RECORDS OF THE
AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
Volume 64 Number 2 & 3 12 December 2012
Signal flies of the genus Duomyia (Diptera: Platystomatidae) in the Northern Territory,
Australia. David K. McAlpine 121
Two new species of Stenophragma Skuse from Western Australia (Diptera, Mycetophilidae,
Sciophilinae) . Sarah Siqueira Oliveira and Dalton de Souza Amorim 149
A new genus and species of the subfamily Tachiniscinae (Diptera, Tephritidae) from
Australia. Wlery A. Korneyev 159
The Froggattimyia-Anagonia genus group (Diptera: Tachinidae) .
.Donald H. Colless 167
Editor
Dr Shane McEvey
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64: 121-148. ISSN 0067-1975
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1587
Signal Flies of the Genus Duomyia
(Diptera: Platystomatidae)
in the Northern Territory, Australia
David K. McAlpine
Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia
Abstract. A key is given to the species of Duomyia Walker, 1849, (approximately 26) recognized in
the Northern Territory of Australia. The following new species are described: D. nodosa , D. rapida, D.
grahami, D. tricurva, D. bucina, D. recta , D. prensans, D. praeflava, D. korneyevi, D. lana , D. collessi ,
D. maceveyi, D. whittingtoni. Duomyia sericea Hendel and D. serra McAlpine are newly recorded for the
Northern Territory; D.foliata McAlpine is newly recorded for New South Wales; D. tomentosa Hendel
is newly recorded for Western Australia; and D. eremia McAlpine is newly recorded for South Australia.
The question of possible recent extinction of D. irregularis Malloch is raised, and the urgent need to
establish the population status of other rarely seen species is mentioned.
McAlpine, David K. 2012. Signal flies of the genus Duomyia (Diptera: Platystomatidae) in the Northern Territory,
Australia. Records of the Australian Museum 64(2): 121-148.
Nine of the 26 recorded Australian genera of Platystomatidae,
or signal flies, are known in the Northern Territory, viz. Achias ,
Aetha , Duomyia , Elassogaster, Euprosopia, Lamprogaster ,
Plagiostenopterina , Rhytidortalis, and Rivellia (see McAlpine,
2001, for key to genera). This compares with 25 genera
living in Queensland, and illustrates the decline in wet forest
taxonomic diversity, as one proceeds from east to west in
the Australian tropics, and a degree of isolation of the NT
seasonally wet zone from that of the eastern Australian tropics.
The endemic Australian platystomatid genus Duomyia
includes 70 previously described species (see McAlpine, 1973,
2001, 2011), but study of collections indicates that over 110
species exist. About 26 species are here recognized for the
NT, of which 13 appear to be endemic to the Territory. Several
apparent species, represented by material that is inadequate
for precise characterization, are assigned provisional numbers.
The larger number of Duomyia species in the NT compared
with that in other NT platystomatid genera correlates with the
ability of numerous Duomyia species to survive in relatively
dry climates. By contrast, the genus Euprosopia has only two
species in the NT, compared with at least 29 species in the
Queensland tropics (some undescribed).
Duomyia irregularis Malloch, from vicinity of Darwin,
has apparently not been collected for more than 100 years
(see p. 147). As it is a small, inconspicuous insect and recent
collecting in the area has not been thorough, I do not regard
this as firm evidence of extinction. The following species
have each been collected on only one occasion: Duomyia
rapida n.sp., D. bucina n.sp., D. prensans n.sp., D. lana
n.sp.; also, some other species are known from very few
specimens. Investigation of the population status of these
insects by locally resident entomologists is needed.
A summary of general information on the genus Duomyia ,
including generic synonymy and a little information on habits
and ecology, was previously given (McAlpine, 2001). A key
to species was given by McAlpine (1973, supplemented by
McAlpine, 2011).
The division of such a large genus as Duomyia into
subgenera or species groups seems desirable, but this
desideratum has not yet proved attainable. Although there
are some small groups of evidently related species, many
other species do not readily fit into groups or are intermediate
between such groups. Malloch (1929) proposed the subgenus
Duomyza for D. tomentosa Hendel. Some species are closely
122
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
related to D. tomentosa, but a range of species shows a
gradation in character states and combinations, and some
species sharing with that species the possession of minor
scutellar setulae are probably not close phylogenetically.
Also, the presence of spinescent posteroventral bristles on
the fore femur cannot be used to define a natural group within
the genus, although Enderlein (1924) proposed the genus
Helocnemia for one such species [ Duomyia apicalis (Walker)
of Western Australia].
In this paper I recognize the infonnal tomentosa alliance,
indicated below in the key to species, but less well defined
outside the NT; also the grahami alliance, apparently
endemic to the NT, including D. grahami , D. tricurva , D.
bucina, and D. recta ; and I have previously recognized
the ameniina alliance (McAlpine, 2011), of which D.
ameniina and D. rugula live in the NT. A less well defined
spinifemorata alliance is discussed under D. spinifemorata.
Terminology and abbreviations
Descriptive terminology is that used in my previous
papers (McAlpine, 1973, 2011). Terminology for parts
of the aedeagus is shown in Figs 10, 22. The following
abbreviations refer to institutions housing specimens:
AM Australian Museum, Sydney
ANIC Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO,
Canberra
BM The Natural History Museum, London
DEI Deutsches Entomologisches Institut,
Miincheberg
NTM Northern Territory Museum, Darwin
QM Queensland Museum, South Brisbane. Insect
collection formerly at University of Queensland
SAM South Australian Museum, Adelaide
In my text the abbreviation NT refers to the Northern
Territory of Australia. The following collectors’ names
are abbreviated to the initials: T.L. Bancroft, G.R.
Brown, G. Cassis, D.H. Colless, A. Daniels, G. Daniels,
D.E. Havenstein, K. Hill, R Horne, M. Humphrey, K.A.
Kopestonsky, Z.R. Liepa, D. Marshall, D.K. McAlpine,
B.J. Moulds, M.S. Moulds, C. Owen, H. Pelz, N.B. Tindale,
M.S. Upton, J.L. Wassell.
Seasonal occurrence of adults
Although collecting activity for platystomatids has not been
consistent enough to establish precisely the months of adult
activity for individual species, there is some evidence for
seasonal difference in activity among the species living in the
seasonally wet north of the Northern Territory. The field work
of D. H. Colless, centred around November 1972, produced
series of the following species which have not been collected
at other times of the year: Duomyia collessi , D. lana , and
D. praeflava. In February-March 1996 G. R. Brown and
the author obtained 2 or more specimens of D. grahami ,
D. tricurva , and D. whittingtoni. Duomyia spinifemorata is
known from material collected in late December to February.
These last four species are not recorded for as early as
November. Duomyia korneyevi was collected by D.H.C. in
both November 1972 and March 1973. Duomyia sericea
has been collected in the area during January, February,
April, June, and August, and in Lawn Hill National Park,
Queensland, near the border with Northern Territory, in May.
Thus it appears that D. korneyevi may have two broods and
D. sericea a greater number during the year. Several other
species have been collected on only one or two occasions,
but their dates are inadequate for any conclusions regarding
seasonal occurrence.
Key to species of Duomyia of Northern Territory
1 Scutellum extensively setulose dorsally, with two pairs of
marginal bristles . [tomentosa alliance] 2
- Scutellum without dorsal setulae, with three or more pairs of
marginal bristles . 10
2 Humeral callus entirely pale-pruinescent; scutellum tawny, at
least in part, with pale pruinescence dorsally. 3
- Humeral callus shining black, without obvious pale pruin¬
escence; scutellum black to brown, without pale pruinescence
dorsally. 7
3 Fore and hind femora with some black dorsal bristles;
scutellum with some black dorsal setulae in addition to yellow
ones. sp. 44 (p. 128)
- Fore and hind femora with all dorsal bristles pale; scutellum
with all setulae pale.4
4 Fore femur with at least two black, stout posteroventral
spines; male: hind basitarsus with large posterodorsal terminal
gibbosity . sp. 43 (p. 125)
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
123
- Fore femur usually without black posteroventral spines, with
pale posteroventral bristles and setulae only; male: hind basi-
tarsus variable (females not easily specifically identifiable). 5
5 Male: hind tibia without dorsal gibbosity visible in anterior
view; glans of aedeagus basally strongly narrowed and
curved, without sub-basal spine or tubercle; each terminal
filament with subterminal lobe (Fig. 4). foliata (p. 128)
- Male: hind tibia with conspicuous dorsal gibbosity or tubercle;
glans not much curved basally, with sub-basal spine or tubercle;
terminal filament without subterminal lobe. 6
6 Male: hind basitarsus with large posterodorsal terminal
gibbosity, thus very asymmetrical; hind tibia with moderate
dorsal gibbosity, slightly keeled at summit and with posterodistal
concavity (Fig. 6); habitat in NT mainly S of 17°S . nodosa (p. 127)
- Male: hind basitarsus without posterodorsal gibbosity, only
slightly asymmetrical; hind tibia with large gibbosity sur¬
mounted by compact rounded tubercle (Fig. 7); habitat in NT
mainly N of 17°S. tomentosa{ p. 128)
7 Fore femur with several large black posteroventral spines;
hind femur distally with short black anteroventral spinescent
bristles . rapida (p. 129)
- Fore femur without black posteroventral spines; hind femur
without anteroventral bristles . 8
8 Abdominal tergites 3 and 4 black, each with large, whitish-
pruinescent zone on lateral margin (zone also white-haired);
mesoscutal transverse suture of each side connected across
median line by deep groove, apparent in profile; parafacial
neither rugose nor with setiferous pits; male: glans of aedeagus
very short, ovoid; membranous bulb much longer than glans;
each terminal filament little longer than bulb. sericea (p. 130)
- Abdominal tergites 3 and 4 brown to blackish, without whitish-
pruinescent lateral zones (sometimes with longer whitish
lateral hairs or macrotrichia); mesoscutum without transverse
groove crossing median line; parafacial either rugose or with
setiferous pits; male: aedeagus not as above. 9
9 Parafacial quite without setiferous pits; first basal cell bare
on c. basal half or more; male: aedeagus with membranous
caeca vestigial and terminal filaments little longer than glans
(Fig. 9) . eremia{ p. 130)
- Parafacial with numerous setiferous pits, at least on upper part;
first basal cell microtrichose on almost whole length; male:
aedeagus with much longer membranous caeca and terminal
filaments . marginalis-chaetostigma alliance (p. 131)
10 Much of thorax, including entire mesoscutum and scutellum,
with tawny ground colour; mesoscutum entirely densely pruin-
escent on otherwise smooth cuticle. [ grahami alliance] 11
- Thorax with black ground colour, sometimes with greenish or
bluish reflections; mesoscutum with very little pruinescence
except near lateral margins. 14
11 Hind femur straight, in anterior view with both dorsal and ventral
outlines similarly slightly convex; male: terminal filament of
aedeagus at least slightly shorter than glans. 12
- Hind femur strongly (male) or slightly (female) curved, the
ventral outline in anterior view at least slightly concave in
contrast to the dorsal outline; male: terminal filament of aedeagus
at least slightly longer than glans . 13
124
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
12 Mesopleuron, sternopleuron, and pteropleuron each with
diffuse dark brown spot; wing with apical brownish suffusion
very slightly developed, not extending near discal crossvein;
male: hind trochanter with slight ventral gibbosity bearing
very small brush of yellow setulae; preglans of aedeagus
expanding distally, somewhat trumpet-like; each terminal
filament only slightly shorter than glans . bucina (p. 134)
- Thoracic pleura without dark marks; wing, in mature specimens,
with indistinct brownish distal zone extending to discal cross¬
vein; male: hind trochanter without trace of ventral gibbosity and
brush; preglans slender, not expanding distally; each terminal
filament not more than 0.75 of length of glans. recta (p. 134)
13 Abdominal tergite 5 with tawny posterior zone; second basal cell
almost entirely microtrichose; indistinct apical brownish wing
cloud very restricted, not approaching discal crossvein; male:
hind trochanter with long, spatulate, apically notched process
(Fig. 13); hind tibia bent beyond base. tricurva (p. 132)
- Abdominal tergite 5 usually almost unicolorous grey-brown;
second basal cell with definite basal bare zone; indistinct
apical wing cloud more extensive, enclosing discal crossvein
(undeveloped in immature specimens); male: hind trochanter
with stout ventral tubercle only, bearing brush of black and
yellow setulae (Fig. 12); hind tibia straight. grahami (p. 132)
14 Prosternum widely separated from propleuron by membranous
zone, without pair of elongate anterolateral lobes (Fig. 37);
antenna (excluding arista) short, potentially reaching no more
than two thirds distance from basal socket to centre of epistomal
margin of face; arista with well developed hairing near base. 15
- Prosternum on each side connected to propleuron by
sclerotized precoxal bridge (Fig. 36), or at least anterolateral
angle of prosternum narrowly produced and almost touching
propleuron; antenna longer, usually potentially reaching almost
or quite to centre of epistomal margin; arista variable. 19
15 Capitellum of halter dark brown; vertical surface between supra-
alar bristle and wing base glossy, without pruinescence. ameniina (p. 145)
- Capitellum of halter tawny-yellow to whitish; vertical surface
below supra-alar bristle extensively pruinescent. 16
16 Most of first basal cell and large areas in marginal and submarg¬
inal cells bare; length of some hairs on arista as great as width
of antennal segment 3; fore femur with neither posteroventral
tooth-like keel nor spinescent posteroventral bristles . rugula (p. 145)
- First basal, marginal, and submarginal cells entirely micro¬
trichose; hairs on arista all shorter than greatest width of
segment 3; fore femur with either posteroventral tooth-like
keel or spinescent bristles or both . 17
17 Fore femur without posteroventral bristles or spines, with
short, rounded tooth-like posteroventral keel (at least in male);
humeral bristle present . whittingtoni (p. 145)
- Fore femur with spinescent posteroventral bristles, sometimes
also with tooth-like keel; humeral bristle absent. 18
18 Posterior part of humeral callus and upper margin of
sternopleuron with greyish white pruinescence; postfrons
with blackish spot between ocelli, without lateral marks; fore
femur with prominent posteroventral tooth-like keel, at least
in male (female unknown); male: hind trochanter with small
simple setulae only . irregularis (p. 147)
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
125
- Humeral callus and sternopleuron mostly glossy, without pruin-
escence; postfrons with large blackish mark covering ocellar
triangle and a similar mark on each side covering upper orbit;
fore femur without tooth-like keel; male: hind trochanter with
rather long mollisetae . spinifemorata { p. 147)
19 Fore femur with several conspicuous posteroventral black
spines; vertex of head sharply carinate; discal crossvein strongly
curved outwards . 20
- Fore femur without posteroventral spines, usually with slender
posteroventral bristles; vertex subcarinate; discal crossvein
variable. 21
20 Arista bare; marginal cell of wing hyaline; fore and hind basitarsi
dark brown to black. serra (p. 136)
- Arista with numerous hairs on basal part of segment 6, some
as long as its basal diameter; marginal cell suffused with
yellow-brown; fore and hind basitarsi tawny-orange ventrally,
darker distodorsally. prensans (p. 135)
21 Antenna (excluding arista) and palpus yellow; postfrons yellow,
not browned anteriorly; scutellum not smooth and glossy. 22
- Antenna and palpus at least partly tawny to brown; postfrons
extensively brown, at least on anterior part; scutellum glossy and
smooth, or almost so. 23
22 Scutellum pale grey-pruinescent dorsally; squama slightly
narrowing distally, with posterobasal part of margin concave
(Fig. 23, p. 138); halter brownish-tawny; male: each terminal
filament of aedeagus at least 7x as long as glans . praeflava (p. 137)
- Scutellum without grey pruinescence, with fine, dense parallel
ridges; squama broadly rounded distally (Fig. 24, p. 138); halter
pale yellow; male: terminal filament shorter than glans. korneyevi (p. 137)
23 Arista with numerous short hairs on basal part of segment 6;
postfrons with low median hump in front of ocelli; male: hind
basitarsus more than 3x as long as wide . maceveyi (p. 143)
- Arista without such hairs; postfrons without median hump; male:
hind basitarsus less than 3x as long as wide . 24
24 Cheek and parafacial brown; fore and hind tarsi largely dark
brown; male: lower sternopleuron, fore coxa, and fore femur
with conspicuously long and numerous, crimped pale hairs; fore
tarsus very asymmetrical; hind tarsus very broadly depressed,
with basitarsus less than twice as long as wide. lana (p. 140)
- Cheek and parafacial yellow; all tarsi fulvous basally; male:
sternopleuron, fore coxa, and fore femur without conspicuously
long or crimped hairs; fore tarsus approximately symmetrical;
hind tarsus slightly depressed, with basitarsus slightly
more than twice as long as wide. collessi (p. 142)
Duomyia sp. 43
Fig. 1
Material examined. NT: 1$, 1 $, 3 mi NE of Gosses Bluff,
23°48'S 132°21’E, April 1969, H.P. (ANIC); 1$, Reedy
Rockhole, near King’s Canyon [c. 24°18'S 131°36'E], Jan.
1984, M.S.M., B.J.M. (AM).
Description, (df, $). Resembling D. pallipes McAlpine, D.
nodosa , and D. tomentosa ; agreeing in most characters with
description of D. nodosa except as indicated below.
Thorax. Fore femur with two to six black spinescent
posteroventral bristles, in addition to the usual yellow
bristles; hind femur of male only slightly narrowed and
curved basally; hind tibia and hind tarsal segment 1 of male
much modified as in D. nodosa.
Abdomen. Male postabdomen: stipe of aedeagus with
terminal posterior concavity bounded by sclerotized ridge on
right side, surface of concavity not bearing pubescence but
overlapped by relatively long pubescence on and near ridge;
preglans c. 0.8 as long as glans, with right membranous wing
less widened distally and much less narrowed basally than
126
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 1-5. (1) Duomyia sp. 43, Gosse’s Bluff, NT, aedeagus; only part of left terminal filament shown; only one of two membranous caeca
shown. (2) D. nodosa, near Mulga Park, aedeagus, left terminal filament omitted, right one shown in two parts. (3) the same, detail of
apex of terminal filament. (4) D. foliata, Mon Repos, the same part. (5) D. monteithi, near Warwick, Queensland, the same part. Scales
for Figs 1,2 = 0.5 mm. Scales for Figs 3-5 = 0.05 mm. b, bulb; me, membranous caeca.
in D. nodosa, narrower throughout than in D. pallipes', glans
more narrowed and curved basally than in D. nodosa and D.
tomentosa , with very short sub-basal tubercle; each terminal
filament c. 6x as long as glans, not attenuated distally.
Dimensions. Total length,^ 5.1 mm (estimated), $
8.3-9.6 mm; length of thorax,^ 2.3 mm, $ 3.5-4.3 mm;
length of wing,^ 4.8 mm, $ 7.0-7.8 mm; length of glans
of aedeagus, 0.61 mm (undersized^).
Distribution. Northern Territory: S of 21 °S (“central
Australia”).
Notes. This form may perhaps represent a distinct species,
but the available sample of two females and a probably very
undersized male leaves me in doubt. It resembles Duomyia
pallipes of eastern New South Wales and south-eastern
Queensland in the presence of posteroventral black spines
on the fore femur and the nature of the modifications of
the male hind tibia and tarsus, but it differs in the lack of a
terminal pubescent right posterolateral prominence on the
stipe (the sclerotized ridge described above appears not to
form such a terminal prominence); the right membranous
wing of the preglans is much narrower, and the small
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
127
sub-basal tubercle on the glans is unlike the large curved
basal process of D. pallipes (McAlpine 1973: fig. 27).
Duomyia sp. 43 also resembles the sympatric D. nodosa but
differs in the presence of black posterodorsal spines on the
fore femur and the differences in the aedeagus given above;
the apices of the terminal filaments are somewhat similar
in the two species, but in D. sp. 43 the dense transverse
ridging covers the extreme tips.
Duomyia nodosa n.sp.
Figs 2, 3, 6
Type material. Holotype S, NT: Lasseter’s Cave, 25°01'S
129°24'E, 31 xii. 1995, M.S.M., B.J.M., K.A.K. (AM
K292954). Impaled on long pin, aedeagus in microvial on
pin. Paratypes. NT: 1$, Tilmouth Well, Napperby Creek,
22°48'S 132°35'E, Jan. 2001, M.S.M., B.J.M. (AM); 1$,
Old Andado, Simpson Desert, Sept. 1972, Z.R.L. (ANIC);
1 s, 1$, 26 km WSW of Mulga Park homestead, 26°00'S
131°25'E, Jan. 1982, D.C.R., B.G.R., RH. (ANIC).
Other material (localities only given). Western Australia:
Fitzroy River crossing, Derby-Broome road (AM); 1 km N
of Millstream (ANIC); Crossing Pool, Millstream (ANIC);
13 km NE of Newman (ANIC); Minilya River (ANIC);
Murchison River (ANIC); Kalbarrie (AM).
Description. (S, $)• Moderate-sized dull greyish fly with
yellow head.
Coloration. Postfrons and parafacial yellow, face paler
yellow; occipital region with greyish zone not reaching
near vertex. Antenna tawny-yellow; arista becoming dark
brown distally. Prelabrum and palpus tawny-yellow or paler
yellow. Thorax with ground colour of cuticle largely dark
brown to blackish or in part tawny-orange, particularly on
parts of pleura (the latter perhaps in immature specimens),
with general covering of dense grey pruinescence except on
parts of stemopleuron and sometimes on five very narrow
black stripes on mesoscutum; humeral callus and scutellum
tawny, with pale pruinescence and setulae. Legs tawny-
yellow; tibiae often slightly browned apically, fore and hind
tibiae often with brown anterior mark beyond mid-length.
Wing clear; subcostal cell pale yellow; apical greyish zone
very indistinct or absent. Halter dull yellow. Abdominal
tergites entirely densely pruinescent, tergites 1 to 4 grey
(pale grey pruinescence covering brown cuticle), or largely
tawny yellow; tergite 5 tawny yellow, often with grey lateral
zone in female; stemite 1 brown, largely glossy, with grey
pruinescent lateral margins; sternite 2 almost entirely grey
pruinescent.
Head. Postfrons with irregular pitting, most marked
anterolaterally, without median hump, its width near mid¬
length c. 0.47-0.51 of width of head; fronto-orbital and
ocellar bristles absent; eye much higher than long; height
of cheek c. 0.36-0.41 of height of eye; facial carina broad,
sharply margined, strongly plicate, between antennal bases at
least twice as wide as each antennal socket; parafacial very
broad, with setiferous pits only at upper extremity. Antenna
potentially extending c. 0.8-0.9 of distance from basal socket
to centre of epistomal margin of face in male, extending c.
0.7 of that distance in female; segment 3 slender, acute or
subacute dorsoapically; arista with simple, fine apex, without
pubescence and rays on segment 6. Prelabrum reduced, very
shallow; palpus moderately developed; proboscis short, with
broad prementum and labella.
Thorax. Mesoscutum and scutellum with very numerous
pale, short curved setulae; scutellum rounded, dorsally
convex, with two pairs of stout bristles; pteropleuron with
numerous entirely pale setulae on anterior part and on
pteropleural ridge, with no larger bristles; other thoracic
bristles typical of genus (as given for D. grahami below).
Fore femur with numerous yellow dorsal bristles and a
series of similar posteroventral bristles but without black
spinescent bristles; mid femur with subapical posterior
comb of yellow bristles; hind femur not curved, stout on
basal half, with a dorsal to anterodorsal series of yellow
bristles; hind tibia of male much modified, with prominent
preapical dorsal gibbosity which has a slight longitudinal
keel on distal part of summit and slight posterodistal
concavity; tarsi rather broad, depressed, basitarsi least
depressed; fore tarsal segment 1 asymmetrical in apical
outline and distribution of ventral setulae; hind tarsus
asymmetrical, particularly segments 1 and 4 of male;
hind tarsal segment 1 with large terminal posterodorsal
gibbosity, which is absent in female. Wing: distal section
of vein 3 with only slight curvature; basal section of vein
4 1.1-1.3 x as long as second section; distal section of vein
4 with sigmoid curvature, strongly convergent with vein
3 to terminate well in front of apex; membrane largely
microtrichose, with variable bare zones in second basal
and anal cells and base of submarginal cell.
Abdomen. Tergite 5 slightly longer than tergite 4 in both
sexes; sternite 1 subquadrate, broadest at anterior margin;
sternite 2 subtriangular; stemites 3 and 4 vestigial or little
sclerotized; sternite 5 broad and well sclerotized in male,
narrow and little sclerotized in female. Male postabdomen:
distal section of outer surstylus surpassing that of inner
surstylus, not much narrowed nor apically expanded but with
small angular posterior prominence; stipe of aedeagus very
stout, with longitudinal band of dense pubescence which
is broadened towards distal end, without defined concave
terminal zone seen in Duomyia sp. 43; preglans rather
slender, strongly curved, c. half as long as glans, separated
from stipe by deep constriction, but connected to it by strong
sclerotization on posterior (concave) surface, with pair of
very unequal posterior longitudinally attached membranous
wings, the smaller right wing of characteristic shape, broad
and rounded at distal end, much narrowed at basal end and
discontinued well before reaching base of preglans; glans
elongate-ovoid, only slightly curved basally, with sub-basal
posterior tubercle; pair of long membranous caeca arising
at junction of glans and membranous bulb; paired terminal
filaments not much tapered distally, of equal length, each
between 4x and 5x as long as glans, with the usual annular
ridges very fine and numerous, present approximately to
apex (Fig. 3).
Dimensions. Total length,^ 7.4-9.9 mm, $ 8.3-10.0
mm; length of thorax, c? 3.2-4.1 mm, $ 3.8-4.1 mm; length
of wing,^ 6.3-7.7 mm, $ 7.4-7.7 mm; length of glans of
aedeagus, 0.82-0.91 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: S of c. 21°S (“central
Australia”). Western Australia: coastal districts between c.
17°S and 27°S.
Notes. Duomyia nodosa is very similar to D. tomentosa
128
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Hendel, D. pallipes McAlpine, and Duomyia sp. 43. Unlike
D. pallipes and sp. 43 none of the postero ventral bristles of
the fore femur is black and spinescent. Unlike D. tomentosa
each of the lateral pruinescent zones on abdominal sternite
1 is very narrow (each at least one quarter of width of
sternite in D. tomentosa). The male, like that of D. pallipes
and sp. 43, has a large posterodorsal gibbosity on the hind
basitarsus, which is absent in D. tomentosa. Duomyia
nodosa also differs from other species in details of the
aedeagus, particularly in the shape of the right membranous
wing of the preglans (Fig. 2). In Figs 3, 4, and 5 I have
shown the apex of a terminal filament at the same scale,
so that the remarkable difference between the species can
be appreciated. The known distribution of D. nodosa is
widely separated from that of D. pallipes (temperate eastern
Australia) and in NT it is apparently separate from that of
D. tomentosa , but not from that of sp. 43.
Duomyia tomentosa Hendel
Fig. 7
Duomyia tomentosa Hendel, 1914a: 58 (nomen nudum);
Hendel, 1914b: 100-101 (described); D. McAlpine, 1973:
83-84, fig. 28.
Duomyia (Duomyza) tomentosa : Malloch, 1929: 507, fig. 2b.
Type material. Holotype.^, Queensland: Townsville, no
date, F.P.D. (BM).
Material from NT (localities only given). Jabiru East
(AM); Anbangbang, Kakadu National Park (AM, NTM);
South Alligator River crossing, SSW of Cooinda (AM);
Ferguson River Crossing, Stuart Highway (AM); Mataranka
Hot Springs (ANIC); Horn Islet, Sir Edward Pellew Group
(AM, QM).
Description. See D. McAlpine (1973).
Distribution. Northern Territory: mainly N of 17°S.
Queensland: northern Cape York Peninsula to south-east
of state. New South Wales: inland districts as far south
as Gilgandra and Mendooran (few records). Western
Australia: extreme north (new state record—Carson [River]
escarpment, 14°49'S 126°49'E, ANIC).
Notes. Duomyia tomentosa closely resembles other species
inhabiting NT with pale-setulose scutellum, pale-pruinescent
humeral callus and usually no black bristles on fore and
hind femora, but males are distinguished by details of the
aedeagus (McAlpine, 1973: fig. 28) and by the armature of
the hind leg: no strong gibbosity on tarsal segment 1, but a
very high dorsal gibbosity surmounted by a compact rounded
tubercle on the tibia (Fig. 7). Females may be difficult to
distinguish from those of D. foliata and D. nodosa. Those
of the former may often have darker femora and darker
zones with little pruinescence on the abdomen but variation
in NT populations is scarcely known. Duomyia tomentosa
appears to be separable from D. nodosa by the distribution
of pruinescence on abdominal sternite 1, as indicated under
that species, and it seems that these two species may have
separate distributions within the NT.
A male specimen clearly belonging to D. tomentosa
(Jabiru East, AM) is atypical in possessing one black
spinescent posteroventral bristle on each fore femur.
Duomyia foliata McAlpine
Fig. 4
Duomyia foliata D. McAlpine, 1973: 85-86, fig. 29.
Type material. Holotype <$, Queensland: Cannonvale,
NE of Proserpine, l.iv.1967, M.S.U. (ANIC). Paratypes.
Queensland. See list by McAlpine (1973).
Material from NT (localities only given). Mudginberri,
Kakadu National Park (ANIC); 15 mi (c. 24 km) N of
Tennant Creek (ANIC).
Description. See D. McAlpine (1973).
Distribution. Northern Territory: Kakadu and Tennant Creek
districts. Queensland: northern Cape York Peninsula to
Bundaberg district and Carnarvon Range. Western Australia:
as far south as Murchison River (few records). New South
Wales: southern districts (Congo, near Moruya; Jerilderie).
Notes. The males of D. foliata are readily distinguished from
related species (those with pale-setulose scutellum, two pairs
of scutellar bristles, and pale-pruinescent humeral callus) by
the absence of a dorsal gibbosity on the hind tibia, but this
tibia is distally compressed, with a broad shallow concavity
occupying c. the distal half of its posterior surface. There are
numerous distinctive features of the aedeagus: the pubescent
strip on the stipe does not form a prominence at its distal end;
the right membranous wing of the preglans is long, narrow, and
further narrowed at each extremity, and the left membranous
wing is vestigial; the glans is basally narrowed and strongly
curved and lacks the sub-basal tubercle; each terminal filament
has very coarse annular ridging on its distal part, the more
distal ridges forming broken rings, and a distinctive sclerotized
subapical lobe (see Fig. 4, and D. McAlpine, 1973: fig. 29).
These features distinguish D. foliata from the closely related
D. monteithi McAlpine of Queensland, which has very slender
terminal filaments, each with a simple tip and very fine annular
ridging (Fig. 5). Females lack such distinctive diagnostic
features, but often have darker zones with little pruinescence
on the abdominal tergites and brown suffusions on the femora
which are usually absent in related species of NT.
Populations in the NT are very little known and need
further sampling, but the aedeagal characters given
above have been checked for both northern and southern
Queensland populations and specimens from Western
Australia (Murchison River, ANIC) and southern New
South Wales.
In southern Queensland D. foliata has been recorded as
infesting eggs of marine turtles (Hall & Parmenter, 2006),
but the species is not restricted to habitats of these reptiles.
Duomyia sp. 44
Material examined. NT: 1$, Pularumpi [Garden Point],
Melville Island, June-July 1986, PH. (ANIC); 1 $, Buffalo
Creek, near Darwin, March 1996, D.K.M., G.R.B. (AM).
Description. ($ only,^ unknown). Resembling D. nodosa ,
D. tomentosa etc. in most characters, but the following points
are significant.
Coloration. Head, antenna, and palpus predominantly
tawny-yellow; frontal setulae mixed yellow and black or
predominantly black. Scutellum tawny-yellow to tawny-
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
129
brown, with pale pruinescence and mixed yellow and
black setulae; humeral callus brown to tawny-yellow with
pale pruinescence; rest of thorax brown-black with almost
uniform covering of pale grey pruinescence, giving darker
general coloration than in D. nodosa and D. tomentosa ;
setulae on mesopleuron mixed back and yellowish. Legs
tawny-yellow; fore femur with several black dorsal bristles,
in Buffalo Creek specimen with one or two brown or yellow-
brown posteroventral bristles, in Melville Island specimen
with a series of fairly fine black posteroventral bristles. Wing
with faint greyish apical cloud. Halter yellow. Abdominal
tergites coloured much as thorax, with predominantly black
setulae, except on tergite 1.
Distribution. Northern Territory: coastal habitats.
Notes. I am uncertain if the two specimens listed are
conspecific, as they differ in a few details and there are no
males to check aedeagal characters. However, they agree
in characters given in the key to species and in my brief
description. I consider this material too meagre to justify a
formal name and description.
Duomyia rapida n.sp.
Fig. 8
Type material. Holotype. $ (unique). NT: Arnhem Highway,
just W of Mary River, 12°50'S 131°56'E, 60 m, 20.ii.2008,
K.H., D M., M.S.M., C.O., M.H. (AM, K292955).
Description. unknown). Small, slender predominantly
black fly with brownish shading on wing.
Coloration. Postfrons brown, with pale yellow setulae
and narrowly silvery-pruinescent lateral margins; parafacial
tawny-yellow, with silvery-pruinescent spot at upper
extremity; face pale yellow, without darker marks; cheek
region orange-tawny with thin silvery pruinescence on
posterior part; upper occipital region largely black, with
silvery pruinescent orbital margins and broad silvery-
pruinescent zone above occipital foramen. Antenna tawny-
brown. Palpus brown-black. Thorax largely black, with
green-tinted reflections; humeral callus glossy, without
pruinescence; scutellum black, with little dark pruinescence;
setulae on mesoscutum, scutellum and pleura nearly all
yellow. Coxae and femora largely black, latter with narrowly
yellowish apices and with all major bristles black; tibiae
brownish with yellow bases, fore one darkest, hind one with
paler central zone; all basitarsi yellow with darkened apices;
more distal segments of fore tarsus brown-black, those of
mid and hind tarsi tawny-brown. Wing membrane tinged
with yellow basally, elsewhere stained with light brown, the
colouring slightly intensified anterodistally. Halter tawny.
Abdominal tergite 1 with dense grey-brown pruinescence;
tergites 2 to 5 shining black with bluish reflections; tergite
5 with all setulae and bristles black; sternites 1 to 4 and 6
shining black with varying amounts of grey pruinescence,
the last with black setulae and little pruinescence.
Head. Postfrons without distinct pitting or central
hump, its width c. 0.45 of width of head, with numerous
rather coarse, compressed, curved setulae; fronto-orbital
bristles absent; ocellar bristle small; facial carina broadly
subtriangular, with sharply raised lateral margins on upper
part and c. six vertical ridges on flattened central part;
Figs 6-8. (6) Duomyia nodosa, part of left hind leg of male, anterior
view. (7) D. tomentosa, same part. (8) D. rapida, holotype, right
wing.
parafacial rather broad, pitted and with several curved,
compressed setulae towards upper end; height of cheek 0.31
of height of eye. Antenna potentially extending distinctly
beyond centre of epistomal margin of face; segment 3
apically rounded; arista almost bare, with two or three minute
rays towards base of segment 6. Prelabrum moderately small;
palpus rather short and broad.
Thorax. Mesoscutum with very numerous short, curved
setulae; scutellum with numerous longer dorsal setulae and
some on lateral surface; setulae on pteropleuron rather long,
but none bristle-like; pteropleural ridge with several yellow
setulae; major thoracic bristles as given for D. grahami,
except that only two stout, subequal pairs of scutellars
present. Fore femur with rather numerous somewhat
irregularly placed dorsal bristles on almost entire length and a
series of four or five stout, spinescent posteroventral bristles;
mid femur with two subapical posterior bristles; hind femur
with a series of dorsal bristles, distally with an irregular series
of short, spinescent anteroventral bristles. Wing (Fig. 8): vein
3 distally almost straight; vein 4 strongly curved forwards
apically to terminate well in front of apex; first section of
vein 4 1.05x as long as second section; membrane almost
entirely microtrichose.
Abdomen. Sternites 3 and 4 small; sternite 5 apparently
absent; sternite 6 well sclerotized, divided; tergite 5 with
setulae and bristles on median part of posterior half semi-
erect and not medially inclined.
Dimensions. Total length, 6.1 mm; length of thorax, 2.3
mm; length of wing, 4.8 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: only known from type
locality to east of Kakadu National Park.
Notes. Duomyia rapida is the only known species of the genus
in Northern Territory that combines a black, setulose scutellum
with the possession of thick, spinescent posteroventral bristles
130
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
on the fore femur. In the key of McAlpine (1973), D. rapida
runs to D. commoni McAlpine, which is widely distributed
in eastern Queensland and is now reasonably well known to
me. I now place these two species, together with D. convallis
McAlpine, also of Queensland, in the commoni alliance,
characterized as follows: scutellum extensively setulose, with
two pairs of bristles; humeral callus glossy, without noticeable
pruinescence; femora largely blackish or dark brown; fore
femur with thick black posteroventral spines.
As there is a single available specimen of D. rapida ,
the range of variation may not yet be understood. The
holotype of D. rapida is smaller than any of the 21 available
specimens of D. commoni , but may be exceptionally small
for its own species.
The specific epithet is a Latin adjective, tearing or
snatching, as suggested by the armature of the fore femur.
The species of the commoni alliance are distinguishable
by the following key:
1 Fore femur with a series of black dorsal bristles extending
to near base, pale setulae in this region few, short, and
inconspicuous; hind femur with a short distal series of short
black spinescent anteroventral bristles; wing membrane
extensively suffused with light brown, colour intensified
anteroapically; setulae on posteromedian part of tergite 5
black, posteriorly inclined but not medially directed, those on
lateral margin of tergite 5 all short and black like those above
margin, only becoming longer posteriorly . rapida
- Fore femur with series of dorsal black bristles restricted to
c. distal 0.6 or less of its length and replaced basally with
long whitish setulae; hind femur without distal anteroventral
black bristles, with only fine pale setulae in this region; wing
membrane almost clear except for apical brownish cloud in
marginal, submarginal, and first posterior cells and brown zone in
subcostal cell; setulae on posteromedian part of tergite 5 mostly
pale, decumbent, medially directed, group of setulae on lateral
margin also pale and longer than those just above margin. 2
2 Postfrons deep yellow, only slightly darker than parafacial;
scutellum brown or tawny laterally; posteroventral spines of fore
femur much shorter than half diameter of femur; anal crossvein
curved on whole length . convallis
Postfrons brown, strongly contrasting with parafacial; scutellum
almost entirely black; longer posteroventral spines of fore
femur at least as long as half diameter of femur; anal crossvein
curved only at anterior extremity . commoni
Duomyia eremia McAlpine
Fig. 9
Duomyia eremia D. McAlpine, 1973: 89, fig. 34.
Type material. Holotype S, NT: 48 miles (c. 77 km)
WSW of Alice Springs, 10.ii.1966, E.B.B., M.S.U. (ANIC).
Paratype S, same data (AM). Both specimens with aedeagus
extended and exposed.
Other material. 1 $, South Australia: Anajatra, Mann Range,
May 1983, G.A.H. (AM).
Description. ($). Agreeing in general characters with that
of types except as indicated.
Coloration. Fore tibia entirely brown-black; mid tibia
almost so; fore femur with mixed black and white dorsal
bristles, ventral bristles white.
Head. Height of cheek 0.29 of height of eye.
Dimensions. Total length, 8.1 mm; length of thorax, 3.2
mm; length of wing, 6.5 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: Alice Springs district.
South Australia: Mann Range, far NW of state (new record
for state).
Notes. Duomyia eremia is sharply differentiated from related
species by the characters given in the key. Also, the complete
absence of a greyish apical wing cloud differentiates it from
numerous species, except D. sericea and D. chaetostigma.
Duomyia sericea Hendel
Fig. 10
Duomyia sericea Hendel, 1914b: 99-100; D. McAlpine,
1973: 87 (redescribed).
Type material. Lectotype,§ (designated D. McAlpine,
1973). Queensland: Burpengary, 26 mi (c. 42 km) N of
Brisbane, no date, T.L.B. (BM). Paralectotype.^, lower
specimen on same pin, same data (BM).
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
131
Figs 9, 10. (9) Duomyia eremia , holotype, aedeagus. (10) D. sericea,
Lawn Hill National Park, aedeagus. al, amber lobe (paired); b, bulb; g,
glans; me, membranous caeca of bulb; pg, preglans; st, stipe; tf, terminal
filaments. Both scales = 0.5 mm.
