Posted by Stephen on 30-01-2011 13:52
#1
This Sciapodinae had a different body shape from the ones I see in eastern North America. I have no idea the genus.
8 June 2008, near Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador. This site was west of the Andes (foothills) and just south of the Equator. Shady forest with meadows nearby. Elevation just under 700 meters.
Posted by Stephen on 30-01-2011 18:37
#5
Thank-you Stefan! Even going as far away as Ecuador, it seems my Sciapodinae photos are all of Condylostylus, I have not found another genus yet. Ah well, I am still young (relatively). I notice on BugGuide nearly all the Sciapodinae photos are Condylostylus or Amblypsilopus, with only 3 or 4 exceptions.
Posted by Stefan Naglis on 31-01-2011 10:25
#6
Stephen,
Condylostylus is the largest genus of Sciapodinae in the New World comprising more than 200 species.
Posted by Marc Pollet on 01-03-2011 23:54
#7
Dear Stephen,
Sciapodinae is certainly one of the most speciose dolichopodid subfamilies in the Neotropics, but does not reach the staggering diversity found in Diaphorinae. It is true, however, that they are most noticed, wandering around on leaves at eye height ...
Another subfamily, Achalcinae, is almost never observed in the field, but is collected, sometimes in numbers, in yellow pan traps.
If you want more diversity (
anything better than Condylostylus, cfr. Chardonnay), just humid and muddy places (e.g. river banks, springs, waterfalls, ...). You'll be amazed.
Cheers,
Marc