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Observations on Camposella insignata (Diptera: Acroceridae) from the Tropical Andes of Ecuador

Abstract:

In the Neotropics, Panopinae spider flies are the most diverse within Acroceridae, specializing as endoparasites of mygalomorph spiders. Camposella insignata Cole, 1919 is one of the most enigmatic flies within this subfamily, given its conspicuously enlarged antennal flagella and apparent rarity, with only two specimens known to this day. This paper describes recently collected C. insignata specimens from the Ecuadorian Andes and provides pictures and measurements. We also discuss the possible function of the enlarged antennal flagella and give recommendations on future collection efforts to increase knowledge about this enigmatic genus.