Revision of Polietina Schnabl & Dziedzicki (Diptera, Muscidae) and considerations on its new systematic position

Abstract

Polietina Schnabl & Dziedzicki, 1911 has been placed in different subfamilies mainly based on chaetotaxy and general morphology of adults. This genus has most recently been placed in Reinwardtiinae on the basis of larval characters. The male terminalia, however, indicates that Polietina is phylogenetically close to the basal group of Muscinae. By the analysis of all available type material, the genus and nine species are redescribed: P. bicolor Albuquerque; P. distincta Couri & Lopes; P. flavithorax (Stein); P. major Albuquerque; P. minor Albuquerque; P. orbitalis (Stein); P. rubella (Wulp); P. steini (Enderlein) and P. concinna (Wulp) which is revalided and lectotype designated. Neotypes are proposed to Polietina flavithorax and to Polietina orbitalis. Polietina wulpi is proposed as a new species. A key is also presented

Polietina Schnabl & Dziedzicki (Diptera, Muscidae): description of the male of P. major Albuquerque and female of P. wulpi Couri & Carvalho

“…Some variation, particularly in colour, was found in the male specimens examined here that differs from holotype's description (COURI & CARVALHO 1997). These are the following: humeral callus brown; postalar callus and scutellum dark brown with silver pollinosity; legs brown, with throcanther and femur-tibia junction lighter, and basal third of foretibia yellow; abdomen dark brown with silver pollinosity, tergites 1 and 2 yellowish at base.…”

“…Polietina is considered a monophyletic genus due, at least, to the ciliated postalar wall. Its close relationship to Polietes Rondani, 1866, based on the shape of the cercal plate, has been suggested by COURI & CARVALHO (1997).…”

“…The male is described and illustrated in COURI & CARVALHO (1997), therefore only some descriptive notes are added: eyes ciliated; gena with a set of upwardly directed setae, above subvibrissal setae; 3 notopleural setae, the median shorter than posterior one; suprasquamal ridge ciliated on anterior region.…”

“…Following the recent revision of COURI & CARVALHO (1997), the genus Polietina Schnabl & Dziedzicki, 1911 is treated as belonging to the subfamily Muscinae, tribe Muscini. This placement is based on its plumose arista, sinuous Subcosta vein and, particularly, by the presence of spined processes on ventral surface of the cercal plate.…”

“…The genus Polietina is restricted to the New World, occurring from southern United States of America (Texas, Galveston) to South America, including southern Brazil and northern Argentina (HUCKETT 1965;PONT 1972;CARVALHO et al 1993;VOCKEROTH 1996;COURI & CARVALHO 1997). Nowadays, this genus comprises 18 species (COURI & CARVALHO 1996COURI & PAMPLONA 1997).…”