Cephalops

Fallén, 1810

A of small flies in the Pipunculidae with distribution. are known to be endoparasitoids of planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). females locate by detecting substrate-borne vibrations produced by host calls. The genus contains over 150 described species, with new species continuing to be described from under-sampled regions.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cephalops: /ˈsɛfəlɒps/

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Distribution

distribution; recorded from all major biogeographic regions including the Palearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Australasian regions. Specific records include Colombia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Vermont).

Host Associations

  • Stenocranus minutus - endoparasitoidHemiptera: Delphacidae. association documented for Cephalops curtifrons; -level host range may be broader.

Life Cycle

Larval development occurs within the planthopper. flies emerge from the host body.

Behavior

females use phonotactic to locate , detecting and orienting toward substrate-borne vibrations produced by host planthopper calls.

Ecological Role

Endoparasitoid of planthoppers (Delphacidae), potentially contributing to regulation of .

Similar Taxa

  • SemicephalopsAlso in Pipunculidae with distribution and similar ; distinguished by genitalic characters and wing venation details.
  • BeckeriasWest-Palaearctic pipunculid sharing similar body plan; separated by wing venation and male genitalia characteristics.

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Sources and further reading