Copestylum caudatum, commonly known as the hairy-horned bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in the family Syrphidae.
Taxonomy and Description
The species was first described by the entomologist Charles Howard Curran in 1927. The common name "hairy-horned bromeliad fly" refers to distinctive hairy projections on the head, likely on the antennae or frontal tubercle. Within the genus Copestylum, species are often distinguished by facial and head ornamentation, coloration patterns, and abdominal markings.
Distribution
Copestylum caudatum is endemic to central western North America, occurring in arid and semi-arid regions of this area.
Habitat and Ecology
The species is associated with bromeliad plants (family Bromeliaceae), a trait shared with other members of the genus Copestylum. As a hoverfly, it likely contributes to pollination services within its native range. The larvae are thought to develop in association with bromeliads.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Syrphidae
- Genus: Copestylum
- Species: C. caudatum
References
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). "Copestylum caudatum Report." Retrieved 2019-09-24.
- GBIF. "Copestylum caudatum." Retrieved 2019-09-24.
- BugGuide.net. "Copestylum caudatum species Information." Retrieved 2019-09-24.
- Curran, C. H. (1927). "Synopsis of the Syrphid Genus Copestylum." Entomological News.
