Rhaphiomidas nigricaudis
Cazier, 1985
Rhaphiomidas nigricaudis is a of mydas fly described by Cazier in 1985. It belongs to the Mydidae, a group of large, robust flies often mistaken for . The species is known only from Arizona. Like other members of its , it likely exhibits the characteristic mydas fly with an elongated body and clubbed .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhaphiomidas nigricaudis: /ræfiˈoʊmɪdəs nɪɡrɪˈkɔːdɪs/
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Identification
The specific epithet "nigricaudis" (Latin for "black tail") suggests a dark terminal abdominal segment, which may serve as a distinguishing feature from . Definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters described in the original description.
Distribution
Known only from Arizona, United States. The precise type locality and extent of range within Arizona have not been documented in widely accessible sources.
Similar Taxa
- Rhaphiomidas mackayiAnother Arizona in the same ; distinguished by differences in abdominal coloration and male genitalia structure per Cazier's original descriptions.
- Rhaphiomidas terminatusOccurs in overlapping geographic range; R. nigricaudis differs in having the terminal abdominal tergites black rather than reddish or orange.
More Details
Nomenclatural note
The was described by Cazier in 1985 within a revision of the Rhaphiomidas. The name refers to the black caudal (tail) region of the .
Data deficiency
No observations of this are recorded in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff, and it appears to be rarely encountered or underreported in entomological collections.