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The taxonomy of a newly recorded genus of parasitoid fly from Taiwan, Admontia quwi sp. nov. is described. Diagnostic characteristics and variations of the male post abdomen are illustrated. A key to the eight Oriental species of Admontia is provided. www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4B148B4B-A132-4B85-8BFE-A6FB1129EE98 .

Tachinid flies are well known as being parasitoids of arthropods, mostly insects. Because of this, there is great economic interest in the biological control of pests using tachinids. Host ...

Twenty-three new species of the genus Calolydella Townsend, 1927 (Diptera: Tachinidae) are described, all reared from multiple species of wild-caught caterpillars across a wide variety of families (Lepidoptera: Crambidae; Erebidae; Geometridae; Hesperiidae; Lycaenidae; Nymphalidae; Pieridae; Riodinidae; and Sphingidae). All caterpillars were collected within Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), in northwestern Costa Rica. This study provides a concise description of each new species using morphology, life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. In addition to the new species, we also provide a generic redescription and revised key to species of the genus Calolydella from Central and South America. The following 23 new species of Calolydella are described by Fleming and Wood: C. adelinamoralesaesp. n., C. alexanderjamesisp. n., C. argenteasp. n., C. aureofaciessp. n., C. bicolorsp. n., C. bifissussp. n., C. crocatasp. n., C. destitutasp. n., C. discalissp. n., C. erasmocoronadoisp. n., C. felipechavarriaisp. n., C. fredriksjobergisp. n., C. inflatipalpissp. n., C. interruptasp. n., C. nigripalpissp. n., C. omissasp. n., C. ordinalissp. n., C. renemalaiseisp. n., C. susanaroibasaesp. n., C. tanyadapkeyaesp. n., C. tenebrosasp. n., C. timjamesisp. n., C. virginiajamesaesp. n.Lydella frugale Curran, 1934 is proposed as a new synonym of Pygophorinia peruviana Townsend, 1927, syn. n., under the combination Calolydella frugale (Curran, 1934), comb. n.

A new genus and species of Tachinidae (Diptera), Paxiximyia sulmatogrossensis n. gen. and n. sp., and its puparium are described. It was reared from the walking stick, Urucumania borellii (Giglio-Tos, 1897), collected in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Keywords: Blondeliini, Oedematocerini, Parasitism, Phasmida, Taxonomy

Medinodexia japonica sp. nov. is described from Japan and an adult leaf beetle, Aulacophora nigripennis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is recorded as its host. A piercing-type ovipositor is one of the characteristics of the genus Medinodexia Townsend, but it is also found in other blondeliine genera. To evaluate the structural differences of the piercing-type ovipositor, the female postabdominal characters were examined within Blondeliini and their phylogenetic implications are briefly discussed. Females of Medinodexia are similar to those of Medina Robineau-Desvoidy for the presence of invaginations on tergite 6 and sternite 6 of the abdomen. Medinodexia exigua Shima and M. orientalis Shima are not treated here, because they are considered to belong to an undescribed genus due to differences in the male and female postabdominal characters distinguishing them from the remaining species of Medinodexia.

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

Twenty-three new species of the genus Calolydella Townsend, 1927 (Diptera: Tachinidae) are described, all reared from multiple species of wild-caught caterpillars across a wide variety of families (Lepidoptera: Crambidae; Erebidae; Geometridae; Hesperiidae; Lycaenidae; Nymphalidae; Pieridae; Riodinidae; and Sphingidae). All caterpillars were collected within Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), in northwestern Costa Rica. This study provides a concise description of each new species using morphology, life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. In addition to the new species, we also provide a generic redescription and revised key to species of the genus Calolydella from Central and South America. The following 23 new species of Calolydella are described by Fleming and Wood: C. adelinamoralesae sp. n., C. alexanderjamesi sp. n., C. argentea sp. n., C. aureofacies sp. n., C. bicolor sp. n., C. bifissus sp. n., C. crocata sp. n., C. destituta sp. n., C. discalis sp. n., C. erasmocoronadoi sp. n., C. felipechavarriai sp. n., C. fredriksjobergi sp. n., C. inflatipalpis sp. n., C. interrupta sp. n., C. nigripalpis sp. n., C. omissa sp. n., C. ordinalis sp. n., C. renemalaisei sp. n., C. susanaroibasae sp. n., C. tanyadapkeyae sp. n., C. tenebrosa sp. n., C. timjamesi sp. n., C. virginiajamesae sp. n. Lydella frugale Curran, 1934 is proposed as a new synonym of Pygophorinia peruviana Townsend, 1927, syn. n., under the combination Calolydella frugale (Curran, 1934), comb. n.

