Anthepiscopus
Becker, 1891
Anthepiscopus is a of small flies originally described by Becker in 1891. It is currently treated as a synonym of Iteaphila within the Iteaphilidae, though some sources still list it under Empididae. The genus contains at least two described , including A. caelebs (the type species) and A. antipodus. These flies are found in Europe and northern North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthepiscopus: //ˌænθəˈpæskəpəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Anthepiscopus is distinguished from other empidoid flies by genitalic characters and wing venation patterns that align it with Iteaphilidae. As a synonym of Iteaphila, specimens previously identified under this would now key to that genus. The small size and slender body form are consistent with related dance flies.
Distribution
Europe (including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) and northern North America.
Similar Taxa
- IteaphilaAnthepiscopus is currently synonymized under Iteaphila based on morphological similarities, particularly in male genitalia structure and wing venation.
- Empididae (sensu stricto)Originally described in Empididae, but separated based on distinct wing venation and genitalic features that place it in the related Iteaphilidae.
More Details
Taxonomic status
There is conflicting taxonomic treatment of this . GBIF and Catalogue of Life list Anthepiscopus as a synonym of Iteaphila in Iteaphilidae, while NCBI retains it in Empididae. This reflects ongoing systematic revisions of the empidoid flies.
Type species
Anthepiscopus caelebs Becker, 1891 is the type of the .