New species of Neriidae (Diptera: Schizophora): an addition to the previously monotypic genus Protonerius

In recent years, our knowledge of the Oriental fauna of Neriidae has improved with the studies of Telostylus Bigot, 1859 and Teloneria Aczél, 1954. However, the small genera (less than three species) have never been revised and their taxonomy remains obscure. Neriidae has 18 genera of which 10 occur exclusively in the Oriental and Australasian Regions, including four monotypic genera, of which one, Protonerius de Meijere, 1924, is only known from the female holotype of Protonerius guttipennis de Meijere, 1921 from Indonesia. We here describe a second species of the genus, Protonerius opacus sp. nov., based on a female specimen from Selangor, Malaysia, which differs from the type species of the genus by the patterns of infuscate spots on the wing and the coloring of pleuron and femora. Additionally, an identification key for the two species and an updated diagnosis of the genus are provided.

New species of Neriidae (Diptera: Schizophora): an addition to the previously monotypic genus Protonerius

ABSTRACT In recent years, our knowledge of the Oriental fauna of Neriidae has improved with the studies of Telostylus Bigot, 1859 and Teloneria Aczél, 1954. However, the small genera (less than three species) have never been revised and their taxonomy remains obscure. Neriidae has 18 genera of which 10 occur exclusively in the Oriental and Australasian Regions, including four monotypic genera, of which one, Protonerius de Meijere, 1924, is only known from the female holotype of Protonerius guttipennis de Meijere, 1921 from Indonesia. We here describe a second species of the genus, Protonerius opacus sp. nov., based on a female specimen from Selangor, Malaysia, which differs from the type species of the genus by the patterns of infuscate spots on the wing and the coloring of pleuron and femora. Additionally, an identification key for the two species and an updated diagnosis of the genus are provided.

New species of Neriidae (Diptera: Schizophora): an addition to the previously monotypic genus Protonerius

In recent years, our knowledge of the Oriental fauna of Neriidae has improved with the studies of Telostylus Bigot, 1859 and Teloneria Aczél, 1954. However, the small genera (less than three species) have never been revised and their taxonomy remains obscure. Neriidae has 18 genera of which 10 occur exclusively in the Oriental and Australasian Regions, including four monotypic genera, of which one, Protonerius de Meijere, 1924, is only known from the female holotype of Protonerius guttipennis de Meijere, 1921 from Indonesia. We here describe a second species of the genus, Protonerius opacus sp. nov., based on a female specimen from Selangor, Malaysia, which differs from the type species of the genus by the patterns of infuscate spots on the wing and the coloring of pleuron and femora. Additionally, an identification key for the two species and an updated diagnosis of the genus are provided.(AU)

Description of the immature stages, biology and DNA-barcoding of Quichuana pogonosa (Diptera: Syrphidae) collected in Bromeliaceae in Paraná, Brazil

Quichuana Knab, 1913 is a Neotropical genus of flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) with 50 valid species. Adults of this genus are flower visitors and their larvae are usually associated with the phytotelmata of bromeliads and heliconias, actively participating in the recycling of nutrients in forest environments. Despite their importance in ecosystem dynamics, Quichuana larvae are poorly known. Herein we describe the immature stages of Quichuana pogonosa Fluke, 1937 from samples collected from the phytotelmata of two terrestrial bromeliad species in the state of Paraná, Brazil. We provide illustrations of the egg, third instar larva and puparium, as well as information on the life cycle of the species. Additionally, we describe and illustrate the male genitalia and present the DNA-barcoding based on larva and adult specimens.

Description of the immature stages, biology and DNA-barcoding of Quichuana pogonosa (Diptera: Syrphidae) collected in Bromeliaceae in Paraná, Brazil

ABSTRACT Quichuana Knab, 1913 is a Neotropical genus of flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) with 50 valid species. Adults of this genus are flower visitors and their larvae are usually associated with the phytotelmata of bromeliads and heliconias, actively participating in the recycling of nutrients in forest environments. Despite their importance in ecosystem dynamics, Quichuana larvae are poorly known. Herein we describe the immature stages of Quichuana pogonosa Fluke, 1937 from samples collected from the phytotelmata of two terrestrial bromeliad species in the state of Paraná, Brazil. We provide illustrations of the egg, third instar larva and puparium, as well as information on the life cycle of the species. Additionally, we describe and illustrate the male genitalia and present the DNA-barcoding based on larva and adult specimens.

