Revision of the Melaloncha ungulata-group of bee-killing flies (Diptera: Phoridae)

2006·29.8 MB·English

by  Brian V Brown

Revision of the Melaloncha ungulata-Grou? of
Bee-Kieeing Flies (Diptera: Phoridae)
Brian V. Brown^ and Giar-Ann Kung^
ABSTRACT. The Melaloncha ungulata-group is a hypothesized monophyletic lineage based on the
presence of a 3-pronged dorsal process, here called the trident, of intersegment 7-8 of the female
abdomen. Thegroup isrevised and, exclusive ofthe M. imgulata-senes, consists of3 described species,
M. flava Borgmeier, M. nigrifrons Borgmeier, and M. nigrita Borgmeier, plus the following 17 new to
science: M. acoma, M. adusta, M. Candida, M. caligula, M. claviapex, M. cristula, M. culmena, M.
debilis, M. diastata,M. fuscipalpis, M.juxta, M. platypoda, M. setitibialis, M. spina, M. tambopatensis,
M. titparroensis,andM. ustulata.Afurtherdescribedspecies,M. iingidataBorgmeier,andthefollowing
8 newtoscience areclassifiedintheM. ungnlata-series: M. atrilingula, M. borgmeieri, M. castanea, M.
curtibrachia, M. inicita, M. laticlava, M. pegmata, M. strigosa, and M. trita. Phylogenetic relationships
within this group are partially resolved, with M. acoma, M. adusta, M. Candida, and M. nigrita
considered closely related, the M. ungulata-senes forming a second monophyletic group, and the
majority of the rest of the species belonging, although with unresolved relationships, within a larger
monophyletic group containing the M. ungulata-stnes. Hosts and behavior of several species of these
Neotropical bee-killing flies are recorded.
INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS
The genus Melaloncha Brues is a group of This revision is based almost exclusively on female
colorful, bee-parasitizing phorid flies (Fig. 1) specimens. Males of Melaloncha are extremely similar
found almost exclusively in the New World toeachother(atleastwithinsubgroups),areoftenhighly
tropics. Before recentattentionthiswas a relative- divergent in structure and colorfrom females, and show
toofewdifferencestobe useful incharacterizingspecies.
ly small group, with 32 described species (Borg- Onlythe fewknownmalesthatwerecollectedin copula
meier, 1968, 1971b), butrecentrevisions (Brown,
with females aredescribedhere. Ifmatingpairscould be
2004a, 2004b, 2005; Gonzalez and Brown, 2004) collected reliably, there would be the possibility of
have described many new forms, such that the making further progress in the taxonomy of males, but
final number of species is now expected to be unfortunately, inourexperience, itisextremelyrarethat
between 200 and 300. such pairs are encountered.
Besides their diversity, this group is of interest All specimens have a bar-coded insect label, andtheir
for their parasitoid habits and the interesting data are stored at the LACM. Bar-code data for
behaviors of adult females as they attack their holotypes is presented in square brackets for their easy
hosts. A greater knowledge of the species in this identification.
genus, both in the laboratory and in the field, will moMraetedreitaaillsisodnepcoosliletcetdioinns,thseeefoAlrlnoewtitngetcoalhl,ec1t9i9o3n)s:(for
allow us to better understand the history and
function of their diverse body forms and struc- AMNH DepartmentofEntomologyCollection,Amer-
tures. ican Museum ofNatural History, New York,
In his first paper about Melaloncha, Brown New York, USA
(2004b) hypothesized some monophyletic groups, CBEC ColeccibnBolivianadeEauna, LaPaz, Bolivia
CMNH
including 2 subgenera, Udaniochiras Enderlein Section of Invertebrate Zoology, Carnegie
and Melaloncha s.s. Within Melaloncha s.s., there Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh,
is a distinctive group of species that we here term Pennsylvania, USA
the M. ungulata-group, with a 3-pronged struc- EMUS DepartmentofBiology,UtahStateUniversity,
tdpuerrsoecproisabteessintsthoeermsekengmoperwnentlims7ip-ne8cairey(sFigio.dfea5ts)h.eaTbghoriuostupptahapeneidrr EINMBNCH LIHInniosssgtetaiconttru,ytC,oUotlCNalhaehicc,citaoiUgonSona,,AlIEdlieleilnBodiiosM,diuUvseSerAsuimdado,fHNearteudriaal,