A new genus and species of Tachinidae (Diptera), Paxiximyia sulmatogrossensis n. gen. and n. sp. , and its puparium are described. It was reared from the walking stick, Urucumania borellii (Giglio-Tos, 1897), collected in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

We describe five new species in the genus Vibrissina Rondani from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG). All species were reared from wild-caught sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Argidae and Tenthredinidae). We provide a morphological description of each species together with information on life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. Five new species of Vibrissina Rondani: Vibrissina randycurtisisp. n., V. randyjonesisp. n., V. robertwellsisp. n., V. danmartinisp. n., V. hallwachsorumsp. n.

We describe five new species in the genus Vibrissina Rondani from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG). All species were reared from wild-caught sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Argidae and Tenthredinidae). We provide a morphological description of each species together with information on life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. Five new species of Vibrissina Rondani: Vibrissina randycurtisi sp. n., V. randyjonesi sp. n., V. robertwellsi sp. n., V. danmartini sp. n., V. hallwachsorum sp. n.

The New World tropics represents the most diverse region for tachinid parasitoids (Diptera: Tachinidae), but it also contains the most narrowly defined, and possibly the most confusing, tachinid genera of any biogeographic region. This over-splitting of genera and taxonomic confusion has limited progress toward our understanding the family in this region and much work is needed to revise, redefine, and make sense of the profusion of finely split taxa. In a recent analysis of the Neotropical genus Erythromelana Townsend, two species previously assigned to this genus, Euptilodegeeria obumbrata (Wulp) and Myiodoriops marginalis Townsend were reinstated as monotypic genera. In the present study, we demonstrate that Euptilodegeeria obumbrata (Wulp), previously assigned to three different genera, represents in fact a species of the large New World genus Eucelatoria Townsend, in which females possess a sharp piercer for oviposition. We also show that the species Eucelatoria carinata (Townsend) belongs to the same species group as Eucelatoria obumbrata, which we here define and characterize as the Eucelatoria obumbrata species group. Additionally, we describe Eucelatoria flava sp. n. as a new species within the Eucelatoria obumbrata species group. Finally, we redescribe the genus Myiodoriops Townsend and the single species Myiodoriops marginalis Townsend.

The Neotropics harbor an enormous diversity of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae), yet the fauna remains poorly understood. This is especially true of the tribe Blondeliini, which is particularly diverse in this region and in great need of taxonomic attention. Here, the Neotropical blondeliine genus Erythromelana Townsend is revised. This genus is widely distributed from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, with the Andes being a hotspot of diversity. Known hosts belong to the genus Eois Hübner (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). This revision includes the redescription of three previously described species and the description of 11 new species based on characteristics of adults and immatures. The new species are E. arciforceps sp. nov., E. catarina sp. nov., E. convexiforceps sp. nov., E. cryptica sp. nov., E. curvifrons sp. nov., E. distincta sp. nov., E. ecuadoriana sp. nov., E. eois sp. nov., E. leptoforceps sp. nov., E. napensis sp. nov., and E. woodi sp. nov. A morphological database of 62 characters was constructed to assess morphological variation within and among species and species groups using Principal Components Analysis. Means and medians for these morphological traits were calculated to infer phylogenetic relationships using parsimony. Additionally, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis was performed using COI mtDNA sequences for a subset of eight species. Nominal species E. obscurifrons (Wulp) is treated as a nomen dubium within Erythromelana. Two species previously assigned to Erythromelana appear to represent distinct genera with unclear relationships to this genus and are reinstated as monotypic genera: Myiodoriops marginalis Townsend and Euptilodegeeria obumbrata (Wulp), revived status. Biological and phylogenetic data are used to infer modes of diversification within Erythromelana.

