Unusual rearrangements of mitogenomes in Diptera revealed by comparative analysis of 135 tachinid species (Insecta, Diptera, Tachinidae).

The Tachinidae is one of the most speciose families in Diptera, and the exclusively parasitoid species play an important role in regulating populations of many herbivorous insects in ecosystems, including many agricultural pests. To better comprehend the characteristics and evolution of the mitochondrial genome for the Tachinidae, we are adding a massive amount of new molecular data by assembling the mitogenomes for 71 genera and 135 species from all four tachinid subfamilies through next-generation sequencing, and we are presenting the most comprehensive mitogenomic phylogenetic analysis of this family so far. Extensive rearrangements observed in the mitogenome of Admontia podomyia (Exoristinae) are unique for the entire suborder Cyclorrhapha. The rearrangement pattern suggests that the process involved a tandem duplication of the complete mitogenome, followed by both random and nonrandom loss of one copy of each gene. Additionally, five minor mitogenome rearrangements are discovered and described in three subfamilies. We present the largest species-level phylogenetic hypothesis for Tachinidae to date, based on mitogenomes of 152 species of Tachinidae, representing all four subfamilies and with five non-tachinid outgroups. Our analyses support the monophyly of the Tachinidae and most tribes and genera were recovered with good support, but the higher-level phylogenetic relationships within Tachinidae were poorly resolved, indicating that mitogenome data alone are not enough to unambiguously resolve the deeper phylogenetic relationships within Tachinidae.

Ecological succession of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the decomposition of pig carcasses in Cerrado areas of Brazil.

This research aims to describe the process of ecological succession by associating the decomposition stages of pig carcasses with flies from the Calliphoridae family (Diptera). For this, 6 pig carcasses were exposed in Maranhão's Cerrado, utilizing metal cages with sawdust trays to catch immature specimens and "suspended traps" to capture adults. Adults of the Hemilucilia benoisti Séguy, and Hemilucilia townsendi Shannon species were only associated with the swelling stage. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was associated with 2 stages (black putrefaction and fermentation). The species Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann) were associated with 4 of the 5 stages of decomposition, the latter being the only 1 associated with the initial stage. The larvae abandoned the carcasses to pupate from the second stage of decomposition, with L. eximia being the only 1 leaving the carcasses in the swelling stage, and C. albiceps the only 1 associated with both the fermentation and dry stages. Our findings indicate that calliphorid species can help forensic investigators estimine the post-mortem interval of cadavers in situations similar to those detailed in this study. Since there was a link between adult and immature species and certain stages, they can be used as indicators in future forensic investigations.

South African nose flies (Diptera, Calliphoridae, Rhiniinae): taxonomy, diversity, distribution and biology.

Background: Rhiniinae (Diptera, Calliphoridae) is a taxon of nearly 400 known species, many of them termitophilous. Approximatelly 160 valid species in 16 genera are Afrotropical, with over 60 of them occurring in South Africa. The taxonomy of this group is outdated, as most studies of the South African taxa were conducted 40 to 70 years ago (mostly by Salvador Peris and Fritz Zumpt). Published information on their biology and ecology is also scarce. New information: An annotated checklist of 73 species of Rhiniinae for South Africa was developed, based on the holdings of sixteen entomological collections in Africa, Europe and North America. Over 3,700 specimens were examined, revealing nine new species records for South Africa (Cosminaundulata Malloch, 1926, Isomyiacuthbertsoni (Curran, 1938), Rhyncomyabotswana Zumpt, 1974, R.tristis Séguy, 1933, Stomorhinaapta Curran, 1931, S.malobana (Lehrer, 2007), Thoraciteskirkspriggsi Kurahashi, 2001, Th.sarcophagoides Kurahashi, 2001 and Trichoberialanata (Villeneuve, 1920)). We propose one new combination Eurhyncomyiametzi (Zumpt, 1981) comb. nov. (= Rhyncomyametzi Zumpt, 1981)). Additionally, evidence is presented to remove Rhyncomyaviduella Villeneuve, 1927 stat. rev. from synonymy with Rhyncomyacassotis (Walker, 1849). Relevant novel biological and seasonality information, historical occurrence maps and high-definition photographs for each species are compiled.

Phylogenetic insights based on the first complete mitochondrial genome of Isomyia nebulosa (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

To investigate the phylogenetic position of Isomyia Walker, 1860, a genus that suffered from frequent revisions of the taxonomic status following the subfamily Rhiniinae (Diptera, Calliphoridae), we sequenced, assembled, annotated, and analyzed the first complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Isomyia nebulosa (Townsend, 1917) in this study. This mitogenome is 16,438 bp in length, with a standard set of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and an A + T riched non-coding region without genetic rearrangement as most dipteran mitogenomes, but long intergenic nucleotides (IGNs) between trnQ and trnM are found. The phylogeny yielded by both Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood analysis for all mitochondrial PCGs and rRNAs of 23 mitogenomes supports the monophyly of the family Calliphoridae and the subfamilies Calliphorinae, Chrysomyinae, and Luciliinae. In addition, I. nebulosa diverged anterior to the above-mentioned three calliphorid subfamilies with high genetic distances.

