Myospila

Rondani, 1856

Species Guides

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Myospila is a of flies in the Muscidae, Mydaeinae. The genus contains over 150 described distributed across multiple continents. Species-level has been extensively revised, with numerous species described from Asia in recent decades.

Myospila meditabunda by (c) Zachary Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zachary Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Myospila meditabunda by (c) Zachary Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zachary Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Myospila meditabunda by (c) Michael Knapp, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Knapp. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myospila: //maɪˈɒspɪlə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Myospila are distinguished from other Mydaeinae primarily by genitalic characters, particularly male terminalia structure. Many species exhibit distinctive color patterns on the legs, , or , including yellow, , or dark markings that are referenced in species epithets. Accurate identification to species level typically requires examination of microscopic characters.

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Distribution

The has been recorded from Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), North America (United States, specifically Vermont), and across Asia including China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Additional records exist from Africa, Madagascar, and New Guinea.

Similar Taxa

  • MydaeaBoth belong to Mydaeinae and share general body plan; Myospila is distinguished by specific genitalic and chaetotaxy characters
  • HemichloraAnother Mydaeinae with superficially similar habitus; separation requires examination of male terminalia and thoracic bristle patterns

More Details

Taxonomic activity

The has undergone significant recent taxonomic expansion, with the majority of described since 1970. Chinese researchers have been particularly active, with numerous species described by Wei, Feng, Xue, and colleagues. Shinonaga has described many species from Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.

Nomenclatural note

The was established by Rondani in 1856. The list includes some apparent lapsus calami in the original sources, such as 'laveis' likely being a misspelling of 'laevis'.

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Sources and further reading