Background Twenty-three new species of the genus Calolydella Townsend, 1927 (Diptera: Tachinidae) are described, all reared from multiple species of wild-caught caterpillars across a wide variety of families (Lepidoptera: Crambidae; Erebidae; Geometridae; Hesperiidae; Lycaenidae; Nymphalidae; Pieridae; Riodinidae; and Sphingidae). All caterpillars were collected within Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), in northwestern Costa Rica. This study provides a concise description of each new species using morphology, life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. In addition to the new species, we also provide a generic redescription and revised key to species of the genus Calolydella from Central and South America. New information The following 23 new species of Calolydella are described by Fleming and Wood: C. adelinamoralesae sp. n., C. alexanderjamesi sp. n., C. argentea sp. n., C. aureofacies sp. n., C. bicolor sp. n., C. bifissus sp. n., C. crocata sp. n., C. destituta sp. n., C. discalis sp. n., C. erasmocoronadoi sp. n., C. felipechavarriai sp. n., C. fredriksjobergi sp. n., C. inflatipalpis sp. n., C. interrupta sp. n., C. nigripalpis sp. n., C. omissa sp. n., C. ordinalis sp. n., C. renemalaisei sp. n., C. susanaroibasae sp. n., C. tanyadapkeyae sp. n., C. tenebrosa sp. n., C. timjamesi sp. n., C. virginiajamesae sp. n. Lydella frugale Curran, 1934 is proposed as a new synonym of Pygophorinia peruviana Townsend, 1927, syn. n., under the combination Calolydella frugale (Curran, 1934), comb. n.

Background We describe five new species in the genus Vibrissina Rondani from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG). All species were reared from wild-caught sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Argidae and Tenthredinidae). We provide a morphological description of each species together with information on life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. New information Five new species of Vibrissina Rondani: Vibrissina randycurtisi sp. n., V. randyjonesi sp. n., V. robertwellsi sp. n., V. danmartini sp. n., V. hallwachsorum sp. n.

We describe two new species in the genus Erythromelana Townsend, 1919 from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. Both species were reared from wild-caughtcaterpillars of Eois spp. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). We provide a concise description of each species using morphology, life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. Erythromelana jimmychevezi Fleming & Wood sp. nov. Erythromelana glenriverai Fleming & Wood sp. nov.

Aesia gen. n. with the type species Aesia acerbiana sp. n. is described from Wrangel Island. The new genus belongs to the tribe Blondeliini (as indicated by a short prealar bristle of the mesonotum and by the cerci separated in apical 0.4). It is not similar to any Palaearctic genus of tachinids. In the key to the species of Blondeliini of North and Central America and the West Indies it comes to the genus Eucelatoria but differs from it in having eyes covered with long and dense hairs, the lower facial margin protruding forwards and well visible in lateral view, proboscis with elongate prementum, abdomen of the female not modified, without a keel and piercer. Aesia acerbiana sp. n. was reared from a larva of a tiger moth (Arctiidae), Acerbia alpina Quensel collected in the tundra landscape.

A tachinid parasitoid genus, Lixophaga Townsend, is reported for the first time in Korea. This mainly New World genus currently includes four Palaearctic species, of which L. cinctella (Mesnil) and L. latigena Shima are recognized in Korea. We here provide a taxonomic key, descriptions and photographs as well as detailed illustrations of male genitalic structures.

As a result of a taxonomic review of the tachinid genus Trigonospila Porkorny in Korea, we recognized two species: T. ludio Zetterstedt) and T. transvittata (Pandelle). The former species is reported for the first time in Korea. We here provide a key to the Korean species, redescriptions, photographs and illustrations.

