Tritoxa decipiens
Sinclair, MacLeod & Wheeler, 2021
Tritoxa decipiens is a of picture-winged fly in the Ulidiidae, described in 2021 from a type locality near Smithers, British Columbia. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic Tritoxa, including two species newly described in the same revision. The species can be differentiated from by wing patterns, though examination of male genitalia is required for confident identification of certain sympatric species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tritoxa decipiens: /tɹɪˈtɒksə dɪˈsɪpi͡ənz/
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Identification
Wing patterns are the primary means of distinguishing Tritoxa decipiens from other Tritoxa . However, for confident identification where species occur sympatrically, examination of male genitalia is necessary. The species was described based on morphological characters distinguishing it from T. cuneata, T. flexa, T. incurva, T. pollinosa, T. ra, and the other newly described species T. californica.
Distribution
Known from the type locality near Smithers, British Columbia. The Tritoxa is Nearctic in distribution, and this occurs within that range.
Similar Taxa
- Tritoxa californicaNewly described in same 2021 revision; both are recently recognized requiring genital examination for confident separation from
- Tritoxa cuneataLonger-known congeneric with which T. decipiens may occur sympatrically; wing patterns overlap, necessitating genital examination for confident identification
- Tritoxa flexaWidespread congeneric that may co-occur; distinguished primarily by wing pattern and confirmed by male genitalia
- Tritoxa incurvaCongeneric potentially overlapping in distribution; requires careful morphological comparison
- Tritoxa pollinosaConifer-associated congeneric ; wing patterns must be compared for differentiation
- Tritoxa raCongeneric with which T. decipiens may be confused based on wing patterns alone