Rhagio dichromaticus

Chillcott, 1965

Rhagio dichromaticus is a of snipe fly described by J.G. Chillcott in 1965. It is distinguished from by its extremely dark coloration. The species was described from Louisiana and is one of three new species recognized in Chillcott's revision of eastern Nearctic Rhagio species. As a member of the Rhagionidae, it belongs to a group of predatory or scavenging flies whose larvae typically inhabit moist soil or decaying organic matter.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhagio dichromaticus: /ˈreɪɡioʊ daɪˌkroʊˈmætɪkəs/

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

Identification

Distinguished from all other eastern Nearctic Rhagio by its extremely dark coloration. The specific epithet 'dichromaticus' refers to this distinctive dark pigmentation. For definitive identification, reference to Chillcott's 1965 revision and comparison with type material is necessary.

Distribution

Known only from Louisiana, based on the original description. No additional distribution records have been confirmed from available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Rhagio hirtusSimilar dark coloration; R. dichromaticus distinguished by even darker pigmentation and different thoracic and abdominal coloration
  • Rhagio orestesAnother dark-colored described in same revision, but from Great Smoky Mountains and with darker and than R. hirtus rather than uniformly dark coloration of R. dichromaticus

Tags

Sources and further reading