Lamproscatella muria Mathis 1979

Lamproscatella (Haloscatella) muria

Lamproscatella dichaeta of American authors [misidentification, not Loew, 1860:40].—Sturtevant and Wheeler, 1954:175 [review as species of Scatella].—Wirth and Stone, 1956:475 [key, distribution in California].—Deonier, 1964:108 [key as species of Scatella].—Wirth, 1965:756 [catalog].

DIAGNOSIS.—Although specimens of this species are similar externally to those of L. dichaeta, they may be distinguished from the latter by the following combination of characters: Surstyli more elongate and more narrowly produced, slightly bifurcate apically, apices bearing approximately 4 longer setae; aedeagal apodeme narrower; aedeagus more slender (Figures 15–16).

DESCRIPTION.—Small shore flies, length 1.27 to 1.97 mm (averaging 1.61 mm); coloration mostly tannish brown dorsally, becoming distinctly lighter, grayer on sides.

Head (Figure 14): Head width-to-height ratio averaging 1:0.76; mesofrons shiny with metallic bluish green to gold luster, shiny area often weakened toward anterior margin, usually with 2–3 small setae along anterolateral margin; ocellar triangle and posteromedian portion of parafrons concolorous, pollinose, brown; otherwise coloration of parafrons mostly gray to charcoal gray and distinctly contrasting with mesofrons. First and third fronto-orbital setae considerably smaller than second and fourth; first slightly longer than third; third generally aligned and oriented with other fronto-orbital setae. Postocular setae subequal to each other except for 1–2 pair of larger setae just posterolaterad of divergent vertical bristle. Antenna dark, mostly grayish black; arista pubescent to macropubescent, subequal to combined length of second and third segments. Face generally whitish silver, but varying considerably from faint tannish dorsally to distinctly grayish white, often with darker coloration toward interfoveal carina, otherwise unicolorous; generally only 2 pair of larger, lateral facial setae; 1 large slightly dorsally curved bristle toward posteroventral angle of face; usually 1–3 setae along lower parafrons. Eye-to-cheek ratio averaging 1:0.48; eye ratio averaging 1:0.79; gena generally concolorous with face.

Thorax: Mesonotum light brown with some grayer areas toward margins, especially above dorsal angle of notopleuron; scutellum grayer, terminal portion usually distinctly lighter gray to whitish gray; pleural areas contrastingly grayer, but often with some areas appearing discolored, faint brown; legs gray to black, pollinose; basitarsi sometimes with some pale, amber coloration, especially along ventral surfaces; apical tarsomeres mostly black. Wing hyaline; costal margin only slightly setose; costal vein ratio averaging 1:0.20; M1+2 vein ratio averaging 1:0.54; posterior crossvein with slight median wrinkle, posterior portion slightly angulate laterally.

Abdomen: Dorsum mostly gray, darker than pleural areas, usually with some faint metallic bluish green luster and light brownish coloration toward anterior and posterior margins. Structures of male terminalia as in diagnosis and Figures 15–16.

TYPE MATERIAL.—Male holotype is labeled: “Thermopolis Wyo. Hot Spng. 13 June 1969 W. W. Wirth hot spring/HOLOTYPE Lamproscatella muria W. N. Mathis [red, handwritten].” Allotype female and 33 paratypes (7 , 26 ; USNM) have same label data as the holotype. Other paratypes are as follows: Colorado, Archuleta Co., Pagosa Springs, 27 May 1969, W. W. Wirth (8 , 9; USNM). Missouri, Howard Co., Booneslick Salt Spring, 17 May 1969, W. W. Wirth (2, 3; USNM). Montana, Roosevelt Co., Bainville, 9 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (1 USNM). Nebraska, Cherry Co., Big Alkali Lake, 2 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (1; USNM), Twin Lake, 2 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (5, 5; USNM); Lancaster Co., Lincoln, 19 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (1, 6; USNM). North Dakota, Benson Co., Leeds, 5 Jul 1969, W. W. Wirth (5, 11; USNM); Mountrail Co., White Lake, 8 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (2, 1; USNM). The holotype and paratypes are in the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., type number 75955.

