Curtonotum

Macquart, 1843

Species Guides

2

Curtonotum is a of flies in the Curtonotidae, containing more than 50 described . The genus is primarily distributed in the Afrotropical region, with additional species in Central America, Mexico, and North America. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Curtonotum forms a clade with Axinota that is sister to the remainder of Curtonotidae. Ten species-groups have been defined within the genus based on morphological and molecular data.

Curtonotum prolixum by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Curtonotum: //kər.toʊˈnoʊ.təm//

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Identification

Identification of Curtonotum relies heavily on male genitalic characters, particularly the phallus viewed from right and left lateral perspectives. The fifth sternite and hypandrium of the male are also diagnostic. Species-level identification requires examination of and structure, , and wing venation patterns. The can be distinguished from related genera in Curtonotidae by features of the male genitalia and overall body structure.

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Habitat

Afrotropical occur across diverse vegetation types, with distributions mapped according to major vegetation types, topography, and humidity zones. Curtonotum helvum has been observed in Delaware, suggesting for temperate conditions in at least some species.

Distribution

Primary distribution is continental Afrotropical region, with C. pauliani also occurring on Madagascar. The C. murinum occurs in Central America and Mexico. Curtonotum helvum ranges into eastern North America including Delaware.

Life Cycle

Published information on stages has been reviewed, though specific details are not widely documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • AxinotaForms a sister clade with Curtonotum; together these two are sister to all other Curtonotidae
  • CyrtonaAnother in Curtonotidae; historically involved in synonymy issues with Curtonotum
  • Parapsinota in Curtonotidae; former variety names have been elevated to rank in this genus

More Details

Species Groups

Ten -groups have been formally defined within Curtonotum: , boeny, campsiphallum, gonzo, platyphallum, rinhatinana, saheliense, striatifrons, stuckenbergi, and uncinatum species-groups.

Taxonomic Nomenclature

Recent revisions have reinstated Cyrtona appendiculata as a valid , upgraded the former variety name sublineata to Parapsinota sublineata, designated a neotype for C. maculiventris, and synonymized C. tigrinum with C. maculiventris.

Sources and further reading