Sericomyia slossonae
Curran, 1934
Slosson's Pond Fly
Sericomyia slossonae is a of hoverfly ( Syrphidae) in the tribe Milesiini. The Sericomyia is part of the group commonly known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their larvae possessing an extensible breathing siphon. Larvae of Sericomyia species are known to inhabit bog mat pools. are that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species was described by Curran in 1934 and is accepted as valid.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sericomyia slossonae: /ˌsɛrɪkoʊˈmaɪə slɑːˈsoʊsəˌneɪ/
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Habitat
Larvae of Sericomyia live mostly in bog mat pools, a specific type of acidic, waterlogged with accumulated organic matter. The bog mat pool environment provides the low-oxygen, organic-rich aquatic conditions that the rat-tailed maggot is adapted for.
Diet
Larvae filter bacteria and other microbes from organic matter in water. feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.
Life Cycle
The larval stage possesses an extensible breathing siphon (the "rat-tail") that connects to the water surface, allowing respiration in low-oxygen aquatic environments. Upon reaching maturity, the larva seeks dry land to pupate. The pupal capsule is hard and resembles a tiny mouse in shape.
Behavior
Larvae remain submerged in aquatic while maintaining constant connection to the water surface via their extensible breathing siphon. are active .
Ecological Role
Larvae contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling in bog by filtering microbes from organic matter. serve as of wildflowers.
Human Relevance
may contribute to pollination of wildflowers in natural . The larvae are not commonly encountered by humans due to their specialized bog habitat.
Similar Taxa
- Sericomyia silentisCongeneric with similar bog-dwelling larval and ; distinguished by specific morphological details and geographic distribution
- Eristalis tenaxShares the rat-tailed maggot larval form with long siphon, but occupies different aquatic (putrid standing water, urban environments) and has different appearance
- Chrysogaster speciesRat-tailed maggots with notably shorter breathing siphons, typically found along pond edges and among emergent vegetation rather than bog mat pools
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet "slossonae" honors a person, following the Latin genitive case; the "Slosson's Pond Fly" reflects this dedication.