Most of the unknown biological diversity of macro-organisms remaining to be discovered and described lies in the tropical regions of the world and consists primarily of insects. Those insects with parasitoid lifestyles constitute a significant portion of insect diversity, yet parasitoids are among the most poorly known of major insect guilds in the humid tropics. Here we describe and analyze the richness of one diverse taxon of parasitoids, flies in the family Tachinidae, reared from Lepidoptera as part of a biological survey of Lepidoptera and their parasitoids in one mid-elevation (2000 m) area in the northeast Ecuadorian Andes. One hundred fifty-seven separable tachinid "morpho-species" were reared from approximately 160 species of Lepidoptera in 16 families. These tachinid flies were recovered from a sample of over 12,800 successful caterpillar rearing events that resulted in either adult Lepidoptera or parasitoids. Tachinid species accumulation and rarefaction curves exhibit no sign of reaching an asymptote and richness estimators indicate that the community likely consists of nearly twice this number of species (at minimum). Most tachinid species were reared infrequently, with 50% being represented by a single individual. The majority of species appeared to be relatively specialized on one or a few related hosts, but sampling was insufficient to make strong inferences regarding host range. The tribes Blondeliini and Goniini were the best represented, but some tribes that were expected to be common such as Tachinini and Winthemiini were poorly represented. The estimates of tachinid species richness derived here are suggestive of a far more diverse tachinid community than in temperate localities in North America. Additional rearing of Lepidoptera, as well as other herbivorous insect taxa, along with the use of additional collecting methods will be necessary to achieve a more accurate understanding of the richness of tropical Tachinidae and their contribution to broader patterns of tropical biodiversity.