Helicobia neuzalmeidae sp. nov., A New Species of Sarcophagidae (Diptera) Reared From a Pig Carcass in the Brazilian Savanna.

A new species of Sarcophagidae (Diptera) in the genus Helicobia Coquillett, Helicobia neuzalmeidae sp. nov., is described based on two male specimens obtained from pig carcasses in savanna-like vegetation in northeastern Brazil (state of Maranhão) during a forensic study. The holotype was obtained from a larva that abandoned the pig carcass to pupate, whereas the paratype was collected with a trap placed above the cage containing the carcass. This is the first record of a Helicobia species reared from a vertebrate carcass.

Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Mitochondrial Genomes Among the Calliphoridae (Insecta: Diptera: Oestroidea) and Phylogenetic Implications.

The Calliphoridae (blowflies) are significant for forensic science, veterinary management, medical science, and economic issues. However, the phylogenetic relationships within this family are poorly understood and controversial, and the status of the Calliphoridae has been a crucial problem for understanding the evolutionary relationships of the Oestroidea these years. In the present study, seven mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes), including six calliphorid species and one Polleniidae species, were sequenced and annotated. Then a comparative mitochondrial genomic analysis among the Calliphoridae is presented. Additionally, the phylogenetic relationship of the Calliphoridae within the larger context of the other Oestroidea was reconstructed based on the mitogenomic datasets using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods (BI). The results suggest that the gene arrangement, codon usage, and base composition are conserved within the calliphorid species. The phylogenetic analysis based on the mitogenomic dataset recovered the Calliphoridae as monophyletic and inferred the following topology within Oestroidea: (Oestridae (Sarcophagidae (Calliphoridae + (Polleniidae + (Mesembrinellidae + Tachinidae))))). Although the number of exemplar species is limited, further studies are required. Within the Calliphoridae, the Chrysomyinae were recovered as sister taxon to Luciliinae + Calliphorinae. Our analyses indicated that mitogenomic data have the potential for illuminating the phylogenetic relationships in the Oestroidea as well as for the classification of the Calliphoridae.

Annotated catalogue of the Tachinidae (Insecta, Diptera) of Chile.

