Tanypeza longimana
Fallén, 1820
Tanypeza longimana is a of true fly in the Tanypezidae, a small family of acalyptrate flies. The species was described by Fallén in 1820 and occurs in Europe. Members of this family are characterized by elongated bodies and long legs. The specific epithet "longimana" refers to the long forelegs typical of this species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tanypeza longimana: /ˌtænɪˈpiːzə ˌlɒŋɪˈmɑːnə/
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Identification
Tanypeza longimana can be distinguished from other dipteran by the combination of: elongated, slender body form; exceptionally long forelegs (the source of its ); and the characteristic wing venation pattern of Tanypezidae. The family Tanypezidae is distinguished from similar acalyptrate families by the presence of a distinct anal lobe in the wing and reduced chaetotaxy. Within the Tanypeza, T. longimana is the primary European representative; the genus contains few globally.
Distribution
Europe. Specific country records are not well documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other acalyptrate Diptera families (e.g., Micropezidae, Neriidae)Tanypezidae share the elongated body and long-legged habitus with stilt-legged flies (Micropezidae) and cactus flies (Neriidae). Tanypezidae can be distinguished by wing venation details, particularly the distinct anal lobe, and by the structure of the and .
More Details
Taxonomic note
Catalogue of Life lists Tanypeza longimana as a synonym of Tanypeza longimanus Fallén, 1820, with the latter as the accepted name. However, Tanypeza longimana remains in widespread use in databases including NCBI and iNaturalist. The original spelling by Fallén was "longimanus," but subsequent usage has been inconsistent. The epithet refers to the long forelegs (from Latin longus = long, manus = hand/forefoot).