signal fly
(Rivellia spp.)
Overview • Description • Distribution • Taxonomy
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Description |
Rivellia signal flies are very small, with a body length of just 1⁄16″ to ¼″ (1.8 to 6.0 mm). The genus is easy to recognize by the pattern of dark markings on the wings. Identification to the species level by photograph is difficult, sometimes relying on obscure features such as the direction of the hairs (setae) on the fourth abdominal segment. When viewed from the side the face is concave and the back of the head is convex. The compound eyes do not meet at the top of the head on either sex. The antennae have three segments. The third segment is long and has a short, feather-like (plumose), forward-pointed bristle (arista) on the upper side. The wings are clear with four dark bands. The fourth segment (tibia) on the middle legs has a single long spur at the tip. |
Distribution |
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Sources A revision of the flies of the genus Rivellia (Otiidae, Diptera) of America north of Mexico Ryoji Namba. 1956. United States National Museum. |
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| 7/9/2024 | ||
Taxonomy |
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Order |
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Suborder |
Brachycera |
Infraorder |
Muscomorpha |
No Rank |
Eremoneura |
No Rank |
Cyclorrhapha |
Zoosection |
Schizophora |
Zoosubsection |
Acalyptratae (acalyptrate flies) |
Superfamily |
Tephritoidea (fruit, signal, and picture-winged flies) |
Family |
Platystomatidae (signal flies) |
Subfamily |
Platystomatinae |
Subordinate Taxa |
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signal fly (Rivellia cognata) signal fly (Rivellia cognata) signal fly (Rivellia coquilletti) signal fly (Rivellia flavimana) signal fly (Rivellia melliginis) signal fly (Rivellia metallica) signal fly (Rivellia munda) signal fly (Rivellia pallida) signal fly (Rivellia steyskali) signal fly (Rivellia variabilis) signal fly (Rivellia viridulans) signal fly (Rivellia winifredae) soybean nodule fly (Rivellia quadrifasciata) soybean nodule fly (Rivellia quadrifasciata or Rivellia colei) |
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Synonyms |
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Common Names |
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This genus has no common name. The common name of the family Platystomatidae is signal flies, and it is applied here for convenience. |
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Glossary
Arista
A large bristle on the upper side of the third segment of the antenna of a fly.
Seta
A stiff, hair-like process on the outer surface of an organism. In Lepidoptera: A usually rigid bristle- or hair-like outgrowth used to sense touch. In mosses: The stalk supporting a spore-bearing capsule and supplying it with nutrients. Plural: setae. Adjective: setose.
Tibia
The fourth segment of an insect leg, after the femur and before the tarsus (foot).
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Greg Watson |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos |
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Slideshows |
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Visitor Videos |
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Other Videos |
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SIGNAL FL, Rivellia |
About
Nov 8, 2019 SIGNAL FLY, Rivellia. McClaughery Springs FP, IL 7/11/2019. |
Meet Rivellia, a Platysomatid Fly |
About
Jun 25, 2017 This short film introduces one of our local Platysomatid flies, a species in the genus Rivellia. Filmed at the Turtle River State Park, Arvilla, North Dakota (25 June 2017). |
Signal Fly (Platystomatidae: Rivellia) on Leaf |
About
Jun 12, 2010 Photographed at Turtle River State Park, North Dakota (11 June 2010). |
Signal Flies (Platystomatidae: Rivellia) Male and Female |
About
Jun 24, 2010 "And then there is the world of little things, seen all too seldom. Many children, perhaps because they themselves are small and closer to the ground than we, notice and delight in the small and inconspicuous...it is easy to share with them the beauties we usually miss... because we move too hastily, seeing the whole and not its parts." --Rachel Carson The female leads and male follows. They have just finished mating. Photographed at Turtle River State Park, North Dakota (24 June 2010). |
Visitor Sightings |
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Daryl Ann Crosby |
Location: Morton, IL Cute little guy, slightly smaller maybe than a hoverfly, landed on my hand and did a bit of grooming before moving on. |
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| Greg Watson 7/1/2021 |
Location: La Crescent, MN in my backyard |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings |
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Created: 8/24/2021 Last Updated: © MinnesotaSeasons.com. All rights reserved. |