Stilpon
Loew, 1859
Stilpon is a of small predatory in the Hybotidae, Tachydromiinae. The Nearctic fauna comprises 13 recognized , including nine described by Cumming (1992), classified into three informal species groups: S. divergens, S. graminum, and S. varipes. The genus exhibits polymorphy in some species, with both and forms documented in S. graminum, S. nubilus, and S. subnubilus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stilpon: /ˈstɪlpɒn/
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Identification
Nearctic are distinguished using characters of the male and female terminalia; of these structures have been clarified relative to other . A to the 13 Nearctic species is available. polymorphy complicates visual identification in some species pairs, as wing size and coloration vary between and forms.
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Distribution
Documented from the Nearctic region (North America), with localities across Canada (Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick implied) and the United States (Alabama, New York, Georgia, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Massachusetts). Palearctic records include France (S. subnubilus), Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Similar Taxa
- CrossopalpusStilpon obscuripes (Adams) was transferred to Crossopalpus as C. obscuripes . nov., indicating historical confusion between the .
- Other TachydromiinaePhylogenetic relationships within Tachydromiinae are discussed; Stilpon is justified but precise sister-group relationships require further study.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Stilpon pectiniger Melander was synonymized with S. varipes Loew. Stilpon pleuriticus Melander was excluded from the . Stilpon demnatensis Vaillant is considered a . were designated for S. pauciseta Melander and S. pectiniger Melander.
Wing polymorphy
polymorphy (presence of both fully-winged and reduced-wing individuals) is now documented in S. graminum, S. nubilus, and S. subnubilus. This phenomenon complicates based on wing characters alone.