The Tachinidae of the Afrotropical Region are catalogued and seven genera and eight species are newly described. There are 237 genera and 1126 species recognized, of which 101 genera and 1043 species are endemic to the region. The catalogue is based on examination of the primary literature comprising about 525 references as well as numerous name-bearing types and other specimens housed in collections. Taxa are arranged hierarchically and alphabetically under the categories of subfamily, tribe, genus, subgenus (where recognized), species, and rarely subspecies. Nomenclatural information is provided for all genus-group and species-group names, including lists of synonyms (mostly restricted to Afrotropical taxa) and name-bearing type data. Species distributions are recorded by country within the Afrotropical Region and by larger geographical divisions outside the region. Additional information is given in the form of notes, numbering about 300 in the catalogue section. Seven genera and eight species are described as new: Afrophylax Cerretti & O’Hara with type species Sturmia aureiventris Villeneuve, 1910, gen. n. (Exoristinae, Eryciini); Austrosolieria Cerretti & O’Hara with type species Austrosolieria londti Cerretti & O’Hara, gen. n. and sp. n. (South Africa) and Austrosolieria freidbergi Cerretti & O’Hara, sp. n. (Malawi) (Tachininae, Leskiini); Carceliathrix Cerretti & O’Hara with type species Phorocera crassipalpis Villeneuve, 1938, gen. n. (Exoristinae, Eryciini); Filistea Cerretti & O’Hara with type species Viviania aureofasciata Curran, 1927, gen. n. and Filistea verbekei Cerretti & O’Hara, sp. n. (Cameroon, D.R. Congo, Uganda) (Exoristinae, Blondeliini); Mesnilotrix Cerretti & O’Hara with type species Dexiotrix empiformis Mesnil, 1976, gen. n. (Dexiinae, Dexiini); Myxophryxe Cerretti & O’Hara with type species Phorocera longirostris Villeneuve, 1938, gen. n., Myxophryxe murina Cerretti & O’Hara, sp. n. (South Africa), Myxophryxe regalis Cerretti & O’Hara, sp. n. (South Africa), and Myxophryxe satanas Cerretti & O’Hara, sp. n. (South Africa) (Exoristinae, Goniini); and Stiremania Cerretti & O’Hara with type species Stiremania karoo Cerretti & O’Hara, gen. n. and sp. n. (South Africa), and Stiremania robusta Cerretti & O’Hara, sp. n. (South Africa) (Exoristinae, Goniini). Paraclara Bezzi, 1908 is transferred from the Cylindromyiini to the Hermyini, comb. n. Sarrorhina Villeneuve, 1936 is transferred from the Minthoini to the Graphogastrini, comb. n. Three genera are newly recorded from the Afrotropical Region: Madremyia Townsend, 1916 (Eryciini); Paratrixa Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891 (Blondeliini); and Simoma Aldrich, 1926 (Goniini). Three genera previously recorded from the Afrotropical Region are no longer recognized from the region: Calozenillia Townsend, 1927 (Palaearctic, Oriental and Australasian regions); Eurysthaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 (Palaearctic, Oriental and Australasian regions); and Trixa Meigen, 1824 (Palaearctic and Oriental regions). Two species are newly recorded from the Afrotropical Region: Amnonia carmelitana Kugler, 1971 (Ethiopia, Kenya); and Simoma grahami Aldrich, 1926 (Namibia). Three species previously recorded from the Afrotropical Region are no longer recognized from the region: Euthera peringueyi Bezzi, 1925 (Oriental Region); Hamaxia incongrua Walker, 1860 (Palaearctic, Oriental and Australasian regions); Leucostoma tetraptera (Meigen, 1824) (Palaearctic Region). New replacement names are proposed for five preoccupied names of Afrotropical species: Billaea rubida O’Hara & Cerretti for Phorostoma rutilans Villeneuve, 1916, preoccupied in the genus Billaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 by Musca rutilans Fabricius, 1781, nom. n.; Cylindromyia braueri O’Hara & Cerretti for Ocyptera nigra Villeneuve, 1918, preoccupied in the genus Cylindromyia Meigen, 1803 by Glossidionophora nigra Bigot, 1885, nom. n.; Cylindromyia rufohumera O’Hara & Cerretti for Ocyptera scapularis Villeneuve, 1944, preoccupied in the genus Cylindromyia Meigen, 1803 by Ocyptera scapularis Loew, 1845, nom. n.; Phytomyptera longiarista O’Hara & Cerretti for Phytomyzoneura aristalis Villeneuve, 1936, preoccupied in the genus Phytomyptera Rondani, 1845 by Phasiostoma aristalis Townsend, 1915, nom. n.; and Siphona (Siphona) pretoriana O’Hara & Cerretti for Siphona laticornis Curran, 1941, preoccupied in the genus Siphona Meigen, 1803 by Actia laticornis Malloch, 1930, nom. n. New type species fixations are made under the provisions of Article 70.3.2 of the ICZN Code for two genus-group names: Lydellina Villeneuve, 1916, type species newly fixed as Lydellina villeneuvei Townsend, 1933 (valid genus name); and Sericophoromyia Austen, 1909, type species newly fixed as Tachina quadrata Wiedemann, 1830 (synonym of Winthemia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830). Lectotypes are designated for the following nine nominal species based on examination of one or more syntypes of each: Degeeria crocea Villeneuve, 1950; Degeeria semirufa Villeneuve, 1950; Erycia brunnescens Villeneuve, 1934; Exorista oculata Villeneuve, 1910; Kiniatilla tricincta Villeneuve, 1938; Myxarchiclops caffer Villeneuve, 1916; Ocyptera linearis Villeneuve, 1936; Peristasisea luteola Villeneuve, 1934; and Phorocera crassipalpis Villeneuve, 1938. The following four genus-group names that were previously treated as junior synonyms or subgenera are recognized as valid generic names: Bogosiella Villeneuve, 1923, status revived; Dyshypostena Villeneuve, 1939, status revived; Perlucidina Mesnil, 1952, status revived; and Thelymyiops Mesnil, 1950, status n. The following six species-group names that were previously treated as junior synonyms are recognized as valid species names: Besseria fossulata Bezzi, 1908, status revived; Degeeria cinctella Villeneuve, 1950, status revived (as Medina cinctella (Villeneuve)); Nemoraea miranda intacta Villeneuve, 1916, status revived (as Nemoraea intacta Villeneuve); Succingulum exiguum Villeneuve, 1935, status revived (as Trigonospila exigua (Villeneuve)); Wagneria rufitibia abbreviata Mesnil, 1950, status n. (as Periscepsia abbreviata (Mesnil)); and Wagneria rufitibia nudinerva Mesnil, 1950, status n. (as Periscepsia nudinerva (Mesnil)). The following 25 new or revived combinations are proposed: Afrophylax aureiventris (Villeneuve, 1910), comb. n.; Blepharella orbitalis (Curran, 1927), comb. n.; Bogosiella pomeroyi Villeneuve, 1923, comb. revived; Brachychaetoides violacea (Curran, 1927), comb. n.; Carceliathrix crassipalpis (Villeneuve, 1938), comb. n.; Charitella whitmorei (Cerretti, 2012), comb. n.; Dyshypostena edwardsi (van Emden, 1960), comb. n.; Dyshypostena tarsalis Villeneuve, 1939, comb. revived; Estheria buccata (van Emden, 1947), comb. n.; Estheria surda (Curran, 1933), comb. n.; Filistea aureofasciata (Curran, 1927), comb. n.; Madremyia setinervis (Mesnil, 1968), comb. n.; Mesnilotrix empiformis (Mesnil, 1976), comb. n.; Myxophryxe longirostris (Villeneuve, 1938), comb. n.; Nealsomyia chloronitens (Mesnil, 1977), comb. n.; Nealsomyia clausa (Curran, 1940), comb. n.; Nilea longicauda (Mesnil, 1970), comb. n.; Paratrixa aethiopica Mesnil, 1952, comb. revived; Paratrixa stammeri Mesnil, 1952, comb. revived; Perlucidina africana (Jaennicke, 1867), comb. n.; Perlucidina perlucida (Karsch, 1886), comb. revived; Prolophosia retroflexa (Villeneuve, 1944), comb. n.; Sturmia profana (Karsch, 1888), comb. n.; additionally, Ceromasia rufiventris Curran, 1927 is treated as an unplaced species of Goniini, comb. n. and Hemiwinthemia stuckenbergi Verbeke, 1973 is treated as an unplaced species of Leskiini, comb. n. New or revived generic and specific synonymies are proposed for the following nine names: Afrosturmia Curran, 1927 with Blepharella Macquart, 1851, syn. n.; Archiphania van Emden, 1945 with Catharosia Rondani, 1868, syn. revived; Besseria longicornis Zeegers, 2007 with Besseria fossulata Bezzi, 1908 (current name Besseria fossulata), syn. n.; Dexiomera Curran, 1933 with Estheria Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, syn. n.; Hemiwinthemia francoisi Verbeke, 1973 with Nemoraea capensis Schiner, 1868 (current name Smidtia capensis), syn. n.; Kinangopana van Emden, 1960 with Dyshypostena Villeneuve, 1939, syn. n.; Metadrinomyia Shima, 1980 with Charitella Mesnil, 1957, syn. n.; Phorocera majestica Curran, 1940 with Phorocera longirostris Villeneuve, 1938 (current name Myxophryxe longirostris), syn. n.; and Podomyia discalis Curran, 1939 with Antistasea fimbriata Bischof, 1904 (current name Antistasea fimbriata), syn. n.