Additional material (localities only given). NT: 5 km
SE of Humpty Doo (AM, ANIC); Wangi Falls, Litchfield
National Park (AM); Merl [Mel] Camping Area, near
Cahill’s Crossing (AM); East Alligator Rangers’ Station
(ANIC); Marrakai Road, 2 km E of Stuart Highway (AM);
Anbangbang, near Nourlangie Rock (AM, NTM); Koolpin
Gorge, southern Kakadu National Park (AM); Horn Islet, Sir
Edward Pellew Group (QM). Queensland: north-west inland
(Musselbrook-LawnHill district, AM, QM); north-east coast
(Daintree district, ANIC); south-east (Brisbane-Morton Bay
district, BM, AM, QM).
Description. See D. McAlpine (1973: 87).
Distribution. Northern Territory: northern districts.
Queensland: widely but perhaps discontinuously distributed.
Notes. Among the Duomyia species found in the tropics, D.
sericea is the only species with the mesoscutal transverse
suture continued across the middle of the mesoscutum as a
distinct groove. Also, it differs from other species having
a setulose scutellum with two pairs of bristles and a black,
glossy humeral callus in the possession of subtriangular
whitish-pruinescent (as distinct from setulose) lateral zones
on abdominal tergites 3 to 5. Antennal segment 3 is not
dilated distally, as it is in a female specimen from New
South Wales (Crescent Head, AM), otherwise resembling
D. sericea. The aedeagus (Fig. 10) is remarkable for
the very short, well defined preglans, long and complex
bulb, and pair of partly connected amber lobes, each with
mucronate apex, which sheathe the bases of the terminal
filaments. However, the details of the aedeagus show some
variation, which may be geographic, in the quantity of
microtrichia on the stipe, the shape and size of the glans,
the form of the complex bulb and its associated caeca,
and perhaps the form of the amber lobes. It is difficult
to evaluate this variation with so little material from the
eastern part of the species’ range.
The Duomyia marginalis-chaetostigma alliance
I use the above term for a series of little understood species
living in northern and eastern Australia, which tend to run
to D. marginalis McAlpine or D. chaetostigma McAlpine
in the key by McAlpine (1973) and to this alliance in the
above key to species. In the limited available material from
NT there are several species of the alliance from the northern
parts of the territory, from the Alice Springs district, and
from the vicinity of the Gulf of Carpentaria. These and the
more extensive collections from eastern states need more
thorough sampling and study before an accurate taxonomic
review can be published.
I have only seen one male clearly representing the species
D. marginalis , viz. the holotype, from Stanthorpe, southern
Queensland (QM). This specimen has distinctive features
of the aedeagus, including a very large membranous lobe
on the somewhat elongate preglans and a moderately stout
glans (see McAlpine, 1973: fig. 39). A superficially similar
male from near Leybum, to the north of Stanthorpe, has a
markedly different aedeagus and is provisionally placed as
“Duomyia sp. 46” in the AM collection.
Duomyia chaetostigma has become better known since
its original description (McAlpine, 1973), but the numerous
typical specimens are only from the Binnaway-Mendooran-
Dunedoo district of mid-western New South Wales. The males
consistently have a narrowly ovoid preglans with broadly
rounded scoop-like distal lobe, moderately slender glans, pair
of terminal filaments each slightly more than 3x as long as
glans and with narrow membranous margin expanded on c.
distal third of filament but discontinued shortly before apex
(McAlpine, 1973: fig. 40). The presence of setulae on the
membrane of the subcostal cell is an aberrant condition of the
holotype, not present in other specimens. The few superficially
similar males from Queensland and NT disagree in aedeagal
characters, and are therefore not regarded as conspecific.
Species of this alliance are not treated further in this review.
132
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Duomyia grahami n.sp.
Figs 11, 12, 16
Type material. Holotype S, NT: Jabiru East, 12°40'S
132°53'E, 22—24.ii. 1996, G.R.B., D.K.M. (AM, K292956);
micro-pinned on double mount, left mid-leg detached,
aedeagus extended. Paratypes. NT: 2$, 3$, Anbangbang
[picnic area], Kakadu National Park [c. 12°51'S 132°47'E],
Feb. 1996, G.R.B., D.K.M. (AM, NTM); 2S, 6$,
Nawurlandja Rock area, Kakadu National Park, 12°51'S
132°47'E, Jan. 1993, G.D., A.D. (AM, ANIC).
Description. (S, $). Moderately large, predominantly
tawny-brown fly; wing with light brownish shading distally.
Coloration. Head, including antenna and palpus, orange-
tawny; ocellar spot brownish. Thorax largely tawny, with
bristles and most setulae black; mesoscutum, humeral
callus, and scutellum almost uniformly yellow-pruinescent;
pleura with dark brown suffusion, masked by paler grey
pruinescence, covering part of mesopleuron, pteropleuron,
and sternopleuron. Legs tawny, with some brownish
suffusion mainly restricted to hind femur and tibia; each
tarsal segment slightly paler basally. Wing membrane mostly
tinged with yellow; distal part of subcostal cell deep yellow;
apical part of wing beyond end of vein 2 and including distal
extremity of discal cell lightly suffused with brown. Halter
tawny-yellow. Abdominal tergite 1 tawny-brown; remainder
of exposed tergites darker grey-brown; sternites 1 and 2
entirely grey-pruinescent.
Head. Postfrons without distinct pitting or central hump,
its width c. 0.36-0.37 of width of head, with numerous short,
fine setulae; facial carina not markedly convex centrally, with
sharply raised lateral margins and variable number of vertical
ridges; parafacial moderately narrow, with few fine setiferous
pits near upper extremity only; cheek region not rugose;
height of cheek c. 0.24-0.32 of height of eye; fronto-orbital
and ocellar bristles very small or absent. Antenna potentially
extending c. to centre of epistomal margin in male, shorter in
female; arista subplumose on somewhat less than basal half,
with numerous rays slightly shorter than width of segment
3. Prelabrum moderately small; palpus narrow.
Thorax without mollisetae; scutellum without setulae; the
following bristles present: humeral, 1+1 notopleurals, supra-
alar, postalar, posterior intra-alar, posterior dorsocentral,
prescutellar acrostichal, three pairs of scutellars; pteropleuron
with some upper setulae stouter, bristle-like; pteropleural
ridge with few setulae; prosternum with each anterolateral
angle much produced so as to meet or almost meet
propleural gibbosity. Fore femur with distinct black dorsal
and posteroventral bristles; mid femur with distal comb of
long posterior bristles. Hind leg of male modified as follows
(Fig. 12): trochanter with stout ventral tubercle bearing short
brush of mostly blackish setulae; femur stouter than other
femora, curved for most of length; tibia almost straight. Hind
leg of female without ventral tubercle on trochanter, with
femur more slender, only slightly curved, and tibia slender
and straight. Wing (Fig. 11): veins 3 and 4 both curved and
convergent distally, latter terminating very near wing apex;
first basal section of vein 4 0.87-1.03 x as long as second
section; membrane almost entirely microtrichose, except for
distinct basal bare zone in second basal cell.
Abdomen. Sternites 3 and 4 vestigial. Male: spiracle 5
located in pleural membrane near lateral margin of tergite,
near or slightly behind mid-length of tergite; distal section
of outer surstylus, immediately beyond apex of inner
surstylus, convex, with broadly rounded distal outline and
slight posterior angular prominence; aedeagus with stipe
slender, with extensive longitudinal tract of pubescence,
slightly thickened distally where it has a pair of thick
longitudinal ridges; preglans elongate, curved, sharply
differentiated from stipe by deep constriction and break in
sclerotization, with narrow membranous margin extending
most of length, distally with obliquely curved sheath-like
extension attaching it to glans, its length (including sheath)
c. 1.6* length of glans; glans stout, subcylindrical; bulb short,
but basally bearing a small membranous caecum; paired
terminal filaments of equal size, joined for c. 0.7 of length,
but with internal canals separate from near bases, each stout,
sclerotized except for very short membranous tip, c. 1.6*
as long as glans. Female: tergite 5 nearly twice as long as
tergite 4, its posterior margin almost straight and transverse
only on short median part, cut off obliquely on each side but
retaining distinct but obtuse posterolateral angle; spiracle 5
in membrane close to angle of tergite.
Dimensions. Total length,^ 8.2-9.5 mm, $ 5.8-10.7
mm; length of thorax,^ 3.6—4.1 mm, $ 2.7^4.6 mm; length
of wing,^ 7.2-8.2 mm, $ 6.4-8.9 mm; length of glans of
aedeagus, 0.68-0.71 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: Kakadu National Park—
localities near and up to c. 27 km S of Jabiru. The terms
Anbangbang and Nawurlandja (or Nourlangie) Rock area
probably refer to the same spot locality.
Notes. Duomyia grahami typifies a group of four species
(including also D. tricurva , D. bucina , and D. recta), known
only from Northern Territory and here called the grahami
alliance. The group is characterized as follows: scutellum
without setulae; mesoscutum and scutellum tawny, entirely
yellow-pruinescent; antenna rather long; arista with well
developed short hairs; fore femur with a series of long
black posteroventral bristles; prosternum broad, touching
propleuron on each side; abdominal tergite 1 pruinescent
on whole width; aedeagus with preglans long and sharply
demarcated, and terminal filaments short, stout, joined for at
least half of length of each. Within this group it is the only
species with a well defined bare zone in the second basal cell,
and the male differs from that of the other three species in
the modifications of the hind leg (Fig. 12). The female differs
from that of D. recta and presumably that of D. bucina in the
slight but distinct curvature of the hind femur. Separation of
females of D. grahami from those of D. tricurva also appears
possible from the almost entirely grey-black tergite 5 of
the former (without large yellowish tawny posterior zone),
large dark brown zones on thoracic pleura, and, in mature
specimens only, by the more extensive though faint brownish
distal cloud of the wing, which encloses the discal crossvein.
The specific epithet refers to Graham R. Brown, who
generously cooperated in the collection of this and other
species treated in this paper.
Duomyia tricurva n.sp.
Figs 13, 17
Type material. Holotype S, NT: Jabiru East, 12°40'S
132°53'E, 22-24.ii. 1996, G.R.B., D.K.M. (AM, K292957);
micro-pinned on double mount, aedeagus extended.
Paratypes. NT: \S, 1 same data as holotype (AM, NTM);
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
133
Figs 11-15. (11) Duomyia grahami, female, right wing. (12) D. grahami, holotype male, part of left hind leg. (13) D. tricurva, holotype
male, part of right hind leg. (14) D. bucina, male, Florence Falls, part of left hind leg. (15) D. recta, holotype male, part of right hind leg.
1(3\ Arnhem Highway, just W of Mary River, 12°50'S
131°56'E, Feb. 2008, K.H., M.S.M. et al. (AM).
Description. (<$, $). Very similar to D. grahami and related
species, agreeing with description of that species, except as
indicated.
Coloration. Mesoscutum sometimes with slight brown
suffusion; brown suffusions on thoracic pleura less extensive
than in D. grahami. Tarsal segments often noticeably two-
toned. Wing with apical brown suffusion pale and more
restricted than in D. grahami, not reaching discal crossvein.
Abdominal tergite 5 with tawny-yellow posterior zone,
extending broadly to mid-dorsal region in female.
Head. Width of postfrons c. 0.38-0.40 of width of head;
height of cheek c. 0.27-0.33 of height of eye. Antenna
of male extending slightly less than distance to centre of
epistomal margin. Prelabrum slightly more prominent on
lower margin than in D. grahami.
Thorax. Fore femur usually with posteroventral bristles
longer, stouter, and fewer than dorsal bristles. Hind leg
of male (Fig. 13): trochanter with sub-spatulate, apically
notched ventral process c. half as long as femur; femur more
slender and more strongly curved than in D. grahami ; tibia
strongly bent beyond base. Hind leg of female: trochanter
without process or tubercle; femur and tibia with very slight
curvature. Wing: first section of vein 4 c. 0.93-1,05x as long
as second section.
Abdomen. Male: surstyli not examined; aedeagus with
general features of D. grahami ; preglans very slightly
thickening from base to commencement of distal sheath, c.
1.5x length of glans; terminal filaments joined for c. 0.7 of
their length, each c. 1.2-1.4x as long as glans. Female: tergite
5 shaped somewhat as in D. grahami, but more broadly
convex dorsally, with spiracle 6 inserted into small incision
in lateral margin, immediately in front of posterolateral
subangular prominence.
Dimensions. Total length,^ 8.1-8.9 mm, $ 9.3 mm;
length of thorax,c? 4.0-4.2 mm, $ 4.2 mm; length of
wing,^ 7.8-8.4 mm, $ 8.2 mm; length of glans of aedeagus,
0.59-0.63 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: vicinity of Kakadu
National Park.
Notes. The male of D. tricurva is readily distinguished
from that of other species of the D. grahami alliance (as
characterized above under that species), by the remarkably
modified hind leg (Fig. 13), including the long sub-spathulate
process of the trochanter and the bent tibia. The female
differs from that of D. recta and possibly the unrecorded
female of D. bucina in retaining slight curvature of the hind
femur, and from that of D. grahami by the presence of a
conspicuous tawny-yellow posterior zone on tergite 5 and,
in well matured specimens, by the less developed apical
brown suffusion on the wing.
Male-restricted modifications of the hind trochanter
occur in some species of several platystomatid genera,
e.g. Euprosopia Macquart (see McAlpine, 1973), Achias
Fabricius (see McAlpine, 1994), and Lamprophthalma
Portschinsky (see McAlpine, 2001). Three of the species in
the Duomyia grahami alliance show degrees of trochanteral
modification, but the only other case that I have encountered
134
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
of such a long spathulate trochanteral process, as in D.
tricurva , is in the male of an unnamed species of Achias of
New Guinea (BPB collection).
The specific epithet is a Latin adjective referring to
the marked curvature of parts of the hind leg of the male
(trochanteral process, femur, and tibia).
Duomyia bucina n.sp.
Figs 14, 18
Type material. Holotype S, NT: Florence Falls, Litchfield
National Park, “13.06S 130.47E” [error= 13°06'S 130°47'E],
10.iv. 1991, M.S.U. (ANIC); impaled on large pin, aedeagus
in microvial. Paratypes. NT: 2$, same data as holotype
(AM, ANIC).
Description. ($, $ unknown). Very similar to D. grahami
and related species, agreeing with description of that species,
except as indicated.
Coloration generally very like that of D. grahami.
Scutellum more yellowish; thoracic pleura with less
developed brown zones. Tarsi more uniformly tawny.
Wing with faint apical brownish suffusion, not extending
near discal crossvein. Abdominal tergite 5 becoming
orange-tawny towards posterior margin; sternites 1 and 2
tawny-pruinescent.
Head. Postfrons c. 0.40-0.42 of width of head; parafacial
slightly broader than in males of D. grahami ; height of
cheek c. 0.27-0.28 of height of eye. Antenna as in male of
D. grahami.
Thorax. Scutellar bristles usually three pairs, but
additional bristles present on right side of one paratype. Hind
leg of male (Fig. 14): trochanter with relatively low, slightly
bilaterally compressed tubercle, bearing moderately small,
pale setulae, only slightly denser here than on rest of surface
of trochanter; femur straight, not noticeably thickened; tibia
straight, except for slight basal curvature. Wing: first section
of vein 4 c. 1.00-1.07x as long as second section; membrane
microtrichose, including that of entire second basal cell.
Abdomen. Spiracle 5 located in pleural membrane near
anterior third of length of tergite 5; distal section of outer
surstylus narrower than in D. grahami , more posteriorly
curved, obliquely subtruncate; stipe of aedeagus apparently
with little pubescence; preglans curved and slightly more
expanding distally than in related species; terminal filaments
joined for c. 0.8 of length, each nearly as long as glans.
Dimensions. Total length, 8.1-9.5 mm; length of thorax,
3.7-4.1 mm; length of wing, 7.5-7.8 mm; length of glans
of aedeagus, 0.77-0.80 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: only known from
Litchfield National Park, south of Darwin.
Notes. Duomyia bucina is closely similar to other species
of the D. grahami alliance (see notes under D. grahami ),
having tawny mesoscutum and scutellum, bare scutellum,
and subplumose arista. Within this group it resembles only
D. recta in having the hind femur straight (at least in the
male, Fig. 14, and presumably in the female), but differs
in having some brown suffusion on the thoracic pleura, the
distal wing cloud fainter and not reaching the discal crossvein
in mature specimens, the hind trochanter with a distinct but
low tubercle (presumably absent in the female as observed
in other species), the preglans slightly shorter in relation
to the glans and more distally expanded, and the terminal
filaments slightly longer.
The specific epithet is a Latin noun meaning a curved
trumpet, in reference to the shape of the preglans.
Duomyia recta n.sp.
Figs 15, 19
Type material. Holotype S, NT: Jabiru East, c. 12°40'S
132°53'E, 22-24.ii. 1996, D.K.M., G.R.B. (AM, K292958);
double-mounted on micro-pin, aedeagus extended. Paratype.
NT: 1$, Katherine Gorge National Park, 14°19'S 132°25'E,
Dec. 1992, G.D., A.D. (AM).
Description. $). Very similar to D. grahami and related
species, agreeing with description of that species, except as
indicated.
Coloration generally slightly paler than in D. grahami.
Thoracic pleura and legs without brown suffusion; all tarsal
segments uniformly tawny yellow. Wing: subcostal cell quite
pale; membrane otherwise with distal pale brown suffusion
approximately as in D. grahami. Abdominal tergites tawny to
tawny-brown; sternites 1 and 2 pruinescent tawny to greyish.
Head. Width of postfrons c. 0.40-0.42 of width of head;
height of cheek 0.28-0.31 of height of eye; fronto-orbital
bristles minute; ocellar bristle absent. Antenna potentially
extending to centre of epistomal margin in male, distinctly
shorter in female. Prelabrum with lower margin rather
prominent; palpus slightly widened distally.
Thorax generally as described for D. grahami. Fore
femur with some posteroventral bristles stouter than in
D. grahami. Hind leg (Fig. 15) not noticeably sexually
dimorphic; trochanter without sign of gibbosity or tubercle;
femur straight, tibia almost so. Wing: first section of vein
4 0.91-0.96x as long as second section; second basal cell
without bare zone.
Abdomen. Male: surstyli not visible in holotype; stipe
of aedeagus with pubescence apparently little developed or
absent (SLM); preglans becoming slightly thicker distally,
its length c. 1,4x that of glans; terminal filaments joined for
c. 0.8 of length, length of each, excluding basal tunic, c.
0.63 that of glans. Female: tergite 5 with posterior margin
extensively transverse and almost straight, not obliquely cut
off posterolaterally on each side; spiracle 5 located in pleural
membrane slightly behind mid-length of almost straight
lateral margin of tergite.
Dimensions. Total length,^ 6.7 mm, $ 6.5 mm; length of
thorax,c? 2.8 mm, $ 3.4 mm; length of wing,^ 6.3 mm, $
6.9 mm; length of glans of aedeagus, 0.72 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: Jabiru district to Katherine
Gorge.
Notes. Duomyia recta belongs with the four species of the
D. grahami alliance, discussed above under D. grahami. It
differs from others of this alliance in the absence of brown
suffusion on the thoracic pleura, in the male in the absence
of any modification of the hind trochanter and femur, and
in the female by having the shape of tergite 5 and position
of spiracle 5 approximately as for males of the group. The
terminal filaments of the aedeagus are shorter in proportion
to the length of glans than in the other species of this alliance.
The specific epithet is a Latin adjective, straight, in
reference to the hind femur.
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
135
Duomyia prensans n.sp.
Fig. 20
Type material. Holotype.? (unique). NT: Merl [Mel]
camping area [near Cahill’s Crossing], Kakadu National
Park, 12°25'S 132°57'E, 21.i. 1993, G.D., A.D. (AM,
K292959).
Description. ($;$ unknown). Large, stout blackish fly
with conspicuous metallic green reflections on thorax and
abdomen.
Coloration. Head yellowish-tawny; ocellar spot black;
orbital margin of postfrons and, more narrowly, that of
parafacial partly silvery-pruinescent; lunule and summit of
parafacial without dark markings; facial carina with small
brown marks on upper part and slight central tawny-brown
suffusion; antennal groove with silvery pruinescence on
pale yellow cuticle; occipital region nowhere darkened,
with silvery pruinescence except near vertex. Antenna
tawny-brown. Prelabrum and palpus tawny. Thorax largely
black with conspicuous green reflections; lateral margin
of mesoscutum between transverse suture and scutellum
reddish brown; humeral callus and scutellum without
pale pruinescence or almost so; propleuron extensively
grey-pruinescent; mesopleuron largely shining to glossy,
greyish-pruinescent on upper margin and on small posterior
zone, with setulae mostly black. Legs largely black;
fore and hind basitarsi orange-tawny, becoming brown
distodorsally, with ventral setulae tawny, dorsal setulae
black; segments 2 and 3 of hind tarsus also partly orange-
136
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
tawny; mid basitarsus brownish tawny with
mainly black setulae. Wing stained with
orange at base; second costal cell partly
yellow, partly hyaline; subcostal cell
dark brown; marginal cell largely paler
brown to yellowish brown; submarginal
cell brownish distally, paler yellowish
basally; basal cells and anal cell partly
yellowish, partly hyaline; distal and posterior
parts of membrane faintly tinged with yellowish
brown. Halter tawny with partly brown capitellum.
Abdominal tergites 1 to 5 shining black with green
to blue reflections and almost no pruinescence, with
setulae mostly black, those on lateral parts of tergites
2 and 3 brown; sternites 1 and 2 shining brown-
black, with very little pruinescence.
Head. Vertex prominently carinate between
inner vertical bristles; postfrons without
median hump, with moderately fine setulae,
anterolaterally with small setiferous
pits extending on to upper extremity of
parafacial; width of postfrons 0.48 of width
of head; fronto-orbital bristles vestigial;
ocellar bristle absent; parafacial broad, almost
smooth, except at upper and lower extremities;
height of cheek 0.46 of height of eye. Antenna potentially
extending c. 0.8 of distance from basal socket to centre of
epistomal margin; arista with rather numerous short hairs
on basal part of segment 6, some about as long as or slightly
longer than maximum diameter of segment. Prelabrum
rather small; palpus moderately slender.
Thorax. Mesoscutum with numerous moderately short
setulae, and several longer ones between postalar and intra-
alar bristles and immediately anterior to scutellar suture;
scutellum very finely, densely and sharply rugose on almost
entire surface; pteropleuron with numerous rather long,
fine setulae, but no differentiated bristle; pteropleural ridge
setulose; major thoracic bristles otherwise as given for D.
grahami. Fore femur with numerous rather small dorsal
bristles and five or six strongly spinescent posteroventral
bristles on distal half; mid femur with subapical comb
of closely placed posterior bristles and, basad from this,
numerous moderately long fine mostly pale setulae; hind
femur with the usual dorsal bristles and no ventral bristles;
fore and hind basitarsi appearing almost cylindrical or very
slightly depressed. Wing: vein 3 apically strongly curved
towards vein 4; first (basal) section of vein 4 0.90 x as long
as second section; second section strongly curved; distal
section of vein 4 converging on its whole length with vein
3, with strong sigmoid curvature, terminating well in front
of apex; membrane almost entirely densely microtrichose,
except for minute zones in second basal and anal cells.
Abdomen. Tergite 5 nearly twice as long as tergite 4;
stemite 2 subquadrate, shorter than sternite 1, with posterior
margin almost transverse; sternites 3, 4, and probably 5
vestigial.
Dimensions. Total length, 12.0 mm; length of thorax, 5.4
mm; length of wing, 9.5 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: vicinity of East Alligator
River.
Notes. Duomyia prensans belongs in the group of species
having no scutellar setulae, with thickened spinescent
Figs 20, 21. (20) Duomyia prensans , holotype,
wing. (21) D. serra, Groote Eylandt, distal part
of aedeagus. Scale = 0.5 mm.
posteroventral bristles on the fore femur, the antenna
relatively long (perhaps longer in the unknown male),
the scutellum entirely metallic black, and no pteropleural
bristles distinguishable from the setulae or hairs. Among
such forms it is differentiated from the little known D.
serra by the pubescent arista, largely orange-tawny fore
and hind basitarsi, and the brown suffusion in the marginal
cell. The holotype is the most robust specimen of Duomyia
that I have seen from NT, but is not as large as individuals
of some eastern species of the D. obscura alliance (several
still undescribed). As with many Duomyia spp., considerable
size variation is to be expected.
The specific epithet is a Latin participle, clutching, in
reference to the modification of the fore leg.
Duomyia serra Me Alpine
Fig. 21
Duomyia serra D. McAlpine, 1973: 96.
Type material. Holotype S, Queensland: Chester River,
Silver Plains, Coen district, xii.1961 (ANIC).
Other material examined. NT:^ Groote Eylandt, no date,
N.B.T. (SAM). According to Musgrave (1932: 321-322),
N.B.T. collected at Groote Eylandt within the period
1920-1922.
Description. See D. McAlpine (1973: 96).
Dimensions. (<$, Groote Eylandt). Total length, 9.3 mm;
length of thorax, 3.6 mm; length of wing, 6.9 mm; length of
glans of aedeagus, 0.96 mm.
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
137
Notes. Duomyia serra is distinguished from other species
of the genus as noted under D. prensans and in the key to
species.
The only specimen available from NT differs from the
holotype, from Queensland, in having the femora and
tibiae more extensively dark brown (perhaps nearly black
when fresh) and the setulae on the pteropleuron rather
stout and black, instead of fine, hair-like, and whitish as in
the holotype. On the other hand, the aedeagus (Fig. 21) is
essentially similar to that of the holotype. More material is
needed to establish the status of this island population.
Duomyia praeflava n.sp.
Figs 22, 23
Type material. Holotype <$, NT: 16 km E by N of Mount
Cahill [Kakadu National Park], 16.xi.1972, D.H.C., at light
(ANIC); on micro-pin through polyporus. Paratypes. NT:
1$, 2$, same data as holotype (AM, ANIC); 1$, Cooper
Creek, 19 km E by S of Mount Borradaile [N of Oenpelli],
Nov. 1972, D.H.C. (ANIC).
Other material. Queensland: 1$, 3 km ENE of Innot, near
Ravenshoe, 17°39'S 145°16'E, Nov. 1981, D.H.C. (ANIC).
Description. ($, 5 ). Small predominantly blackish fly,
resembling D. korneyevi, agreeing with description given
for that species except as indicated below.
Coloration (all specimens slightly faded). Palpus yellow,
often brownish basally. Thorax largely black, with green-
tinted reflections; humeral callus grey-pruinescent on
upper part; scutellum almost entirely rather densely grey-
pruinescent, apparently without fine rugosity; sternopleuron
with pruinescence often restricted to posterior extremity.
Coxae brown or partly yellowish; all tarsi brownish distally,
fore ones with only basal part of segment 1 paler. Halter
yellow basally, with largely brownish capitellum. Abdominal
coloration much as in D. korneyevi , but sternites 1 and 2
more extensively smooth, glossy.
Head. Height of cheek 0.35-0.45 of height of eye.
Antenna of male potentially extending to centre of epistomal
margin, that of female slightly shorter; segment 6 of arista
with a little basal pubescence.
Thorax. Pteropleural bristle sometimes duplicated;
pteropleural ridge often without setulae (ridge not visible
in some specimens). Hind basitarsus shorter and stouter
than fore basitarsus in male (0.86 of length of fore tarsus
in larger male, 0.89 of length of fore basitarsus in smaller
male); hind basitarsus slightly longer than fore basitarsus in
females. Wing: veins 3 and 4 both slightly curved distally,
less strongly convergent than in D. korneyevi , vein 4
terminating distinctly behind wing apex; basal section of
vein 4 0.97-1.11 x as long as second section. Squama not as
large as that of D. korneyevi and differently shaped (Fig. 23).
Abdomen. In male, tergite 4 shorter than tergite 5 but
variable in length; sternite 2 broadly rounded to almost
truncate on posterior margin; sternite 5 sclerotized, rounded
anteriorly, each posterolateral angle produced into a convex
extension, posterior margin between these extensions
broadly excavated. Male postabdomen: surstyli longer than
in D. korneyevi , apex of outer surstylus narrow, reflexed,
only slightly surpassing apex of inner surstylus; stipe of
aedeagus with pubescence restricted to longitudinal channel
and occupying most of its length; preglans simple, rather
slender, shorter than glans; glans subcylindrical, without
membranous wing; bulb with prominent projection; tunic
containing pair of sclerotized lobes embracing bases of
terminal filaments; terminal filaments very elongate, each
c. 8x as long as glans, with very oblique terminal gonopore.
Dimensions. Total length,^ 3.4-4.6 mm, $ 3.8-5.3 mm;
length of thorax ,$ 1.3-1.9 mm, $ 1.6-2.2 mm; length of
wing,^ 2.9-3.7 mm, 3.5-4.7 mm; length of glans of
aedeagus, 0.28-0.35 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: Kakadu National Park
and northern Arnhem Land. Queensland: near Atherton
Tableland.
Notes. Among the species with black non-setulose scutellum
and no thick posteroventral spines on the fore femur, D.
praeflava is distinguished by its long, yellow antenna and
extensively grey-pruinescent scutellum (i.e. with rather dense
dust-like microtrichia). In the male, the aedeagus differs
from that of related species in the long terminal filament and
unusual structure of the bulb and tunic (Fig. 22).
The specific epithet is a compound Latin adjective
meaning yellow in front, in reference to the yellow head,
antenna, and palpus.
Duomyia korneyevi n.sp.
Figs 24-26
Type material. Holotype S, NT: Koongarra, 15 km E of
Mount Cahill [Kakadu National Park], 6-9.iii. 1973, D.H.C.,
at light (ANIC); double mounted on micro-pin through cube
of polyporus. Paratypes. NT: IS, 1 $, same data as holotype
(ANIC, AM); 1$, Cooper Creek, 19 km E by S of Mount
Borradaile [N of Oenpelli], Nov. 1972, D.H.C. (ANIC).
Other material. Queensland: 1 $, Dulhunty River, northern
Cape York Peninsula, May 1992, G.C. (AM).
Description. $). Small to very small (for genus),
predominantly blackish fly, with unmarked wing.
Coloration. Head yellow; small ocellar spot brown;
no other markings visible in anterior view; upper occiput
with extensive dark brown zone, largely covered with grey
pruinescence. Antenna deep yellow. Prelabrum and palpus
yellow. Thorax largely black; mesoscutum pruinescent
mainly towards lateral margins; humeral callus shining,
almost devoid of pruinescence; scutellum dorsally densely
minutely rugose, without pale pruinescence; mesopleuron
with grey pruinescence covering variable extent of upper
part; sternopleuron with little pale pruinescence on upper
margin and ventromedian part. Coxae dark brown; femora
dark brown, fore and mid ones with yellow apices; tibiae
tawny, with some brown suffusion; tarsi yellow, fore ones
with segments 3 to 5 brown, mid and hind ones with segments
4 and 5 tawny. Wing without dark markings or shading;
subcostal cell pale yellow. Halter yellow. Abdominal tergites
1 to 5 shining black or brown-black; tergites 1 and 2 with
grey-pruinescent lateral zones, such zones absent on tergites
3 to 5; sternite 1 brown, shining medially and on anterior
margin, grey-pruinescent elsewhere; sternite 2 brown, with
grey pruinescence except on anterior margin.
138
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
tu
Figs 22-26. (22) Duomyiapraeflava, holotype, aedeagus. (23) D. praeflava, right squama, small male. (24) D. korneyevi, right squama,
small male. (25) D. korneyevi, Koongarra, epandrium, left lateral view. (26) D. korneyevi, Koongarra, distal part of aedeagus. Scales for
Figs 22, 26 = 0.3 mm. Scale for Fig. 25 = 0.1 mm. b, bulb; g, glans; pg, preglans; st, stipe; tf, terminal filaments; tu, tunic.
Head somewhat anteroposteriorly compressed, slightly
carinate at vertex; postfrons without distinct pitting and
median hump, with fine inconspicuous setulae; width of
postfrons 0.39-0.42 of width of head; ocellar and fronto-
orbital bristles not differentiated from setulae; facial carina
flat to slightly concave, rugose, with sharply raised lateral
margins; parafacial of moderate width, without setiferous
pits, except sometimes at upper extremity; cheek with
variable anterior rugosity; height of cheek 0.34-0.43 of
height of eye. Antenna potentially extending to centre of
epistomal margin, not noticeably sexually dimorphic; arista
with segment 6 apparently bare, or almost so; segment 5
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
139
with a little short pubescence. Prelabrum moderately small;
palpus slightly broadened and rounded distally.
Thorax. Mesoscutum with many short almost recum¬
bent setulae except near lateral margins; scutellum
almost semicircular in outline, convex, without setulae;
pteropleuron with one stout black bristle and several mostly
pale setulae, including one or few on pteropleural ridge;
other thoracic bristles as given for D. grahami. Fore femur
with an irregular series of numerous dorsal black bristles
and a series of fewer posteroventral bristles, some of the
latter rather long; mid femur with two to four subapical
black posterior bristles; hind femur with dorsal bristles
beyond mid-length; all basitarsi subcylindrical, moderately
elongate, fore basitarsus shortest (both sexes). Wing: distal
section of vein 3 not strongly curved; distal section of
vein 4 basally almost parallel with vein 3, distally curved
forwards to terminate approximately at apex; basal section
of vein 4 1.0-1.2x as long as second section; membrane
almost entirely microtrichose. Squama large and broadly
rounded (Fig. 24).
Abdomen. In male, tergite 5 c. 1.4-1,7x as long as tergite
4; sternite 1 quadrate, rather broad; sternite 2 subtriangular,
almost as broad; sternites 3 and 4 apparently reduced or
absent; sternite 5 well sclerotized, subtriangular, minutely
setulose, with two posterolateral angles tumid, bearing
slightly larger setulae. In female, tergite 5 nearly as long as
in male; sternites 1 and 2 approximately as in male; sternites
3 to 5 apparently all much reduced. Male postabdomen:
surstyli rather short; distal section of outer surstylus short
and broadly rounded, not flexed; aedeagus with elongate
preglans, c. 1.2* as long as glans; glans subcylindrical,
without membranous marginal wing; bulb short, apparently
without caeca; terminal filaments of equal size, bulbous on c.
basal half, joined basally, variably expanded apically, length
of each c. 0.72-0.78x length of glans.
Dimensions. Total length,^ 2.9—4.1 mm, $ 4.1—4.2 mm;
length of thorax, S 1.3-1.7 mm, $ 1.6 mm; length of wing,^
2.7-3.4 mm, $ 3.2-3.5 mm; length of glans of aedeagus,
0.33-0.34 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: Kakadu National Park
and northern Arnhem Land. Queensland: northern Cape
York Peninsula.
Notes. Among the species with black, non-setulose scutellum
and no black postero ventral spines on the fore femur, D.
korneyevi is distinguished by its long, entirely yellow
antenna and very finely densely rugose scutellum (fingerprint
sculpture, as distinct from the glossy and pruinescent
scutellar surface types present in related species). Other
significant characters are given in the above description and
the key to species.
The specific epithet refers to Valery A. Korneyev, who has
made a significant contribution to knowledge of Eurasian
platystomatids.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Duomyia lana n.sp.
Figs 27-31
Type material. Holotype <$, NT: Burrell’s Creek, [old] Stuart
Highway, 24.xi.1972, D.H.C., at light (ANIC); impaled on
long pin, aedeagus extended, right mid leg glued to card.
Paratypes. NT: 3$, 2$, same data as holotype (ANIC, AM).
Apparently the old section of the Stuart Highway (termed
Dorat Road on a newer map) crossed Burrell’s Creek at c.
13°27'S 131°10'E.
Description. (S, ?)• Medium-sized to small blackish fly,
with green reflections and unmarked wing.
Coloration. Head largely tawny-brown to dark brown,
generally darker in females; anterior part of postfrons
always dark brown; face pale yellowish in male, brown in
female. Antenna tawny-brown, much of segment 3 darker
brown. Prelabrum blackish; palpus brown, darker distally.
Thorax shining black with green reflections; mesoscutum,
scutellum, humeral callus, mesopleuron, and sternopleuron
almost without pruinescence. Legs largely black; tarsi
brown to black; fore and mid tarsi with short paler zone at
articulation of segments 1 and 2. Wing without dark markings
or shading. Halter tawny with brown capitellum. Abdominal
tergites 1 to 5 shining black with green reflections, almost
without pruinescent zones; sternite 1 shining blackish, almost
without pruinescence.
Head much higher than long, slightly carinate at vertex;
postfrons without distinct pitting and median hump, with
fine inconspicuous setulae; width of postfrons 0.27-0.29
of width of head in male, 0.33-0.35 in female; ocellar and
fronto-orbital bristles not differentiated; facial carina flat-
topped, usually shorter and broader in female than in male,
with strongly raised lateral margins; parafacial narrowed
for short distance near eye, without setulae; cheek without
obvious rugosity; height of cheek 0.28-0.33 of height of
eye; cheek bristle usually stronger in female than in male.
Antenna potentially reaching 0.8 or 0.9 of distance from
basal socket to centre of epistomal margin; arista apparently
bare except for short pubescence on segment 5. Prelabrum
moderately small in female, somewhat smaller in male;
palpus moderately short.
Figs 29-31. Duomyia lana, male. (29) left fore tarsus. (30) left mid tarsus. (31) left hind tarsus.
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
141
Thorax generally as described for D. korneyevi ;
pteropleuron usually with two black bristles not much longer
than the pale hairs, without setulae on pteropleural ridge;
mesopleuron with hair-like setulae, longer and finer in male
than in female; ventral part of sternopleuron with brush of
many fine whitish mollisetae in male, undeveloped in female.
Fore coxa of male with large distal brush of fine mollisetae,
undeveloped in female; other coxae with shorter, less
conspicuous mollisetae in male, undeveloped in female; fore
femur with numerous rather fine black dorsal bristles, without
posteroventral keel and spinescent bristles, in male with
many long fine whitish ventral hairs and mollisetae except
on distal quarter, in female only rather short fine ventral
setulae present; mid femur with few posterior subapical
black bristles, finer in male than in female, and, in male,
rather numerous fine whitish posteroventral hair-like setulae;
hind femur with numerous long whitish ventral mollisetae,
undeveloped in female; all tarsi strongly sexually dimorphic;
fore tarsus of male (Fig. 29) with segment 1 unusually short,
asymmetrical, segment 2 also asymmetrical, segments 3
to 5 unusually broad; fore tarsus of female moderately
elongate, almost symmetrical; mid tarsus of male (Fig. 30)
less elongate than in D. collessi , D. korneyevi , etc., segments
1 to 4 with long posterior bristles, segment 1 asymmetrical
distally, segments 2 to 4 shorter and broader than in related
species; mid tarsus of female without modifications present
in male, only slightly stouter and more depressed than in
related species; hind tarsus of male (Fig. 31) much broader
and more depressed than in related species, with segment 1
c. 1,3x as long as wide; hind tarsus of female more slender,
with segment 1 almost cylindrical. Wing: distal section
of vein 3 slightly arched; distal section of vein 4 slightly
curved forwards distally to terminate slightly behind apex;
basal section of vein 4 0.92-1.2* as long as second section;
membrane almost entirely microtrichose. Squama large,
slightly less broadly rounded than in D. korneyevi.
Abdomen. In male, tergite 5 distinctly longer than tergite
4; sternite 1 quadrate; sternite 2 smaller, broadly rounded
posteriorly; sternites 3 and 4 obsolete; sternite 5 large,
slightly narrowed towards transverse anterior margin,
posteriorly with each posterolateral angle produced into a
broad subacute lobe, with very fine setulae only. In female,
tergite 2 laterally with variably developed (probably size-
correlated) group of long whitish setulae or mollisetae; other
tergites without zones of differentiated setulae; tergite 5
slightly longer than tergite 4; sternites 1 and 2 as in male;
sternites 3 to 5 obsolete. Male postabdomen: apex of outer
surstylus only slightly exceeding that of inner surstylus, not
reflexed, slightly broadened, with posterolateral gibbosity;
stipe of aedeagus with trace of pubescence only; preglans
well defined, slender, slightly longer than glans, with narrow
membranous wing on most of length; glans subcylindrical,
somewhat elongate; bulb simple, without processes; tunic
simple; each terminal filament tapered distally, slightly
longer than glans.
Dimensions. Total length,^ 5.2-6.0 mm, $ 5.3-8.0 mm;
length of thorax,^ 2.0-2.7 mm, § 2.2-3.2 mm; length of
wing,c? 4.0-5.1 mm, $ 4.5-5.8 mm; length of glans of
aedeagus, 0.47-0.48 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: only known from type
locality to south of Adelaide River town.
Notes. Duomyia lana belongs among those species with
smooth glossy black scutellum lacking scutellar setulae, and
Figs 32-34. Duomyia collessi , male, Magela Creek. (32) left fore tarsus. (33) left mid tarsus. (34)
left hind tarsus.
