Allograpta

Osten Sacken, 1875

Streaktails

Species Guides

Allograpta exotica(Exotic Streaktail)
Allograpta obliqua(oblique streaktail)
Allograpta radiata(Y-shaped Streaktail)

Allograpta is a large and diverse of hoverflies in the Syrphidae. are brightly colored flower visitors that serve as . Most larvae are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied sternorrhynchans such as aphids. The genus is except for most of the Palearctic region. Taxonomic revision is ongoing, with molecular and morphological studies indicating the genus is monophyletic but contains embedded genera that complicate classification.

Allograpta obliqua by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Allograpta obliqua by (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr. Used under a CC-BY license.

Allograpta exotica by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Allograpta: //ˌæ.loʊˈɡræp.tə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Members of Allograpta can be distinguished from similar hoverfly by a combination of morphological characters, though precise identification often requires examination of thoracic characters on lateral and portions. The genus is frequently confused with Toxomerus and Episyrphus, particularly in the Neotropics where diversity is high and the group is relatively understudied. -level identification is challenging and may require specialized keys or expert examination.

Images

Habitat

Occurs in diverse environments including agricultural and horticultural crops, agro-ecological sites, and natural vegetation. are associated with flowering plants. Larvae have been collected from strawberry crops and other settings with abundant prey .

Distribution

Widely distributed throughout the Americas from the United States to Argentine Patagonia. Present throughout most of the world except most of the Palearctic region. Specific records include Vermont (USA), various locations in the United States, and the Horticultural Green Belt of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Diet

feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae are primarily predatory on soft-bodied sternorrhynchans, especially aphids. Allograpta exotica has been documented consuming Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and Frankliniella gemina (), with second instars showing particularly high consumption of thrips. Some have divergent larval habits including leaf-mining, stem-boring, or pollen-feeding.

Life Cycle

Development includes , three larval instars, pupa, and stages. Female flies lay eggs in or near colonies. Larvae progress through three instars before pupating; the pupa is a convex pear-shaped structure attached to leaves, stems, or other substrates.

Behavior

are capable of hovering and are active flower visitors. Larvae are cryptic that may be difficult to detect, resembling discolored patches on leaves or other plant debris. Allograpta exotica has been described as a voracious predator with potential for applications.

ToxomerusBoth are diverse, common in the Neotropics, and relatively understudied; specimens can be confused without careful examination of thoracic characters
Episyrphus appear similar in coloration and pattern; however, Episyrphus is primarily an Old World , and E. balteatus is distinguished by secondary black bands on the 3rd and 4th abdominal
SphaerophoriaMolecular studies indicate this may be nested within Allograpta, complicating taxonomic boundaries
ExallandraPreliminary phylogenetic studies suggest this is placed within Allograpta, indicating potential paraphyly issues