Extreme head morphology in Plastotephritinae (Diptera, Platystomatidae), with a proposition of classification of head structures in acalyptrate Diptera.

Modification of the head capsule in flies is known from several families of Diptera. In nearly all instances the accompanying agonistic behaviour suggests sexual selection for increased morphological change. This paper examines and explores the variety of head modifications found in the Plastotephritinae (Diptera, Platystomatidae) and, in the absence of biological observations regarding sexual behaviour and oviposition, suggests that similar agonistic, territorial behaviour and sexual selection is likely in Plastotephritinae. In addition, a system of classification of head modifications is proposed to aid future discussion and later (possibly phylogenetic) analysis, listing 9 (+ 1 intermediate) categories of head modification in Plastotephritinae and 4 further categories in other dipterous families

A revision of Neoardelio Hendel (Diptera: Platystomatidae), with description of a new species.

The distinguishing characters of Neoardelio Hendel, 1914 are discussed in relation to similar Afrotropical genera of Platystomatidae. A new species is described, based on material from near Klawer in the Western Cape, South Africa. A key and illustrations are provided to distinguish this species from the five known species. Two other species are nomina nuda created by Loew (1873). Neoardelia (sic) aliena Frey, 1964 is synonymised with Herina burmanica (Frey, 1959). Biological details from the type locality of the new species confirm phytophagous larval development

The Afrotropical Syrphidae Fauna: an assessment

Afrotropical syrphid research has lagged behind that in Europe and North America. Research has largely been taxonomic in content, with few biogeographical, biological or ecological studies. Species identification is frequently uncertain and requires a good reference collection to achieve qualitative results. In addition, many generic keys are in need of revision. Progress in the non-taxonomic aspects of research is hampered by difficulties in identification. It is clear that a large portion of future effort needs to be directed toward improving the level of taxonomic access, although it is also true that there are projects where non-taxonomic progress can be made. This paper attempts to review the historical progress that has been made and analyses the future needs of the taxonomic sector, outlining which genera are most in need of revision

The distribution of Bibionidae (Diptera) in Scotland

We review the material of the family Bibionidae from Scotland in the Natural History Museum, London and the National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh, as well as some material from other collections and published records from the SIRI (Scottish Insect Records Index). Eleven species of the genus Bibio Geoffroy, 1762 and four species in the genus Dilophus Meigen, 1803 have been collected in Scotland. We review the distribution and ecology of each species and present maps of records. Previous Scottish records of Bibio hortulanus (Linnaeus, 1758) and B. reticulatus Loew, 1846 are deemed to be most likely erroneous. Additionally, we have not found any specimens confirming the literature record of Bibio venosus (Meigen, 1804), but we believe this record is most likely correct since this species is distinctive and well defined with no substantial confusion about its identity. There is also a recent record of Dilophus humeralis Zetterstedt, 1850 which we have not been able to confirm. The following species have unambiguous records from Scotland: Bibio clavipes Meigen, 1818; B. ferruginatus (Linnaeus, 1758); B. johannis (Linnaeus, 1767); B. lanigerus Meigen, 1818; B. leucopterus (Meigen, 1804); B. longipes Loew, 1864; B. marci (Linnaeus, 1758); B. nigriventris Haliday, 1833; B. pomonae (Fabricius, 1775); B. varipes Meigen, 1830; Dilophus bispinosus Lundström, 1913; D. febrilis (Linnaeus, 1758); D. femoratus Meigen, 1804

The actual annual occurrence of the green lacewings of northwestern Europe (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Quantitative surveys of chrysopids from northwestern Europe were analysed. A total of thirty-five species are known within the zone although only twenty-six were recorded. Only the common green lacewings (i.e. the sibling species of the Chrysoperla carnea complex, here not differentiated) were elsewhere abundant comprising more than 3/4 of the specimens in all countries and reaching 97 % in Belgium. For the scarcer species, comments are given on their enhanced geographic range. The French fauna shows 19 species, six are exceptional (< 0.1%) such as the Atlanto-Mediterranean Dichochrysa picteti . Five species are considered rare (1<Q ≤ 5 %): Chrysopa perla , Ch. phyllochroma , Dichochrysa flavifrons, D. inornata and D. prasina. The fauna of both Great Britain and Ireland has the same faunistical richness but manifests a more balanced equitability. Chrysopa perla , Dichochrysa flavifrons and Cunctochrysa albolineata are uncommon (5 < Q ≤ 15 %), the others are at least rare. Belgium and Luxemburg gave 16 species and a very low diversity. Hypochrysa elegans, Nineta vittata, N. principiae and Chrysopa pallens are exceptional. Comments are given on some underestimated species, such as Dichochrysa mariana and Cunctochrysa bellifontensis not unanimously agreed, and D. abdominalis too recently re-instated to be identified in many collections

A comparison of collection management practices between two collections of Diptera.

The Diptera collections of the Natal Museum (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa) and the National Museums of Scotland (Edinburgh, Scotland) are distinctly different. A direct comparison of curatorial techniques aims to assess the methods of collection management used and the constraints facing these two museums. Each institution has a unique historical background, which has had a particular influence on how collection management practices have developed. Thus, the two museums in question use different techniques to accomplish the same job. These differences are compared and evaluated and the strengths of each institution are highlighted. Some comment on collection management practices in the Diptera collections of other museums is included. The main limitation facing the National Museums of Scotland collection stems from its age and certain traditional methods of organisation used. Being a younger collection, the Diptera collection at the Natal Museum is largely free from such limitations. Current political and economic factors are discussed relative to operations at both museums. These factors (including the means by which finances are obtained) affect differently the two institutions and what they expect from their staff. As a result, collection management practices are also distinctively influenced. Certainly, some positive changes can be made to improve the Diptera collections at National Museums of Scotland, but the constraints facing the Natal Museum are more complicated and sometimes more difficult to overcome