Rhysophora
Cresson, 1924
Rhysophora is a of (: ) in the tribe Discomyzini, distributed primarily in the Neotropics with two Nearctic . The genus was revised in 2015 following discovery of four new Neotropical species, confirming its and establishing Helaeomyia as its sister group. is greatest in South America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhysophora: /raɪˈsɒfərə/
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Identification
Three groups are recognized within Rhysophora based on morphological phylogenetic analysis. Male terminalia provide diagnostic characters for species identification; an identification and illustrations are available in the taxonomic revision.
Habitat
Associated with aquatic environments, specifically with aquatic plants in the Pontederiaceae and Araceae.
Distribution
Primarily Neotropical, with greater in South America. Two Nearctic (R. robusta and R. laffooni) represent independent events from Neotropical ancestors.
Host Associations
- Pontederia - associated withPontederiaceae
- Eichhornia - associated withPontederiaceae; water lettuce for R. robusta
- Pistia stratiotes - associated withAraceae; water lettuce
Similar Taxa
- HelaeomyiaPreviously proposed sister group was Guttipsilopa, but phylogenetic analysis confirmed Helaeomyia as the true sister group to Rhysophora.
- GuttipsilopaFormerly thought to be sister group to Rhysophora; revised places it elsewhere in Discomyzini.