The first phylogenetic study of Mesembrinellidae (Diptera: Oestroidea) based on molecular data: clades and congruence with morphological characters.

The Mesembrinellidae (Diptera: Oestroidea) comprise a small group of strictly Neotropical calyptrate flies, with 36 described species. The group has often been treated as a subfamily of Calliphoridae, but there is growing evidence that it corresponds to a distinct Oestroidea lineage. Internal relationships have so far been addressed based only on morphology, with results lacking resolution and support. This is the first molecular phylogeny for the group, which is based on the analyses of 80 terminal taxa (22 mesembrinellid and 28 outgroup species) and 5 molecular markers (ITS2, 28S, COI, COII and 16S). Maximum-parsimony, maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference methods were used, the latter two with partitioning strategies considering codon position and secondary structure information. Results corroborate the Mesembrinellidae as a monophyletic lineage inside Oestroidea. Three clades were consistently recovered: (1) (Laneella + Mesembrinella patriciae); (2) (Mesembrinella (excluding M. patriciae)  + Eumesembrinella); and (3) (Huascaromusca + Giovanella). Re-examination of the female reproductive tract of M. patriciae revealed a Laneela-type spermatheca, which corroborates the position of the species recovered in the molecular phylogenetic analyses. Mesembrinella and Huascaromusca are in all cases paraphyletic with regards to Eumesembrinella and Giovanella, respectively. These latter two genera should, thus, be seen as subjective junior synonyms.

Revision of the New World genus Glyphidops Enderlein (Diptera: Neriidae) .

The genus Glyphidops Enderlein, 1922, the most widespread and speciose of the New World genera of Neriidae (Diptera), is revised herein. Glyphidops (Glyphidops) ruselatus, new species, G. (G.) steyskali, new species and G. (G.) coracinus, new species are described. Of the 16 previously described species, which were last treated by Aczél (1961), the following synonyms are proposed: Chaetomeristes peruanus Enderlein is treated as a junior synonym of G. (G.) bullatus (Enderlein); Nerius dispar Cresson, Oncopsia neutra Hennig and Oncopsia dubia Hennig are treated as junior synonyms of G.(O.) durus (Cresson) and Oncopsia seductrix Hennig, is treated as a junior synonym of G. (O.) flavifrons (Bigot). The species Telostylus vittatus Cresson, is removed from synonymy with G. (G.) filosus (Fabricius) and revalidated as senior synonym of G. ochreus Hennig. A new diagnosis for the genus and all species are provided, as is an identification key to species. New locality records are provided for Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador and Brazil.

Revision of the Neotropical genus Eoneria Aczél (Diptera: Neriidae) with description of a new species from Colombia.

Here we revise Eoneria Aczdl, 1951, a small genus of flies in the Neriidae, previously known from two species from Argentina. We describe a new species, E. aczeli Sepúlveda & Carvalho from Colombia, provide new records from Brazil, a distribution extension from Argentina and a new genus diagnosis, as well as an identification key based on adult morphology.

Taxonomic revision of the Neotropical genus Argentinomyia Lynch-Arribálzaga, 1891 (Diptera: Syrphidae), with description of 16 new species.

