Atylotus hyalicosta
Teskey, 1984
Atylotus hyalicosta is a of horse fly ( Tabanidae) described by Teskey in 1984. It belongs to the Atylotus, a group of biting flies known for their robust build and large . Like other members of Tabanidae, females of this species likely require blood meals for development, while males feed on nectar and other sugar sources. The species is poorly documented in public literature, with only one observation recorded on iNaturalist.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Atylotus hyalicosta: //ˌætɪˈloʊtəs ˌhaɪəliˈkɒstə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Specific diagnostic features for A. hyalicosta are not documented in available sources. Members of Atylotus generally exhibit a prominent with distinct thoracic stripes and clear or lightly tinted wings. The specific epithet "hyalicosta" suggests hyaline (clear, glassy) costal wing structures, though this interpretation requires verification. Accurate identification likely requires examination of male genitalia or other microscopic characters per standard tabanid .
Distribution
Distribution data for this is sparse. The single iNaturalist observation provides insufficient geographic coverage. The Atylotus occurs primarily in the Holarctic region, with some species extending into the Oriental region.
Human Relevance
As a member of Tabanidae, A. hyalicosta may act as a biting pest and potential mechanical of if female encounter humans or livestock. The impact is likely localized due to limited known distribution.
Similar Taxa
- Other Atylotus speciesShare -level characters including thoracic patterning and general body plan; require genitalic or wing venation details for separation.
- Tabanus speciesOverlapping in size and general horse fly ; distinguished by Atylotus having a more prominent, forward-projecting and specific wing patterns.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Described relatively recently (1984) by Canadian dipterist Harold J. Teskey, this remains poorly represented in biological databases and literature. The original description appeared in a monographic treatment of Nearctic Tabanidae.