Pteromicra
Lioy, 1864
snail-killing flies
Species Guides
2Pteromicra is a of marsh flies in the Sciomyzidae, commonly known as snail-killing flies. The genus contains six described distributed in the Palearctic region. Larvae are aquatic specialized in killing and consuming freshwater snails, placing this genus among the agents of gastropod .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pteromicra: //tɪəroʊˈmaɪkrə//
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Identification
Members of Pteromicra can be distinguished from other Sciomyzidae by characters detailed in taxonomic revisions of Palearctic ; specific diagnostic features require examination of and stages. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision distinguishing six species: P. angustipennis, P. glabricula, P. leucopeza, P. oldenbergi, P. pectorosa, and P. zariae.
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Habitat
Aquatic and semi-aquatic freshwater environments associated with snail . are defined by the presence of freshwater gastropods that serve as larval prey.
Distribution
Palearctic region. Distribution records from GBIF indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Diet
Predatory; larvae kill and consume freshwater snails (Gastropoda). feeding habits are not documented in available sources.
Host Associations
- freshwater snails (Gastropoda) - preylarval development occurs in association with snail ; larvae are specialized snail-killers
Life Cycle
Holometabolous development with described , larval, pupal, and stages. stages have been taxonomically described. Larvae develop in proximity to snail . Specific timing of developmental stages is not documented in available sources.
Behavior
Larvae exhibit specialized snail-killing characteristic of the Sciomyzidae. Oviposition occurs in proximity to snail . behavior patterns are not documented in available sources.
Ecological Role
Predatory regulation of freshwater gastropod . Functions as a agent of snail in aquatic .
Similar Taxa
- other Sciomyzidae generashare -level characteristics of snail-killing larval ; distinguished by -specific morphological characters of and stages as detailed in taxonomic revisions
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Lioy in 1864. A comprehensive taxonomic revision of Palearctic was published in 1970, providing descriptions of stages and biological documentation. The most recently described species, P. zariae, was added in 2018.