Otitinae

Otitinae is a of within the , formerly treated as the separate family . The group comprises approximately 50 distributed across three tribes: Cephaliini, Myennidini, and Otitini. Most are herbivorous or , with some exhibiting psammophilous (sand-loving) habits. The subfamily is distinguished from similar groups by specific characters.

Callopistromyia annulipes by (c) Toby, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Toby. Used under a CC-BY license.Otitinae by (c) katunchik, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by katunchik. Used under a CC-BY license.Pseudotephritis corticalis by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Otitinae: //oʊˈtɪtɪniː//

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Identification

Distinguished from by the smoothly curving subcostal (Tephritidae have an angled or interrupted subcostal vein). The elongated projection of the is shared with Tephritidae but the pattern differs. Within , Otitinae is distinguished from Ulidiinae by the combination of characters and general coloration.

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Habitat

Coastal sand dunes for psammophilous such as Tetanops myopina; inland sandpits for some . Specific preferences for most species are poorly documented.

Distribution

Widespread across multiple continents based on -level records; documented from Europe including the Czech Republic (Tetanops myopina), with coastal distributions along the Irish Sea, North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Atlantic Ocean (Ireland and Wales) for some .

Diet

Most herbivorous or .

Behavior

Psammophily (sand-loving ) has been documented in Tetanops myopina.

Similar Taxa

  • TephritidaeShares the elongated projection of the in the , but have an angled or interrupted subcostal rather than the smoothly curving subcostal vein of Otitinae.
  • UlidiinaeBoth are of ; Otitinae differs in details including the condition of R1 and subcostal vein structure.

More Details

Historical taxonomy

Formerly treated as the before reclassification as a of .

Tribal classification

Contains three recognized tribes: Cephaliini, Myennidini, and Otitini, plus several of uncertain placement (incertae sedis).

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Sources and further reading