142
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
without posteroventral black spines on the fore femur. The
male is distinguished from all other species by the brushes
of dense whitish mollisetae on the fore coxa, lower part of
sternopleuron, and other parts, and by the asymmetrical
fore and mid tarsi and broadly depressed hind tarsus (Figs
29-31). The female lacks these modifications but is generally
distinguished by having the face brown (pale yellow in male),
and the fore tarsus dark brown to its base. The female of D.
maceveyi is similar in some characters, but has numerous
short hairs towards the base of antennal segment 6 and the
hind basitarsus yellow.
The specific epithet is a Latin noun meaning wool, in
reference to the woolly mollisetae of the male.
Duomyia collessi n.sp.
Figs 32-36
Type material. Holotype S, NT: Magela [or Magella] Creek,
9 km SSE of Mudginbarry [or Mudginberri] Homestead
[vicinity of Kakadu National Park], 6.xi.l972, D.H.C., at
light (ANIC); impaled on long pin, aedeagus extended.
Paratypes. NT: 5$, 9$, same data as holotype (ANIC, AM);
\S, Cooper Creek, 11 km S by W of Nimbuwah Rock,
Nov. 1972, D.H.C. (ANIC); 2$, 7 km NW by N of Cahill’s
Crossing, East Alligator River, Nov. 1972, D.H.C. (ANIC,
AM); 1$, 5 km NNW of Cahill’s Crossing, Nov. 1972,
D.H.C. (ANIC); 2$, Baroalba Creek Springs, 19 km NE
by E of Mount Cahill [Kakadu National Park], Oct. 1972,
D.H.C. (ANIC); 2$, 16 km E by N of Mount Cahill, Nov.
1972, D.H.C. (ANIC); 2?, Nourlangie Creek, 8 km N of
Mount Cahill, Oct. 1972, D.H.C. (ANIC).
Other material (localities only given). Queensland: Sweers
Island Reserve, South Wellesley Islands (AM).
Description. (S, $)• Medium-sized to small blackish fly,
with green reflections and unmarked wing.
Coloration (most of type series slightly faded). Head
largely yellow to ochraceous; postfrons dark brown on
substantial but variable anterior section; subgenal margin
tawny-brown; occipital region largely tawny. Antenna brown
to tawny-brown. Prelabrum tawny to brown, darker on lower
margin; palpus dark brown. Thorax largely shining black
with green reflections; mesoscutum greyish pruinescent only
near lateral margins; humeral callus and scutellum glossy,
almost without pruinescence; mesopleuron grey-pruinescent
on less than posterodorsal quarter; pteropleuron densely
grey-pruinescent centrally, shining on substantial anterior
and posterior zones; sternopleuron with little pruinescence
towards extremities. Legs largely dark brown to blackish;
fore tarsus with segment 1 tawny-yellow, segments 2,3, and
5 dark brown with pale creamy bases, segment 4 brown;
mid and hind tarsi tawny to tawny yellow. Wing hyaline,
without dark markings; subcostal cell yellowish; veins basad
of humeral crossvein bright yellow, more brownish yellow
distally. Halter with tawny scabellum, yellow pedicel, and
partly brown capitellum. Abdominal tergites black with
greenish reflections, with mostly rather short black setulae,
some longer whitish setulae on tergite 2 laterally, more
developed in male.
Head resembling that of D. lana\ width of postfrons
0.29-0.31 of width of head in male, 0.30-0.34 in female;
facial carina convex with strong vertical plications and
strongly raised lateral margins; parafacial rather narrow
(more so in male), without setulae; cheek almost smooth,
apparently lacking minute setulae on anterior section except
for few on extreme lower margin; height of cheek 0.25-0.35
of height of eye. Antenna generally potentially reaching
slightly more than distance from basal socket to centre of
epistomal margin in male, slightly less than that distance in
female; arista with segment 6 bare. Prelabrum moderately
small; palpus moderately short, apically rounded.
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
143
Thorax generally as described for D. korneyevi\
pteropleuron with mostly pale setulae, longer in male, a few
setulae on pteropleural ridge; scutellum with three pairs of
marginal bristles and no setulae. Fore femur with a series
of numerous rather stout black dorsal bristles and a distinct
series of fewer fine, mainly yellowish posterodorsal bristles;
mid femur with moderately long white hair-like posterior
setulae and short series of black subapical posterior bristles;
hind femur slightly curved, more distinctly so in male, with
dorsal black bristles and numerous fine white hair-like ventral
setulae, generally longer in male; hind tibia with only slight
basal curvature; fore and mid tarsi not strongly asymmetrical;
fore tarsus not strongly sexually dimorphic, segment 1 not
strongly depressed, c. 3x as long as wide in male, slightly
more elongate in female; mid tarsus without apparent sexual
dimorphism; hind tarsus with segment 1 c. 2.0-2.4x as long
as wide in male, 3.1—4.1 x in female. Wing: distal section of
vein 3 slightly curved on c. basal half; distal section of vein
4 with slight sigmoid curvature, terminating very slightly
behind wing apex; basal section of vein 4 slightly shorter
to slightly longer than second section; membrane almost
entirely microtrichose except sometimes for narrow bare
zones in second basal and anal cells. Squama large and
prominent, but not so broadly rounded as in D. korneyevi.
Abdomen. In male, tergite 5 much longer than tergite 4;
sternite 2 large and subtriangular; stemites 3 and 4 vestigial
or absent; stemite 5 with broad median notch on posterior
margin separating pair of broad subangular lobes. In female,
stemite 2 usually broadly rounded posteriorly, very small but
distinct tergite 3 usually present, sternites 4 and 5 absent;
sternite 6, as usual, represented by two separate sclerites.
Male postabdomen: surstyli rather short; distal section of
outer surstylus not broadened, apically slightly flexed so that
sharp edge is directed anteriorly; stipe of aedeagus without
pubescence; preglans well defined, slender, longer than glans,
with membranous wing on most of length and prominent basal
gibbosity; glans stout, irregularly subcylindrical; bulb rather
short and stout, of complex shape, but without processes; each
terminal filament separate from origin in tunic, with slightly
expanded oblique apex, c. 1.7x as long as glans.
Dimensions. Total length, (9 5.9-7.2 mm, 9. 3.5-9.0 mm;
length of thorax, (9 2.4-2.9 mm, 9 1.6-3.6 mm; length of
wing,(9 4.9-5.6 mm, 9 3.4-7.0 mm; length of glans of
aedeagus, 0.55 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: Kakadu National Park
and northern Arnhem Land. Queensland: South Wellesley
Islands, Gulf of Carpentaria.
Notes. Duomyia collessi belongs among those species
with bare glossy black scutellum, long brownish tawny
antenna, and no posteroventral armature on the fore femur
except for fine bristles. It differs from D. lana in the yellow
cheek and parafacial and, in the male, the lack of long
woolly mollisetae on the fore coxa, stemopleuron, etc., and
the relatively unmodified tarsi (Figs 32-34). From some
similar undescribed species of eastern Queensland, it can be
distinguished by the distribution of grey pruinescence on the
mesopleuron and pteropleuron, the latter pruinescent centrally
but with substantial shining anterior and posterior zones, and,
in the male, by the longer terminal filaments (Fig. 35).
The specific epithet refers to Donald H. Colless, whose
collections of Duomyia (in ANIC) form a significant basis
of this study.
Duomyia maceveyi n.sp.
Figs 38, 39
Type material. Holotype S. NT: Arnhem Highway, just W
of Mary River, 12°50'S 131°56’E, 20.ii.2008, K.H., D.M.,
M.S.M., C.O., M.H. (AM, K292960); mounted on large pin
through thorax, aedeagus in microvial. Paratypes. NT: 2(9,
same data as holotype (AM, ANIC); 2(9,2$, South Alligator
Motor Inn, Arnhem Highway, Dec. 1986, B.J.M., M.S.M.
(AM, NTM); 2(9,19, Nawurlandja (Nourlangie) Rock area,
Kakadu National Park, 12°51’S 132°47'E, Jan 1993, G.D.,
A.D. (AM); 19, Strauss Airstrip, 45 km S of Darwin, 12°39’S
131°04'E, Jan 1993, G.D., A.D. (AM).
Other material (localities only given). Queensland: Archer
River roadhouse, 13°26'S 142°56'E, (AM, ANIC); 8 km
SSW of Coen, 14°00'S 143°11'E (AM); Coleman River,
near Musgrave, 14°48'S 143°22’E (AM, QM); 13 km W
of Musgrave, 14°48’S 143°23’E (AM); Morehead River
Crossing, 15°01'S 143°39’E (AM).
Description. (c9, $). Moderate-sized to rather large fly,
largely black, with green to blue reflections; wing without
dark markings.
Coloration. Postfrons largely dark brown, with small
orange-tawny suffusion in front of ocelli and on each
anterolateral angle, its orbital margin silvery pruinescent;
parafacial, face and cheek region orange-brown, the first
with narrow silvery-pruinescent orbital margin; antennal
groove with silvery pruinescence not extending on to side
of carina; occipital region mostly very dark, with extensive
silvery pruinescence except near vertex. Antenna tawny-
brown; segment 3 usually darker greyish brown; arista dark
brown. Prelabrum tawny-brown; palpus orange-tawny.
Thorax largely black, with green to blue or purple reflections;
humeral callus glossy, almost without pruinescence;
scutellum glossy except at lateral extremities; mesopleuron
largely glossy, with pruinescence restricted to upper part
and immediate vicinity of fore coxa, with setulae pale. Legs
largely dark brown to black; fore tarsus dark brown, with
segment 1 becoming tawny-brown basally; mid and hind tarsi
tawny-yellow, becoming brownish apically. Wing without
distal dark zone; membrane tinged with yellow, particularly
basally and anteriorly; subcostal cell yellow. Capitellum
of halter variegated, tawny-grey and brown. Abdominal
tergites 1 to 5 shining black, with almost no pruinescence,
often with bluish reflections; stemite 1 glossy, dark brown,
without pruinescence; sternite 2 densely grey-pminescent.
Head. Postfrons without distinct pitting, with low but
distinct median hump in front of ocelli and slight depression
between this and convex anterior part, with scattered very
fine, nearly straight setulae; width of postfrons 0.42-0.45
of width of head; fronto-orbital and ocellar bristles minute
or absent; facial carina distinct, with strongly raised lateral
margins and several variably developed vertical ridges;
parafacial of moderate width, with variable number of
setiferous pits towards upper end; height of cheek 0.28-0.32
of height of eye. Antenna potentially extending well beyond
centre of epistomal margin in both sexes; arista with
numerous short hairs towards base of segment 6, several of
them slightly longer than maximum diameter of segment.
Prelabrum of moderate size; palpus moderately narrow, with
rather long setulae; prementum very broad.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Thorax. Mesoscutum with very numerous short, curved
setulae; scutellum devoid of setulae, convex, almost
smooth, normally with three pairs of marginal bristles;
pteropleuron with fine setulae and one or two stout black
bristles; pteropleural ridge with few fine setulae; major
thoracic bristles otherwise as given for D. grahami. Fore
femur with numerous irregularly placed black dorsal
bristles, without posteroventral bristles; mid femur
subapically with several long black posterior bristles, and,
basad from these an extensive tract of long fine pale setulae;
hind femur with dorsal bristles, mainly on distal half; all
tarsi subcylindrical, more or less elongate. Wing: veins 3
and 4 both distally curved and convergent, latter terminating
at apex; basal section of vein 4 0.88-1,00x as long as second
section; membrane almost entirely microtrichose.
Abdomen. Tergite 5 slightly longer than tergite 4 in both
sexes; sternite 2 subtriangular; sternites 3 to 5 vestigial
in female. Male: spiracle 5 located in pleural membrane
near lateral margin of tergite, slightly behind mid-length
of tergite; distal section of outer surstylus beyond apex of
inner surstylus subtriangular, with apical angle rounded
off; aedeagus with stipe moderately slender, apparently
without pubescence; preglans well demarcated from stipe,
elongate, c. as long as glans, without distinct membranous
margin or appendage, its distal end oblique; short but
distinct flexible section present between preglans and glans;
glans subcylindrical, with membranous bight distally;
membranous bulb well developed, with an irregular soft
appendage and beyond its base a large shield-like sclerite;
terminal filaments subequal, apparently joined for very
short distance basally, rather stout, much shorter than glans,
arising from distal end of shield-like sclerite.
Dimensions. Total length,^ 10.1 mm, $ 9.1-10.0 mm;
length of thorax,^ 4.0-4.1 mm, $ 3.9-4.4 mm; length of
wing,(^ 7.8-8.1 mm, $ 7.5-8.1 mm; length of glans of
aedeagus, c. 1.0 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: Kakadu National Park and
other northern districts. Queensland: Archer River district
to Cooktown district.
Notes. Dnomyia maceveyi , together with the closely similar
D. mithrax Hendel of northern Queensland, differs from other
Dnomyia species with largely smooth but medially humped
postfrons and no scutellar setulae in the better developed
basal hairing of the arista, the very broad prementum of
the proboscis, and the presence of one or few strongly
differentiated black bristles on the pteropleuron. They also
differ from the compact, inadequately elucidated group of
species, including D. howensis McAlpine and D. obscura
Walker, in the termination of vein 4 at (not in front of) the wing
apex and the elongate, subcylindrical hind basitarsus. The
smooth, glossy scutellum and, in the females, the absence of
pleural sclerotization of the abdomen and the vestigial tergite
6 and sternites 3 to 5 further differentiate D. maceveyi and D.
mithrax from some other related species (not all yet named).
The only reason why D. maceveyi does not run to D.
mithrax in the key of McAlpine (1973) is the consistent
absence of any trace of a dark distal wing zone in the former
species. Better material of D. mithrax is now available,
and it is apparent that the aedeagus of D. maceveyi differs
in having a more elongate preglans and a large shield-like
sclerite (tunic) covering one side of the bulb at the base of
the tenninal filaments. The available Queensland specimens
of D. maceveyi differ from both the sympatric D. mithrax
and the Northern Territory specimens of D. maceveyi in the
generally much darker face and parafacial.
The specific epithet refers to Shane F. McEvey, in
appreciation of his unstinting help in several of my projects.
Figs 38, 39. Duomyia maceveyi, near Mary River. (38) aedeagus; scale = 0.5 mm. (39) head of male;
sparse minute setulae on postfrons omitted.
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
145
Duomyia ameniina McAlpine
Duomyia ameniina McAlpine, 1973: 116-117; McAlpine,
2011: 63-64, figs 1,2.
Type material. Holotype S, Queensland: Morven,
18.i. 1963, D.E.H. (ANIC). Paratypes and other material.
See D. McAlpine (2011).
Distribution. Northern Territory: higher rainfall areas
N from c. 14°S. Western Australia: Ord River district.
Queensland: widely distributed (see McAlpine, 2011 for
details). New South Wales: NE of state.
Notes. Duomyia ameniina is the only species known in the
Northern Territory with the vertical area between the supra-
alar bristle and wing-base quite smooth, without microtrichia.
Among Queensland species, D. alfredi McAlpine also has
this condition but differs most obviously in having many of
the setulae on the mesoscutum long and almost erect, instead
of relatively short and decumbent as in D. ameniina.
Duomyia rugula McAlpine
Duomyia rugula McAlpine, 2011: 68-70, figs 10-12.
Type material. Holotype Northern Territory: 12 km
NNE of Borroloola, 15°58'S 136°21'E [McArthur River
district], l.xi.1975, M.S.U. (ANIC). Paratype. Queensland:
see McAlpine, 2011.
Distribution. Northern Territory: far east. Queensland:
Archer River district. Single record for each state or territory.
Notes. Duomyia rugula differs from other species in NT by
the long rays of the arista in combination with the substantial
bare zones of the wing in the marginal, first basal, and discal
cells. For further morphological details see McAlpine, 2011.
Duomyia whittingtoni n.sp.
Fig. 40
Type material. Holotype S- NT: Anbangbang [Nourlangie
Rock, c. 12°51'S 132°47'E], Kakadu National Park,
25.ii.1996, D.K.M., G.R.B. (AM K292961); micro-pinned
on double mount, aedeagus extended. Paratypes. NT: \S,
same data as holotype (NTM); 1$, Amhem Highway, just
WofMary River, 12°50'S 131°56'E, 20.ii.2008, K.H., D.M.,
M.S.M., C.O., M.H. (AM).
Description. (c5\ $ unknown). Medium-sized, slender,
predominantly blackish fly, with unmarked wing; belonging
in same alliance as D. spinifemorata, q.v.
Coloration. Head yellow; postfrons with three large
transversely aligned black blotches immediately in front
of vertex, median one enclosing ocelli; antennal grooves
brown-black, partly grey pruinescent; occiput with black
ground colour extending right to vertex, but covered
with dense whitish pruinescence except on broad shining
black upper section. Antenna tawny-brown; segment 3
largely greyish. Prelabrum brown; palpus blackish, with
tawny-brown apex. Thorax largely black, with slightly
green-tinted reflections; mesoscutum pruinescent mainly
towards lateral margins; humeral callus with rather sparse
dark pruinescence; scutellum shining, minutely roughened
but almost without pruinescence; mesopleuron partly
glossy, with pale pruinescence and pale setulae on c.
posterodorsal half and narrowly on margin of fore-coxal
cavity; sternopleuron with little pale pruinescence on upper
margin and posteroventral part. Coxae largely black; fore
femur black, very narrowly tawny at apex; other femora
largely blackish, or brownish on basal part; tibiae tawny,
with darker markings; fore tarsus with segments 1 and 2
yellow, slightly browned distally, segments 3 to 5 brown;
other tarsi more extensively yellow, but with at least
segments 4 and 5 brown. Wing without dark markings or
suffusion; subcostal cell pale yellow. Capitellum of halter
pale yellow. Abdominal tergites 1 to 5 shining black, with
greenish reflections; vicinity of suture between tergites 1
and 2 grey-pruinescent; sternite 1 largely glossy brown-
black, grey-pruinescent on lateral margins; sternite 2
densely grey-pruinescent.
Head somewhat anteroposteriorly compressed. Postfrons
without distinct pitting and median hump, with very fine
mostly suberect setulae; width of postfrons 0.40-0.43 of
width of head; ocellar bristle weakly differentiated; fronto-
orbital bristles indistinguishable; facial carina flat, rugose,
sharply margined laterally; parafacial moderately narrow,
with few setiferous pits near upper extremity; height of
cheek 0.36-0.38 of height of eye. Antenna potentially
extending c. 0.6-0.7 of distance from basal socket to centre
of epistomal margin; arista with numerous short hairs
towards base of segment 6, some at least twice as long as
basal diameter of segment. Prelabrum moderately small;
palpus slightly widened distally.
Thorax. Mesoscutum with dense short, mostly somewhat
recumbent setulae; scutellum short, convex, finely and
weakly rugose; pteropleuron with fine setulae and no
differentiated bristles; major thoracic bristles otherwise as
given for D. grahamy prosternum with each anterolateral
angle not prominently produced, separated from propleural
gibbosity by membranous zone. Fore femur with numerous
irregularly placed black dorsal bristles on most of length,
without posteroventral bristles, but with variably developed
elongate pale ventral setulae and a prominent rounded
tooth-like posteroventral keel beyond mid-length; mid
femur with one to three subapical black posterior bristles
and numerous rather long posterior setulae; hind femur
with few dorsal bristles beyond mid-length; all basitarsi
subcylindrical, moderately elongate. Wing: distal section of
vein 3 very slightly curved; distal section of vein 4 basally
almost parallel with vein 3, distally curved forwards to
terminate near or slightly in front of apex; basal section
of vein 4 1.00-1.3 x as long as second section; membrane
almost entirely microtrichose.
Abdomen. Tergite 5 c. twice as long as tergite 4, but
not noticeably broader; sternite 2 subtriangular; sternites
3 and 4 minute. Outer surstylus with free distal section
extending far beyond apex of inner surstylus, subtriangular
with apical part narrowly produced; stipe slender, very
extensively pubescent except towards base; preglans very
short, sclerotized, asymmetrical, without pubescence and
processes; short flexible section present between preglans
and glans; glans compact, irregularly ovoid, with large
146
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 40, 41. (40) Duomyia whittingtoni, Anbangbang, aedeagus. (41) D. spinifemorata, aedeagus. Scale = 0.5 mm (both figs). Only one
of pair of similar terminal filaments shown (both figs).
terminal transparent lobe ensheathing the rather short,
rotund bulb; terminal filaments separate approximately from
their bases, very elongate, gradually tapered over much of
length, slightly unequal in length, each c. 12 or 13 x as long as
glans, with extensive weak internal circular ridges, with apex
simple, truncate, and with terminal, very slightly decurrent
gonopore; cercus much shorter than outer surstylus.
Dimensions. Total length, 7.1-7.8 mm; length of thorax,
2.9-3.2 mm; length of wing, 5.2-6.1 mm; length of glans
of aedeagus, 0.26 mm.
Distribution. Northern Territory: Kakadu National Park
and vicinity.
Notes. Among the species with bare, black scutellum and
McAlpine: Signal flies in the Northern Territory
147
short antenna, D. whittingtoni is distinguished from D.
ameniina and D. alfredi by the pale creamy halter and
presence of dense pruinescence on the vertical surface
between the supra-alar bristle and wing base, from D. rugula
and D. semiclara by the entirely microtrichose first basal cell
of the wing, much shorter hairs on the arista, and presence
of a tooth-like posteroventral keel on the fore femur (at least
in the male), from D. irregularis by the non-pruinescent
scutellum and absence of posteroventral spines on the fore
femur, and from D. spinifemorata by the presence of the
humeral bristle and absence of seriate posteroventral spines
on the fore femur.
The specific epithet refers to Andrew E. Whittington,
who has made a significant contribution to knowledge of
Afrotropical platystomatids.
Duomyia irregularis Malloch
Duomyia irregularis Malloch, 1929: 509-510, fig. lb;
McAlpine, 1973: 95, redescription based partly on
holotype.
Type material. Holotype S- Northern Territory: Palmerston
[former name for Darwin], Dec. 1908 anon. (DEI). Examined
by me in 1969.
Other material re-examined. 1$, “Australia, Brunetti”,
(AM, transferred from BM 1 .ix.2008). Damaged. This bears
my determination label dated 1969 and is clearly one of the
specimens I previously recorded (McAlpine, 1973) from
“Darwin, ii iii 1909,” but it no longer bears these collection
data.
Distribution. Northern Territory: vicinity of Darwin. The
only material known to me was collected in 1908 and 1909,
probably by F.P. Dodd. The species is not present in available
more modem collections.
Notes. This species belongs in the Duomyia spinifemorata
alliance, as described under D. spinifemorata. Within
this alliance it is distinguished by having both tooth-like
anteroventral keel and short anteroventral spines on the fore
femur and whitish dorsal pruinescence on the scutellum,
this pruinescence being dark or little developed in the other
species. Tergite 5 is much broader than tergites 3 and 4, as
in D. spinifemorata , but the hind femur has small black
anteroventral spines, generally absent or less developed
in other species of this alliance. The male genitalia remain
undescribed because of the scarcity of specimens.
Duomyia spinifemorata Malloch
Fig. 41
Duomyia spinifemorata Malloch, 1929: 508-509, figs la, 2a;
McAlpine, 1973: 94-95, redescription from type material.
Type material. Holotype <?. Northern Territory: Palmerston
[former name for Darwin], Dec. 1908 (DEI, ex Litchwardt
collection). Examined by me in 1969.
Additional material (localities only given). Northern
Territory: near entrance to Litchfield National Park, via
Batchelor (AM); Marrakai Road, 2 km E of Stuart Highway
(AM); South Alligator Motor Inn, Arnhem Highway (AM).
Supplementary description. Male abdomen: tergite 5
large, broader than preceding tergites; outer surstylus
resembling that of D. whittingtoni , but with distal section
longer, slightly tapered, with relatively broad, blunt apex;
stipe of aedeagus moderately stout, apparently quite without
pubescence; preglans not visibly differentiated from stipe,
distally produced to overlap short flexible section between
preglans and glans; glans compact, subcylindrical, with
terminal ensheathing lobe resembling that of D. whittingtoni ;
terminal filaments stouter than in D. whittingtoni , of about
equal length, each c. 9x as long as glans, attenuated at
extreme apex.
Distribution. Northern Territory: northern districts.
Notes. I propose the Duomyia spinifemorata alliance as
a provisional grouping to include D. spinifemorata , D.
irregularis , and D. whittingtoni. This alliance is apparently
endemic to the Northern Territory and is characterized
by having the scutellum short, broad, dorsally minutely
roughened or pruinescent, with black ground-colour and no
setulae, the antenna short, the arista with obvious pubescence
or short hairs, the vertex of head low and rounded, the
prosternum relatively narrow and widely separated from
the propleuron on each side; vein 4 terminating very near
wing apex. Where known, the aedeagus has the preglans
very short and the terminal filaments very long (unknown
in D. irregularis ). The D. ameniina alliance resembles
the spinifemorata alliance but is distinguished by having
longer hairs on the arista, vein 4 strongly curved distally
to terminate well in front of the apex, and the scutellum
more evenly rounded and usually glossy. Duomyia aliceae
McAlpine also has vein 4 terminating well in front of the
apex, and further differs from the spinifemorata alliance in
the extensively grey-pruinescent mesoscutum and humeral
callus, and the distinctive posteroventral armature of the fore
femur (McAlpine, 2011).
Within the D. spinifemorata alliance, D. spinifemorata is
distinguished by the lack of a tooth-like posteroventral keel
and presence of a posteroventral series of stout black spines
on the fore femur. It further differs from D. irregularis in the
presence of three posterior black blotches on the postfrons
and absence of dorsal whitish pruinescence on the scutellum;
and from D. whittingtoni in the absence of the humeral
bristle, less attenuated terminal filaments of the aedeagus
(except at their apical extremities), and lack of pubescence
on the stipe.
Duomyia serra McAlpine and D. prensans n. sp. resemble
D. spinifemorata among species without scutellar setulae
in having posteroventral spines on the fore femur, but these
have the vertex prominently transversely carinate, the
antenna much longer, and the capitellum of the halter brown.
The male specimen from near Litchfield National Park
was taken from blossom of a myrtaceous tree.
148
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Acknowledgments. I am indebted to G.R. Brown for much help
in field collecting. The following have provided significant material
of Duomyia: D. H. Colless, D. K. Yeates, M. S. Upton, G. & A.
Daniels, B. J. and M. S. Moulds. K. Goodyer and T. Howard of
the Natural History Museum, London, provided a specimen of D.
irregularis. H. M. Smith processed the manuscript and gave critical
advice. S. M. Lindsay carried out electron microscopy. D. J. Bickel,
D. R. Britton, and S. F. McEvey provided continual support.
References
Enderlein, G. 1924. Beitrage zur Kenntis der Platystominen.
Mitteilungen aus dem Zoologischen Museum in Berlin 11:
97-153.
Hall, S. C., and C. J. Parmenter. 2006. Larvae of two signal fly
species (Diptera: Platystomatidae), Duomyiafoliata McAlpine
and Plagiostenopterina enderleini Hendel, are scavengers in
sea turtle eggs. Australian Journal of Zoology 54: 245-252.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1071 /Z006025
Hendel, F. 1914a. Diptera, fam. Muscaridae, subfam. Platystominae.
GeneraInsectorum 157: 179 pp., 15 pis. (See McAlpine, 1994:
118-119, for publication dates of this and next reference).
Hendel, F. 1914b. Die Arten der Platystominen. Abhandhmgen der
K.K. Zool.-Botan. Gesellschaft in Wien 8(1): 410 pp., 4 pis.
Malloch, J. R. 1929. Notes on Australian Diptera. XXII. Proceed¬
ings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 54: 505-516.
McAlpine, D. K. 1973. The Australian Platystomatidae (Diptera,
Schizophora) with a revision of five genera. Australian Museum
Memoir 15: 1-256(1972).
http://dx.doi.org/10.3853/j.0067-1967.15.1972.454
McAlpine, D. K. 1994. Review of the species of Achias (Diptera:
Platystomatidae). Invertebrate Taxonomy 8: 117-281.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/IT9940117
McAlpine, D. K. 2001. Review of the Australasian genera of signal
flies (Diptera: Platystomatidae). Records of the Australian
Museum 53(2): 113-199.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3853/J.0067-1975.53.2001.1327
McAlpine, D. K. 2011. Queensland signal flies of the Duomyia
ameniina alliance (Diptera: Platystomatidae) and a related new
species. Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 154: 61-73.
Musgrave, A. 1932. Bibliography of Australian Entomology
1775-1930: 380 pp. Sydney: Royal Zoological Society ofNew
South Wales.
Walker, F. 1849. List of the specimens of dipterous insects in the
collection of the British Museum 4: 689-1172. London: British
Museum.
© The Authors, 2012. Journal compilation © Australian Museum, Sydney, 2012
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64: 149-158. ISSN 0067-1975
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1591
Two New Species of Stenophragma Skuse
from Western Australia
(Diptera, Mycetophilidae, Sciophilinae)
Sarah Siqueira Oliveira* and Dalton de Souza Amorim
Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciencias e Letras de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de
Biologia, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-901, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
oliveira.sarahcv@gmail.com dsamorim@usp.br
Abstract. Stenophragma Skuse was originally described for S', meridianum (Skuse), from Australia. Since
then seventeen species have been added to the genus—from Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay,
Chile, Argentina, and Canada. We add two new species to the genus Stenophragma — S. bickeli n.sp. and S.
collessi n.sp.—from Western Australia. An identification key for the Australian species of Stenophragma
is provided. Comments are made about possible relationships among these new species and the remaining
Australasian species of the genus.
Oliveira, Sarah Siqueira, and Dalton de Souza Amorim. 2012. Two new species of Stenophragma Skuse
from Western Australia (Diptera, Mycetophilidae, Sciophilinae). Records of the Australian Museum 64(2): 149-158.
Keywords: Stenophragma ; Sciophilinae; Mycetophilidae; Australia; Taxonomy.
The current diversity of Mycetophilidae, a family known to
be present already in the Jurassic, exceeds 4,100 described
species distributed in approximately 180 extant genera
(Evenhuis, 1994; Amorim & Silva, 2002; Pape etal., 2011).
The known diversity of the Australian Mycetophilidae
is poor, with only 75 species, described mainly by F. A.
A. Skuse, for the Australian continent, A. L. Tonnoir for
Tasmania, and L. Matile for New Caledonia (Evenhuis,
2012); but the actual fauna is no doubt much richer (Yeates
et al., 2009).
The family is certainly monophyletic (e.g., Rindal et al .,
2009), but phylogenetic studies using morphological (Soli,
1997; Tozoni, 1998) and molecular data (Rindal etal., 2009)
have demonstrated that Sciophilinae s.l. is paraphyletic in
relation to the Mycetophilinae. This justifies the subfamilial
rank given to taxa previously presented as tribes (Vaisanen,
1984; Matile, 1989; Rindal et al., 2009). The Sciophilinae
s.s. includes genera with medial and cubital forks complete,
* author for correspondence
as well as genera with M 2 and/or M 4 weakly developed or
missing, or with an unattached vein between the medial and
cubital veins (Oliveira & Amorim, 2010).
As found in other ancient insect families with broad
distribution, the Australian Mycetophilidae fauna does not
compose a single clade, instead it exhibits a mixture of
elements of different origins and a complex biogeographic
history. Stenophragma Skuse is one of the genera that have
species in both the Australian and Neotropical regions.
Stenophragma is poorly known in terms of its biology. In
the Neotropics, adults can be collected with Malaise traps
in humid forests throughout the year, but most species show
a peak of activity in the spring and autumn (Duret, 1976).
Skuse (1890) erected the genus Stenophragma from a
species from Australia— S. meridianum, previously allocated
in the genus Homapsis (Skuse, 1888; Blugledich, 1999).
He also described the two other known Australian species:
S. hirtipennis and S. picticornis (Skuse, 1890; see also
150
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Bugledich, 1999). In addition to these three species, fifteen
others have been assigned to the genus: S. paponorum Matile,
from New Caledonia (Matile, 1991); S. longifurcata Freeman,
S. ochracea Freeman, S. argentina Duret, S. naumanni Duret,
and S. obscura Duret, from Argentina (Freeman, 1951; Duret,
1976); S. andina Duret, from Ecuador (Duret, 1979); S. fusca
Edwards, from Peru; S. hnmeralis Edwards, from Paraguay;
S. intermedia Edwards, S. morigenea Edwards, and S.
nigricauda Edwards, from Brazil; S. pleuralis Edwards,
from Bolivia (Edwards, 1934, 1940); and S. glabanum
(Johannsen) and S. similis (Johannsen), from northeastern
USA and eastern Canada respectively (Johannsen, 1910;
see also Zaitzev, 1982). However, some of the Neotropical
species of Stenophragma appear to belong to a new genus
(Christopher Borkent, pers. comm.).
In this paper, two new species of Stenophragma from
Western Australia are described, increasing the known
diversity of the genus to 20 species. An identification key
for the Australian species of Stenophragma is provided.
Material and methods
The specimens examined in this paper belong to the Diptera
collection of the Western Australia Museum (WAMA), and
to the Australian Museum, Sydney (AMSA). Holotypes
and paratypes are housed at the WAMA, AMSA, and at the
Museu de Zoologia daUniversidade de Sao Paulo (MZUSP),
Brazil.
The wings and terminalia were detached; head, thorax,
wing and terminalia were drawn after dissection. Soft parts
were cleared in 10% KOH 40°C for 4-6 h, neutralized in
acetic acid, dehydrated, and mounted on permanent slides
with Euparal or retained in glycerin. Photographs were
taken using a Canon EOS 7D with the software Camlift
Controller 2.2 and were prepared using Helicon Focus 5.0
Pro software and Adobe Photoshop. Drawings were made
using a camera lucida and redrawn using Adobe Illustrator
11.0. Morphological terminology follows Soli (1997), except
for wing venation, which follows Amorim & Rindal (2007).
Abbreviations used are: ae , aedeagus; anp , anepistemum;
C, costal vein; ce , cercus; cel , first cercomere of female
terminalia; ce2 , second cercomere of female terminalia; CuA,
basal part of anterior branch of cubital vein; cxI, fore coxa;
cxll, mid coxa; cxIII, hind coxa; gcap, gonocoxal apodeme;
gcx, gonocoxite; gs, gonostyle; h, humeral crossvein; ktp,
katepistemum; Itg , laterotergite; M h M 2 , and M 4 , branches
of medial vein; mep , mesepimeron; mes, metepisternum;
mtd , mediotergite; par, parameres; pern, proepimeron; pes,
proepistemum; pnt , pronotum; R h anterior branch of radius;
R 5 , posterior branch of radius; r-m, radial-medial crossvein;
Rs, radial sector; S, stemite; sc, scutum; Sc, subcosta vein;
sc-r, subcostal-radial crossvein; sctl, scutellum; and T, tergite.
Stenophragma Skuse, 1890
Homapsis Skuse, 1888: 1131,1191 (preocc. Foerster, 1868).
Type-species, H. meridiana Skuse (mon.).
Stenophragma Skuse, 1890: 612 (nom. nov. for Homapsis
Skuse). Type-species, Homapsis meridiana Skuse (aut.).
Diagnosis (modified from Duret, 1976). Body and legs
slender. Wing membrane usually with darker areas,
covered with micro- and macrotrichia; macrotrichia widely
distributed, sparsely on basal half, densely on apical half;
Sc reaching C close to Rs; C ending a short distance after
R 5 ; R 4 present or absent; first sector of CuA very long, twice
the length of cubital fork; M 1+2 extremely reduced; M 4
strong curved basally; M 4 and CuA complete and divergent.
Anepistemum bare, laterotergite and mediotergite setose.
Male gonostyle with two or three main branches, rows of
long and short spines organized in different arrangements.
Tergite nine more or less rectangular distally, with a clear
waist close to apex, more or less membranous, densely
covered by short, thin setulae on inner surface.
Stenophragma bickeli n.sp.
Figs. 1-3, 5-13
Diagnosis. Wing with light brown maculae on sc-r, on first
section of Rs, and on CuA beyond insertion of M 4 ; R 4 absent.
Gonostyle with dorsal, median, and ventral projections
bearing combs of small spines and numerous longer spines;
T9 straight at anterior margin, rounded distally.
Material examined. Holotype, <$, AUSTRALIA, Western
Australia, Pilbara region. Juna Downs Station, Great
Northern Highway, c. 8 km S of Karijini Dr. toff., -22:41:36,
118:42:19, 12-17 Aug 2005, LTM sites, CVA Volunteers,
PILB038/08M, [Malaise trap] (WAMA). Paratypes: 1&
same data as holotype (WAMA); iSS, same data as
holotype (AMSA); 1$, same data as holotype, except
15-19 May 2006, PILB038/12M (AMSA); \% same
data as holotype, except 15-19 May 2006, PILB038/12M
(WAMA); 2$S, same data as holotype, except Juna Downs
Rd. to Packsaddle Bore, c. 5 km E of homestead, -22:52:31,
118:31:49, 15-19 May 2006, LTM sites, CVA Volunteers,
PILB039/12M, [Malaise trap] (MZUSP).
Description. Male (Fig. 1). Head. Vertex dark brown, with
scattered setulae. Two ocelli separated from the eye margin
by less than their own diameter. Occiput dark brown. Eye
setose. Scape and pedicel light brown, rounded, with small
setulae; 14 light brown flagellomeres, almost twice as long
as wide, with scattered setae, first flagellomere about 1.6
the length of second one. Frons dark brown, clypeus dark
brown, covered with short setae; labella brown; first and
second palpomeres dark brown, almost of same length;
third to fifth light brown, apical ones increasingly longer,
last one almost twice the length of penultimate. Thorax
(Fig. 2). Scutum light brown, with four longitudinal dark
brown bands, the lateral ones more diffuse than the central
ones. Scutellum light brown. Pleural sclerites light brown.
Pleural membrane brownish. Scutum moderately arched,
covered with scattered small setae. Scutellum with many
setulae, and six slight longer setae. Pronotum setose, with
some stronger setae. Anepistemum and katepistemum more
or less straight ventrally, bare. Mesepimeron reaching ventral
margin of thorax, bare. Laterotergite slightly projected
outwards, with 9-11 setae of different sizes, suture at contact
with mediotergite incomplete dorsally. Mediotergite slightly
curved in profile, ventral half with two longer setae laterally
and smaller ones mesally. Haltere with whitish yellow
pedicel and light brown knob, some few setae on pedicel,
knob more densely setose. Coxae I and III whitish yellow,
coxa II light brown, femora, tibiae and tarsi whitish yellow.
First tarsomere more than twice the length of second one;
tibiae and tarsi with erect darker short bristles along almost
entire length, those on hind tibia more or less aligned dorsally
Oliveira & de Souza Amorim: New mycetophilid flies from Western Australia
151
Figure 1 . Stenophragma bickeli n.sp. habitus, lateral view, paratype. Scale 1 mm.
sc
/
and laterally. Tibial spurs 1:2:2, about twice the length of
tibial width at apex, internal spurs shorter. Tarsal claws with
a large apical tooth and a smaller, more basal one. Wing (Fig.
3). Length3.4 mm, width 1.3 mm. Membrane homogenously
hyaline, except light brown maculation on sc-r, on first section
of Rs, and on second section of CuA (beyond insertion of M 4 );
membrane densely covered with microtrichia on all cells,
macrotrichia widely distributed, more sparsely on basal half,
densely on distal half. Sc complete, reaching C just beyond
base of Rs, well sclerotized, with some few setae. C ending
before wing apex, extending for just a short distance beyond
R 5 . First sector of Rs nearly transverse, devoid of setae, less
than half length of r-m. R, relatively long, reaching C on
apical fourth of wing; R 4 absent; R 5 reaching C before wing
apex, well sclerotized; r-m curved anteriorly, more or less
oblique posteriorly, well sclerotized, setose. M 1+2 extremely
reduced; Mj and M 2 running more or less parallel along
most of their length; first sector of CuA very long, more than
twice length of second sector of CuA; M 4 strongly curved
basally; M 4 and CuA complete, divergent, well sclerotized. A,
incomplete, absent on apical third, but well produced basally.
All posterior veins with dorsal macrotrichia. Abdomen.
Figure 2. Stenophragma bickeli n.sp. thorax, lateral view, paratype.
Scale 0.1 mm.
152
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Sc
R1
■ First section of Rs
R5
Ml
A1
M2
CuA
M4
Figures 3-4. Wings of Stenophragma. (3) S. bickeli n.sp. paratype. (4) S. collessi n.sp. paratype. Scale 0.5 mm.
Abdomen light brown, setose, slender. T8 short and wide,
S8 slender, longer than wide, rounded apically. Terminalia
light brown, conspicuous, rounded. Terminalia (Figs. 5-11).