OTHER SPECIMENS EXAMINED.—CANADA: ALBERTA: Coden, 22 Oct 1916, A. H. Sturtevant (4, 5; USNM); Edmonton, 1932, O. Bryant (1; USNM); Leroy, 11–12 Jun 1917 (2; USNM); Okotoks, Sheep River, 27 Jun 1968, W. W. Wirth (1; USNM). MANITOBA: Baldur, 23 Jun 1924, R. D. Bird (1; CNC); Churchill, 22 Jun-30 Aug 1948, G. E. Shewell, W. R. Richards (1;, 1; CNC); Forrest, 6.4 km N, 29 Jul 1958, N. B. Chillcott (2, 4; CNC); Whitewater Lake, 6.4 km N Whitewater, 17 Jul 1958, N. B. Chillcott (3; CNC). NOVA SCOTIA: Baddeck, 15 Jul 1936, T. N. Freeman (1, 1; CNC). MEXICO: BAJA CALIFORNIA: Agua Caliente, San Carlos, 18.5 km E Maneadero, 6 Jul 1973, P. H. Arnaud, Jr. (2, 1; CAS); Cabo Calnette, 24 Mar 1950, A. H. Sturtevant (1; USNM); Ensenada, 80.5 km S, 12 Mar 1950, A. H. Sturtevant (1; USNM). JALISCO: Ajijic, 11 Sep 1964, W. L. Nutting, (1, 3; USNM). MEXICO: Lago Texcoco, 7340 feet, 1 Nov 1963, B. Krogstad (1; USNM). UNITED STATES: ALABAMA: Mobile Co., Theodore, 10 Jun 1917 (1; CU); Washington Co., Leroy, 11–12 Jun 1917 (10, 12; CU); Wilcox Co., Flatwood, 12 Jun 1917 (1, 3; CU). ARIZONA: Coconino Co., Happyjack, 9.7 km N, 13 Jun 1971, B. A. Foote (1; KSU), Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, 29 Jun 1953, W. W. Wirth (1; USNM), The Gap, 17 Jun 1950, A. H. Sturtevant (1, 2; USNM); Graham Co., Fort Thomas, 18 May 1950, A. H. Sturtevant (1; USNM), Geronimo, 17 May 1950, A. H. Sturtevant (1, 6; USNM); Maricopa Co., Buckeye, 4.8 km S Apr 1969, W. N. Mathis (2; USNM), Tempe, 11 May 1942, A. L. Melander (2; USNM); Pima Co., Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Williams Spring, 16 Feb 1970, P. H. Arnaud, Jr. (1; CAS), Upper Sabino Canyon, Santa Catalina Mountains, 24 May 1971, B. A. Foote (1; KSU); Yavapai Co., Prescott, 15 June 1950, A. H. Sturtevant (1; USNM). CALIFORNIA: Alameda Co., Berkeley, 11 Apr–4 Oct, 1908–1947, W. W. Wirth (9;, 1; ANSP, USNM), Jewell Lake, 4 Oct 1947, W. W. Wirth (4, 3; USNM); Contra Costa Co., Antioch, 5 Apr 1952, P. D. Hurd (2, 1; USNM), Jewell Lake, 4 Oct 1947, W. W. Wirth (8, 8; USNM), Richmond, 28 Dec 1947, W. W. Wirth (1; USNM), Humboldt Co., Trinidad, 18 Sep 1934, A. L. Melander (1; USNM); Imperial Co., Salton Sea, 9 Mar 1950 (1, 3; USNM); Inyo Co., Deep Spring, 16 Jul 1953, E. I. Schlinger (1; UCD); Lake Co., Butts Creek, 0.8 km SE Black Oak, 250 m, 11 Oct 1971, H. B. Leech (1; CAS), Clear Lake, 19 Apr–11 Oct, 1935–1954, A. L. Melander, W. W. Wirth, E. I. Schlinger (4, 4; UCD, USNM), North Fork Cache Creek, highway 20, 14 May 1961, F. D. Parker (1; USNM); Los Angeles Co., Long Beach, Los Angeles River, 26 Jun 1954, M. T. James (3, 2; USNM, WSU), Los Angeles, 29 Jul 1897, A. P. Morse (1; MCZ); Love Joy Spring, Mojave Desert, 10 May 1944, A. L. Melander (1, 2; USNM), Saugus, 8.1 km E, 10 Apr 1953, A. H. Sturtevant (1; USNM), Whittier, 5 Oct 1960, A. L. Melander (2; USNM); Madera Co., San Joquin Experiment Station, 22 Feb 1953, P. D. Hurd (1; USNM); Mono Co., Bridgeport, 7000 feet, 7–18 Jun, 1948–1954, A. H. Sturtevant, W. W. Wirth (1, 5; USNM), Mono Lake, 29 Feb 1964, J. D. Birchim (1; CAS), Topaz Lake, Jul 1948, W. W. Wirth (1; USNM); Monterey Co., Pacific Grove, upper beach, 6 May 1906, J. M. Aldrich (1; USNM); Napa Co., Knoxville, 26 Oct 1952, J. C. Hall (1; UCR); Orange Co., Corona del Mar, 15 Feb–22 Mar, 1946–1950, A. H. Sturtevant, A. L. Melander (4; USNM), Dana Point, 25 Mar 1953, A. H. Sturtevant (1, 1; USNM), Laguna Beach, 25 Mar–5 Apr, 1945–1953, A. H. Sturtevant, A. L. Melander (3, 6; USNM), La Jolla, 22 Jun 1950, A. L. Melander (1; USNM); Riverside Co., Agua Caliente Indian Reservoir, Palm Canyon, 25 Feb 1970, P. H. Arnaud, Jr. (1; CAS), Deep Canyon, 3 May 1963, E. I. Schlinger (1; UCR), Deep Creek, 25 Oct 1953, A. L. Melander (1; USNM), Lake Elsinore, 4 Jan–21 Nov, 1911–1950, A. H. Sturtevant, A. L. Melander, J. M. Aldrich (19, 66; ANSP USNM), Palm Springs, 24–26 Mar 1918, J. C. Bradley (1; CU), Pushawalla Palms, Indio Hills, 20 May 1965, M. E. Irwin (1; UCR), Riverside, 6 Jan–29 Sep, 1934–1935, A. L. Melander (2 USNM); San Bernardino Co., Chino, 6 Sep 1925 (1; USNM), Helendale, 18 May 1955 (1; CNC), Salt Wells, 30 Mar 1951, P. D. Hurd (1, 2; USNM), Trona, 31 Mar 1953, A. H. Sturtevant (4; USNM), Trona, 19.3 km S, 31 Mar 1953, A. H. Sturtevant (1, 4; USNM), Vidal, Apr 1948, R. Coleman (1; USNM); San Diego Co., Agua Caliente, 5 Apr 1967, D. M. Wood (2, 3; CNC), Del Mar, 15 Sep 1955, A. L. Melander (4, 7 USNM); San Luis Obispo Co., Oso Flaco Lake, 15–23 Jun, 1948–1965, W. W. Wirth, R. Orth (1, 6; UCR, USNM); San Mateo Co., Dumbarton Bridge, 30 Jul 1947, W. W. Wirth (1; USNM); Redwood City, 4 May 1947, P. H. Arnaud, Jr. (1, 1; CAS); Santa Barbara Co., Carpinteria, 2–11 Aug 1950, A. L. Melander (1, 19; USNM), Cuyler, Harbor San Miguel Island, 11 Jul 1970, R. O. Schuster (1, 1; USNM), Santa Ynez River, 23 Jun 1965, M. E. Irwin (1; UCR); Santa Clara