The comparative morphology of the male and female postabdomen of the Australian Tachinidae (Diptera), with descriptions of some first-instar larvae and pupae

Abstract

The comparactive morphology of the male and female postabdomen of the Australian Tachinidae was studied in a survey which included 152 species of representative genera from all subfamilies except Dufouriinae. The value of the structure of the postabdomen for the higher classification of the family was ascertained, and new information gained which has allowed a better understanding of the correct taxonomic position of some problem groups of tachinids. It was possible to recognise suites of characters for each sex to define each subfamily, but this was not possible at tribal or generic levels in most groups. The male terininalia are diagnostic at specific level. The survey also allowed the discovery of, or confirmed, the reproductive habit of the included genera and provided information on the first-instar larva of 52 species, many of which larvae are described below for the first time. Characters of puparia which may have taxonomic value are discussed and illustrated.