Prionocera
Loew, 1844
Prionocera is a of crane flies ( Tipulidae) established by Loew in 1844. The genus contains approximately 22 described distributed primarily across the Holarctic region. Species have been described from North America, Europe, and East Asia. The genus is characterized by features of the male genitalia, particularly the structure of the ninth tergite and gonostyli.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Prionocera: //ˌpraɪəˈnɒsəˌræ//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Tipulidae by male genitalic characters: the ninth tergite bears prominent lateral projections, and the gonostyli are typically serrate or toothed along the inner margin. The specific epithet 'serricornis' and related names reference these serrated structures. Females are more difficult to identify and often require association with males or examination of subtle sternal characters.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution with records from northern and central Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), North America, and East Asia (Korea, Japan, Russia).
Similar Taxa
- TipulaSimilar overall body form and wing venation; distinguished by male genitalic structure, particularly the non-serrate gonostyli and different ninth tergite in most .
- NephrotomaShares yellow and black color patterns in some ; separated by wing venation details and male genitalic characters, especially the structure of the inner gonostylus.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The has undergone revision by several authors, notably Brodo (1987) who described multiple North American , and Savchenko (1983) who treated Palaearctic fauna. Several species were transferred from other genera based on genitalic .
Species diversity
The includes 22 described as of recent catalogs, with P. turcica (Fabricius, 1787) being among the earliest described and P. woodorum Brodo, 1987 among the most recently described.