Leucopis americana

Malloch, 1921

silver fly

Leucopis americana is a of silver in the , described by Malloch in 1921. Members of this are predatory that have been investigated as potential agents for hemlock woolly (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 research contexts.

Distribution

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

Diet

are predatory on . 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 - Hemlock woolly are consumed by ; under evaluation as agent
Tsuga heterophylla - Western hemlock foliage serves as for foraging and

Life Cycle

feed on 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 ; investigated as agent to reduce mortality of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forests. Potential to fill gap in 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 in eastern North America. Part of program involving USDA Forest Service and Cornell University since 2015. methods such as the "Lari-Leuco container" have been developed specifically to detect this and related in field settings.

Similar Taxa

Leucopis argenticollisAnother silver under evaluation for hemlock woolly ; both species have been released in eastern U.S. since 2015
Leucopis piniperdaCongeneric silver similarly investigated for and tested in lab trials with L. americana
Laricobius nigrinus of hemlock woolly 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 released in the eastern U.S. for hemlock woolly control, but establishment status remained unknown. The species offers particular value because its 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.