Palpada
Palpada
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Syrphidae
- Subfamily: Eristalinae
- Tribe: Eristalini
- Subtribe: Eristalina
- Genus: Palpada
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Palpada: //ˈpæl.pə.də//
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Images
Summary
Palpada is a genus of hoverflies distinguished by their colorful appearance and specific morphological features that separate them from closely related genera like Eristalis. They inhabit aquatic environments during their larval stages, with adults being important pollinators.
Physical Characteristics
The genus is characterized by colorful and bee-like appearances, with specific features such as eyes with uniform pile, fine pale hairs on the meron in front of or below the spiracle, a basal patch of dense black setulae on the hind femur, and a closed cell r2+3 before the wing margin. The R4+5 vein is moderately to strongly dipped into cell r4+5.
Identification Tips
Palpada can be distinguished from Eristalis by its more colorful thorax and abdomen, different wing venation patterns, and slight differences in head structure.
Habitat
Palpada larvae are typically found in aquatic environments, particularly in low oxygen waters.
Distribution
This genus is predominantly found in the New World, mostly in the Neotropical region, with year-round presence in Florida. There are 11 species noted in the area and a total of 85 species known overall.
Diet
The larvae have mouthparts adapted for filtering suspended food from the water, while adults are likely nectar feeders as is common in hoverflies.
Ecosystem Role
As flower flies or hoverflies, they play essential roles in pollination and as larvae, they contribute to aquatic nutrient cycles.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Palpada
- hoverfly
- flower fly
- syrphidae
- Neotropical