Case 3589HemerodromiaMeigen, 1822 and hemerodromiinae Schiner, 1862 (Insecta, Diptera, empididae): proposed conservation of usage of the genus-group and family-group names

Abstract

The purpose of this application, under Article 70.2 of the Code, is to conserve the current usage of the generic name Hemerodromia Meigen, 1822, for a well-established genus of empidid flies. The type species of Hemerodromia has long been assumed to be Tachydromia oratoria Fallén, 1815, designated by Rondani in 1856. However, an earlier type-species designation of Tachydromia mantispa Meigen in Panzer, 1806, which is currently recognized as a valid species of Phyllodromia Zettersedt, 1837, was made by Westwood in 1840. Additionally, one more type designation was found for Hemerodromia that is earlier than that of Rondani (1856): that by Blanchard in 1845 of Hemerodromia monostigma Meigen, 1822, which is currently recognized as a species of Chelifera Macquart, 1823. Acceptance of either of these earlier designations would threaten stability of nomenclature and taxonomy of the common and worldwide genus group taxon Hemerodromia Meigen, 1822. Acceptance of the Westwood designation would make Hemerodromia the senior synonym of Phyllodromia Zetterstedt, 1837. Acceptance of the Blanchard designation would make Hemerodromia a senior synonym of Chelifera Macquart, 1823. Either change would require species in Hemerodromia to be placed in the next available genus, Microdromia Bigot, 1857. To avoid the nomenclatural and taxonomic instability that would result from following the Principle of Priority, it is proposed that all type fixations for Hemerodromia Meigen, 1822 prior to that of Tachydromia oratoria Fallén, 1815 by Rondani (1856) be set aside.