Discrimination of cryptic species: Tabanus triangulum and Tabanus occidentalis (Diptera: Tabanidae) differ in size and shape.

Horse fly females (Diptera, Tabanidae) are hematophagous and can vector pathogens that affect livestock. Complexes of cryptic species are common in Tabanidae, as exemplified by some species of Tabanus, including Tabanus triangulum and Tabanus occidentalis, both prevalent in the Southern region of Brazil. In this study, geometric morphometrics were employed to ascertain the wing venation in species identification. It was demonstrated that this tool effectively differentiates T. triangulum from T. occidentalis in the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul state, situated within the Pampa biome. The results indicate that T. triangulum and T. occidentalis occupy distinct regions of the morphological space, allowing their precise identification through geometric morphometrics, which is fast, affordable, and easy to implement.

Revision of the Brazilian species of Ptilodexia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 (Diptera: Tachinidae: Dexiinae), with the description of a new species.

The Brazilian species of the New World genus Ptilodexia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1889 are revised. Before this study, only one species of Ptilodexia was recorded from Brazil, viz. P. lateralis (Walker, 1836). Herein we record, for the first time, two new records of known Ptilodexia species in Brazil, viz. P. striata (Wulp, 1891) and P. rubricornis (Wulp, 1891). In addition, a new species is described, Ptilodexia matogrossensis sp. nov. from Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states in Brazil; hence four species of this genus are currently recorded from Brazil. The species Neomyostoma ptilodexioides Townsend, 1935, from Brazil, placed in the monotypic genus Neomyostoma Townsend, 1935, is proposed as junior synonym of P. lateralis. Illustrations and detailed descriptions are presented for P. lateralis, P. matogrossensis sp. nov., P. striata and P. rubricornis and the male terminalia is described for P. lateralis and P. striata. The female terminalia and the first larval instar are described for the first time for the genus, based on the descriptions of P. lateralis and P. striata. A key to the identification of all recognized Brazilian species of Ptilodexia is presented. Finally, an updated distributional record is given for all studied species.

Contributions to our knowledge on avian louse flies (Hippoboscidae: Ornithomyinae) with the first European record of the African species Ornithoctona laticornis.

BACKGROUND: Louse flies (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) are important blood-sucking parasites of birds and mammals with a worldwide distribution. The aim of our study was to collect louse flies from birds across multiple sites in Hungary and evaluate the effects of avian traits on louse fly-host relationships. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2022, 237 louse flies were collected from birds at multiple locations in Hungary. The louse flies were identified to species level by morphological and molecular methods. Louse fly species and their seasonal dynamics were analyzed. RESULTS: Six louse fly species were identified: Ornithomya avicularia, Ornithomya fringillina, Ornithomya biloba, Ornithomya chloropus, Ornithoica turdi and Ornithoctona laticornis. Results of statistical analyses indicated that habitat, migration habits and the feeding places of birds have significant effects on their possible role as hosts of O. avicularia, O. fringillina and O. turdi. Analysis of the temporal distribution of avian louse flies showed different seasonal patterns according to species. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted that O. turdi clustered separately from other members of the subfamily Ornithomyinae which thus did not form a monophyletic group. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents one of the longest continuous collections of ornithophilic louse fly species in Europe so far. Avian traits were shown to influence louse-fly infestation. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on O. laticornis in Europe. The ability of this African louse fly species to survive in Europe, as demonstrated in the present study, may be an indication of its future establishment. Our findings, in accordance with previous reports, also indicated that the subfamily Ornithomyinae should be taxonomically revised.

Codon usage bias analysis in the mitochondrial genomes of five Rhingia Scopoli (Diptera, Syrphidae, Eristalinae) species.

