Revision of Genus Shannoniana Lane & Cerqueira, 1942 from Fri, 2013-03-15 15:23

The adults of Shannoniana are distinguished from other members of tribe Sabethini in the New World by the following combination of characters: proboscis about as long as forefemur, broad complete or incomplete postmedian pale band on hindtibia (unique to Shannoniana), lower mesokatepisternal setae extend above lower edge of mesepimeron (distinction from Johnbelkinia, Runchomyia and Isostomyia), postprocoxal scales present and laterotergite of abdominal segment I densely and completely covered with scales (distinctions from Trichoprosopon). Shannoniana larvae are recognised by the following combination of characters: normal circular occipital foramen with a distinct collar (distinguishes Shannoniana from Isostomyia, Limatus, Phoniomyia, Sabethes, Runchomyia and most Wyeomyia), maxillary claw present and maxillary suture incomplete or absent (distinctions from Onirion, Trichoprosopon and Wyeomyia), and siphon without a line of setae on the posterior midline (distinction from Johnbelkinia). The presence of a maxillary claw distinguishes Shannoniana from all New World genera except Isostomyia, and the unusually strong articulation of the maxilla with the head capsule far ventrad of the palpus is known elsewhere only in subgenus Rachisoura of genus Tripteroides. See Sabethini.