Calamoncosis

Enderlein, 1911

frit flies

Calamoncosis is a of small flies in the Chloropidae (frit flies), established by Enderlein in 1911. The genus contains distributed across both Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Nearctic fauna includes at least five described species, with most specimens collected from peatlands and marshes in eastern North America. Some species have documented associations with wetland grasses including common reed (Phragmites australis).

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calamoncosis: /kæləˌmɒŋˈkoʊsɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Nearctic can be distinguished using morphological keys; five species are currently described from the region (C. aprica, C. brooksi, C. carncrossi, C. glyceriae, C. munda), with a sixth known from a single unidentifiable female specimen. A published key to Nearctic species is available in Nartshuk (2011).

Habitat

Wetland including peatlands, bogs, and marshes; grass-dominated habitats more broadly. At least one is specifically associated with common reed (Phragmites australis) stands.

Distribution

Palearctic: Denmark, Norway, Sweden. Nearctic: eastern North America (Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, New York, Texas). The Palearctic C. aprica and C. glyceriae have been newly recorded in the Nearctic region.

Host Associations

  • Phragmites australis - associated withCommon reed; Poaceae. Documented for at least one Nearctic .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Chloropidae generaCalamoncosis can be distinguished from related chloropid by morphological characters detailed in taxonomic keys; specific diagnostic features require examination of specimens.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The Nearctic fauna was revised by Nartshuk in 2011, who described two new (C. brooksi, C. munda) and newly recorded two Palearctic species in the region.

Tags

Sources and further reading