Nemopoda
Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830
Species Guides
1- Nemopoda nitidula(black scavenger fly)
Nemopoda is a of flies in the Sepsidae, commonly known as black scavenger flies. The genus contains at least five described , including the well-studied Nemopoda nitidula. Members of this genus are characterized by their black bodies, , and association with decaying organic matter. They are distributed across tropical and temperate regions, with notable presence in Europe.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nemopoda: //nɛˈmɒpədə//
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Images
Habitat
Damp and cool locations such as woodlands and areas with vegetation cover. within this have been observed in environments where decaying organic matter accumulates.
Distribution
Widespread in tropical and temperate regions. In Europe, highest records occur in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Distribution varies based on altitude, humidity, temperature, wind velocity, and seasonal factors. Confirmed records exist from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Diet
Animal and decomposing plant and animal remains. Can utilize various substrates derived from decaying faeces, carrion, vegetation, and fungi.
Host Associations
- Vickermania spadyakhi - A parasitic trypanosomatid flagellate found in the of Nemopoda nitidula
Behavior
Sexual in Nemopoda nitidula involves males using sexually dimorphic forelegs for positioning, mounting, clamping, and copulation. Females can dislodge males or halt copulation attempts through vigorous shaking and other resistance strategies.
Ecological Role
Ecologically relevant in microbial and nutrient cycling through consumption and processing of decaying organic matter.
Human Relevance
of Nemopoda nitidula has been sequenced, achieving Earth BioGenome Project reference standard 6.C.60 with high assembly quality (QV 60.3, k-mer completeness 100%, BUSCO completeness 97.9%).
Similar Taxa
- Other Sepsidae generaNemopoda can be distinguished by its spherical , , and -like black body with red and pale-yellow front legs in N. nitidula; male foreleg modifications are also distinctive.
More Details
Genome assembly statistics
Nemopoda nitidula assembly from a single specimen: total length 178.40 Mb, 99.2% scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, mitochondrial genome 15.98 kb. Specimen collected from Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, UK.
Species diversity
The includes Nemopoda ealaensis (Vanschuytbroeck, 1962), Nemopoda induans (Walker, 1861), Nemopoda mamaevi (Ozerov, 1997), Nemopoda nitidula (Fallén, 1820), and Nemopoda pectinulata (Loew, 1873).