The Tachinidae (Diptera) of Chile are catalogued and information is given on distributions, name-bearing types, synonyms, nomenclatural issues, and pertinent literature. The history of tachinid collectors in Chile and authors who have contributed to the systematic knowledge of Chilean tachinids is extensively reviewed. The classification has been updated and 122 genera and 264 species are recognised in Chile. There is a significant amount of endemism with 28 genera and 100 species known only from Chile. There are also 113 species with distributions shared only between Chile and Argentina, particularly in the southern portions of these countries comprising Patagonia. The catalogue is based on examination of the original descriptions of all nominal species and all other references known to us containing relevant taxonomic and distributional information, for a total of approximately 450 references. Many of the name-bearing types and other Chilean specimens housed in collections were examined. Taxa are arranged hierarchically and alphabetically under the categories of subfamily, tribe, genus, subgenus (where recognised), and species. Nomenclatural information is provided for genus-group and species-group names, including lists of synonyms (mostly restricted to Neotropical taxa) and name-bearing type data. Species distributions are recorded by country within the New World and by larger geographical divisions in the Old World. Additional information is given in the form of notes and references under valid names at the level of tribe, genus, and species. Two genera are newly recorded from Chile: Chaetoepalpus Vimmer & Soukup, 1940 (Tachinini) (also newly recorded from Argentina) and Patelloa Townsend, 1916 (Goniini). Four species are newly recorded from Chile or other countries: Lyphaornata Aldrich, 1934 (Chile); Chaetoepalpuscoquilleti Vimmer & Soukup, 1940 (Argentina and Chile); Phytomypteraevanescens (Cortés, 1967) (Argentina); and Xanthobasisunicolor Aldrich, 1934 (Chile). Eight species previously recorded from Chile are deemed to have been misidentified or misrecorded from Chile (known distributions in parentheses): Archytasincertus (Macquart, 1851) (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay); Archytasseminiger (Wiedemann, 1830) (Brazil, Colombia); Goniacrassicornis (Fabricius, 1794) (Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Middle America, West Indies, Nearctic); Lespesiaandina (Bigot, 1888) (Cuba); Lespesiaarchippivora (Riley, 1871) (widespread Nearctic and most of Neotropical); Neoethillaignobilis (van der Wulp, 1890) (Mexico, United States); Siphona (Siphona) geniculata (De Geer, 1776) (Palaearctic, Nearctic [introduced]); and Winthemiaquadripustulata (Fabricius, 1794) (Palaearctic, Nearctic, Oriental]. As First Reviser we fix Paratheresiarufiventris Townsend, 1929 as the senior homonym and Sarcoprosenarufiventris Townsend, 1929 as the junior homonym when the two are placed together in Billaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830; and we fix Mayophoriniaangusta Townsend, 1927 as the senior homonym and Metarrhinomyiaangusta Townsend, 1927 as the junior homonym when the two are placed together in Myiopharus Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889. New replacement names are proposed for eight preoccupied names of Neotropical species (country of type locality in parentheses): Billaearufescens O'Hara & Wood for Sarcoprosenarufiventris Townsend, 1929, preoccupied in the genus Billaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 by Paratheresiarufiventris Townsend, 1929 (Peru), nom. nov.; Billaeatriquetrus O'Hara & Wood for Sarcoprosenatriangulifera Townsend, 1927, preoccupied in the genus Billaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 by Dexiatriangulifera Zetterstedt, 1844 (Peru), nom. nov.; Eucelatorianudioculata O'Hara & Wood for Eucelatorioideanigripalpis Thompson, 1968, preoccupied in the genus Eucelatoria Townsend, 1909 by Chetolyganigripalpis Bigot, 1889 (Trinidad), nom. nov.; Eucelatoriaoblonga O'Hara & Wood for Urodexodeselongatum Cortés & Campos, 1974, preoccupied in the genus Eucelatoria Townsend, 1909 by Exoristaelongata van der Wulp, 1890 (Chile), nom. nov.; Lespesiathompsoni O'Hara & Wood for Sturmiopsoideaobscura Thompson, 1966, preoccupied in the genus Lespesia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 by Eurigasterobscurus Bigot, 1857 (Cuba), nom. nov.; Myiopharuscharapensis O'Hara & Wood for Metarrhinomyiaangusta Townsend, 1927, preoccupied in the genus Myiopharus Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 by Mayophoriniaangusta Townsend, 1927 (Peru), nom. nov.; Myiopharusincognitus O'Hara & Wood for Stenochaetaclaripalpis Thompson, 1968, preoccupied in the genus Myiopharus Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 by Neoxynopsoideaclaripalpis Thompson, 1968 (Trinidad), nom. nov.; and Myiopharusrufopalpus O'Hara & Wood for Paralispepalpalis Townsend, 1929, preoccupied in the genus Myiopharus Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 by Myioxynopspalpalis Townsend, 1927 (Peru), nom. nov. New type species fixations are made under the provisions of Article 70.3.2 of the ICZNCode for three genus-group names: Parafabricia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1894 (synonym of Archytas Jaennicke, 1867), type species newly fixed as Parafabriciaperplexa Townsend, 1931; Tachinodes Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 (synonym of Archytas Jaennicke, 1867), type species newly fixed as Juriniametallica Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830; and