Meromacrus
Meromacrus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Syrphidae
- Subfamily: Eristalinae
- Tribe: Eristalini
- Subtribe: Eristalina
- Genus: Meromacrus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Meromacrus: /mɛ.ˈroʊ.mə.krəs/
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Summary
Meromacrus is a genus of 43 neotropical and nearctic flower flies or hoverflies, with distinctive physical characteristics and larvae that inhabit aquatic environments.
Physical Characteristics
Mesonotum and abdomen mostly dark, with yellow markings of short, squamose pile; wings darkened anteriorly, distinctly so on apical half of anterior border; deep dip in the vein R4+5.
Identification Tips
M. acutus can be distinguished by its second abdominal segment being black and a black facial stripe. M. draco has a reddish-brown second abdominal segment with a reddish-brown facial stripe. M. croceatus is pale brownish-orange with yellow tomentum, while M. gloriosus has wholly light orange-red legs.
Habitat
Aquatic environments, as larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" and are found in such habitats.
Distribution
New World, mostly neotropical; found in southeastern U.S. and extending down to Panama.
Diet
Adults are flower flies or hoverflies; likely feed on nectar and pollen as with other members of the Syrphidae family.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes aquatic larval stages known as rat-tailed maggots, primarily occurring from May to September for species such as M. acutus.
Ecosystem Role
Pollinators, as they feed on nectar and likely provide important pollination services.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Diptera
- Syrphidae
- Eristalinae
- Eristalini
- Hoverflies