Figs. 51–61
Platyura femoralis Meigen, 1818: 236. Germany. Lectotype (MNHN).
Types. Not examined. France. (MNHN?; not found in type database).
Material Examined. FRANCE: Marais de Lavours, Malaise B, 8–11.vii.2008, P. Withers, 1m (PCC); Marais de Lavours, Malaise B, 15–22.vii.2008, P. Withers, 1m (PCC); UK: Hampshire, Ovington by River Itchen, 14.vii.1990, P. Chandler, 1f (PCC).
Diagnosis. Mouthparts extending well beyond apex of fore coxa and coxae black in both sexes. Male tergite 9 with both posterolateral and submedian lobes.
Comments. Based on the male terminalia, this species is undoubtedly the sister-species of A. coxale (see Comments under A. coxale). Despite being widespread in Europe this species is apparently rather rarely collected (Hedmark 2004, Ševčík pers. comm. 2022) and has been red-listed in Great Britain (Falk & Chandler 2005) and Sweden (Cederberg et al. 2010).
The head, wing, male terminalia, and female terminalia were illustrated by Matile (1975) and the head and male terminalia illustrated by Hutson et al. (1980). A photograph of the anterior portion of the male in lateral view was provided by Salmela, & Kaunisto (2015).
Distribution. Widespread in Europe; Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Poland, Russia (CET), Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and UK (Evenhuis 2006, Ševčík & Kurina 2011).
Biology. As noted in the Introduction, A. nigrum is known from fens and wetland habitats and is recorded visiting the flowers of Apiaceae (e.g., Angelica, Heracleum and Oenanthe fistulosa L.) and Saxifragaceae (Saxifraga hirculus L.) (Chandler 1991, Falk & Chandler 2005, Olesen & Warncke 1989a, 1989b).