Family Dolichopodidae Research Articles

The complete mitochondrial genome of Paraclius curvispinus Yang et Saigusa, 2001 (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)

This study presented the first sequencing and analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Paraclius curvispinus Yang and Saigusa, 2001, a predator fly belonging to the family Dolichopodidae (long-legged fly). The complete mitochondrial genome of P. curvispinus was 16,882 bp long (GenBank accession number: PP498802), which contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and a control region. The nucleotide composition of mitochondrial genome of P. curvispinus was 38.48% of A, 36.00% of T, 10.67% of G, and 14.85% of C. Maximum-likelihood (ML) analysis revealed the phylogenetic relationships within the subfamily Dolichopodinae, suggesting the following grouping: ((Dolichopus + Lichtwardtia)+((Hercostomus + Poecilobothrus)+ Gymnopternus))+ Paraclius. This study provides a basis for discussing the evolution of mosquito larval predation habits of Dolichopodinae.

Neurigona susanrocesae, the first Neurigona species from the Philippines

The first species of the genus Neurigona is described from the Philippines. The diagnosis, description and molecular data based on the partial DNA sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene were documented. The Neurigona species exhibits distinct characteristics, including a sub-apical dorsal stylus resembling an arista, a peduncle on the seventh abdominal segment, a flat dorsal postcranium, elongated legs devoid of prominent setae or bristles, and a distinctive rectangular bend in wing vein M. Based on the DNA sequence analysis, the unknown species is 90.06% similar to Cyrtona sp. and Neurigona zhejiangensis. However, 10% of its DNA sequences are significantly variable making it a totally different species. The specimen was verified by a dipterist as a species belonging to Genus Neurigona under Family Dolichopodidae. These flies are recognized for their lengthy legs and sizable yellow bodies. The species was named as N. susanrocesae as a tribute to the late Susan Roces, the “Queen of Philippine Movies”.

Genetic diversity of the cosmopolitan long-legged fly Syntormon pallipes in Turkey

Syntormon pallipes is one of the cosmopolitan species in the family Dolichopodidae. It has an important role in agriculture and forest ecosystems. We studied the genetic diversity of 10 populations of this species using seven ISSR primers and found 269 polymorphic loci. The polymorphism rate ranged between 34.6% and 72.1%. A molecular variance analysis showed that the main source of genetic variation originates from within the populations. In addition, the genetic differentiation value (GST) was found to be low, with a value of 0.13. The gene flow level (Nm) is high with a value of 3.11 per generation.

Additional records of family Dolichopodidae (Diptera: Empidoidea) for the fauna of the Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria

The paper gives information about 21 dolichopodid species distributed in the Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria. Four of them are newly recorded for the studied region, as for Chrysotus hubenovi described soon, it is the second locality for Bulgaria and for the Palaearctic realm in general. For Dolichopus linearis known also with one locality from Bulgaria this research provides two new ones.

Dolichopodidae (Diptera) from the Eocene amber deposits of Cambay and Kutch Basins, India

The family Dolichopodidae (Diptera) from the Eocene amber of the Cambay and Kutch, India is reviewed. Based on a sample of 38 inclusions, the fauna preserved in amber reveals that the family was well-differentiated by early the Eocene. Palaeomedeterus cambayensis Bickel sp. nov. is described and provisionally assigned to the Peloropeodinae, and is congeneric with European Baltic amber species, suggesting the genus was widespread for a considerable time period in both Europe and India. Two small-sized new monotypic genera are also described, Gujaratmyia rotunda Bickel gen. et sp. nov. and Rajpardia grimaldii Bickel gen. et sp. nov. Also included are undescribed members of the dolichopodid subfamilies Diaphorinae and Medeterinae, and unplaced species. The Baltic amber species Prohercostomus noxialis (Meunier, 1907) is regarded as the new senior synonym of Sympycnites primaevus Grimaldi & Cumming, 1999, described with a mistaken provenance of Cretaceous Lebanese amber.

Variation of sexual dimorphism of the wing shape in the family Dolichopodidae (Diptera)

Although sexual dimorphism manifestations are widespread in the family Dolichopodidae, a detailed characterization of their phylogenetic significance is lacking. In order to study the distribution patterns of wing sexual dimorphism, we have analyzed 57 species from 17 genera of 9 subfamilies. A comparative analysis of the evidence, obtained by geometric morphometry and molecular data, allowed us to assess the phylogenetic signal in the sexual dimorphism of the wing. The results of the study confirm the presence of diverse patterns of sexual variability in the wings of this family. More often, females have larger wings with blunted apexes, whereas males are characterized by a more pointed apex. In some cases, the larger size of females wings is associated with an increase in the body size, while in other cases, differences in shape and size can be explained by differences in behavioural and life patterns. Although there exists a general pattern of sexual dimorphism, its features differ even in closely related species. The absence of a significant phylogenetic signal in seven out of nine studied wing points indicates that the sexual dimorphism in form evolved, at least partially, in each of the studied species.