Co., Palo Alto, salt marshes, 20 Apr 1906, J. M. Aldrich (3; USNM); Santa Cruz Co., Santa Cruz, 1 Sep 1953, P. H. Arnaud, Jr. (1, 2; CAS); Solano Co., Cordelia Road, 0.8 km E Pittman Road, 24 Aug 1970, K. W. Simpson (1, 2; CU); Ventura Co., Rincon Beach or Point, Ventura, 28 Aug–9 Sep. 1945–1946, A. L. Melander (4, 12; USNM), Santa Paula, 8 May 1952, A. H. Sturtevant (1; USNM); Wheeler Canyon, 13 Apr 1954, J. C. Hall (3; UCD, USNM); Yolo Co., Davis, 4 Apr–13 Aug, 1952–1967, E. I. Schlinger, J. C. Hall, C. R. Kovacic (3; UCD, USNM), Winters, 1 May–19 Jun, 1940–1966, G. E. Bohart, R. O. Schuster (3; CAS, UCD, USNM). COLORADO: Archuleta Co., Pagosa Springs hot springs, 27 May 1969, W. W. Wirth (8, 9; USNM); Larimer Co., Fort Collins, 10 Aug 1937, M. T. James (1; ANSP). CONNECTICUT: Fairfield Co., Redding, 12 Aug 1939, A. L. Melander (1; USNM). DELAWARE: Sussex Co., Rehoboth, 25 Jun 1939, A. L. Melander (1, 8; USNM). FLORIDA: Gulf Co., Beach at McNeil's, 25 Mar 1954, G. C. Steyskal (1; MCZ), St. Joseph State Park, 1–3 May 1970, W. W. Wirth (2; USNM); Lee Co., Bonita Beach seashore, 17 Apr 1970, W. W. Wirth (1, 4; USNM), Sanibel Island, 11 May 1973, W. W. Wirth (3, 6; USNM); Levy Co., Cedar Key, 25 Apr 1970, W. W. Wirth (1; USNM); Monroe Co., Everglades National Park, 8 Apr 1970, W. W. Wirth (1; USNM); Pinellas Co., St. Petersburg, 16 Feb–12 Aug, 1910–1932, J. C. Bradley, E. T. Cresson, A. L. Melander (2, 7; ANSP, CU, USNM). GEORGIA: Chatham Co., Tybee Island, 31 Jan 1971, J. R. Vockeroth (2, 5; CNC). IDAHO: Kootenai Co., Fernan Lake, 15 Jul 1968, W. N. Mathis (1; USNM); Latah Co., Potlach, 21 Sep 1918 (2; USNM). KANSAS: Barton Co., Great Bend, 5 June 1939, R. H. Beamer (1; USNM). MAINE: Chebrag, 3 Sep 1952, A. H. Sturtevant (1; USNM). MASSACHUSETTS: Barnstable Co., Woodshole, 6 Jun–3 Aug, 1922–1952, A. H. Sturtevant (2, 4; USNM), Falmouth Hts, 13 Aug 1924 (1; USNM), South Yarmouth, 1 Aug 1939 (1, 5; USNM); Dukes Co., Naushon Island, 9–16 July 1922, A. H. Sturtevant (2 , 1 ; USNM), Nonomesset Island, 28 Jun 1923, A. H. Sturtevant (2 , 3 ; USNM), Pasque Island, 15 Aug 1923, A. H. Sturtevant (4 , 1 ; USNM). MICHIGAN: Wayne Co., Detroit, 13 May 1939, G. C. Steyskal (1 ; USNM). MINNESOTA: Dakota Co., Mendota, 14 Oct 1923, W.N.E. Hoffman (1 ; UMN). MISSISSIPPI: Harrison Co., Biloxi, 13 Jun 1917 (2 ; CU), Pass Christian, 6 Aug 1917, J. M. Aldrich (6 ; USNM). MISSOURI: Howard Co., Boonesboro, 17–23 May, 1954–1969, D. L. Lindsley, W. W. Wirth (3 , 4 ; USNM). MONTANA: Gallatin Co., Firehole River, 27 Aug 1940, A. L. Melander (1 ; USNM); Lake Co., Ronan, 5.2 km S, 8 Aug 1972, W. N. Mathis (1 ; USNM), Ronan, 8.1 km S, 15 Jul–8 Aug, B. A. Foote (10 , 22 ; KSU); Roosevelt Co., Bainville. 