Dalmannia (Diptera:Conopidae) -Back to List of GeneraDalmannia is a holarctic genus yet rare in North America with few species (6). Their ranges are somewhat specific with the exception of D. vitiosa Coquellett which is dispersed throughout the continent. Bohart (1938) believed they were strongly associated with solitary bees (Diandrena has been associated with D. picta as reported by Bohart from Mohave, California (1938)) and likely selects them as hosts.
They are easily diagnosed from other conopids by their small size, black bodies with striking yellow maculation, and a distinct dorsal arista. Williston (1883) recognized the genus and provided minor diagnostic details, with later revision by Van Duzee (1927) who recorded five species. Banks (1916) also tacked on a key to his conopid overview with the first description of D. pacifica, but the synonymy only included four species. Bohart (1938) improved descriptions, included a new species (D. heterotricha Bohart), and refined the key. Camras (1957) prepared an updated key and synonymy that was unfortunately incomplete as it was limited to California species. At present very little is known or understood about the biology and habits of this genus. Diagnosis
Dalmannia is a generally small, dumpy group of flies with strikingly bright yellow colouration against black, tend to be hairy, yet somewhat shiny. The sub-costa (Sc1) cell is absent (fig). The arista point of insertion is well before the apex or at about the dorsal mid-length of flagellum. Three ocelli are present. The frontal suture is not strongly pronounced or protruding (fig) and the scape is not elongated and skinny, but reduced (fig), smaller than the flagellum. The proboscis has a single basal bend and second bend about half the length (fig), pointing up or forward and then downward. The area of the gena below the eye is about half the area of the eye or greater when viewed laterally (fig). The second tergite is not overly constricted compared to the third (fig), appearing fat and round when viewed dorsally (fig). Complete species list of Dalmannia by Region
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Downloadable Species Checklist
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Palearctic
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Australasia
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Indo-Malaya
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Oceania
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Antarctic
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Notes
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