Acrotaeniini
Foote, Blanc & Norrbom, 1993
Acrotaeniini fruit flies
Genus Guides
1Acrotaeniini is a tribe of tephritid fruit flies within the Tephritinae, established by Foote, Blanc & Norrbom in 1993. The tribe comprises eleven distributed primarily in the New World, including the well-known genus Tomoplagia. Members are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and are associated with various plants. The tribe has been documented in at least 601 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate field recognition.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrotaeniini: //ˌækrəˌtiːniˈaɪnaɪ//
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Identification
Acrotaeniini can be distinguished from other Tephritinae tribes by combinations of wing venation patterns, chaetotaxy (bristle arrangement), and male genitalic structures. within the tribe often share reduced wing bands and modified surstyli. Specific identification to genus level requires examination of wing pattern details, chaetotaxy, and in males, the structure of the phallus and associated genitalic components. The genus Tomoplagia is notably diverse and may require dissection for definitive identification.
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Distribution
The tribe is primarily distributed in the New World, with occurring in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Individual genera show varying distributions: Tomoplagia is widespread in the Americas, while other genera such as Acrotaenia and Baryplegma have more restricted ranges. The exact distribution boundaries for the tribe as a whole remain incompletely documented.
Similar Taxa
- CarpomyiniBoth are tribes within Tephritinae with similar body plans and wing patterns; Carpomyini typically has more extensive wing banding and different male genitalic structures.
- EuphrantiniShares Tephritinae but differs in wing venation details and larval associations; Euphrantini larvae often develop in stems rather than flower .
- TephritiniThe nominate tribe of Tephritinae, distinguished by different wing pattern formulas and typically more complex banding patterns.
More Details
Genera composition
The tribe contains eleven recognized : Acrotaenia, Acrotaeniacantha, Acrotaeniostola, Baryplegma, Caenoriata, Euarestopsis, Neotaracia, Polionota, Pseudopolionota, Tetreuaresta, and Tomoplagia. The genus Tomoplagia is particularly -rich and has been subject to taxonomic revision.
Taxonomic history
The tribe was formally established by Foote, Blanc & Norrbom in 1993 as part of a comprehensive classification of Tephritidae, based on phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters.