Observations on the distinctions between Polietes lardarius (Fabricius) and Polietes meridionalis Peris & Llorente (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

The main characteristic for the differentiation of Polietes lardarius (Fabricius) and Polietes meridionalis Peris & Llorente, the colour of the anterior spiracle, is re-evaluated and three hitherto not applied morphological characters, which have been used successfully as confirmatory characters for distinguishing between the two species, are presented. A revised key for both sexes is proposed for the separation of these very similar species.