Blera scitula
(Williston, 1882)
Western Wood Fly
Blera scitula, commonly known as the western wood , is a first described by Williston in 1882. It is an uncommon Nearctic species found along the western coastal area of North America. are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen, while are of the rat-tailed , developing in tree rot holes or feeding on exuding sap.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Blera scitula: /ˈblɛ.ra ˈskɪ.tu.la/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar by the combination of: bold abdominal spotting pattern with large forward-directed spots on 2 and broad on segment 3; aeneous with specific yellow pattern (bright yellow before transverse , on margins, and in of ); yellow with prominent rounded ; and red . Male separate it from females and some related . The specific with R4+5 almost straight and first provides additional diagnostic characters. were described by Metcalf (1921) for definitive identification.
Images
Habitat
Associated with woodland environments where larval development occurs in tree rot holes or on exuding sap. activity centered around flowers in these wooded .
Distribution
Nearctic region, restricted to the western coastal area of North America.
Diet
feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. feed on exuding sap or in rot holes of trees.
Life Cycle
are of the rat-tailed , a morphological for respiration in liquid or semi-liquid substrates. Development occurs in tree rot holes or on exuding sap.
Behavior
exhibit hovering typical of . Commonly found around and on flowers.
Ecological Role
function as through flower visitation. contribute to in decaying wood environments.
Similar Taxa
- Other Blera speciesShare -level traits including rat-tailed and similar overall ; require examination of abdominal spot patterns, thoracic coloration, and male for separation.
- Other Milesiini with yellow-spotted abdomensSimilar color patterns occur in related syrphine ; B. scitula distinguished by specific combination of thoracic pattern, structure, and .
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Criorhina scitula by Williston in 1882; later transferred to Blera.
Genitalia description
Male were described by Metcalf in 1921, providing important diagnostic characters for identification.