Tachytrechus
Stannius, 1831
Species Guides
9Tachytrechus is a of long-legged flies in the Dolichopodidae, containing approximately 152 . Members of this genus are small predatory flies, with at least one species (Tachytrechus angustipennis) documented in thermal effluent systems. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several species reassigned to related genera including Aphalacrosoma, Paraclius, and Aphrosylus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tachytrechus: //ˌtækɪˈtrɛkəs//
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Identification
Identification to within Tachytrechus generally requires examination of male genitalia, including forward-protruding claspers and associated structures at the abdominal tip. As with many Dolichopodidae, male may bear ornamental used in . The can be difficult to distinguish from related dolichopodid genera without detailed morphological analysis.
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Habitat
At least one , Tachytrechus angustipennis, has been documented in Yellowstone thermal effluent systems. Broader preferences for the remain insufficiently documented in available sources.
Distribution
Distribution records from GBIF indicate presence in Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE). The has been studied in North American contexts, with Tachytrechus angustipennis specifically recorded from Colorado Springs and Yellowstone.
Diet
Predatory on other small insects, as documented for Tachytrechus angustipennis and inferred from -level characteristics of Dolichopodidae.
Behavior
Predatory has been observed. Specific behavioral patterns for the beyond general dolichopodid characteristics are not well documented.
Ecological Role
Acts as a of small insects within its . Specific functions for the are not well documented.
Similar Taxa
- AphalacrosomaSeveral formerly placed in Tachytrechus have been reassigned to this based on revised .
- Paraclius including Tachytrechus americanus, T. inopinatus, and T. latipes were moved to this .
- Aphrosylus including Tachytrechus fumipennis and T. tenuipes are actually placed in this rather than Tachytrechus.
More Details
Taxonomic instability
The has experienced substantial taxonomic revision. Multiple have been synonymized, renamed, or transferred to other genera. Notable synonymizations include T. boharti, T. duplicatus, T. mchughi, and T. spinitarsis all synonymized under T. sanus. Several species described by Wei (1998) were moved to Aphalacrosoma, and species described by Harmston were later renamed or synonymized.