Pilosaphiura, DISNEY, 2003

DISNEY, R. H. L., 2003, Tasmanian Phoridae (Diptera) and some additional Australasian species, Journal of Natural History 37 (5), pp. 505-639 : 618-621

Genus Pilosaphiura gen. nov.

Type species. Pilosaphiura samanthae sp. nov.

Etymology

The name means hairy Aphiura , and refers to its resemblance to this genus but being immediately distinguished by its hairy mesopleuron.

Diagnosis

Frons broader than long. Only lower part of median furrow present. Chaetotaxy comprises 4-4-4 (excluding ocellars) plus a pair of small hairs below the antials that probably represent reduced supra-antennals. Third antennal segment of male oval, of female subglobose. Arista pre-apical. Mesopleural furrow present. Mesopleuron hairy. Scutellum with four bristles, the inner (posterior) pair being a little weaker. Epandrium asymmetric and strongly haired on sides. Anal tube long, with numerous hairs on cerci. All tibiae devoid of pre-apical bristles and longitudinal hair palisades. Vein 3 forked (i.e. R present), Sc strong and ending in R. Several axillary 2+3 1

bristles. Part of costa in female of type species is thickened.

Affinities

In the most recent key to world genera (Disney, 1994b) the males run to couplet 178. The presence of hairs on the mesopleuron, well-developed frontal bristles and costal cilia, and a lack of a notopleural cleft prevents agreement with either lead. If one ignores the mesopleural hairs one can run on to couplet 183, to Macroselia Schmitz and Aphiura Schmitz. Both these genera have a bare mesopleuron and the male third antennal segment is more globose. The females will run to couplet 249, where neither lead fits.

This genus clearly shows affinity with Aphiura and Macroselia , apart from the hairy mesopleuron and somewhat elongated male third antennal segments. The thickening of part of the female costa recalls that of Macroselia completior Beyer. Indeed in Beyer’s (1966) key to this group of genera the new genus runs out with Aphiura and Macroselia .