A review of Australian Apioceridae (Diptera)

Abstract

No previous review of Australian Apioceridae has been written, and prior to this one only 15 Apiocera, and 2 Neorhaphiomydas species were known. In the review of the geographical distribution of this family for the whole world Cazier (1941) accepted the Apioceridae as occupying only the southern part of Australia. This review, based on the study of all available material from the Australian Museums, adds 49 new Apiocera species, and 4 new Neorhaphiomydas species, so that the fauna of Australia now consists of 64 Apiocera and 6 Neorhaphiomydas species, making it the richest in the whole world. The Australian continent is occupied by numerous representatives of this family, many not yet described, distributed from the sea-shores to the mountain summits; especially rich is Western Australia, where studies to date have only touched on the fauna. A comprehensive key for the identification of both males and females is included in this review. In the short introduction, the basic data of morphology, bionomics, and geographical distribution of the family has been given. A list of the most important literature for the guidance of students has also been added.