Background We describe two new species in the genus Erythromelana Townsend, 1919 from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. Both species were reared from wild-caughtcaterpillars of Eois spp. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). We provide a concise description of each species using morphology, life history, molecular data, and photographic documentation. New information Erythromelana jimmychevezi Fleming & Wood sp. nov. Erythromelana glenriverai Fleming & Wood sp. nov.

Lixadmontia franki, new genus and new species, is described in the Blondeliini (Diptera: Tachinidae). This parasitic fly attacks the larvae of the weevil Metamasius quadrilineatus Champion which infests bromeliads in tropical montane cloud forests of Honduras, and it is a potential biological control agent of the bromeliad-eating weevil Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) in Florida. It is most similar to members of the genera Admontia and Lixophaga. A key to the species of Admontia and Lixadmontia in North and Central America is given. Admontia dubia Curran is placed in synonymy with Admontia pollinosa Curran new synonymy.

The taxonomic status of the parasitoid guild associated with the larvae of Southern Eucalypt Beetle (Chrysophtharta agricola Chapuis) in Tasmania is discussed. The primary larval parasitoid complex comprised the tachinid flies Balde striatum gen. n., sp. n. and Paropsivora australis (Macquart) (Diptera: Tachinidae: Goniinae: Blondeliini), and Eadya paropsidis Huddleston & Short (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), while the hymenopteran hyperparasitoids included Perilampus tasmanicus (Cameron) (Perilampidae), Mesochorus sp. (Ichneumonidae) and possibly Meteorus sp. (Braconidae). Keys are provided to the three adult primary parasitoids and two adult hyperparasitoids, and to the pupae of primary parasitoids. Balde striatum gen. n., sp. n. is described, and P. australis is redescribed. Brief notes on biology are included.