This study presents the sequencing and annotation of mitochondrial genomes from five Rhingia species of the family Syrphidae, focusing on codon bias. Each species possessed 22 tRNAs genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs genes, and a control region, without any observed gene rearrangements. Nucleotide composition analysis revealed a higher AT content compared with GC content, indicating AT enrichment. Neutrality plot, Parity rule 2 bias, and effective number of codons plot analyses collectively indicated that natural selection primarily influences the codon usage bias in the five Rhingia species. Relative synonymous codon usage analysis identified the optimal codons for Rhingia binotata, R. fromosana, R. campestris, R. louguanensis, and R. xanthopoda as 10, 14, 10, 11, and 12, respectively, all ending with A/U and exhibiting AT preference. Phylogenetic analysis, based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods applied to three datasets, confirmed the monophyly of Rhingia. In conclusion, this research establishes a foundation for understanding the phylogenetic evolution and codon usage patterns in Rhingia, offering valuable for future studies.

Eocene amber provides the first fossil record and bridges distributional gap in the rare genus Robsonomyia (Diptera: Keroplatidae).

Until now, the genus Robsonomyia was represented by two extant species: R. reducta Matile & Vockeroth, 1980 from North America and R. sciaraeformis (Okada, 1939) from Asia. This paper presents the first fossil members of the genus Robsonomyia, which is also the first record from Europe. Two new fossil species from Baltic amber are described: R. baltica Pelczynska, Krzeminski & Blagoderov, sp. nov. and R. henningseni Pelczynska, Krzeminski & Blagoderov, sp. nov.. The presence of fossil Robsonomyia spp. on the European continent suggests Holarctic distribution of the genus in the past. We also discuss possible pathways of its intercontinental dispersion.

A Case of Myiasis Caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in an Italian Traveler Returning from Senegal.

PURPOSE: Myiases are infestations of human and animal tissues by fly larvae. These conditions are widespread in tropical countries and travelers in those areas are at risk of becoming infested. Although Cordylobia anthropophaga (Blanchard & Berenger-Feraud, 1872) is one of the most common myiasis-causing species, few high-quality images and molecular sequences are available for this fly. We present a case of C. anthropophaga infestation in an Italian patient returning from Senegal, with the aim of increasing both visual and molecular data for this species. METHODS: After removal, the larva was determined following standardized morphological keys and photographed under a digital microscope. Molecular characterization of the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was performed using universal primers. RESULTS: The general appearance, the structural organization of the cephalic region, of the cephaloskeleton, and of the posterior tracheal spiracles suggested that the causative agent of the myiasis was a third instar larva of C. anthropophaga. The morphological data are further supported by the molecular data: the COI sequence showed high levels of identity with the already published verified COI sequences of C. anthropophaga. CONCLUSION: We provide high-quality morphological and molecular data useful for the identification of larvae of C. anthropophaga. We highlight that myiasis might be common in Senegal and better data about its prevalence in travelers and in the endemic countries are needed to understand the burden of this condition.

Species diversity and spatial distribution of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from La Isla Amazon Park, Napo Province, Ecuador / Diversidad de especies y distribución espacial de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) del Parque Amazónico La Isla, provincia de Napo, Ecuador

Abstract Introduction: Vector-borne diseases are prevalent in the Amazon and Coastal regions of Ecuador. However, there is a scarcity of mosquito ecology studies in these areas. The most recent list of species reported for the country comprises 8 tribes, 22 genera, and 200 species. Objectives: To document the Culicidae species found in La Isla Amazon Park, Napo, Ecuador, including those with epidemiological significance; and to analyze their composition, abundance, and diversity, focusing on larval habitats during the dry and rainy periods. Methods: We evaluated different larval habitats, considering collection duration as the primary criterion. We used CDC and Shannon traps to collect adult mosquitoes during both rainy and dry periods. To assess sampling effort, we used accumulation curves and non-parametric estimators of species richness, while we employed Hill numbers to determine diversity. Additionally, we used the Berger-Parker and Pielou indices to evaluate species dominance and evenness. We conducted cluster analysis and ANOSIM tests to assess the similarity between habitats and the differences in taxonomic composition between periods. Results: We collected a total of 802 individuals from 15 species and 4 taxonomic units, 5 genera, and 4 tribes. Notably, this may be the first records of Wyeomyia felicia Dyar & Núñez Tovar and Culex derivator Dyar & Knab from Ecuador. Additionally, the presence of Culex dunni Dyar and Psorophora ferox von Humboldt (both recognized as vectors) was correlated with increased rainfall. Conclusions: The abundance of mosquitoes, including potential vector species, increased during the rainy season, indicating a higher risk of pathogen transmission. However, the relationship between rainfall amount and diversity patterns is not well-defined.