Gonocoxites setose, fused to each other ventrally, with a pair
of short, mesal extensions distally, pointed outwards at apex,
besides a group of small aligned setulae; inner ventral surface
with two white spines apically. Gonostyle complex, wide,
with three main branches, dorsally, mesally, and ventrally;
dorsal branch with one strong inner spine and four strong
apical spines; median branch with one long setae apically
and two rows of short spines and three strong basal spines;
ventral branch wide, rounded, with short and strong apical
spines and three long, very sclerotized setae on the inner
margin. Aedeagus not seen; parameres membranous, straight
at apex; gonocoxal apodeme well developed, sclerotized. T9
long, setose, apex as wide as base, straight at anterior margin,
rounded distally, with typical waist close to apex; inner
surface with many thin, long setae distally. Cercus weakly
sclerotized, covered with many setulae.
Female. As male, except as follows. Wing length, 3.8 mm,
width, 1.5 mm. Antennal flagellomeres not as long as in
males, near each other. Body general color lighter than
in males. Abdomen yellowish. Terminalia (Figs. 12-13).
Terminalia yellowish. Sternite 8 elongated, with a pair
of posterior rounded gonapophyses, divided distally by a
short medial incision, covered with fine, elongated setae
on posterior margin; S9 (genital fork) not visible; S10
membranous, elongated, with microtrichia; T8 wide, short,
as long as T9, covered with setae; T9 wide, short, covered
with setae; T10 membranous, setose apically; Cel more than
twice Ce2 length, covered with microtrichia and scattered
setae; Ce2 ovoid, covered with microtrichia and few setulae.
Etymology. The species name is masculine, named after the
eminent dipterist Daniel J. Bickel, of the Australian Museum,
Sydney. He has enormously improved the knowledge on
the Dolichopodidae diversity in Australasian region and
elsewhere in the world, and was an excellent advisor during
the time spent working at the AMSA collection.
Comments. The absence of R 4 is shared by this species and
Stenophragma paponorum , from New Caledonia. In this
latter species (see Matile, 1991: fig. 12) the wings have three
Oliveira & de Souza Amorim: New mycetophilid flies from Western Australia
153
Figures 5-11. Male terminalia of Stenophragma bickeli n.sp. paratype. (5-6) Terminalia, dorsal view. (7) Detail of tergite 9 and cerci in
dorsal view (left) and in ventral view (right). (8) Gonocoxite, gonocoxal apodeme, and parameres, dorsal view. (9) Gonostyle, dorsal view.
(10) Detail of the ventral and dorsal projections of the gonostyle. (11) Detail of the median projection of the gonostyle. Scale 0.1 mm.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figures 12-13. Female terminalia of Stenophragma bickeli n.sp.
paratype. (12) Terminalia, dorsal view. (13) Detail of sternites 8
and 10, ventral view. Scales 0.1 mm.
vertical brown bands, one at the distal third, another from the
apex of Rj to the apex of M 4 , a third between the mid of
to the distal end of the first section of CuA. S. paponorum
also shows inconspicuous brown maculae at the first section
of Rs, R 4 , r-m, and M 1+2 . S. paponorum is known only by
a female, so it is not possible at this stage to check if male
features seen in the terminalia of S. bickeli n.sp. are shared
with the New Caledonia species.
Stenophragma collessi n.sp.
Figs. 4, 14-20
Diagnosis. Wing with light brown maculation on sc-r, on
first section of Rs, R 4 and r-m, on first section of CuA, and a
light brown sinuous band anteriorly on apical third of wing,
from apex of ^ to apex of M 4 ; 1^ present. Gonostyle long,
with a ventral and a dorsal branches; T9 rounded at anterior
margin, widening to apex. Female ce2 with three spines few
sclerotized apically in the inner surface.
Material examined. Holotype, <$, AUSTRALIA, Western
Australia, 28km W. Yalgoo, 2 Sept. 1981, Malaise trap,
G. A. Holloway coll. (AMSA K351926). Paratype:
AUSTRALIA, Western Australia, 50km NW Yuna, 6
Sept. 1981, ex Malaise trap, G. A. Holloway coll. (AMSA
K351927). Additional material. 1 individual, sex unknown,
AUSTRALIA, Western Australia, 28km W. Yalgoo, 2 Sept.
1981, Malaise trap, G. A. Holloway coll. (AMSA).
Description. Male. Head. Vertex brown, with scattered
setulae. Two ocelli separated from the eye margin by less
than their own diameter. Occiput brown. Eye setose. Scape
and pedicel yellowish, rounded, with small setulae; first
flagellomere light brownish on basal third and brown on
apical two thirds, almost twice as long as wide, with scattered
setae. Frons yellowish, clypeus light brown, covered with
short setae; labella and palpus light brown; first and second
palpomeres almost of same length; third to fifth increasingly
longer, last one almost twice the length of penultimate.
Thorax. Scutum light brown, with three large longitudinal
bands brown. Scutellum light brown. Pleural sclerites light
brown. Pleural membrane yellowish. Scutum moderately
arched, covered with scattered small setae. Scutellum with
many setulae and six longer setae. Pronotum setose, with
some stronger setae. Anepisternum and katepisternum
almost straight ventrally, bare. Mesepimeron reaching ventral
margin of thorax, bare. Laterotergite slightly projected
outwards, with 9-11 setae of different sizes, suture at contact
with mediotergite incomplete dorsally. Mediotergite slightly
curved in profile, ventral half with two longer setae laterally
and smaller ones mesally. Haltere with whitish yellow
pedicel and light brown knob, some few setae on pedicel,
knob more densely setose. Coxae I and III whitish yellow,
coxa II whitish yellow with basal half light brown, femora,
tibiae and tarsi whitish yellow. First tarsomere more than
twice the length of second one; tibiae and tarsi with erect
darker short bristles ventrally along almost entire length,
those on hind tibia more or less aligned dorsally and laterally.
Tibial spurs 1:2:2, about twice the length of tibial width at
apex, internal spurs few shorter. Wing (Fig. 4, female wing).
Length 3.5 mm, width 1.5 mm. Membrane homogenously
hyaline, except light brown maculation on sc-r, on first
section of Rs, R 4 and r-m, on section of CuA (beyond
insertion of M 4 ), and a light brown sinuous vertical band at
beginning of apical third of wing, running from apex R, apex
to apex of M 4 ; membrane densely covered with microtrichia
on all cells, macrotrichia widely distributed, more sparsely
on basal half, densely on distal half. Sc complete, reaching
C beyond base of Rs, with few setae, well sclerotized. C
ending before wing apex, extending for just a short distance
beyond R 5 . First sector of Rs almost perfectly transverse,
devoid of setae, less than half length of r-m. R, relatively
long, reaching C on apical fourth of wing; R 4 present; R 5
Oliveira & de Souza Amorim: New mycetophilid flies from Western Australia
155
Figures 14-18. Male terminalia of Stenophragma collessi n.sp. holotype. (14-15)
Terminalia, dorsal view. (16) Detail of tergite 9 and cerci in dorsal view (left) and in
ventral view (right). (17) Gonocoxite, gonocoxal apodeme, aedeagus, and parameres,
dorsal view. (18) Gonostyle, dorsal view. Scale 0.1 mm.
reaching C before wing apex, well sclerotized; r-m curved
anteriorly, more or less oblique posteriorly, well sclerotized,
setose. M 1+2 extremely reduced; M l and M 2 running more
or less parallel along most of their length; first sector of
CuA very long, more than twice length of second section of
CuA; M 4 strongly curved basally; M 4 and CuA complete,
divergent, well sclerotized. Aj incomplete, absent on apical
third, but well produced basally. All posterior veins with
dorsal macrotrichia. Abdomen. Abdomen brown, setose,
slender. T8 short and wide, S8 slender, longer than wide,
rounded apically. Terminalia light brown, conspicuous,
rounded. Terminalia (Figs. 14-18). Gonocoxites setose,
fused to each other ventrally only at basal third. Gonostyle
long, with a ventral and a dorsal branches; ventral branch
with two long setae (one of them much longer than the other
ones), besides some regular setae, and a coniform projection
156
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
with nine regular rows of short spines; dorsal branch with
three strong spines of different sizes. Aedeagus bifid at apex;
parameres membranous, thin at apex; gonocoxal apodeme
well developed and sclerotized. T9 long, setose, widening
to the apex, rounded at anterior margin, inner surface with
a concentration of thin, long setae apically. Cerci weakly
sclerotized, covered with many setulae.
Female. As male, except for the following features. Wing
length, 4.0 mm, width, 1.6 mm. Wing (Fig. 4). Abdomen
brown, with some yellowish spots mesally and posteriorly on
tergites and sternites. Terminalia (Figs. 19-20). Terminalia
yellowish. Stemite 8 elongated, with a pair of gonapophyses
each with a shallow distal incision, divided by a mesal deeper
incision, covered with microtrichia and fine, elongated
setae; S9 (genital fork) wide, with a short anterior arm;
S10 membranous, rounded at apex, with microtrichia; T8
wide, short mesally, longer than T9, covered with setae; T9
wide, short mesally, covered with setae; T10 not visible; cel
more than twice ce2 length, covered with microtrichia and
scattered setae; ce2 ovoid, covered with microtrichia, few
setulae, and three not strongly sclerotized spines.
Etymology. The species name is masculine, named after
the great Australian dipterist, Donald H. Colless (24 August
1922-16 Feb 2012), of the CSIRO Division of Entomology’s
Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC), who has given
an outstanding contribution to the understanding of the
diversity of different groups of flies in Australasian region.
Comments. Stenophragma collessi n.sp. and S. picticornis,
both from southern Western Australia, have in common a
gonostyle with two well characterized branches, bearing
strong spines. Nevertheless, the differences in the wing and
male terminalia features are more than enough to consider
them separate species.
Figures 19-20. Female terminalia of Stenophragma collessi n.sp.
paratype. (19) Terminalia, dorsal view. (20) Detail of sternites 8
and 10, ventral view. Scales 0.1 mm.
Discussion
As noted by Edwards (1934), one of the most striking
differences between the Australian and Neotropical species
of Stenophragma concerns the shape of the cubital fork.
In the Australian species M 4 connecting CuA pretty close
to the wing margin, while in the Neotropical species the
cubital fork is long, with M 4 sometimes connecting almost
at the level of the medial fork, with the exception of S.
ochraceae, S. humeralis, and S. intermedia. These species
have shorter cubital fork, but not as short as in the Australian
species. Leptomorphus and other sciophiline genera with
plesiomorphic wings have considerably long cubital
fork, so the condition shared by the Australian species of
Stenophragma could be a putative synapomorphy.
The presence of R 4 is widespread in the Neotropical
species of Stenophragma , although Duret (1976) noticed
intraspecific variation concerning the presence of R 4 between
wings of the same specimens of S. longifurcata. This
feature also shows intrageneric variation in other genera
of Sciophilinae, as in Leptomorphus. In the Australian
fauna of the genus, both Stenophragma bickeli n.sp. and S.
paponorum share the absence of R 4 .
Oliveira & de Souza Amorim: New mycetophilid flies from Western Australia
157
Key for the Australian species of Stenophragma
A key for the Patagonian species of the genus has been provided by Duret (1976), but no key is available
for the Australian species of Stenophragma , which is furnished here.
1 R 4 absent (Fig. 3). 2
- R 4 present (Fig. 4) . 3
2(1) Maculae not completely crossing the wing, a reduced, light
brown macula over first section of Rs and over second sector of
CuA (Fig. 3); cercomere 1 of female tenninalia slender, twice the
length of cercomere 2 (Figs. 12-13) . S. bickeli n.sp.
- Three clearly evident maculae crossing the wing, in addition to
the spot over first section ofRs (Matile, 1991: fig. 12); cercomere
1 of female terminalia wide, less than twice the length of cerco¬
mere 2 (Matile, 1991: fig. 13) . S. paponorum Matile
3(1) Gonostyle dorsal arm bearing rows of short spines (Fig. 18) . 4
- Gonostyle dorsal arm bearing isolated strong spines, but not
rows of short spines (Fig. 9). 5
4(3) M 4 and CuA strongly sinuous (Skuse, 1890: plate XIX, fig. 5) . S. picticornis Skuse
- M 4 and CuA not sinuous (Fig. 4) . S. collessi n.sp.
5(3) Brown band across the wing originating at apex of Rj only
slightly curved, wide . S. hirtipennis Skuse
- Brown band across the wing originating at apex of R, more
or less sinuous, slender (Skuse, 1888: plate 31, fig. 9) . S. meridianum (Skuse)
The maculation on the wing membrane varies consider¬
ably within Stenophragma and is a helpful feature to identify
many of the species of the genus. Most Neotropical species
of Stenophragma have hyaline wings, even though S. andina,
S. longifurcata , and S. argentina have patterned wing. All
Australian species of Stenophragma have some degree of
maculation on the wing membrane as well. A detailed study
of the wing patterns also could provide useful characters for
the phylogeny within the genus Stenophragma.
It is worth commenting that differences related to the
shape of female S 8 and the cerci are enough to allow species
recognition, although scarce attention has been given to
female terminalia morphology in the literature. With respect
to the male terminalia, there is an amazing variation of the
shape of the gonostyle, and T9 also shows considerable
differences between the species. S. collessi n.sp. and S.
picticornis , both from southern Western Australia, share a
gonostyle with two branches, one of which has a sequence
of rows of short spines (also seen, in different shapes, in
Neotropical species). S. bickeli n.sp., on the other hand,
known from northern Western Australia, has a gonostyle
with three branches, while S. meridianum and S. hirtipennis
have much simpler gonostyli. S. paponorum is known only
from females.
Ladiges et al. (2011) have shown that a clade of eucalypt
species from the northern and central Deserts plus the
Pilbara region is closely related to a clade of species from
the southern Desert plus southwestern areas. The type-
locality of Stenophragma bickeli n.sp. is in the Pilbara
region, while the type-localities of S. collessi n.sp. and S.
picticornis correspond to southwestern Australia. A study of
the phylogenetic relationships, and, hence, a biogeographical
study of the Australian species of Stenophragma is outside
the scope of this paper. However it is interesting that
the distribution of some of the species of Stenophragma
mirrors that known for Eucalyptus , indicating that the
biogeographical history of the mycetophilids might fit in a
general pattern known for the region.
Acknowledgments. Flavio A. Bockman, of the University of
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Christopher J. Borkent, of the
California Department of Food and Agriculture, California, United
States, gave excellent insights, suggestions and criticisms on the
early draft of the manuscript. SSO benefited from FAPESP (grant
2008/52324-6) and a Geddes Post Graduate Award 2010-2011
from the Australian Museum, while DSA has a fellowship from
CNPq (314371/2009-5). Daniel Bickel, Dave Britton, Jacqueline
Recsei, David McAlpine, Scott Ginn, Shane McEvey, Russell Cox,
Derek Smith, and Chris Reid of the Australian Museum, Sydney,
Australia, were very friendly and helpful during Sarah’s visit to
the AMSA. The comments of two anonymous referees greatly
improved the manuscript. We sincerely thank them all.
158
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
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Manuscript submitted 30 November 2011, revised 30 July 2012, and
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© The Author, 2012. Journal compilation © Australian Museum, Sydney, 2012
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64: 159-166. ISSN 0067-1975
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1593
A New Genus and Species of the
Subfamily Tachiniscinae (Diptera, Tephritidae)
from Australia
Valery A. Korneyev
I.I.Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,
Bogdan Chmielnicki St. 15, 01601 Kiev, Ukraine
valery. korneyev@gmail. com
Abstract. A parasitic fly Aliasutra australica new genus and species is described, and the subfamily
Tachiniscinae is recorded from Australia for the first time. The new species superficially resembles
pyrgotid flies by lacking frontal setae and wing pattern, and by having numerous proepisternal setae and
brownish yellow body. It possesses a unique structure of female terminalia, which is a synapomorphy of
the Tachiniscinae, and the incomplete costal vein, long tubular phallus and elongate spermathecae, which
are considered synapomorphies of the tribe Tachiniscini, and is placed in that tribe.
Korneyev, Valery A. 2012. A new genus and species of the subfamily Tachiniscinae (Diptera, Tephritidae) from
Australia. Records of the Australian Museum 64(3): 159-166.
Keywords: Tephritoidea; Tephritidae; Tachiniscinae; Tachiniscini; new genus; new species; Australia.
Tephritid flies of the subfamily Tachiniscinae are rare in
collections and are poorly known biologically, but they are
important to understanding the phylogeny of the Tephritidae,
as they appear to be the earliest branch of the family. As far as
known, some species are parasites of caterpillars of saturniid
moths, and this is believed to be true for all the Tachiniscinae,
as they share similar structure of female ovipositor. Such
uncommon habits, different from other Tephritidae, which
have phytophagous or saprophagous larvae, along with
odd appearance of some species mimetic of bumblebees or
wasps, has resulted in establishment of a nominal family
Tachiniscidae, which later was shown to include some
species of typically tephritid habitus and synonymised with
Tephritidae (Korneyev, 1999). All hitherto known data were
summarised by Korneyev & Norrbom (2006).
The subfamily included 20 described species belonging
to 9 genera of two tribes, Tachiniscini and Ortalotrypetini,
which were known to occur in the Afrotropical and
Neotropical Regions and also in south eastern provinces
of China, usually considered to belong in the Palaearctic
Region. An undescribed genus and species related to
Tachinisca is recognised in collections from the Oriental
Region (T. Saigusa, pers. comm.).
While studying the Diptera collection at the Australian
Museum (Sydney), VAK found a series of odd flies
recognized by David K. McAlpine as a new genus and
species, superficially resembling some Pyrgotidae and
therefore preliminarily sorted with the pyrgotid genera.
Detailed study of female genitalia shows that they possess
essential characters of the subfamily Tachiniscinae. The
new taxa are described below.
Type material is deposited in the collections as follows:
AMS Australian Museum, Sydney;
SIZK 1.1. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, Kiev;
MNVM Museum of Victoria, Melbourne.
160
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 1-3. Aliasutra australica n.sp., paratype female, photographs. (1) dorsal view; (2) lateral left view; (3) head, anterior view.
Aliasutra n.gen.
Type species: Aliasutra australica n.sp.
Diagnosis. Medium-sized flies (Figs 1-3), which can be
recognized from other Tachiniscinae by the combination of:
arista bare; costal vein not reaching apex of vein M; head
and thorax uniformly brownish yellow; frontal and ocellar
setae absent; 2 pairs of lateroclinate orbital setae; postvertical
seta short, only 2x as long as occipital setulae; proepisternal
ridge with 5-6 long biseriate setae; 2 postpronotal and 1-2
postsutural supra-alar setae; 1 dorsocentral seta aligned
with intraalar setae; 3 pairs of scutellar setae; wing hyaline
without pattern.
Description. Head (Figs 4-7) slightly higher than long.
Frons slightly longer than wide, setulose. Frontal setae
absent. Orbital plates short, only slightly extending anterior
to ocellar triangle, with 2 short, lateroclinate and slightly
reclinate setae. Face receding, slightly convex in profile,
with distinct antennal grooves extending ventrally to 0.4
height of face, and with sharply margined medial carina,
very broad on ventral 0.6; fronto-facial sutures reaching
bases of antennal grooves (Fig. 5). Facial ridge as wide as
antennal groove, with supravibrissal setulae in 3-5 rows,
but no prominent vibrissae: lowermost setulae only twice as
long as other setulae. Ptilinal fissure ending slightly below
level of ventral margin of eye. Ocellar seta lacking; medial
vertical seta half as long as horizontal diameter of eye and
Korneyev: a new tephritid genus from Australia
161
Figs 4-7. Aliasutra australica n.sp., head, SEM. (4) left; (5) anterior; (6) dorsal; (7) posterior. Scale = 0.2 mm.
1.8x as long as lateral vertical seta; postvertical seta small,
at most twice as long as occipital setulae. Postocellar seta
1.5x as long as orbital setae. Postocular setulae acuminate,
weak, not differentiated from occipital setulae. No genal
setae. Postgenal groove very long, reaching upper half of
compound eye. Antenna attached at level of upper 0.6 of eye
height; scape (Fig. 8) very short, anteriorly directed, setose
in apicodorsal half; pedicel (Fig. 10) as long as wide, with
dorsal cleft and pedicellar button (Fig. 11) well developed;
margins of pedicel setulose, ventromedial surface sparsely
microtrichose, but not setulose; 1st flagellomere (Fig. 9)
oval, densely microtrichose, with laterobasal sacculus (Fig.
12); arista 2-segmented (antennal segments 4 and 5 partly
fused), very short pubescent at base. Palp (Fig. 13) elongate
ovoid, dorsal margin slightly concave, setulose. Prementum
small, not strongly convex; labella shorter and narrower than
flagellomere 1, linear.
Thorax. Proepisternum less than twice as high as long,
convex, with 5-6 subequal setae. Postpronotal lobe with
2-3 strong setae. Scutum with 1 presutural and 1 or 2
postsutural supra-alar, 1 intrapostalar, 1 postalar and
1-2 intra-alar setae; 1 acrostichal seta aligned slightly
anterior or posterior to intra-alar and postalar setae; 1-2
dorsocentral setae (sometimes setula-like) aligned slightly
anterior to intra-alar and postalar setae. Scutellum slightly
convex, setulose, with 3, rarely 2 pairs of strong subequal
setae. Anepisternum not produced laterally, setulose
medially and posteriorly; 2 strong postsutural anepisternal
setae. Anepimeron with 2(1) setae, sometimes weak (not
mounted on projection). Katepisternum with 1 moderately
strong lateroclinate posterodorsal seta and 10-14 reclinate
setae anterior to midcoxa. Katepimeron not modified.
Postnotum at most sparsely and short microtrichose or
bare. Metathoracic postcoxal area unsclerotized. Legs
(Figs 14-21). Fore coxa with 4-5 setae at anteroventral
margin; fore trochanter with a few short setulae; fore femur
with two postero-dorsal rows and one postero-ventral row
of setae. Mid tibia (Fig. 17) with 1 anterodorsal seta and
1 posterodorsal setae on apical half, and with 2 long and
2 short spur-like ventroapical setae (Fig. 19); hind tibia
(Fig. 20) with anterodorsal row of 4-7, and dorsal row of
7-11 setulae. Wing (Fig. 24) hyaline, without dark pattern.
Subcostal vein distally curved to meet costa at right angle,
but not broken apically. Vein R 4+5 with 5-7 setulae to level
of r-m (or slightly beyond it) on dorsal side, bare on ventral
side. Costal vein with many equally short spinules (sensu
Hackman & Vaisanen, 1985) on anterodorsal margin
to the mid-distance between R 2+3 and R 4+5 apices and
sparse fine setulae along ventral and dorsal surface, but
no differentiated costal spines proximal to costal break.
Abdomen. Tergites 3-5 of female of equal length, tergite
6 half as long as tergite 5. Sternites (Figs 27, 29) broad,
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 8-13. Aliasutra australica n.sp., head appendages, SEM. (8) antennae (flagellomeres detached); (9) flagellomere 1 and arista (a,
base of arista, enlarged); (10) pedicel after removal of flagellomeres, apical, pedicellar button indicated; (11) pedicellar button; (12) base
of flagellomere 3, sacculus indicated; (13) subcranial area and mouthparts, anteroventral view. Scale = 0.1 mm (8, 9, 10, 13) and 0.05
mm (9a, 11, 12).
trapezoid; sternite 1 poorly sclerotized, separated from
sternite 2.
Male terminalia (Figs 27-28,32-37). Cerci (Fig. 32-33)
mostly membranous, with very short setulae, ventrobasally
with subtriangular, dorsally curved sclerotized portion
(subepandrial sclerite). Epandrium suboval, dorsally with
very long setae; with moderately short and wide lateral
(outer) surstylus and 2 prensisetae on mesal (inner) sur-
stylus. Hypandrium with posteriorly expanded phallapodeme
connected to two gonites by widely separated vanes.
Phallus (Figs 28, 35-36) with short bare stipe and narrow,
non-sclerotized glans (half as long as stipe) and laterally
projected, serrate lobe of preglans (Fig. 36); membrane
posterior to basiphallus with postero-dorsally directed
microtrichia (similarly to most examined Tephritidae).
Female terminalia. Oviscape short, with large dorso-
apical opening, setae on dorsal side along opening (Figs
25-26, 29) 2x as long as setulae on ventral side. Eversible
membrane with large ventral area of dark scales (Figs
25-26,30); aculeus with nonsetulose anterodorsal dilation,
Korneyev: a new tephritid genus from Australia
163
Figs 14-21. Aliasutra australica n.sp., left fore (14-16), mid (17-19) and hind (20-21) legs, SEM. (14) total, posterior view; (15) tarsus,
ventral; (16) apex of fore tibia and base of tarsus, posterior, comb of apicoventral setulae indicated; (17) total, posterior view, apical
tarsomere broken off; (18) mid coxa; (19) apex of mid tibia, ventral view; (20) total, anterior view; (21) last tarsomere, apical view,
empodium indicated. Scale = 0.5 mm (14-15, 17, 20), 0.1 mm (16, 18-19, 21).
slightly narrowed in medial half, and dilated apical portion
with smooth edges; ventral lobes (8th sternite) indistinct; in
dissected paratype, 4 spermathecae elongate and wrinkled,
spermathecal ducts separate to vagina, much shorter than
spermatheca itself; ventral receptacle unrecognizable or
absent.
Etymology. The genus name is an anagram of “Australia”.
164
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 22-26. Aliasutra australica n.sp. (22-23 and 25-26, SEM). (22) prosternal region, anterior view (head detached); (23) postpronotal
lobe, proepisternum and anterior thoracic spiracle; (24) wing; 25-26, tergite 6 and ovipositor, dorsal (25) and laterodorsal view (26).
Scale = 0.5 mm (22-23, 25-26) and 1 mm (24).
Aliasutra australica n.sp.
Figs 31—43
Material examined. Holotype $. Queensland: “3 miNWMt. Mowbullan,
Bunya Mtns, Qld. 3350' [c. 1020 m], 7-8 Jan. 1970, MV lamp, G.A.
Holloway Coll.” (AMS K351925). Paratypes. Queensland: same
label data as holotype (1$ mounted on SEM stub, wings remaining on
mount) (AMS, SIZK); 1& 2?$, Burnett R., Eidsvold, 230’ [c. 70 m] 9
Jan. 1970, MV lamp, G.A. Holloway (AMS, SIZK); 3£$, Pistol Gap, near
Byfield, 23° 10’S 150°40’E, 10 Jan. 1970, MV lamp, G.A. Holloway (AMS).
New South Wales: 1$, Goonoo State Forest, 5 km S of Mendooran, 24 Mar.
1971, D.K. McAlpine (SIZK); 1 <?, Binnaway State Forest, 31 Mar. 1972, A.
& G. Daniels (AMS); 1 $, Wheogo, 13 miles [c. 21 km] E of Dunedoo, 17
Mar. 1963, R. Lossin(AMS); 1 ?, Dunedoo, 23 Mar. 1963, R.B. (MNVM).
Diagnosis. Medium-sized reddish-yellow flies with hyaline
wings and brownish-black abdomen (sometimes with brown
vertex and dorsal portion of occiput and brownish-yellow
abdomen).
Description. Head. Reddish yellow, with ocellar triangle
usually black, vertex and dorsal portion of occiput often
brown; head ratio (length : height : width) = 1:1.1:1.33.
Frons 1.1-1.2x as long as wide, black setulose. Two orbital
setae on posterior one-fourth of frons, 0.5x as long as medial
vertical seta. Eye ratio (height: length) = 1.4-1.5. Parafacial
(maximum): eye length ratio = 0.55; eye : gena height ratio
= 0.5. Facial ridge with 2-3 rows of small brown or black
Korneyev: a new tephritid genus from Australia
165
Figs 27-31. Aliasutra australica n.sp., male (27-28) and female (29-31). (27, 29) abdomen, ventral view; (28) phallus glans, enlarged;
(30) ovipositor, partly everted and compressed, ventral view; (31) spermathecae and vagina.
setulae on ventral two-thirds. Antenna short, length less than
half height of face; pedicel black setulose; 1st flagellomere
short, somewhat narrowed to apex, twice as long as wide
and 1.7-1.8* as long as pedicel. Palp yellow, black setulose.
Proboscis brown.
Thorax orange to dark brown, mostly nonmicrotrichose.
Mesonotum 3.15 mm long, scutum as long as wide at pre-
sutural supraalar setae. Scutellum setulose dorsally; apical
setae crossed, intermediate setae as long as basal and apical
setae. Proepistemum with 6-7 long setae as long as postpronotal
setae. Katatergite and anatergite short and sparsely micro-
trichose; subscutellum and mediotergite bare. Setae black.
Legs. Yellow to brown.
Wing. Entirely hyaline, with yellow veins, 3-3.2x as long
as wide, with yellowish stigma. Crossvein r-m at distal 0.6 of
cell dm; 2nd costal section (cell c) 3.1 x as long as 3rd costal
section (stigma) and 0.95x as long as 4th section (cell rl);
2nd section of vein M 1.25 x as long as 1st and 3rd section
and 0.7x as long as 4th section. Cell bcu with posteroapical
lobe much shorter than broadest width of cell.
Abdomen 1.1-1.2 x as wide as long. Tergites nonmicro¬
trichose, black setose, normal in width. Female tergite 6
exposed, 0.5x as long as tergite 5.
Setae and setulae. All black.
Male terminalia. As in Figs 27-28, 32-37.
Female terminalia. As in Figs 25-26 and 30-31. Oviscape
0.55 mm long.
Measurements. Body length 7.5-8.0 mm. Wing length
5.0-6.0 mm.
Etymology. The species name is a New Fatin adjective
— Australian.
Remarks. The new species superficially reminds flies
of the family Pyrgotidae in such characters as the frontal
setae lacking, the postocular groove well expressed, the
proepisternal setae long and numerous, and the wing mostly
hyaline, differing from pyrgotids by the structure of the
oviscape (aperture apicodorsal rather than apical).
Systematic position. Phylogenetic relationships in the sub¬
family and its classification were analysed by Korneyev &
Norrbom (2006).
Aliasutra n.gen. belongs in the subfamily Tachiniscinae
sharing its much specialised structure of female terminalia
(oviscape with dorsoapical aperture, ventrally spinulose
eversible membrane, and aculeus shape), which are the
synapomorphies of the Tachiniscinae and do not occur
anywhere else in the superfamily Tephritoidea. Otherwise,
it shows very slight similarity to other genera of the
subfamily. Its head shape (high gena, receding face) and the
absence of anepimeral projection are similar to Cyaforma
Wang, Ortalotrypeta Hendel, Neortalotrypeta Norrbom
and Agnitrena Korneyev, but polarity of the first two
characters is unclear, and the third character is obviously
plesiomorphic. As in Neortalotrypeta , Agnitrena and
Bibundia , the frontal setae are lacking in Aliasutra. The
new genus also shares the additional postpronotal setae
with Ortalotrypeta , Bibundia Bischof, Tachinisca Kertesz,
and Protortalotrypeta Norrbom.
On the other hand, it shares the short vertical plates with
Tachinisca and Protortalotrypeta, the incomplete costal
vein with Bibundia , Tachinisca , Tachiniscidia Malloch,
and Protortalotrypeta , and the elongate spermathecae and
phallus glans with Bibundia , Tachinisca and Tachiniscidia
(not examined in the fossil Protortalotrypeta). The last 3
characters are the synapomorphies of the tribe Tachiniscini
(Korneyev & Norrbom, 2006).
When included in the phylogenetic analysis (see
Korneyev & Norrbom [2006] for the matrix and tree),
Aliasutra takes position of a basal taxon in the tribe
Tachiniscini along with the fossil Protortalotrypeta , but
the polytomy remain unresolved, as the morphological data
remain incomplete for the latter genus.
166
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 32-37. Aliasutra australica n.sp., male postabdomen. (32) epandrium, posterior view; (33) epandrium and hypandrium, right view
(phallus detached); (34) hypandrium, ventral view; (35) phallus glans; (36) same, basal part, showing lobe of preglans; (37) ejaculatory
apodeme.
Acknowledgments. This study resulted from the studies of
Australian genera of the family Pyrgotidae supported by Geddes
Visiting Collection Fellowship at the Australian Museum (Sydney).
I greatly appreciate constant attention to this work and generous
assistance by David K. McAlpine, who has collected some of the
type specimens and recognized it as a new taxon. He kindly read
the manuscript and offered valuable comments and corrections.
Suzanne Lindsay carried out scanning electron microscopy and
assisted with macro images. Most of the type material was collected
by the recently deceased Geoffrey A. Holloway, formerly of the
Australian Museum.
References
Hackman, W., and R. Vaisanen. 1985. The evolution and
phylogenetic significance of the costal chaetotaxy in the Diptera.
Annales Zoologici Fennici 22: 169-203.
Korneyev, V. A. 1999. Phylogenetic relationships among
higher groups of the superfamily Tephritoidea. In Fruit flies
(Tephritidae): Phylogeny and Evolution of Behavior, ed. M.
Aluja & A. L. Norrbom. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Korneyev, V. A., and A. L. Norrbom. 2006. Genera of the subfamily
Tachiniscinae (Diptera, Tephritidae), with discussion of
the position of Descoleia Aczel and Nosferatumyia , gen. n.
(Tephritoidea incertae sedis). Instrumentas Biodiversitatis.
Geneva 7: 105-156.
© The Author, 2012. Journal compilation © Australian Museum, Sydney, 2012
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64: 167-211. ISSN 0067-1975
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1590
The Froggattimyia-Anagonia Genus Group
(Diptera: Tachinidae)
Donald H. Colless f
CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences—Black Mountain, Black Mountain Laboratories,
Clunies Ross Street, Black Mountain ACT 2601, Australia
Abstract. The genera here reviewed have in common many morphological attributes, and in both, all
species are parasites of the larvae of leaf-eating insects—pergid sawflies for Froggattimyia and chrysomelid
or curculionid beetles for Anagonia. Perhaps significantly, the host larvae themselves show a degree of
physical resemblance and all are charged strongly with eucalyptus oil from their foodstuffs. Twelve species
are recognized in Froggattimyia , the following six are new: F. carnei, F. coracina, F. macdonaldi, F.
woodorum, F. truncata , and F. vicina , one is near F. hirta and remains undescribed. Twenty-five species
are recognized in Anagonia, the following sixteen are new: A. angustifrons, A. commoni, A. conformis,
A. crosskeyi, A. dayi, A. errator, A. latistylus, A. loripes, A. minor, A. norrisi, A. perplexa, A. propinqua,
A. similis, A. teratostylus, A. uptoni , and A. zentae; F. tillyardi Malloch is newly combined in Anagonia.
Most species are so highly variable as to make a classification based on internal structure at best tentative.
COLLESS, Donald H. 2012. The Froggattimyia-Anagonia genus group (Diptera: Tachinidae). Records of the Australian
Museum 6 4(3): 167-211.
Table of contents
Introduction. 168
Abbreviations. 169
Type specimens. 169
Taxonomic problems. 169
Notes on morphology and characters. 169
Morphometries. 170
A note on taxonomic methods and concepts. 170
Diagnoses of genera. 172
Genus Froggattimyia . 172
Key to males of genus Froggattimyia . 172
Froggattimyia wentworthi Malloch. 174
Froggattimyia nicholsoni Malloch. 176
Froggattimyia fergusoni Malloch. 177
Froggattimyia vicina sp. nov. Ill
Froggattimyia carnei sp. nov. 178
Froggattimyia aurea (Townsend) . 179
Froggattimyia macdonaldi sp. nov. 180
t Donald H. Colless, 1922-2012
168
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Froggattimyia truncata sp. nov.. 180
Froggattimyia woodorum sp. nov. 180
Froggattimyia hirta Townsend. 182
Froggattimyia coracina sp. nov. 183
Froggattimyia sp. near hirta . 183
Genus Anagonia . 183
Identification of species of Anagonia . 183
Key to males of Anagonia . 184
Anagonia rufifacies (Macquart). 186
Anagonia loripes sp. nov. 188
Anagonia conformis sp. nov. 189
Anagonia tillyardi (Malloch) comb, nov. 190
Anagonia scutellata (Malloch) . 191
Anagoniapropinqua sp. nov. 192
Anagonia grisea (Malloch). 192
Anagonia anguliventris (Malloch). 193
Anagonia major (Malloch) . 194
Anagonia lasiophthalma (Malloch) . 195
Anagonia dayi sp. nov. 196
Anagonia commoni sp. nov. 197
Anagonia zentae sp. nov. 198
Anagonia opaca (Malloch) . 199
Anagonia teratostylus sp. nov. 200
Anagonia minor sp. nov. . 200
Anagonia norrisi sp. nov.. 201
Anagonia latistylus sp. nov. . 202
Anagoniaperplexa sp. nov. 203
Anagonia angustifrons sp. nov.. 203
Anagonia uptoni sp. nov. 204
Anagonia errator sp. nov. 204
Anagonia similis sp. nov. 205
Anagonia lateralis (Macquart). 205
Anagonia crosskeyi sp. nov. . 206
Acknowledgments. 211
References. 211
Introduction
This study began many years ago, when the late Dr Phil
Carne needed names for the abundant specimens of
Froggattimyia Townsend that he was rearing from pergid
sawflies. It soon became clear that the few available species-
names were not at all certain in their application; also, that
the sawfly (Pergidae) parasites had apparently close relatives
in another, equally confused, group of species that attack leaf¬
eating beetle larvae—some species placed m Froggattimyia,
others in Anagonia Brauer & Bergenstamm. Although males
in both groups were at least moderately easy to distinguish,
females were quite the opposite, and after fruitless attempts
to solve that problem, the study was overtaken by other tasks
and has since languished. However, my known, long-term
interest in these genera (as noted by Crosskey, 1973 and
Cantrell, 1988) may have diverted studies by others, so I
am now attempting to complete the task.
The Froggattimyia-Anagonia genus-group (hereafter
simply “group”) as used here comprises just the members of
those two genera. They have in common all or most of the
following (largely distilled from the magisterial “conspectus”
of Crosskey, 1973): Blondeliini (prosternum setulose;
first postsutural (prealar) seta shorter than first postsutural
dorsocentral seta and usually little if at all longer than first
intra-alar seta; bend of vein M usually not sharply angled;
scutellum with stout, divergent subapical setae, apical setae
finer, decussate, or undifferentiated); frons of male markedly
narrower than that of female, with at most several enlarged
reclinate upper orbital bristles, inner vertical setae more or
less parallel, outer vertical setae fine or undifferentiated, and
ocellar setae almost always fine or lacking; frons of female
broad, with one reclinate and 2 well-developed proclinate
orbital bristles, inner and outer vertical bristles (the former
inclinate or cruciate, the latter lateroclinate), and ocellar setae
well developed; parafacial of both sexes usually haired on at
least dorsal quarter, rarely with just a few setulae ventral to
last frontal bristle; facial ridge bare, except for the usual few
short bristles and setulae immediately above the vibrissae;
vibrissae inserted well above level of lower facial margin;
postpronotal lobe with line of 3-4 stout bristles; two or three
presutural dorsocentral setae and 4 postsutural dorsocentral
setae; 3 postsutural intra-alar setae; proepisternum haired;
katepisternum typically with 2 anterior bristles (1 stout and
1 fine) and 1 stout posterior one; foretibia with 1-2 posterior
(p) seta; midtibia with submedian vertical (v) seta; hindtibia
with anterodorsal (ad) bristles forming a regular comb and
apical posterodorsal (pd) bristle long; abdomen usually with
pale areas laterally on the first 1-3 segments in the male, but
not in female; tergite 1+2 excavate almost to hind margin;
tergite 3 usually with one pair of median marginal bristles
and usually lacking discal bristles; i-m (= dm-cu) distinctly
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
169
closer to bend of M than to r-m. Females ovolarviparous,
with extensible, tubular ovipositor, segment 6 usually about
as long as segment 7; sternite 7 (S7) often modified, with a
variously-shaped, sclerotized “egg-guide”. Throughout, T9
(ninth tergite) is replaced by syntergosternite 6-8.
Within Blondeliini, many of the diagnostic attributes
might well be plesiomorphic, and the group therefore
paraphyletic. A cladistically more “natural” cluster might
result by including (apparently) related genera such as
Paropsivora, Deltomyza, Pilimyia, and Zenargomyia; but
for present purposes, and plain convenience, I retain the
group as defined above.
Abbreviations. In this work I have used the following
abbreviations for institutes:
AM Australian Museum, Sydney;
BMNH Natural History Museum, London;
CIE Commonwealth Institute of Entomology, London;
CNIC Canadian National Insect Collection, Ottawa;
MV Museum Victoria, Melbourne;
NSWDA NSW Department of Agriculture, Orange;
QIMR Queensland Institute of Medical Research,
Brisbane;
QM Queensland Museum, Brisbane;
SAM South Australian Museum, Adelaide;
SPHTM School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
(now in ANIC, see below);
UQIC University of Queensland Insect Collection,
Brisbane [now in QM, q.v.];
USNM National Museum of Natural History,
Washington;
WAM Western Australian Museum, Perth.
