Hexatoma wilsonii
(Osten Sacken, 1869)
Hexatoma wilsonii is a of limoniid crane fly ( Limoniidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1869. The species is known from the eastern United States, with records from Ohio to Delaware and south to North Carolina. Like other members of the Hexatoma, are characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive leg structure. The species has been documented through a small number of observations on iNaturalist (7 records), suggesting it may be underreported or genuinely uncommon.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hexatoma wilsonii: /hɛkˈsætəmə ˈwɪlsəˌnaɪ/
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Identification
Members of Hexatoma can be distinguished from other limoniid by their reduced wing venation, particularly the simplified radial sector. Hexatoma wilsonii specifically would require comparison with for definitive identification; the was described based on specimens from the eastern United States. Separation from other eastern Hexatoma species likely relies on subtle differences in genitalia structure and leg proportions, though published diagnostic features for this species are not readily available in the provided sources.
Distribution
Eastern United States: from Ohio to Delaware, south to North Carolina. GBIF records indicate a Nearctic distribution restricted to this region.
Similar Taxa
- Other Hexatoma speciesCongeneric share the reduced wing venation and general body plan characteristic of the ; microscopic examination of genitalia and leg structure is typically required for species-level identification within Hexatoma.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Hexatoma was historically treated as a subgenus of Limonia but is now generally recognized as a distinct genus within Limoniidae. The specific epithet 'wilsonii' honors an individual named Wilson, though the identity of this person is not specified in the original description.