Argentinomyia luculenta ( Fluke, 1945 )

Montoya, Augusto L. & Wolff, Marta, 2023, Taxonomic revision of the Neotropical genus Argentinomyia Lynch-Arribálzaga, 1891 (Diptera: Syrphidae), with description of 16 new species, Zootaxa 5234 (1), pp. 1-157 : 81-84

Argentinomyia luculenta ( Fluke, 1945)

( Figs 5C , 6A , 47 , 48 and 91B )

Melanostoma luculentum Fluke, 1945: 17 . Type locality: Ecuador. Tungurahua: Baños, 2300m. HOLOTYPE Male AMNH (Examined). Refs.: Fluke, 1945: 27 ( Fig. 26 , head, male, frontal view) 29 ( Fig. 46 , male abdomen)

Rhysops luculentus . Thompson et al. 1976: 43

Argentinomyia luculentus . Thompson & Skevington, 2014: 98

Argentinomyia luculenta . Montoya 2016: 460

Argentinomyia luculenta . Montoya et al. 2017: 396

Argentinomyia luculenta . Marín-Armijos et al. 2017: 168

Type material. HOLOTYPE. Adult Male, ECUADOR. Tungurahua, Baños , 2300 m, 21.vii.1939, W. C. MacIntyre ( AMNH) . ALLOTYPE. ECUADOR. Label with the same data as Holotype (1♀, AMNH) . PARATYPE. ECUADOR. Label with the same data as Holotype (1♁, AMNH) .

Length (n= 15): Body, 8.8–10.2 mm; Wings, 8.5–9.2 mm.

Diagnosis. Face slightly produced ventral, more prominent, facial pollen smooth and yellowish; abdomen with lineate maculae, on 3rd and 4th terga maculae reaching to apical 1/5 and 1/3; metafemur black, only very narrowly yellow basally; pro- and mesotibiae and femur yellow; metafemur dark; surstylus with dorsal margin slightly concave and ventral margin slightly convex, shorter than broad; hypandrium narrowed laterally towards the apex; aedeagal lobe with apex acute. The female has a blue-black frontal triangle with a broad transverse golden pollinose band in the depression, black pilose. The pile of thorax long and yellowish on a background of thin brownish pollen.

Redescription. MALE. Head ( Fig. 47A ): Face slightly protruding, tubercle low and elongated, covered with whitish-yellow pollen and pile, with a broad shining black facial carina 1/3 the width of face which does not quite reach the antennae. Frontal triangle with more brownish pollen, two rough areas just dorsal the antennae shining, pile black. Gena more thinly white pollinose, white pilose. Ocellar triangle black with black pile. Occiput very thin, cilia black. Occiput with yellow hairs dorsal, the long cilia black, pollen and pile paler ventral. Antennae yellow, short, ratio 1.2:1.1:1.8, scape slightly longer than pedicel, scape and pedicel as long as the basoflagellomere, basoflagellomere darkened on dorsal 1/2 and at the apex; arista reddish, darker toward the tip, pilose. Thorax ( Figs 47B–C , 48D–E ): Black, mesonotum shining coated with brownish golden pollen, yellow pilose; with a broad, median, light brown vittae on anterior half; yellow pilose. Pleura yellowish-white pollinose, yellow pilose. Scutellum shining, with long yellowish to black hairs, with a few shorter yellow hairs intermixed, fringe long and yellow. Wing ( Fig. 47C ): Cinereous, with a slight smudge at the apex, stigma dark brown; microtrichose, except cell c bare on basal 1/4, cells bm bare on basal 1/3, r only slightly bare at the base, cell cua bare on anterior 1/3; calypter yellow, border and fringe black; plumula white; halter yellow, capitulum darker. Legs ( Fig. 47C ): Yellow to brownish, pro- and mesofemora brownish except yellowish on dorsal side toward the apex; a dark streak on dorsal side of metafemur toward the apex, narrowly yellow at the base, yellow pilose, black on darkened areas; pro- and mesotibiae brownish basally, yellow on apical 1/2; all tarsus brownish, pile black. Abdomen ( Figs 47B , 48D–E ): Black with three pairs of lineate yellow side maculae, maculae on 2 nd tergum reaching from almost the base to the apical 1/6, maculae on 3 rd reaching from the base to the apical 1/5, on 4 th reaching the apical 1/3, maculae on 2 nd and 3 rd terga widen at the base nearly to the side margins but are not very distinct; pile long and yellow alongside on anterior 1/2, shorter and black apically; sterna shining, with a broad median black vitta, which is interrupted at the incisures; cercus and surstyle yellow; male genitalia: surstylus in lateral view ( Fig. 48A ) with dorsal margin slightly concave and ventral margin slightly convex, shorter than broad; hypandrium in ventral view ( Fig. 48C ) narrowed laterally towards the apex; aedeagal lobe in ventral view ( Fig. 48C ) with apex acute.

