Chromatocera
Townsend, 1915
Species Guides
1Chromatocera is a of tachinid flies established by Townsend in 1915. It belongs to the tribe Polideini within the Tachininae. The genus contains three described : Chromatocera fumator, C. harrisi, and C. setigena. Tachinid flies in this genus are , though specific associations for Chromatocera species remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chromatocera: //ˌkroʊməˈtɒsərə//
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Identification
Chromatocera can be distinguished from related Polideini by genitalic characters, particularly male terminalia structure. The genus is morphologically similar to Erviopsis, with which it has been historically confused. Definitive identification requires examination of the hypopygium and phallus.
Distribution
Records exist for North America, with Chromatocera setigena described from the United States and C. harrisi and C. fumator described from Texas and California respectively.
Ecological Role
As members of Tachinidae, Chromatocera function as , likely attacking other insects. The specific and ecological impacts remain unstudied.
Similar Taxa
- ErviopsisBoth belong to Polideini and share general body plan; historical taxonomic confusion exists between them, requiring genitalic dissection for separation.
More Details
Taxonomic Status
GBIF lists Chromatocera as 'DOUBTFUL' with a 'HIGHERRANK' match type, while Catalogue of Life accepts it as valid. This discrepancy reflects ongoing uncertainty about boundaries in Polideini.
Species List
Three are recognized: Chromatocera setigena (Coquillett, 1897), C. harrisi (Reinhard, 1935), and C. fumator Reinhard, 1962. The latter two were originally described in other and later transferred.