The long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) from Kurile Islands, with description of a new species of the genus Sciapus Zeller, 1842

An annotated list of dolichopodid species recorded from Kurile Archipelago (Russia) is given for the first time. Sciapus basarukini sp. n. from Kunashir Island is described and illustrated. New records for 26 species, including 8 species new for the Kurile Islands, are presented. Long-legged flies are recorded for the first time from the Anuchina, Tanfilyeva, Polonskogo, Urup, Chirpoy, Brat-Chirpoyev, Simushir, Ushishir, Matua, Raikoke, Paramushir, Kharimkotan, Makanrushi, Atlasov, and Onekotan islands. Two species are excluded from the fauna of Kurils. In total, 54 species are recorded from the Kurile Archipelago that appa¬rently makes up 50–60% of the actual dolichopodid fauna in this region. The trends discovered on the Kurile Islands for plant species, i.e. the landscape diversity and the number of plant species increase from small to large islands, and decrease from southern islands northward, are generally supported by the case of flies of the family Dolichopodidae.

Data on the distribution of Dolichopodidae (Diptera: Empidoidea) in Bulgaria, with first records for the country

The paper presents information about 37 dolichopodid species, collected from 14 localities in Bulgaria. Five species (Medetera murina, Systenus scholtzi, Neurigona nubifera, Rhaphium antennatum and Sciapus bellus) are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Bulgaria. The species S. scholtzi is new to the Balkan Peninsula and the genus Systenus is a new genus of the family Dolichopodidae for the Bulgarian fauna.

Flies of the family Dolichopodidae (Diptera: Brachycera), excluding the Microphorinae and Parathalassinae, from the Maltese Islands with notes on their habitats and phenology

All 41 species of Dolichopodidae in 22 genera (excluding one species each in the subfamilies Microphorinae and Parathalassinae) known to occur on the Maltese Islands are reviewed, with 31 of these being recorded for the first time. Habitat preferences and flight periods of the species recorded are tabulated and discussed.

Diversity of long-legged flies (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) of the Balkan Mountains (Bulgaria and Serbia)

The present paper gives information about 61 dolichopodid species distributed in the Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria and Serbia. Twenty-two species, collected from 13 localities, are new to the Balkan Mountains and seven of them (Dolichopus longicornis, Hercostomus chetifer, Medetera pallipes, M. muralis, Neurigona quadrifasciata, N. pallida and Sciapus costea) are new to the fauna of Bulgaria. Medetera pallipes and Sciapus costea are also new to the Balkan Peninsula. Thus, the total number of known species of the family Dolichopodidae for Bulgaria increases to 204.

Checklist of the Dolichopodidae (Diptera, Empidoidea) of the Balkan Peninsula, with first records for Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and for the European part of Turkey.

This paper presents 58 new records of the family Dolichopodidae for Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia and European part of Turkey, collected from 37 localities. Seventeen species are recorded for the first time from Bulgaria, six of which are new to the Balkan Peninsula, 23 species for European Turkey, three of which are new to the entire territory of Turkey, seven species for Montenegro and 11 species for North Macedonia. A checklist of the Dolichopodidae of the Balkan Peninsula is provided. The total number of dolichopodids of the Balkan Peninsula is currently raised to 288 species.

Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Predacious Dolichopodidae (Insecta: Diptera) on Organic Vegetable Fields and Adjacent Habitats in Brazil