FEMALE ( Figs 5C , 6A , 47D–F , 48F–H ). Similar to male except for usual sexual dimorphism and differing in Facial pollen more golden. Frontal triangle shining blue-black with a broad transverse yellow pollinose band in the depression, pile black. Pile of thorax and scutellum much shorter, yellowish on a background. Legs paler, procoxae yellow, the tarsus yellowish-red, only the mid-segments of prolegs and apical segments of metalegs brownish. Abdomen with four pairs of yellow triangular maculae, on 2 nd tergum spreading out on sides and converging posteriorly, an additional pair of fasciae on 5 th tergum. The abdominal maculae pattern of A. luculenta is slightly similar to A. tropica , except on 3 rd and 4 th terga, where maculae reach to the apical 1/3 and 1/2, respectively.

Taxonomic notes. Argentinomyia luculenta differs from A. tropica in having the face slightly produced ventral, more prominent, facial pollen smooth and yellowish ( Figs 47A, C , D-F); metafemur black, only very narrowly yellow basally; pro- and mesotibiae and femur yellow ( Figs 47A, C , D-F); abdomen with lineate maculae, on 3rd and 4th terga maculae reaching to apical 1/5 and 1/3 ( Figs 47B, E ). In A. tropica the face is more perpendicular and less produced ventrally, the sides thickly coated with cinereous yellow pollen ( Figs 86A, C , D-F); metafemur reddish or yellowish on basal half, metatibia yellow on basal and apical 1/4 respectively; maculae on 3 rd and 4 th terga extending from the base to apical 1/4 and 1/3 ( Figs 86B, E ); maculae on female rectangular and apically rounded ( Figs 86E ). Based on males, A. luculenta differs from A. tropica in having the aedeagal lobe in ventral view ( Fig. 48C ) with acute apex [versus aedeagal lobe oval, apex rounded in A. tropica ( Fig. 87C )] (see “diagnosis” under each species or key).

Remarks. We had the opportunity to examine a long series of male specimens from various locations, which showed variation in longitudinal size, from 8.8–10.2 mm. The review and comparison of the genitalia revealed that they corresponded to the same species.

Comments. The Holotype specimen of M. luculentum is currently in the AMNH. Photos are available on their website AMNH: https://sci-web-001.amnh.org/imulive/iz.html?#details=ecatalogue. 10021688.

Biology. Label data and field observations suggest that A. luculenta visits flowers of Ageratina tinifolia , Bidens pilosa , Pentacalia trianae and Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae) , Tibouchina mollis (Melastomataceae) , Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae) , Buddleja coriacea (Scrophulariaceae) and Aloysia triphylla (Verbenaceae) . Specimens collected using canopy Malaise trap suggest that A. luculenta flies in the higher tree canopy (height> 4 m).

Geographical range. Argentinomyia luculenta (n= 84) is abundant and widely distributed throughout the Western slope of the Western Cordillera in Colombia * (Antioquia), both slopes of Central Cordillera in Colombia (Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Valle del Cauca) and Ecuador (Pichincha), Pico de Neblina and Cordillera de Mérida in Venezuela * (Caracas, Lara) ( Fig. 91B ). The species is present at low, middle and high altitudes (231–3100 m) in the following biogeographical domains and provinces: Northern Andes (231–3100 m) : Cauca (2200–3090 m) , Magdalena (1560–2600 m) , North Andean Páramo (2300–3100 m) , Sabana (231 m) , Venezuelan (2450 m) ; Amazonian: Imerí (1800 m) .