9 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (1 ; USNM); Sheridan Co. Medicine Lake, 9 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (1 , 1 ; USNM). NEW JERSEY: Cape May Co., Cape May, 3 Jun, H. S. Vierick (2 ; ANSP, MCZ), Wildwood, 18 Jul 1908 (6 , 7 ; ANSP); Ocean Co., Seaside, 16 May, H. S. Vierick (1 ; ANSP), Tuckerton, 8.1 km S, 21 May 1974, G. C. Steyskal (1 ; USNM). NEW MEXICO: Catron Co., Zuni Salt Lake, Quemado, 32.2 km W, 2 Jul 1953, W. W. Wirth (5 , 14 ; USNM). NEW YORK: Richmond Co., Staten Island, south beach, 25 Jul–7 Sep 1917, A. H. Sturtevant (4 , 2 ; USNM); Suffolk Co., Cold Spring Harbor, 19–21 July 1927, A. L. Melander (3 , 2 ; USNM), Long Island, Jul (2 ; USNM); Tompkins Co., Ithaca (4 ; ANSP, CU). NORTH CAROLINA: Brunswick Co., Wilmington, 1 Jul 1935 (1 ; USNM); Dare Co., Nags Head, 15 May 1954, W. W. Wirth (7 , 7 ; USNM). NORTH DAKOTA: Barnes Co., Eckelson Lake, 8 Sep 1951, A. H. Sturtevant (2 ; USNM); Benson Co., Leeds alkali lake, 5 Jul 1969, W. W. Wirth (5 , 11 ; USNM), Pleasant Lake, alkali lake, Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (1 , 1 ; USNM); Burleigh Co., Long Lake, 4 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (1 ; USNM); Mountrail Co., White Lake, 8 Jun 1969, W. W. Wirth (2 , 1 ; USNM). OHIO: Portage Co., Kent, 25 Aug 1969, J. Scheiring (1 ; KSU), Kent, 1.6 km E. 23 Sep 1973, B. A. Foote (2 , 4 ; KSU), Ravenna, 24.2 km E., 11 Oct 1971, B. A. Foote (1 ; KSU); Summit Co., Barberton, 14 Oct 1969, W. Eastin (3 ; KSU); Wayne Co., Rittman, 8.1 km S, 18 Nov 1969, B. A. Foote (1 ; KSU). OREGON: Grant Co., Dayville, 2 Sep 1950, A. H. Sturtevant (2 ; USNM); Harney Co., Borax Lake, 7.2 km NE Fields, 29 Jul 1975, W. N. Mathis (1 ; USNM), Burns 12.9 km N, K. Goeden (1 ; USNM), Crane Hot Spring, 30 Jul 1975, W. N. Mathis (3 ; USNM), Harney Lake, hot spring, 7 Mar-25 May, 1969–1975, K. Goeden, W. N. Mathis (11 , 42 ; OSDA, USNM), 00 Ranch, 7 Mar 1975, W. N. Mathis (1 , 4 ; USNM); Jackson Co., Mt. Ashland, 5500 feet, 24 Sep 1968, P. Oman (1 ; USNM); Lake Co., Summer Lake, 7.7 km N, 11 July 1974, W. N. Mathis (1 ; USNM); Malheur Co., Adrian, 32.2 km S, 1 Oct 1964, K. Goeden (4 ; OSDA, USNM), Andrews, 12.9 km N, 1 Oct 1972, J. D. Lattin (1 ; USNM). RHODE ISLAND: Washington Co., Watch Hill, 5 Aug 1939, A. L. Melander (2 , 2 ; USNM). UTAH: Utah Co., Utah Lake, 3 Oct 1968, W. N. Mathis (3 , 12 ; USNM); Weber Co., Kanesville, 21 Nov 1937, D. Hardy (1 ; ANSP). VIRGINIA: Accomack Co., Assateague Island, 18 May–22 Jul 1967–1968, G. C. Steyskal, W. W. Wirth (4 , 3 ; USNM); Smythe Co., Saltville, 4 May 1962, W. W. Wirth (10 , 7 ; USNM); Portsmouth (independent city), 10 Jun 1973, Laist (2 , 2 ; USNM); Virginia Beach (independent city), 22 Jun 1933, J. M. Aldrich (1 ; USNM). WASHINGTON: Benton Co., Rattlesnake Springs, 17 Oct 1955, J. J. Davis (1 ; WSU), West Richland, 24 Feb 1974, N. E. Woodley (1 ; WSU); Clallam Co., Sequim, 25 Aug–3 Sep, 1934–1951, A. H. Sturtevant, A. L. Melander (1 , 1 ; USNM); Franklin Co., Pasco, 3.2 km E, 8 Aug 1975, W. N. Mathis (12 , 3 ; USNM); Grant Co., Coulee City, 3 Sep 1920, R. C. Shannon (2 ; USNM), Soap Lake, 17 Jul–20 Aug, 1922–1972, A. L. Melander, M. T. James, W. N. Mathis (5 , 10 ; USNM), Stratford, 4 Jul 1920, R. C. Shannon (1 ; USNM); King Co., Seattle, 2 Aug 1908 (1 , 3 ; USNM); Lincoln Co., Davenport to Wilbur, 19 Jun 1950, R. B. Spurnier (1 ; WSU); Mason Co., Lilliwaup, 23 Jul 1917, A. L. Melander (1 ; USNM); Pierce Co., Tacoma, 18 May 1971, W. N. Mathis (1 ; USNM); San Juan Co., Olga, 20 Jun–20 Jul, 1909–1919 (3 , 5 ; USNM), Orcas Island, 19 Aug 1925, A. L. Melander (2 ; USNM), Friday Harbor, 30 Jun–7 Jul, 1905–1909, J. M. Aldrich (8 , 3 ; ANSP, USNM); Snohomish Co., Everett, 20 Jun 1920, A. Spuler (1 ; WSU); Stevens Co., Evans, 13 Jun 1920, R. C. Shannon (; WSU); Wahkiakum Co., Puget, 4 Jul 1925, A. L. Melander (2 , 1 ; USNM); Whatcom Co., Birch Bay, 13 Jun 1945, R. D. Shanefelt (1 ; WSU); Whitman Co., Almota, 2 Jun 1918, A. L. Melander (1 ; USNM); Yakima Co., Selah, 8 Jul 1941, Brookman Reeves (1 ; USNM); Zillah, 17 Aug 1941, Brookman and Reeves (1 ; USNM). WYOMING: Hot Spring Co., Thermopolis, 13 Jun–30 Aug, 1940–1969, A. L. Melander, W. W. Wirth (12 , 28 ; USNM); Niobrara Co., Lusk, 64.4 km N, Jul 1895 (2 ; ANSP); Teton Co., Old Faithful, 1 Aug 1934, A. L. Melander (1 ; USNM).

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION (Figure 17).—This species is widespread in North America between 18° and 55° north latitude.

ETYMOLOGY.—The feminine Latin noun muria (“brine”) refers to the brackish water habitat of this species.