Symmerus lautus
(Loew, 1869)
Symmerus lautus is a Holarctic of fungus gnat in the Ditomyiidae ( Ditomyiinae). The species was originally described as Plesiastina lauta by Loew in 1869 and has been known under the synonyms S. tristis and S. dilutus. The Symmerus belongs to a group of non-brachyceran Diptera commonly referred to as fungus gnats, though specific biological details for S. lautus remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Symmerus lautus: /ˈsɪmərəs ˈlaʊtəs/
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Identification
Symmerus lautus can be distinguished from other Symmerus by genitalic characters and wing venation patterns detailed in systematic revisions. The species was synonymized with S. tristis and S. dilutus based on morphological examination; a lectotype designation supports this taxonomic consolidation. Within the , S. lautus belongs to the subgenus Symmerus s. str. rather than the subgenus Psilosymmerus.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern regions of both the Nearctic and Palearctic realms.
Similar Taxa
- Symmerus coqulusSimilar congeneric fungus gnat with documented biological data; S. lautus distinguished by morphological features and distribution
- Symmerus vockerothiEastern North American described in same systematic revision; S. lautus has broader Holarctic range