BG889 C8069 - Bittacus pilicornis

terminalia

Nice photos of the terminal appendages of a male. Looking at our photos of this genus, it appears that males have this large swelling on the underside of the tip of the abdomen, and females do not. We can probably label most photos as to gender, but I wanted to check on this before proceeding.
Do you have any more information on this?

… Cotinis, 14 November, 2008 - 9:38am

Terminalia

I don't have any more information. These creatures are not common hereabouts. I just added this image of the terminalia of our female Bittacus occidentalis for what it's worth. There is no visible swelling.
Gayle

… Gayle and Jeanell Strickland, 14 November, 2008 - 1:33pm

Right--how sex determined?

Well, what I am trying to find out, partly, is how you determined the sex? I presume it is based on the end of the abdomen and I am presuming it is that big swelling on the males. Or is there something else? I have a few photos of this genus and I'd like to label them, presumptively, as to the sex.

… Cotinis, 14 November, 2008 - 2:23pm

sex determination

I suspect gender was assigned by Martin Hauser. I am very cautious about this sort of thing. If I had been forced to make a determination, the generally expanded tip of the abdomen is usually a good indication of male in Tipulidae and Asilidae. The claspers as seen in the dorsal view also point to male. Conversely a slender tapering abdomen would point to female. If it was I who did it, I would certainly back down if challenged! I don't know if the swelling is reliable. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Gayle

… Gayle and Jeanell Strickland, 14 November, 2008 - 4:55pm

Moved

Moved from Bittacus.

… Martin Hauser, 11 May, 2007 - 1:19pm

Moved

Moved from Hangingflies.

… Gayle and Jeanell Strickland, 11 May, 2007 - 12:19pm

Moved

Moved from Scorpionflies, Hangingflies and Allies.

… Gayle and Jeanell Strickland, 11 May, 2007 - 12:16pm

Moved

Moved from Flies.

… Gayle and Jeanell Strickland, 11 May, 2007 - 10:36am