The Dolichopus plumipes species group (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) in the Palaearctic Region with the description of a new species from Iran

Abstract

The Dolichopus plumipes species group in the Palaearctic Region is redefined. It comprises eleven species including one new species, Dolichopus malekii sp. nov., from the East Azerbaijan province in north-western Iran. The species group is differentiated from other Dolichopus by the modified male mid tibia and/or mid basitarsus (except D. simplex). The mid tibia is often thin, having a longitudinal narrow dark streak (D. plumipes) or clear whitish yellow dorsal area in distal third, rarely simple or inconspicuously modified (D. discifer). Mid basitarsus is pennate or bearing elongate setae or simple. Other tarsomeres are usually simple (except D. discifer). A revised key to the species group is provided, as well as remarks on its geographical distribution.