Leucopis americana

Malloch, 1921

silver fly

Leucopis americana is a of silver fly in the Chamaemyiidae, described by Malloch in 1921. Members of this are predatory insects that have been investigated as potential agents for hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). The species is part of a group of Leucopis flies under evaluation for release in eastern North America to control this forest pest.

1959. Larval drawings of three native balsam woolly adelgid (Chermes) predators in the genus Leucopis A. Leucopis sp. near americana (32x); B. Leucopis sp. (45x); C. Leucopis sp. near atrifacies (37x). (33543213464) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leucopis americana: /luˈkoʊpɪs əˌmɛrɪˈkeɪnə/

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Habitat

Associated with hemlock forests; specifically linked to western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in biocontrol research contexts.

Distribution

Native range appears to be western North America based on biocontrol research context; exact native distribution not clearly documented in available sources.

Diet

Larvae are predatory on adelgid . Has been observed feeding on eggs of both winter and spring/summer of hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), offering potential advantage over other that target only one generation.

Host Associations

Adelges tsugae - preyHemlock woolly adelgid are consumed by larvae; under evaluation as biocontrol agent
Tsuga heterophylla - Western hemlock foliage serves as for foraging and

Life Cycle

Larvae feed on adelgid on hemlock twigs, then pupate on the twigs rather than dropping to soil. emerge as winged forms and disperse upward from the tree foliage.

Behavior

exhibit upward from foliage after , in contrast to that drop downward. This behavioral difference allows for simultaneous collection using specialized two-chambered devices.

Ecological Role

of hemlock woolly adelgid; investigated as agent to reduce mortality of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forests. Potential to fill gap in natural enemy complex by feeding on adelgid during late spring and early summer when other predators are absent.

Human Relevance

Under evaluation for intentional release as agent for hemlock woolly adelgid in eastern North America. Part of biocontrol program involving USDA Forest Service and Cornell University since 2015. Monitoring methods such as the "Lari-Leuco container" have been developed specifically to detect this and related in field settings.

Similar Taxa

Leucopis argenticollisAnother silver fly under evaluation for hemlock woolly adelgid biocontrol; both species have been released in eastern U.S. since 2015
Leucopis piniperdaCongeneric silver fly similarly investigated for adelgid and tested in lab trials with L. americana
Laricobius nigrinus of hemlock woolly adelgid with different (drops to soil to pupate vs. upward in Leucopis); both are monitored together using specialized collection containers

More Details

Biocontrol status

As of 2021, Leucopis americana was one of two silver fly released in the eastern U.S. for hemlock woolly adelgid control, but establishment status remained unknown. The species offers particular value because its larvae feed on both of adelgid , addressing a critical gap in the seasonal complex.

Taxonomic note

Catalogue of Life lists this name as a synonym, while GBIF and NCBI treat it as accepted. The was described by Malloch in 1921.