Resumen Introducción: Las enfermedades vectoriales son prevalentes en las regiones amazónica y costera de Ecuador. Sin embargo, hay una escasez de estudios de ecología de mosquitos en estas áreas. En el país se ha reportado 8 tribus, 22 géneros y 200 especies. Objetivos: Documentar las especies de Culicidae encontradas en el Parque Amazónico La Isla, Napo, Ecuador, incluyendo aquellas con importancia epidemiológica; y analizar su composición, abundancia y diversidad, enfocándose en los hábitats de las larvas durante los períodos seco y lluvioso. Métodos: Evaluamos diferentes hábitats larvarios, con la duración de la recolecta como criterio. Las trampas CDC y Shannon recolectaron mosquitos adultos durante los períodos seco y lluvioso. Evaluamos la riqueza de especies con curvas de acumulación y estimadores no paramétricos, mientras que determinamos la diversidad con los números de Hill. Además, utilizamos los índices de Berger-Parker y Pielou para evaluar la dominancia y la uniformidad de las especies. Realizamos análisis de conglomerados y la prueba ANOSIM para evaluar la similitud entre hábitats y estaciones, así como las diferencias en la composición taxonómica, respectivamente. Resultados: Recolectamos un total de 802 individuos de 15 especies y 4 unidades taxonómicas, 5 géneros y 4 tribus. Este podría ser el primer registro de Wyeomyia felicia Dyar & Núñez Tovar y Culex derivator Dyar & Knab en Ecuador. Además, la presencia de Culex dunni Dyar y Psorophora ferox von Humboldt (ambos potenciales vectores) se correlacionó con el aumento de las precipitaciones. Conclusiones: El aumento de la abundancia de mosquitos durante el periodo lluvioso indica un mayor riesgo de transmisión de patógenos. Sin embargo, la relación entre la cantidad de precipitaciones y los patrones de diversidad no está bien definida.

Revision of the South American stiletto fly genera Entesia Oldroyd and Melanothereva Malloch, with the description of a new genus (Therevidae: Agapophytinae).

The South American members of the stiletto fly subfamily Agapophytinae (Diptera: Therevidae) occur in the South American Transition Zone, predominantly in Chile and southwestern Argentina. The four agapophytine genera described from this region are Entesia Oldroyd, 1968; Melanothereva Malloch 1932; Pachyrrhiza Philippi, 1865; and more recently, Sigalopella Irwin & Winterton, 2020. Here we revise Melanothereva and Entesia and describe the new monotypic genus Pachylopella. Keys to South American Agapophytinae genera and species of Melanothereva and Entesia are provided.

Diversidad y ecología de Tephritoidea (Insecta: Diptera) en el norte de la Orinoquía colombiana / Diversity and ecology of Tephritoidea (Insecta: Diptera) on the north of the Colombian Orinoquía