The phylogenetic relationships within the largest subfamily of Tachinidae, Exoristinae, were explored using nucleotide sequences of two genes (EF-1α and 28S rDNA). A total of fifty-five and forty-three taxa were represented in the analyses for each gene, respectively, representing forty-three genera. Neighbour joining, parsimony and maximum likelihood inference methods were employed to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships in separate analyses of each gene, and parsimony was used to analyse the combined dataset. Although certain taxa were highly mobile, phylogenetic reconstructions generally supported recent classification schemes based on reproductive habits and genitalia. Generally, the monophyly of Tachinidae and Exoristinae was supported. Tribes Winthemiini, Exoristini and Blondeliini were repeatedly constructed as monophyletic groups, with the former two clades often occupying a basal position among Exoristinae. Goniini and Eryciini generally clustered together as a derived clade within Exoristinae; however, they were never reconstructed as two distinct clades. These results suggest that the possession of unembryonated eggs is plesiomorphic within the subfamily and that there may have been multiple transitions between microtype and macrotype egg forms.

The Neotropics harbor an enormous diversity of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae), yet the fauna remains poorly understood. This is especially true of the tribe Blondeliini, which is particularly diverse in this region and in great need of taxonomic attention. Here, the Neotropical blondeliine genus Erythromelana Townsend is revised. This genus is widely distributed from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, with the Andes being a hotspot of diversity. Known hosts belong to the genus Eois Hübner (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). This revision includes the redescription of three previously described species and the description of 11 new species based on characteristics of adults and immatures. The new species are E. arciforceps sp. nov., E. catarina sp. nov., E. convexiforceps sp. nov., E. cryptica sp. nov., E. curvifrons sp. nov., E. distincta sp. nov., E. ecuadoriana sp. nov., E. eois sp. nov., E. leptoforceps sp. nov., E. napensis sp. nov., and E. woodi sp. nov. A morphological database of 62 characters was constructed to assess morphological variation within and among species and species groups using Principal Components Analysis. Means and medians for these morphological traits were calculated to infer phylogenetic relationships using parsimony. Additionally, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis was performed using COI mtDNA sequences for a subset of eight species. Nominal species E. obscurifrons (Wulp) is treated as a nomen dubium within Erythromelana. Two species previously assigned to Erythromelana appear to represent distinct genera with unclear relationships to this genus and are reinstated as monotypic genera: Myiodoriops marginalis Townsend and Euptilodegeeria obumbrata (Wulp), revived status. Biological and phylogenetic data are used to infer modes of diversification within Erythromelana.

Nine new species of Itaplectops Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) are described from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), northwestern Costa Rica. All specimens have been reared from ­various species of ACG caterpillars in the families Limacodidae and Dalceridae. By combining morphological, photographic, and genetic barcode data we provide clear yet concise descriptions. The following nine new species are described in the genus Itaplectops: Itaplectops akselpalolai, Itaplectops anikenpalolae, Itaplectops argentifrons, Itaplectops aurifrons, Itaplectops ericpalolai, Itaplectops griseobasis, Itaplectops omissus, Itaplectops shellymcsweeneyae, Itaplectops tristanpalolai. We move Itaplectops to the tribe Uramyini from its original placement within the Blondeliini, and we discuss its systematic placement. We also provide a key differentiating the, genera of the tribe Uramyini as well as the known species of Itaplectops.

We describe three new species of Trigonospila Pokorny (Tachinidae: Blondeliini) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), northwestern Costa Rica. All were reared from ­various species of ACG caterpillars during an ongoing inventory of caterpillars, their food plants and their parasitoids in dry forest, rain forest and cloud forest. By coupling morphology, photographic documentation, life history and molecular data, we provide a clear and concise description of each species. All species published as new, are known to be previously undescribed as a result of careful study of the genus by DMW. This study builds on the current knowledge of the genus by adding three new species to the current 7 described in the New World. Trigonospila edwinbermudezi sp. n., Trigonospila uniformis sp. n., and Trigonospila josemariamoragai sp. n. are all authored and described as new by Fleming and Wood, with a key to their identification. The authors also offer a new record and description of the previously unknown male of Trigonospila panamensis (Townsend), reared from ACG caterpillars.

