Orthonevra bellula
(Williston, 1882)
Three-lined Mucksucker
Orthonevra bellula is a rare of in the Syrphidae. The species was first described by Williston in 1882 as Chrysogater bellulus, with a later designated. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extend into the Neotropical region. are commonly found on flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Orthonevra bellula: /ɔrˈθɒnɛvrə ˈbɛl.jʊ.lə/
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Identification
As a member of the Orthonevra, O. bellula belongs to a group of small commonly called "mucksuckers." The specific epithet "bellula" and "Three-lined Mucksucker" suggest distinctive thoracic striping, though precise diagnostic characters for this versus require examination of and detailed morphological study. The species has been diagnosed in taxonomic revisions alongside O. nitida and O. nitidula as Nearctic species with Neotropical distribution.
Images
Distribution
Nearctic region, extending into the Neotropical region. The has been documented in Southern California.
Diet
feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.
Life Cycle
of the Orthonevra are of the rat-tailed , with an extendable . Larvae of O. bellula specifically have not been described.
Behavior
are flower visitors. Like other , they are capable of remaining nearly motionless in .
Ecological Role
As flower visitors, likely function as . Larval is unknown for this , though rat-tailed in related are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic matter.
Similar Taxa
- Orthonevra nitidaAnother Nearctic extending into the Neotropical region; diagnosed alongside O. bellula in taxonomic revisions
- Orthonevra nitidulaThird Nearctic with Neotropical distribution; forms a with O. bellula and O. nitida
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Chrysogater bellulus by Williston in 1882. A was designated in the 2021 revision of Neotropical Orthonevra. The is part of a complex of three Nearctic species (O. bellula, O. nitida, O. nitidula) that extend into the Neotropical region.
Conservation Status
Described as a rare in the original Wikipedia source, though quantitative data is not available.