Resumen Introducción: Los Tephritoidea, como grupo, tienen un impacto ecológico porque se alimentan de hongos, insectos, flores, frutas en descomposición, excrementos, sudor, nódulos de raíces, carroña (incluidos cadáveres humanos) y otros materiales en descomposición. Las moscas de la fruta son insectos de gran importancia en la agricultura y la investigación genética. En Colombia existen 58 géneros y 224 especies, pero no existe un estudio general del grupo en la Orinoquía colombiana. Objetivo: Caracterizar las comunidades de Tephritoidea (aspectos taxonómicos y ecológicos) y aportar información básica de las especies de importancia económica en la Orinoquía colombiana. Métodos: Semanalmente desde agosto 2017 hasta febrero 2018 recolectamos moscas de la fruta en trampas McPhail cebadas con proteína de maíz, en un huerto doméstico y un fragmento de bosque en Arauca, y también en Saravena, Orinoquía, Colombia. Resultados: Identificamos 27 especies (12 Tephritidae, 11 Richardiidae y 4 Lonchaeidae), nueve de ellas plagas agrícolas. Euarestopsis paupera, Hemixantha lutea, Melanoloma affinis, Melanoloma cyanogaster, Melanoloma varians y Sepsisoma anale se reportan por primera vez para Colombia. Se calcularon los índices de diversidad para las comunidades estudiadas, encontrando diferencias entre las localidades y ambiente. Se discute la influencia de las condiciones ambientales sobre la variabilidad encontrada. Se encontraron nueve especies de moscas consideradas como plagas de producciones agrícolas y para estas especies se estudió su relación con plantas hospederas y la dinámica poblacional. Conclusiones: Seis meses de muestreo produjeron varios primeros registros, lo que sugiere que la fauna de Tephritoidea está submuestreada en la región. La temporada de lluvias y las actividades humanas se correlacionan con la diversidad y abundancia de especies en la Orinoquía colombiana.

Abstract Introduction: The Tephritoidea as a group, have an ecological impact because they feed on fungi, insects, flowers, decaying fruit, excrement, sweat, root nodules, carrion (including human corpses), and other decomposing materials. The fruit-flies are insects of great importance in agriculture and genetic research. In Colombia, there are 58 genera and 224 species, but there is no general study of the group in the savannas of Orinoquía. Objective: To characterize the Tephritoidea communities (taxonomic and ecological aspects) and to provide basic information about the economically important species in the Colombian Orinoquía. Methods: Weekly from August 2017 to February 2018 we collected flies from fruits and McPhail traps baited with corn protein, in a domestic orchard and a forest fragment in Arauca, and also in Saravena, Orinoquía, Colombia. Results: We identified 27 species (12 Tephritidae, 11 Richardiidae and 4 Lonchaeidae), nine of them agricultural pests. Euarestopsis paupera, Hemixantha lutea, Melanoloma affinis, Melanoloma cyanogaster, Melanoloma varians and Sepsisoma anale are reported for the first time from Colombia. A diversity index was calculated for studied communities, being differences between localities and sites. Influence of climatic conditions over variability was found and is discussed. Nine species of fruit flies, which are considered agricultural pests, were identified. For these species their relationship with host plants and population dynamics were studied. Conclusions: Six months of sampling produced several first reports, suggesting that the fauna of Tephritoidea is undersampled in the region. The rainy season, and human activities, correlate with species diversity and abundance in the Colombian Orinoquía.

Sphenempis, a new Empis subgenus (Diptera, Empididae) from the Eastern Palaearctic Region.

Empis (Sphenempis Saigusa) subgen. nov. (Diptera, Empididae) and its included species, Empis (Sphenempis) bicoloriventris Saigusa sp. nov. from the Ryukyus, Japan and Empis (Sphenempis) oshimai Saigusa sp. nov. from Kyushu, Japan are described. Empis (Lissempis) amurensis Shamshev, 1998 from Amur, Russia is newly included in the subgenus Sphenempis.

A new species of Procanace Hendel from the Philippines (Diptera: Canacidae: Canacinae).

A new species of surf flies (Canacidae: Canacinae) is described and illustrated based on four specimens (1 , 3 ) collected by Dr. Amnon Freidberg in the Philippines. Some peculiarities of the postabdominal structures, especially those of the male terminalia, suggest a fairly close affinity with two other congeneric species, namely Procanace townesi Wirth, 1951, and P. cogani Mathis, 1988, having a disjointed distribution, Marshall Islands and Seychelles, respectively. It is further suggested that these affinities should arguably be regarded as synapomorphic character states in the groundplan of the genus.

Comparative morphology of antennal ultrastructure in Tachinidae parasitoid flies (Diptera): The phylogenetic importance of antennal sensilla.