The Neotropical flower fly genus Argentinomyia Lynch-Arribálzaga (Diptera: Syrphidae) is revised and rediagnosed. An updated key to the Neotropical genera of Bacchini and Melanostomini is provided. As a result of the ongoing systematic study of the genus, sixteen new species were discovered and described: Argentinomyia aurifacies Montoya & Thompson sp. nov. (Dominican Republic), Argentinomyia belmira Montoya & Wolff sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia humboldti Montoya & Wolff sp. nov. (Colombia and Ecuador), Argentinomyia ivani Montoya sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia jalcaensis Thompson & Montoya sp. nov. (Perú), Argentinomyia jamaicensis Montoya sp. nov. (Jamaica), Argentinomyia norrbomi Montoya sp. nov. (Brazil), Argentinomyia occidentalis Montoya & Wolff sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia plaumanni Thompson & Montoya sp. nov. (Brazil), Argentinomyia sagoti Montoya sp. nov. (Mexico), Argentinomyia serendipia Montoya sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia spinifemorata Montoya sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia taina Montoya & Thompson sp. nov. (Dominican Republic), Argentinomyia teresae Montoya sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia transversalis Montoya sp. nov. (Colombia and Bolivia) and Argentinomyia tropandeana Montoya sp. nov. (Colombia, Ecuador and Perú). Five new synonyms are proposed for four species: Melanostoma melanocerum (Williston, 1891) = Argentinomyia catabomba (Williston, 1891), Braziliana columbiana (Enderlein, 1935) = Argentinomyia fastigata (Fluke, 1945), Braziliana peruviana (Shannon, 1927), Braziliana thiemei (Enderlein, 1935) = Argentinomyia longicornis (Walker, 1836) and Rhysops funerea (Hull, 1949) = Argentinomyia nigrans (Fluke, 1945). Lectotypes are designated for the following names: Melanostoma catabombum Williston, 1891, Melanostoma crenulatum Williston, 1891, Melanostoma longicornis Williston, 1888, Melanostoma melanocerum Williston, 1891 and Pipiza longicornis Walker, 1836. Twenty-six species are redescribed and an updated key proposed for 41 out of the 47 species recognized as valid. Synonyms, descriptions, comparative diagnosis, high-definition color photographs of overall appearance, illustrations of the male genitalia as well as field photographs are provided. The known distribution ranges are mapped and the biogeographical affinity and endemism are discussed. Female genitalia are described for the first time for the genus. Argentinomyia berthae (Lima, 1946) is rediscovered and redescribed, including the designation of a neotype. The taxonomic status of Argentinomyia scitula (Williston, 1888) is considered doubtful and needs further study. Taxonomic notes are provided for Argentinomyia aenea (Willistoni, 1891) and A. huitepecensis Montoya, 2020. The high diversity, the biogeographical affinities, the noteworthy endemism patterns, new country records as well as the morphological variation evidenced in the present revision suggest that the genus is much more diverse than it appears, with many new species that undoubtedly remain to be described from unexplored areas of the Neotropics. Our study provides a thorough morphological assessment as well as the updated biogeographical distribution, which constitute a starting point to answer questions and propose hypotheses about the phylogenetic relationships, historical biogeography, diversification patterns and conservation of Argentinomyia in forthcoming contributions.

Two new species of the genus Hoplopeza Bezzi (Diptera, Hybotidae, Ocydromiinae) from the high Andean forests of Colombia.

Two new Andean species of Hoplopeza Bezzi are described and illustrated: Hoplopeza colombiana sp. nov. and Hoplopeza rafaeli sp. nov. These species are the first record from the Andean ecosystem of Colombia. In addition, the genus is diagnosed, the first description of the female terminalia, as well as a key and distribution map of the Andean species of the genus are presented.

Review of the endemic Neotropical genus Agenamyia Albuquerque (Diptera: Muscidae) with the description of new species from South America.

Agenamyia Albuquerque, an endemic neotropical genus with two species, has been revised to include three new species: Agenamyia colombiana de Carvalho, Wolff & Fogaa sp. nov. from Envigado; Agenamyia maculata de Carvalho, Wolff & Fogaa sp. nov. from El Retiro; and Agenamyia timida de Carvalho, Wolff & Fogaa sp. nov. from Sopetrn, all localities in Antioquia, Colombia. This review presents an identification key for all species, including color images and illustrations of male and female terminalia. The distribution of all species is mapped and discussed.

Two new species of Ptecticus Loew, 1855 (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), from bat guano in a Colombian cave.

Genus Ptecticus is widespread distributed in the world, in the Neotropics 51 species have been documented and only four are recorded in Colombia so far. Herein we describe two new species, Ptecticus benecki sp. nov. and Ptecticus pseudospatulatus sp. nov. reared from bat guano in the Colombian Andes. This study contributes to the species richness in the region, ecological records and natural history for the family.

New carrion-visiting flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from tropical dry forests of Colombia and their phylogenetic affinities.

Many flesh flies of the subfamily Sarcophaginae are very competitive carrion visitors and breeders, and several are synanthropic species of medical and forensic importance. The knowledge of these taxa is still limited, which is more noticeable in sub-sampled ecosystems such as the tropical dry forests of Colombia. Four new species, Blaesoxipha (Gigantotheca) wajiira sp. nov., Lepidodexia deborarangoa sp. nov., Oxysarcodexia luriza sp. nov. and Udamopyga iku sp. nov., are described from tropical dry forests in the Colombian departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar and La Guajira, all collected using Van Someren-Rydon traps baited separately with fermented fruit, decomposing fish and human feces. The species B. (G.) wajiira sp. nov. is probably synanthropic, while the remaining three new species avoid habitats in and around built-up areas. A phylogenetic parsimony analysis based on 222 morphological characters across 121 taxa of flesh flies recovers each new species nested within their respective genus. The subgeneric affiliation of L. deborarangoa sp. nov. within the large and diverse genus Lepidodexia (sensu lato) is inconclusive, and potential issues of relying solely on external morphological characters for generic and subgeneric classifications are highlighted. The species Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) woodi (Lopes), Oxyvinia wicharti (Lopes) and Sarcofahrtiopsis spinetta Mulieri & Dufek are new records for Colombia. COI sequence data are provided for U. iku sp. nov., L. (N.) woodi and O. wicharti.