For persons, in alphabetic order: DHC , D. H. Colless; IFBC ,
I. F. B. Common; KRN, K. R. Norris; MSU, M. S. Upton;
PBC, P. B. Carne; and ZL, Z. Liepa. For brevity, where the
label “Terminalia in tube number” occurs more than once in
a list of specimens, I have abbreviated all but the first as T.t.
I have also not hesitated to abbreviate the names of states
where these are self-explanatory.
Type specimens
I have had ready access to all existing type specimens located
in overseas museums (BMNH and USNM). The remainder,
previously in the School of Public Health and Tropical
Medicine, Sydney, have now been relocated to the ANIC,
Canberra. For new species, if the number of specimens
exceeds 30 I have formally designated a set of paratypes
and shown the rest in an abbreviated list of Other specimens
examined. For less than 30 specimens, all but the holotype
are to be taken as paratypes unless specifically excluded.
For already described species, I have of course given details
of the provenance of the holotype, but otherwise I have merely
given the states from which they have been recorded.
Taxonomic problems
There can be few families of insect as difficult taxonomically
as the Tachinidae—to use the phrase of the late S. J.
Paramonov, a “family in statu nascendi ”, a currently
radiating, evolutionary bush, still largely unpruned. The
species treated here follow the familiar pattern, with many
morphological characters highly variable within species,
but not consistently so across species. Despite continent
wide, detailed uniformity in a few quite complex, diagnostic
attributes (especially genitalic ones), it is commonly true
that individual specimens may lack almost any other feature
attributed to them in keys or descriptions; or, the expression
of an attribute—such as hairiness of the eye—may vary from
conspicuous to barely perceptible. Especially in the keys I
have tried to qualify the more variable features with terms such
as “usually”, etc.; but, even when unqualified, the occasional
“defining” attribute may still fail. Indeed, many Froggattimyia
specimens will scarcely key to the tribe (Blondeliini) in which
they are customarily placed. Nonetheless, diagnosis by weight
of evidence is normally reliable.
In Anagonia, and to a lesser extent in Froggattimyia ,
features of the male terminalia are usually decisive at
the species level. For this reason, I have not hesitated to
describe several new species on the basis of only a few male
specimens. Differences in terminalia are often gross and
striking, but may also be quite subtle and appreciated only
after considerable study; for instance, in the microsetae on
the posterior surface of the male cerci.
Females, on the other hand, pose severe problems of
identification and, due to strong sexual dimorphism, of
associating with conspecific males. They are generally more
robust, with stouter bristles and a more strongly grey-pollinose
integument. This is especially true in Anagonia ; but in both
genera there are cases where, for instance, batch rearing has
allowed a reasonably certain association of the sexes, yet
females of two or more species seem quite indistinguishable.
Some sharp groupings can be discerned on the basis of
genitalic structure, but in general I have left study of that sex
for future workers who may have access to better data.
I should note here that I have followed the practice of
describing the type species of a genus in some detail, and
other members mainly by their differences from the type
species. In some cases, however, I have used some other
previously described, very similar species as the standard.
Notes on morphology and characters
Morphological terms generally follow the Manual of
Nearctic Diptera except for features of the wing venation,
where I follow the nomenclature of Colless and D. K.
McAlpine (1991). I have used the standard abbreviations
for bristles of the legs, but not for those of the thorax. A few
special features are noted below:
(a) The centre of the parafacial, as used below, is taken to
be the point midway between the level of the vibrissa
and that of the base of first flagellomere.
(b) The intrapostalar bristle (J. F. McAlpine, 1981), an im¬
portant diagnostic feature, lies between the dorsocentral
and intra-alar rows of bristles, close to the anteromedial
margin of the postalar callus. In poorly preserved
specimens, it may appear to he on the callus itself.
(c) The bristle at the anterior margin of the presutural
scutum, in line with the intra-alar bristle, is here treated
as the first posthumeral. The presutural intra-alar bristle
(when present) lies immediately anterior to the suture.
(d) The presutural dorsocentral bristles are not taken to
include the small bristle sometimes present at the
extreme anterior margin of the scutum and often
concealed by the head.
(e) The postocellar bristles lie on or near the posterior
170
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
margin of the ocellar plate. They are noticeably larger
and stouter than the other setae that invest the plate (with,
of course, the occasional exception of the ocellar setae).
A case could be made for calling them “postverticals”
(f) Males typically have one or more pairs of differentiated,
relatively stout, reclinate upper orbital bristles dorsal to,
and more or less in line with, the inclinate frontal bristles.
I am interpreting these as reclinate upper orbital bristles.
(g) The most apical (subcentral) posterodorsal (pd) bristle
on the hindtibia provides an important character. In
descriptions I shall refer to it as pdl.
(h) The upper occipital bristles comprise 1 -2 rather uneven
rows of small bristles immediately behind the more
conspicuous postorbital row.
Morphometries
The potential of morphometric aids to identification and
classification was investigated using a canonical set of
measurements; these are listed below, together with the
abbreviated names used throughout. Distances from a seta
are taken from the centre of the basal socket.
Eyh greatest height of eye, measured in frontolateral view;
Frw minimum width of frons, usually just in front of ocelli
(especially in females) but sometimes further forwards
in Anagonia males;
Gnw width of gena, measured from the suberanial pit
to the nearest point of the eye margin (the pit is a
small depression lying at the junction of facial ridge
and epistomal margin, mesad of the more ventral
infravibrissal bristles; high power may be needed to
locate it; if vestigial, the position is easily approximated
by eye);
Hdw head width, measured in facial view;
Ivb distance between vibrissae;
Pdl length of most apical pd bristles on hind tibia;
Sbs distance between basal setae of scutellum;
Sdd distance from apical pd to subapical d bristle on hind
tibia, measured between bases;
Sis distance between basal seta and subapical seta of
scutellum;
Ssa distance between subapical setae of scutellum; and
Vb-E distance between vibrissa base and eye margin.
These measurements were chosen in the light of previous
experience, and after some preliminary trials, as potential
indicators of differences in “shape” of head and scutellum,
or (Pdl) to represent an obvious qualitative character. Hdw
was taken to provide a consistent standard of overall size. The
set was initially larger, but some characters were removed
part way through after Principal Component analysis showed
that they were contributing little to the exercise.
Wherever possible each measurement was performed
on a set of at least 10 specimens. There was no pretence at
random sampling, a notion that hardly applies to material
of this kind. Simply, specimens were chosen from as broad
a range of sizes and sites as possible. However, several
extremely small specimens, presumably resulting from
premature pupation, were excluded to avoid clouding
the already highly variable statistics. For taxonomic
comparisons, the most useful characters were the relative
magnitudes of Ivb, Frw, Eyh, Pdl , and Sis , as expressed
in the ratios Ivb/Vb-E, Hdw/Frw, Eyh/Gnw, Pdl/Sdd , and
Sbs/Sls. With such “samples”, the only reasonably valid
statistic is the observed range; I have, though, also included
the mean value in the descriptions.
I should note here that the ratio Ivb/Vb-E is strongly
correlated with size, as reflected in HdW; for means of 16
species r = -0.88, and for 34 specimens in the A. perplexa
complex, r = -0.85. However, due to its perceptible,
subjective effect on head shape, it remains a useful character.
A note on taxonomic methods and concepts
I have followed the “classical” method of first selecting a
“study group”, in this case based on two easily recognized,
very similar and presumably closely related genera, then
accumulating specimens identified as belonging to that
group from as many sources as possible. In the present
case, most came from the ANIC, collected over many years
by myself and colleagues. This material was sorted into
morphospecies, using for a start the characters provided by
previous workers—especially the “Conspectus” of Crosskey
(1973). Other characters were added as noticed, until the
stage was reached where the material was resolved into
clusters that were internally relatively homogeneous, but
separated from each other by sharp discontinuities of the
kind that is traditionally and reasonably taken to separate
“good” species. That is to say that no characters were found
that would satisfactorily divide a cluster; and, with stated
exceptions (e.g., many females), all specimens could be
allocated with fair confidence to one cluster or the other. I
call such clusters “basic taxa” (Colless, 2006). They would
also seem to qualify as “homeostatic property cluster natural
kinds” (Boyd, 1999). However, there are philosophical
niceties here, and in any case, I doubt that the term would
become popular amongst taxonomists!
These basic taxa, then, represent classical morphospecies,
based on the intuitions of an experienced taxonomist.
Those intuitions can also be strengthened by details of
distribution. In that regard, when very similar specimens
come from widely separated localities, it supports their status
as comprising a good candidate for a biological species;
and when two taxa are both represented in a single locality
(sympatric), it makes it likely that they are in fact separate
biological species. Such biological data underlie Boyd’s
(above) logical criterion of homeostasis. All in all, the whole
process fits the model of “integrative taxonomy” (Yeates et
al. , 2010) or the broader concept of “inference to the best
explanation” (Lipton, 2004).
Also, (again intuitively) a secondary level of clustering
was obvious. With only one exception (F. woodorum), all
species clearly fell into one or other of two well delineated
groups. It was clear that the two previously described genera
could usefully be employed there and they were gratefully
retained. A case could be made for erecting new genera for
some or all of what I have called “species groups”, but I see
no practical reason for doing so.
The foregoing remarks are prompted by the long-lasting
debate over the proper methods for taxonomic research, in
which it is too often forgotten that it all starts from operations
like those described above. It would be nice to check a
molecular barcode on all our specimens; but we have first
to delineate a study group! Otherwise, our resources may
be dissipated in applying barcodes to, say, several million,
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
171
Figs 1-4. Head views of males of Froggattimyia wentworthi and Anagonia rufipes. Froggattimyia wentworthi (1) lateral, and (2) frontolateral
views. Anagonia rufipes (3) lateral, and (4) frontolateral views. Scale bars = 2.0 mm.
randomly chosen specimens of the Australian bushfly!
Intuitive alpha-taxonomy provides the basic ground in which
we find our study groups; and its “good” species provide the
basic hypotheses that are testable using more “high-tech.”
methods (Colless, 2006).
That said, experience suggests that studies at the genomic
level might uncover further diversity within species
such as Froggattimyia hirta, Anagonia rufifacies , and A.
tillyardi , revealing “genuine” species that exhibit little or
no morphological divergence. However, such studies are
beyond my present resources, and, although common enough
in the medically important Culicidae and Simuliidae, their
application to the present genera seems unlikely in the
foreseeable future.
It will be noticed that I have not attempted to provide a
formal phylogenetic study. This would, in my opinion, be
premature in the present state of our knowledge of these
highly variable species. The most that seems appropriate is
the arrangement in “species groups”, of which some or most
are probably monophyletic.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Diagnoses of genera
With all or most of the following attributes:
(a) larger species, head width usually >3.5 mm (almost
always >3.0 mm); (b) eye (Fig. 1) relatively small, its lower
margin at best level with, usually clearly above level of
vibrissa, and gena correspondingly broad, ratio Eyh/Gnw
no more than 2.2 (except in F. woodorum ); (c) vibrissae
relatively close together, Ivb/Vb-E 0.6-0.9 (except in F.
woodorum with 1.1); (d) reclinate upper orbital bristles
scarcely or not at all differentiated; (e) parafacial usually
not setulose over its entire length (except in F. hirta group);
(f) eye bare; (g) scutum usually without presutural median
dark vitta; (h) numerous pale hairs on pleuron and/or
abdomen ( wentworthi group only); (i) tegula often pale
brown, basicosta pale golden (darker in aurea group);
(j) femora at least partly pale (except in F. coracina ); (k)
male sometimes with stout spines anteriorly at centre of
midfemur; (l) forefemur of male with apical ad spine much
finer than adjacent d spine and c. 0.4-0.6 its length; in
female, ad spine rather stouter and longer, c. 0.75 as long as
the d spine; (m) midtibia of male usually with only the stout,
subcentral ad , rarely with smaller more basal ones (except
in F. hirta ); (n) intrapostalar bristle clearly differentiated;
(o) scutellum with apical bristles well developed, almost
as long and stout as adjacent subapical discal bristles,
horizontal, and usually crossed (except in hirta group and
perhaps in F. woodorum ); (p) abdomen with pale dorsal
pollinosity on tergites 3 and 4 interrupted at most by central
narrow dark vitta (except in F. carnei ); (q) female with
mostly fine hairs, often recumbent, on disc of tergite 5; (r)
ovipositor finely sclerotized, sternite 7 scoop-shaped; (s)
parasitising larvae of pergid sawflies
. Froggattimyia
With all or most of the following attributes:
(a) smaller species, head width usually <3.5 mm (always
<3.8 mm); (b) eye relatively large, its lower margin usually
well below level of vibrissa (Fig. 4), ratio Eyh/Gnw usually
much more than 2.2 (except rarely in A. anguliventris and
A. lasiophthalma ); (c) vibrissae relatively far apart, Ivb/
Vb-E usually >1.0 (often > 1.2); (d) one or more pairs of
reclinate upper orbital bristles usually clearly differentiated;
(e) parafacial setulose over its entire length (in most males
and some females, profusely so); (f) eye clearly haired in a
few species only; (g) scutum usually with presutural median
dark vitta; (h) bristles and finer setae on pleuron and abdomen
all dark (setae on anepisternum in some females only); (i)
tegula usually dark brown to black, basicosta paler brown;
(j) femora all dark or very narrowly pale at apices (except
in female A. lasiophthalma ); (k) male without stout spines
anteriorly at centre of midfemur; (l) in some species, both
sexes with subapical ad spine of foretibia only slightly or
not at all smaller than d spine; (m) in males of many species,
midtibia with 1-2 smaller ad bristles basal to large subcentral
one; (n) intrapostalar bristle often not differentiated; (o)
scutellum with apical bristles fine, often barely differentiated,
and usually parallel and/or upcurved; (p) abdomen with
pale pollinosity of tergite 3 and tergite 4 also interrupted
by brown or black sublateral triangles, often coalesced into
broad, apical dark bands (may be absent in [some?] females
[or of some species?]; (q) female with mostly stout, erect,
sometimes spiny bristles on disc of tergite 5; (r) ovipositor
usually well sclerotized, sternite 7 often forming a stout
“piercer”; (s) parasitising larvae of leaf-eating chrysomelid
and curculionid beetles
. Anagonia
As suggested by the foregoing diagnoses, the problem species comprise F. woodorum (which is poorly
known), the hirta group and A. lasiophthalma. Froggattimyia coracina is the most poorly characterized
(by non-genitalic characters: the male terminalia place it immediately in the F. hirta group), but the small
eye is diagnostic. For the others, the weight of evidence will give an accurate identification in every case
known to me.
Genus Froggattimyia
Froggattimyia Townsend, 1916:155. Type species F. hirta Townsend, by original designation.
Protomeigenia Townsend, 1916:156. Type species P. aurea Townsend, by original designation. Synonymy by
Crosskey, 1966:97.
The diagnosis is given in the foregoing key.
Key to males of genus Froggattimyia
1 Wing base conspicuously golden-yellow, the colour involving both
membrane and veins and extending at least to apices of cells h, m,
and cula; scutellum and most of its setulae also golden-yellow,
forming, with the wing bases, a conspicuous golden, transverse
band, clearly visible to the naked eye. Pollen of head and most
pleural setae bright orange-yellow. Abdomen dark, the lateral
pale areas of tergites 3 and 4 dusky; pollen of tergites 3 and 4
largely confined to median triangles; tergite 5 completely, and
conspicuously, pale ashen pollinose
F. carnei sp. nov.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
Body without such colour pattern, much less conspicuously marked.
Scutellum at most dull brown, usually dark brown. Head pollinosity
and pleural setae pale golden or the latter dark. Abdomen paler;
tergites 3 and 4 extensively pollinose, tergite 5 therefore not
conspicuously different from more anterior tergites. 2
Legs, including coxae, and all pleural sclerites and hairs uniformly
dark. Parafacial fully dark-setulose. Scutellum with apical setae
fine, scarcely differentiated. Abdominal tergite 3 (?usually) without
differentiated submedian bristles . F. coracina sp. nov.
Legs at least partly pale. Other attributes usually different. 3
Postpronotal lobe with pale brown ground colour and often a similar
transverse band across presutural area of scutum; pleuron often
with extensive areas of pale ground colour across anepisternum,
anepimeron, and upper katepisternum. Scutellum usually with
apical bristles not differentiated, or small and fine, scarcely larger
than adjacent setulae. Parafacial entirely or almost entirely setulose,
bare on at most a narrow strip along the eye margin. Abdominal
syntergite 1+2 and tergite 3 only rarely with differentiated sub¬
median [?median marginal—see general comments] bristles. Legs
often with extensive dark areas. Terminalia as in Figs 20-22 . 4
Postpronotal lobe, presutural area of scutum, and almost all of
pleuron with dark ground colour. Scutellum almost always with
well differentiated apical bristles, only a little smaller than preapical
bristles. At least one, usually both, of abdominal syntergite 1+2
and tergite 3 with clearly differentiated pair of submedian marginal
bristles. If legs with extensive dark markings, then parafacial
setulose on dorsal half only. Terminalia various . 5
Coxae mainly dark, femora with about basal 40-60% dark. Pleural
sclerites and hairs extensively dark . F. hirta Townsend, dark form
Coxae mainly (usually entirely) pale, femora with at most a
trace of darkening at base. Pleural sclerites and hairs usually
extensively pale. F. hirta Townsend, pale form
Pleuron with pale hairs except on part or all of anepisternum.
Legs without extensive dark markings. Abdominal tergite 4 often
with pale setulae on ventrolateral areas . 6
Pleural hairs all dark. Legs usually with extensive dark areas
on at least forefemur. Abdominal tergite 4 with dark setulae on
ventrolateral areas . 9
Reclinate upper orbital bristles not at all differentiated from
adjacent setae along narrowest part of the frontal vitta, immediately
in front of anterior ocellus. Parafacial setulae usually extending
well on to ventral half of sclerite. Gena usually with mainly dark
setulae. Dorsum of abdomen usually golden pollinose, especially
on tergite 5. Abdominal tergite 4 with mainly pale setulae on
ventrolateral areas. Midfemur usually with 1-4 stout bristles
near centre of anterior surface. Cerci relatively short and stout,
in lateral view apices tapering abruptly, nipple-like, slightly
surpassed by apices of the surstyli; surstylus obliquely truncated
in lateral view, in posterior view with apical part curved outwards;
syntergosternite 6-8 relatively short and stout, its posterior
margin steeply declivitous (Figs 5-7). F. wentworthi Malloch
Reclinate upper frontal bristles clearly distinguishable by
stoutness of bristle and/or its socket over the narrowest part of
the frons, between the eyes, often extending to level of anterior
ocellus and sometimes terminating in a distinct prevertical
bristle. Parafacial setulae sometimes confined to dorsal half of
sclerite, or scarcely reaching past its centre. Gena sometimes with
mainly pale setulae. Abdomen with silver or grey pollen dorsally.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Abdominal tergite 4 sometimes with mainly dark setulae on
lateroventral areas. Midfemur sometimes without usual anterior
group of stout bristles; syntergosternite 6-8 more rounded
(except in F. icholsoni ) . 7
7 Parafacial setulae extending well on to ventral half of sclerite.
Terminalia more or less identical with those of F. wentworthi . F. nicholsoni Malloch
-Parafacial with setulae confined to dorsal half or scarcely extending
to ventral half; syntergosternite 6-8 relatively long, its posterior
margin gently sloping . 8
8 Cerci short and stout, as in F. wentworthi . F. fergusoni Malloch
-Cerci relatively long and narrow, their apices at least level with, and
usually surpassing those of surstyli (Figs 8-12). F. vicina sp. nov.
9 Apex of syncercus blunt, curved distally (or dorsally). Surstylus
shorter than height of epandrium (Figs 16-19) . 10
-Apex of syncercus sharply pointed, straight or curved anteriorly (or
proximally). Surstylus as long as, or longer than, height of epand¬
rium (Figs 14, 15,75) . 11
10 Apex of cercus, in posterior view, broad and truncate . F. truncata sp. nov.
-Apex of cercus, in posterior view, sharply pointed and curved
anteriorly. F. woodorum sp. nov.
11 Apex of surstylus sharply pointed and curved anteriorly (or
ventrally) (Fig. 14). F. aurea (Townsend)
-Apex of surstylus straight and rounded apically (Fig. 75). F. macdonaldi sp. nov.
Froggattimyia wentworthi species group
I use this term to designate a set of 6 species that are
closely similar structurally, to an extent that leaves their
taxonomy still somewhat uncertain. All have yellow legs,
pale pleural bristles (except for a small patch of dark ones
on the anepisternum), and generally similar terminalia. One
(F. carnei) has, inter alia, a very distinctive colour pattern in
both sexes, but the others are reliably identified only as males.
Froggattimyia wentworthi has a characteristic reduction
of the reclinate upper orbital bristles; but dissection of the
terminalia is desirable for this species and essential for the
others. Females with extensive setulae on the parafacials and
golden pollinosity on tergite 5 are likely to be wentworthi
or nicholsoni , but those with reduced setulae and grey
pollinosity on tergite 5 may be either fergusoni or vicina. If
the parafacial setulosity is very reduced, completely confined
to the dorsal half of the sclerite, vicina is the more likely (but
see F. aurea below).
Froggattimyia wentworthi Malloch
Figs l, 2, 5-7
Froggattimyia wentworthi Malloch, 1934:3-4.
Type. Holotype male in ANIC, Wentworth Falls, NSW.
Male. Head (Figs 1, 2): Width 3.6^4.4, mean 4.02 mm.,
approximately 4 times as wide as frons; Gnw/Eyh 0.5-0.6,
mean 0.53; Ivb/Vb-E = 0.7-0.9, mean 0.8. Ground colour
pale brown anteriorly and ventrally, dark brown to black on
occiput and dorsally on fronto-orbital plate. Anterior surfaces
with golden to pale golden pollinosity, except for thinner,
silver pollen on face; silvery to very pale golden pollen on
postorbits dorsally and silver-grey on occiput. Scape pale
brown with a row of minute setulae; pedicel pale brown with
pale grey pollen in appropriate light and usual cluster of short
spines and setulae; first flagellomere pale brown basally,
darkened to a varying degree along dorsal (anterior) margin
and across apex; aristomere 3 pale brown on most of the
swollen basal portion. Mouthparts pale brown. Inner vertical
bristles well developed, slightly inclinate in facial view,
somewhat reclinate in lateral view; outer vertical bristles at
most finely or (usually) not at all differentiated; ocellar seta
fine, sometimes lacking, but usually clearly differentiated;
postocellar setae 2-6 (usually more than 2). Reclinate upper
orbital bristles not clearly differentiated from adjacent
bristles along narrowed part of interfrons, between eyes and
immediately in front of ocellar triangle, but 1 or more pairs
of reclinate upper orbital bristles sometimes differentiated,
standing in line with upper frontal bristles. Vertex, frons, and
parafacial with black hairs and setulae. Parafacial setulose to
at least centre and usually with at least a few scattered setulae
on ventral half; sometimes almost completely setulose and/or
with a detached cluster of tiny setulae at ventrolateral angle,
near eye. Genae with at least a few (usually mainly) dark
setulae on anterior, convex portion, becoming orange-brown
on ventral areas. Gular, postgular, and occipital areas with
pale brown to orange hairs and setulae. Postocular strip with
1-2 rows of dark hairs.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
175
Figs 5-7. Froggattimyia wentworthi, male terminalia, (5) lateral, and (6, 7) posterior views.
Thorax. Dorsally, ground colour mainly black, with silver-
grey dusting except on 2 pairs of narrow vittae, interrupted
at the suture, one between dorsocentral and acrostichal
rows of bristles, reaching to about the level of second
postsutural dorsocentral, the other between dorsocentral and
intra-alar rows, reaching almost to scutellum; sometimes
a short median postsutural vitta as well. However, ventral
half of anterior pronotum with pale dusting, and postalar
callus with brown ground colour. Bristles and setulae dark,
except for pale brown hairs on ventral half of pronotum
and sometimes at sides of scutellum. Postpronotal bristles
3-4 in a row; presutural dorsocentral bristles 3 (rarely 2 or
4) + 4 postsutural bristles (rarely 5); acrostichal bristles 3
+ 3 (rarely 4); intra-alar bristles typically with 1 presutural
(usually rather fine, occasionally out of line or missing)
and 3 postsuturals, the first occasionally missing; also, 2-3
posthumeral bristles, a stout presutural, and 2 (rarely 3)
notopleural bristles; first postsutural supra-alar (prealar)
seta rather larger than first postsutural intra-alar but smaller
than first postsutural dorsocentral. Intrapostalar bristle well
developed, about as large as first postsutural dorsocentral.
Scutellum with dull brown to dark brown ground colour, and
grey dusting visible at a viewing angle of about 45°; the usual
basal, lateral, discal (1 or 2), and subapical pairs of bristles
present, the latter strongly divergent; apical pair usually
well developed and decussate, only a little smaller than the
discals. Laterally, pleuron with mostly dark brown ground
colour and silver-grey pollinose. Larger bristles mostly
black, finer hairs and setulae pale brown or golden, except
for a patch of fine black hairs dorsally on anepisternum;
the fine hairs mostly with crinkly tips. 1-2 stout upcurved
proepisternal bristles and 1-3 similar proepimeral bristles;
katepisternum with 1 large and 1 small anterior bristle (the
latter rarely missing) and 1 stout posterior; 1 large and
several smaller anepimeral bristles; and a linear group of
about 6-10 quite long but slender meral bristles, variously
dark or pale, with a considerable number of associated pale
hairs; katepimeron haired.
Legs. Entirely pale brown except for occasional darkening
around bases of femora. Bristles and setulae black, except
for some golden ones on coxae and trochanters and to a
varying extent posteriorly on all femora. Forefemur with
conspicuous d, pd , and pv rows of long stout hairs; foretibia
with 1-2 p bristles and occasionally 1-2 pd, also a row of
small, barely differentiated, spiny ad bristles on about the
basal half, and pv, d and ad preapical bristles, the first 2
stout but the last much smaller, often scarcely differentiated.
Midfemur usually with a stout spine anteriorly near centre
(absent in about 10% of specimens), 2-3 preapical pd of
graded lengths, and pv row of stout bristles; about 10%
of specimens also with 1-3 stout hairs differentiated in a
sub-basal av row; midtibia with stout ad and v near centre
(rarely with 1-2 smaller, more basal ad) and 2-3 p or pd
bristles; also preapical ad and pd and about 6 apicals of
various lengths, the av and pv usually the stoutest. Hindfemur
with ad row of long hairs, an av row usually with a distinct
“gap” past centre, and a pv row on basal half only; hindtibia
with conspicuous, comb-like row of short, rather spiny ad
bristles, including 1 longer one near centre; also 1 stout and
0-3 smaller av, 1 stout and 1-2 smaller pd, 1 stout preapical
d, 1 shorter but stout preapical ad and an apical av spine;
Pdl/SddO.l-l.l, mean 0.53.
Wing. Membrane tinged with brown across a broad area
at base, covering basal cells and extending through costal
and subcostal cells and faintly along vein R2+3; veins pale
brown to brown over most of their length, darkening apically;
tegula and basicosta typically pale brown (occasionally mid
brown), the latter paler than the former. Swollen base of
vein R4+5 with 1-6 setulae dorsally, 1-5 ventrally. Costa
setulose ventrally to apex of Sc. Crossvein r-m near centre
of discal cell; vein Ml+2 from i-m to bend a little shorter
than or equal to i-m, but much longer than from bend to
wing margin; bend rather sharply angled for a blondeliine.
Calypters greyish to cream or pale gold, margins white to
gold, with a tuft of pale golden, crinkly hairs at their external
junction; lower calypter with posterior margin gently curved,
its internal angle closely abutting scutellum.
Abdomen. All tergites black in ground colour, syntergite
1+2, and tergites 3 and 4, with lateral reddish brown areas
that cover about 50% of the disc in both dorsal and ventral
views, extending variably on to tergite 5. Tergites with silver
to golden pollen, tending to become more golden on posterior
segments, but absent on a narrow dark median vitta over most
or all of tergites 3 and 4, and sometimes tergite 5. A pair of
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
median submarginal bristles (rarely with 1-2 supplementary
bristles) almost always present on both syntergite 1+2 and
tergite 3. Stemite 4 black with black hairs, other sternites
scarcely visible. Hairs and setulae all black on dorsum,
except for occasional pale ones on tergite 5; ventrally, pale
brown or golden, except along margins of tergites, variably
on disc of tergite 5, and on sternites 3 and 4.
Terminalia (Figs 5-7). Ground colour pale brown. In lateral
view, surstyli with apices slightly surpassing those of cerci,
somewhat variable in shape, but usually digitate with
rounded apex, often slightly curved in a posterior direction;
cerci of a similar shape. In posterior view, surstyli with their
apices slightly curved outwards; cerci separated basally by
a rather broad, V-shaped notch; apex with a short row of
medial teeth.
Female. Similar to male, differing essentially as follows:
Head width 4.0-4.4, mean 4.13 mm; approximately 3 times
as wide as frons. Anterior surfaces with golden pollen, except
on face. Outer vertical bristles and ocellar bristles well
developed, as are 2 stout proclinate orbital and 1 reclinate
or lateroclinate (prevertical) bristles; anterior proclinate
bristle rarely (c. 1%) absent on one side; reclinate upper
orbital bristles usually rather fine and irregular, more clearly
differentiated than in male, but still rather distinctive. More
ventral parafacial setulae usually pale. Genal setulae usually
all or almost all pale. Scutellum with more conspicuous
pale grey or milky pollinosity; setulae all dark above but
sometimes pale laterally at base and/or ventrolaterally.
Foretibia with spiny bristles in ad row much more prominent
and of graded lengths. Midfemur with 2-9 spiny bristles of
various sizes anteriorly near centre, and 1-3 stout av hairs
towards base; midtibia with 1-2 smaller ad bristle basal to
the large, stout one. Hindtibia with spines in ad row sparser
and longer, and usually with 2 longer members. Wing with
up to 8 setulae on base of vein Rs. Abdomen usually all dark
in dorsal view except for a pale area, of variable extent, at
apex of tergite 5; in ventral view mainly dark, except for
posterior apical bands on tergites, sometimes with pale areas
of variable extent laterally on the tergites; visible sternites
(usually just sternite 5) pale brown; pollinosity, especially
on tergite 5, bright to pale golden, narrow median dark vitta
barely or not at all represented.
Terminalia. Forming an extensible tube about 1.5 times as
long as tergite 5; segment 6 very finely sclerotized, but setose
on apical half; segment 7 rather more heavily sclerotized,
tergite 7 consisting of a pair of narrow hemitergites, sternite
7 a simple scoop-like structure with rounded apex.
Distribution. Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic., Tas, and WA; no doubt
in SA also.
Biology. My abundant material of F. wentworthi has one
most striking feature: the great majority of specimens
have been reared. In my experience this is most unusual
in Tachinidae, which are commonly taken also at light, in
traps, or by hand-netting—as, indeed, is the case with the
closely related F. vicina sp. nov. (but not other members of
the group, which resemble wentworthi in this respect). I see
no obvious reason for this phenomenon. It may be fortuitous:
Dr Monty Wood has recently netted several specimens by
“hilltopping”. For F. wentworthi , the host in every case is
a pergid sawfly—especially Perga affinis Kirby, but also
Pergagrapta polita (Leach), Pergagrapta bella (Newman),
Pergagrapta gravenhorstii (Westwood), Pergagrapta spinolae
(Westwood), Perga dorsalis Leach, and Pseudoperga sp.
Field observations of F. wentworthi by Dr Carne and
(especially) Mr M. F. Leaslc (all in MSS) state that the adult
fly lays an egg in a skin-fold on the mature sawfly larva, by
protruding its ovipositor forward ventrally between its legs
to a quite remarkable distance, swaying back and forth to
avoid the violent strokes of the host’s abdomen. Eventually,
the ovipositor makes contact and an egg is laid. This account
is difficult to reconcile with the length of the ovipositor in
dissections; while obviously extensile to some degree, it
seems unlikely to attain even the length of the abdomen. Such
behaviour would be possible for some species of Anagonia,
but these observers would hardly mistake a chrysomelid
larva for that of a sawfly. I am unable to explain the apparent
discrepancy.
In the laboratory, the fly emerges from the host cocoon
usually after some 3-5 months; but as few as 2 months, and
as many as 10, have been recorded.
Notes. Malloch’s holotype of wentworthi is very well
preserved, and seems clearly conspecific with the species
just described. However, it has one remarkable idiosyncrasy:
both hindtibiae lack the preapical ad bristle. In several
hundred specimens of what I am here calling F. wentworthi ,
I have seen only one similar specimen. I have to conclude
that Malloch’s unique specimen was, by a remarkable
coincidence, an extremely rare variant.
Froggattimyia nicholsoni Malloch
Froggattimyia nicholsoni Malloch, 1934:5.
Type. Holotype male in ANIC, Lindfield, NSW (published
as “Sydney”).
Extremely similar to F. wentworthi , and possibly only
a variant of that species; male differing principally in
having the reclinate upper orbital bristles moderately
well differentiated—distinctly more so than is usual in
wentworthi , but less than in F. fergusoni Malloch and F.
vicina sp. nov. Also, abdominal dorsum with grey, rather
than golden pollen (but this sometimes true of wentworthi ).
Terminalia within the range of wentworthi in the shapes of
syntergosternite 6-8, cerci and surstyli.
The female has not been distinguished, and is presumably
identical with that of wentworthi.
Distribution. NSW, Vic., WA; no doubt in SA as well.
Biology. Bred from “sawfly larvae”, some identified as
Perga species.
Notes. I am strongly tempted to synonymize this species with
F. wentworthi , but have taken a more cautious path following
Malloch who separated the two species albeit on different
grounds. All but the type were reared from sawfly larvae
or cocoon masses, including Perga sp. and Pergagrapta
turneri Bens.
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177
Froggattimyia fergusoni Malloch
Froggattimyia fergusoni Malloch, 1934:4-5.
Type. Holotype male in ANIC, Wyalkatchem, WA.
Also very similar to F. wentworthi , but the male with
strongly differentiated reclinate upper orbital bristles;
parafacial often with setulae more or less confined to dorsal
half. Terminalia with syntergostemite 6-8 rather longer, with
less steeply sloping posterior margin (but not as marked as
in the next species, F. vicina sp. nov.); surstyli in posterior
view more or less straight or incurved.
Females associated with identified males are barely
separable from those of wentworthi. The setulosity of the
parafacial is rather reduced in some specimens, but the
difference is hardly striking. However, with more and better
identified specimens, the blue-grey pollinosity of the tergites
(and especially tergite 5) may prove useful to separate this
species from wentworthi , but not from other Froggattimyia
spp.
Distribution. WA and SA; one doubtful record from NSW.
Biology. All but two specimens were reared from larvae of
unidentified species of pergid sawfly.
Notes. With additional material, Malloch’s characters for
differentiating this species no longer hold. In particular,
his type specimen has an abnormally broad parafacial and
unusually narrow median dark stripe on the abdomen.
However, I am fairly sure that this is a good species and that
it includes the holotype.
Froggattimyia vicina sp. nov.
Figs 8-12
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029374; Bendora,
ACT, 5 Feb. 1952, Z. Liepa. Terminalia in tube 267.
Paratypes (all males).— Australian Capital Territory: Black
Mtn, light trap (3 specs.), 19 Dec. 1961, IFBC, T.t. 269; 31
Dec. 1965, IFBC, T.t., 249; 9 Apr. 1969, IFBC, T.t. 411; 3
mi N of Mt. Coree, 3000 ft., 13 Mar. 1967, IFBC.— New
South Wales: Tubrabucca Ck, Barrington Tops, 4200 ft., 8
Jan. 1956, IFBC, T.t. 271; 4 specs., all NSW, bulked from
different sites, ex culture (3, 9, 16, 16), 14 Apr. 1959, T.t.
(4, 5, 12, 312), ex Perga ajfinis affinis (Hym.); Tooloom,
30 Oct. 1961, IFBC, T.t. 278; Springwood, coll. 2^1 Apr.
1983, K. Whitfield, ex pergid larva, T.t. 2041 (NSWDA);
Ingold’s Knob, Kioloa State Fst., 10 Jan. 1986, site 5, KRN,
T.t. 2062 —Victoria: Warrandyte, 1 Dec. 1925, G. F. Hill,
T.t. 268; Femtree Gully, 22 Jun. 1932, b., A. N. Bums (MV);
bred from larvae, 28 Mar. 1958, No. 570. Clunes, M. F.
Leask, BMNH, T.t. 311; the same but T.t. 282; the same but
4 Apr. 1958, no. 485, T.t. 280.— Tasmania(?): parasite from
sawfly larvae, K. Is. Nov. 1949, A.N.B. (MV); the same but
from sawfly pupae, T.t. 2104.— Queensland: Mt. Crosby, 12
Nov. 1964, G. B. Monteith, T.t. 410; Millstream Falls, W of
Ravenshoe, 25 Jun. 1971, E. F. Riek.
Male. Very similar to F. fergusoni ; male with upper reclinate
upper orbital bristles strongly differentiated and parafacial
often (but not always) setulose on upper halves only.
Parafacial usually somewhat broader, Ivb/Vb-E 0.6-0.7,
mean 0.7. Terminalia (Figs 8-12, distinctive: syntergostemite
6-8 relatively long, with gently sloping posterior margin,
cerci relatively long and narrow, their apices almost always
surpassing those of the surstyli; surstyli more or less
straight with rounded apices.
Females. Identifications probable only.
The terminalia separate this species from all others
in the group. Females, probably conspecific, are
mostly distinctive in having the parafacial setulae
clearly confined to the dorsal half of the sclerite.
Distribution. Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic. and SA or Tas. (see
below); mainly from higher altitudes.
12
Figs 8-12. Froggattimyia vicina sp. nov., male terminalia. Holotype (8) lateral, and (9) posterior views. Paratype (10) lateral, and (11)
posterior views; (12) paratype aedeagus.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Biology. Differs from others in the group in that many
(10/23) specimens were captured as adults; others were
reared from Perga affinis, Pseudoperga sp., and perhaps
Pergagrapta sp. The difference is rather striking and
presumably statistically significant; but its cause is quite
obscure.
Notes. One male, from Stanthorpe, Queensland, has an
unusually dark abdomen, with only small, faint pale areas
laterally on tergite 3; also, the parafacial setulosity extends
well on to the ventral half. The terminal ia, however, are
typical. Also, one specimen labelled “K. Is.” (presumably
Kangaroo I., South Australia, or King I., Tasmania; collected
by A. N. Burns of Museum Victoria, so probably the latter)
has the cerci relatively narrow, but slightly shorter than the
surstyli. However, the reduced setulosity of the parafacial
places it in vicina. The specific epithet refers to the close
similarity of the species to several others.
Froggattimyia carnei sp. nov.
Fig. 13
Types. Holotype male inANIC no. 29-029371, 9 mi ESE of
Murrumburrah, NSW, coll. 6 Feb. 1971, emg. 25 Mar. 1971,
R. S. Mclnnes, ex cocoon mass of Perga affinis ; terminalia
intact. Paratypes (all inANIC)— New South Wales (males):
Cudjegong Ck, 7 mi SW of Cootamundra, Dec. 1962, (site
236), PBC, terminalia in tube 315; Riverina, Western Slopes,
1962,1963 (B) PBC, T.t. 1; Boorowa, Dec. 1962, (site 248),
PBC, T.t. 316; 4 mi WSW oflllabo, R. S. Mclnnes, ex cocoon
masses of Perga affinis , coll. 6 Feb. 1970, emg. 23 May
1970; 9 mi ESE of Murrumburrah, coll. 5 Feb. 1971, emg.
21 Mar. 1971, R. S. Mclnnes. — New South Wales (females):
4 mi E Cunningar, Dec. 1962, (site 246), PBC; 9 mi ESE
of Murrumburrah, coll. 5 Feb. 1971, emg. 13 Apr. 1971, R.
S. Mclnnes (2 specs.); Wallendbeen, Dec. 1962, (site 241),
PBC. — Victoria (female): 10.6 mi ESE of Benalla, coll. 4.
Feb. 1971, emg. 13 Apr. 1971, R. S. Mclnnes. All reared
from Perga affinis.
Other specimens examined: 162 males and 128 females,
coll. PBC or R. S. Mclnnes, from NSW (Murrumbateman,
Cootamundra, Junee, Holbrook, Wallendbeen, Illabo, Young,
Coolac, Cunningar, Wombat, Tarcutta, Binalong, Boorowa,
Muttama) and Victoria (Benalla, Euroa), Nov-Feb. 1962-
1972; also Blue Mtns, 25 Aug. 1922, SPHTM; Ballina,
Froggatt, 10 Jun. 1893; Blundells, Canberra, 28 Feb. 1934,
T. G. Campbell; Ararat, Vic., G. F. Hill (BM); Vic., Ballarat,
Glen Park SF, M. F. Leask.
