Aptilotus
Mik, 1898
Aptilotus is a of small flies in the Sphaeroceridae (lesser dung flies), established by Mik in 1898. The genus contains both (fully winged) and brachypterous (short-winged) . Taxonomic revisions have described new species from North America and Nepal, and have synonymized the genus Minocellina with Aptilotus. Species-level identification relies primarily on male genitalic .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aptilotus: /æpˈtɪloʊtəs/
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Identification
Members of Aptilotus can be distinguished from other Limosininae by genitalic characters, particularly features of the male phallus and surstyli. have fully developed wings; brachyptery has been documented in at least one species (A. luctuosus). The genus Minocellina has been synonymized with Aptilotus based on morphological similarity.
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Distribution
North America; Nepal; Thailand; Ethiopia. The has a disjunct distribution with documented in the Nearctic and Oriental regions.
Similar Taxa
- MinocellinaSynonymized with Aptilotus; formerly recognized as a separate but now included within Aptilotus based on morphological evidence.
- Limosina Limosina carbonicolor was transferred to Aptilotus; historically confused due to similar small body size and reduced wing venation typical of Sphaeroceridae.
More Details
Wing dimorphism
The exhibits both and brachypterous forms. Brachyptery was first noted in A. luctuosus, suggesting potential ecological or environmental correlates with wing reduction.
Taxonomic history
Minocellina Papp was synonymized with Aptilotus, with A. thaii and A. besucheti transferred as new combinations. Limosina carbonicolor from Ethiopia was also transferred to Aptilotus.