Description of six new large species of Argentinomyia Lynch-Arribálzaga, 1891 and redescription of Talahua fervida (Fluke, 1945) (Diptera, Syrphidae, Syrphinae).

The morphological similarities between five new large Argentinomyia species and Talahua fervida Fluke are characterized and presented. Six new species of Argentinomyia (10-12 mm long) are described: Argentinomyia andina Montoya & Wolff, sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia choachi Montoya, sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia quimbaya Montoya & Wolff, sp. nov. (Colombia), Argentinomyia huitepecensis Montoya, sp. nov. (México), Argentinomyia puntarena Montoya, sp. nov. (Costa Rica), and Argentinomyia talamanca Thompson, sp. nov. (Costa Rica). The genus Talahua Fluke is re-diagnosed and, Talahua fervida redescribed. A taxonomic key and a comparison of diagnostic characters are presented. Photographs of head, abdominal and wing maculae patterns, as well as illustrations of male genitalia are provided for species identification.

Four new Neotropical species of Eudicrana Loew (Diptera, Mycetophilidae, Sciophilinae) from the Colombian high Andean ecosystems, with comments on the genus.

Four new species of the sciophiline genus Eudicrana Loew are described for the Eastern and Central Andes of Colombia-Eudicrana silvaandina sp. nov., E. chingaza sp. nov., E. maculata sp. nov. and E. merizaldei. These are the first species of Eudicrana described from the extreme northern range of the Andes. The altitudinal distribution of these species in the paramos and high Andean forest ecosystems is restricted to 1750-3660 m a.s.l. and some other information on the environment is briefly discussed. A key for the Colombian species of Eudicrana is provided and a discussion is elaborated on the position of these species within the genus.

Revision of the Neotropical Neuratelia Rondani (Diptera, Mycetophilidae, Sciophilinae): two new species, a new combination, and a new synonym.

We describe two new Neotropical species of Neuratelia Rondani from the high Central Andes of Colombia, N.altoandina sp. nov. and N.colombiana sp. nov. The holotype of Eudicranaelegans Lane actually is a species of Neuratelia and a new combination is proposed. Our examination of the holotype of Neurateliasapaici Lane from southeastern Brazil shows this species to be a synonym of N.elegans (Lane), which is formally proposed here. Neurateliasapaici is redescribed. The position of these three species within the genus is discussed. A key for the Neotropical species of Neuratelia is provided.

Identification and characterization of two novel lysozymes from Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease.

Lysozymes have been described in invertebrates as digestive or immune molecules. We report here the characterization of two novel c-type lysozymes, RpLys-A (EU250274) and RpLys-B (EU250275), isolated from the fat body and digestive tract of immune stimulated Rhodnius prolixus, a major vector of Chagas disease. Transcriptional profiles indicate that the temporal and spatial expression patterns of these two peptides are very different. RpLys-A is expressed predominantly in the midgut after ingestion of Trypanosoma cruzi in a bloodmeal, or after injection of bacteria into the hemocoel. RpLys-B is expressed primarily in the fat body after bacterial injection. Phylogenetic alignments indicate that RpLys-A aligns best with molecules from other hemipterans whose major expression is found in the intestinal tract whereas RpLys-B aligns best with mosquito and tick molecules whose expression is found principally in hemocytes and fat body and whose role has been described as immune-related. These data suggest a differential compartmentalized role of two closely related molecules; one for immunity in the hemocoel and the other for digestion in the midgut.

New species and new distributional records of Neotropical Mantispidae (Insecta: Neuroptera).