Tachinidae are one of the most diverse clades of Diptera. All tachinids are parasitoids of insects and other arthropods, and thus are considered an important source of biological pest control. Antennae are the most important olfactory organs of Tachinidae playing key roles in their lives, especially in locating hosts, and details of antennal ultrastructure could provide useful features for phylogenetic studies and understanding their adaptive evolution. Despite the ecological and evolutionary importance of antennae, the current knowledge of antennal ultrastructure is scarce for Tachinidae. Our study examined antennal sensilla of thirteen species belonging to thirteen genera within eleven tribes of all the four subfamilies (Phasiinae, Dexiinae, Tachininae, and Exoristinae): Beskia aelops Walker, Trichodura sp., Voria ruralis (Fallén), Zelia sp., Cylindromyia carinata Townsend, Phasia xenos Townsend, Neomintho sp., Genea australis (Townsend), Copecrypta sp., Hystricia sp., Belvosia sp., Leschenaultia sp., and Winthemia pinguis (Fabricius). Types, length and distribution of antennal sensilla were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our comparative analysis summarized 29 variable characters and we evaluated their phylogenetic signal for subfamilial, tribal and generic/specific levels, showing that antennal ultrastructure could be a reliable source of characters for phylogenetic analysis. Our findings demonstrate the remarkable diversity of the antennal ultrastructure of Tachinidae.

Case of Wound Myiasis in a Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lesion of the Scalp.

Myiasis refers to the infestation of living humans and vertebrate animals by dipterous larvae. Many organs can be infested by fly larvae, but cutaneous and wound myiases are the most frequently encountered clinical forms. Persistent ulcer or non-healing wound is one of the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma which is the second most common skin cancer in the world. Here we report a case of an elderly man with a severe wound myiasis in a squamous cell carcinoma lesion of the scalp. The maggots were confirmed to be Lucilia sericata which are widespread flies in Japan. Human myiasis is rarely reported in Japan, but patients with necrotic, hemorrhaging, or pus-filled wounds are susceptible to infestation. It is necessary for doctors and nurses to ensure that their patients change their dressings daily and keep their wounds clean.

Human urogenital myiasis caused by the 'rat-tailed' larvae of Palpada scutellaris (Fabricius, 1805) in Santander, eastern Colombia: A case report.

The Palpada genus, which belongs to the Diptera order (family, Syrphidae), has been rarely reported to cause accidental myiasis in humans. Herein, we report the first case of genitourinary myiasis caused by a larva of the Palpada genus in a 9-year-old girl from Colombia. The girl, who resided in a rural area in the municipality of Floridablanca, Santander, near Bucaramanga city, in eastern Colombia, presented with lower abdominal pain accompanied by oliguria, followed by the subsequent elimination of a larva through the urine. The next day, the patient visited a primary healthcare centre, and no signs or symptoms were observed on clinical examination. Haematological analysis showed high plateletcrit levels and platelet large cell counts. The results of the urine test revealed a decrease in specific gravity and a slight increase in bacterial content and mucus. DNA barcoding analyses showed that the etiological agent corresponded to a third instar larva of the Palpada scutellaris species. This is the first case to report genitourinary myiasis caused by larvae of the genus Palpada in humans. However, we believe that additional cases might be accurately detected if adequate tests are performed to confirm the clinical and molecular features associated with this infection.

Structural and functional characterizations and heterogenous expression of the antimicrobial peptides, Hidefensins, from black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.).

