Cladochaeta
Coquillett, 1900
Species Guides
2Cladochaeta is a of small flies in the Drosophilidae, established by Coquillett in 1900. The genus belongs to the tribe Cladochaetini and is part of the diverse acalyptrate fly radiation. At least one has been documented from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest in association with spittlebug nymphs. The genus is morphologically and ecologically distinct from the homonymous plant genus in Asteraceae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cladochaeta: /ˌklædəʊˈkiːtə/
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Identification
Cladochaeta can be distinguished from other Drosophilidae by tribal-level characters of the Cladochaetini, though specific diagnostic features for the require examination of fine morphological details. The genus is not to be confused with the unrelated plant genus of the same name in the Asteraceae .
Habitat
At least one has been recorded from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Additional associations remain poorly documented.
Distribution
Documented from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Broader geographic range is insufficiently known.
Host Associations
- Sphodroscarta trivirgata (Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae) - associationDocumented for at least one ; nature of association (e.g., , commensal, or ) not specified in available sources
Similar Taxa
- Cladochaeta (Asteraceae)Homonymous plant ; no biological relationship, distinguished by kingdom (Plantae vs. Animalia) and completely different and
More Details
Nomenclatural note
Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a junior homonym of Cladochaeta DC. (Asteraceae). The fly is valid under zoological , while the plant genus is valid under nomenclature; neither requires replacement under their respective codes.
Taxonomic placement
The is classified in the tribe Cladochaetini, Drosophilinae, within the -rich Drosophilidae. This tribal placement distinguishes it from the majority of drosophilid genera in the tribe Drosophilini.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- ID Challenge #3 | Beetles In The Bush
- A new species of Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) associated with Sphodroscarta trivirgata (Amyot & Serville, 1843) (Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae) from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest