Lycastrirhyncha

Bigot, 1859

neotropical flower flies, neotropical hoverflies

Species Guides

Lycastrirhyncha nitens

Lycastrirhyncha is a of neotropical hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising five described . The genus was established by Bigot in 1859 with L. nitens as the type species. At least one species, L. nitens, has been documented as a flower visitor in wetland , where it forages on Pontederia sagittata inflorescences. Observations indicate temporal variation in foraging correlated with nectar availability.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lycastrirhyncha: /ˌlaɪkæstrɪˈrɪŋkə/

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Habitat

Wetland and aquatic environments where Pontederia sagittata (arrowhead water hyacinth) occurs; at least one has been observed at disturbed sites with this vegetation.

Distribution

Neotropical region. Specific range details beyond this broad biogeographic designation are not documented in available sources.

Diet

of L. nitens have been observed feeding on nectar from Pontederia sagittata inflorescences.

Behavior

Foraging on Pontederia sagittata flowers varies temporally in relation to nectar availability. Observed sharing floral resources with Apis mellifera.

Ecological Role

Flower visitor and of Pontederia sagittata; potential competitor with Apis mellifera for nectar resources at shared foraging sites.

More Details

Species composition

The contains five described : L. mexicana Curran, 1930; L. nitens Bigot, 1859 (type species); L. quinta Doesburg, 1963; L. titillans Hull, 1944; and L. willistonii Coquillett, 1902.

Research limitations

Available literature focuses primarily on L. nitens; ecological data for other in the appears absent from published sources.