Stenacidia violacea

(Reuter, 1881)

Stenacidia violacea is a in the Sminthurididae, characterized by distinctive coloration with yellowish body and purple markings. The species exhibits in coloration, with females sometimes appearing dark purple. A notable behavioral trait involves contact during mating, described as resembling a 'kiss'. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with a recent range extension to Iran documented in 2019.

Stenacidia violacea by (c) Pete Lypkie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Pete Lypkie. Used under a CC-BY license.

Stenacidia violacea by (c) Brenda Black, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Brenda Black. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Stenacidia violacea: /stɛnəˈsɪdiə vaɪoʊˈleɪʃə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from similar by the combination of yellowish body with purple coloration and a stripe. are bike-shaped to straight. in color intensity may assist identification, with females sometimes appearing dark purple. Antennal contact during mating is distinctive when observed.

Images

Distribution

Nearctic distribution including United States and Canada; also recorded in Europe. Range extension to Iran documented in 2019. GBIF records indicate additional occurrences in the Azores (Faial, São Miguel), Antarctic and Subantarctic regions, and Sub-arctic, and Central Australia, though these may require verification.

Behavior

During mating, individuals bring their together in contact, described as resembling a 'kiss'.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The was originally described by Reuter in 1881. Classified in the , which contains , and Sminthurididae.

Distribution Anomaly

While Wikipedia reports a Nearctic distribution with European records, GBIF distribution records include Antarctic, Subantarctic, and Australian localities that may represent misidentifications, vagrant transport, or require taxonomic verification given the primarily northern hemisphere distribution indicated in primary sources.