Taxonomy
Family: DERBIDAE Taxonomic Author: (McAtee, 1924)
Identification
Online Photographs: BugGuide , GBIF Description: Bluish overall, with blue wings, thorax, and head; the abdominal segments have reddish-orange edges. There is a small curved row of white dots along the base of the cells near the wing tips. The male phallus (reproductive claspers) are broad and long, with the claspers themselves thin and curved, forming a circular space in between (see pic above). The legs are pale yellowish, and the underside of the thorax is reddish with yellow-lined abdominal segments.
Distribution in North Carolina
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county. Distribution: Eastern United States; also Honduras (UDEL )Abundance: Scattered records across the state, mostly in the eastern Piedmont.Seasonal Occurrence
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Has been found in field-like habitat.Plant Associates: Derbidae are known or assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as immatures. Adults reported from Rosa (Rosaceae). (UDEL )Behavior: Probably can be attracted at night with a light.Comment: A majority of Cedusa look very similar externally, appearing bluish overall. The only way to make a positive ID for many of the species at this point is to examine the genitalia of the males. Therefore, a male specimen is necessary for many species' identifications. Detailed, clear photographs of the male underside showing the genitalia can also be helpful, and perhaps the hope is that after observing enough specimens of a particular species, there may be slight external features that can be associated with an ID.Status: NativeGlobal and State Rank:
Species Photo Gallery for Cedusa mallochi No Common Name Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn Photo by: Kyle Kittelberger, Brian Bockhahn
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