Pterodontia
Gray, 1832
small-headed flies
Pterodontia is a of in the , first described by Gray in 1832. The genus contains at least 20 described . Members of this genus are characterized by distinctive morphological features including hairy and reduced mouthparts. Like other acrocerids, they are likely with specialized , though detailed biological data remain limited for most species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pterodontia: /ˌtɛroʊˈdɒntiə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other acrocerid by the combination of hairy , ventrally placed below the middle of the , and the male-specific -like projection on the . The small, inconspicuous antennae and reduced mouthparts separate them from more generalized dipteran .
Images
Distribution
Records exist from Vermont, United States; broader distribution likely encompasses North America but specific range data are sparse in available sources.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Pterodontia variegata , 1914 is considered a synonym of Pterodontia mellii Erichson, 1840