Aelia

According to Staddon & Abdollahi (1999), species of the virgata group are somewhat larger (length range 8.4-10.8 mm), a darker color than species in other species groups, the connexivum is more or less dark or with dark markings, as is the space between the connexivum and the spiracles, and the bucculae lack an anterior bump or tooth. The parameres are very different from those of other groups, lacking the outwardly directed membranous extension, and the hypophysis is short with a small tooth. They also indicated that A. cribrosa seems to be very closely related to A. virgata.

1 Connexivum alternating black and yellow; lower surface of the abdomen near the connexivum with a number of square marks, which alternate with those of the connexivum; exocorium darkly punctured; dorsal surface finely haired	cribrosa Fieber
- Connexivum dark, the outer edge more or less broadly pale; dorsal surface lacking hairs	2

2(1) Dorsal surface dark, only the Längsschwielen pale; Cubital vein of the corium dark, radial vein pale	albovittata Fieber
- Dorsal surface with yellow longitudinal bands; radial and cubital veins of corium pale	virgata (Herrich-Schäffer)

Not included in the key is A. contorta, which was unknown to Wagner. Wagner (1960) wrote the following on this species: This species is unknown to me and it is also not possible to make a safe decision on its classification. Kiritshenko (1930) placed it in the proximity of A. virgata Klug. Since only the female was present, this decision must also be considered as uncertain. The form of the genital segments, which Kiritshenko illustrates, speaks however for its opinion. Also the form of the head fits well that from A. virgata. On the other hand, there are however, other characteristics, the bright, ungeflechte venter, the uncolored connexivum and the flat body (depressed), few of which fit A. virgata.

David A. Rider
Associate Professor of Entomology
North Dakota State University
202 Hultz Hall
Fargo, ND 58105
E-Mail: David.Rider@ndsu.nodak.edu