Description and biology of an Australian species of cypselosomatidae (Diptera) with a discussion of family relationships

Abstract

A new species of the genus Cypselosoma Hendel is described, in both the adult and immature stages. This constitutes the first record of the family Cypselosomatidae in Australia. Notes on the family, generic, and specific characters are given with keys to aid identification. The ecology of the new species is discussed and some adaptions necessary to survival in its environment are pointed out. The known distribution of the cypselosomatid genera Cypselosoma and Formicosepsis is given, and the latter recorded from New Guinea for the first time. The relationships of the families Micropezidae and Neriidae are discussed in the light of knowledge gained from the more primitive Cypselosomatidae. It is concluded that the superfamily Micropezoidea should include the following families : Pseudopomyzidae, Cypselosomatidae, Neriidae, Micropezidae, and Megamerinidae. Protoborborus Malloch and Heluscolia Harrison are mentioned as new synonyms of Pseudopomyza Strobl. The genus Heloclusia Malloch is transferred from the Heleomyzidae to the Pseudopomyzidae.