Corresponding author: Diego J. Inclán (
Academic editor: P. Cerretti
The New World tropics represents the most diverse region for tachinid parasitoids (
Inclán DJ, Stireman III JO (2014) A new species and synonymy of the Neotropical
The New World tropics represents one of the most biodiverse regions of the world, but its flora and fauna remains poorly known. This is particularly true for flies in the family
An example of the taxonomic instability of Neotropical tachinid genera is witnessed in the species
Similar to the situation described above, although somewhat less confusing, is the situation of the other species recently excluded from
In our recent revision of the Neotropical
This revision was based on 28 adult specimens from four collections. Additional Nearctic and Neotropical taxa in the genus
Adult specimens were examined with a Nikon SMZ1000 stereoscopic microscope equipped with an ocular micrometer and a digital Nikon Coolpix 8800 camera (Nikon, Tokyo, Japan). To create images with a greater depth of field, 15‒30 photos of each specimen/structure at different focal points were taken. Final photos were compiled into a single image using the image stacking software CombineZM (
Descriptions and redescriptions of species follow terminology and abbreviations used in the
Male terminalia of tachinids provide some of the best characters for taxonomic studies at the species level. Dissections were performed according to the procedure described by
Morphological traits of 17
Data from each type specimen and other specimens examined are cited exactly as they appear on the label, with each line separated by a diagonal slash (/) and information for each individual label enclosed within quotation marks. Additional information not appearing on the label is enclosed within brackets. Finally, the depository is cited in parentheses.
Maps were created using SimpleMappr (
In the recognition of the genus
The
Species in the
Known distributions of species in the
Each of the species treated here,
In the last revision of
We found three additional specimens from Costa Rica that belong to this species group, but each one is sufficiently morphologically distinct that it appears to be an undescribed species close to
1 | Abdomen mostly or wholly black, with at most yellow laterally on tergites 1+2 to 4, males with median discal setae present on tergites 3 and/or 4 |
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– | Abdomen wholly yellow, median discal setae absent on tergites 3 and 4 |
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2 | Eyes densely haired, abdomen mostly black, with yellow only laterally on tergites 1+2 to 4, males with median discal setae present on tergite3 and/or tergite4 |
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– | Eyes sparsely haired, abdomen wholly black (only known from a single female) |
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Lectotype male, by designation of
10 specimens examined. 2 males labeled: “Co-type”, “♂”, “Omilteme,/ Guerrero,/ 8000 ft. [feet]/ July H. H. Smith.”, “Central America/ Pres. By F.D. Godman,/ O. Salvin/ 1903-172.”, “B.C.A. Dipt. II./
This species can be distinguished from
Redescribed from 11 males (including the lectotype and 4 paralectotypes), and 2 females, unless otherwise noted as “N”.
Length: males, 6.2–7.1 mm (
Male of
Legs entirely black. Tarsal claws longer than 5th tarsomere in male and shorter than 5th tarsomere in female. Mid tibia with 1 anterodorsal seta, 2 posterodorsal setae, and 1 ventral seta. Hind tibia with anterodorsal setae uneven in length and not closely spaced; 2 well-developed posterodorsal setae, rarely with 1 additional shorter seta; 2 well-developed anteroventral setae. Upper and lower calypteres brownish-yellowish. Wing varied from light to dark fumose on cells sc, r1, r2+3, and sometimes on r4+5. Females with nearly hyaline wings. Wing vein R4+5 dorsally setose from its base nearly to crossvein r-m, and R1 bare, rarely only with 1 or 2 setae. Vein M smoothly curved at bend and ending at wing margin, separately from vein R4+5.
Lateral view of the male abdomen of
Female terminalia of
Lateral (
Lateral view of the hypandrial complex (
Specimens of
Holotype male, labeled: “ ECUADOR, Napo [Province]/ 7 km. s. [South] Baeza/ 20-25.II.79/ G. &M. Wood 2000m”, “HOLOTYPE/
Paratype, 1 male: “DI12CA” (CNC). As above, except the identification type label reads “PARATYPE/
From the Latin
This species is morphologically very similar to
Described from 2 males, unless otherwise noted as “N”.