A new genus and species of blondeliine tachinid, Tetrigimyia minor gen. et sp. nov., is described from Japan. This is a small oviparous tachinid parasitic on adults and larvae of a pygmy grasshopper, Formosatettix larvatus (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae). A brief biological note on this species is added.

Five new species of Paravibrissina Shima are described from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific: P. argentifera sp. nov., P. aurigera sp. nov., P. leucogaster sp. nov., P. pacifica sp. nov. and P. parvula sp. nov. Paravibrissina adiscalis infuscata Shima and P. thailandica Shima are synonymized with P. adiscalis Shima (syn. nov). The female, egg and a host are known for the first time for the type species, P. adiscalis. Paravibrissina is moved to the tribe Goniini from its original placement in the Blondeliini and its systematic position is discussed in light of conflicting characters. A key to the known species of Paravibrissina is provided.

WATSON, J. R. 1941. Migrations and food preferences of the lubberly locust. Florida Entomol. 24: 40-42. WHITMAN, D. W. 1988. Allelochemical interactions among plants, herbivores, and their predators, pp. 11-64 in P. Barbosa and D. Letourneau (eds.) Novel Aspects of Insect-Plant Interactions. John Wiley, New York. WHITMAN, D. W. 1990. Grasshopper Chemical Communication, pp. 357-391 in R. F. Chapman and A. Joerns (eds.) Biology of Grasshoppers. John Wiley, New York. WHITMAN, D. W., BILLEN, J. P. J., ALSOP, D., AND M. S. BLUM. 1991. Anatomy, ultrastructure, and functional morphology of the metathoracic tracheal defensive glands of the grasshopper Romalea guttata. Canadian J. Zool. 69: 2100-2108. WHITMAN, D. W., JONES, C. G., AND M. S. BLUM. 1992. Defensive secretion production in Lubber grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Romaleidae): Influence of age, sex, diet, and discharge frequency. Ann. Entomol. Soc. America. 85: 96-102. WOOD, D. M. 1985. A taxonomic conspectus of the Blondeliini of North and Central America and the West Indies (Diptera: Tachinidae). Mem. Entomol. Soc. Canada 132: 1-130. WULP, F. M. VAN DER 1888-1903. Biologia Centrali-Americana. Insecta. Diptera. Vol. II. Pp. 1-489. YOSEF, R., AND D. W. WHITMAN. 1992. Predator exaptations and defensive adaptations in evolutionary balance: no defense is perfect. Evol. Ecol. 6: 527-536.

The species of the tribe Blondeliini of North and Central America and the West Indies (including Trinidad) are grouped into 55 genera. Included is an illustrated key to the genera, a diagnosis of each genus, a list of all generic synonyms, and a taxonomic catalogue of all species recorded from these regions, including their New World synonyms. Type status, type locality, and depository of primary type material is given for each nominal species. One hundred and seventy-seven new generic-level synonyms, 67 new species-level synonyms, and 321 new combinations are proposed. Didyma fuliginipennis Wulp, belonging to the tribe Eryciini, was assigned to the genus Ametadoria (see under lectotype designation of Didyma volucris Wulp). Three new species are described: Ligeria latigena n. sp., from Yukon; Policheta crassisetosa n. sp., from Oregon; and Steleoneura novemmaculata n. sp., from Yukon, Banks Island, and Victoria Island. Lectotypes are designated for 93 nominal species.

SUMMARY Some remarkable dipterous larvae parasitic in adult weevils of the genus Apirocalus are described. The parasitism of Coleoptera by Diptera is reviewed in an attempt to establish the identity of these larvae and it is concluded that they are Tachinidae, possibly of the tribe Blondeliini.

In this paper a blondeliine tachinid, Eomedina hamoyensis sp. nov., from Namibia is described, illustrated and compared with the only known congeneric species E. apicalis (Curran). The Afrotropical genus Eomedina has a blunt, scoop-like and well sclerotized ovipositor, and based on this derived structure appears to belong to the “Medina genus-group”. The new species is known only from several females and they differ from females of E. apicalis in lacking a pair of proclinate orbital setae and in having just one pair of reclinate upper orbital setae.