Review of the Palaearctic members of the Lispe tentaculata species-group (Diptera, Muscidae): revised key, synonymy and notes on ecology

Phylogenetic Analyses Support the Monophyly of the Genus Lispe Latreille (Diptera: Muscidae) with Insights into Intrageneric Relationships

Lispe Latreille (Diptera: Muscidae) are a widespread group of predatory flies that inhabit semi-aquatic environments. Previous studies on this genus have mainly focused on morphological classification, so molecular data are entirely lacking, and there has been no attempt at a phylogenetic placement of the genus or the resolution of intragenic relationships. To address the phylogenetic placement of Lispe and to fill its gap in the Tree of Life Web Project, 58 Lispe spp. (covering 11 out of 13 acknowledged Lispe species groups) were selected to reconstruct a phylogeny using Maximum likelihood (ML) estimates, Maximum Parsimony (MP) analyses, and Bayesian inference (BI) based on two mitochondrial protein-coding genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) and cytochrome b gene (CYTB)) and one nuclear gene (a fragment of the carbamoyl phosphate synthetase region of the CAD gene). The phylogenetic analyses indicated that the monophyletic Lispe is the sister group of the monophyletic Limnophora, together forming the tribe Limnophorini under the subfamily Coenosiinae. Three generic categories are proven obsolete: Chaetolispa Malloch, Lispacoenosia Snyder, and Xenolispa Malloch. Within the genus, the validity of 11 species groups is clarified by both molecular and morphological data. This study provides a sound basis for continuing intergeneric and intrageneric research into this fascinating and widespread genus.

Catalogue of the Diptera (Insecta) of Morocco— an annotated checklist, with distributions and a bibliography

The faunistic knowledge of the Diptera of Morocco recorded from 1787 to 2021 is summarized and updated in this first catalogue of Moroccan Diptera species. A total of 3057 species, classified into 948 genera and 93 families (21 Nematocera and 72 Brachycera), are listed. Taxa (superfamily, family, genus and species) have been updated according to current interpretations, based on reviews in the literature, the expertise of authors and contributors, and recently conducted fieldwork. Data to compile this catalogue were primarily gathered from the literature. In total, 1225 references were consulted and some information was also obtained from online databases. Each family was reviewed and the checklist updated by the respective taxon expert(s), including the number of species that can be expected for that family in Morocco. For each valid species, synonyms known to have been used for published records from Morocco are listed under the currently accepted name. Where available, distribution within Morocco is also included. One new combination is proposed: Assuaniamelanoleuca (Séguy, 1941), comb. nov. (Chloropidae).

Type specimens of Limnophorini (Diptera: Muscidae) deposited in the Museum für Naturkunde, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Berlin, Germany)

The type specimens of 153 species of Limnophorini in the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany, were revised. Differential diagnoses, notes on the types, and photographs of some of them (habitus and labels) are provided.

Revision of the Lispe longicollis-group (Diptera, Muscidae)

The Lispe longicollis species-group is revised. Lispe ethiopicasp. n. is described. The following 3 new synonyms are established: Lispe assimilis Wiedemann, 1824 (syn: cyrtoneurina Stein, 1900 and modesta Stein, 1913); Lispe manicata Wiedemann, 1830 (syn: forficata Kurahashi & Shinonaga, 2009). Female of Lispe microptera Seguy, 1937 is described for the first time. Identification key for known Eurasian and African species is given.