Nemopalpus
Macquart, 1838
Species Guides
1Nemopalpus is a of moth flies in the Psychodidae, Bruchomyiinae. The genus was established by Macquart in 1838, with the original spelling 'Nemapalpus' corrected to 'Nemopalpus' in 1839. Recent taxonomic revisions in 2018 transferred several previously included to the genera Alexanderia, Boreofairchildia, Laurenceomyia, and Notofairchildia. The genus currently contains ten recognized species distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nemopalpus: //ˌnɛmoʊˈpælpəs//
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Identification
-level identification requires examination of genitalia and wing venation patterns. The belongs to Bruchomyiinae, a distinguished from Psychodinae by reduced wing scaling and longer, more slender legs. Distinguishing Nemopalpus from the recently separated genera Alexanderia, Boreofairchildia, Laurenceomyia, and Notofairchildia requires reference to the 2018 revision by Wagner and others.
Distribution
occur in southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia) and one fossil species from Baltic amber. Nemopalpus flavus, the type species, is from Réunion. Nemopalpus tertiariae is known from Eocene Baltic amber deposits.
Similar Taxa
- Alexanderia established in 2018 for formerly placed in Nemopalpus; distinguished by male genitalia structure and wing characteristics
- Boreofairchildia established in 2018 for formerly placed in Nemopalpus; primarily Neotropical distribution
- Laurenceomyia established in 2018 for formerly placed in Nemopalpus; distinguished by specific antennal and genital features
- Notofairchildia established in 2018 for formerly placed in Nemopalpus; Australasian distribution
More Details
Taxonomic history
The has undergone significant revision. In 2018, Wagner transferred to four new genera, substantially narrowing the circumscription of Nemopalpus. This revision recognized Nemopalpus as primarily an Old World genus with southern African and Mascarene distribution, rather than the broader global distribution previously attributed.