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The Neotropical Orthonevra Macquart, 1829 (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Gil F G Miranda1, Matheus M M Soares2, F Christian Thompson3
1National Collection of Insects; Arachnids and Nematodes; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; 960 Carling Ave.; Ottawa; ON; K1A 0C6; Canada / Forrest Lab; Department of Biology; University of Ottawa; Gendron Hall; room 350; 30 Marie Curie; Ottawa; ON; K1N 6N5; Canada. gilfgm@gmail.com.
This study revises Neotropical flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the genus Orthonevra, describing 12 new species and redescribing seven. It provides keys for identifying these important insects.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Biodiversity Studies
- Insect Taxonomy
Background:
- The genus Orthonevra (Diptera: Syrphidae) is a diverse group of flower flies with a significant presence in Neotropical ecosystems.
- Previous taxonomic work on Neotropical Orthonevra has been limited, necessitating a comprehensive revision to understand its diversity and distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise the Neotropical species of the flower fly genus Orthonevra.
- To describe and illustrate new species and redescribe existing ones.
- To provide identification tools for researchers studying these insects.
Main Methods:
- Morphological examination of adult specimens.
- Description and illustration of new and existing species.
- Designation of lectotypes for relevant taxa.
- Development of dichotomous and pictorial keys for species identification.
Main Results:
- Twelve new species of Orthonevra are described and illustrated: O. batman, O. cthulhu, O. gli, O. gouletmasnerorum, O. hypnotica, O. minuosetulata, O. nebulosa, O. neiae, O. roseae, O. sternolobosa, O. theta, and O. thompsoni.
- Seven existing species are redescribed and illustrated: O. argentina, O. chilensis, O. flukei, O. gewgaw, O. neotropica, O. quadristriata, and O. shannoni.
- Three Nearctic species (one extending into the Neotropical region) are diagnosed: O. bellula, O. nitida, and O. nitidula, bringing the total number of Neotropical Orthonevra species to 20.
- Lectotypes are designated for Chrysogaster bellulus and C. nitidus.
- Chrysogaster lugubris is removed from Orthonevra and designated as incertae sedis.
Conclusions:
- This revision significantly expands the known diversity of Neotropical Orthonevra, with 12 new species described.
- The redescriptions and diagnoses of existing species provide crucial updates for taxonomic understanding.
- The presented dichotomous and pictorial keys will facilitate accurate identification of Orthonevra species in the Neotropics.
- The reclassification of C. lugubris clarifies its taxonomic position.