Non-type material examined. BOLIVIA. La Paz, Chuspipata, -16,295018, -67,826859, 3100 m, Net, 19.iii.2001, Ammon Freidberg (2♀, USNM ENT 01443842; 01443849). COLOMBIA. Antioquia, Belmira, Páramo Santa Inés, Cabaña Cabildo Verde, El Morro-Alto de La Gallina, 6,632 639, -75,645267, 3200 m, Páramo, ex Ageratina tinifolia, Net , 4-14.xii.2016, A. L. Montoya; J. Torres; J. P. Carmona (5♁, CEUA 95113); Same data, except: Malaise, 4-14.xii.2016, A. L. Montoya; J. Torres; J. P. Carmona (1♁, CEUA 95115); Malaise canopy, 4- 14.ii.2017, A. L. Montoya; C. Rodríguez; J. D. Carmona (4♁, 3♀, CEUA 95200); Malaise canopy, 25.iii-5.iv.2017, A. L. Montoya; C. Rodríguez; J. D. Carmona (3♁, 2♀, CEUA 95586, 95572); Malaise canopy, 21- 30.vi-5.iv.2017, C. Rodríguez; J. P. Carmona (3♁, 2♀, CEUA 98015, 97993, 97987); Malaise canopy, 16-27.ix.2017, C. Rodríguez; A. Rúa (1♁, CEUA 98184); Net, 2-13.xii.2017, C. Rodríguez; A. Echeverry (2♀, CEUA 98401); ex Bidens pilosa, Net , 4-14.xii.2016, A. L. Montoya; J. Torres; J. P. Carmona (2♁, CEUA 95114); ex Pentacalia trianae, Net , 25.iii- 5.iv.2017, A. L. Montoya; C. Rodríguez; J. D. Carmona (2♁, CEUA 97915); 6,634 233, -75,658654, 3020 m, Forest, Malaise, 4-14.xii.2016, A. L. Montoya; J. Torres; J. P. Carmona (3♀, CEUA 9511295482); Belmira, Páramo Santa Inés, Vereda Río Arriba, Sector Laguna de Sabanas, 6,645 901, -75,670441, 3200 m, Páramo, Net, 16-27.ix.2017, A. L. Montoya; Y. Cardona (2♀, CEUA 98226); 6,630 476, -75,663106, 2924 m, Grassland, Malaise, 4-14.ii.2017, A. L. Montoya; C. Rodríguez; J. D. Carmona (1♀, CEUA 95489); ex Tibouchina mollis, Net , 4-14.ii.2017, A. L. Montoya; C. Rodríguez; J. D. Carmona (1♀, CEUA 95354); Malaise, 16-27.ix.2017, A. L. Montoya; Y. Cardona (1♀, CEUA 98207); Betulia, Vereda El Indio La Mina Alto de San José, 6,253 434, -76,045072, 3090 m, Transición, Net, 14-18.xii.2013, C. Henao; J. Cogollo (1♀, CEUA 87095); Girardota, Vereda El Palmar, 6,338 656, -75,43418, 2405 m, Van Someren-Rydon (VSR) Víscera, 23.vii.2009, N. Uribe; G. Valencia (1♁, CEUA 47457); Guarne, Vereda Piedras Blancas, Parque Ecológico Piedras Blancas, Sendero Museo, 6.291588, -75.493345, 2200 m, Van Someren-Rydon (VSR) Fish, 14.v.2004, A. Vélez (3♁, 1♀ CEUA 73251,73284; 73285; 93307); La Ceja, Alto de La Unión, 6.016132, -75.370182, 2500 m, 10.xi.2008, A.L. Montoya, Net (2♁, CEUA 47454-55); Medellín, 6.230833, -75.590556, 1560 m, Bra Daniel, No. 55 (Lote 4320631) xii.1943 (1♀, USNM ENT 01443773, Acc. 00166529); San José de la Montaña, Vereda El Congo, Sector La Laguna, 6,763 791, -75,701738, 3117 m, Páramo, Malaise, 4-14.ii.2017, C. Henao; A. F. Sepúlveda (1♀, CEUA 95198); …, Malaise canopy, 4-14.ii.2017, C. Henao; A. F. Sepúlveda (1♀, CEUA 95201); …, Net, 4-14.ii.2017, C. Henao; A. F. Sepúlveda (1♁, CEUA 95199); …, 21- 30.vi-5.iv.2017, A. L. Montoya; A. F. Sepúlveda (4♁, 1♀, CEUA 98103, 98112, 98081); Sonsón, Vereda San Francisco, Cerro Las Palomas A, 5,702 407, -75,247995, 2921 m, Forest, Net, 1-12.ix.2018, J. Sauceda and J. Vallejo (1♀, CEUA 103396); …, Cerro Las Palomas B, 5,726 238, -75,250544, 3207 m, Páramo, Malaise, 31.iii.- 7.iv.2018, A.L. Montoya; J. P. Carmona (1♀, CEUA 103432); Cundinamarca: Bogotá, Alto del Cable, 4.629103, -74.049218, 3100 m, 30.vi.1978, M.L.J.M (ICN); Bogotá, Jardines Barrio Palermo, 4.666300, -74.068344, 2600 m, 6.viii.2007, Fernández-C.A. Fernández-A (1♀, ICN); Mosquera, UNAL Marengo lote 4, 4.680641, -74.216488, 2550 m, 27.iv.2011, S. Guaqueta Net en Feijoba, Acca sellowiana (1♀, UNAB); Valle del Cauca, San Antonio, Cerro la Horqueta, 3,485 667, -76,626667, 2224 m, Net, 24.ii.2006, Ximo Mengual (1♀, USNM ENT 00035839). ECUADOR. Pichincha, Guayllabamba, -0.059052, -78.341446, 2200 m, en Asteraceae Baccharis sp , 27.i.2000, P. Jiménez (1♀, QCAZ 103701); Same data, except: Quito, -0.231633, -78.539767, 2870 m, en Buddleja coriacea , 19.iv.1984, G. Paz and Miño, Det. Vockeroth, 1986 (2♀, QCAZ); 2810 m, en Aloysia triphylla , 27.i.2000, C. Enriquez (1♀, QCAZ 103700); Pomasqui, -0.050024, -78.450009, 2810 m, i.1985, A. Salazar (QCAZ 103708); Cutuglagua, -0.281086, -78.534412, 2810 m, 7.v.2001, D. Alvarado (QCAZ 103699). VENEZUELA. Caracas, Ávila Peak, 10.540341, -66.777538, 2450 m, ex Building T.H. A. Ritken (1♀, USNM ENT 01443770); T. F. Amazonas, Cerro de la Neblina, Camp. VII, 0.804185, -66.006645, 1800 m, 30.i.1985, Malaise trap en could forest ravine near a stream, P.J. and P.M. Spangler and R.A. Faitoute (1♀, USNM ENT 01443772); Lara, Barquisimeto, 9,843 999, -68,970927, 231m; Miranda, Caracas, Avila Peak, 10,540 341, -66,777538, 2450 m, ex Building T.H. A. Ritken (1♀, USNM ENT).