Willistonia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 (synonym of Belvosia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), type species newly fixed as Willistoniaaldrichi Townsend, 1931. Lectotypes are designated for the following four nominal species, all described or possibly described from Chile: Echinomyiapygmaea Macquart, 1851 (a valid name in the genus Peleteria Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830); Goniachilensis Macquart, 1844 (a junior synonym of Goniapallens Wiedemann, 1830); Masiceraauriceps Macquart, 1844 (a valid name in the genus Lespesia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863); and Prosopochoetanitidiventris Macquart, 1851 (a valid name in the genus Prosopochaeta Macquart, 1851). The following 27 new or revived combinations are proposed (distributions in parentheses): Blepharipezaandina Bigot, 1888 is moved to Lespesia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 as L.andina, nomen dubium (Cuba), comb. nov.; Camposodesevanescens Cortés, 1967 is moved to Phytomyptera Rondani, 1845 as P.evanescens (Argentina, Chile), comb. nov.; Ectophasiopsisypiranga Dios & Nihei, 2017 is moved to Trichopoda Berthold, 1827 and assigned to subgenus Galactomyia Townsend, 1908 as T. (G.) ypiranga (Argentina, Brazil), comb. nov.; Embiomyiaaustralis Aldrich, 1934 is moved to Steleoneura Stein, 1924 as S.australis (Argentina, Chile), comb. nov.; Eurigastermodestus Bigot, 1857 is moved to Lespesia as L.modesta (Cuba), comb. nov.; Eurigasterobscurus Bigot, 1857 is moved to Lespesia as L.obscura (Cuba), comb. nov.; Macropatelloatanumeana Townsend, 1931 is moved to Patelloa Townsend, 1916 as P.tanumeana (Argentina, Chile), comb. nov.; Masicerainsignis van der Wulp, 1882 is moved to Drino Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 as D.insignis (Argentina, Chile), comb. nov.; Parasetigenahichinsi Cortés, 1967 is moved to Chetogena Rondani, 1856 as C.hichinsi (Chile), comb. nov.; Parasetigenaporteri Brèthes, 1920 and junior synonym Stomatotachinasplendida Townsend, 1931 are moved to Chetogena as C.porteri (Chile), both comb. nov.; Phoroceracalyptrata Aldrich, 1934 is moved to Admontia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 as A.calyptrata (Argentina, Chile), comb. nov.; Poliopsauratus Campos, 1953 is moved to Admontia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 as A.aurata (Chile), comb. nov.; Poliopsstriatus Aldrich, 1934 is moved to Admontia as A.striata (Argentina, Chile), comb. nov.; Ruiziellafrontosa Cortés, 1951 is moved to Chaetoepalpus Vimmer & Soukup, 1940 and placed in synonymy with C.coquilleti Vimmer & Soukup, 1940 (Argentina, Chile, Peru), comb. nov.; Ruiziellaluctuosa Cortés, 1951 is moved to Chaetoepalpus as C.luctuosus (Argentina, Chile), comb. nov.; Sarcoprosenaluteola Cortés & Campos, 1974 is moved to Billaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 as B.luteola (Chile), comb. nov.; Sarcoprosenarufiventris Townsend, 1929 is moved to Billaea where it is a junior secondary homonym and is renamed B.rufescens O'Hara & Wood (Peru), comb. nov.; Sarcoprosenatriangulifera Townsend, 1927 is moved to Billaea where it is a junior secondary homonym and is renamed B.triquetrus O'Hara & Wood (Peru),comb. nov.; Saundersiaaurea Giglio-Tos, 1893 is moved to "Unplaced species of Tachinini" (Mexico), comb. nov.; Schistostephanaaurifrons Townsend, 1919 is moved to Billaea as B.aurifrons (Peru), comb. nov.; Siphoactiacharapensis Townsend, 1927 is moved to Clausicella Rondani, 1856 as C.charapensis (Peru), comb. nov.; Siphoactiaperegrina Cortés & Campos, 1971 is moved to Clausicella as C. peregrina (Chile), comb. nov.; Sturmiafestiva Cortés, 1944 is moved to Drino as D.festiva (Argentina, Chile), comb. nov.; Sturmiopsoideaobscura Thompson, 1966 is moved to Lespesia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863, where it is a junior secondary homonym and is renamed L.thompsoni O'Hara & Wood (Trinidad), comb. nov.; Trichopodaarcuata Bigot, 1876 is returned to Trichopoda from Ectophasiopsis Townsend, 1915 and assigned to subgenus Galactomyia (Argentina, Chile), comb. revived; and Trichopodagradata Wiedemann, 1830 is returned to Trichopoda from Ectophasiopsis and assigned to subgenus Galactomyia (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay), comb. revived. New or revived generic and specific synonymies are proposed for the following 14 names: Camposodes Cortés, 1967 with Phytomyptera Rondani, 1845, syn. nov.; Ectophasiopsis Townsend, 1915 with Trichopoda Berthold, 1827, subgenus Galactomyia Townsend, 1908, syn. nov.; Embiomyia Aldrich, 1934 with Steleoneura Stein, 1924, syn. nov.; Fabriciaandicola Bigot, 1888 with Peleteriarobusta (Wiedemann, 1830), syn. revived; Macropatelloa Townsend, 1931 with Patelloa Townsend, 1916, syn. nov.; Peleteriainca Curran, 1925 with Peleteriarobusta (Wiedemann, 1830), syn. revived; Poliops Aldrich, 1934 with Admontia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889, syn. nov.; Ruiziella Cortés, 1951 with Chaetoepalpus Vimmer & Soukup, 1940, syn. nov.; Ruiziellafrontosa Cortés, 1951 with Chaetoepalpuscoquilleti Vimmer & Soukup, 1940, syn. nov.; Sarcoprosena Townsend, 1927 with Billaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, syn. nov.; Schistostephana Townsend, 1919 with Billaea, syn. nov.; Siphoactia Townsend, 1927 with Clausicella Rondani, 1856, syn. nov.; Stomatotachina Townsend, 1931 with Chetogena Rondani, 1856, syn. nov.; and Sturmiopsoidea Thompson, 1966 with Lespesia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863, syn. nov.

