A new species of black fungus gnat from Canada, Peyerimhoffia
jaschhoforum
sp. n., is presented with a description, illustrations, biotope information and a brief discussion of the placement and concept of the genus Peyerimhoffia. P.
jaschhoforum is characterized by a unique gonostylar structure where the apex is hollowed but not enclosed and contains a mass of mega setae housed within. P.
jaschhoforum was reared from decomposing jack pine (Pinus
banksiana Lamb.) deadwood using both in-situ and ex-situ photoeclectors. We documented three additional specimens originating from Fennoscandia that resemble P.
jaschhoforum but differ based on a broader tegmen, placement of setigerous papillae behind the tegmen and the fused intercoxal area. Based on this, these specimens are assigned to a new subspecies, Peyerimhoffia
jaschhoforum
fennoscandica
ssp. n.
From 2020 onwards, several specimens of the Neotropical fungus gnat Sciophila fractinervis (Edwards, 1940) have been intercepted by Fera Science Ltd. on or near plant material in the United Kingdom originating from nurseries and glasshouses at four separate locations: Preston, Lancashire; Chichester, West Sussex; East Riding of Yorkshire; and Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, as well as a single interception from the Netherlands. Gnat interceptions were associated with a wide range of plant species: Ficus benjamina, Ficus elastica, Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, Origanum vulgare, Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Impatiens hawkeri (Impatiens New Guinea hybrids), Chrysanthemum, as well as Fragaria vesca (var. Lusa). The species does not appear to be doing any damage to affected plants with growing conditions likely promoting multiplication under protection. The larvae likely feed on spores (generally saprophytic) adhering to webs they erect on the soil and around the base of plants with spores likely originating from the growing medium and plants. Their spread is likely facilitated by movement of the growing medium or plant material where pupae are suspended in the lower stem or leaf axils.
An account of the various interceptions is provided, as well as images of the different life-stages with a brief discussion of Sciophila cincticornis Edwards, 1940, its relationship with Sciophila fractinervis and further evidence of instability in vein R2+3 in the Sciophila genus.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.