Odontomyia pubescens
Day, 1882
Odontomyia pubescens is a of soldier fly in the Stratiomyidae, described by Day in 1882. The Odontomyia is part of the Stratiomyinae, whose larvae are known to be aquatic. of related species often exhibit patterned that may be adapted for detecting horizontally polarized light, a trait associated with aquatic lifestyles in insects. This species has been recorded from the United States and Canada.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Odontomyia pubescens: /oʊˌdɒntəˈmaɪə pjuˈbɛsns/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of the Odontomyia can be distinguished from similar genera in the tribe Stratiomyini by specific morphological characters of the and . The specific epithet "pubescens" suggests a densely hairy or pubescent body covering. For definitive -level identification, examination of male terminalia and comparison with is typically required, as species within Odontomyia are morphologically similar.
Distribution
United States (including Vermont) and Canada.
Ecological Role
As a member of Stratiomyinae, the larval stage is likely aquatic and may contribute to nutrient cycling in freshwater . soldier flies in this are often found near water and may serve as .
Similar Taxa
- Psellidotus spp.Psellidotus is a closely related in the same tribe Stratiomyini, with that are very similar in general appearance to Odontomyia. In the Nearctic region these genera are more easily separable, but distinction becomes more difficult in the Neotropics.
- Hedriodiscus spp.Hedriodiscus is another in the Stratiomyini that resembles Odontomyia, and the two genera are easily separable in the Nearctic but distinction becomes fuzzy in the Neotropics, particularly in South America.
More Details
Taxonomic context
Odontomyia pubescens belongs to a of soldier flies that are part of the diverse tribe Stratiomyini. The Stratiomyinae is characterized by aquatic larvae, a trait that distinguishes it from many other soldier fly subfamilies.
Visual adaptations
Many stratiomyine flies, including in Odontomyia, exhibit strikingly patterned with horizontal banding. This pattern suggests an ability to detect horizontally polarized light, which has been demonstrated in related aquatic insects such as tabanids and may function in locating water surfaces for mating and oviposition.