The Neotropical fauna of Mantispidae is currently composed of 106 species. We provide new distributional records of Mantispidae from Colombia and Panama. Three new species are described, one in Symphrasinae from Colombia, and two in Mantispinae from Colombia and Panama. Haematomantispa nubeculosa (Navás, 1933) and Leptomantispa axillaris (Navás, 1908) are reported from Colombia for the first time, the former being the first record of the genus in the country. New locality records for other species previously known from Colombia are also given. For Panama, we report Anchieta fasciatella (Westwood, 1867) and Trichoscelia iridella (Westwood, 1867) for the first time, the former is herein newly transferred from Plega to Anchieta. Three names Mantispa confluens Navás, 1914, n. syn., Buyda apicata Navás, 1926, n. syn., and Mantispa neotropica Navás, 1933, n. syn., are here synonymized with Buyda phthisica (Gerstaecker, 1885). Updated keys for the genera of Mantispinae, and species of genera Trichoscelia, Buyda, and Climaciella from Colombia are included. With this new information, the known species richness of Mantispidae from Colombia increases from 21 to 26, and from 16 to 19 species in Panama.

DNA barcoding for identifying synanthropic flesh flies (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) of Colombia.

The first step for a successful use of any insect as indicator in forensic sciences is providing a precise taxonomic identification at species level. Due to morphology-based identification of Sarcophaginae flies (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) is often difficult and requires strong taxonomic expertise, their use as forensic indicators has been limited. Consequently, molecular-based approaches have been accepted as alternative means of identification. Thus, we aimed testing the efficiency of the barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for identification of synanthropic flesh flies of several species of the genera Peckia, Oxysarcodexia, Ravinia, and Tricharaea collected in Colombia. The 645-bp fragment of COI was amplified and aligned (215 parsimoniously informative variable sites). We calculated Kimura two-parameter genetic distances and reconstruct a Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree. Our Neighbor-Joining tree recovered all species as monophyletic, and confirmed a new species of the genus Ravinia as also indicated by the interspecific genetic divergences and morphological observations. We obtained a 100% of identification success. Thus, the COI barcodes showed efficiency as an alternative mean of identification of species of flesh flies collected on decaying organic matter in Colombia.

Succession pattern of carrion-feeding insects in Paramo, Colombia.

The minimum postmortem interval can be estimated based on knowledge of the pattern of insect succession on a corpse. To use this approach requires that we take into account the rates of insect development associated with particular climatological conditions of the region. This study is the first to look at insect succession on decomposing carcasses in the high altitude plains (Paramo) in Colombia, at 3035 m above sea level. Five stages of decomposition were designated with indicator species identified for each stage: Callíphora nigribasis at the fresh stage; Compsomyiops verena at the bloated stage; Compsomyiops boliviana during active decay; Stearibia nigriceps and Hydrotaea sp. during advanced decay and Leptocera sp. for dry remains. A succession table is presented for carrion-associated species of the region, which can be used for estimating time since death in similar areas. Compsomyiops boliviana is reported for the first time in Colombia.

Two new species of Quichuana Knab (Diptera: Syrphidae) from the paramo ecosystems in Colombia.

Two new species of Quichuana Knab (Diptera: Syrphidae), Quichuana citara Montoya & Wolff sp. n. and Quichuana nigropilosa Montoya & Ricarte sp. n. are described from highlands of the Colombian Andes. Images of type material, including drawings of male genitalia are provided. An adjustment for the latest identification key for the Quichuana species and distribution maps for those species occurring in Colombia are given.

Two new species of Huascaromusca Townsend from Colombia, and a new combination for Giovanella carvalhoi (Diptera: Mesembrinellidae).

The Mesembrinellidae (Diptera: Oestroidea) are a group of exclusively Neotropical flies, with 38 recognized species distributed in nine genera. A total of 11 of these species, present in seven genera, were known to occur in Colombia. Huascaromusca obscura Wolff, sp. nov. and H. cordillera Wolff & Ramos-Pastrana, sp. nov. are herein described and their male terminalia are illustrated. Based on a prior molecular study of the family, Giovanella carvalhoi Wolff et al., 2013 is transferred to Huascaromusca Townsend. A key to all known species of Huascaromusca is provided.

FAMILY TANYPEZIDAE.

The Tanypezidae of Colombia are catalogued. Nine species in one genus are presented and geographical information are provided for all species, when available.

FAMILY CLUSIIDAE.

Here we catalogued 23 species in two genera of Clusiidae from Colombia. For each species the available geographical information is presented.

FAMILIES CALLIPHORIDAE AND MESEMBRINELLIDAE.

Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae (Diptera, Oestroidea) are very common groups of flies, the Calliphoridae with worldwide distribution and over 1,000 described species, while the Mesembrinellidae are restricted to the Neotropical Region and founded mainly in areas with undisturbed native vegetation. This catalogue presents two families: Calliphoridae, with 4 subfamilies, 31 species distributed in 12 genera, and Mesembrinellidae, with 7 genera and 21 species.