Very similar structurally to F. wentworthi , differing as
follows:
Male. Head. Anterior surfaces with rich orange-brown
pollinosity; postorbits with golden pollen. Ocellar bristles
sometimes only slightly differentiated. Parafacial setulose only
to about middle, or with a few scattered setulae on ventral half.
Thorax. Dorsally, postalar callus and scutellum with
conspicuously pale brown ground colour, continuing across
the wing bases to form a broad transverse pale brown band,
visible to the naked eye. Median postsutural vitta more
commonly present. Hairs and setulae mainly dark, but pale
brown on ventral half of anterior pronotum, also around
margins of scutellum and at least narrowly across its basal 14 ,
Fig. 13. Froggattimyia carnei sp. nov., male terminalia, lateral view.
occasionally over most of the disc; brown setulae also present
sometimes in presutural area and between postpronotal
lobe. Dorsocentral bristles 3 (rarely 4) + 4; acrostichals
3 + 3 (rarely 4); a fine presutural intra-alar present, close
to the suture, in about 20 % of cases; also, typically, 3
postsuturals, but the first missing on at least one side in about
25% of specimens and when present finely developed; the
second also occasionally missing. Scutellum with thin, fine
pollinosity, visible only at extreme viewing angles. Laterally,
katepisternum with small anterior bristle missing on at least
one side in about 30% of specimens.
Legs. Midfemur always with a stout spine anteriorly near
centre (sometimes plus 2-3 smaller associated spines);
about 50% of specimens with 1-3 stout hairs differentiated
in a subbasal av row. Hindfemur with Pdl/Sdd 0.6-0.9,
mean 0.71.
Wing. Brown colour of wing base and veins rather paler
and more conspicuous. Swollen base of vein R4+5 with
1-5 setulae dorsally, 0-2 ventrally. Calypters pale brown.
Abdomen. Dorsally, syntergite 1+2 black with small brown
lenses on lateral quarters; tergite 3 black, dusky brown on
lateral quarters and grey pollinose on a median triangle and
narrow basal band; tergite 4 similar; tergite 5 uniformly grey
pollinose, contrasting strongly with the much darker anterior
segments. Both syntergite 1+2 and tergite 3 usually with
1-4 median marginal bristles, rarely with none. Ventrally,
lateral brown areas of T1-3 continuing over lateral thirds
of the segments; remainder of venter lightly grey pollinose.
Sternites scarcely visible. Hairs and setulae all black, except
for median ventral patch of pale brown hairs on segs 1-2.
Terminalia (Fig. 13). Not very distinctive; differ from those
of wentworthi in rather subtle features of shape, principally
the rather “sharper” cerci, which also lack the outward
curvature in lateral view.
Female. Immediately recognizable by the characteristic
colour pattern, as in the male.
Distribution. NSW, ACT, and Vic.
Biology. Froggattimyia carnei resembles F. wentworthi in
that almost all known specimens have been reared from Perga
affinis or Perga sp. (probably affinis). Many were collected
at the same time and place as F. wentworthi , but I have no
evidence as to joint parasitism of the same cocoon mass.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
179
Notes. Despite its distinctive colour pattern, F. carnei is
otherwise very similar to F. wentworthi, and the two are
very likely sister-species. They have the same (unusual
and presumably synapomorphous) lack of well-developed
upper reclinate upper orbital hairs, and the terminalia are
very similar. Froggattimyia carnei , however, is much more
variable in the numbers of katepisternal bristles, abdominal
marginal bristles, and parafacial setulae. Also, unlike P.
wentworthi , all specimens from identified host species are
from Perga affinis only, and all are from the southwest slopes
of New South Wales (apart from a single old specimen from
Canberra). One could speculate that this suggests an inability
to compete with its sister-species in cooler climates. Its
distinctive colour pattern may perhaps be due to character
displacement induced by such competition.
The species is named after my friend and colleague, the
late Dr Phil Carne.
Legs. Forefemur dark on basal A-A and along '/a- 2 /* of
dorsum; midfemur dark on basal A-'A hindfemur dark on
basal '/2 (1 specimen aberrant in having darkening confined to
a trace at bases of femora). Forefemur without stout bristle(s)
on anterior surface. Midfemur with subcentral ad and v
bristles shorter than usual, little longer than width of tibia.
Abdomen. Tergites with silver-grey pollen; syntergite 1+2
usually with distinct pair of submedian marginal bristles (but
not in holotype), but none on tergite 3.
Terminalia (Figs 14, 15). Surstylus in lateral view with
hooked, beak-like apex and very sparse setulae; cerci in
posterior view deeply excavated basally.
Female (from associated rearing). Resembles male in
silver-grey pollen of abdomen, reduced parafacial setulae,
and (usually) presence of only 2 postocellar bristles, but
abdominal tergite 3 with pair of well differentiated, rather
characteristically erect, submedian marginal bristles. Only
the postocellar setae separates these few females from those
of F. vicina.
Froggattimyia aurea species group
I place here a somewhat miscellaneous set of 4 species, 3 of
them known from only a few specimens. They all possess
the very distinctive feature, in the male, of having the pleural
hairs all dark and the legs (usually) with extensive dark
markings. The tegula and basicosta are also usually mid to
dark brown, noticeably darker than in the wentworthi group.
For the species known from only 2 or 3 specimens, I describe
features of chaetotaxy, etc., as seen in those specimens.
However, variation almost certainly occurs, and in the key
above I have relied entirely on the distinctive terminalia.
The females are known (by associated rearing) for only
two species ( F. aurea and F. macdonaldi sp. nov.), and are
doubtfully separable from those of F. vicina , etc.
Froggattimyia aurea (Townsend)
Figs 14, 15
Protomeigenia aurea Townsend, 1916:156-157. Synonymy
by Crosskey (1966:103).
Type. Holotype male in USNM, no. 19974, Manilla, NSW.
Very similar structurally to F. wentworthi , differing as
follows:
Male. All hairs, bristles, and setulae dark except for post
gular and occipital hairs.
Distribution. Known only from NSW and Vic.
Biology. All specimens but one were reared from
Pergagrapta spinolae Westwood or other unidentified
pergid larvae.
Notes. The holotype has its highly characteristic terminalia
clearly displayed in situ , and there is no doubt as to its
association with the other specimens—including the
specimen mentioned above, that has only a trace of dark
colour on the femora.
Figs 14,15. Froggattimyia aurea , male terminalia, (14) lateral and
(15) posterior, views.
Head. Reclinate upper orbital bristles clearly differentiated
from adjacent hairs. Parafacial with setulae clearly restricted
to dorsal half. Postocellar bristles usually 2 in number.
Thorax. First postsutural intra-alar bristle small or missing,
the presutural one often likewise.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Froggattimyia macdonaldi sp. nov.
Fig. 75
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029372, Ilford, NSW,
larvae coll. 29 Aug. 1984, adult emerged 7 Nov. 1984, J.
Macdonald, ex Pseudoperga sp. voucher, J. Macdonald,
terminalia in tube 2105. Paratype female, data as for
holotype.
Very similar to F. aurea, differing as follows:
Male. Parafacial setulae extending well on to ventral half
of sclerite. Postocellar bristles indeterminate in number,
scarcely differentiated from others on posterior half of plate,
all with angularly bent apices. Forefemur mainly dark, except
for strip on apical half of ventral surface; centre of anterior
surface of midfemur with 1 long, stout bristle. Abdominal
tergite 3 with pair of submedian marginal bristles. Terminalia
more resembling those of F. wentworthi, but surstylus in
lateral view tapering to a blunt point (Fig. 75).
Female (from associated rearing). Resembles male in
parafacial setulosity but more ventral setulae pale golden;
postocellar bristles quite well differentiated, straight, 7 in
number.
Distribution. Known only from the type locality in NSW.
Biology. Both specimens were reared from larvae of
Pseudoperga sp.
Notes. Despite the existence of only 2 specimens, they cannot
be accommodated in any known member of the group and
clearly represent a new species, which is named after the
collector.
Froggattimyia truncata sp. nov.
Figs 16, 17
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029373, 36°30’S
180°24'E, Bawley Point, NSW, 2 Jan. 1998, D.C.F. Rentz, K.
McCarron; terminalia intact. Paratypes : 2 males; Blundell’s,
FCT [former abbreviation for the Australian Capital Territory,
now ACT], 23 Nov. 1929, L. M. Williams, terminalia in tube
264; Blundell’s, 19 Jan. 56, Fuller, T.t. 2093.
Very similar to F. aurea , differing as follows:
Male. Ivb/Vb-E 0.6-0.7 in 3 specimens known. Postocellar
bristles well differentiated, 3-8 in number. First postsutural
intra-alar bristle present or absent; presutural intra-alar
present. Femora mainly dark, pale brown on apical 'A-Vs;
midfemur sometimes with 1 rather fine bristle at centre
of anterior surface. Abdominal tergite 3 with scarcely
differentiated pair of submedian marginal bristles. Terminalia
of holotype (Figs 16,17) visible in situ, cerci noticeably short
and curiously truncate in posterior view.
Female. Not known.
Distribution. Known only from ACT and NSW.
Biology. One specimen was taken at light; the others were
presumably hand-netted.
Notes. It is remarkable that 2 of the 3 known specimens were
captured 27 years apart in the same small locality. Moreover,
despite that locality’s popularity with collectors of Diptera,
no other species of Froggattimyia has been recorded from
there. The host is possibly a sawfly larva.
The species name refers to the appearance of the male
cerci in posterior view.
Froggattimyia woodorum sp. nov.
Figs 18, 19
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029375, Canberra,
ACT, summit Mt Ainslie, 8 Jan. 2006, hand net, G. & M.
Wood. Paratypes.—New South Wales: 3 males, same data
as holotype; 2 males, Catherine Hill Bay, 12 Apr. 1949, S.
J. Paramonov.
Very similar to F. aurea , differing as follows:
Male. Ivb/Vb-E =1.1. Reclinate upper orbital bristles
strongly differentiated; postocellar setae likewise, 2 in
number. Reclinate upper orbital and parafacial setulae
distinctly sparse and short. Antenna with noticeably long
arista, long enough to reach lower facial margin (unlike all
other Froggattimyia spp). Femora almost entirely dark, a
small pale zone at apices; tarsi also dark; midfemur with 1
stout bristle anteriorly at centre; hindfemur with subcentral
Figs 16, 17. Froggattimyia truncata sp. nov., male terminalia, (16) lateral, and (17) posterior views.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
181
Figs 18, 19. Froggattimyia woodorum sp. nov., male terminalia, (18) lateral, and (19) posterior views.
pd seta (Pdl) unusually long for this genus ( Pdl/Sdd =
1.0-1.05). Abdominal syntergite 1+2 with very fine pair
of submedian marginal bristles, tergite 3 with a very stout
pair. Terminalia (Figs 18,19) with relatively short, “stubby”
appendages, the cerci slightly curved apically in a posterior
direction.
Female. Not known.
Distribution. Known from ACT and NSW only.
Biology. A female, possibly of this species, was reared from
sawfly larvae taken on a “paperbark, Melaleuca sp.”
Notes. In some attributes the males resemble those of
Anagonia spp (as does the doubtful female), but, on balance,
I place it here for the present. Like the previous species, the
host is unknown, but presumably a sawfly larva.
The species name celebrates the collectors of the holotype:
Monty and Grace Wood.
Froggattimyia hirta species group
This group comprises mainly one common species, of which
the males (only) vary remarkably in colour patterns—indeed,
viewing a very pale specimen beside a very dark one, it is
hard to accept them as really conspecific. However, for
reasons discussed below, I regard all these as falling in the
single species F. hirta Townsend. There is also another,
related species ( F. coracina sp. nov.), known from only a
few specimens, and what is probably yet another, known
from a single female and not named.
Members of the group are firmly characterized by the
unusual male terminalia, with short, stout cerci and strikingly
profuse short setae on their posterointernal surfaces; also, in
both sexes (in almost all cases), the pale ground colour of the
postpronotal lobe (except in coracina ), the finely or not at all
developed apical scutellar setae, and the lack of differentiated
submedian marginal bristles on abdominal tergite 3.
Figs 20-22. Froggattimyia hirta , male terminalia, (20) lateral, and (21) posterior views, (22) aedeagus.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Froggattimyia hirta Townsend
Figs 20-22
Froggattimyia hirta Townsend, 1916:155.
Type. Holotype male in USNM, no. 19973, Mittagong, NSW.
For descriptive purposes I recognize 2 kinds of male: the
dark form , with femora dark on about the basal 50%, and
the light form with femora entirely pale (or with at most a
trace of darkening). With the exception of the terminalia,
other characters vary considerably within these forms , but
morphometric analyses reveal no significant differences
between them. The NSW Dept of Agriculture has 3
specimens with label data indicating that they were reared
from the same batch as the holotype (it seems that W. W.
Froggatt sent only one pair to Townsend for description,
keeping the rest in his collection). These belong to the dark
form , as does the holotype (“femora of male blackish on
base”: Townsend, 1916). I shall therefore describe that form
first, and then the pale form.
Male —dark form. Differs from F. wentworthi principally
as follows:
Head, fronto-orbital plate pale to mid brown dorsally.
Reclinate upper orbital bristles strongly differentiated.
Parafacial setulose to about level of vibrissa, setulae dark,
rather small and sparse. Gena with setulae usually all dark
but occasionally with extensive area of pale ones anteriorly.
Thorax. Postpronotal lobe with distinctive pale brown
ground colour; notopleural (usually), supra-alar, postalar,
and presutural areas likewise, forming an irregular pale
brown margin to the mesoscutum; scutellum also pale brown.
Mesoscutum often with at least a trace of a presutural median
dark vitta. Scutellum with apical bristles usually lacking or
vestigial, or (rarely) developed but small. Pleuron generally
dark, but often a little paler dorsally across katepisternum
and posterodorsally on anepisternum; silver-grey pollen
very thin and inconspicuous. Proepistemal setulae pale and
postpronotum with some fine pale hairs towards ventral
margin; otherwise, pleural hairs and setulae usually all
dark, but sometimes with “crinkly-tipped”, pale brown hairs
posteriorly on anepisternum, dorsally on katepisternum, and
over katepimeron and anepimeron. Meropleural bristles all
dark in main row, but sometimes a few of the secondary
ones pale.
Legs. Coxae at least partly darkened. All femora with basal
40-60% dark. Foretibia with 0-1 p seta. Midfemur without
stout spine(s) at centre of anterior surface. Midfemur usually
with 1-2 smaller ad bristles basad to the subcentral one.
Abdomen. Setae and setulae on tergites and sternites all
dark. Syntergite 1+2 and tergite 3 almost always without
differentiated submedian bristles, tergites 3 and 4 with
ground colour broadly pale laterally, syntergite 1+2 and
tergite 5 narrowly pale laterally, leaving a dark vitta on
about V 4 -V 3 width of tergites; pollinosity mostly silvery to
pale golden, often slightly darker on a pair of submedian
triangles on tergite 3, dark median vitta on tergite 3 (and
sometimes tergite 4) usually enclosed in a posteriorly
directed, somewhat lighter triangle.
Terminalia (Figs 20-22). In lateral view surstyli and cerci
relatively stout and tapering, but surstyli sometimes more
digitate; in posterior view cerci apposed basally, broadly
diverging and then converging again apically. Cerci with very
characteristic, extremely profuse, moderately long hairs over
posteromedial surfaces. Pregonite more extensively haired
than is usual in other species.
Male —pale form. As for the dark form, differing principally
as follows:
Head. Genal setulae usually mainly pale, sometimes
completely so. First flagellomere often with dark area
reduced (greatly so in W.A. specimens).
Thorax. Pale markings of mesoscutum and scutellum usually
more conspicuous, bright yellow in very pale specimens.
Pleuron with pale areas more strongly developed, in very
pale specimens anepisternum and anepimeron mostly pale
and pale areas present on pleurotergite and mediotergite.
Pleural fine hairs and setulae mostly pale.
Legs. Coxae all or almost all pale; femora pale or (in several
rather intermediate specimens) with a trace of dark basal
marking.
Abdomen. Lateral pale areas of tergites rather larger; median
dark non- pollinose vittae often lacking. Specimens reared
from Lophyrotoma analis (Costa) feeding on Rnmex brownii,
all with well-developed pair of submedian marginals on
tergite 3, and often on syntergite 1+2.
Female. Specimens collected along with both “pale” and
“dark” males, and presumably conspecific with them, vary
in colour but show no clear differentiation into distinct
forms. Generally similar to the male, most colour patterns
comprising the full range shown by pale- and dark forms
combined, but differing as follows:
Genal setulae usually all pale; parafacial setulae very fine,
pale, and inconspicuous on more ventral parts. Mesoscutum
usually lacking the presutural median vitta. Coxae and
femora all pale; midfemur with usual central cluster of 2-3
spines on anterior surface. Abdomen darker, lateral pale
areas scarcely visible from above on tergite 3, not at all on
other tergites. Median non-pollinose vitta often missing
(abdominal pattern seemingly more variable than in male).
Specimens from Lophyrotoma analis as for males.
Distribution. All states except NT and SA, but no doubt
occurring also in the latter.
Biology. All reared specimens came from larvae of pergid
sawflies; more definite identifications are Perga affinis,
P. dorsalis, Pergagrapta polita, Pterygophorus cinctns,
Lophyrotoma analis and Lophyrotoma sp. The last genus
seems especially favoured by the pale form. It is perhaps
noteworthy that only F. hirta and the related F. coracina
have been recorded from the last 2 genera.
Notes. The above division into pale- and dark forms , based
on leg colour, serves for convenience of description and
recognition, but is to a large extent artificial: occasional
intermediates do occur. However, male terminalia seem
quite uniform and certainly no more variable than in other
species, and females, although varying in colour pattern, do
not cluster into distinct forms. There is a degree of geographic
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
183
separation between the two: the pale form is recorded from
Queensland to Western Australia and represented in the latter
state by some extremely pale specimens; the dark form is
found mainly in Queensland and New South Wales and not
recorded from Victoria or Western Australia. This might be
the result of parasitising different host species or a single
host that feeds on different plants. Leg colour is known to
vary markedly in some other species (see F. aurea above).
There is also the perplexing series of the pale form reared
from Lophyrotoma sp. feeding on the dock Rumex brownii
near Brisbane (see above). Of 18 males and 6 females, all
had well-developed submedian marginals on abdominal
tergite 3, a condition rarely seen elsewhere. It could be that
these represent a distinct, highly specialized species, but
I find it more credible that larval development in a most
unusual milieu is responsible. All in all, then, it seems best
to recognize here just a single, variable species.
The holotype was noted by Malloch (1934) to be in very
poor condition, but I have drawings of the male terminalia
(kindly supplied by the late Dr C. Sabrosky). These,
together with Townsend’s original (1916) description and
Malloch’s (1934) notes leave no doubt that the species is
here correctly identified. The female “type”, however, as
noted by Malloch (1934), is not conspecific (it is, in fact,
a species of Anagonia). Also, the specimens from Roma,
identified by Malloch (1934) as hirta , belong in fact to the
related F. coracina sp. nov. (see below).
Froggattimyia coracina sp. nov.
Types. Holotype male in QM no. T155548; bred from
Pterygophorus analis Costa [ = Lophyrotoma analis\,
H. Tryon, Roma, Qld, 12 Feb. 1915; coll. D.A., Qld no.
576; terminalia in tube 320; condition poor. Paratypes :—
Queensland: 1 male (badly damaged) and 1 female, same
collection data as holotype (but male lacking “Col. No.”);
2 females, Mingela, 21 Apr. 1955, one Norris & IFBC, the
other KRN, T.t. 222; 1 female, 15°18'S 145°00'E, Isabella
Creek, 32 km WNW of Cooktown, 230 m, 23 May 1977,
IFBC and E. D. Edwards.
A very dark species, structurally similar to F. hirta , but
differing as follows:
Male. Head. First flagellomere almost entirely dark.
Parafacial setulae more profuse.
Thorax. Mesoscutum, pleuron and legs, and their hairs and
setulae uniformly dark, except for brownish scutellum and
postalar callus.
Abdomen. Tergites with silvery pollen, but tergite 3 and
tergite 4 with narrow, apical bands and narrow, incomplete
median vittae of brownish pollen.
Terminalia. Holotype with posterointernal setae on the cerci
even more profuse than is usual in hirta ; also, cerci perhaps
of a slightly different shape, but this difficult to determine.
Female. Essentially similar to male, but a slightly paler
ground colour barely visible under pollinosity of postpronotal
lobe; also, apices of femora very narrowly pale.
Distribution. Known only from Queensland.
Biology. The holotype and two others were reared from
sawfly larvae of genus Pterygophorus.
Notes. This might be considered a hypermelanic form of
F. hirta , but the differences are striking and, in abdominal
pattern and colour of female legs, qualitative. The completely
dark pleuron and pleural vestiture, combined with the
profusely setulose parafacial, are immediately diagnostic.
This species includes the specimens reared from
Pterygophorus analis and placed in F. hirta by Malloch
(1934). The species name is from the Latin “coracinus”
meaning raven-like.
Froggattimyia sp. near hirta
I have a single female specimen that resembles hirta in the
pale ground colour of the postpronotal lobe, but differs in
having the parafacial setulose on the dorsal quarter only (as,
e.g., in F. aurea ); also in having tergite 5 entirely pale in
ground colour, tergite 3 with a pair of submedian marginal
setae, and the scutellum with moderately large apical setae.
This seems likely to represent a new species, but further
material, including males, will be required to confirm this.
Specimen examined. Queensland, bred ex sawfly, 8 Jun.
1945. A. R. Brimblecombe (BMNH); CIE collection no.
18168.
Genus Anagonia
Anagonia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891:348. Type species
Anagonia spylosioides Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891
(= Masicera rufifacies Macquart, 1847) by original
designation and monotypy.
Acephana Townsend, 1916:153. Type species Masicera
rubrifrons Macquart, 1847 (= Masicera rufifacies
Macquart, 1847) by original designation.
Opsophana Townsend, 1916:153. Type species Masicera
rufifacies Macquart, 1847, by original designation.
All synonymy by Crosskey, 1966:95.
The diagnosis is given in the foregoing key.
Identification of species of Anagonia
Females of most species are unrecognized or cannot at
present be accurately identified, although a few bear
distinctive attributes that link them to the male. For males,
the variability of most attributes makes it very difficult
to produce a sufficiently accurate, conventional key for
their identification. Some characters, too, need a little
experience; e.g., whether an eye is haired or not, or whether
the tibiae are paler than the femora; and some are often
badly preserved. I have tried to catch any leakage over
such couplets by multiple entries and the key given below
will normally give the correct identification. However,
complete confidence will always require the examination
of the terminalia, which is required in any case for a few
species.The male of A. grisea is unknown and excluded
from this key (see p. 192).
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Key to males of Anagonia
1 Eye profusely haired, or if moderately so, hairiness widely
distributed; ocellar bristles inconspicuous or absent; tibiae often
paler than femora . 2
-Eye hairs absent or very sparse and inconspicuous and/or ocellar
setae well developed. 6
2 Tergite 4 with 1 or more stout discal bristles; intrapostalar bristles
finely differentiated on one or both sides. A. lasiophthalma Malloch
-Tergite 4 without discal bristles; intrapostalar usually not developed. 3
3 Abdominal tergite 3 with submedian pair of marginal bristles finely
developed or absent . 4
-Tergite 3 with submedian marginals well developed . 5
4 Presutural intra-alar bristle very fine or absent on both sides; upper
occiput with mainly dark scales.
-Presutural intra-alar bristle well developed on one, usually both,
sides; upper occiput with mainly pale scales.
5 Terminalia as in Figs 23-26; cerci in lateral view diagonally
truncate at apex and longer than vertical height of syntergo-
sternite 6-8; eye conspicuously hairy in specimens from cooler
climates . A. rufifacies Macquart
-Terminalia as in Figs 30,31; cerci in lateral view almost mammili-
form, with rounded apex, and no longer than vertical height of
syntergosternite 6-8; eye often only moderately haired. A. conformis sp. nov. (in part)
6 Foretarsi with all or most segments conspicuously pale brown . A. tillyardi Malloch
-Foretarsomeres dark brown or black . 7
7 Ocellar bristles strongly developed; legs dark, tibiae concolorous
with femora; tergite 3 with strongly developed pair of submedian
marginal bristles.
-Without this combination of attributes; ocellar bristles at most
weakly developed .
8 Presutural intra-alar bristles usually undifferentiated; intrapostalar
absent; tergite 5 with small discal bristles .
-Presutural intra-alar bristles and intrapostalar bristle clearly
differentiated; tergite 5 without discal bristles .
9 Abdomen in glancing posterior view intensely silver-pollinose with
black spots around hair bases; thorax usually lacking presutural
median vitta; (hindtibia with pdl clearly as long as or longer than
sdd) . A. major Malloch
-Abdomen in posterior view with brownish sublateral patches;
thorax usually with distinct presutural median vitta. 10
10 Abdominal tergite 3 with submedian marginal bristles clearly differ¬
entiated, longer than adjacent bristles. 11
-Tergite 3 with submedian marginals scarcely or not at all differ¬
entiated or extremely short . 16
11 Presutural intra-alar bristle very fine or absent on both sides. 12
-Presutural intra-alar well developed on at least one side. 13
. 8
. 9
A. opaca Malloch
A. zentae sp. nov.
A. perplexa sp. nov. (in part)
.. A. loripes sp. nov. (in part)
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
185
12 Tibiae slightly, but distinctly, paler than femora; usually only 2 post-
ocellar bristles; frons/head width less than 0.2 . A. angustifrons sp. nov. (in part)
-Tibiae dark, concolorous with femora; usually more than 2 post-
ocellar bristles; ratio frons/head width greater than 0.2; . A. similis sp. nov.
13 Hindtibia with Pdl bristle clearly as long as or longer than Sdd . 25
-Hindtibia with Pdl scarcely as long as, or clearly shorter than Sdd . 14
14 Intrapostalar bristle well differentiated on at least one side, usually
both . 15
-Intrapostalar bristle weakly or not at all differentiated. 5
15 Tibiae dark, concolorous with femora; terminalia as in Figs 69-71 . A. lateralis Macquart
-Tibiae at least a little paler than femora; terminalia as in
Figs 47^19; . A. dayi sp. nov. (in part)
16 Presutural intra-alar bristles well developed on at least one side
(usually both) . 17
-Presutural intra-alar bristles very fine or absent on both sides . 30
17 Upper occiput with hairs all or mostly pale. 18
-Upper occiput with hairs all or mostly dark . 21
18 Intrapostalar bristle well differentiated on at least one side . A. commoni sp. nov.
-Intrapostalar bristle at most very weakly differentiated . 19
19 Hindtibia with Pdl clearly longer than Sdd ; tibiae dark, concolorous
with femora; apical ad spine on foretibia often very small or
vestigial. A. anguliventris Malloch (in part)
-Hindtibia with Pdl shorter than Sdd ; tibiae usually at least slightly
paler than femora; ad spine on foretibia normal. 20
20 Tibiae brown, at least slightly paler than femora; eye at least slightly
haired; . A. loripes sp. nov. (in part)
-Tibiae black, concolorous with femora; eye scarcely or not at all
haired . A. norrisi sp. nov. (in part)
21 Foretibia with ad spine more or less vestigial . A. anguliventris Malloch (in part)
-Foretibia with ad spine clearly developed . 22
22 Intrapostalar bristle not differentiated. 23
-Intrapostalar bristle at least weakly differentiated. 28
23 Hindtibia with Pdl bristle clearly longer then Sdd ; (scutellum
usually with apical bristles straight or slightly downcurved, parallel
or divergent). 24
-Hindtibia with Pdl bristle scarcely as long as, or (usually) distinctly
shorter than Sdd ; (apical scutellar bristles upcurved or at least
directed upwards). 25
24 Terminalia as in Figs 35, 36 . A. propinqua sp. nov.
-Terminalia as in Figs 32-34 . A. scutellata Malloch
25 Tibiae usually paler than femora; eye usually at least slightly
haired . A. conformis sp. nov. (in part)
-Tibiae dark, concolorous with femora; eye scarcely or not at all
haired . 26
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
26 Apical scutellar bristles upcurved. 27
-Apical scutellar bristles more or less horizontal; terminalia as in
Figs 61-63. A. latistylus sp. nov.
27 Terminalia as in Figs 66-68 . A. uptoni sp. nov. (in part)
-Terminalia as in Figs 58-60 . A. norrisi sp. nov. (in part)
28 Hindtibia with Pdl bristle clearly longer than Sdd . A. crosskeyi sp. nov.
-Hindtibia with Pdl no longer than Sdd . A. dayi sp. nov. (in part)
29 Upper occiput with mainly pale scales . A. norrisi sp. nov. (in part)
-Upper occiput with mainly dark scales. 30
30 Tibiae at least slightly, but distinctly, paler than femora. 31
-Tibiae dark, concolorous with femora . 32
31 Terminalia as in Figs 64, 65; ratio Frw/Hdw 0.1-0.2. A. angustifrons sp. nov. (in part)
-Terminalia as in Fig. 78; ratio Frw/Hdw 0.2-0.3 . A. perplexa sp. nov. (in part)
32 Intrapostalar bristle small but distinct; terminalia as in Fig. 76. A. teratostylus sp. nov.
-Intrapostalar bristle not differentiated; apical scutellar bristles up-
curved or at least directed upwards. 33
33 Surstylus lacking anteriorly-directed apical hook or spine
(Fig. 78). A. perplexa sp. nov. (in part)
-Surstylus with a minute apically-directed or anteromedially-
directed hook or spine (Figs. 79, 80) . 34
34 Surstylus 1.5 times or less than length of syncercus (Figs 66,
67, 79) . A. uptoni sp. nov. (in part)
-Surstylus 2 or more times as long as syncercus (Figs 56, 57, 77,
80) . 35
35 Posterior margin of surstylus with distinct angle (Figs 66, 67, 77) . A. minor sp. nov.
-Posterior margin of surstylus more evenly rounded (Fig. 80) . A. errator sp. nov.
Anagonia rufifacies species group
The group comprises 3 species, similar in their relatively
large size, tibiae usually somewhat paler than femora, and
eyes usually distinctly (sometimes profusely) haired. Also,
scutellum usually relatively short, with Sbs/Ssa averaging 3.0
or more, apical scutellar setae usually upcurved, and male
terminalia with moderate to large epiphallus.
Anagonia rufifacies (Macquart)
Figs 23-26, 82
Masicera rufifacies Macquart, 1847: 87.
Masicera rubrifrons Macquart, 1847: 85.
Anagonia spylosioides Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891: 349.
Type. Holotype male in BMNH, Tasmania.
Synonymy by Crosskey, 1966:99.
There is considerable variability in the “hairiness” and
colour of males, to such an extent as to throw doubt on the
conspecificity of the extreme variants. However, I see no
need to invoke more than a single species (see “Discussion”
below). I describe below, first, the dark, “hairy” form, which
is very common and to which the type specimen belongs. It
is found typically at higher elevations and in cooler climates.
I then describe the differences in the paler “non-hairy” form,
found mainly in less elevated, drier and warmer climates. I
must stress, though, that although many specimens conform
to one or the other description, intermediates are common,
failing in from one to a few attributes.
Male —dark form. Ground colour of integument largely dark
brown to black, except on scutellum, tibiae, anteriorly on head,
and laterally on abdomen. Bristles and hairs all dark, except
for soft white hairs on occipital and postgular regions of head.
Head. Width 2.5-3.3, mean 3.0 mm, about 5 times as wide
as frons, ratio Frw/Hdw , mean 0.19; ratio Gnw/Eyh 0.3-0.4,
mean 0.35; Ivb/Vb-E 0.9-1.4, mean 1.3. Eye conspicuously
haired. Fronto-orbital plate dark in ground colour; parafacial
similar but often paler along anterior margins, sometimes
completely pale; genae and face mid brown; all with thin
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
187
Figs 23-26. Anagonia rufifacies , male terminalia, (23, 24) lateral, and (25) posterior
views, (26) aedeagus.
silvery or pale golden frosting; postorbital stripe silvery in
lateral view, sometimes apparently discontinued at about mid
height of eye. Scape and pedicel brown, first flagellomere
black, with brown or dark brown arista; aristomeres 2 and
3 with light silvery frosting. Reclinate upper frontal hairs
rather erect, their tips often crossing only slightly or not at
all; the more dorsal members (not to be confused with the
reclinate upper orbitals) often very fine, scarcely or not at
all differentiated from adjacent soft hairs. One or 2 pairs of
reclinate upper orbital bristles in line with reclinate upper
frontal bristles; outer vertical bristles not differentiated;
inner vertical bristles slightly reclinate. Soft hairs of fronto-
orbital plate and vertex profuse, relatively long, and many
with sharply curved tips. Ocellar bristles almost always
undifferentiated; postocellar bristles 2, erect but with fine
proclinate tips. Upper occiput with hairs in the postocular
row relatively long and of roughly uniform length (although
becoming shorter laterally), behind them 1-3 rows of short
dark hairs. Parafacial completely haired, the hairs profuse,
dark, and relatively long.
Thorax. Mesonotal pollen sometimes with purplish tinge;
presutural median dark vitta present, usually not reaching
suture. Fine hairs profuse and relatively long; notopleural
area more or less completely setulose; presutural intra-alar
bristle sometimes rather fine, but almost always present;
postsutural intra-alar bristles normal; intrapostalar bristle
not developed. Scutellum relatively broad at base, Sbs/Ssa
2.7-3.6, mean 3.05, usually brown, with diffusely darkened
strip across base and small paler area at apex; apical setae
usually diverging or parallel, almost always upcurved or,
if straight, directed strongly upwards, fine (at longest, still
conspicuously shorter and finer than preapicals). Pleuron
with ground colour and all bristles and hairs (including
proepistemal hairs) dark brown to black.
Legs. Dark brown, except for tibiae, which are almost
invariably at least a little paler than femora, usually clearly
so (suitable lighting angle may be required). Foretibia with
poorly differentiated row of some 3-6 small ad spines
on basal half; preapical ad bristle quite variable, from
conspicuously shorter and finer than d bristle up to almost
as stout and 0.8 times as long. Midtibia with 1-2 smaller ad
bristles basad of stout subcentral one. Hindtibia with ad comb
bristles close set, relatively long, fine, and regular, except for
2-4 longer ones (1 subcentral and 1 preapical); the subcentral
pd bristle {pdl) placed at apex of a row comprising 1 shorter
hair and several much shorter ones; pdl itself shorter than
distance from its base to that of preapical d bristle, ratio Pdl/
Sdd 0.6-0.9, mean 0.80.
Wing. Membrane grey, sometimes very lightly infuscated
near the wing base, veins brown. Tegula dark brown to black;
basicosta mid brown to dark brown, the two concolorous
or (sometimes) the former rather darker than the latter.
Calypters usually brownish, occasionally paler; hairs at
junction of calypters usually brown, sometimes golden.
Abdomen. Ground colour (sometimes obscurely) paler
laterally on a posterior strip of syntergite 1+2, all of tergite
3, and anterior !4- 3 /4 of tergite 4; pale area on tergite 3
extending about half way to midline in dorsal view, that
on tergite 4 somewhat smaller, both rather more extensive
in ventral view. Viewed posteriorly at a low angle, tergites
strongly silver-grey pollinose, except for incomplete dark
median vittae on tergites 3 and 4, and sometimes tergite
5, large submedian triangles on tergite 3, and dark spots
around bases of major bristles and hairs, tergite 3 with pair
of well-developed submedian marginal bristles; a poorly
differentiated pair often present on syntergite 1+2 also.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Terminalia (Figs 23-26). Principal features are: (a) syntergo-
sternite 6-8 in lateral view longest in the dorsoventral
dimension; (b) surstylus relatively broad, sometimes more or
less parallel-sided, but usually broadest on central third, then
bluntly tapering; also, from about as long as cerci to (usually)
a little shorter and strongly setulose on external surface; (c)
cerci more or less approximated in posterior view, in lateral
view diagonally truncate apically, posteroapical margin
usually slightly concave, apex therefore characteristically
sharp-pointed; epiphallus moderate, smaller than postgonite.
Male —pale form. Essentially resembling the dark form, but
with many (rarely all) of the following attributes.
Head. Gena, face, and parafacial all with pale brown ground
colour, sometimes extending on to anterior parts of fronto
orbits. Reclinate upper frontal bristles more strongly inclinate
and cruciate, clearly differentiated right up to reclinate
fronto orbitals; associated soft hairs shorter and less profuse.
Second postocular row sometimes with a few pale setae,
especially towards centre of head (correlates with hairiness
of eye). Parafacial setulae not noticeably long or profuse.
Eye moderately to sparsely haired.
Thorax. Calypters usually pale, hairs at their junction pale also.
Abdomen. Integument of tergite 3 dark on up to central l A;
that on tergite 4 sometimes a little wider.
Female. Identified here by co-occurrence with males and
general resemblance. Unlike the male, there is no obvious
differentiation into pale- and dark forms. All are generally
similar to the pale form male, except in the following:
Head. Head width 2.2-3.7 mm; frons wider, 0.25-0.30 of
head width. Short hairs of dorsum of head and thorax shorter,
less conspicuous.
Thorax. Scutum with stout grey dusting (or pale golden
in Tasmanian specimens), presutural median vitta faint or
(usually) absent. Pleuron with fine hairs all pale except
on anepisternum and upper anepimeron; rarely (in large
specimens) dark hairs intruding on to upper katepisternum
and anterior anepimeron.
Legs. Foretibia with spines in ad row stouter, conspicuous.
Midtibia with subcentral ad spine long, about as long as
distance between its base and that of the apical spine.
Hindtibia with ad row coarser, the spines less uniform in
length. Wing with basicosta usually pale brown.
Abdomen. Tergites uniformly dark, without lateral pale areas.
Sternite 1 with pale brown hairs.
Terminalia (Fig. 82). Segment 6 much shorter than deep;
Tergite and sternite 6 well developed, the former with
spiracles included within its margin; posterior margin of
sternite 6 sometimes with a very slight median process
bearing a few setulae. Tergite 7 large, extending to about
midline in lateral view, in dorsal view its posterior margin
deeply emarginate; sternite 7 with a distinctive “scoop-like”
shape, its ventral margin sinuous, posteriorly forming a
tapering gutter that ends in a more or less completely closed
pore. Relics of tergite 8, and sternites 8 andlO distinct.
Distribution. Widespread, in all states and climates except
the wet tropics.
Biology. All reared specimens came from larvae of paropsine
chrysomelid beetles: Chrysophtharta bimaculata (Olivier),
C. variicollis (Chapuis), C. agricola (Chapuis), C. amoena
(Clark), C. ?decolorata (Chapuis), Paropsis porosa
Erichson, and Peltoschema rubiginosa (Chapuis). The large
bulk of rearings, however, are from Tasmania, where the
species is a major parasite of C. bimaculata , itself a major
pest of eucalypt forests. On the mainland, and especially in
more arid areas, the principal hosts are unknown.
Notes. The variability of the males can render identifications
of paler specimens somewhat insecure if based on external
morphology alone. The terminalia are, however, immediately
recognizable—in particular, the sharply oblique truncation
of the cerci in lateral view. The shape of the female sternite
7 seems prima facie diagnostic, but females of several
closely related species remain as yet unrecognized. Indeed,
it cannot be excluded that the females described above,
although associated with males in various ways, might
include specimens of A. loripes and A. conformis.
Anagonia loripes sp. nov.
Figs 27-29
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029362, 23 km SSE
of Byrock, NSW, 5 Apr. 1976, DHC (at light); terminalia in
tube 2144. Paratypes (all males).— -New South Wales: 1 with
same data as holotype; Warambul, Royal NP, 12 Dec. 1971,
G. Daniels, MV Lamp (AM). —Australian Capital Territory:
Blundells, Canberra, 20 Feb. 1934, T. G. Campbell; Black
Mtn, light trap, 26 Jan. 1967, IFBC, T.t. 294. —Western
Australia: 18 mi W of Mogumber, 13 Apr. 1968, IFBC &
MSU, T.t. 354; 19miWSWofCamamah, 16Apr. 1968,IFBC
& MSU, T.t. 336; Kalbarri NP, 54 mi N of Northampton, 19
Apr. 1968, IFBC & MSU; 4 specs.: 18°27'S 123°03'E, 10
km ESE of Broome, 20 Aug. 1976, IFBC, T.t. 2110, 2113,
2121, 2122.— Queensland: Lockerbie, 6-10 Jun. 1969, G.
