Uramyini
Genus Guides
1Uramyini is a tribe of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) within the Dexiinae, distributed in the New World. Members are characterized by a distinctive combination of morphological traits including bare , bare , haired , and a cylindrical body plan. The tribe has been documented to contain that attack caterpillars, particularly those in the Megalopygidae. Taxonomic placement of Uramyini remains under discussion, with some evidence suggesting it may represent a nested sub-clade within Voriini.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Uramyini: /ˈʊrəmɪˌaɪnaɪ/
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Identification
Uramyini can be distinguished from related tachinid tribes by the following synapomorphies: bare ; bare ; haired ; frontal setae extending only to base of ; short fine anepimeral seta; cylindrical body plan; "u"-shaped lappets of ; and hinged "L"-shaped terminalia with basiphallus extending beyond hinge with distiphallus. A modified key to the tribe is available in taxonomic literature.
Habitat
Tropical dry forest; documented from 295 m elevation in Rica. Specific microhabitat preferences beyond general tropical forest environments have not been established.
Distribution
New World distribution. Documented from Rica (Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Guanacaste Province, 295 m elevation). Broader geographic range within the Americas is implied by tribal status but specific distribution records are sparse.
Host Associations
- Norape nigrovenosa - Megalopygidae caterpillar; reared from pupa of . Direct documentation for Chorotegamyia aureofacies.
- Megalopygidae caterpillars - General affinity noted for tribe members; provisional pending additional material.
Life Cycle
development: flies emerge from pupae of caterpillars. Specific details of deposition, larval development within host, and timing have not been documented.
Behavior
of caterpillars; from pupa has been observed.
Ecological Role
regulating caterpillar , particularly of Megalopygidae in tropical forest .
Similar Taxa
More Details
Taxonomic status
Uramyini is currently recognized as a distinct tribe within Dexiinae, though its classification as separate from Voriini is noted as provisional pending further phylogenetic evidence.
Genera included
The tribe comprises the Itaplectops, Matucania, Thelairaporia, Trinitodexia, Uramya, and the recently described Chorotegamyia.