Scellus
Loew, 1857
long-legged flies
Species Guides
1Scellus is a of long-legged flies in the Dolichopodidae, distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Males possess distinctive flag-like abdominal appendages called signa, connected by a U-shaped cingulum, which likely function in courtship signaling. The genus is closely related to Hydatostega, which shares a reduced form of this structure.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scellus: /ˈskɛl.lʊs/
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Identification
Males distinguished by a pair of lateral flag-like appendages (signa) emerging between the 4th and 5th abdominal segments, connected by a transverse band (cingulum) forming a U-shaped structure. This feature separates Scellus from most other Dolichopodidae. Hydatostega possesses a reduced cingulum, which can cause confusion but is visibly less developed.
Habitat
Grasslands and woodlands at low to moderate elevations; strongly associated with moist microhabitats including , coastal areas, freshwater seepages, waterfall margins, and humid vegetation.
Distribution
Palearctic and Nearctic regions. European records concentrated in the Netherlands and United Kingdom (primarily England and Wales). Additional confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Seasonality
Peak activity in summer.
Diet
Larvae prey on smaller ; are predatory on other insects.
Behavior
Males use abdominal signa for visual signaling or during courtship, as suggested by researchers.
Ecological Role
at both larval and stages.
Similar Taxa
- HydatostegaAlso possesses a cingulum, though much reduced; shares moist preferences and general body plan, requiring careful examination of male abdominal structures for separation.