**Macrostomus utinga**
**Definition**
*Macrostomus utinga* is a species of fly belonging to the family Empididae, commonly known as dance flies. It was first described in 2015 and is part of the genus *Macrostomus*, which comprises predatory flies typically found in Neotropical regions.
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# Macrostomus utinga
## Taxonomy and Nomenclature
*Macrostomus utinga* is a species within the genus *Macrostomus*, which is classified under the family Empididae, order Diptera. The family Empididae is commonly referred to as dance flies due to the characteristic mating swarms exhibited by many species. The genus *Macrostomus* is known for its diverse species distributed primarily in Central and South America.
The species *utinga* was formally described in 2015 by entomologists Jeffrey M. Cumming and José Albertino Rafael. The specific epithet „utinga” is derived from a locality or indigenous term associated with the region where the species was first identified, reflecting the common practice of naming species after geographic or cultural references.
## Description
### Morphology
As with other members of the genus *Macrostomus*, *M. utinga* exhibits morphological traits typical of Empididae flies. These include a slender body, long legs, and a characteristic wing venation pattern. The species can be distinguished from congeners by specific features such as the structure of the male genitalia, wing markings, and body coloration.
Adult *M. utinga* flies are small to medium-sized, with body lengths generally ranging from 4 to 7 millimeters. The coloration tends to be dark, often with subtle iridescence on the thorax and abdomen. The wings are clear or lightly infuscated, with veins that are well-defined and used as key identification markers.
### Sexual Dimorphism
Like many dance flies, *Macrostomus utinga* exhibits sexual dimorphism, particularly in the morphology of the male terminalia and sometimes in secondary sexual characteristics such as leg ornamentation or body size. These differences play a role in mating behavior and species recognition.
## Distribution and Habitat
*Macrostomus utinga* is known from the Neotropical region, with confirmed records primarily in Brazil. The species was first collected in the Utinga area, which is part of the Amazon basin, a region characterized by tropical rainforest ecosystems.
The habitat of *M. utinga* typically includes moist, shaded environments near streams or other bodies of freshwater, which provide suitable conditions for the larvae and adults. The presence of dense vegetation and a humid microclimate supports the life cycle of these predatory flies.
## Behavior and Ecology
### Feeding Habits
Members of the family Empididae, including *Macrostomus utinga*, are generally predatory both as larvae and adults. Adults often feed on smaller insects, capturing prey in flight or from vegetation. This predatory behavior plays a role in controlling populations of other small arthropods within their ecosystem.
### Reproductive Behavior
Dance flies are named for their elaborate mating swarms, where males perform aerial displays to attract females. While specific behavioral studies on *M. utinga* are limited, it is likely that this species exhibits similar reproductive strategies, involving complex courtship rituals and possibly nuptial gift-giving, a behavior observed in many Empididae species.
### Life Cycle
The life cycle of *Macrostomus utinga* follows the typical dipteran stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Larvae are usually found in moist soil or leaf litter, where they prey on other small invertebrates. The duration of each stage can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
## Importance and Conservation
### Ecological Role
As a predatory insect, *Macrostomus utinga* contributes to the regulation of insect populations within its habitat. This ecological role supports the balance of arthropod communities and can indirectly influence plant health by controlling herbivorous insect numbers.
### Conservation Status
Currently, there is no specific conservation assessment for *Macrostomus utinga*. However, given its habitat in the Amazon rainforest, the species may be susceptible to threats such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and environmental changes. Preservation of tropical forest ecosystems is essential for maintaining the biodiversity that includes species like *M. utinga*.
## Research and Study
Since its description in 2015, *Macrostomus utinga* has been primarily studied in the context of taxonomic and systematic research within the Empididae family. Detailed ecological or behavioral studies remain limited, highlighting an area for future entomological investigation.
The identification and classification of *M. utinga* contribute to the broader understanding of Neotropical dipteran diversity and the evolutionary relationships within the Empididae.
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**Meta Description:**
*Macrostomus utinga* is a species of predatory dance fly in the family Empididae, native to the Neotropical region of Brazil. Described in 2015, it inhabits tropical rainforest environments and plays a role in controlling insect populations.