Psilota
Meigen, 1822
Psilota is a of small hoverflies in the Syrphidae. are characterized by black coloration, long wings, and the absence of a vena spuria—a wing feature present in most other hoverfly genera. The genus is most diverse in Australia, where 34 have been documented, though it also occurs in Europe and other regions. Larvae are known to feed on tree sap.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psilota: /ˈsaɪloʊtə/
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Identification
The lack of a vena spuria in the wing is diagnostic for this and separates it from nearly all other hoverfly genera. Small body size and black coloration are additional supporting characters, though these are shared with several other genera.
Images
Appearance
Small, predominantly black hoverflies with elongated wings. Distinguished from other syrphid by the absence of a vena spuria (a false that typically runs longitudinally through the wing in most hoverflies).
Distribution
Australia (34 documented ), with additional records from Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and likely broader distribution in suitable regions.
Diet
Larvae feed on tree sap.
Similar Taxa
- Other Syrphidae generaMost hoverfly possess a vena spuria in the wing, which Psilota lacks.
More Details
Species diversity
A 2020 revision of Australian Psilota recognized 34 , including 26 newly described species and one new country record. Six previously described species were synonymized under two .