Sepedon gracilicornis
Orth, 1986
snail-killing fly
Sepedon gracilicornis is a of snail-killing fly in the Sciomyzidae, described by Orth in 1986. It belongs to a of approximately twenty North American species whose larvae are obligate of aquatic pulmonate snails. The species has been documented through limited observations, with records indicating presence in wetland and aquatic edge .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sepedon gracilicornis: /sɛˈpiːdɒn ɡræˌsɪlɪˈkɔːrnɪs/
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Habitat
Aquatic and semi-aquatic environments including pond margins, stream banks, drainage ditches, and marshy areas with emergent vegetation.
Distribution
North America; specific range details are limited due to the ' relatively recent description and limited survey effort.
Seasonality
have been observed active in late winter (February), with documented for the .
Host Associations
- aquatic pulmonate snails - Larvae are obligate of air-breathing aquatic snails without , based on -level
Ecological Role
of aquatic snails; potential biocontrol agent for snail intermediate of schistosomes and liver flukes, though field trials have shown mixed results.
Human Relevance
Member of a investigated for of medically and economically important snail-borne , including schistosomiasis and livestock liver fluke .
Similar Taxa
- Sepedon scapularisShared with similar larval and preferences; distinguished by morphological characters including leg and antennal features
- other Sepedon speciesTwenty recognized in North America, distinguished by species groupings based on shared morphological characteristics and male genitalia
More Details
Taxonomic context
Placed in Sepedon groups based on shared characteristics with ; male specimens distinguished by bowed hind tibia and swollen, toothed hind used in mating embrace.
Conservation status
Insufficient data available for assessment; not formally evaluated.