Phytomyptera
Rondani, 1845
Species Guides
7Phytomyptera is a of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Graphogastrini, comprising approximately 60 described distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus was revised taxonomically in 1989, with species primarily distinguished by diagnostic features of the male and female genitalia. European species are particularly well-documented, with 12 species currently recognized from this region.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phytomyptera: /faɪtoʊˈmɪptərə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
identification relies heavily on examination of male and female genitalia, particularly the , which primitively possesses a complex structure with three outlets () formed by the . External morphological characters alone are generally insufficient for reliable species-level determination. The can be distinguished from related genera within Graphogastrini by apomorphic genital characters, though a key to genera is required for definitive placement.
Images
Distribution
Holarctic distribution, with records from Europe (12 ), the Palaearctic region (15 species total), and North America. Specific country records include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Vermont). Two Patagonian species previously assigned to this have been removed to other .
Similar Taxa
- PlanomyiaClosely related ; P. vibrissata (Aldrich) was transferred from Phytomyptera to Planomyia based on taxonomic revision.
- Leskiini (tribe)P. interrupta (Aldrich) was removed from Phytomyptera and appears referable to this tribe, indicating historical confusion with these .
More Details
Taxonomic History
Phytomyptera includes the former Elfia Robineau-Desvoidy as a synonym. The genus has undergone significant revision, with three nominal (P. minutissima, P. riedeli, P. vaccinii) removed from synonymy, and two new synonymies established: P. vivipara = P. minutissima, and P. gracilariae = P. vaccinii.
Phylogenetics
Palaearctic have been grouped into five species-groups based on phylogenetic character analysis of aedeagal structure, used to construct a for the .