The Female Genitalia of Eight Systropus Species (Diptera, Bombyliidae)

Eight species of Systropus from Japan, Korea and Taiwan are examined for the structure of female genitalia. The apical part of sternum 8 is easily visible externally and serves as one of the most important characters in separating species (see NAGATOMI et al., 1991). In addition to this character, various parts of female genitalia are here described and illustrated. In 1 (aurantispinus) of 8 species, sternum 9 is retained as an obvious large exoskeleton. In aurantispinus and luridus, apical part of sternum 8 has no single or paired protruded part, apparently representing plesiomorphic state.