature on Syrphidae female abdomen and some were proposed as diagnostic for the taxa. The condition of the postabdomen distinguishes Pipizinae from the Syrphinae. Presence of sclerotized areas on the intersegmental membrane appears characteristic of the Rhingiini. Tergite and sternite 6 had unique characteristics only found in Cerioidini, and sternite 8 had a condition only found in Cerioidini and Callicerini. Notiocheilosia (Callicerini) seems more similar to Nausigaster (Eumerini). Characters present in both the Eristalini and Sericomyiini are presented. The condition of the epiproct, and of its apodemes, proved diagnostic for Microdontini, Volucellini and some Syrphini plus the Paragini. Bacchini sensu lato and Toxomerini were also distinct. The Milesiini still need to be sampled more broadly to ascertain about its relationships with other tribes and within. © 2017 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands.