Symplecta
Meigen, 1830
Symplecta is a of in the , established by Meigen in 1830. The genus contains multiple subgenera, with subgenus Symplecta stricto comprising and partly Arctic distributed . Species-level within this group has undergone recent revision, with several species redescribed, new species described from Canada and Russia, and taxonomic synonyms resolved. The genus is characterized by distinctive male and female terminalia used for species identification.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Symplecta: /sɪmˈplɛktə/
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Identification
Identification relies heavily on examination of male and female terminalia. within subgenus Symplecta stricto can be distinguished by genitalic characters illustrated in taxonomic revisions. The distinction between S. (S.) cana and S. (S.) hybrida has been clarified based on morphological differences, though these species may occur sympatrically and syntopically. Formal identification to species are available in taxonomic literature.
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Distribution
and partly Arctic regions. Specific distributions include: Northwest Territories and Yukon, Canada (S. edlundae); eastern Siberia, Russia (S. echinata); and broader Arctic distributions for S. novaezemblae, S. scotica, S. mabelana, S. sheldoni, and S. horrida. and syntopic occurrences of S. cana and S. hybrida have been documented.
Similar Taxa
- EriopteraS. (S.) horrida was previously placed in Erioptera (Mesocyphona) before transfer to Symplecta stricto; historical confusion between these has been taxonomically resolved.
More Details
Taxonomic revision status
The subgenus Symplecta stricto was revised in 2008, resulting in: two new descriptions (S. edlundae, S. echinata); five new synonym proposals; reinstatement of S. scotica and S. mabelana as full species from rank; and transfer of S. horrida from Erioptera to Symplecta.