Lepidomyia
Loew, 1864
Species Guides
1- Lepidomyia micheneri(Michner's Scaleback)
Lepidomyia is a of hoverflies in the Syrphidae, tribe Brachyopini. The genus was established by Loew in 1864 and contains approximately eight described . These flies belong to the Eristalinae, a group known for diverse larval habits including saprophagy and inquilinism. The genus is found in the Americas, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lepidomyia: /ˌlɛpɪdoʊˈmaɪə/
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Identification
Lepidomyia can be distinguished from other Brachyopini by combinations of abdominal color patterns and wing venation. The name refers to -like (lepidos) features, likely alluding to thoracic or abdominal scaling. Species-level identification relies on examination of male terminalia and detailed pattern of abdominal tergites. L. trilineata is named for three longitudinal lines on the ; L. abdominalis and L. cincta show distinct banding patterns.
Distribution
Recorded from the Americas: southern United States (Texas, Arizona), Mexico, Central America, and South America. Specific country records vary by . GBIF and iNaturalist observations cluster in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Ecological Role
are likely of flowers, as is common in Syrphidae. Larval habits are unknown for most ; related Brachyopini include in social insect nests and saprophagous species in decaying organic matter.
Similar Taxa
- BrachyopaBoth belong to tribe Brachyopini and share similar body plans, but Brachyopa is primarily Palearctic while Lepidomyia is Neotropical/Nearctic.
- CrioproraAnother Brachyopini with overlapping distribution; distinguished by wing venation details and male genitalia structure.
More Details
Etymology
From Greek 'lepidos' () + 'myia' (fly), referring to scale-like body features.
Species diversity
Eight currently recognized: L. abdominalis, L. calopus, L. cincta, L. lugens, L. micheneri, L. ortalina, L. strigosellacola, and L. trilineata. L. calopus is the type species.