Museomics and phylogenomics with protein-encoding ultraconserved elements illuminate the evolution of life history and phallic morphology of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

BACKGROUND: The common name of the Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) usually relates them with organisms feeding on decomposing organic matter, although the biology of one of the largest radiations among insects also includes predation, coprophagy, and even kleptoparasitism. The question of whether the ancestor of all sarcophagids was a predator or a decomposer, or in association to which host have sarcophagids evolved, has thus always piqued the curiosity of flesh fly specialists. Such curiosity has often been hindered by both the impossibility of having a well-supported phylogeny of Sarcophagidae and its sister group to trace live habits and the scarcity of information on the biology of the group. Using a phylogenomic dataset of protein-encoding ultraconserved elements from representatives of all three subfamilies of Sarcophagidae as ingroup and a large Calyptratae outgroup, a robust phylogenetic framework and timescale are generated to understand flesh fly systematics and the evolution of their life histories. RESULTS: The evolutionary history for Sarcophagidae reconstructed here differs considerably from previous hypotheses. Within subfamily Sarcophaginae, a group of predatory flies, including genera Lepidodexia and Boettcheria, emerged as sister-group to the rest of Sarcophaginae. The genera Oxysarcodexia, Ravinia, and Tricharaea, long considered archaic and early-branching coprophagous and sarcosaprophagous lineages, were found nested well within the Sarcophaginae as sister-group to the sarcosaprophagous Microcerella. Predation on invertebrates is suggested as the ancestral and dominant strategy throughout the early evolution of flesh flies. Several transitions from predation to sarcosaprophagy and coprophagy occur across the sarcophagid phylogenetic tree, in contrast with almost no transitions from sarcosaprophagy or coprophagy to predatory habits. Regarding the morphological evolution of flesh flies, there might be a concerted evolution of male genitalia traits, such as the phallotrema position and the juxta, or the vesica and the folding of the phallotrema. One diversification rate shift was inferred in the evolution of sarcophagids, which is related to the origin of genus Sarcophaga. CONCLUSIONS: This study has a significant impact on understanding sarcophagid evolution and highlights the importance of having a robust phylogenetic framework to reconstruct the ancestral character state of biological and morphological characters. I discuss the evolution of life histories of the family in relation to their hosts or substrates and outline how sarcosaprophagy, coprophagy, and kleptoparasitism behavior on various hosts may have evolved from predation on invertebrates. This study provides a phylogenetic framework for further physiological and comparative genomic work between predatory, sarcosaprophagous, coprophagous, and kleptoparasitic lineages, which could also have significant implications for the evolution of diverse life histories in other Diptera.

Revision of Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, 1934 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, 1934 is a genus of flesh flies predominantly Neotropical in distribution, which comprises small species (4.0-7.3 mm) characterized mainly by vein R1 fully setulose dorsally and wing usually fumose between apical part of vein R2+3 and vein C. The taxonomic revision of the genus resulted in 39 valid species, of which 12 are new to science: N. boruca sp. nov., N. canga sp. nov., N. coendu sp. nov., N. cuzco sp. nov., N. equatoriana sp. nov., N. inca sp. nov., N. lamasi sp. nov., N. matinta sp. nov., N. psittacocercus sp. nov., N. sofiae sp. nov., N. similis sp. nov. and N. tembe sp. nov. Nephochaetopteryx shannoni Dodge, 1968 is a junior synonym of N. flavipalpis Lopes, 1936, syn. nov. and N. linharensis Tibana Santos 1997 is a junior synonym of N. pallidifacies Lopes 1975, syn. nov. A key to the males of all valid species is given, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia.

Description of Two New Species of Dexosarcophaga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) From the Coastal Environments of the Brazilian Amazon.

Two new species of Dexosarcophaga Townsend (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are described, both from the coastal zone of the Brazilian Amazon: Dexosarcophaga salgada sp. nov. and Dexosarcophaga klycyae sp. nov.

Scavengers flesh flies (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) from two phytophysiognomies in the state of Maranhão, Northeastern of Brazil / Moscas necrófagas (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) de duas fitofisionomias no estado do Maranhão, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) have been found in a wide range of natural and anthropogenic environments, from forests to deserts. The state of Maranhão, located in Northeastern Brazil, has a diverse phytogeography, but few faunistic studies have been conducted in this area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to inventory species of Sarcophagidae and compare abundance patterns between the Cerrado (savanna-like vegetation) and riparian forests in the municipality of Codó, state of Maranhão. Twelve sampling events were carried out from the second half of 2015 to the first half of 2017. This resulted in 3,220 specimens, 27.15% of which were males, from nine genera and 27 species. A total of 491 specimens (16 species) were collected in the Cerrado, and 383 specimens (21 species) in the riparian forest. Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann) was the most abundant species (56,18% of the specimens sampled), followed by Peckia (Peckia) pexata (Wulp) (13%); Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran & Walley) (13%), and Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma Wiedemann (10%). Only P. (E.) collusor was found in greater abundance in the Cerrado. Oxysarcodexia angrensis (Lopes), Peckia (Peckia) enderleini (Engel), and Retrocitomiya andina Lopes are all new records to Maranhão and the entire Northeast Region of Brazil. Titanogrypa (Cuculomyia) albuquerquei (Lopes) is also a new to Maranhão.