B. Monteith (UQIC).
Male. Very similar to the pale form of A. rufifacies , differing
as follows:
Head. Upper occiput with setae behind postocular row more
frequently, and more extensively pale. Eye very sparsely or
not at all haired.
Abdomen. Tergite 3 with submedian marginal pair of bristles
usually finely developed or absent.
Terminalia (Figs 27-29). Cerci in lateral view usually 3-4
times as long as their greatest breadth, bluntly rounded at
apex, with anterior margin more or less straight, posterior
margin evenly curved; in posterior view separated on about
apical %, rejoining at the apex, which has a series of small
internal teeth; surstyli diagonally truncate, with rounded apex
posteriorly, usually distinctly shorter than cerci; epiphallus
large, comparable in size with postgonite.
Female. Four females taken at light along with males of A.
loripes have very reduced hairing of the eyes, and one has
dark tibiae. Otherwise they show no obvious difference from
females of A. rufifacies.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
189
Figs 27-29. Anagonia Joripes sp. nov., male terminalia, (27) lateral, and (28) posterior views, (29) aedeagus.
Distribution. Most specimens seen came from WA, but ACT,
NSW, and Qld are also represented.
Biology. Specimens of known provenance are all from
light traps.
Notes. Despite the close similarity to A. rufifacies , this is
clearly a good species. The differences in male terminalia
are striking and consistent. Three males from Mt. Garnet,
Queensland, have the apical scutellar setae widely separated
and straight, rather than upcurved, but are otherwise typical
of the species.
The name is taken from the Latin for “bow-legged”,
referring to the posterior view of the cerci.
Anagonia conformis sp. nov.
Figs 30, 31
Types. Holotype male: Stony Creek, Grampians, Vic., 1100
ft. 13 Nov. 1966, IFBC & MSU; terminalia in tube 292; in
ANIC no. 29-029224. Paratypes (all males):— Australian
Capital Territory: Black Mtn, light trap, 28 Jan. 1957 and 16
Mar. 1968, IFBC, T.t. 20 and 396; Black Mtn, 31 Jan. 1967
and 21 Mar. 1969, IFBC, T.t. 372 and 2497; Black Mtn, Nov.
1977, B. Selman, qxP. atomaria , T.t. 2210; Canberra, 15 Jan.
1975, L. R. Fox (no. 53); ex Chrysophtharta variicollis ; T.t.
3114. — New South Wales: Mt Kosciusko 4700 ft, 16 Apr.
Figs 30, 31. Anagonia conformis sp. nov., male terminalia, (30) lateral, and (31) posterior views.
190
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
1949, E. F. Riek; T.t. 54.— Victoria: Little Desert, 1953, F.
E. Wilson, T.t. 307; Little Desert, 13 mi S of Kiata, 6 Nov.
1966, IFBC & MSU (2 specs, one T.t. 288); 26 mi NNE
Orbost, 1300 feet, 6 Nov. 1969, IFBC and MSU (6 specs, T.t.
2431,397,403); 1 spec, data as forholotype; Barneys Creek,
Grampians, 14 Nov. 1966, IFBC & MSU.— South Australia:
17 mi SE of Mt Gambier, 10 Nov. 1966, IFBC and MSU (2
specs, T.t. 290).— Queensland: 1 mi SW of Mt Garnet, 20
Apr. 1969, IFBC and MSU, 2300 ft. (3 specs, T.t. 374, 375,
408); 16°30'S 144°55 , E,Desailly Ck, 10 km NWMt Carbine,
19 May 1981, DHC; Millstream Falls, W of Ravenshoe, 25
Jun. 1971, E. F. Riek. —Northern Territory: Standley Chasm,
43 km SW of Alice Springs, 11 Oct. 1972, MSU (3 specs, T.t.
2129, 2130, 2137); 6.4 km SSW of Victoria River Downs,
24 Jul. 1973, L. P. Kelsey; 16°34'S 135°41'E, 14 km NW
of Cape Crawford, 6 Nov. 1975, MSU, T.t. 464. —Western
Australia: 19 mi W of Watheroo, 15 Apr. 1968, IFBC and
MSU, T.t. 342; Mt Ragged, 31 Oct. 1977, DHC (at light),
T.t. 2227; 34°15'S 116 o 10'E, Manjimup, 19 Mar. 2001, A. D.
Loch, ex Chrysophtharta variicollis larva on Eucalyptus sp,
T.t. 2494; 14°19’S 126°49'E, Carson Escarpment, 15 Aug.
1975, IFBC and MSU, T.t. 461; 14°49'E 126°49'E, Carson
Escarpment, 9-15 Aug. 1975, IFBC and MSU (9 specs, T.t.
452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 2138, 2139, 2142, 2390).
Male. Extremely similar to that of A. rufifacies , with
analogous pale form from lower altitudes and warmer
climates, and dark form from higher, cooler localities;
former with hairing of eye rather less profuse, reclinate upper
frontal hairs less erect, and soft hairs of the fronto-orbits
rather shorter than in A. rufifacies ; both forms with tibiae
sometimes completely dark.
Terminalia (Figs 30, 31). Cerci in lateral view rather short
and stout, 2-3 times as long as greatest breadth, rather
uniformly tapering and digitate, with rounded apex, in
posterior view usually distinctly forcipate, without obvious
apicointernal teeth; surstyli diagonally truncate anteriorly,
from a little longer to a little shorter than cerci; epiphallus
large, as in A. loripes.
Female. Females taken at light along with males of A.
conformis seem identical with those of A. rufifacies.
Distribution. Known only from all mainland states and
territories.
Biology. Two specimens were reared from Paropsis
atomaria and Chrysophtharta variicollis. The rest were all
taken at light.
Notes. As with the previous species, separation from A.
rufifacies is difficult, indeed, not really possible without
examining the terminalia. The name is from the Latin for
“similar”.
Anagonia tillyardi species group
The three, perhaps four, species grouped here are exceedingly
alike; the male terminalia are characteristic for the group but
differ amongst themselves in at most slight details. All have
Pdl conspicuously greater than Sdd (rare in other species)
and epiphallus of moderate size.
Anagonia tillyardi (Malloch) comb. nov.
Figs 32-34, 83
Froggattimyia tillyardi Malloch, 1934:6
Type. Holotype male in ANIC, no. 5886, Blundell’s, ACT.
Male. Moderate to small in size. Generally resembling the
dark form of A. rufifacies , differing as follows:
Head. Width 2.2-3.2, mean 2.7 mm, Frw/Hdw 0.2-0.3, mean
0.19; Gnw/Eyh 0.2-0.3, mean 0.22; Ivb/Vb-E 1.0-1.4, mean
1.2; Frw almost always a little less than Gnw , ratio 0.8-1.0,
mean 0.9. Parafacial pale brown, but with a dark band of
variable extent along the eye margins, and moderately
profuse setulae, short on the dorsal half. Reclinate upper
frontal hairs all well differentiated, inclinate, mostly cruciate;
soft hairs relatively short, straight, or gently inclinate. Eye at
most very sparsely haired, mainly on ventral parts. Ocellar
hairs almost always differentiated, but fine.
Thorax. Median dark vitta highly variable, occasionally
lacking, usually at least partly developed before and/or after
the suture. Presutural dorsocentral bristles with 3 (or 4) on
at least one side in about 40 % of specimens. Intrapostalar
seta almost always present, but extremely fine, barely
differentiated. Scutellum relatively narrower at base, Sbs/Ssa
2.5-3.0; mean 2.74, apicals straight, directed from slightly
upwards to slightly downwards.
Legs. Foretarsus conspicuously pale brown, usually on all
segments, but on segments 1-3 only in occasional specimens
from arid regions. Hind, and to a lesser extent mid, tarsi
usually pale brown on at least segments 4 and 5. Foretibia
with preapical ad spine only a little finer and shorter than
the subapical d spine. Hindtibiawith Pdl seta conspicuously
long, ratio Pdl/Sdd 1.08-1.33, mean 1.22.
Abdomen. Tergite 3 with well-developed pair of submedian
marginal bristles.
Terminalia (Figs 32-34). Characteristic features are (in
lateral view) the gently tapering cerci, digitate surstyli
with minute, socketed setulae on the apical 14 - 2 / 3 , and
(especially) the strongly microtrichiose anteroventral lobe
of the hypandrium. In posterior view, surstyli only partly
obscured by the cerci, their lateral margins usually visible
from base to apex.
Female. Generally similar to the male, differing (as usual in
the genus) in the much stouter, grey dusting of the scutum;
and as follows:
Head. Frons about 0.3 of head width; gena about 0.3 of eye
height; Ivb/Vb-E 1.2-1.7, mean 1.4.
Thorax. Prescutal median vitta of scutum usually lacking,
postscutal present in about 50% of specimens. Proepisternal
setulae almost always pale.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
191
Figs 32-34. Anagonia tillyardi, male terminalia, (32) lateral, and (33) posterior views, (34) aedeagus.
Legs. Foretarsus usually brown, paler than tibia, but
difference much less conspicuous than in male, best seen on
posterior surface, and sometimes barely, if at all, perceptible
(especially in specimens from arid areas); difference rarely
perceptible on mid- and hindtarsi. Tarsal segments often (but
not always!) apparently narrower than usual.
Abdomen. Tergites all dark. Tergite 5 usually with short stout
spiny bristles on disc.
Terminalia (Fig. 83). Telescopic, a little longer than segment
5, intersegmental membranes between segments 6 and 7
and 7and 8 about as long as succeeding segment. Stemite
6 about twice as long as deep, its posterior margin more or
less straight, with usual small median cluster of tiny setulae;
tergite 6 completely divided into 2 hemitergites; both tergite
and sternite very finely sclerotized laterally. Tergite 7 with
narrow parallel-sided hemitergites, rounded apically, slightly
expanded basally; sternite 7 elongate, with apical sclerotized
part scoop-like, tapering, in lateral view slightly sinuous,
with apex curved in a slight but very characteristic, dorsal
direction; basal, finely sclerotized part narrowed, “handle-
like”; both sternite 7 and tergite 7 with tiny curved setulae
on the apical sclerotized part.
Distribution. Widespread, in all states and climates except
for the wet tropics and Tasmania (I have one unconfirmed
report from that state also).
Biology. Taken regularly at light, and reared from a variety
of paropsine Chrysomelidae, including Chrysophtharta
variicollis, C. amoena, C. obovata, Paropsis atomaria,
Chrysolina hyperici , and Peltoschema suturalis (Germar).
Notes. This is certainly the species described as F. tillyardi by
Malloch (1934). However, it remains possible that the very
similar A. scutellata, may be an earlier synonym (see below
under that species). There is also Delta grisea Malloch,
which is not only a typical Anagonia (as recognized by
Crosskey [ 1973]), but seems to have slightly paler foretarsi as
in A. tillyardi. The name grisea may therefore have priority.
However, the holotype of grisea is a female, and colours can
be unreliable and hard to evaluate in such old specimens;
moreover, it has the ocellar bristles quite undifferentiated, a
feature that I have never seen in numerous specimens of A.
tillyardi. I am therefore unwilling to base a synonymy on
the existing evidence.
Anagonia scutellata (Malloch)
Delta scutellata Malloch, 1930:334. Synonymy by Crosskey
(1973:139).
Type. Holotype male in ANIC [formerly in SPHTM],
Mullewa, Western Australia.
Male. Exceedingly similar to A. tillyardi and doubtfully
distinct (see below). Differs mainly in colour of tarsal
segments, which are uniformly dark. No difference observed
in terminalia. However, specimens other than those from
ACT almost all (11/13) with 3 presutural dorsocentral
bristles on at least one side and lacking the pair of submedian
marginal bristles on abdominal tergite 3. Specimens from
ACT rarely (5/20) with 3 presutural dorsocentral bristles
and all with differentiated submedian marginals on tergite 3.
Female. Differs from A. tillyardi in colour and bristle
characters as for the male; but indistinguishable from female
of A. propinqua (see below).
Distribution. Widespread on the Australian mainland. I
have also seen a male, apparently of this species, from Wau
in Papua New Guinea.
Biology. Specimens have been reared from larvae of
the chrysomelids Liliocentris bakewelli (Baly) and
Chrysophtharta m-fuscum (Boheman). The remainder were
taken at light.
Notes. The relatively slight difference from A. tillyardi ,
and especially the complete correspondence in fine detail
of the male terminalia, suggests that A. scutellata cannot
be maintained as a separate species. It could, perhaps,
represent a variant “form”, breeding in an unusual host.
Even more bothersome is the possibility that this might be
true of the ACT specimens, whereas the others, with their
rather distinctive chaetotaxy, may comprise yet another,
different species. It is certainly true that reared specimens
of A. scutellata (one from Queensland, and a long series
from ACT) are from hosts from which A. tillyardi has never
been reared.
Principal Component analysis of head measurements (not
shown) does show a degree of separation of the two species,
but of no diagnostic value. The situation is intriguing, but
the evidence either way inconclusive. Since there exists a
192
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
holotype male for scutellata —and therefore an available
name—it seems best to let the matter rest there for the
present.
Anagonia propinqua sp. nov.
Figs 35, 36
Types. Holotype male in the ANIC no. 29-029366, Black
Mtn, ACT, light trap, 29 Dec. 1964, IFBC; terminalia in tube
109. Paratypes (all males): 3 specimens as for holotype but
27 Dec. 1962,18 Jan. 1965,25 Jan. 1966, T.t. 125,107,167,
respectively; 35°30'S 150°24'E, Bawley Point, NSW, 18
Nov. 98, D. C. F. Rentz, T.t. 2158.— Victoria: 6 mi NW of
Wedderburn, 13 Mar. 1966, MSU & J. A. Grant, T.t. 85; 26
mi NNE Orbost, 1300 feet, 6 Nov. 1969, IFBC, T.t. 405.—
South Australia: Farina, 48 kmNW of Leigh Creek, 17 Sep.
1978, MSU and R. Barrett, T.t. 2237. —Western Australia: 40
mi S of Balladonia, 21 Mar. 1968, IFBC & MSU, T.t. 337;
Cunerdin, 9 Sep. 1986, G Hall, exParopsis larvae, T.t. 2027
(with puparium); Ludlow, 3 Dec. 1985, G. Tribe, ex larvae of
Trachymela tincticollis, T.t. 2152; 1 km NNE of Millstream
HS, 21°35'S 117°04'E, 16 Apr. 1971, MSU & Mitchell, T.t.
423.— Queensland: 2 spec., 7 mi SW of Mt Garnet, 20 Apr.
1969, IFBC & MSU, T.t. 376 and 2221 resp.; Darr River, 31
kmNNWLongreach, 7 Apr. 1976, DHC, T.t. 2116; 15°29'S
145°16'E, Mt Cook NP, 10 May 1981, DHC (at light), T.t.
2242; 38 km S of Cunnamulla, 28 Apr. 1976, DHC (at light),
T.t. 2140. —Northern Territory: 2 spec., Ongeva Ck, 99 km
NE of Alice Springs, DHC, 13 Oct. 1978, T.t. 2200, 2216;
Koongarra, 15 km E of Mt. Cahill, 6-9 Mar. 1973, DHC,
T.t. 2392; Standley Chasm, 43 km SW of Alice Springs, 11
Oct. 1962, MSU, T.t. 2126.
Other specimens examined: 60 males from above localities
and: ACT (Blundells, Mt Ainslie, Bulls Head), NSW
(Mt Kosciusko, Urunga, Coffs Harbour, Wilcannia), Vic.
(Hoppers Crossing), Qld (Cooktown vicinity, Kuranda,
Townsville, Biggenden, Daintree, Yeppoon, Charleville), WA
(Geraldton, Collie, Dryandra, Yanchep, Pingrup, Broome),
NT (Victoria River Downs, Mt Solitaire, Alice Springs
vicinity, Entire Creek).
Exceedingly similar to A. scutellata , differing as follows:
Male. Thorax almost always with 3 presutural dorsocentral
bristles on each side. Intrapostalar often not at all
differentiated.
Abdomen. Tergite 3 with pair of submedian marginal bristles
usually very finely (or not at all) developed.
Terminalia (Figs 35, 36). Differ principally in the antero-
ventral lobe of the hypandrium, which is not microtrichiose
Figs 35, 36. Anagonia propinqua sp. nov., male terminalia, (35)
lateral, and (36) posterior views.
but set with fine parallel ridges; also, surstyli rather longer
and thinner, and (usually) largely concealed in posterior view,
with their apices more obviously turned out and hook-like.
Some Western Australian specimens with surstyli very long
and curved.
Female. Apparently identical to that of A. scutellata.
Distribution. Widespread on the Australian mainland,
including the wet tropics, but not known from Tasmania.
Biology. Reared from a wide variety of chrysomelid larvae,
especially paropsines, including Chrysophtharta agricola,
C. variicollis, C. flaveola (Chapuis), C. amoena, Paropsis
aegrota (Boisduval), P. atomaria, Trachymela tincticollis
(Blackburn), Phyllocharis cyanipes (F.), and Chalcomela
sp. Surprisingly, I have also seen two separate rearings from
the curculionid Bryachus squamicollis Pascoe. I am aware
of only one other species reared from both Curculionidae
and Chrysomelidae (see A. major , below).
Notes. Despite the close similarity to A. scutellata , I have
no doubt that this is a good species. The Western Australian
specimens with very long and narrow surstyli are rather
distinctive and might represent yet another new species, but
the evidence is too equivocal for any action here. The name
comes from the Latin for “near”.
Anagonia grisea (Malloch)
Delta grisea Malloch, 1930:333.
Type. Holotype female in ANIC, Mullewa, Western
Australia.
As discussed above, grisea is very likely a senior synonym
of one of the three foregoing members of the tillyardi group;
but, the holotype being a female, I am unable to say which.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
193
Anagonia anguliventris species group
Includes at least two species, distinguished from others
most dramatically by the gross overdevelopment of the
female abdominal tergite 5, which is produced anteriorly
and posteriorly to appear diamond-shaped in dorsal view,
while the ovipositor is extremely long, much longer than
in members of any other group. Also, in both sexes, gena
relatively wide, Pdl seta on hindtibia extremely long; male
with subapical ad spine on foretibia small, sometimes
hardly differentiated, and scutellum relatively stout, Sbs/
Ssa averaging about 3.2; male terminalia with epiphallus
small to very small.
Considering the close similarity of the females, the males
are extraordinarily different from each other, to such an
extent that association with the females is difficult to accept.
However, on available evidence, I see no alternative.
Anagonia anguliventris (Malloch)
Figs 37-39
Froggattimyia anguliventris Malloch, 1932:273. Synonymy
by Crosskey (1973:138).
Type. Holotype female inUSNM, Mt Stromlo, 8 Mar. 1932,
Australian Capital Territory.
Male. A relatively large, dark species, generally resembling
the dark form of A. rufifacies but differing as follows:
Head. Width 3.3-3.9, mean 3.60 mm; Frw/Hdw 0.2-0.2,
mean 0.21; Gnw/Eyh 0.4-0.5, mean 0.42; Ivb/Vb-E 0.8-1.2,
mean 0.93; the difference in width of frons and gena impart a
distinctive shape to the head. Eye very sparsely or not at all
haired. Reclinate upper frontal hairs strongly inclinate, the
upper pairs cruciate. Soft hairs of fronto orbits not markedly
long or profuse. Parafacial hairs short, strongly curved,
profuse. Postocellar setae usually 2, but up to 7 sometimes
present. Upper occipital hairs variable, with from very few
to many dark hairs behind the postocular row.
Thorax. Presutural median dark vitta usually well developed,
reaching to, or almost to suture; pollinosity of scutellum and
adjacent mesoscutum usually with brownish tinge. Scutellum
relatively broad at base ( Sbs/Ssa 2.6-4.3, mean 3.17, the
highest for the group); apical setae highly variable in shape
and strength, sometimes not differentiated.
Legs. Tibiae almost always concolorous with femora,
but rarely a little paler, approaching the condition in A.
rufifacies (see “Notes” below). Hindtibia with pdl bristle
conspicuously long ( Pdl/Sdd 0.9-1.4, meanl. 15). Foretibia
with preapical ad bristle extremely fine, vestigial or not at
all differentiated.
Wing. Tegula dark brown, basicosta brown, usually paler at
centre or margin.
Abdomen. Very dark, paler areas on tergites 3 and 4 not at
all conspicuous. Tergite 3 with submedian pair of marginal
bristles usually not differentiated (rarely distinct in specimens
from WA).
Terminalia (Figs 37-39). Remarkably small for so large
a species (Fig. 37 is drawn to the same scale as Fig. 40).
Surstyli about as long as cerci, both rather digitate, tapering
to blunt, rounded apices; epiphallus small.
Female. Relatively large, head width 3.3-3.7 mm, mean 3.6
mm; gena (as in male) relatively broad, Gnw/Eyh 0.4-0.5,
mean 0.43. As usual, paler than the male, with grey-dusted
scutum lacking the presutural median vitta; but with the same
characteristic setation of hindtibiae and abdomen; preapical
ad bristle of foretibia rather larger, but still noticeably small.
Abdominal tergite 5 lozenge-shaped, remarkably produced
both anteriorly and posteriorly; shape rather variable, but
length usually 1.3-1.7 times breadth.
Terminalia (see Cantrell, 1988:119). Segments greatly
elongated, forming a long tubular ovipositor, about 3 times
as long as tergite 5; tergite 6 largely membranous, lightly
sclerotized apically; tergite 7 consisting of little more than
a pair of narrow, lightly sclerotized hemitergites, sternite
7 more strongly sclerotized at apex, latter rounded, rather
“scoop-like”. Intersegmental membranes supported by a
narrow but conspicuous, median sclerotized strip.
Distribution. Most specimens are from southern states (NSW,
ACT, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia). I have
one aberrant specimen (see above) from North Queensland,
but the species seems to be at least rare in the tropics.
Biology. In the Canberra region, the species has been reared
almost entirely from Par op sis atomaria, but a few from
Chrysophtharta variicollis as well; whereas the few specimens
from Western Australia were reared from Paropsisterna
sp. (“ amoena ”—sic) and one from Trachymela tincticollis.
Identified males have also been taken frequently in light traps.
Fig. 37-39. Anagonia anguliventris , male terminalia, (37) lateral, and (38) posterior views, (39) aedeagus.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 40-43. Anagonia major , male terminalia, (40, 41) lateral, and (42) posterior, (43) aedeagus.
Notes. This is certainly the species described by Malloch.
I have not seen the holotype but Dr Norm Woodley has
checked the crucial features for me. Also in the ANIC, there
are 2 males and 2 females reared from the same batch as
the holotype. Moreover, A. major , which has an extremely
similar female, has never appeared in extensive rearings
from Paropsis atomaria , the species from which the holotype
was reared.
Despite the normally dark tibiae, I have seen several
males with terminalia as described above, but with the
tibiae paler than the femora; two, in particular, have the
foretibia conspicuously pale and the metatarsus likewise.
Two females are available, presumably of this species or
the next, with aberrant setation: one with a stout pair of
submedian marginals on tergite 3 and distinct intrapostalars,
the other with very stout intrapostalars and tergite 5 more
grossly enlarged than usual. Perhaps some of these represent
distinct species; but granted the wild variability of tachinids
in general, I am more inclined to regard them as simple
developmental or genetic variants.
The association of the sexes is based on a large series
of co-reared specimens from various dates and localities
around Canberra.
Anagonia major (Malloch)
Figs 40^13
Delta major Malloch, 1930:334. Synonymy by Crosskey
(1973:138).
Type. Holotype male in ANIC, Eccleston, Allyn River, NSW.
Male. Structurally rather similar to A. anguliventris but
rather smaller and paler; differing as follows:
Head. Paler, fronto-orbital plate brown in ground colour,
parafacial and gena pale brown, with stout silver dust.
Hdw 2.6-3.2 mm, mean 2.94 mm; gena a little narrower on
average, but still broader than in other species, Gnw/Eyh
0.2-0.3, mean 0.25. Reclinate upper frontal bristles usually
stouter, less strongly cruciate, the upper pairs often reclinate.
Postocellar setae usually 2; parafacial setulae usually fine and
sparse; upper occiput rarely with at most a few dark hairs
behind the postocular row.
Thorax. Strongly silver pollinose on mesoscutum and
scutellum; presutural median vitta absent. Apical scutellar
bristles relatively long, straight, and parallel. Proepistemal
hairs sometimes pale, especially in specimens from the
tropics.
Legs. Foretibia with apical ad bristle rarely vestigial, usually
small but clearly differentiated, about 0.3-0.5 times length
of adjacent d bristle.
Wing. Tegula brown to pale brown; basicosta pale yellowish
brown.
Abdomen. Strongly silver pollinose, in posterior glancing
view little or no dark area visible, presenting an almost
uniform silver-grey field with strongly contrasting dark spots
around seta bases.
Terminalia (Figs 40^43). Surstylus typically blade-like, more
or less quadrilateral, with apex somewhat diagonally truncate
(occasionally rather more elongate than those figured);
cercus a little longer than surstylus, strongly tapering to a
rounded apex. Shape of syntergosternite 6-8 characteristic,
elongate and curving ventrad (a feature often visible in dried
specimens). Epiphallus tiny, c. 0.2 of length of postgonite;
pregonite lightly bristled. S5 usually with spiny bristles.
Female. No reliable differences have been found from
females of A. anguliventris. The A. major specimens are,
perhaps, somewhat paler on average, and some have a few
pale brown hairs on the pleura; but I have found nothing of
diagnostic value.
Distribution. From all states and territories except Tasmania.
Unlike the preceding and very similar species, it is common
in the tropics.
Biology. Commonly taken in light traps. In Western Aust¬
ralia, reared from Trachymela tincticollis and Paropsisterna
picta; also, and most unusually, from a curculionid,
Gonipterus sp. (the latter a single specimen only, but from
a reliable source).
Notes. The sexes were associated on the basis of a small but
convincing series co-reared from Perth. It is extraordinary
that two species (this and anguliventris) can be so similar—
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
195
indeed, virtually indistinguishable as females—while
differing so markedly in their male terminalia.
Malloch’s allotype is an Anagonia, but not major. I cannot
identify it further.
Head. Width 2.6-3.4 mm, mean 2.97 mm. Frons rather
narrow, Frw/Hdw 0.2-0.3, mean 0.20. Gena rather wide,
Gnw/Eyh 0.2-0.3, mean 0.26. Ivb/Vb-E 0.9-1.1, mean 1.1.
Eye strongly and conspicuously haired. Postocellar setae 2-8,
almost always more than 2, usually 4 or more.
Anagonia lasiophthalma species group
Includes 4 species grouped principally by the remarkable
development of stemite 7 of the female terminalia, as a sharp-
pointed, highly sclerotized, downcurved “piercer”. This
device is no doubt adapted in some way to the host, which
(for 3 species at least) is the larva of a curculionid beetle
(Gonipterus and Oxyops spp). In all butyl, zentae the tibiae
are usually paler than the femora and the foretibia has the
subapical ad bristle differentiated but small; also, in all 4, the
apical scutellar bristles, although variable in some species,
are usually upcurved and, in all but A. lasiophthalma, Pdl
on hindtibia is (on average) very short. In all but A dayi the
scutellum is rather narrow basally, ratio Sbs/Ssa averaging
about 2.2-2.5, but the difference is scarcely diagnostic. In the
male terminalia, all butyl, zentae have the cerci with a rather
larger set of intemoapical teeth than is usual. The species
are, however, otherwise remarkably disparate, and one
cannot exclude the possibility of convergent development
of the piercer. A very similar structure occurs elsewhere in
Tachinidae; e.g., the Nearctic genera, Phorocera , subgenus
Pseudotachinomyia (Wood, 1972), and Celatoria and
Eucelatoriaf Wood, 1985).
Anagonia lasiophthalma (Malloch)
Figs 44^16, 84
Froggattimyia lasiophthalma Malloch, 1934:6. Synonymy
by Crosskey (1973:138)
Type. Holotype female in ANIC, no. 5887, Canberra,
Australian Capital Territory.
Thorax. Median dark vitta well developed, extending
postsuturally more than half way to scutellum. Presutural
intra-alar bristle usually fine or absent on at least one side.
Intrapostalars often finely differentiated on at least one side.
Apical scutellars curved or directed upward and relatively
stout. Scutellum distinctly narrow basally, ratio Sbs/Ssa
2.2-2.6, mean 2.40.
Legs. Tibiae all pale brown. Foretibia with preapical ad
bristle distinct but usually very small, c. 0.2 length of d
counterpart. Hindtibia with pdl moderately long, ratio Pdl/
Sdd 0.8-1.1, mean 0.97.
Wing. Basicosta and tegula various shades of brown,
sometimes concolorous, but tegula usually distinctly paler.
Abdomen. Tergite 3 with pair of stout submedian marginal
bristles, a finer, finer pair often on syntergite 1+2 also. Also,
tergite 4 and sometimes tergite 3 with 2 or more strongly
differentiated bristles on disc.
Terminalia (Figs 44-46). Cerci with very distinctive, stout
posterobasal lobes and conspicuous apical medial teeth; the
lobes commonly visible in the dried specimen. Also, surstyli
strongly pigmented and densely pilose on their inner surfaces.
Female. Differing from the male in the usual sexual
characters, and as follows:
Head. Width 3.6—4.0 mm, mean 3.72 mm. Frw/Hdw mean
0.2 Postgular and sometimes subcranial setae pale.
Thorax. Median dark vitta poorly developed, presutural
portion usually lacking. Presutural intra-alar bristle well
developed. Intrapostalar bristles usually distinct. Pleuron
with soft hairs mostly pale on all but anepisternum (more
obviously so than in A. rufifacies ).
Wing. Tegula and basicosta both pale brown.
Male. Generally resembling the pale form of A. rufifacies Legs. Femora and tibiae concolorous, pale to mid-brown,
in colour and chaetotaxy, differing principally as follows: Hindtibia with pdl rather shorter, ratio Pdl/Sdd 0.6-0.8,
Figs 44-46. Anagonia lasiophthalma , male terminalia, (44) lateral, and (45) posterior views
(dense pile on medial surface not shown), (46) aedeagus.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
mean 0.76.
Abdomen. Stemite 1 with pale brown hairs.
Terminalia (Fig. 84). Tergite 6 more or less entire, slightly
emarginate posteriorly; Stemite 6 in lateral view about as
long as high, with stout, posteroventrally projecting, scoop¬
like, median boss, lined apically with several fine setae;
tergite 7 completely divided, with 2 more or less crescent¬
shaped basal portions, the apical 2 A represented by 2 narrow,
parallel hemitergites; sternite 7 forming a conspicuous,
sharp-pointed, thornlike “piercer”, curved anteroventrally,
emarginate basally with a group of tiny setae on each angle;
dorsal membrane of tergite 7, above the piercer and enclosing
the hemitergites, with a conspicuous area of tiny dark tooth¬
like spicules; these also extend posteriorly on to what is
presumably the membranous tergite 8. More posterior parts
so lightly sclerotized as to be hardly recognizable. In dried
specimens, and presumably in life, the piercer is clearly
visible, with its apex resting in the hollow of the median
boss of sternite 6.
Distribution. Known from cooler climates in most southern
states (NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, and southern Western
Australia), and no doubt occurring in South Australia also. It
is one of only three Anagonia species known from Tasmania.
Biology. Regularly taken in light traps; but a number were
also reared from leaf-eating larvae of curculionid beetles
—principally Gonipterus scutellatus (Gyllenhal), but one
from Oxyopsfasciatus Boisd. Two anomalous rearings—one
from a “sawfly larva” and one from the chrysomel id Paropsis
atomaria — are from reputable sources, but erroneous
labelling cannot be excluded.
Notes. Malloclrs holotype and paratype, which seem to have
been co-reared, both lack the usual, well differentiated discal
bristles on abdominal tergite 4, and the submedian marginal
pair on tergite 3 is very finely developed. This is a very rare
variant in other material. There is no doubt, however, that
they are conspecific with the material described above.
The development of the extraordinary piercer seems
correlated with that of the median boss on sternite 6, in
that one can envisage the former arising from extreme
enlargement of a sclerite resembling the latter. It might also
be noted that the shape of sternite 6 is highly reminiscent of
that of sternite 7 in A. rufifacies.
Anagonia dayi sp. nov.
Figs 47—49, 85
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029226, Black Mtn,
ACT, light trap, 8 Jan. 1965, IFBC. Terminalia in tube 129.
Paratypes (all males)— Australian Capital Territory: 5 specs,
as for holotype, but 17 Feb. 1957, T.t. 30; 6-7 Feb. 1966 T.t.
199; 26 Jan. 1967; 14Feb. 1967; and2Apr. 1968; BlackMtn
Peninsula, Canberra, 30 Jan. 1980, H. E. Evans, T.t. 388;
Canberra, 13 May 1959, M. F. Day, ex larvae of Gonipterus
scutellaris [sic], T.t. 97. —New South Wales: Bald RockNP,
24 Nov. 1980, G. Daniels, M. A. Schneider, prey of asilid,
T.t. 2186 (UQIC).— Queensland: Eidsvold, May-Jun. 1923,
Bancroft, T.t. 31. —South Australia: 67 mi E of Ceduna, 3
May 1968, IFBC & MSU, T.t. Ill—Western Australia: 3
specs. 25 W Coolgardie, 27 Oct. 1958, E. F. Riek, T.t. 36,53,
317; 17 mi SE of Coolgardie, 28 Apr. 1968, IFBC & MSU;
35 mi SSW of Norseman, 32°38'S 121°29'E, 17 Nov. 1969,
Key & MSU, T.t. 382.
Male. Specimens from the arid region in the general vicinity
of the Nullarbor Plain differ somewhat from the remainder
and are described separately below, as the western form.
Otherwise, generally resembling the pale form of A. rufifacies
in colour and chaetotaxy, differing principally as follows:
Head. Width 2.9-3.6 mm, mean 3.28 mm; Frw/Hdw 0.2-0.3,
mean 0.25; Ivb/Vb-E 1.1-1.4, mean 1.15. Eye bare; reclinate
upper orbital bristles discontinued well before level of ocelli
(specimens from ACT only); dorsal 'A of occiput with at
most a few scattered dark setae behind the postocular row;
ocellar setae fine or (usually) absent; postocellar bristles 3-6.
Thorax. Median dark vitta usually present before and after
suture; presutural intra-alar bristles and intrapostalar bristle
sometimes fine, occasionally absent on one or (rarely) both
sides; apical scutellar bristles more or less horizontal, usually
slightly cruciate.
Legs. Tibiae pale to mid-brown, contrasting with femora.
Hindtibia with Pdl small, Pdl/Sdd 0.6-0.9, mean 0.76.
Wing. Tegula concolorous with basicosta or (usually) the
former a little darker.
Abdomen. Syntergite 1+2 and tergite 3 without differentiated
submedian bristles; stemite 1 with pale brown hairs.
Figs 47-49. Anagonia dayi sp. nov., male terminalia, (47) lateral, and (48) posterior views, (49) aedeagus.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
197
Terminalia (Figs 47-49). Surstylus strongly pigmented,
with very characteristic shape, expanded on apical % with
anteriorly directed sharp tip; with profuse long hairs on both
internal and external surfaces and, especially, along posterior
margin. Cerci slim, curved in posterior direction, with fairly
prominent apical internal teeth.
Male —western form. Differs from the normal form as
follows: postocellar setae almost always 2 in number; dorsal
'/3 of occiput with 2 or more rows of black setae behind the
postocular row; apical scutellar setae usually upcurved;
scutum often with median dark vitta fine or absent; abdomen
usually with a pair of differentiated submedian bristles on
tergite 3; stemite 1 with dark setae.
Female. The specimens described below are believed to
be conspecific with the males, on the basis of a reared
pair with identical labelling and presumably from a single
batch. Apart from the usual sexual characters, differing
from the male in (usually) having a finely developed pair
of submedian marginal setae on abdominal tergite 3; also,
rather inconspicuous pale hairs on proepisternum and
katepisternum, posteroventrally on the anepimeron, and
ventrally in the stigmatal area.
Terminalia (Fig. 85). Very similar to those of A. lasioph-
thalma , differing as follows: tergite 6 completely or almost
completely divided into roughly triangular hemitergites;
sternite 6 with stout triangular median boss posteriorly, but
less strongly developed; membrane of tergite 7 with very
fine, inconspicuous spicules, but those on tergite 8 coarse,
thom-like.
Distribution. The few known specimens have, remarkably,
been recorded from all mainland states. The species is
presumably to be found wherever there are larvae of
eucalypt-defoliating curculionids.
Biology. Taken in light traps and one pair reared from larvae
of the curculionid Gonipterus scutellatus.
Notes. The species is named for my colleague Max Day,
whose many contributions to entomology include the timely
lodgement of a reared pair of this species. The correlation of
the sexes, as so often the case in this genus, would otherwise
remain obscure.
Anagonia commoni sp. nov.
Figs 50, 51, 86
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029223, Black Mtn,
ACT, light trap, 17 Mar. 1958, IFBC, terminalia in tube 141.
Paratypes\ 11 males, as for holotype but 21 Jan. 1955, T.t.
142; 26 Jan. 1955, T.t. 161; 26 Feb. 1955, T.t. 49; 14 Jan.
1957, T.t. 50; 7 Jan. 1964, T.t. 123; 21 Jun. 1965, T.t. 2180; 16
Feb. 1965, T.t. 130; 3 Feb. 1967; 31 Dec. 1967; 16 Jan. 1968;
22 Apr. 1968. —-New South Wales: Talmalmo, nr Albury, Feb.
1962, Slaney, T.t. 291, ex weevil larva.— Western Australia:
19 mi W ofWatheroo, 15 Apr. 1968, IFBC &MSU, T.t. 322.
Male. Generally resembling the pale form of A. rufifacies ,
differing as follows:
Head. Eye with very sparse hairing or (usually) none;
postocellar setae 2-4; upper occiput with few or (usually)
no dark hairs behind the postocular row.
Thorax. Median dark vitta usually well developed, before
and behind suture. Intrapostalars clearly differentiated, often
stouter than usual in congeners; proepisternal hairs pale.
Legs. Foretibia with preapical ad usually 0.5-0.6 length
of adjacent d bristle. Tibiae usually paler than femora, but
difference not very striking. Hindtibia with shortest Pdl in
the whole group: Pdl/Sdd 0.5-0.7, mean 0.62.
Abdomen. Syntergite 1+2 with 2-4 differentiated submedian
marginals; tergite 3 with submedian marginals at most
slightly differentiated.
Terminalia (Figs 50, 51). Surstyli characteristically
expanded, leaf-like, with rounded apex and many short, stout
bristles on both surfaces; cerci very characteristically curved
in anterior direction and with substantial apicointernal teeth.
Female. Recognized on the basis of a single specimen
apparently co-reared with the above male from Talmalmo.
Differs from male in usual sexual characters.
Terminalia (Fig. 86). Tergite 6 as in A. dayi; sternite 6 with
straight posterior margin, no median projection; tergite 7
with apical parallel pieces rather fine, completely separated
from the strongly sclerotized basal pieces; sternite 7 more
Figs 50, 51 .Anagonia commoni sp. nov., male terminalia, (50) lateral, and (51) posterior views.
198
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
finely developed than in two preceding species, relatively
broad and not so strongly downcurved; membrane of tergites
7 and 8 finely spiculate, individual spicules resolved only
with high power, but segments 6-7 with intersegmental
membrane coarsely and conspicuously spiculate.
Distribution. Qld, NSW, ACT, and WA, and no doubt occurs
in Vic. and SA as well.
Biology. As for the previous species, a single co-reared pair
from a weevil larva (presumably Gonipterus scutellatus)
has enabled correlation of the sexes. Other specimens were
taken at light.
Notes. The species is named for my colleague, the late Dr
Ian Common, whose light traps contributed so much of the
material studied here.
Anagonia zentae sp. nov.
Figs 52, 53, 87
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029370, Black Mtn,
ACT, light trap, 25 Feb. 1966, IFBC; terminalia in tube 88.
Paratypes:—Australian Capital Territory: 26 males, all as
for holotype but: 23 Mar. 1960, T.t. 134; 18 Feb. 1961, T.t.
89; 31 Dec. 1961, T.t. 90; 25 Feb. 1965, T.t. 196; 6 Jan. 1965,
3 specs., T.t. 151, 168, 164; 11 Jan. 1965, T.t. 103; 22 Jan.
1965, T.t. 188; 14 Jan. 1966, T.t. 155; 3 Feb. 1966; 21 Mar.
1966, T.t. 132; 20 Dec. 1966; 2 specs., 6 Jan. 1967; 2 specs., 9
Jan. 1967; 13 Jan. 1967; 16 Jan. 1967; 2 specs., 20 Jan. 1967;
14 Feb. 1967; 27 Feb. 1967; 28 Feb. 1967; 6 Mar. 1967; 4
Jan. 1968, T.t. 297; 2 specs., 7 Jan. 1968; also 1 male each:
Black Mtn, Jan. 1968, M. E. Irwin, Malaise trap.— Western
Australia: 60 W Coolgardie, 29 Oct. 1958, E. F. Riek, T.t.