Description of the immature stages, biology and DNA-barcoding of Quichuana pogonosa (Diptera: Syrphidae) collected in Bromeliaceae in Paraná, Brazil

Quichuana Knab, 1913 is a Neotropical genus of flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) with 50 valid species. Adults of this genus are flower visitors and their larvae are usually associated with the phytotelmata of bromeliads and heliconias, actively participating in the recycling of nutrients in forest environments. Despite their importance in ecosystem dynamics, Quichuana larvae are poorly known. Herein we describe the immature stages of Quichuana pogonosa Fluke, 1937 from samples collected from the phytotelmata of two terrestrial bromeliad species in the state of Paraná, Brazil. We provide illustrations of the egg, third instar larva and puparium, as well as information on the life cycle of the species. Additionally, we describe and illustrate the male genitalia and present the DNA-barcoding based on larva and adult specimens.(AU)

Taxonomic revision of Megalothoraca (Diptera: Richardiidae) with description of a new species, synonyms and new combination

A taxonomic revision of Megalothoracha Hendel, 1911 is provided, including a description of Megalothoraca rosalyae Wendt, sp. nov. from Colombia. The genus encompasses large species from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia (new record), and each species was described based either on males or females. These species can be diagnosed by long and slender mid and hind legs and wing longer than body, vein R2+3 with two strong curves on apical third, and short spurious vein medially. And males have costal vein conspicuously bowed anteriorly and thickened on medial portion. The following nomenclatural changes are made: Megalothoraca hendeli Enderlein, 1912, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of M. pterodontida Hendel, 1911; Batrachophthalmum teleopsis (Hennig, 1938) comb. nov. is transferred from Megalothoraca, and Batrachophthalmum quimbaya Carvalho, Wolff & Wendt, 2011, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of B. teleopsis. A key to species and illustrations of the female and male terminalia are provided.

Taxonomic revision of Megalothoraca (Diptera: Richardiidae) with description of a new species, synonyms and new combination

A taxonomic revision of Megalothoracha Hendel, 1911 is provided, including a description of Megalothoraca rosalyae Wendt, sp. nov. from Colombia. The genus encompasses large species from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia (new record), and each species was described based either on males or females. These species can be diagnosed by long and slender mid and hind legs and wing longer than body, vein R2+3 with two strong curves on apical third, and short spurious vein medially. And males have costal vein conspicuously bowed anteriorly and thickened on medial portion. The following nomenclatural changes are made: Megalothoraca hendeli Enderlein, 1912, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of M. pterodontida Hendel, 1911; Batrachophthalmum teleopsis (Hennig, 1938) comb. nov. is transferred from Megalothoraca, and Batrachophthalmum quimbaya Carvalho, Wolff & Wendt, 2011, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of B. teleopsis. A key to species and illustrations of the female and male terminalia are provided.(AU)

Phylogeny of the Neotropical longhorn beetle genus Ateralphus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)

Ateralphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001 is a Neotropical genus of longhorn beetles composed of nine species. This genus was proposed from splitting Alphus White, 1855 into other two genera: Ateralphus and Exalphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001. Even though Ateralphus (nine species), Alphus (four) and Exalphus (18) were recently revised, their validity has not been tested using phylogenetic methods. In this study, we carried out a cladistic analysis of Ateralphus and its related genera, Alphus and Exalphus, based on 44 morphological characters of the adults, to test their monophyly and infer the relationships between their species. Our results support the monophyly of the three genera and recovered two clades that corroborate the species-groups previously recognized in Ateralphus. A new genus, Grandateralphus gen. n., is proposed for one of these clades, which is supported by three synapomorphies: width of upper ocular lobes less than width between the lobe and the coronal suture (character state 6: 0), genae parallel in frontal view (8: 1) and scape gradually expanded toward apex, reaching widest diameter just near apex (9: 2). Grandateralphus gen. n. includes three new combinations: G. lacteus (Galileo & Martins, 2006), comb. n.; G. tumidus (Souza & Monné, 2013), comb. n.; and G. variegatus (Mendes, 1938), comb. n. Notes on the distribution of G. variegatus comb. n. and a new record of E. cicatricornis Schmid, 2014 for Bolivia (Santa Cruz) are provided.

