Plagioneurus
Loew, 1857
Plagioneurus is a of ( ) containing a single , Plagioneurus univittatus. It is the sole member of the Plagioneurinae. The genus is distinguished by an unusual pattern: the medial M converges obliquely with radial vein R4+5, a trait reflected in its etymology from Greek 'plágios' (oblique) and 'neûron' (nerve). display metallic green with a central black stripe and black with .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plagioneurus: //ˌplædʒiəˈnʊərəs//
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Identification
are recognized by the combination of metallic green with a strong central black stripe, black bearing , and . The definitive diagnostic feature is the : the portion of medial M meets radial vein R4+5 at an oblique angle rather than running parallel or diverging. This pattern is unique among and gives the its name.
Images
Distribution
Eastern United States southward through the Neotropics to South America.
Similar Taxa
- Other Dolichopodidae generaPlagioneurus is distinguished from all other by its unique -level , specifically the oblique convergence of M with R4+5. Most Dolichopodidae have M running parallel to or diverging from R4+5.
More Details
Etymology
The name derives from Ancient Greek πλάγιος (plágios, 'oblique') and νεῦρον (neûron, 'nerve'), directly referencing the diagnostic oblique angle of the medial .
Taxonomic status
Plagioneurus is the only in the Plagioneurinae, making it phylogenetically isolated within . The single P. univittatus represents the entire generic and subfamilial diversity.