Resumo: As moscas Sarcophagidae podem ser encontradas em vários tipos de ambientes, naturais ou antropizados, desde florestas até desertos. O estado brasileiro do Maranhão, localizado na Região Nordeste, possui uma grande variedade de áreas fitogeográficas, mas poucos estudos faunísticos tem sido realizados nesta região. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi inventariar as espécies de sarcofagídeos e comparar os seus padrões de abundância entre as áreas de cerrado (vegetação tipo savana) e de mata ciliar do município de Codó, estado do Maranhão. Foram realizadas 12 coletas, do segundo semestre de 2015 ao primeiro semestre de 2017. Foram coletados 3.220 espécimes, dos quais 27,15% são machos, representados por nove gêneros e 27 espécies. No cerrado foram coletados 491 espécimes (16 espécies), na mata ciliar foram coletados 383 espécimes (21 espécies). As espécies mais abundantes foram Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann) (56,18% dos indivíduos amostrados), Peckia (Peckia) pexata (Wulp) (13%), Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran & Walley) (13%) e Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma Wiedemann (10%). Apenas P. (E.) collusor foi significativamente mais abundante na área de cerrado. Oxysarcodexia angrensis (Lopes), Peckia (Peckia) enderleini (Engel) e Retrocitomiya andina Lopes são novos registros para a Região Nordeste do Brasil e Titanogrypa (Cuculomyia) albuquerquei (Lopes) é novo registro para o estado do Maranhão.

The world woodlouse flies (Diptera, Rhinophoridae).

The world Rhinophoridae are catalogued, recognising 33 genera and 177 species. Nomenclatural information is provided for all genus-group and species-group names, including lists of synonyms and name-bearing type data. Species distributions are recorded by country. A key to the world genera is presented. Four new genera are erected to accommodate five new species, which do not fit within any of the current generic concepts in Rhinophoridae, according to the results of a morphology-based phylogenetic analysis: Marshallicona Cerretti & Pape with type species Marshallicona quitu Cerretti & Pape, gen. et sp. nov. (Ecuador); Maurhinophora Cerretti & Pape with type species Maurhinophora indoceanica Cerretti & Pape, gen. et sp. nov. (Mauritius); Neotarsina Cerretti & Pape with type species Neotarsina caraibica Cerretti & Pape, gen. et sp. nov. (Trinidad and Tobago) and Neotarsina andina Cerretti & Pape, sp. nov. (Peru); Kinabalumyia Cerretti & Pape with type species Kinabalumyia pinax Cerretti & Pape, gen. et sp. nov. (Malaysia, Sabah). The genus Aporeomyia Pape & Shima (type species Aporeomyia antennalis Pape & Shima), originally assigned to Tachinidae, is here reassigned to Rhinophoridae based on a reassessment of the homologies of the male terminalia. The following five species-group names, which were previously treated as junior synonyms or nomina dubia, are recognised as valid species names: Acompomintho caucasica (Villeneuve, 1908), stat. rev. [from nomen dubium to valid species]; Acompomintho sinensis (Villeneuve, 1936), stat. rev. [from nomen dubium to valid species]; Stevenia bertei (Rondani, 1865), stat. rev. [from nomen dubium to valid species]; Stevenia sardoa Villeneuve, 1920, stat. rev. [from junior synonym of Rhinophora deceptoria Loew, 1847 to valid species]; Stevenia subalbida (Villeneuve, 1911), stat. rev. [from junior synonym of Rhinophora deceptoria Loew, 1847 to valid species]. Reversal of precedence is invoked for the following case of subjective synonymy to promote stability in nomenclature: Rhinophora lepida (Meigen, 1824), nomen protectum, and Musca parcus Harris, 1780: 144, nomen oblitum. New generic and specific synonymies are proposed for the following two names: Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935, junior synonym of Tromodesia Rondani, 1856, syn. nov. and Ptilocheta tacchetti Rondani, 1865, junior synonym of Stevenia obscuripennis (Loew, 1847), syn. nov. The following new combinations are proposed: Acompomintho sinensis (Villeneuve, 1936), comb. nov. [transferred from Tricogena Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830]; Tromodesia guzari (Rohdendorf, 1935), comb. nov. [transferred from Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935]; Tromodesia intermedia (Rohdendorf, 1935), comb. nov. [transferred from Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935]; Tromodesia lindneriana (Rohdendorf, 1961), comb. nov. [transferred from Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935]; Tromodesia magnifica (Rohdendorf, 1935), comb. nov. [transferred from Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935]; Tromodesia obscurior (Rohdendorf, 1935), comb. nov. [transferred from Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935]; Tromodesia pallidissima (Rohdendorf, 1935), comb. nov. [transferred from Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935]; Tromodesia setiventris (Rohdendorf, 1935), comb. nov. [transferred from Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935] and Tromodesia shachrudi (Rohdendorf, 1935), comb. nov. [transferred from Mimodexia Rohdendorf, 1935].

