Cryptomeigenia
Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891
Cryptomeigenia is a of comprising 17 described . Members are of , with documented to rufotestacea in at least one studied . The genus was established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891 and is classified within the tribe Blondeliini.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cryptomeigenia: //ˌkrɪptoʊmaɪˈdʒiːniə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Blondeliini by genitalic characters and specific combinations of bristle patterns; -level identification requires examination of male terminalia and facial coloration patterns. Cryptomeigenia aurifacies is noted for its golden facial coloration.
Images
Habitat
Agricultural plots and wooded areas where occur; documented from southern San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico in association with rufotestacea.
Distribution
New World distribution; documented from Mexico (Chiapas), with described from across North America including Illinois, Florida, and other regions.
Seasonality
Active during the period of ; in Chiapas, observed from June to September, coinciding with beetle .
Host Associations
- Phyllophaga (Phytalus) rufotestacea (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) - stage only; -specific at documented site
- Scarabaeidae (adult scarab beetles) - general per -level characterization
Life Cycle
First three phases last 29-32 days under laboratory conditions. Female oviposits 1-45 in abdominal cavity of . Multiple eggs per host, but only one survives through and , consuming other eggs and host viscera, causing host death.
Behavior
of ; exhibits larval where surviving consumes and internal tissues. Host-specific to P. rufotestacea at studied site despite presence of 15 other Melolonthidae .
Ecological Role
agent regulating of ; rates of 25-27% in male and 16% in female hosts documented in one population.
Human Relevance
Potential agent for pest in agricultural settings; no documented negative impacts to humans.
Similar Taxa
- Other Blondeliini generaSimilar of ; distinguished by genitalic and specific bristle patterns
- Other Tachinidae parasitoids of scarabsMay share ; Cryptomeigenia distinguished by specific abdominal and larval
More Details
Taxonomic note
The contains 17 described , with C. setifacies (originally described as Setifacies setifacies by Brauer & von Bergenstamm, 1891) as the species. Several species were described by Curran in 1926 and Reinhard in 1947.
Research gap
Most biological details derive from a single of Cryptomeigenia sp. in Chiapas, Mexico; -level biology remains undocumented for majority of described species.