Insect defensins are effector components of the innate defense system. Defensins, which are widely distributed among insects, are a type of small cysteine-rich plant antimicrobial peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Here, the cDNAs of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.), encoding six defensins, designated herein as Hidefensin1-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Moreover, Hidefensin1-1, 2, and 5 were identified for the first time by genome-targeted analysis. These Hidefensins were found to mainly adopt α-helix and ß-sheet conformation homology as modeled by PRABI, Swiss-Model and ProFunc server. Six conserved cysteine residues that contribute to three disulfide bonds formed the spacing pattern "C-X12-C-X3-C-X9-C-X5-C-X-C", which play a vital role in the molecular stability of Hidefensins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the homology of five Hidefensins (except Hidefensin4) was about 59%-92% compared with other insect defensins, indicating that they are novel antimicrobial peptides genes in black soldier fly. Furthermore, the Hidefensin1-1 was expressed in the Escherichia coli strain BL21(DE3) as a fusion protein with thioredoxin. Results showed that the purified TRX-Hidefensin1-1 exerted strong inhibitory effects against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. The inhibitory efficacy of TRX-Hidefensin1-1 against Gram-positive bacteria was better than that against Gram-negative bacteria. These results indicated that Hidefensin1-1 has potent antimicrobial activities against test pathogens.

First list of parasitoids in flies of medical, veterinary, and forensic importance in Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil / Primeira lista de parasitoides em moscas de importância médica, veterinária e forense no Rio Grande do Sul - Brasil

Necrophagous flies are of great importance for human and animal health. In places where their development occurs, parasitoids can be used as a tool to control these dipterans. In Brazil, the fauna of these parasitoids has been investigated in some regions. However, in Rio Grande do Sul, it is known the occurrence of only one species. Thus, this study aimed to create the first list of parasitoids in flies of medical and veterinary importance in Southern Brazil. Collections took place in the municipality of Pelotas (31º 42' S; 52º 18' W). Three replicates consisting of a 500 g bovine liver chunk placed in a tray were exposed to open air for 20 days. Then pupae were individualized and observed until their emergence. We identified 4,882 adult flies of Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae. 4,040 parasitoids emerged, belonging to eight species, of which Nasonia vitripennis, Spalangia cameroni, Spalangia chontalensis, and Tachinephagus zealandicus are new records in Rio Grande do Sul state. Also, three undescribed species of the genus Aphaereta were collected. In spite of being the first attempt to inventory the fauna of hymenopteran parasitoids, this study may help in the development of management programs of these dipterans in the region.

Moscas necrófagas possuem grande importância para a sanidade humana e animal. Onde estas se desenvolvem ocorrem parasitoides que podem ser utilizados como ferramentas para o controle desses dípteros. No Brasil, a fauna desses parasitoides vem sendo investigada em algumas regiões e no Rio Grande do Sul é conhecida a ocorrência de apenas uma espécie. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi criar a primeira lista de espécies de parasitoides de moscas de importância médica e veterinária ocorrentes no extremo sul do Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas no município de Pelotas (31º 42' S; 52º 18' O). Foram montadas três réplicas de bandejas contendo, cada uma, 500 g de fígado bovino, expostas ao ar livre durante 20 dias. Na sequência, as pupas foram individualizadas e observadas até a emergência. Foram identificados 4.882 adultos pertencentes às famílias Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae e Sarcophagidae. Emergiram 4.040 parasitoides, pertencentes a oito espécies, das quais Nasonia vitripennis, Spalangia cameroni, Spalangia chontalensis e Tachinephagus zealandicus são novas ocorrências para o Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletadas três espécies ainda não descritas do gênero Aphaereta. Apesar de ainda ser um primeiro esforço de inventariar a fauna de himenópteros parasitoides, este estudo pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de programas de manejos desses dípteros na região.

A new species of gall midge (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with Pleroma raddianum (DC) Gardner (Myrtales: Melastomatacea), an endenic plant to Brazil

Lopesia pleromatis sp. nov. (Lopesiini, Cecidomyiidi) is described based on material collected in Atlantic Forest areas of Bertioga (São Paulo State, Brazil). Specimens were obtained from globoid leaf galls on Pleroma raddianum (DC.) Gardner (Melastomataceae), an endemic plant to Brazil. Lopesia pleromatis is compared to other congeneric species. The most important morphological characters are illustrated.(AU)

Recent discoveries of new Elephantomyia (Diptera, Limoniidae) fossils in Baltic amber.