185; Millstream, 23 Oct. 1970, DHC, T.t. 432 .—Northern
Territory: Roe Ck, 12 mi SW Alice Springs, 23-28 Sep.
1972, E. F. Matthews, T.t. 429.— South Australia: Sleaford
Bay, Oct. 1959, J. Casanova.
Other specimens: 57 putative females from various localities.
A small to medium sized species, with very dark integument
and major bristles exceptionally strongly developed.
Male. Head. Width 1.8-2.4, mean 2.12 mm. Eye quite
strongly haired in specimens from ACT but very sparsely
so in those from other areas. Gena narrow, ratio Gnw/Eyh
0.2-0.3, mean 0.27 (the lowest for the group); parafacial also
narrow, reflected in ratio Ivb/Vb-E 1.5—1.9, mean 1.75 (the
highest for the group). Fronto-orbital plate and parafacial
with very dark brown integument and silvery frosting.
Ocellar bristles strongly developed. Reclinate upper frontal
bristles stout and usually continuous with 2 stout reclinate
orbital bristles. Upper occiput with 1-2 rows of black setae
behind the postocular row, becoming 3-4 rows laterally,
the pale occipital setae off-white and rather inconspicuous.
Thorax. Presutural median dark vitta variable. Presutural
intra-alar bristle well developed on both sides. Intrapostalar
seta well developed. Scutellum (as usual) with paler
integument, but with a large dark patch on about the basal
third; rather narrow basally, ratio Sbs/Ssa 2.2-2.9, mean 2.34
(the lowest for the group). Apical scutellar setae upcurved.
Wing. Tegula and basicosta both dark brown. Lower calypter
grey-brown on about basal half.
Legs. All dark. Foretibia with preapical ad spine stout, about
half as long as adjacent d spine. Hindtibia with ad comb
coarse, of sparse, spiny setae; Pdl very short, ratio Pdl/
Sdd 0.5-1.0, mean 0.75in posterior direction (often visible
in dried specimens).
Terminalia (Figs 52, 53). Surstylus with slender stem and
expanded, leaf-like apical half, with short, spiny setae and a
sharp, anteriorly directed tip; cercus characteristically slender
and curved in posterior direction (often visible in dried
specimens); postgonite remarkable, almost teratological in
appearance, difficult to resolve (or illustrate) but apparently
rather “twisted” and spoon-like, with a stout flange on
external surface.
Figs 52-55. Male terminalia. Anagonia zentae sp. nov., (52) lateral, and (53) posterior views. Anagonia opaca Malloch (54) lateral view,
and (55) aedeagus.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
199
Female. A long series of specimens closely resemble the
male in provenance, chaetotaxy and colouration differing
significantly as follows: eye with very sparse hairing or none
at all; integument of head paler, mid-brown. Proepisternal
hairs pale. Lower calypter uniformly creamy in colour.
Basicosta pale brown, lighter than tegula.
Terminalia (Fig. 87). Tergite 6 completely divided; sternite
6 with a median triangular process but scarcely protruding
ventrally. Tergite 7 with apical hemitergites very narrow and
fine but joined to their basal sections, associated membrane
finely spiculate; sternite 7 strongly curved and sclerotized,
its base scarcely emarginate. Dorsal membrane of tergite
8(?) with coarse black denticles, much more conspicuous
than in 2 preceding species.
Distribution. Recorded from all mainland states but
Queensland, where it no doubt occurs as well.
Biology. Nothing known except that the species comes
readily to light. However, the structure of the female
terminalia suggests strongly that, like other members of
the group, A. zentae also parasitizes larvae of leaf-eating
curculionids.
Notes. I am fairly convinced of the above association of the
sexes, based on their close similarity in many attributes and
co-occurrence in light traps in Canberra. It is curious that
practically all males are from Canberra, while some 30% of
females came from areas of very arid semidesert. However,
the latter were all taken in early spring, when males may not
yet have been active.
The relationship to other members of the group seems
beyond doubt, in view of the close similarity in the
remarkable female terminalia. Likewise, in the male the
shapes of the surstylus and cercus clearly resemble those
of A. dayi. However, in many other features, e.g., the male
ocellar bristles and postgonite, A. zentae is remarkably unlike
most other members of the group.
The species name commemorates my friend and
colleague—and tireless collector—the late Zenta Rosalia
Liepa.
Anagonia opaca species group
Distinguished mainly by the male terminalia: syntergo-
sternite 6-8 very short and declivitous and cercus clearly
differentiated into a basal, usually lobate part and an apical,
more or less digitate part, the whole structure distinctly
shorter than the surstylus; the latter usually curved or bent
in an anterior direction. Also, presutural intra-alar seta
commonly lacking on at least one side and intrapostalars
lacking. Diagnosis of some species depends very much on
genitalic characters.
Anagonia opaca (Malloch)
Figs 54, 55, 88
Delta opaca Malloch, 1930:334.
Type. Holotype female in ANIC, Sydney, NSW.
A small, very dark, strongly bristled species; not especially
resembling any other, but attributes not mentioned below are
more or less as in the pale form of A. rufifacies.
Male. Head. Width 1.7-2.4, mean 1.88 mm; gena rather
narrow, Gnw/Eyh mean 0.30; Ivb/Vb-E 1.3-1.8, mean 1.56.
Eye bare. Ground colour of fronto-orbital plate and parafacial
dark brown, almost black, of gena dark brown, all with stout
silvery dust. Reclinate upper frontal bristles widely spaced,
above ptilinum 4-5 in number on at least 1 side (other species
with 5-10, usually 6 or more), very stout, rather erect but
apically cruciate. Upper occiput with mainly black hairs,
forming 1 complete row behind postocular row, plus several
partial rows of scattered hairs. Ocellar bristles very stout,
divergent, comparable in size to adjacent reclinate upper
orbital bristles; 2-3 postocellar bristles, usually 2.
Thorax. Median dark vitta stout. Presutural intra-alar bristle
almost always undifferentiated; usually 2+4 dorsocentral
bristles; no intrapostalar bristle. Scutellum typically with
broad basal wedge of dark colour and paler border; apical
scutellar setae usually parallel, variable in strength but
commonly rather fine.
Wings. Calypters usually pale, upper one sometimes
grey-brown brown to black; tegula dark brown, basicosta
somewhat paler.
Legs. Dark. Foretibia with preapical ad spine 0.5-0.8 length of
adjacent d spine. Hindtibia with very coarse, sparse ad comb;
pdl usually noticeably short, Pdl/Sdd 0.7-1.0, mean 0.88.
Abdomen. Very dark, pale lateral areas often restricted to tergite
3, extending at most anteriorly on to tergite 4; submedian
marginal pair of bristles strongly developed on tergite 3 (rarely
a fine pair on syntergite 1 +2); dorsum of tergite 4 often with 1
or 2 stout discal bristles (or an anteriorly displaced marginal);
bristles on tergite 5 conspicuously long and stout.
Terminalia (Figs 54, 55). Surstylus in lateral view pointed,
with very characteristic anteriorly curved, sickle-like shape;
cercus much shorter than surstylus; basal lobe relatively
long but not very prominent, with many microtrichiae
scattered amongst the setulae, about as long as apical part
and separated from it by a distinct area of membrane; apical
part digitate, frequently exserted as in Fig. 54. Epiphallus
scarcely developed, at most a very slight prominence.
200
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Female. Association based on co-collection, plus stout
resemblance in chaetotaxy (I cannot however exclude the
possible inclusion of a few specimens of some very similar
species, e.g., A. minor). Differs from male in usual sexual
characters, including paler integument, stouter silvery pollen,
and median vitta of thorax usually missing. Also, reclinate
upper frontal bristles above ptilinum often only 2 or 3 in
number; tegula brown, basicosta pale brown.
Terminalia (Fig. 88). Tergite 6 deeply emarginate apically or
completely divided; sternite 6 with small but distinct setulose
median projection. Tergite 7 finely sclerotized, hemitergites
more or less parallel-sided, not expanded basally; sternite 6
finely sclerotized on basal half, apical half broad in ventral
view, only a little longer than wide, rounded apically; in
lateral view scoop-like, with a slight but characteristic
ventral deflexion.
Distribution. I have specimens from all mainland states, but
none from the wet tropics.
Figs 56, 57. Anagonia minor sp. nov., male terminalia, (56) lateral,
and (57) posterior views.
Biology. All material was netted or taken at light. Nothing is
known of the host, which is presumably a rarely investigated Springs in the Northern Territory were matched, surprisingly,
beetle. by one from central Queensland.
Notes. A very distinctive species, especially in the male with
its strongly developed ocellar bristles. The female holotype
is old and fragile and I forbear to dissect its terminalia.
However, I have no doubt about the identity of this species,
and the association of the sexes.
Biology. The NT specimens were taken at light.
Notes. The specific identity is guaranteed by the extra¬
ordinary terminalia, but there is little else to assist in
identification. The name refers to the most unusual surstylus.
Anagonia teratostylus sp. nov.
Fig. 76
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029368, Mt Solitaire,
30 km WNW of Alice Springs, NT, 29 Sep. 1978, MSU
and R. A. Barrett, terminalia in tube 2500. Paratypes (all
males):— Northern Territory: 32 km WNW of Alice Springs,
8 Oct. 1978, DHC, at light, T.t. 2230; 2 males, Entire Ck,
155 km ENE of Alice Springs, 13 Oct. 1978, DHC, T.t.
2249, 2615.— Queensland: Moura, F. D. Page & L. Rigby,
T.t. 2614.
A small dark species. Only the male is known, practically
identical to A. opaca in size, colouration and parameters of
head shape, but rather less bristly and differing otherwise
as follows:
Head. Eye moderately to sparsely haired; ocellar setae well
developed, but not as stout as in opaca. Hindtibia with Pdl
long, ratio Pdl/Sdd 1.0-1.1, mean 1.08. Abdomen without
differentiated submedian marginal bristles on tergite 3.
Terminalia (Fig. 76). Syntergosternite 6-8 very narrow, its
posterior margin steeply declivitous, almost vertical, its
surface with extensive areas of very fine setulae. In lateral
view surstylus of most unusual shape, broad and foliate on
basal 2 A, with a deep subapical notch on anterior edge setting
off a more or less thumb-like apical part. Cercus with basal
lobe only slightly protruding, about as large as apical part,
both with extensive areas of profuse, minute, fine setulae.
Epiphallus well developed, tapering. Lobes of S5 with small,
stout denticles instead of the usual setae.
Distribution. The few specimens from the vicinity of Alice
Anagonia minor sp. nov.
Figs 56, 57, 77
Types. Holotype male in ANIC, no. 29-029363, Black Mtn,
ACT, light trap, 27 Jan. 1965, IFBC, terminalia in tube 87.
Paratypes (all males):— Australian Capital Territory: 17
specs, as for holotype, but: 20 Dec. 1957, T.t. 195; 4 Jan.
1965, T.t. 198; 5 Jan. 1965, T.t. 187; 7 Jan. 1965, T.t. 199; 15
Jan. 1965, T.t. 119; 22 Jan. 1965, T.t. 117; 9 Dec. 1965, T.t.
170; 16 Dec. 1965 (2 specs.), T.t. 138 and 144; 17 Dec. 1965,
T.t. 154; 22 Dec. 1965, T.t. 137p; 5 Jan. 1966 (2 specs.), T.t.
143 and 152; 17 Jan. 1966, T.t. 167; 18 Jan. 1966, T.t. 153;
20 Jan. 1966, T.t. 160; 26 Jan. 1966, T.t. 329.— Queensland:
15°14'S 145°07'E, 7 kmN of Hopevale Mission, 4 Oct. 1980,
DHC (at light), T.t. 2162; 15°02'S 145°16'E, Mt Cook NP,
10 May 1981, DHC, (at light), T.t. 2231.
A small very dark species, integument and vestiture mainly
dark brown to black.
Male. Head. Width 1.6-2.1, mean 1.87 mm. Eye very in¬
conspicuously haired, mainly on ventral parts. Integument
of head very dark, almost black in ground colour, with
stout silvery frosting. First flagellomere appearing rather
shorter than usual (but I cannot find a convincing ratio to
support this). Frons rather narrower than usual, Frw/Hdw
0.20; gena relatively narrow, Gnw/Eyh 0.30. Margins of
face strongly diverging, parafacial therefore rather narrow,
Ivb/Vb-E 1.4-1.7, mean 1.54. Fine hairs of vertex and front
of head relatively long and profuse. Ocellar setae very
finely developed; postocellar setae 2-5, usually 3 or more.
Upper occiput with at least 1 row of black setulae behind
postorbital setae.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
201
Thorax. Integument dark, median vitta stout. Dorsocentral
bristles 2+4; presutural intra-alar absent on at least one side,
usually both; intrapostalar absent. Scutellum with c. basal
half blackish, remainder dark brown; apical setae highly
variable in shape.
Wing. Tegula brown to dark brown. Upper calypter dark on
internal margin, remainder grey-brown on about basal 2 / 3 ,
apical portion pale.
Legs. Foretibia with apical d spine unusually large in some
specimens, 2.0-2.5 times as long as ad spine. Hindtibia with
pdl usually shorter than apical d, ratio Pdl/Sdd 0.8-1.2,
mean 0.96; ad comb rather distinctive, sparse but longer
than usual in such small specimens.
Abdomen. Syntergite 1+2 sometimes with a pair of
submedian marginals; those ontergite 3 usually differentiated
but quite fine.
Terminalia (Figs 56, 57, 77). Strongly sclerotized, dark,
especially sclerites of phallus. Structurally similar to A.
perplexa (below), syntergosternite 6-8 similarly short and
precipitate posteriorly. Curvature of surstyli rather angulate
(not well brought out in the figure), its base expanded
posteriorly in a fairly characteristic fashion. Cerci not
exserted and short, apex falling at or somewhat short of
bend of surstylus; basal lobe very conspicuous, separated
from apical part by a distinct notch; apical part a little shorter
than basal part, with a subapical patch of setulae. Epiphallus
developed but very faintly sclerotized and seen only with
careful microscopy (not at all in some specimens apparently
because overlain by very dark postgonites).
Female. Not recognized; perhaps very similar to the A.
opaca female.
Distribution. Most material taken in the ACT; two
specimens from northern Queensland are available.
Biology. Nothing known except that the species enters
light traps. Despite the many males taken in light traps in
Canberra, I am unable to recognize the female.
Notes. Very similar in some respects to members of the
perplexa complex (below) especially in the male terminalia,
but very different in size and colour. Very similar externally
to A. opaca , but males immediately recognizable by the
finely developed ocellar bristles, and by the terminalia.
The distinctively high Ivb/Vb-E reflects little more than
overall size.
Anagonia norrisi sp. nov.
Figs 58-60
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029364, Black
Mtn, ACT, light trap, 6 Feb. 1967, IFBC (terminalia in
situ, exserted). Paratypes (all males):— Australian Capital
Territory: 18 specs, as for holotype, but 8 Feb. 1955, tenninalia
in tube 146; 16 Feb. 1955, T.t. 145; 13 Jan. 1960, T.t. 126; 15
Jan. 1964, T.t. 124; 10 Feb. 1964, T.t. 118; 7 Jan. 1965, T.t.
131; 5 Feb. 1965,T.t. lll;5Jan. 1966,T.t. 158;20Jan. 1966,
T.t. 150; 4 Jan. 1967 (2 specs.); 5 Jan. 1967; 18 Jan. 1967;
25 Jan. 1967; 31 Jan. 1967; 9 Feb. 1967 (2 specs.); 10 Feb.
1967. Canberra, 25 Jan. 1957, P. B. Came, T.t. 2118, emerged
from larva of Gonipterus sp.; Black Mtn Peninsula, Canberra,
30 Jan. 1970, H. E. Evans, T.t. 393.— New South Wales: nr.
Queanbeyan, 10 Feb. 1955, S. J. Paramonov, T.t. 35.— Western
Australia: Fitzroy Crossing, 19 Jul. 1968, P. Ferrar, T.t. 380.
A large, rather pale species, practically identical to A.
perplexa sp. nov. (see below), but differing as follows:
Head. Occiput with mainly pale “scales”, usually at least a
few in the first row of setae behind the postocular row.
Thorax. Median vitta sometimes absent. Presutural intra-alar
seta absent on at least one side in about 50% of specimens.
Terminalia (Figs 58-60). In lateral view syntergosternite
6-8 relatively long, gently sloping; surstylus falcate, with
hooked tip; cercus with basal lobe not prominent, about as
long as the remainder.
Distribution. Of specimens seen, all but one came from
Canberra; the other (and quite typical) was from Western
Australia.
Figs 58-60. Anagonia norrisi sp. nov., male terminalia, (58) lateral, and (59) posterior views, (60) aedeagus.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 61-63. Anagonia latistylus sp. nov., male terminalia, (61) lateral, and (62) posterior views, (63) aedeagus.
Biology. Most specimens were taken at light, but one was
reared from larvae of the weevil Gonipterus scutellatus.
Notes. Despite the strong external resemblance to several
other species, the terminalia are quite different and the
species is obviously a good one. It is dedicated to my
colleague, friend, and noted dipterist, the late Dr K. R. Norris.
Anagonia latistylus sp. nov.
Figs 61-63
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029361, 1 km NE
of Millstream, WA, 21°35'S 17°04'E, 6 Nov. 1970, MSU &
Feehan; terminalia in tube 2123. Paratypes (all males):—
Western Australia: 4 specs. Millstream, 23 Oct. 1970, DHC,
T.t. 430, 431, 2117, and 2125; 3 specs, as for holotype, but
1 Nov. 1970, T.t. 434, 435, and 436.— Australian Capital
Territory: Black Mtn, light trap, 23 Jan. 1962, IFBC, T.t. 114;
the same, but 15 Jan. 1965, T.t. 63, and 19 Dec. 1967, T.t. 296.
Generally resembling others in the group; more distinctive
features as follows:
Male. Head. Width 2.3-3.0, mean 2.70 mm. Frons relatively
narrow, FrW/HdW mean 0.18; Ivb/Vb-E 1.0-1.4, mean
1.17. Eye almost or entirely bare. Parafacial and much of
fronto-orbital plate pale in ground colour; the former rather
sparsely haired. Ocellar setae usually barely differentiated
but occasionally moderate; postocellar setae 2. Upper occiput
with 1-2 rows of black setulae behind postocular row.
Thorax. Median vitta usually well developed. Presutural
intra-alar lacking on at least one side, usually on both.
Legs. Tibiae dark, concolorous with femora. Hindtibia with
pdl short, ratio Pdl/Sdd 0.6-0.9, mean 0.83. Hindtibial ad
comb distinctly sparse.
Abdomen. Rather noticeably pale, syntergite 1+2, tergite 3,
and tergite 4 pale on lateral third. Syntergite 1+2 and tergite
3 with submedian marginal bristles not differentiated.
Terminalia (Figs 61-63). Surstylus greatly expanded, but still
pointed and angled in the fashion typical of the group. Cercus
structurally resembling that of A. opaca; basal lobe small,
separated from apical part by an extensive membranous
region about as long as the apical part itself; the latter thumb¬
like, with a central patch of setulae.
Female. Not recognized.
Distribution. ACT and northern Western Australia.
Biology. All specimens were taken at light.
Notes. The name refers to the species only really conspicuous
feature, the greatly expanded surstylus. In other ways it is
a quite typical member of the group. Despite its enigmatic
distribution the type series is quite homogeneous and clearly
represents a good species.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
203
Anagoniaperplexa complex
I am for convenience grouping here a set of 5 species from
the opaca group that are exceedingly similar, especially in
their male terminalia. The latter exhibit good and stable
differences, but they involve obscure features of the cercus,
mostly requiring high magnification. There are also more
gross differences in colour; but these are sometimes difficult
to discern and to describe.
Anagonia perplexa sp. nov.
Fig. 78
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029365, 12 mi W of
Pemberton, WA, 31 Mar. 1968, IFBC & MSU, terminalia
in tube 346. Paratypes (all males):— Western Australia: 2
specs, as for holotype, but T.t. 319 and 345; as for holotype,
but 5 Apr. 1968, T.t. 333; 15 mi SE of Donnybrook, 29 Mar.
1968, T.t. 343; 2 specs. 5 miNofNannup, 1 Apr. 1968, IFBC
& MSU, T.t. 318 and 349.
A relatively large and pale species, but with body hairs all
dark.
Male. Head. Width 3.0-3.2, mean 3.12 mm. Frons rather
broad, FrW/HdW mean 0.25; Ivb/Vb-E 1.0-1.2, mean
1.06. Eye sparsely to moderately haired. Fronto-orbital
plate with rather profuse long fine hairs. Ground colour of
parafacial mainly mid- to (rarely) dark-brown, pale-brown
along anterior margin; gena pale brown. Ocellar setae rather
variable, from finely to moderately developed, but always
distinct; postocellar setae 2 or (rarely) 3. Upper occiput with
a complete row of black setae behind the postocular row and
some scattered black setae behind those.
Thorax. Median vitta strongly developed. Presutural intra-
alar extremely fine or not developed on at least one side,
often on both. Intrapostalars lacking. Scutellum brown with
narrow dark basal band; apical scutellars well developed but
highly variable in shape.
Legs. Tibiae paler brown than femora, often conspicuously
so. Hind tibia with Pdl usually a little shorter than Sdd, ratio
0.7-1.0, mean 0.87.
Abdomen. Colour unremarkable, as in, for instance, A.
rufifacies (pale form). Submedian apical bristles on tergite
3 barely or not at all differentiated.
Terminalia (Fig. 78). Structurally, rather like a magnified
version of A. minor (above). Cercus with prominent basal
lobe, separated from apical part by a distinct “notch”, with
usual small stout bristles and a patch of fine microtrichiae
on the margin adjacent to the notch; apical part curved,
thumb-like, a little shorter than basal part, its apex about at
the bend of the surstylus, with stout fine setulae over most
of its posterior surface and a band of microtrichiae along
the lateral surface, extending into the basal part. Surstylus
rather abruptly angled, apical part narrowed. Epiphallus well
developed, with pointed or rounded apex.
Female. Not known with sufficient certainty. Two specimens
captured along with males at light may belong here, but the
evidence is not compelling.
Distribution. All specimens came from localities in
southwestern Western Australia.
Biology. Nothing known except that adults come to light.
Notes. The species is distinguished from others in the
complex by the fine details of the shape and vestiture of the
cercus. Its name is self-explanatory [I am not sure whether
this would pass muster with the new rules],
Anagonia angustifrons sp. nov.
Figs 64, 65
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029222, 26 mi NNE
of Orbost, Vic., 1300 feet, 6 Nov. 1969, IFBC, terminalia
mounted on card. Paratypes (all males):— Australian Capital
Territory: Cotter River, 18 Nov. 1954, Z. Liepa, T.t. 106;
Lee’s Springs, 24 Feb. 1959, Z. Liepa, T.t. 466; Black Mtn,
light trap, 20 Nov. 1959, IFBC, T.t. 121; the same, but 15 Oct.
1965, T.t. 136; as for holotype, but terminalia not dissected.
Extremely similar to A. perplexa , differing as follows:
Male. Head. Width 2.5-3.6, mean 2.87 mm. Frons narrow,
Frw/Hdw 0.1-0.2, mean 0.16. Ivb/Vb-E 1.1-1.4, mean 1.16.
Ocellar setae usually very finely developed. Some specimens
with more dark hairs on the upper occiput.
Abdomen. Some specimens with submedian marginals on
tergite 3 well developed.
Terminalia (Figs 64, 65). Cercus with basal lobe less
prominent, longer, posterior margin drawn out into a blunt-
pointed sublobe that covers the base of the apical part,
without the fringe of microtrichiae, but with a patch of same
at the dorsal half of its base. Apical part relatively longer and
narrower (digitate rather than thumb-like), with a subapical
patch of setulae.
Female. Not recognized.
Distribution. ACT and Victoria and presumably more
widespread in southeastern Australia.
Biology. Nothing is known except that adults come to light.
Notes. The name refers to the very narrow frons, relatively
the narrowest in the entire group.
Figs 64, 65. Anagonia angustifrons sp. nov., male terminalia, (64)
lateral, and (65) posterior views.
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Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 66-68. Anagonia uptoni sp. nov., male terminalia, (66) lateral, and (67) posterior views, (68) aedeagus.
Anagonia uptoni sp. nov.
Figs 66-68
Types. Holotype male inANIC no. 29-029369, 18 mi W of
Mogumber, WA, 13 Apr. 1968, IFBC & MSU; terminalia
in tube 325. Paratypes (all males):— Western Australia:
Wyndham, 4 Jan. 1930, T. G. Campbell, T.t. 72; 21 mi W of
Kojunup, 21 Mar. 1968, IFBC & MSU, T.t. 359; 5 km SE
ofMillstreamHS, 21°37'S 117°06’E, 17 Apr. 1971, IFBC &
MSU, T.t. 2203; 14°49'S 128°49'E, Carson Escarpment, 9-15
Aug. 1975, IFBC & MSU, T.t. 459. —Australian Capital
Territory: BlackMtn, light trap, 11 Jan. 1958, IFBC, T.t. 127.
Very similar to A. perplexa , but rather smaller and differing
as follows:
Male. Head. Width 1.8-2.6, mean 2.16 mm. Ivb-VbE
1.2-1.4, mean 1.30. Eye sparsely, finely or not at all haired.
Ocellar setae sometimes not developed. Parafacial with
ground colour very pale in tropical specimens, but only along
anterior margin in those from southern areas.
Thorax. Apical scutellars directed upwards.
Legs. Tibiae concolorous with femora. Hindtibia with pdl
usually short, Pdl/Sdd 0.4-1.0, mean 0.77.
Terminalia (Figs 66-68, 79). Cercus with basal lobe
prominent, rounded, separated by a relatively large,
membranous “notch” from apical part, with a patch of fine
microtrichiae on ventral part of base; apical part straight,
almost rod-like, about 1.5-2.0 times as long as basal part,
with stout preapical tuft of spiny setulae and several scattered
along the shaft, apex lying at about the bend of surstylus.
Surstylus bent at about % its length from base (about U in
other species).
Female. Not recognized.
Distribution. Most of the few specimens known are from
Western Australia, but there is also one from ACT.
Biology. All that is known is that adults come to light.
Notes. Apart from the expected difference in ratio Ivb/b-E,
due to overall size difference, A. uptoni differs from the other
relatively small species,^, minor , in Ivb independent of size.
It is noticeable that specimens from the north of Western
Australia are distinctly paler than those from the south.
Named for my colleague Murray Upton, whose passion
for Lepidoptera never precluded collection of many
interesting Diptera.
Anagonia errator sp. nov.
Fig. 80
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029360, Illungnarra
waterhole, 90 km SSW of Urandangi, NT, 15 Oct. 1978, DHC
(at light), terminalia displayed in situ. Paratypes (all males):—
Northern Territory: 2 specs, as for holotype, T.t. 2498 and
2215; 22 Ian WSW of Borroloola, 2 Nov. 1975, MSU, T.t.
465; Caranbirini waterhole, 33 km SW of Borroloola, 21 Apr.
1976, DHC, T.t. 2205. —Australian Capital Territory: Black
Mtn, light trap, 17 Jan. 1962, IFBC, T.t. 140; the same, but 9
Jan. 1964, T.t. 147. —Western Australia: Mt Claremont, Perth,
10 Apr. 1968, IFBC & MSU, T.t. 344; 16°08'S 136°06'E.
Male. Externally, practically identical to A. uptoni , differing
mainly in the terminalia. Also, rather larger, HdW 2.2-2.9,
mean 2.61 mm; Ivb/Vb-E 1.1-1.2, mean 1.16.
Terminalia (Fig. 80). Rather similar to A. perplexa , but (in
lateral view) cercus with basal lobe rather less prominent,
with a (usually) small patch of microtrichiae centrally at base,
and separated from apical part by a distinct “notch”. Apical
part a little shorter than basal part, its apex at about the bend
of the surstylus, curved and “thumb-like”, with subapical
patch (rather than tuft) of setulae covering about U its length,
rest of posterior surface with numerous microtrichiae.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
205
Distribution. Specimens seen from Northern Territory,
Western Australia and the ACT.
Biology. Most specimens were taken at light, but one was
reared from larvae of the weevil, Gonipterus scutellatus.
Notes. Despite the stout similarity to A. uptoni , the fine
detail of the terminalia leaves no doubt that this is a good
species. The name refers to the remarkably wide geographic
distribution of the few specimens seen.
Anagonia similis sp. nov.
Fig. 81
Types. Holotype male in ANIC no. 29-029367, Illungnarra
waterhole, 90 km SSW of Urandangi, NT, 15 Oct. 1978,
DHC (at light), terminalia in tube 2224. Paratype male:—
New South Wales: Dubbo, 24 Jan. 1909, T.t. 2187 (pinned
above an adult weevil, probably Gonipterus sp).
Very similar to A. errator and A. uptoni , but differing as
follows:
Male. Head. Width 3.0-3.1, mean 3.05 mm. Ivb/Vb-E
1.2-1.3, mean 1.24. Postocellar setae 5-6.
Terminalia (Fig. 81). Structurally resembling A. uptoni ,
with apical part of cercus similarly rod-like, but basal lobe
of cercus longer and narrower, almost as long as apical part,
and much less prominent.
Female. Not known.
Distribution. Qld and NSW.
Biology. The association of one specimen with an adult
weevil is suggestive, but inconclusive.
Notes. Although rather like a “large” form of A. uptoni , the
differences seem more than enough to recognize this as a
basic taxon and presumably a good species; the basal lobe
of the cercus is especially distinctive. Also, the Ivb/Vb-E
ratio is remarkably high for such large specimens and the
postocellar setae are distinctive (although that might be spoilt
by discovery of further specimens!).
The paratype, associated with an adult specimen of
weevil, suggests that this may be the host. However, the
evidence is very indirect, since the actual host would have
no doubt been a larva.
Ungrouped species
The remaining species display no attributes that could be
convincingly used for groupings. There are resemblances
among the female terminalia, but until species can be
accurately identified as females there is little point in
pursuing that aspect.
Anagonia lateralis (Macquart)
Figs 69-71, 89
Masicera lateralis Macquart, 1846:291.
Type. Lectotype male in BMNH (Crosskey, 1971:274); type
locality: Australia.
A very dark species of small to moderate size. Differs
significantly from the pale form of A. rufifacies as follows:
Male. Head. Width 2.0-2.5, mean 2.20 mm. Frons relatively
narrow, Frw/Hdw mean 0.20; gena likewise narrow, Gnw/
Eyh 0.3-0.4, mean 0.31. Ivb-Vb/Vb-E 1.1-1.5, mean 1.32.
Eye with at most very sparse hairs. Reclinate upper frontal
bristles more or less contiguous with reclinate upper orbital
bristles. Upper occiput with black setae behind the postocular
row highly variable, from a few scattered setae (usual) to a
complete row.
Thorax. Prescutal median dark vitta variable. Presutural intra-
alar seta rarely fine or absent. Intrapostalar bristle usually
strongly developed (but occasionally lacking). Proepistemal
hairs usually dark, rarely pale or mixed. Scutellum usually
largely pale, with dark band on basal 10-30% (occasionally
wider); apical setae upcurved or upward directed.
Wing. Tegula very dark brown, basicosta brown. Lower
calypter grey-brown on basal half.
Legs. All dark. Foretibia with preapical ad spine stout, at
least 0.5 of length of adjacent d spine, often almost as long.
Hindtibia with ad comb noticeably sparse and coarse; pdl
fairly long, Pdl/Sdd 0.8-1.2, mean 0.97.
Terminalia (Figs 69-71). Surstylus in lateral view narrow-
digitate, sparsely setulose on about basal %; cerci each with
broad basal portion and strongly tapered apical portion, the
latter widely separated basally, strongly incurved apically to
produce a forcipate appearance in posterior view. Epiphallus
about as broad as long, rounded; pregonite rather stout and
curved, with spiny bristles; acrophallus unusual, membrane
spiculate on “heel” as usual, but also in area of the “toe”.
The characteristic, forcipate cerci are normally visible in
dried specimens.
Female. Association with the male is reliably based on
co-rearing, plus general resemblance in chaetotaxy. Other
females were identified by characteristic terminalia.
Resembles male in all but usual sexual characters, but head
with at most a few scattered dark setae behind the postorbital
row, often none at all; proepistemal setae always pale.
Terminalia (Fig. 89). Tergites 6 and 7 and sternites 6 and
7 large, strongly developed, almost completely enclosing
the segments; intersegmental membrane with fine pale pile.
Tergite 6 entire, with small apical medial notch; sternite 6
206
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 69-71. Anagonia lateralis, male terminalia, (69) lateral, and (70) posterior views, (71) aedeagus.
saddle-shaped, with profuse tiny spiny bristles on apical
quarter. Tergite 7 almost completely divided, but hemitergites
large, quadrilateral, each linked to sternite 7 by a small basal
sclerotized strip; sternite 7 also saddle-shaped, with scattered,
short spiny bristles, becoming dense and microscopic along
posterior margin. Dried specimens may be identified by the
collapsed sclerites, which form a protruding, shiny, almost
semicircular keel.
Distribution. Recorded from all mainland states except
Victoria, where it no doubt occurs also. The species seems
especially prevalent in the more arid inland areas.
Biology. Specimens were reared from larvae of the genus
Calomeles (Chrysomelidae), an unidentified species
feeding on Acacia sp. near Braidwood, NSW and (perhaps
significantly), C. satelles in Perth, WA. Anagonia lateralis
is abundant at light in arid areas, presumably parasitising
chrysomelid larvae that feed on desert acacias.
Notes. I have checked Crosskey’s lectotype, which has the
characteristic terminalia described above. I am moreover
fairly convinced that the association of the sexes is correct.
The species does, however, display a remarkable degree of
variability in, for instance, the colour of the upper occipital
bristles and the length of pdl of the hindtibia. It is also
unusual in that both sexes can normally be identified as dried
specimens by virtue of the large characteristic terminalia.
Anagonia crosskeyi sp. nov.
Figs 72-74
Types. Holotype male inANIC, no. 29-029225,16 mi W of
Ouyen, Vic., 15 Mar. 1966, MSU and J. A. Grant, terminalia
in tube 190. Paratypes — Victoria: 1 male, same data as
holotype, T.t. 102.— Western Australia: 1 male, 1 miWNW
of Balladonia Motel, 3 Nov. 1969, Key & MSU, T.t. 384.
Generally similar to A. rufifacies (pale form), but all hairs
and bristles dark (except as usual on occiput); differing also
as follows:
Male. Head. Width very variable, 3.8 mm in 1 specimen,
2.5 mm in 2 others. Frons rather wide, Frw/Hdw 0.2-0.3;
gena also rather wide, Gnw/Eyh 0.3-0.4. Ivb/Vb-E normal for
size, 1.1-1.2 (means omitted, as 3 specimens very different
in size). Eye practically bare. Fronto-orbits dark in ground
colour, parafacial somewhat variable. Ocellar setae not
differentiated; postocellar setae 2-4.
Figs 72-74. Anagonia crosskeyi sp. nov., male terminalia. (72) Lateral, and (73) posterior views, (74) aedeagus.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
207
Figs 75-78. Lateral views of Froggattimyia-Anagonia male terminalia. (75) Froggattimyia macdonaldi sp. nov., (76) Anagonia teratostylus
sp. nov., (77) A. minor sp. nov., and (78) A. perplexa sp. nov.
Thorax. Median vitta poorly differentiated. Presutural intra-
alar bristles well developed. Intrapostalar well differentiated.
Scutellum brown with variable degree of darkening at base;
apical setae very variable, from fine to unusually stout.
Calypter pale except along extreme medial margin.
Legs. Tibiae concolorous with femora. Foretibia with
preapical ad spine about 0.5 times as long as adjacent d
spine, which is rather smaller than usual. Hindtibia with
pdl long, Pdl/Sdd 1.1-1.4; ad comb variable, from profuse
to quite sparse.
Abdomen. Submedian marginal bristles lacking on syntergite
1+2, barely or not at all differentiated on tergite 3.
Terminalia (Figs 72-74). Appendages noticeably small
208
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 79-81. Anagonia male terminalia, lateral views. (79)
Anagonia uptoni sp. nov., (80) A. errator sp. nov., and (81)
A. similis sp. nov.
compared with syntergosternite 6-8. Surstylus paddle¬
shaped, bluntly tapering, with short, wiry bristles. Cercus
with greatly expanded basal section with normal hairs
and profuse microtrichiae, tapering to a shorter apical
section, which is curved, sharp-pointed and claw-like, with
conspicuous apicointernal teeth over much of its length.
Epiphallus well developed with rounded apex.
Female. Unknown.
Distribution. Seen only from Victoria and Western Australia.
Biology. All specimens were taken at light.
Notes. Despite the few specimens seen, the extraordinary
terminalia guarantee specific status. One specimen from
Western Australia is 1.5 times as large as the other two from
Victoria, but, again, the terminalia leave no doubt that they
are conspecific.
The name commemorates my friend and colleague, Dr
Roger Crosskey, whose magisterial pioneering studies made
this study possible.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
209
Figs 82-86. Anagonia female terminalia, lateral views. (82) Anagonia rufifacies, (83) A. tillyardi, (84) A. lasiophthalma, (85) A. dayi sp.
nov., and (86) A. commoni sp. nov.
210
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Vol. 64
Figs 87-89. Anagonia female terminalia, lateral views. (87) Anagonia zentae sp. nov.,
(88) A. opaca, and (89) A. lateralis.
Colless: Froggattimyia-Anagonia tachinid flies
211
Acknowledgments. My thanks are due to the colleagues, far too
many to name individually, who in their various ways provided or
otherwise gave access to the material on which this study is based.
I must, however, acknowledge the professional help provided by
Roger Crosskey, the late Curtis Sabrosky, and Monty Wood; Chris
Reid for help with details of host chrysomelids; and Anne Hastings,
Chris Manchester, and the late Dr S. P. Kim for much assistance
with the figures. I am also indebted to the Division of Entomology,
CSIRO, which provided me with the necessary resources, in field
and laboratory, as an officer and later as a Senior Research Fellow.
[This work was received for consideration, as a publication in
Records of the Australian Museum, in March 2011. During that year,
Don worked with the Editor to address comments and suggestions
raised by the two reviewers Monty Wood and Bryan Cantrell.
Sadly, a few weeks after Don heard that his work was accepted
for publication in January 2012, he passed away and was unable to
set eyes on the final proofs. A visit to Sydney (AM) and Canberra
(ANIC) by Monty and Grace Wood in October 2012 provided an
opportunity for the proofs to be carefully checked by some of Don’s
expert colleagues. For this I am sure Don would have been most
grateful.—Editor, November 2012]
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North and Central America and the West Indies. Memoirs of the
Entomological Society of Canada No. 132, pp. 130.
Yeates, D. K., A. Seago, L. Nelson, S. L. Cameron, L. Joseph,
and J. W. H. Trueman, 2010. Integrative taxonomy or iterative
taxonomy. Systematic Biology 36:209-217.
Manuscript submitted 30 March 2011. Reviewed by B. Cantrell and M.
Wood. Proofs checked by M. Wood and the Editor.
Records of the Australian Museum (2012) Volume 64. ISSN 0067-1975
CONTENTS
Volume 64 Numbers 1-3 2012
Amorim, Dalton de Souza (see under Oliveira). 149
Batley, Michael, and Terry F. Houston. 2012. Revision of the Australian bee genus Trichocolletes
Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Colletidae: Paracolletini). Pp. 1-50 . 1
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1589
Colless, Donald H. 2012. The Froggattimyia-Anagonia genus group (Diptera: Tachinidae). Pp.
167-211 . 167
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1590
Houston, Terry F. (see under Batley) . 1
Hughes, L. E. 2012. New and little-known Podoceridae (Peracarida: Amphipoda) of southern
Australia. Pp. 71-120 . 71
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1588
Korneyev, Valery A. 2012. A new genus and species of the subfamily Tachiniscinae (Diptera,
Tephritidae) from Australia. Pp. 159-166 . 159
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1593
McAlpine, David K. 2012. Notes and descriptions of Australian Helosciomyzidae or comb-winged
flies (Diptera: Schizophora). Pp. 51-70. 51
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1582
McAlpine, David K. 2012. Signal flies of the genus Duomyia (Diptera: Platystomatidae) in the
Northern Territory, Australia. Pp. 121-148 . 121
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1587
Oliveira, Sarah Siqueira, and Dalton de Souza Amorim. 2012. Two new species of Stenophragma
Skuse from Western Australia (Diptera, Mycetophilidae, Sciophilinae). Pp. 149-158 . 149
http://dx.doi.Org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.64.2012.1591
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