Length: 6.6–6.7 mm.
As described for
Male of
Wing varied from light to dark fumose on cells c, sc, r1, r2+3, and r4+5. Wing vein R4+5 dorsally setose from its base until nearly the crossvein r-m, and R1 bare.
Lateral view of the male abdomen of
Lateral (
Lateral view of the hypandrial complex (
The only two known specimens of
Holotype female, labeled: “Manchi Ecuador/7000 ft/22-XI” [no year, but given as 1910 in description], “CHT Townsend/ Collector”, “Below/ Manchi Ec/Nov 22”, “Type No. 22247/U.S.N.M.”, “
This species can be distinguished from
Length: 6.7 mm.
As described for
Female of
Wing moderately fumose on anterior half around veins C, Sc, R1 and R4+5, light infuscation also present along veins M, CuA1, and dm-cu. Wing vein R4+5 dorsally setose from its base until nearly the crossvein r-m, and R1 bare.
The only known specimen of
The presence of short spines on the tip of the surstylus is reminiscent of
Redescribed from 5 males (including the type
Length: males, 5.1–5.8 mm (
Legs entirely black. Tarsal claws longer than 5th tarsomere in male and shorter than 5th tarsomere in female. Mid tibia with 2 posterodorsal setae, and 1 ventral seta. Hind tibia with anterodorsal setae uneven in length and not closely spaced; 2 well-developed posterodorsal setae, rarely with 1 additional shorter seta; 2 anteroventral setae. Upper and lower calypters translucent yellow-brownish. Wing length nearly equal to body length. Wing usually hyaline, rarely light fumose on the anterior edge. Wing vein R4+5 dorsally setose only at its base, and R1 bare. Vein M smoothly curved at bend and ending in vein R4+5 near the wing margin or separately in the margin closely approximated to vein R4+5.
See the distribution of
Known distributions of
The phylogenetic affinities of
The genus description is based primarily on the specimens available for the known species
Holotype male labeled: “HOLO-/TYPE”, “Type [red label]”, “Pariká/ Ruhununí/ B. Guiana/ Jan. 1934 [hand written]”, “Mycos/ 4401 [hand written]”, “Press. By/ J.G. Myers/ B.M. 1940-24” “
Seven specimens examined. 1 male labeled: “St. Augustine,/ Trinidad, BWI./ 1. 24. 60”, “
See diagnostic section for the genus
Redescribed from 5 males (including the type
Length: males, 5.1–5.8 mm (
As described for the genus except:
Male of
Lateral (
Lateral view of the hypandrial complex (
Specimens of
Identification of the
All three genera should readily key to couplet 114 (along with nearly all blondeliines) in
114 | Vein R4+5 setose on dorsal surface halfway or more from its base at junction of R2+3 and R4+5 to crossvein r-m (Figs 158, 160, 161) |
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– | Vein R4+5 dorsally with few setae at base only, not extending halfway to crossvein r-m |
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115 | Eye with conspicuous ommatrichia, each longer than combined diameter of four or more eye facets (as in Fig. 20) |
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– | Eye apparently bare |
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Facial ridge bristled on lower half or more, with row of erect bristles along most of length (Figs 21–24) |
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– | Facial ridge bare except for few small recumbent bristles above vibrissa [specimens of some species of the |
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Lateral scutellar bristles parallel to one another and shorter than subapical bristles (as in Fig. 130); ventral surfaces of abdominal tergites 4 and 5 of male each with patch of appressed black hair (sex patch, Fig. 165) |
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– | Lateral scutellar bristles divergent and about as long as subapical bristles (Fig. 127); ventral surfaces of abdominal tergites 4 and 5 of male with or without patches of appressed hair |
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Male with a pair of proclinate orbital bristles; female abdomen and ovipositor unmodified; Two katepisternal bristles |
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– | Male without pair of proclinate orbital bristles; female with short stout bristles on the ventral margins of tergites, sternite 7 modified into sharp, hook-like piercer, usually concealed between ventral edges of tergites; usually three katepisternal bristles | |
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120 | Ventral katepisternal bristle as large as, or larger than, anterodorsal katepisternal bristle (rarely only slightly thinner) and situated close to upper margin of midcoxa, within no more than twice its diameter from coxal margin (Fig. 118); vein A1 ending at wing margin (Fig. 160), although apex of vein may be thin and easily overlooked without transmitted light or light reflected from upper surface |
