Copestylum lentum
Williston, 1887
Copestylum lentum is a of syrphid fly in the Syrphidae. have been recorded from California, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Mexico. Larvae are saprophytic, developing in decaying platyclades of Opuntia cacti. The species has been reared from larvae collected in Veracruz, Mexico, and its stages and feeding have been described in relation to cephalopharyngeal skeleton .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Copestylum lentum: //koʊˈpɛstɪləm ˈlɛntəm//
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Habitat
Larvae develop in decaying platyclades (flattened stem segments) of Opuntia cacti. associations are not well documented beyond general geographic occurrence.
Distribution
United States (California, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas) and Mexico (Veracruz, and other regions).
Diet
Larvae are saprophytic, feeding on decaying cactus tissue. diet is not documented.
Host Associations
- Opuntia - larval development in decaying platycladesCactaceae; specific Opuntia not identified in available sources
Life Cycle
Larvae develop in decaying Opuntia platyclades. have been described. Complete duration and details of are not documented.
Behavior
Larval feeding has been analyzed in relation to cephalopharyngeal skeleton . behaviors are not documented.
Ecological Role
Saprophytic decomposer in decaying cactus material, contributing to nutrient cycling in cactus-dominated .
More Details
Research history
The stages of Copestylum lentum were formally described in a 2001 study in European Journal of Entomology, which also provided the first detailed analysis of larval feeding in this .