Neophyllomyza
Melander, 1913
A of small in the , commonly known as freeloader flies. The Nearctic fauna comprises two : N. quadricornis and N. gaulti. Both species are , with developing in decaying wood of hardwood trees. are associated with decaying logs and show distinct temporal and ecological partitioning despite distributions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neophyllomyza: /ˌniːoʊˌfɪloʊˈmaɪzə/
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Habitat
Decaying wood of hardwood trees, specifically sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and beech (Fagus grandifolia). N. quadricornis occurs in logs at both early and advanced decay stages; N. gaulti is found almost exclusively in advanced decay stages.
Distribution
Eastern Canada. Records also indicate presence in northern Europe (Sweden, Norway).
Seasonality
N. quadricornis: late May through September, with peak in late June. N. gaulti: mid-July to mid-August.
Host Associations
- Acer saccharum - larval decaying logs
- Fagus grandifolia - larval decaying logs
Life Cycle
are , developing within decaying tree trunks. emerge from logs; exact larval food source within decaying wood is unknown.
Behavior
of both have been observed as freeloaders at -tended colonies, where they feed on . The two Nearctic species exhibit partitioning by wood decomposition stage and , potentially reducing despite shared larval resources.
Ecological Role
in forest . Contributes to in decaying hardwood logs.