Adults of the fly family Dolichopodidae (Diptera) are general predators on small soft-bodied invertebrates, and often are abundant in agroecosystems. However, information about their diversity and spatial distribution in agricultural landscapes are scarce. Using structured sampling, we identified the species of Dolichopodidae associated with organic vegetable crops, fallow, agroforestry, and native vegetation in the Federal District of Brazil, and evaluate their richness and abundance. We collected 70 species Dolichopodidae distributed in 17 genera and 9 subfamilies. Of these, some 80% of the specimens belong to the following 5 taxa: Chrysotus spectabilis (Loew), Thrypticus violaceous Van Duzee, Condylostylus depressus (Aldrich), Condylostylus “caudatus group” females, and Condylostylus erectus Becker (all Diptera: Dolichopodidae). Habitats with vegetable crops harbored a higher abundance and number of species (diversity α), with a gradual reduction towards more forested environments of native vegetation. This is an inverse gradient with the general patterns of community studies with other taxa. We also verified the importance of less disturbed habitats over time in the agricultural landscape, such as agroforestry and native vegetation, as complementary habitats for the maintenance and conservation of dolichopodid species in particular, a scenario to be tested for other insect groups. Resumo Os adultos da familia das moscas Dolichopodidae (Diptera) sao predadores generalistas de pequenos invertebrados de corpo mole, sendo geralmente abundantes em agroecossistemas. No entanto, informacoes sobre sua diversidade e distribuicao espacial em paisagens agricolas sao escassas. A partir de amostragens locais, identificamos as especies de Dolichopodidae associadas a hortalicas orgânicas, pousio, agrossilvicultura e vegetacao nativa no Distrito Federal, Brasil, e avaliamos sua riqueza e abundância. Foram coletadas 70 especies de Dolichopodidae distribuidas em 17 generos e 9 subfamilias. Destes, cerca de 80% dos especimes pertencem aos seguintes 5 taxons: Chrysotus spectabilis (Loew), Thrypticus violaceous Van Duzee, Condylostylus depressus (Aldrich), Condylostylus “grupo caudatus” e Condylostylus erectus Becker (todos dipteros: Dolichopodidae). Habitats com hortalicas abrigavam a maior abundância e numero de especies (diversidade α), com uma reducao gradual em direcao a ambientes mais florestados de vegetacao nativa. Este e um gradiente inverso com os padroes gerais de estudos comunitarios com outros taxons. Tambem verificamos a importância de habitats menos perturbados ao longo do tempo na paisagem agricola, como agrofloresta e vegetacao nativa, como habitats complementares para a manutencao e conservacao de especies de diclopodideos em particular. Este e um cenario a ser testado para outros grupos de insetos. Key Words: biological control; Neotropical region; Cerrado; habitat management; species richness; organic agro-ecosystems View this article in BioOne

Morphometric Variations in Leg Segments’ Length in the Family Dolichopodidae (Diptera)

Interspecific variations of legs’ morphometric signs have been investigated on 2885 individuals from 65 species of 22 genera of the family Dolichopodidae. Nine morphometric signs of legs, including lengths of femora, tibia, and first segment of tarsi have been measured, and the data on 12 relative signs have been obtained. The results of analysis of variance showed significant differences between the genera but not between the subfamilies. Most of the studied signs showed weak phylogenetic signal. Significant phylogenetic signal has been found in only one of the studied signs: the ratio of length of mid legs' femora and tibia. Principal component analysis revealed the set of characters most typical for the family representatives as well as two general trends in leg morphometry diversity: elongation of the first segment of the mid- and hind-legs and variation in the ratio of fore-, mid-, and hind-femora. Cluster analysis revealed three morphologically distinguishable species groups that also differed in terms of their microhabitats: Medetera-like species (lengths of fore-, mid-, and hind-femora are nearly equal), Hydrophorus-like species (mid- and hind-femora and tibia are significantly extended regarding the fore-femora and tibia), and Sciapus-like species (all first segments of tarsi are significantly extended). Each of the identified groups includes species belonging to different subfamilies. Therefore, the similarity in leg morphometry features in dolichopodids is supported to be related to convergent evolution and not to the presence of a common ancestor with a similar morphology.

The family Dolichopodidae (Diptera) of the Arabian Peninsula: identification key, an updated list of species and new records from Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Despite the species richness of Dolichopodidae or long-legged flies world-wide (over 8000 species) and its prominent role as an important and ubiquitous natural enemy of pests in a variety of habitats, only four species have been recorded from Saudi Arabia prior to this study. As part of a study on the biodiversity of Diptera of south-western Saudi Arabia, a survey of the Diptera fauna of Jazan, Abha and Najran was performed from 2012 to 2016 using mainly Malaise traps, sweep nets and light traps. Twenty-one species belonging to seven subfamilies of Dolichopodidae were identified and recorded in this study, 20 species and five subfamilies of these are recorded for the first time from south-western Saudi Arabia. This study increases the total number of dolichopodid species in Saudi Arabia (including previous records) to 25. Twenty-one images are presented. A key to genera and species of the Dolichopodidae of the Arabian Peninsula is provided. A list of all dolichopodid species recorded from Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula is given. Biological information (if known) and world distribution are included. It seems likely that further species will be discovered with more research involving the use of mass trapping methods. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CA325144-D56F-438A-9E2C-681E89862747

Records of the long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) from Azerbaijan and Georgia

