About Pygophora apicalis Schiner, 1868
Pygophora apicalis Schiner, 1868 has distinct morphological traits for adult males and females. Adult males measure 5.6 to 6.0 mm in length. In living individuals, their eyes are iridescent green. The thorax is grey and covered in black bristles. The abdomen is yellow with a dark grey pattern; the third and fourth visible abdominal tergites each have three black spots. The fourth visible tergite has a pinched dorsal edge. The ventral surface of the body, legs, and antennae are all yellow. The tips of the hind leg tibiae are modified: each tibia has a small ventral lobe that holds a few short, stout setae. The wings are clear, and each wing usually has a dark patch near its apex. Females are slightly larger than males, measuring 6.1 to 6.5 mm in length. They are overall similar in appearance to males, but differ in several traits: their mesonotum is more yellowish, their wings never have dark patches, their fourth abdominal tergite does not have a pinched dorsal edge, and their hind tibia is unmodified. In terms of ecology, Pygophora apicalis individuals have been collected in fruit fly (Tephritidae) surveillance traps, and found on vegetation, inside buildings, and inside cars. Based on what is known about other species in the genus Pygophora, adult Pygophora apicalis are presumed to be predators. The larval stage of this species has not been formally described. Based on the biology of larvae of other members of the tribe Coenosiini, Pygophora apicalis larvae may live in soil and prey on small invertebrates.
