Psellidotus novella
Psellidotus novella is a soldier fly in the Stratiomyidae, Stratiomyinae. The Psellidotus belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini, a group characterized by aquatic larvae and that often exhibit striking patterns. Species in this genus are poorly known in the Neotropics, with most known only from original descriptions. The specific epithet "novella" suggests a relatively recent description, though detailed published information on this particular species remains limited.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psellidotus novella: /psɛliˈdoʊtəs ˈnɒvɛlə/
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Identification
Psellidotus are distinguished from the similar Hedriodiscus by subtle morphological characters that become difficult to separate in the Neotropics, particularly in South America. The genus is characterized by features typical of Stratiomyini, though specific diagnostic traits for P. novella are not well documented in accessible literature. in this genus may exhibit patterned with horizontal banding, a trait common in stratiomyine flies that is hypothesized to be associated with detection of horizontally polarized light.
Similar Taxa
- HedriodiscusExtremely similar ; the two are easily separable in the Nearctic Region but distinction becomes fuzzy in the Neotropics, especially South America.
- OdontomyiaNorth American with similar overall appearance to which Psellidotus has been compared; both belong to tribe Stratiomyini.
More Details
Taxonomic Context
The majority of in Psellidotus and Hedriodiscus in the Neotropics are very poorly known outside of their original descriptions. This reflects broader patterns of underdocumentation for Neotropical Diptera.
Visual Ecology
Stratiomyine often exhibit horizontal banding patterns on their , suggesting an ability to see horizontally polarized light similar to tabanid flies. This capability is common in aquatic insects and may assist in locating mates and suitable oviposition sites.