Abstract Records of 16 species of the family Dolichopodidae from Azerbaijan and Georgia are given. Four species Campsicnemus armeniacus Negrobov, Manko, Hrivniak & Obona, 2017, Chrysotus pennatus Lichtwardt, 1902, Medetera kowarzi Negrobov, 1974, Rhaphium brevicorne Curtis, 1835 represent new records for Azerbaijan and increase species richness to 90 taxa. The completed checklist of long-legged flies of Georgia is presented. With five new country records, namely: Campsicnemus umbripennis Loew, 1856, Medetera murina Becker, 1917, Medetera truncorum Meigen, 1824, Sybistroma crinipes Stæger, 1842, Sympycnus pulicarius (Fallén, 1823), the checklist covers 71 taxa now.

Convergent evolution of sexual dimorphism in species of the family Dolichopodidae (Diptera)

Abstract. Chursina MA. 2019. Convergent evolution of sexual dimorphism in species of the family Dolichopodidae (Diptera). Biodiversitas 20: 2480-2485. In this study, we investigated patterns of sexual dimorphism in four dolichopodid species namely Dolichopus acuticornis Wiedemann, 1817, D. longicornis Stannius, 1831, Rhaphium appendiculatum Zetterstedt, 1849, and R. caliginosum Meigen, 1824 that are exhibiting similar patterns of sexual dimorphism. Although they are distantly related, males of all these species exhibit similar sexual dimorphic characters in term of elongation of postpedicel. A comparison of variation made it possible to assumed that although sexual selection acts differently, all four species exhibited similar patterns of sexual dimorphism in wings and legs; females possessed relatively widened wing and elongated fore and hind femora than males. Cluster analysis for the morphometry data demonstrated that the differences between sexes significantly exceeds the differences between species. These results may reflect the presence of some conservative genetic structure of covariation among characters.

Эволюционные тенденции формы крыла в семействе Dolichopodidae (Diptera)

Эволюционные тенденции формы крыла в семействе Dolichopodidae (Diptera)

Patterning the insect eye: From stochastic to deterministic mechanisms.

While most processes in biology are highly deterministic, stochastic mechanisms are sometimes used to increase cellular diversity. In human and Drosophila eyes, photoreceptors sensitive to different wavelengths of light are distributed in stochastic patterns, and one such patterning system has been analyzed in detail in the Drosophila retina. Interestingly, some species in the dipteran family Dolichopodidae (the “long legged” flies, or “Doli”) instead exhibit highly orderly deterministic eye patterns. In these species, alternating columns of ommatidia (unit eyes) produce corneal lenses of different colors. Occasional perturbations in some individuals disrupt the regular columns in a way that suggests that patterning occurs via a posterior-to-anterior signaling relay during development, and that specification follows a local, cellular-automaton-like rule. We hypothesize that the regulatory mechanisms that pattern the eye are largely conserved among flies and that the difference between unordered Drosophila and ordered dolichopodid eyes can be explained in terms of relative strengths of signaling interactions rather than a rewiring of the regulatory network itself. We present a simple stochastic model that is capable of explaining both the stochastic Drosophila eye and the striped pattern of Dolichopodidae eyes and thereby characterize the least number of underlying developmental rules necessary to produce both stochastic and deterministic patterns. We show that only small changes to model parameters are needed to also reproduce intermediate, semi-random patterns observed in another Doli species, and quantification of ommatidial distributions in these eyes suggests that their patterning follows similar rules.

Phylogenetic Signal in the Wing Shape in the Subfamily Dolichopodinae (Diptera, Dolichopodidae)

Interspecific and sex-related variations in the wing shape of 22 species of the fly subfamily Dolichopodinae, family Dolichopodidae were analyzed using geometric morphometrics. Mapping morphometric traits onto phylogeny revealed a clear phylogenetic signal in the interspecific variation and sexual dimorphism of wing shape. In some cases, not too closely related species occupied the same portion of the morphometric space, indicating some degree of homoplasy. Interspecific variation was associated with an increased wing area due to both elongation and widening or only elongation of the wing. An increase in wing area was accompanied by extension of the posterior crossvein to the apical part of the wing. The variation in wing shape related to sexual dimorphism involved the same structures (the posterior crossvein and the apical part of CuA1), but variation associated with sexual dimorphism was distributed in fewer dimensions than interspecific variation. The allometric component of sexual dimorphism varied between species, and in most cases it was not the leading factor in wing shape variability.

Fauna of the family Dolichopodidae (Diptera) of the Astrakhan State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Russia)

Fauna of the family Dolichopodidae (Diptera) of the Astrakhan State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Russia)