Phylogeny of Palaearctic Syrphidae (Diptera): evidence from larval stages

Abstract

We estimated the phylog-eny of Palaearctic Syrphidae using 187 larval morphological characters obtained from about 65"% of the fauna (85 supraspecific taxa represented by 118 species) and based the analysis at the generic level. Thc root of the syrphid tree was established from an outgroup consisting of other Aschizan families: the Platypezidae, Phoridae and Pipunculidae, with the tree rooted on the Lonchopteridae. The Syrphidae was the most derived Aschizan family. 'The Pipunculidae was the sister group to the Syrphidae. Eumeru., was basal within Syrphidac. A trend exists towards increasing complexity of integumental folds arid grooves across the Aschiza. In movement, the integument collapses along the line of these grooves. Grooves are evidence of muscles forming functional groups. Elaboration of independent Lg-roups of muscles appears to underlic much of the evolution of larval form within Aschiza. The basal feeding modes of syrphid larva? arc mycopliagy and phytopha<gy. Abovc these feeding modes, all remaining syrphids fall into one of two lineages comprising entomophages and saprophages, each of which has a single origin within the apparently polyphyletic Wurpila. hlajor morphological innovation is associatrd with shifts between feeding modes; within feeding modes, change is gradual and tends towards increasing complexity. Change is mostly in structures associated with the mouthparts, thorax, anal segment and locomotory organs. Generic diagnoses with biological and taxonomic notes and a key to genera using lanral characters are provided.

A comparative analysis of the evolution of imperfect mimicry

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Arthropod diversity sheltered in Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) larval nests

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Afrotropical flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae). A new genus and species from Kenya, with a review of the melanostomine group of genera

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