First molecular phylogeny of Paralucilia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891 (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae): A preliminary approach.

Paralucilia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891 (Diptera, Oestroidea, Calliphoridae) is a small genus of blowflies restricted to the Neotropical region, which is commonly reported on decaying corpses and vertebrate carcasses. The number of species currently assigned to this genus and their denominations are contentious, with either three or five species recognized by different authors. This taxonomic instability results in a lack of consensus in species determination, making it impossible to compare results from different studies as well as to elaborate confident taxonomic keys. In order to solve some of the most commonly reported taxonomic conflicts within this genus, to the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships among Paralucilia species, based on molecular analysis of the COI, ITS2, 28S, and 16S genes. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference analyses were used for phylogenetic reconstruction and divergence time estimation analyses. Intra- and interspecific genetic distances were calculated among species using the COI dataset. The results showed that at least three of the five currently accepted species are well defined: P. fulvinota, P. pseudolyrcea, and P. paraensis, however, a significant level of intraspecific variation was observed in P. fulvinota. These findings will assist future revisions of the description, classification, and distribution of species of Paralucilia, as well as in the elaboration of taxonomic keys. Additionally, we show that it is possible to clarify the evolutionary history of this Neotropical genus using supplementary evidence such as morphology and molecular data.

Molecular phylogeny and evolution of world Tachinidae (Diptera).

We reconstructed phylogenetic relationships within the diverse parasitoid fly family Tachinidae using four nuclear loci (7800 bp) and including an exceptionally large sample of more than 500 taxa from around the world. The position of the earthworm-parasitizing Polleniinae (Calliphoridae s.l.) as sister to Tachinidae is strongly supported. Our analyses recovered each of the four tachinid subfamilies and most recognized tribes, with some important exceptions in the Dexiinae and Tachininae. Most notably, the tachinine tribes Macquartiini and Myiophasiini form a clade sister to all other Tachinidae, and a clade of Palpostomatini is reconstructed as sister to Dexiinae + Phasiinae. Although most nodes are well-supported, relationships within several lineages that appear to have undergone rapid episodes of diversification (basal Dexiinae and Tachininae, Blondeliini) were poorly resolved. Reconstructions of host use evolution are equivocal, but generally support the hypothesis that the ancestral host of tachinids was a beetle and that subsequent host shifts to caterpillars may coincide with accelerated diversification. Evolutionary reconstructions of reproductive strategy using alternative methods were incongruent, however it is most likely that ancestral tachinids possessed unincubated, thick shelled eggs from which incubated eggs evolved repeatedly, potentially expanding available host niches. These results provide a broad foundation for understanding the phylogeny and evolution of this important family of parasitoid insects. We hope it will serve as a framework to be used in concert with morphology and other sources of evidence to revise the higher taxonomic classification of Tachinidae and further explore their evolutionary history and diversification.

Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from a white-sand habitat in the Brazilian Amazon, with the description of four new species.

The white-sand enclaves in the Amazon Basin are small areas scattered through the tropical forest, with sandy and nutrient-poor soils and an unusual vegetation type. The insect fauna of this ecosystem is poorly known, especially in the eastern Amazon. The flesh fly fauna of an area of open herbaceous white-sand vegetation known as "Campo Redondo" in the municipality of Cametá, state of Pará, was surveyed, resulting in the discovery of 43 species in 11 genera representing the subfamilies Sarcophaginae and Miltogramminae. Four new species are described: Dexosarcophaga (Dexosarcophaga) campina sp. nov., Helicobia cametaensis sp. nov., Helicobia domquixote sp. nov., and Metopia fofo sp. nov. Lepidodexia (Lepidodexia) grisea Lopes and Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) setifrons (Lopes) are newly recorded from Brazil. Dexosarcophaga (Bezzisca) ampullula (Engel), D. (Dexosarcophaga) transita Townsend and Titanogrypa (Cucullomyia) larvicida (Lopes) are newly recorded from the Brazilian Amazon.

The genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in the Brazilian Amazon: a new species, new records, descriptions of female terminalia and key to species.

