Lonchoptera lutea, the yellow spear-winged fly, is the type species of the genus Lonchoptera.

Lonchoptera lutea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Lonchopteridae
Genus: Lonchoptera
Species:
L. lutea
Binomial name
Lonchoptera lutea
Panzer, 1809
Synonyms
  • Lonchoptera cinerea Meijere, 1906
  • Lonchoptera flavicauda Meigen, 1824
  • Lonchoptera riparia Meigen, 1824
  • Lonchoptera palustris Meigen, 1824
  • Lonchoptera punctum Meigen, 1824
  • Lonchoptera trilineata Zetterstedt, 1848
  • Lonchoptera nigrimana Meigen, 1824
  • Lonchoptera thoracica Meigen, 1824
  • Lonchoptera griseola Meigen in Morge, 1975

Adults vary a great deal in colour, from yellow to dark brown.[1] The anteroventral bristle of the middle tibia is missing from the distal half. Scutellum brown to yellow.[2] first and second antennal segments yellow, the third being dark, with a subapical arista.

Unlike most Lonchoptera, Lonchoptera lutea shows a marked preference for unshaded habitats.[1] It is widespread and often very common throughout most of Europe, extending into parts of Asia.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Drake, C. Martin (2002). "The Distribution and Habitat preferences of British Lonchopteridae (Diptera)". Entomologist's Monthly Magazine (Print). 138: 121–132.
  2. ^ Smith, K.G.V. (1969). "Lonchopteridae". Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects (Print). 10 (2ai). London: Royal Entomological Society of London: 9.