Phylogeny of the Neotropical longhorn beetle genus Ateralphus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)

Ateralphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001 is a Neotropical genus of longhorn beetles composed of nine species. This genus was proposed from splitting Alphus White, 1855 into other two genera: Ateralphus and Exalphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001. Even though Ateralphus (nine species), Alphus (four) and Exalphus (18) were recently revised, their validity has not been tested using phylogenetic methods. In this study, we carried out a cladistic analysis of Ateralphus and its related genera, Alphus and Exalphus, based on 44 morphological characters of the adults, to test their monophyly and infer the relationships between their species. Our results support the monophyly of the three genera and recovered two clades that corroborate the species-groups previously recognized in Ateralphus. A new genus, Grandateralphus gen. n., is proposed for one of these clades, which is supported by three synapomorphies: width of upper ocular lobes less than width between the lobe and the coronal suture (character state 6: 0), genae parallel in frontal view (8: 1) and scape gradually expanded toward apex, reaching widest diameter just near apex (9: 2). Grandateralphus gen. n. includes three new combinations: G. lacteus (Galileo & Martins, 2006), comb. n.; G. tumidus (Souza & Monné, 2013), comb. n.; and G. variegatus (Mendes, 1938), comb. n. Notes on the distribution of G. variegatus comb. n. and a new record of E. cicatricornis Schmid, 2014 for Bolivia (Santa Cruz) are provided.(AU)

A review of the Neotropical species of the shore-fly genera Orasiopa and Pectinifer (Diptera: Ephydridae)

Species of two genera of the tribe Discocerinini from the Neotropics are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from Brazil. The two species, Orasiopa (Reymontopa ) mera (Cresson, 1939) and Pectinifer aeneus (Cresson, 1918), are described, illustrated and new occurrence data are provided. Phylogenetic relationships of these two genera into the tribe are discussed. To facilitate identification of these species, we have included diagnoses of the Discocerinini and both genera and have also provided an annotated key to the New World genera in this tribe. We have also provided illustrations, photographs, and scanning electron micrographs of external structures and of structures of the male terminalia for included species.

A review of the Neotropical species of the shore-fly genera Orasiopa and Pectinifer (Diptera: Ephydridae)

Species of two genera of the tribe Discocerinini from the Neotropics are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from Brazil. The two species, Orasiopa (Reymontopa ) mera (Cresson, 1939) and Pectinifer aeneus (Cresson, 1918), are described, illustrated and new occurrence data are provided. Phylogenetic relationships of these two genera into the tribe are discussed. To facilitate identification of these species, we have included diagnoses of the Discocerinini and both genera and have also provided an annotated key to the New World genera in this tribe. We have also provided illustrations, photographs, and scanning electron micrographs of external structures and of structures of the male terminalia for included species.(AU)

Taxonomic revision of two poorly known genera of Richardiidae (Diptera): Maerorichardia and Odontomerella

Richardiidae are a family of Tephritoidea in which most genera are poorly known taxonomically, including some which were poorly described with limited or no illustrations. With the aim to decrease this taxonomic gap, herein we review two scarcely known monotypic genera: Odontomerella Hendel, 1912 and Maerorichardia Hennig, 1937, both known only from the holotypes of their type species. Maerorichardia is the only genus of Richardiidae with mid and hind tibiae thicker than their respective femora, and the wing with the anal lobe distinctly developed. Odontomerella can be distinguished from the others richardiids by the postcranium reduced and little wider ventrally, the compound eye well developed, occupying most of the head, with the gena and postcranium very reduced, and the face short, with the oral margin distinctly concave. The limits of both genera are revised and better supported with the addition of new diagnostic characters. Odontomera flavipleura Hennig, 1938 is transferred to Odontomerella. The types of the species are revised and illustrated.