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– | Ventral katepisternal bristle absent or distinctly smaller than anterodorsal katepisternal bristle and usually situated closer to anterodorsal bristle than to midcoxa (intermediate or closer to coxa in a few |
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122 | Vein R4+5 setulose dorsally from base to well beyond crossvein r-m (Fig. 161) |
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– | Vein R4+5 without setulae beyond crossvein r-m |
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124 | Scutellum lacking both lateral and discal bristles (as in Fig. 132); basal portion of proboscis when extended longer than prementum (Fig. 82), and membrane between lower genal margin and clypeus thickened, forming convex paraclypeal sclerite (as in Fig. 80) (not visible if proboscis is retracted into base of head); labella extending forward |
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– | Scutellum with lateral and discal bristles; basal portion of proboscis shorter than prementum, and membrane between lower genal margin and clypeus without sclerite; labella either padlike or extending posteriorly |
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Facial ridge with row of erect bristles on basal half or more |
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– | Facial ridge bare except for few small setae above vibrissa [specimens of some species of the |
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127 | Veins R4+5 and M ending separately on either side of wing apex relatively far apart (Fig. 158) | |
– | Veins R4+5 and M both ending before wing apex (as in Fig. 148) |
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Both lateral and subapical scutellar bristles long, stout, divergent (as in Fig. 131); vibrissa subtended by one or more subvibrissal bristles below it (as in Figs 20–22); three postsutural supra-alar bristles present, middle one largest |
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– | Lateral scutellar bristles either lacking or short and thin; subapical bristles divergent or convergent; vibrissa with or without one or more subvibrissal bristles below it; two or three postsutural supra-alar bristles present |
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Lateral scutellar bristles either lacking or short, thin, convergent; subapical bristles also convergent, crossed medially; vibrissa arising from anteroventral corner of head without subvibrissal bristles below it (as in Fig. 25); postsutural supra-alar bristles reduced to two: the true first bristle absent; the apparent first, therefore, the larger of the two (Fig. 99). Males without obvious sex patches on abdominal tergites 4 and 5; female without short stout bristles on the ventral margins of tergites and without sternite 7 modified into a piercer |
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– | Lateral scutellar bristles present, short, and parallel or divergent; subapical bristles divergent; vibrissa subtended by one or more subvibrissal bristles below it; usually 3 postsutural supra-alar bristles; males with sex patches on the ventral surfaces of abdominal tergites 4 and 5; female with short stout bristles on the ventral margins of tergites, sternite 7 modified into sharp, hook-like piercer, usually concealed between ventral edges of tergites | |
129 | Eye with conspicuous ommatrichia, each longer than combined diameter of four or more eye facets (as in Fig. 20) |
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– | Eye apparently bare |
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130 | Parafacial with row of stout erect bristles along entire length (Fig. 37); base of vein R4+5 with single large bristle (as in Figs 156, 159) | |
– | Parafacial lacking row of erect bristles; base of vein R4+5 with more than one small bristle |
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Vibrissa arising at level of lower margin of head (as in Fig. 25); usually with two postpronotal bristles (as in Fig. 93), rarely with three; middorsal depression on abdominal syntergite 1+2 not extending back to hind margin of syntergite | |
– | Vibrissa arising above level of lower margin of head, with at least one subvibrissal bristle (Fig. 20); three or more postpronotal bristles present; middorsal depression on abdominal syntergite 1+2 extending back to hind margin of syntergite (as in Figs 186, 188) |
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134 | Facial ridge setose on lower half or more, with row of erect bristles or hairs or both along most of length |
