| Leomk0403/sandbox | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Phoridae |
| Genus: | Megapropodiphora |
| Species: | M. arnoldi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Megapropodiphora arnoldi Brown,2018
| |
Megapropodiphora arnoldi is a species of fly in the family Phoridae described by Brian V. Brown in 2018 and published in Biodiversity Data Journal.It is believed to be currently the smallest fly in the world. [1]
Description
editIt is 0.395mm in body length, smaller to Euryplatea nanaknihali, the previous smallest fly by 0.005mm. Having a large, broad palpus,its proboscis is greatly reduced and having setae on the genal margin and scutum with scutellum having two pairs of large setae. It has enlarged forelegs, especially forecoxa and the forefemur has three antroversial setae. However, its mid and hind legs are reduced, and may be vestigial.It has a scutellum-covered ,tiny abdomen and pointed oviscape.[1]
A male specimen was destroyed, but from memory it was small, with minute head, head setae and frons (like male Chonocephalus).Its wings have short costa and large blade.
Distribution
editThe holotype is captured from a Malaise trap at a site near Manaus, Brazil.[1]
Etymology
editM.arnoldi ‘s binomial name comes from Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was notable for his greatly enlarged forelegs in his pre-political career and M.arnoldi’s “bulging” forelegs .[2] Additionally, it is also named in honor of him as his autobiography gave the author’s hope during his teen years. It’s genus name is based on the Latin word for “large foreleg” because of the leg structure of the female.[1]
Ecology
editThis species is a parasitoid, possibly clinging on the ant or termite and riding on it back to the colony, where it can use its sharp ovipositor to inject eggs into ant/termite eggs.[3][2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Brown, Brian (2018-01-24). "A second contender for "world's smallest fly" (Diptera: Phoridae)". Biodiversity Data Journal. 6: e22396. doi:10.3897/BDJ.6.e22396. ISSN 1314-2828.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ a b "New 'big-armed fly' species named after former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger". ScienceDaily. Retrieved 2022-11-24.
- ^ "Fly with 'bulging legs' has been named after Arnold Schwarzenegger". The Irish News. 2018-01-24. Retrieved 2022-11-25.