Platycheirus kelloggi
(Snow, 1895)
Broad-bodied Sedgesitter
Platycheirus kelloggi is a rare of hoverfly ( Syrphidae) to western North America. The species is distinguished by its broad, oval with dull orange spots and distinctive leg in males. It has been documented from Alaska south to southern California and in the Rocky Mountains, including Canada.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Platycheirus kelloggi: //ˌplætɪˈkaɪərəs ˈkɛləɡi//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Platycheirus by the combination of: broad oval with dull orange spots extending to edges on segments 3 and 4; male front orange with blackish stripe and distinctive long, fine, dense pale hairs becoming shorter apically, overlaid with two to three longer, stronger black hairs with strongly curved ends; middle femur orange with narrow black basal section on surface and irregular rows of strong stiff white or black hairs. The wing venation pattern with bare c and largely bare cell bm is also diagnostic. The species name honors Vernon Lyman Kellogg.
Appearance
Males have a lightly dusted gray with a small shiny . The bears dense, relatively long hairs. are mostly black with the first flagellomere orange below. The and scutellum are shining with long white or yellowish hairs; sides have slight gray dusting with similar long hairs. The is oval with dull orange spots covered in strong pollen; spots on segment 2 are , while spots on segments 3 and 4 extend to the edge. Wings have c bare on its basal third to three-quarters, and cell bm bare except at the tip and along the front half of the rear margin. The halter knob is yellow.
Habitat
Associated with sedge , as suggested by its . Specific microhabitat requirements are poorly documented, but the has been collected in montane and coastal regions.
Distribution
Western North America: USA from Alaska south to southern California, Rocky Mountains, and Canada. The is considered rare throughout its range.
Similar Taxa
- Other Platycheirus speciesMany Platycheirus share similar general . P. kelloggi is distinguished by its broader and the specific leg hair patterns described for males, particularly the curved black hairs on the front .
- Melanostoma speciesOriginally described in Melanostoma; Platycheirus generally have more complex male leg modifications and different abdominal spot patterns.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Melanostoma kelloggi by Snow in 1895, later transferred to Platycheirus. The basionym is Melanostoma kelloggi Snow, 1895.
Rarity
Considered a rare with only 2 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff, reflecting its limited detection and potentially narrow requirements or low .