Figures

FIGURE 5. Female postabdomen. A. Lateral view of Argentinomyia norrbomi sp. nov.; B. Posterior view of the abdominal apex of Argentinomyia occidentalis sp. nov.; C. Dorsal view of distended abdomen of Argentinomyia luculenta. Abbreviations: Ap: apodeme of epiproct; Cer = Cercus; Ep: Epiproct; Hp: Hypoproct; Scl: sclerotized area; Sper: Spermatheca; Tg: tergite. Scale bars: 0.05 mm.

FIGURE 6. Differences in antennae morphology, dorsal view: A. Argentinomyia luculenta (♀); B. Argentinomyia testaceipes (♀); C. Argentinomyia catabomba (♀); D–G. Talahua fervida (♁): D. Head, frontal view, E. Metacoxa pile tuft, ventral view, F. Scutellum emarginated, dorsal view, G. Genitalia, lateral view; H. Argentinomyia CR-18 (♁); I. Argentinomyia sagoti sp. nov. (♀); J. Metasternum of Melanostoma sp.; K. Scutellar pile of Argentinomyia rex; L. Antennal cavities broadly confluent of Xanthandrus sp. Scale bar: 1 mm.

FIGURE 26. Argentinomyia crenulata (Williston, 1891), male (INBio CRI 002568658): A. Head, frontal view; B. Dorsal view; C. Lateral view. Female (INBio CRI 000409982): D. Head, frontal view; E. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view. Scale bars: 5 mm.

FIGURE 46. Argentinomyia longicornis (Walker, 1836), Female: A–B. Dorsal view of variation pattern in female: A. (CEUA 103438); B. (USNM ENT 00007888); C. Lateral view (USNM ENT 00007888). D–F. Braziliana peruviana Shannon, 1927, male Holotype (USNM ENT 00250244). D. Frontal view; E. Dorsal view; F. Label; G–I. Argentinomyia grandis, female Holotype (MACN). G. Frontal view; H. Dorsal view; I. Holotype box. Scale bars: 5 mm.

FIGURE 47. Argentinomyia luculenta (Fluke, 1945), male (CEUA 47454): A. Head, frontal view; B. Dorsal view; C. Lateral view. Female: D. Head, frontal view; E. Dorsal view (CEUA 87095); F. Lateral view (USNM ENT 0143772). Scale bars: 5 mm.

FIGURE 48. Argentinomyia luculenta (Fluke, 1945), male genitalia. A. Whole genitalia, lateral view; B. Epandrium, dorsal view; C. Hypandrium, ventral view. Scale bars: 1 mm. D–E. Natural habitus of a male specimen in the Páramo de Santa Ines Belmira in Antioquia, Colombia: D. Dorsolateral view of a male specimen visiting a flower of “Dandelion” Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae). E. Dorsal view of a male resting on an Ericaceae leaf. F–H. Natural habitus of a female specimen in a clearing within the forest in the Páramo complex of San José de la Montaña in Antioquia Colombia.

FIGURE 86. Argentinomyia tropica (Curran, 1937), male (CEUA 93084): A. Head, frontal view; B. Dorsal view; C. Lateral view. Female (CEUA 69474): D. Head, frontal view; E. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view. Scale bars: 5 mm.

FIGURE 87. Argentinomyia tropica (Curran, 1937), male genitalia. A. Whole genitalia, lateral view; B. Epandrium, dorsal view; C. Hypandrium, ventral view. Scale bars: 1 mm.

FIGURE 91. Geographical distribution of Argentinomyia species in Central and South America.