Odontomyia profuscata
Steyskal, 1938
Odontomyia profuscata is a of soldier fly in the Stratiomyidae, described by Steyskal in 1938. The Odontomyia belongs to the Stratiomyinae, a group whose larvae are aquatic. in this genus often exhibit patterned with horizontal banding, a trait associated with detection of horizontally polarized light. This species occurs in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Odontomyia profuscata: //oʊˌdɒntəˈmaɪə proʊˈfʌskətə//
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Identification
Members of Odontomyia can be distinguished from related such as Psellidotus and Hedriodiscus by subtle morphological characters, though these distinctions become less clear in the Neotropics. Horizontal banding patterns on the , common in Stratiomyinae, may be present and are associated with aquatic detection. Specific diagnostic features for O. profuscata are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Larvae of the Stratiomyinae are aquatic. preferences for this are not specifically documented.
Distribution
Canada, United States.
Life Cycle
Larvae of the Stratiomyinae are aquatic. Specific details for O. profuscata are not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Psellidotus spp.Similar overall appearance to Odontomyia; distinguished by subtle morphological characters, though separation becomes difficult in the Neotropics.
- Hedriodiscus spp.Closely related with similar ; easily separable from Odontomyia in the Nearctic region but distinction becomes fuzzy in South America.
More Details
Eye patterning and polarized light vision
Many Stratiomyinae, including Odontomyia, exhibit horizontal banding patterns on the . This patterning is associated with the ability to detect horizontally polarized light, which has been demonstrated in related aquatic insects such as tabanids. This visual capability is thought to assist in locating water surfaces for oviposition and mate finding.