Taxonomic revision of two poorly known genera of Richardiidae (Diptera): Maerorichardia and Odontomerella

Richardiidae are a family of Tephritoidea in which most genera are poorly known taxonomically, including some which were poorly described with limited or no illustrations. With the aim to decrease this taxonomic gap, herein we review two scarcely known monotypic genera: Odontomerella Hendel, 1912 and Maerorichardia Hennig, 1937, both known only from the holotypes of their type species. Maerorichardia is the only genus of Richardiidae with mid and hind tibiae thicker than their respective femora, and the wing with the anal lobe distinctly developed. Odontomerella can be distinguished from the others richardiids by the postcranium reduced and little wider ventrally, the compound eye well developed, occupying most of the head, with the gena and postcranium very reduced, and the face short, with the oral margin distinctly concave. The limits of both genera are revised and better supported with the addition of new diagnostic characters. Odontomera flavipleura Hennig, 1938 is transferred to Odontomerella. The types of the species are revised and illustrated.(AU)

A review of Scatellini (Diptera: Ephydridae) from Brazil

Scatellini was proposed by Wirth & Stone, 1956 and currently includes 242 described species in nine genera­. The tribe has representatives in all biogeographic regions and about 70 species occur in the Neotropical Region. Prior to this study, only two species were recorded from Brazil: Scatella obscura and Limnellia itatiaia. In this paper, species of Scatellini from Brazil are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from southern Brazil, where six new species have been discovered and are described herein: Scatella praia, S. plaumanni, S. rara, Scatophila darrowae, S. dianneae, and S. prainha. To facilitate identification of the tribe and included genera and species, we have included diagnoses of these taxa and have also provided an annotated key to the Neotropical genera in Scatellini. We have also provided illustrations of structures of the male terminalia of all included species of the genus Scatophila.

A review of Scatellini (Diptera: Ephydridae) from Brazil

Scatellini was proposed by Wirth & Stone, 1956 and currently includes 242 described species in nine genera­. The tribe has representatives in all biogeographic regions and about 70 species occur in the Neotropical Region. Prior to this study, only two species were recorded from Brazil: Scatella obscura and Limnellia itatiaia. In this paper, species of Scatellini from Brazil are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from southern Brazil, where six new species have been discovered and are described herein: Scatella praia, S. plaumanni, S. rara, Scatophila darrowae, S. dianneae, and S. prainha. To facilitate identification of the tribe and included genera and species, we have included diagnoses of these taxa and have also provided an annotated key to the Neotropical genera in Scatellini. We have also provided illustrations of structures of the male terminalia of all included species of the genus Scatophila.(AU)

A review of Parydra (Diptera: Ephydridae) from Brazil

Species of the shore-fly Parydra Stenhammar, 1844 from Brazil are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from southern Brazil, where one new species, Parydra arcuata sp. nov. - state of Paraná, municipality of Castro (8 km N, 24º45.3'S, 49º58.9'W) -, has been discovered and is herein described. To facilitate identification of species, we have included a diagnosis of the genus. We have also provided illustrations of structures of the male terminalia for all included species.

A review of Parydra (Diptera: Ephydridae) from Brazil

Species of the shore-fly Parydra Stenhammar, 1844 from Brazil are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from southern Brazil, where one new species, Parydra arcuata sp. nov. - state of Paraná, municipality of Castro (8 km N, 24º45.3'S, 49º58.9'W) -, has been discovered and is herein described. To facilitate identification of species, we have included a diagnosis of the genus. We have also provided illustrations of structures of the male terminalia for all included species.

A review of Parydra (Diptera: Ephydridae) from Brazil

Species of the shore-fly Parydra Stenhammar, 1844 from Brazil are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from southern Brazil, where one new species, Parydra arcuata sp. nov. - state of Paraná, municipality of Castro (8 km N, 24º45.3'S, 49º58.9'W) -, has been discovered and is herein described. To facilitate identification of species, we have included a diagnosis of the genus. We have also provided illustrations of structures of the male terminalia for all included species.

A review of Diphuia (Diptera: Ephydridae) with description of two new species from southern Brazil

The species of Diphuia Cresson, 1944 are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from southern Brazil, where two new species have been discovered and herein are described: Diphuia antonina sp. nov. and Diphuia grandis sp. nov. All known species are placed into two species groups (the anomala and nitida groups), which are characterized, and a key to these species is included. To facilitate identification of species of this uncommon genus, we have included diagnoses of the genus and tribe Hecamedini and have also provided an annotated key to New World genera in the tribe and to the known species of Diphuia. We have also provided illustrations of structures of the male terminalia of all included species.The species from southern Brazil, including the new ones, are illustrated.