The taxonomy of species globally described in or formerly included in the genus Elachiptera and new combinations with Lasiochaeta and Gampsocera (Diptera: Chloropidae)

Abstract

The taxonomic history for all species of a species-rich genus of the Chloropidae (Diptera) is briefly presented for the first time, by the example of the genus Elachiptera Macquart, 1835. Here, all names of the species-group ever combined with the generic name Elachiptera are listed together with the references and the first page of their descriptions, their first transfer into the valid genus, their senior and junior synonyms and further important references to their taxonomical status. In addition, all names of the genus group that have ever been associated with these species names are listed together with their type species. Thirty new combinations are introduced in order to transfer species from Melanochaeta Bezzi, 1906 (a synonym of Oscinella Becker, 1909) to the valid genera Lasiochaeta Corti, 1909 and Gampsocera Schiner, 1862. The known zoogeographical distribution of each of the 81 valid Elachiptera species and 74 valid species in other genera is briefly summarized. Selected exemplary data on larval habitats of Elachiptera are discussed.