Species Lejops curvipes - Polydontomyia curvipes

Classification · Explanation of Names · Numbers · Identification · Range

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Diptera (Flies)

No Taxon (Aschiza)

Family Syrphidae (Syrphid Flies)

Subfamily Eristalinae

Tribe Eristalini

Genus Lejops

Species curvipes (Polydontomyia curvipes)

Explanation of Names

CURVIPES: from the Latin "curvus" (bent, crooked) + "pes" (foot); probably refers to the bent hindleg which bears a prominent spur at the tip of the tibia

Numbers

Nearctica lists only one species: curvipes. The Diptera Site places this species in the genus Lejops.

Identification

This species is easily recognized by its long spur on the hindtibia (on the right leg in the picture). Tropidia species look similar but are more slender and have spots instead of a pure red abdomen.

Range

Alaska to Manitoba, south to California and Mexico (The Diptera Site)

Contributed by tom murray on 1 February, 2006 - 2:21pm
Additional contributions by Robin McLeod
Last updated 16 June, 2006 - 8:23pm

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2008 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version