Pieza: A Specialized Genus of Mythicomyiidae Flies
In the diverse world of Diptera (true flies), the genus Pieza represents a fascinating group of insects within the family Mythicomyiidae. These small flies, often referred to as microbombyliids, are primarily distributed across the Americas and the West Indies. Established as a distinct genus in 2002, Pieza provides critical insights into the biodiversity of the New World.
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Taxonomic Classification
The classification of Pieza places it within a specific hierarchy of biological organization. It belongs to the kingdom Animalia and the phylum Arthropoda. Within the class Insecta, it falls under the order Diptera. More specifically, it is part of the family Mythicomyiidae and the subfamily Mythicomyiinae.
The genus was formally named and described by entomologist Neal Evenhuis in 2002. During the initial establishment of the genus, Evenhuis identified eleven species, four of which were transferred from the genus Mythicomyia. The type species for the genus is Mythicomyia angusta, originally described by Melander in 1961.
Geographic Distribution and Species
Species of Pieza are widely dispersed across North America, South America, and the West Indies. Their habitats range from the arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Mexico to the tropical climates of Venezuela and Brazil.
North and Central American Species
- P. angusta: Found in the United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico (Baja California, Jalisco, Sonora, Tamaulipas).
- P. minuta: Located in the United States (Arizona, California, New Mexico) and Mexico (Baja California Sur, Sonora).
- P. ostenta: Distributed across the United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Utah) and Mexico (Baja California Sur, Sonora).
- P. rhea: Specifically found in Florida, United States.
South American and Caribbean Species
- P. agnastis: Native to Chile (Maule, Santiago).
- P. deresistans: Found in northern Venezuela.
- P. flavitibia: Found in northern Venezuela.
- P. kake: Native to Brazil (Minas Gerais).
- P. pi: Located in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Mexico (Morelos).
- P. sinclairi: Found in Curaçao and the Dominican Republic, and has been introduced to the Galápagos Islands.
Extinct Species
The genus also includes a prehistoric representative, P. dominicana, which is known from Dominican amber dating back to the Miocene epoch.
Key Facts
- Genus Name: Pieza, established by Neal Evenhuis in 2002.
- Total Species: 11 recognized species as of 2018.
- Family: Mythicomyiidae.
- Range: North America, South America, and the West Indies.
- Type Species: Mythicomyia angusta.
- Fossil Record: Includes one extinct species (P. dominicana) preserved in amber.
Summary of Pieza Species
| Species | Primary Region | Specific Locations |
|---|---|---|
| P. angusta | North America | USA (SW), Mexico |
| P. minuta | North America | USA (SW), Mexico |
| P. ostenta | North America | USA (West/SW), Mexico |
| P. rhea | North America | Florida, USA |
| P. agnastis | South America | Chile |
| P. deresistans | South America | Northern Venezuela |
| P. flavitibia | South America | Northern Venezuela |
| P. kake | South America | Brazil |
| P. pi | West Indies/Mexico | Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Mexico |
| P. sinclairi | West Indies | Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Galápagos |
| P. dominicana | Caribbean (Fossil) | Dominican Republic (Amber) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who established the genus Pieza?
The genus Pieza was named and described by Neal Evenhuis in 2002.
How many species are currently in the genus Pieza?
As of 2018, the genus consists of eleven species.
Where are Pieza flies typically found?
They are found throughout the New World, specifically in North America, South America, and the West Indies.
Is there any fossil evidence of this genus?
Yes, the species P. dominicana is known from Dominican amber dating to the Miocene epoch.
Which species was used as the type species for the genus?
The type species is Mythicomyia angusta, which was described by Melander in 1961.