Ostracophyto
Townsend, 1915
Species Guides
1Ostracophyto is a of tachinid flies established by Townsend in 1915. The genus contains two described : Ostracophyto aristalis and Ostracophyto flavicaudalis. As members of the Tachinidae, these flies are , though specific associations for this genus remain undocumented. The genus is classified within the tribe Polideini, Tachininae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ostracophyto: //ˌɒstrəkoʊˈfaɪtoʊ//
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Identification
The can be distinguished from related polideine genera by features of the male terminalia, particularly the structure of the and surstyli. Ostracophyto flavicaudalis is distinguished from O. aristalis by its yellowish caudal . Detailed external morphological characters distinguishing the genus from are not well documented in accessible literature.
Distribution
The has been recorded from the Neotropical region. Ostracophyto aristalis is known from Peru. Ostracophyto flavicaudalis is known from Rica.
Ecological Role
As tachinid flies, members of this likely function as of other insects, though specific records are not published.
Similar Taxa
- Other Polideini generaShares tribal characters including features of the male terminalia; distinguished by specific configurations of the surstyli and
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was described by Charles Howard Townsend in 1915. The second , O. flavicaudalis, was described by O'Hara in 2002, indicating the genus remained for nearly 90 years.
Etymology
The name appears to derive from Greek roots, possibly referring to shell-like (ostraco-) features of the phallus (phyto), though this interpretation is speculative.