Phytosciara
Frey, 1942
Species Guides
1Phytosciara is a of black fungus gnats in the Sciaridae, established by Frey in 1942. The genus includes the subgenus Prosciara. Phytosciara (Prosciara) plusiochaeta was reported from North America for the first time in a 2019 taxonomic revision, representing a range extension from its previously known distribution. The genus is part of the diverse sciarid fauna of the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phytosciara: /ˌfaɪtoʊˈsiərə/
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Identification
Phytosciara can be distinguished from the related Pseudolycoriella by genitalic characters and chaetotaxy; detailed morphological features are described in taxonomic revisions. -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and specific setal patterns on the and .
Distribution
Recorded from the Nearctic region (North America) and Palearctic region (Denmark, Norway). The Phytosciara (Prosciara) plusiochaeta has been documented in North America.
Similar Taxa
- PseudolycoriellaClosely related sciarid ; distinguished by genitalic and thoracic chaetotaxy. Both genera were treated together in the 2019 North American revision.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The subgenus Prosciara is recognized within Phytosciara. Ostroverkhovana was synonymized with Pseudolycoriella in the same revision that reported Phytosciara plusiochaeta from North America.