Adrian C. Pont

A revision of the Fanniidae and Muscidae (Diptera) described by Fallén

Brief notes are given on the life and Diptera collection of Carl Fredrik Fallen (1764-1830). The 62 species-group names that he proposed in the present families Fanniidae and Muscidae are listed, their type-material and identities discussed, and lectotypes designated where appropriate. Primary types of 51 species are in Stockholm (Naturhistoriska Riksmuseum), 10 are in Lund (Museum of Zoology), and 1 is considered lost. 55 lectotypes are designated. Spilogona falleni sp. n. is described. The following 6 new synonyms are established: Hydrotaea armipes (Fallen, 1825) (syn. n.: occulta (Meigen, 1826)); Helina confinis (Fallen 1825) (syn. n.: anceps (Zetterstedt, 1838)); Phaonia errans (Meigen, 1826) (syn. n.: erratica (Fallen, 1825), preocc.); Phaonia laeta (Fallen, 1823) (syn. n.: trigonalis (Meigen, 1826)); Spilogona litorea (Fallen, 1823) (syn. n.: longipes (Ringdahl, 1918)); Mydaea urbana (Meigen, 1826) (syn. n.: rustica (Fallen, 1825), preocc.).

The Mollissima subgroup of fannia Desvoidy, with the description of a new species from Burma and a revised key to species (Diptera: Muscidae)

Synopsis A comparison of the type-species of the genus Coelomyia Haliday (C. mollissima Haliday) with that of the genus Fannia Desvoidy (F. scalaris Fabricius) shows that these two genera cannot be maintained as equivalent phylogenetie taxa. Coelomyia is synonymized with Fannia and its species placed in Fannia, four new combinations thus being established. The mollissima subgroup is defined and its affinities shown, a new species is described, and a revised key to species is given.

‘The mysterious swarms of sepsid flies’: an enigma solved?

The swarming behaviour of Sepsis fulgens Meigen is discussed, and various aspects of this behavioural phenomenon are analysed. Examples of swarms and observations upon them are given, from published and unpublished sources. The identity of the swarming species is discussed, and then the characteristics of the swarm, the swarming site, size, duration, activity, sex ratio, scent and enemies are summarized. A discussion of some of these aspects follows, and finally a hypothesis is put forward as to the probable function of the swarm: it is suggested that it is a hibernation phenomenon. The infestation of domestic and commercial premises by Sepsis violacea Meigen is briefly reviewed.

Notes on the Muscidae of New Guinea (Diptera)

Synopsis The species of Muscidae described or subsequently recorded by Walker from New Guinea and adjacent islands are reviewed. Twenty-three species are treated: type-locations are stated, lectotypes designated where necessary, and generic assignments given. Two holotypes are considered lost, eight lectotypes are designated, and nine new combinations established.

Notes on the Insect Collection of Charles De Geer, with a revision of his species of Fanniidae, Anthomyiidae and Muscidae (Diptera)

Notes are given on the life of Charles De Geer ( 1720-1778), on the history of his insect collection, and on some nomenclatural aspects of his work. The 10 species he described into the present families Fanniidae, Anthomyiidae and Muscidae are listed, their typematerial and identities discussed, and iectotypes designated where appropriate. 4 new synonyms are established: Fannia scalaris (Fabricius, 1794) (syn: minordomestica De Geer, 1776), Pegomya steini Hendel, 1925 (syn: fungorum De Geer, 1776, preocc.), Pegomya testacea (De Geer, 1776) (syn: silacea Meigen, 1830), and Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus, 1758) (syn: viridicaerulea De Geer, 1776).