A new genus of predatory midge in the Monohelea complex from Eocene Baltic amber (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Abstract

Monogedania, a new fossil monotypic genus of predatory midge (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is described from Eocene Baltic amber and its position within the Monohelea complex is discussed. We discovered that the membranous portion of the aedeagus is extended in Monogedania clunipes (Loew), new combination, which suggests that the aedeagus of some extinct predatory midges can be penis-like. The Eocene Monohelea baltica Szadziewski, is transferred to the genus Schizohelea Kieffer, new combination, and, the previously unknown female is described, and key characters are included in color photographs of its entire habitus, head, distal hind tarsomeres and claws.