Acrosathe vanduzeei
(Cole, 1923)
Acrosathe vanduzeei is a of stiletto fly in the Therevidae. The Acrosathe belongs to the Therevinae, one of the most diverse lineages within the family. Stiletto flies are predatory as , typically hunting other insects, while their larvae are generally soil-dwelling or scavengers. The specific epithet vanduzeei honors the entomologist Edward P. Van Duzee.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrosathe vanduzeei: /ˌækrəˈsæθi vænˈdʌzi.aɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of the Acrosathe can be distinguished from other Therevidae by their elongated, slender body form and characteristic wing venation. The specific identification of A. vanduzeei requires examination of detailed morphological features including the shape of the , the structure of the male genitalia, and the pattern of wing . The is one of approximately 30 known species in the genus Acrosathe, which is primarily distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Distribution
The is known from western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions. The Acrosathe has its greatest diversity in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Other Acrosathe speciesApproximately 30 exist in the , requiring detailed examination of genitalia and wing venation for separation. A. vanduzeei can be distinguished by specific combinations of antennal structure and male terminalia .
- Other Therevinae genera such as Thereva and Psilocephala share similar general appearance but differ in wing venation patterns, antennal structure, and body proportions. Acrosathe typically have more elongated bodies and distinctive wing patterns.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet vanduzeei honors Edward P. Van Duzee (1861-1933), a prominent American entomologist who made significant contributions to the study of Diptera, particularly from the western United States.
Taxonomic history
The was originally described by Frank H. Cole in 1923. The Acrosathe was established by Cole and is characterized by its distinctive wing venation with reduced anal lobe and elongated, slender body form.
Collection records
Based on museum holdings and iNaturalist observations, the has been documented from multiple localities in California, with specimens deposited in institutions including the UCR Entomology Research Museum.