Diagnosis and detection of cryptic species: the Tabanus nigrovittatus complex (Diptera: Tabanidae) in coastal New Jersey

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1984
Authors:R. K. Sofield, Douglas, M. E., Hansens, E. J., Vrijenhoek, R. C.
Journal:Annals of the Entomological Society of America
Volume:77
Pagination:587-591
Date Published:1984
Keywords:Allozymes, Genetics, New Jersey, Tabanidae, Tabanus conterminus, Tabanus nigrovittatus, USA
Abstract:

The cryptic species Tabanus nigrovittatus and T. conterminus could be identified using protein electrophoresis. The total body length of flies and 15 head dimensions were measured on electrophoretically identified individuals of both species, collected from Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that 4 of these characters (width of the scape, width of the frons dorsally, width of the head and total length) provide complete discrimination between the 2 species. A key for separating adult females of the 2 species is provided.

Taxonomic name: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith