Paralimna decipiens Loew 1878

Paralimna (Phaiosterna) decipiens Loew

Paralimna decipiens Loew, 1878:195.—Cresson, 1947:54–55 [review].—Wirth, 1968:16 [Neotropical catalog].

SPECIMENS EXAMINED.—BELIZE. Stann Creek District: Man of War Cay, Nov 1987, W.N. and D. Mathis (1); Stewart Cay, Mar 1988, W.N. Mathis (1); Wee Wee Cay, Mar 1988, W.N. Mathis (5, 3).

DISTRIBUTION.—Nearctic: USA (CA, FL, TX). Neotropical: Bahamas, Belize, Galápagos Islands, Mexico, West Indies (Cuba, Dominica, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent).

DIAGNOSIS.—This species and P. obscura are closely related and are very similar in appearance. Externally I have difficulty in distinguishing between them due to variation in coloration and microtomentum. Both species can be somewhat dark or light colored, with the darker specimens usually shinier as a result of less microtomentum. There is a tendency for specimens of P. decipiens to be lighter and duller (more microtomentose) but with considerable variation, sometimes overlapping with P. obscura. Accurate identification may require examination of the aedeagus and gonites (see “Diagnosis” for P. obscura, p. 56, for additional comments and details).

Paralimna (Phaiosterna) decipiens Loew

Paralimna decipiens Loew, 1878:195.—Osten Sacken, 1878:201 [Nearctic catalog]—Becker, 1896:270 [list, Texas].—Coquillett, 1900:259 [list, Puerto Rico].—Aldrich, 1905:624 [Nearctic catalog].—Jones, 1906:178–179 [key, catalog].—Thaxter, 1917:672–675 [parasites: Stigmalomyces rostratus Thaxter, S. paralimnae Thaxter]; 1931:145–146 [parasite: S. gracilior Thaxter].—Wirth and Stone, 1956:470 [list, California].

Paralimna (Phaiosterna) decipiens.—Cresson, 1916:105 [subgeneric combination], 108 [revision, figure of head]; 1946:230 [review, Nearctic Region]; 1947a:54–55 [review].—Wirth, 1965:748 [Nearctic catalog]; 1968:16 [Neotropical catalog],—Cole, 1969:396 [list, western United States].—Mathis and Zatwarnicki, 1995:126 [world catalog].—Mathis, 1995:633–635 [list, Galápagos Islands]; 1997:59–60 [list, Belize, figures of male genitalia].

DIAGNOSIS.—This species is distinguished from congeners, especially those of the subgenus Phaiosterna, by the following combination of characters: coloration variable but tending to be tan to grayish brown, moderately microtomentose, at most subshiny; 1st flagellomere lacking fringe, or fringe of long, whitish setulae along dorsum and dorsal portion of rounded apex much shorter than height of 1st flagellomere; apex of 1st flagellomere with dorsoapical corner more angulate than posteroapical corner; mesonotum mostly uniform, gray to dark brown, dull to subshiny, with moderately dense gray to brown microtomentum, consistently darker medially, between dorsocentral setae; ventral apex of male foretibia lacking numerous long, slender setulae; posterior surface of forebasitarsus lacking scattered long, slender setulae; and aedeagus wider than long in dorsal view, somewhat rectangular with distal angles rounded, and in lateral view with distal aspect of sclerotized portion slightly concave and actual apex of aedeagus as a pointed process projecting in an anteroventral angle.

DESCRIPTION.—Small to medium-sized shore flies, body length 1.85–3.60 mm; generally dark gray brown to black species, moderately densely microtomentose, dorsum appearing more or less uniform in color, dull to subshiny, especially mesonotum.

Head (Figures 116, 117): Generally gray brown to black. First flagellomere bearing short, generally inconspicuous fringe of whitish setulae along dorsum and dorsal portion of apex, length of setulae far less than height of 1st flagellomere. Face gray to grayish brown, microtomentose, appearing dull, subdued. Gena-to-eye ratio 0.23–0.29.

Thorax (Figure 118): Generally gray brown to black, legs darker, black with some grayish microtomentum; mesonotum moderately densely gray to grayish brown microtomentose, appearing dull to subshiny, frequently with brown, short to long stripes between dorsocentral setae, especially anteriorly. Costal-vein ratio 0.41–0.50; M-vein ratio 0.94–0.97. Ventral apex of foretibia lacking numerous, long, slender setulae; posterior surface of forebasitarsus lacking scattered long, slender setulae.

Abdomen: Slightly to distinctly lighter in color than mesonotum, mostly brownish gray to brownish black; tergites usually fasciate, with anterior portion of tergites darker gray to brownish black, less microtomentose, posterior portion more densely microtomentose, grayer. Male terminalia (Figures 110, 119–121): epandrium in posterior view inverted U-shaped (Figure 119), width about equal throughout length with dorsal margin of cercal cavity broadly rounded; cercus acutely pointed dorsomedially and ventrally, medial margin nearly straight; presurstyli in posterior view (Figure 119) connected medially, forming shallowly arched and medially narrowed band at ventral margin of cercus, produced ventrolaterally as narrow, triangular-shaped projections; postsurstylus in lateral view (Figure 121) with anterior margin bifurcate apically, anterior lobe narrower and shorter than apically expanded posterior lobe, bearing several setulae medially and 2 longer setulae just above bifurcation; gonite short, ovate; aedeagal apodeme with keel symmetrical (Figure 121), attachment with base of aedeagus recurved in direction of keel, attachment with hypandrium curved slightly ventrally; aedeagus broadly rounded apically, thereafter forming a short, narrow point (Figure 120); lateral aedeagal processes wide throughout length, broadly rounded apically, held close to lateral margins of aedeagus; hypandrium deeply invaginated, pocket-like (Figures 120, 121).

TYPE MATERIAL.—The lectotype male of Paralimna decipiens Loew (designated by Mathis, 1995:633) is labeled “[yellow square]/Loew Coll./decipiens m[ihi]. [handwritten]/Type 11136 [number handwritten, red labelj/LECTOTYPE Paralimna decipiens Loew By W.N.Mathis [handwritten except for “LECTOTYPE” and “By,” label with black submarginal border].” Loew noted that the type series was from Texas, although a locality label bearing this information does not accompany the lectotype. The lectotype is pinned directly, is in good condition (some setae are missing on the dorsum of the head and thorax; part of the abdomen has been removed and dissected, and the parts are in an attached microvial), and is deposited in the MCZ. A female paralectotype (label data similar, head missing) is designated here.

OTHER SPECIMENS EXAMINED.—Nearctic. UNITED STATES. Arizona. Coconino County: Bill Williams Fork, F.H. Snow 6, 6; ANSP). Pima County: Kits Peak (near; 32°N, 111°32′W; 1097 m), Baboquivari Mountains, 7–9 Aug 1916 (2 AMNH). Arkansas. Garland County: Hot Springs, 24 Jun, H.S. Barber (1 1; ANSP). California. Del Norte County: Crescent City, 19 Apr 1908, M.C. Van Duzee (1; AMNH). Imperial County: Calipatria, 13 Nov 1921, E.R. Kalmbach (1, 2; ANSP); Salton Sea, 24 Nov 1921, E.R. Kalmbach (1, 1; ANSP). Riverside County: Palm Canyon, 7 Nov 1934, A.L. Melander (2 1; ANSP). Florida. Dade County: Biscayne Bay, A.T. Slosson (1; AMNH); Miami, 23 Feb 1912, F. Knab (1; ANSP); Royal Palm Park, 28–29 Jan 1933, 1939, A.L. Melander (1, 2; ANSP). Henry County: Clewiston, 20 Jan 1938, A.L. Melander (1; ANSP). Manatee County: Bradenton, Mar, M.C. Van Duzee (1; ANSP). Marion County: Silver Springs, 2 Apr 1932, A.L. Melander (1; ANSP). Monroe County: Everglades, 25 Jan 1932, A.L. Melander (1, 1; ANSP); Flamingo, 25 Jan 1939, A.L. Melander (3, 5; ANSP). Orange County: Orlando, 2 Feb 1932, A.L. Melander (2, 2; ANSP). Palm Beach County: Lake Worth, A.T. Slosson (1, 1; AMNH). Pinellas County: Saint Petersburg, 15 Feb 1924, E.T. Cresson, Jr. (3; ANSP). Polk County: Lakeland, 10 Nov 1911 (1; AMNH). Georgia. Charlton County: Bill's Island, Okefenokee Swamp, Jun 1912 (1; ANSP). Louisiana. St. Charles County: New Orleans, 1 Jan 1932, A.L. Melander (1; ANSP). Mississippi. Harrison County: Pass Christian, 6 Jul 1917; J.M. Aldrich (1, 1; ANSP). Oktibbeha County: Mississippi State, 30 Oct 1925 (1; ANSP). New Jersey. Cape May County: Cape May, 9 Sep 1932, W. Stone (1; ANSP). Texas. Cameron County: Brownsville, 2–13 Jan 1928 (1; AMNH); Brownsville (pond shore), 29 Nov 1910 (1; ANSP); Brownsville (9.7 km N), 20 Jul 1933, C.W. Sabrosky (1, 1; ANSP). Galveston County: Dickinson, Jun 1929 (2, 2; ANSP). Travis County: Austin, 7–20 Oct 1899, 1901 (1, 4; AMNH, ANSP).

Neotropical. BAHAMAS. Andros: Andros Town, 27–28 Feb 1966, O.L. Cartwright (1, 2; USNM); Mangrove Cay, 26 Apr 1953, E.B. Hayden (1, 1; AMNH). Exuma Cays: Stainaard Cay, 13 Jan 1953, E.B. Hayden (1, 3; AMNH). Rum Cay: near Port Nelson, 16 Mar 1953, E.B. Hayden, L. Giovannoli (1, 2; AMNH). San Salvador: near Cockburn Town, 18 Mar 1953, L. Giovannoli (2; AMNH). Turks and Caicos Islands: South Caicos Island, 11 Feb 1953, E.B. Hayden (2; AMNH).

BELIZE. Stann Creek District: Man of War Cay, Nov 1987, W.N. and D. Mathis (1; USNM); Stewart Cay, Mar 1988, W.N. Mathis (1; USNM); Wee Wee Cay, Mar 1988, W.N. Mathis (5 3; USNM).

BOLIVIA. La Paz: Yolosa (16°14′S, 67°44.4′W; 1185 m), 18 Mar 2001, W.N. Mathis (3; USNM).

BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro, S.W. Williston (1, 1; AMNH).

COSTA RICA. Cartago, 25 May 1909, P.P. Calvert (4 5; ANSP). Filadelphia, 18 Jan 1910, P.P. Calvert (1; ANSP). Santa Cruz, 30 Jan 1910, P.P. Calvert (1, 5; ANSP).

CUBA. Havana: Havana (beach; 23°5.8′N, 82°27.7′W), 2–14 Dec 1994, W.N. Mathis (14; USNM); Ojo de Aqua (23°54.6′N, 82°29.1′W), 8 Dec 1994, W.N. Mathis (l, 1; USNM); Palmarejo (67 km E Havana), 26 Apr 1983, W.N. Mathis (8, 1; USNM); Puerto Escondido, 26 Apr 1983, W.N. Mathis (1, 2; USNM). Matanzas: Palpite (2 km NE), 30 Apr 1983, W.N. Mathis (1; USNM); Playa Larga (1 km E), 2 May 1983, W.N. Mathis (1; USNM). Pinar del Rio: Soroa (22°47.7′N, 83°W), 4–6 Dec 1994, W.N. Mathis (9, 1; USNM); Soroa (2 km E), 29 Apr 1983, W.N. Mathis (9, 4; USNM). Sancti Spiritus: Playa Ancón (21°44.1′N, 79°59.9′W), 12 Dec 1994, W.N. Mathis (6, 3; USNM); Topes de Collantes (21°54.4′N, 80°01.4′W; 670 m), 9–11 Dec 1994, W.N. Mathis (7, 4; USNM).

DOMINICA. Coulibistri, 21 Mar 1989, W.N. Mathis (1; USNM). Soufrière Bay, 24 Mar 1989, A. Freidberg, W.N. Mathis (7, 1; USNM).

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Azua: near Pueblo Viejo (18°24.8′N, 70°44.7′W), 19 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (5; USNM); Puerto Viejo (18°20.9′N, 70°50.4′W), 14 May 1995, W.N. Mathis (11; USNM). Barahona: Barahona (18°12′N, 71°5.3′W), 20 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (5; USNM); Los Patos (17°57.6′N, 71°10.9′W), 15 May 1995, W.N. Mathis (3; USNM). El Seibo: Pedro Sáchez (18°51.4′N, 69°6.5′W), 26 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (3; USNM); Rincón (near; 18°45.3′N, 68°55.7′W), 12 May 1995, W.N. Mathis (1; USNM). Hato Mayor: Hato Mayor (5.5 km E; 18°46.4′N, 69°12.5′W), 26 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (1; USNM). Independencia: Mella (canal W; 18°21.5′N, 71°25.7′W), 20 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (6; USNM); near Jimani (18°32.6′N, 71°50.3′W), 20 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (2; USNM). La Romana: Isla Saona, Mano Juan (18°08.1′N, 68°44.5′W), 13 May 1995, W.N. Mathis (2, 1; USNM). La Vega: Jarabacoa (1–2 km S; 19°06.9′N, 70°37′W; 520 m), 8–21 May 1995, 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (3; USNM); Rio Camu (3.5 km NW La Vega; 19°13.7′N, 70°35.2′W; 100 m), 10 May 1995, W.N. Mathis (1; USNM); Rio Camu (3.5 km NW La Vega; 19°13.8′N, 70°35.2′W; 100 m), 18 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (7, 1; USNM). Pedernales: Lago Oviedo (N shore; 17°47′N, 71°22.5′W), 15 May 1995, W.N. Mathis (1, 1; USNM). Peravia: Rio Ocoa (San José Ocoa; 18°31, 7′N, 70°30.4′W), 21 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (3; USNM). Puerto Plata: Rio Camu (14 km E Puerto Plata; 19°11.9′N, 70°37.4′W), 17 May 1995, W.N. Mathis (4; USNM). San Cristobal: Nigua (18°22.4′N, 70°03′W), 27 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (5; USNM); Rio Haina (18°25.9′N, 70°00.4′W), 27 May 1998, D. and W.N. Mathis (1; USNM).

ECUADOR. Galápagos. Isabela: Puerto Villamil (Flamingo lagoon, arid zone), 5 Mar 1989, Bradley J. Sinclair (1, 4; CNC); Puerto Villamil (arid zone, 5 m), 5 Mar 1989, Bradley J. Sinclair (1, 1; CNC). Santa Cruz: Academy Bay (arid zone, thorn scrub, Malaise-FT trap, 30 m), 10 May-14 Jun 1985, Stewart and J. Peck (1; CNC); Charles Darwin Research Station (arid zone), 2 Apr 1989, Bradley J. Sinclair (1; CNC); Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortoise Pool (arid zone, 5 m), 21 Jan 1989, Bradley J. Sinclair (l, 2; CNC); Los Gemelos (Scalesia forest, 600 m), 1–9 Apr 1989, Stewart B. Peck, Bradley J. Sinclair (1, 6; CNC); Puntudo (1 km N, Scalesia forest, 650 m), 1–30 Mar 1989, S.B. Peck, Bradley J. Sinclair (3; CNC).

GRAND CAYMAN. Airport (W end; 19°17.4′N, 81°22.2′W), 26 Apr 1994, W.N. Mathis (5, 2; USNM). Airport (2 km E; 19°17.1′N, 81°21′W), 26 Apr 1994, W.N. Mathis (6; USNM). Frank Sound Road (19°18.9′N, 81°10.9′W), 28 Apr 1994, W.N. Mathis (8; USNM). Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary (19°16.7′N, 81°18.5′W), 25 Apr 1994, W.N. Mathis (10; USNM). Spotts (19°16.5′N, 81°19.1′W), 25 Apr 1994, W.N. Mathis (5, 3; USNM).

GRENADA. St. Patrick: Bathway Beach (12°12.6′N, 61°36.7′W), 13 Sep 1997, W.N. Mathis (1, 4; USNM).

GUATEMALA. Gualan, 15 Feb 1905 (3, 5; ANSP).

GUYANA. Dubulay Ranch, Berbice River (5°40.9′N, 57°51.5′W), 9–11 Apr 1994, W.N. Mathis (3, 2; USNM); Lethem, Takatu River (3°22.6′N, 59°48.2′W), 4 Apr 1994, W.N. Mathis (5, 1; USNM); Lodge Village (on dung at cow byre), Demerara River, 19 Oct 1933, C. Williams (1, 1; ANSP); Mahaica (3 km W; 6°43.5′N, 57°56.6′W), 14 Apr 1994, W.N. Mathis (1; USNM).

HONDURAS. Colón: Puerto Castilla, 28 May 1926, R.H. Painter (3; ANSP). Cortés: Omoa (15°47.8′N, 87°58.4′W), 26 Sep 1995, D. and W.N. Mathis (1; USNM); Puerto Coreés/Omoa (15°49′N, 87°56.2′W), 26 Sep 1995, D. and W.N. Mathis (3; USNM); San Pedro Sula (8 km S; 15°25.7′N, 88°01.4′W), 25–26 Sep 1995, D. and W.N. Mathis (3; USNM). Francisco Morazán: Valle de Angeles (14°09.4′N, 87°02.4′W), 29 Sep 1995, D. and W.N. Mathis (12; USNM).

