Meromacrus gloriosus
Hull, 1941
Glorious Elegant
Meromacrus gloriosus is a large syrphid fly described from Mexico in 1941. It exhibits mimicry through bold black and yellow coloration. The has been recorded across the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Meromacrus gloriosus: /ˌmɛroʊˈmækrəs glɔːriˈoʊsəs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Meromacrus and similar syrphids by the combination of: curved hind tibia; yellow-tinged basal wing with brownish margin; sulphur-yellow mesonotal markings including continuous line at transverse and pre-scutellar fascia; and abdominal pattern of orange-red with black areas and sulphur-yellow pile markings. The 14 mm length and -mimic coloration separate it from smaller or differently patterned hoverflies.
Images
Distribution
Originally described from Mexico. Recorded in Texas and New Mexico in the United States. Distribution appears to span the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Behavior
Exhibits mimicry in appearance, presumably as defensive .
Similar Taxa
- Other Meromacrus speciesShare -level characteristics including robust build and mimicry; distinguished by specific wing coloration, abdominal pattern, and hind tibia curvature.
- Vespula and Polistes waspsMimicked in general appearance; distinguished by single pair of wings, , and fly-specific including large and short .
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Frank Hull in 1941 based on Mexican material.