This page represents the following TreeOfLife-200M taxonomic path.[1]
Austroascia flies exhibit a distinct morphology characteristic of the tribe Brachyopini. Based on observations from the TreeOfLife-200M dataset, these flies possess a slender, elongated body form. The thorax is notably shiny and covered in short, sparse pilosity. The wings are clear and lack both a stigmatic crossvein and a spurious vein, with the apical cell being closed and petiolate.[1]
Austroascia is a genus of syrphid flies within the subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Brachyopini, and subtribe Spheginina.[2] The genus is morphologically distinguished from other eristaline genera by the combination of a complete postmetacoxal bridge and a pilose anterior mesopleuron.
The type species, Austroascia segersi, is known from the Valparaiso Province in Chile. Adults have been observed during the austral summer (October and January) hovering around and feeding on the flowers of "canelo" (Drimys winteri). It is hypothesized that the species may be restricted to this plant, potentially including its early life stages.