Chrysotoxum perplexum
Johnson, 1924
Black-legged Meadow Fly
Chrysotoxum perplexum is a North American hoverfly (Syrphidae) measuring approximately 12 mm in length. exhibit strong mimicry in coloration and . The occurs in northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chrysotoxum perplexum: //ˌkrɪsəˈtɒksəm pərˈplɛksəm//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Chrysotoxum by the combination of: facial structure; scutellum with broad black transverse band and narrow yellow margins; specific abdominal banding pattern with narrowly interrupted arcuate bands and characteristic marginal band shape on segments 3-4; dipped wing R4+5; and dark brown bases of front and middle . The V-shaped mark on the fifth abdominal segment and curved elongated spots are additional diagnostic features.
Appearance
measure approximately 12 mm in length. The is convex with a prominent at the lower end of the facial stripe. The vertex and front are black, with the upper part of the front whitish pollinose. have the first joint longer than the second, and the third joint slightly longer than the first and second combined; the is reddish. The scutellum bears a broad transverse black band with narrow yellow margins at base and apex. Abdominal patterning includes yellow lateral sides on the first segment, arcuate bands on segments 2-4 that are narrowly interrupted, with bands on segments 2 and 3 extending to the lateral margin. The second segment has an entirely black margin; segments 3 and 4 have narrow yellow posterior marginal bands laterally that expand medially, widest on segment 4. Segment 5 has two curved elongated spots with a small central triangle, leaving a broad V-shaped mark. Wing R4+5 is distinctly dipped into r4+5, and the costal margin is brown. The base of the front and middle are dark brown.
Distribution
Northeastern North America. United States: Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Maine, Virginia, West Virginia. Canada: Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan.
Behavior
are strong mimics of .
Ecological Role
Larvae of the Chrysotoxum are when known.
Similar Taxa
- Other Chrysotoxum speciesShare -level characteristics of mimicry and general body form; distinguished by specific abdominal patterning, scutellum markings, and wing venation details described for C. perplexum
More Details
Taxonomic Note
GBIF lists this as a synonym of Chrysotoxum plumeum, while Catalogue of Life and NCBI recognize it as accepted. This indicates ongoing taxonomic uncertainty that may affect identification resources.