Pterodontia flavipes is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae. It was first described by the English zoologist George Robert Gray in 1832.
Description
Adult males measure 5.5–10.5 mm in length, while adult females measure 5–9 mm. Like other members of the family Acroceridae, they are characterized by a relatively small head compared to the body.
Distribution and Habitat
The species has been recorded in North America, including locations such as New Brunswick (Canada) and Michigan (United States).
Life History and Behavior
Pterodontia flavipes is a parasitoid. The larvae are thought to enter their host spiders at the leg articulations. First instar larvae have also been recorded attacking the mites Podothrombium (family Trombidiidae) and Abrolophus (family Erythraeidae).
Taxonomy
A synonym for this species is Pterodontia flavoscutellata Steyskal, 1941. It belongs to the genus Pterodontia within the family Acroceridae, which are commonly known as small-headed flies.
