Tabanocella (Tabanocella) denticornis (Wiedemann, 1828) - Identification

Antennal flagellum with forwardly projecting dorsal spine. Wing membrane patterned. Abdomen brown or yellow with two short longitudinal stripes.
A variable species with a paler and a darker form.

Original description by Wiedemann (Silvius denticornis):
https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/50649#page/153/mode/1up

Description by Loew:
https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/35325#page/39/mode/1up

Illustrated in Austen:
https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/75729#page/249/mode/1up

T. denticornis is common and widespread in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Comments from Usher 1972:
https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA03040798_662
"The South African species of Tabanocella are all associated with thick bush, woodland or forest; bilineata, immaculata and schofieldi are endemics, while zoulouensis is recorded from the forests in the east of [Zimbabwe], and denticornis is more widely distributed both in [Zimbabwe] and South Africa. Both zoulouensis and denticornis are known to come to light and both fly in the dusk (denticornis bites in almost total darkness, and frequently at dusk) but both are also known to fly in broad daylight. In the wooded areas around Pietermaritzburg where denticornis is very common it can be seen pestering cattle on brilliantly sunny, hot days, as well as on overcast days."

Posted on 27 de julho de 2023, 08:00 AM by traianbertau