JAMAICA. Manchester: Alligator Pond (17°52.1′N, 77°33.9′W), 8 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (5; USNM); near Clandon (18°09′N, 77°28.3′W), 8 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (1; USNM); Hanover, The Great River, 2 Jun 1920 (1; AMNH); near Warwick (17°54.1′N, 77°25.5′W), 7 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (1; USNM). Portland: Reach (4 km N; 18°03.6′N, 76°20.4′W), 15 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (1; USNM). St. Andrew: Hope Botanical Garden (198 m), 4–5 Dec 1919 (1; AMNH); Irishtown (8 km SW), 7 Dec 1975, G.F. Hevel (1; USNM). St. Elizabeth: Brae River (2 km S; 18°04.2′N, 77°39.5′W), 10 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (5; USNM); Elim (18°07.1′N, 77°40.6′W), 10 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (1; USNM); near Port Kaiser (17°52.3′N, 77°34.9′W), 8 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (1; USNM). St. Thomas: Bath Fountain Spring (17°57.6′N, 76°21.3′W), 15 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (1; USNM); Mt. Lebanus (17°58.2′N, 76°32.7′W), 16 May 1996, D. and W.N. Mathis, H. Williams (2; USNM). Without Further Locality: Apr 1891 (2, 2; ANSP).

PUERTO RICO. Adjuntas (18°09.8′N, 66°43.2′W), 22 Sep 1995, D. and W.N. Mathis (2; USNM). Arecibo (beach; 18°28.7′N, 66°42′W), 23 Sep 1995, D. and W.N. Mathis (5, 1; USNM). Playa de Guayanilla (18°0.4′N, 66°46.1′W), 19 Sep 1995, D. and W.N. Mathis (5; USNM). Punta Jacinto (near Guanica; 17°57′N, 66°52.6′W), 20 Sep 1995, D. and W.N. Mathis (1; USNM).

MEXICO. Jalisco: Guadalajara, 8 Aug 1903 (1; ANSP). Sonora: Imuris, 2 Jul 1952, C. and P. Vaurie (3, 2; AMNH). Tamaulipas: Tampico, 27 Jul-28 Dec 1908, 1933, C.W. Sabrosky (2; ANSP). Veracruz: Tamos, 28 Jul 1933, C.W. Sabrosky (1; ANSP).

PANAMA. Canal Zone: Ancon, 4 Dec 1909, S.T. Darling (2, 2; ANSP).

ST. LUCIA. Dauphin Boguis (1.6 km S Marquis; 14°01′N, 60°55′W), 17 Jun 1991, D. and W.N. Mathis (4; USNM). Micoud (13°49′N, 60°54′W), 15 Jun 1991, D. and W.N. Mathis (3; USNM). Soufrière (beach; 13°51′N, 16°54′W), 11–12 Jun 1991, D. and W.N. Mathis (5, 1; USNM). Sulphur Spring (13°50′N, 61°03′W), 14 Jun 1991, D. and W.N. Mathis (4, 3; USNM).

ST. VINCENT. Charlotte: Owia Salt Pond (13°22.5′N, 61°08.5′W), 6 Sep 1997, W.N. Mathis (1, 1; USNM); Peruvian Vale (13°10.7′N, 61°08.7′W), 6–8 Sep 1997, W.N. Mathis (6; USNM). St. Andrew: Camden Park (13°10.2′N, 61°14.7′W), 25 Mar-4 Sep 1989, 1997, W.N. Mathis (20, 5; USNM); Layou (13° 12′N, 61°17′W), 8 Jun 1991, D. and W.N. Mathis (10, 3; USNM). St. Patrick: Cumberland Bay (13°16′N, 61°16′W), 28 Mar 1989, A. Freidberg, W.N. Mathis (1; USNM); Wallilabou (beach; 13°15′N, 61°16′W), 27 Mar–8 Jun 1989, 1991, D. and W.N. Mathis (3, 1; USNM).

TOBAGO. St. John: Charlotteville (beach; 11°19.5′N, 60°32.9′W), 16–18 Apr-10–16 Jun 1993, 1994, D. and W.N. Mathis (20, 3; USNM). St. Patrick: Pigeon Point (beach; 11°9.7′N, 60°50′W), 19 Apr 1994, D. and W.N. Mathis (1; USNM).

TRINIDAD. St. George: Arima (8 km N; 10°41′N, 61°18′W), Verdant Vale, 19 Jun 1993, W.N. Mathis (7, 3; USNM); Mount St. Benedict (10–39′N, 61°24′W; creek near base), 19 Jun 1993, W.N. Mathis (5, 3; USNM).

VENEZUELA. Caripito, 16 Jun 1942 (1, 10; AMNH).

DISTRIBUTION.—Nearctic: Bermuda, USA (AK, AZ, CA, FL, GA, LA, MS, NJ, TX). Neotropical: Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico (Jalisco, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Veracruz), Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, West Indies (Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Virgin Islands).