Key to the dolichopodid subfamilies of Seychelles
This key does apply for most subfamilies on Seychelles, but not for dolichopodids out of Seychelles.
1. Apical section of discal vein (m1+2) forked (Fig. 1). Vertex sunken between the eyes with a prominent ocellar tubercle (Fig.6). Slender species on long legs and generally with a shining metallic green body. Adults mainly seen on leaves and not associated with water.............................................................................. Sciapodinae
- Apical section of discal vein (m1+2) not forked, but the tip of discal vein can be strongly bent (Fig.2) in Neurigona and Argyrochlamys. Vertex not sunken between the eyes (except for Urodolichus permirus)............................................................... 2
2. First antennal segment dorsally with hairs .......................... Dolichopodinae
- First antennal segment dorsally without hairs .......................................................... 3
3. Arista apical ......................................................................... 4
- Arista dorsal (Fig.5) ............................................................................. 7
4. Third antennal segment triangular ………………………………. Rhaphiinae
- Third antennal segment more or less globular ……………………. 5
5. A pair of strong fronto-orbital bristles present; marine, rocky shores …. Aphrosylinae (the genus Cymatopus is not reported yet from Seychelles, but expected).
- No fronto-orbital bristles present …………………………………… 6
6. Third antennal segment oval with apical arista; hypopygium stalked and reflexed below abdomen (Fig. 16); mainly on tree trunks ................……………………...... Medeterinae
- Third antennal segment more or less triangular with a subapical arista /or arista inserted in an apical excavation. Female with bristles on clypeus, absent in male. Hypopygium also reflexed under abdomen, but with long white cerci; on damp soils ….. ……………........…………………………............... Acropsilus (Peloropeodinae)
7. (Arista dorsal) Vein M apically strongly bent (Fig. 2). Large yellow species on long legs, sitting on tree trunks. Male with large genitalia flexed below abdomen. …………………. Neurigoninae
- Vein M apically almost straight, not bent; generally small species ……… 8
8. Occiput more or less concave. Third antennal segment with a blunt tip ...................... Diaphorinae
- Occiput convex. Third antennal segment with a pointed tip, or apically rounded ...........9
9. Postocular bristles uniseriate. Third antennal segment with a pointed tip ......................... Sympycninae
- Postocular bristles pluriseriate. Third antennal segment apically more or less rounded (in Thinophilus, Fig. 5); on beach, in mangrove and on shores of streams ................................................................................. Hydrophorinae