Apotropina hirta
(Loew, 1863)
Apotropina hirta is a of frit fly in the Chloropidae, first described by Loew in 1863. It belongs to the Siphonellopsinae, a group of small flies often associated with grasses and other herbaceous vegetation. The Apotropina contains relatively few described species, and A. hirta appears to be among the more rarely encountered members based on limited observational records. Like other chloropids, are typically small and inconspicuous, with larvae that develop in plant tissues.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apotropina hirta: /æpəˈtrɒpɪnə ˈhɜːrtə/
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Distribution
Based on iNaturalist records, this has been documented from scattered locations in North America. The specific geographic range is not well-established in published literature.
More Details
Taxonomic Notes
Apotropina hirta was originally described by Hermann Loew in 1863. The Apotropina is classified in the Siphonellopsinae, which is characterized by reduced chaetotaxy and modified wing venation compared to other chloropid subfamilies.
Data Deficiency
This is extremely poorly documented in the scientific literature. The Catalogue of Life lists it as an accepted species, but beyond basic taxonomic placement, virtually no biological or ecological information has been published. The five iNaturalist observations suggest it is genuinely rare or undercollected, rather than simply overlooked due to small size.