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Issue: Vol. 76 No. 1: 3 Oct. 2002
Type: Article
Published: 2002-10-03
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.76.1.1
Page range: 1–12
Abstract views: 37
PDF downloaded: 39

Notes on the functional morphology of terminalia from Prorates ballmeri Nagatomi and Liu (Diptera: Scenopinidae: Proratinae) collected while in copula, with a description of the previously unknown female

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois and Center for Biodiversity, Illinois Natural History Survey, Urbana-Champaign, 61801, USA
Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695-7613, USA
epartment of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois and Centers for Biodiversity and Economic Entomology, Illinois Natural History Survey, Urbana-Champaign, 61801, USA
Diptera copulation genitalia mating spermathecal sac

Abstract

A male and female specimen of Prorates ballmeri Nagatomi and Liu were collected while in copula. The specimens were dissected to find that the elongate distiphallus of the male had been inserted within the spermathecal ducts of the female. The association of the male and female genitalia for this species is figured and discussed in relation to associated taxa with similar genitalic features. The species was originally described from three male specimens, which did not allow for comprehensive study of the variation in many characters. The male is redescribed based on many newly collected specimens to include additional characters and the species variation and the previously unknown female is described. Additional notes on the taxonomy of the genus Prorates are included.

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