Spilomyia? - Spilomyia liturata

Moved

… Martin Hauser, 24 February, 2017 - 12:44pm

The scutellar rim is yellow a

The scutellar rim is yellow at sides only and black at tip as in all images of Spilomyia liturata on BugGuide. This feature is not seen on any other species images on BugGuide. However, the markings on tergite 2 are thin and elongate compared to other pictures of Spilomyia liturata and I have lost confidence in that suggestion. I think separating these Western species is fraught with disaster. We do know for sure that it is Spilomyia.

… Bill Dean, 5 October, 2016 - 5:34pm

I've found several on iNat li

I've found several on iNat like this with the lateral thorax visible, all from the northern rockies
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/14511793
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/16147142

My conclusion is that there is a population with an abdomen pattern like foxleei, the scutellum like liturata, and the anepimeron/katepimeron intermediate between liturata and the other spp
For now I've been lumping this group with liturata, perhaps it's just an additional species

… Even Dankowicz, 4 August, 2020 - 12:00pm

DNA studies may sort them out

DNA studies may sort them out. I identify on the scutellum alone at this moment but further research may shine more light showing there is a complex.

… Bill Dean, 4 August, 2020 - 12:23pm

Makes sense, thanks!

… Even Dankowicz, 4 August, 2020 - 1:45pm

Hmm, I hadn't noticed that fe

Hmm, I hadn't noticed that feature (& of course it's not in any of the keys! they always assume you have access to the specimen...), thanks for pointing it out - analogous to how we noticed Palpada vinetorum has the scutellar margin :^)

Yes, the Western species are fraught, especially with no side view of the thorax or when they're in a zone of sympatry. I've mostly given up on ID'ing them unless I have such a clear view, sigh.

… Kelsey J.R.P. Byers, 6 October, 2016 - 4:09am

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… Kelsey J.R.P. Byers, 5 October, 2016 - 4:25pm

I think this could be Spilomy

I think this could be Spilomyia liturata. I've sent it to Martin for a second opinion.

… Bill Dean, 5 October, 2016 - 2:33pm

Neat! I can't see enough of t

Neat! I can't see enough of the side of the thorax to tell from S. citima, which is the other option.

… Kelsey J.R.P. Byers, 5 October, 2016 - 3:47pm