Neodiplotoxa
Malloch, 1914
Neodiplotoxa is a of small in the , established by Malloch in 1914. The genus contains four described distributed in the Americas: N. pulchripes, N. nigricans, N. mexicana, and N. albiseta. Chloropidae, commonly known as or , are generally associated with grasses and sedges. Species-level biology of Neodiplotoxa remains poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neodiplotoxa: //niː.oʊˌdɪpləˈtɒksə//
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Identification
Neodiplotoxa belongs to the tribe Diplotoxini, distinguished from related by genitalic characters and specific combinations of bristle patterns on the and . The genus name indicates its relationship to Diplotoxa, from which it differs in specific structural details of the male terminalia. Accurate identification to level requires examination of genitalic structures under magnification.
Distribution
The occurs in the Americas. Neodiplotoxa pulchripes and N. nigricans were described from the United States; N. mexicana occurs in Mexico; N. albiseta is recorded from Peru. Specific associations for most are not documented.
Similar Taxa
- DiplotoxaSister in tribe Diplotoxini; Neodiplotoxa was separated from Diplotoxa based on differences in male genitalic structure and . The two genera share overall body form but differ in specific diagnostic characters.
- Other ChloropidaeNeodiplotoxa can be distinguished from most other by the combination of reduced facial , specific aristal structure, and male genitalic characteristic of the Diplotoxini tribe.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Malloch established Neodiplotoxa in 1914 to accommodate previously placed in Diplotoxa that showed distinct genitalic . The has received limited taxonomic attention since its description, and no comprehensive revision has been published.
Research needs
Basic biology including larval development, associations, and are unknown for all . The is rarely collected and poorly represented in museum collections.