New data on the genus Elephantomyia (Diptera: Limoniidae) from Baltic amber are presented. A new subgenus Hoffeinsonia subgen. nov. is established with one new species: Elephantomyia (Hoffeinsonia) prima sp. nov. The new subgenus is characterized by a wing at most 2.5 × as long as it is wide without a darker pattern along the veins Sc and R1, elongate Sc, straight vein R1, sharp half of vein R2+3+4 sharply arched to the upper edge of the wing, short, wide, trapezoidal d-cell and oval pterostigma. The fossil subgenus Hoffeinsonia subgen. nov. shares features with the extant subgenera Elephantomyodes and Elephantomyia. One other extinct species of Elephantomyia was discovered and described herein as E. (s. str.) christelae sp. nov. Such features as a very elongate vein R2+3+4, 2.5 × as long as the Rs easily allowing this new species to be distinguished from the other fossil representatives of the genus Elephantomyia. The taxonomic decision on Elephantomyia grata as a species placed in nominative subgenus is provided. A list and key of fossil species of Elephantomyia are given. The morphological pattern of the genus is discussed in relation to the adaptation to a specific food spectrum, coevolution with Angiospermae of the representative genus Helius known since Cretaceous and closely related to this genus representatives of the much younger genus Elephantomyia.

Modelling the occurrence and spatial distribution of screwworm species in Northern Pakistan.

We use binomial kriging to model the spatial distribution of myiasis by three species namely Chrysomya bezziana, Wohlfahrtia magnifica and Lucilia cuprina in the livestock of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Traditional species distribution models are usually based on assumption of independence of observations. Species data often come in presence-only form for which background points are generated based on some covariates using statistical and machine learning techniques such as MaxEnt. We assume a symmetric binomial distribution based on the principle of maximum entropy in order to decide the number of pseudo-absences. Our results showed that the spatial models fitted very well and prediction distributions were estimated with excellent accuracy. Moreover kriging maps were more accurate as most of the non-spatial variation has been picked up by external drift with higher values of the sensitivity focusing partial AUC for all the three species. Land-use-land-cover was a common factor significantly affecting spatial distribution of all the three species suggesting that for established species anthropogenic factors such as land use become a strong determinant of their spatial distribution. Our results also revealed that for invading species like W. magnifica elevation acts as a barrier to species dispersal and therefore is more limiting to distribution. Furthermore the higher overall prediction accuracy demonstrated that our models performed well in predicting the distributions of the three species, which would lead to better understanding and management of the larval infestation.

The scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) of Iran with the description of Mahabadphora aesthesphora as a new genus and species.

Scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) are mega-diverse and often synanthropic insects that play superb roles in various ecosystems. Identification of this group of insects is challenging due to their small size, morphological identification difficulties, niche diversity, and lack of taxonomic keys. To pave the way, an in-depth investigation was directed toward the scuttle flies in Iran using morphological and molecular data. A dichotomous key was also developed to identify the genus and species of the phorids reported in the country. The faunistic findings revealed the presence of about 22,000 (13,903 male and 8,097 female) phorid materials organized into 11 genera. Megaselia species (n = 13768), made up about 99% of the specimens studied. Moreover, 71 morphologically defined species belonging to nine genera were molecularly characterized using COI, 28S rRNA, and Arginine kinase datasets. Excluding four Megaselia Rondani, 1856 species, our results specified that morphologically delimited species were in agreement with the molecular analyses inferred from the COI/28S rRNA and COI/Arginine kinase sequences with genetic distances and phylogenetic trees. According to the results of the present study and previously published data, the Phoridae recorded for Iran are a total of 97 species that are ordered in 13 genera and three subfamilies, including Chonocephalinae, Metopininae and Phorinae. By comparing the known world phorid genera, a new monotypic genus of scuttle flies, Mahabadphora aesthesphora gen. nov., sp. nov., was identified based on its morphological and molecular characteristics and included in an updated key. Our results could comprehensively determine the taxonomic status of scuttle flies in Iran, scrutinize their phylogenetic structures and facilitate their identification.