Genus Thrypticus

Classification · Numbers · Identification · Remarks · Works Cited

Stem borer, big bluestem - Thrypticus - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Diptera (Flies)

No Taxon (Orthorrhapha)

Superfamily Empidoidea

Family Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)

Subfamily Medeterinae

Genus Thrypticus

Numbers

17 described species north of Mexico

Identification

Females have a strong, pointed ovipositor, used to insert eggs in the larval host plant.

Remarks

"Thrypticus occurs in all realms and is well represented in the New World. The Nearctic fauna is comprised of small species occurring on herbaceous vegetation on stream banks and margins. Larval stages of Thrypticus are phytophagous and feed as miners of Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Juncaceae, and Pontederiaceae."(1)

Species identification normally requires close examination of male genitalia.

Works Cited

1.	Catalog of the Dolichopodidae (Diptera) of America north of Mexico Marc A. A. Pollet et al. 2003. American Museum of Natural History.

Contributed by John F. Carr on 2 January, 2014 - 7:38pm

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