Flesh flies of the genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 were studied from the Brazilian Amazon region. The male terminalia of all species are illustrated. The female terminalia are described and illustrated for all species for which the female is known. The female terminalia of six species are described for the first time; those of seven species are redescribed and documented through new illustrations. A new species of the subgenus Pattonella Enderlein, 1928, Peckia (Pattonella) juruti sp. nov., is described. It is similar to Peckia (Pattonella) smarti (Lopes, 1941) in the shape of the cercus and distiphallus, but differs in the shape of the gonites, juxta and capitis. Peckia (Peckia) hillifera (Aldrich, 1916) is recorded from Brazil for the first time; Peckia (Euboettcheria) florencioi (Prado Fonseca, 1932) is newly reported for the Brazilian Amazon. A key to the 21 species of Peckia so far recorded from the Brazilian Amazon is provided, allowing the identification of both sexes where known. The females of only five of these species remain unknown.

A new species and new records of Oxysarcodexia Townsend (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from Brazil

Abstract Oxysarcodexia cocais sp. nov. from Brazil is described and illustrated based on male specimens collected in a babassu palm forest in the state of Maranhão. The remarkable elongated surstylus (as long as cercus) and U-shaped male sternite 5 distinguishes the new species from other species in the genus. In addition, Oxysarcodexia nitidaSoares & Mello-Patiu, 2010 is recorded for the first time from Brazil, and Oxysarcodexia adunca Lopes, 1975 is a new record from the Brazilian Amazon.

A new species of Sarcofahrtiopsis (Insecta, Diptera, Sarcophagidae) from mangrove forests in the Brazilian Amazon, with a key to species identification / Uma nova espécie de Sarcofahrtiopsis (Insecta, Diptera, Sarcophagidae) de florestas de mangue na Amazônia brasileira, com uma chave de identificação

ABSTRACT A new species of Sarcofahrtiopsis Hall, 1933, S. terezinhae sp. nov., is described based on male specimens collected in traps baited with rotting crabs in a mangrove forest in the state of Pará, eastern Brazilian Amazon. This species differs from congeneric species in having vesica with a row of toe-like projections. We provide a key to the species of the genus.

RESUMO Uma nova espécie de Sarcofahrtiopsis Hall, 1933, S. terezinhae sp. nov., é descrita com base em espécimes machos coletados com armadilhas contendo caranguejo em decomposição como isca em áreas de mangue no Pará, na Amazônia brasileira. Esta espécie difere das demais espécies do gênero por apresentar vesica com uma fileira de projeções parecidas com dedos. Uma chave para as espécies do gênero é apresentada.

Saying goodbye to monotypy in the poorly known genus Austrophyto Lopes, 1989 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): new diagnosis and description of two new species.

The Argentinean endemic genus Austrophyto Lopes, 1989 is revised. The diagnosis of the genus is revised and circumscribed, especially focusing on the configuration of the male terminalia. The male of Austrophyto cordobensis is redescribed and two new species, A. noa sp. nov. and A. mariluisi sp. nov., are described. Structures of the male terminalia of all species are documented and compared. A key to the adult males of the species is presented. The genus Austrophyto Lopes is now represented by three species distributed in north-western Argentina.

Phylogenetic inference of calyptrates, with the first mitogenomes for Gasterophilinae (Diptera: Oestridae) and Paramacronychiinae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

The complete mitogenome of the horse stomach bot fly Gasterophilus pecorum (Fabricius) and a near-complete mitogenome of Wohlfahrt's wound myiasis fly Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner) were sequenced. The mitogenomes contain the typical 37 mitogenes found in metazoans, organized in the same order and orientation as in other cyclorrhaphan Diptera. Phylogenetic analyses of mitogenomes from 38 calyptrate taxa with and without two non-calyptrate outgroups were performed using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood. Three sub-analyses were performed on the concatenated data: (1) not partitioned; (2) partitioned by gene; (3) 3rd codon positions of protein-coding genes omitted. We estimated the contribution of each of the mitochondrial genes for phylogenetic analysis, as well as the effect of some popular methodologies on calyptrate phylogeny reconstruction. In the favoured trees, the Oestroidea are nested within the muscoid grade. Relationships at the family level within Oestroidea are (remaining Calliphoridae (Sarcophagidae (Oestridae, Pollenia + Tachinidae))). Our mito-phylogenetic reconstruction of the Calyptratae presents the most extensive taxon coverage so far, and the risk of long-branch attraction is reduced by an appropriate selection of outgroups. We find that in the Calyptratae the ND2, ND5, ND1, COIII, and COI genes are more phylogenetically informative compared with other mitochondrial protein-coding genes. Our study provides evidence that data partitioning and the inclusion of conserved tRNA genes have little influence on calyptrate phylogeny reconstruction, and that the 3rd codon positions of protein-coding genes are not saturated and therefore should be included.