Pogonortalis doclea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Platystomatidae
Genus: Pogonortalis
Species:
P. doclea
Binomial name
Pogonortalis doclea
(Walker, 1849)
Synonyms[1]

Pogonortalis doclea, the boatman fly, is a species of signal fly (family Platystomatidae).[1][2][3][4] It is native to Australia and has been introduced to California in the United States.[4]

Description

Characteristics of the genus Pogonortalis are: the cheek immediately below the eye being less than a tenth the height of the eye; the hind femur having an anteroventral keel at the distal third; and the anterior crossvein of the wing meeting vein 4 before the mid-length of the discal cell.[5]

Pogonortalis doclea is sexually dimorphic. Males have a bundle of long curved bristles on each cheek of the head. In this location, females have a single shorter bristle among small hairs. Larger males also have the head ventrally widened.[6]

Behaviour

This species waves its wings like the rowing of oars on a boat, thus the common name "boatman fly".[4]

Pogonortalis doclea is commonly found in Australian gardens. Adults are attracted to and feed on the fresh dung of mammals.[5]

Males engage each other in face-to-face pushing contests.[6]

Boatman fly, Pogonortalis doclea
Boatman fly, Pogonortalis doclea

References

  1. 1 2 "Pogonortalis doclea Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  2. ↑ "Pogonortalis doclea species details". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  3. ↑ "Pogonortalis doclea". GBIF. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  4. 1 2 3 "Pogonortalis doclea Species Information". BugGuide.net. Retrieved 2018-05-06.
  5. 1 2 McAlpine, David K. (2001-09-12). "Review of the Australian genera of signal flies (Diptera: Platystomatidae)". Records of the Australian Museum. 53 (2): 113–199. doi:10.3853/j.0067-1975.53.2001.1327. ISSN 0067-1975.
  6. 1 2 "Genus Pogonortalis – Field Guide to the Insects of Tasmania". Retrieved 2023-02-21.
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