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– | Facial ridge bare except for few small recumbent bristles above vibrissa |
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150 | Median discal bristles present on tergites 3 and 4 |
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– | Median discal bristles absent from tergites 3 and 4 |
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160 | Eye exceptionally large, covering almost all of side of head; distance between eye and lower margin of head less than twice width of palpus (as in Fig. 14); ocellar triangle not raised to form tubercle; ocellar bristles arising beside or in front of anterior ocellus, their bases about as far apart as posterior ocelli |
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– | Eye smaller, distance between eye and lower margin of head greater than twice width of palpus; ocellar triangle raised; ocellar bristles arising behind anterior ocellus, their bases closer together than posterior ocelli |
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Vibrissa arising from anteroventral corner of head (Fig. 25), with at most one subvibrissal bristle below it; parafacial very narrow; lateral scutellar bristle short or lacking (Fig. 132); postsutural supra-alar bristles usually reduced to two, true first bristle absent (as in Fig. 99) |
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– | Vibrissa arising above anteroventral corner of head (Fig. 20), subtended by one or more subvibrissal bristles; parafacial narrow or broad; lateral scutellar bristle well developed (as in Figs 130, 131); postsutural supra-alar bristles three or more, middle one largest (as in Figs 100–104) |
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Arista plumose (Fig. 25); genal dilation extending forward to about vibrissal angle, anterior genal seta thus arising close to base of vibrissa; midtibia at most with small anterodorsal seta scarcely longer than width of tibia; lateral scutellar bristles lacking | |
– | Arista bare; genal dilation distinctly separated from vibrissal angle by gap of membrane, so that single subvibrissal seta distinctly separated from genal setae; midtibia with well-developed anterodorsal seta; lateral scutellar bristles present | |
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Lateral scutellar bristles at least four-fifths as long and as straight as subapical scutellar bristles, strongly divergent (as in Fig. 131); parafacial extremely narrow; with two reclinate orbital bristles, markedly different from each other in size (as in Fig. 19) | |
– | Lateral scutellar bristles about two-thirds (or less) as long as subapical scutellar bristle (as in Fig. 130); parafacial broader; reclinate orbital bristles more numerous or more uniform in size |
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164 | Ocellar setae minute, shorter than length of ocellar triangle; frontal and reclinate orbital bristles forming single even row, increasing in size toward vertex usually regularly (as in Figs 65, 66), or with abrupt increase in some species; body pale ochreous brown |
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– | Ocellar setae present, longer than ocellar triangle; frontal and reclinate orbital bristles, if arising in single row, usually varying in size, with largest frontal bristles in middle of row (as in Figs 63, 64); body color usually brown or black, except on sides of abdomen |
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165 | Veins M and R4+5 each ending separately on either side of wing apex (Fig. 158) | |
– | M and R4+5 both ending anterior to wing apex (as in Fig. 156) |
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Male with two pairs of proclinate orbital setae (as in females); usually 2 reclinate orbital setae; three postpronotal bristles arranged in a triangle or strong arc; 2 or 3 katepisternal bristles | |
– | Male without proclinate orbital setae; usually 3 reclinate orbital setae; 2 apparent postpronotal bristles, innermost bristle reduced or absent, when present, the three are arranged in a broad arc forming an angle of > 120°; 2 katepisternal bristles |
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We would like to thank to Jim O’Hara, Monty Wood (Invertebrate Biodiversity, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CNC), Norm Woodley (Systematic Entomology Laboratory, NMNH), Nigel Wyatt (Natural History Museum, Department of Entomology, BMNH) and Manuel Zumbado (National Biodiversity Institute of Costa Rica, INBio) who provided specimen loans. We also thank Matt Duncan for helping with some of the images and Z. “Kai” Burington for useful discussions concerning