relationships. The phylogeny ofthis group is also Costa Rica
being studied in a combined morphological and INPA Insituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia,
molecular project by B. Brown and P. Smith (in Manaus, Brazil
preparation). LACM Entomology Section, Natural History Muse-
um of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles,
1-2. Entomology Section, Natural History Museum California, USA
ofLos Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los MACN Division Entomologia, Museo Argentino
Angeles, California 90007, USA. E-mail: Tbrown@ de Ciencias Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argen-
nhm.org; ^[email protected] tina
Contributions in Science, Number 507, pp. 1-31
Natural History Museum ofLos Angeles County, 2006
2 Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Kung: Revision ofM. ungulata-%vo\i^
Figure 1 Melalonchaacoman. sp. (right) attackingPlebiaaff.jatiformis(Cockerell) inthefieldatZonaProtectoraEl
Rodeo, Costa Rica (photo by B. Brown)
MCZC Entomology Department, Museum of Com- within this group. Most are associated with the
parative Zoology, Harvard University, Cam- female intersegment 7-8 and foretarsomeres.
bridge, Massachusetts, USA These characters are listed below, with the
MIUP MPaunsaemoa,dPeanIanmvaertebrados, Universidad de presumed primitive state labeled (0) and the
MPEG Departamento de Entomologia, Museu Para- derived states labeled (1).
MUCR eMnusseeEomildieo IGnoseelcdtio,s,BeUlneimv,erBsraizdiald de Costa 1. sIcnlteerrosteigzemdenatpe7x-8foorfmifnemgalaesaimbpdloemeelnonwgiatthe
MUSM MRiucsa,eoSandeJoseH,isCtoosrtiaa RNiactaural, Universidad process (0), formed into a 3-pronged pro-
Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru cess, and herein referred to as the trident
MZSP Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de Sao (Figs. 4-43) (1). The structure of the
Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil trident is a dorsomedial process and 2
NHRS Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Sektionen fur more ventral lateral arms. It is situated
Entomologi, Stockholm, Sweden dorsally on the intersegment (Fig. 5) and
QCAZ Quito Catholic Zoology Museum, Departa- apparently is used to help guide the female
mento de Biologia, Quito, Ecuador terminalia for deposition of eggs in the
UNCB Museo de Historia Natural, Instituto de host.
CCioelnocmibaisa,NatBuorgaolteas,,CUonliovmebrsiiadad Nacional de 2. Foretarsomere 1 parallel-sided (0), broad-
USNM United States National Museum, Smithsonian ened at base (Fig. 44) (1).
Institution, Washington, DC, USA 3. Lateral setae of foretarsomeres small, un-
modified (0), lateral setae, especially those
of tarsomeres 2-4, modified, with inner
Colorimagesofspecimensofeachspeciesarepostedat
B. Brown’s Web site, currently at www.phorid.net/ (anterior) seta elongate and outer (posterior)
phoridae/Melaloncha/products.html.Theseimagesshould seta thickened, curved (Figs. 51, 54, 59)
be consulted in conjunction with the key herein when (1).
identifying specimens. 4. Venter offoretarsomeres 1-2 without differ-
Structural terms are those ofthe Manual ofNearctic entiated setae (0), venter of foretarsomeres
Diptera (McAlpine, 1981), except for some new terms 1-2 with thickened setae along posterior
for Melaloncha derived by Brown (2004b). Erontal margin (Figs. 45, 50, 53, 58) (1). The form
width was measured at midlength ofthe frons. of the differentiated setae varies among
Most specimens in this revision were collected by groups, andthe setae are more differentiated
spraying a mixture of honey and water to attract bee
hosts, which in turn attracted parasitic phorid flies. In in some than in others.
earlier collections we sprayed honey on a white sheet, 5. Dorsomedial process of trident not enlarged
termed a bee screen (Brown, 2001), but latercollections or laterally flattened (0), dorsomedial pro-
were made directly from honey-sprayed undergrowth cess enlarged, laterally flattened (Figs. 15-
vegetation. 23) (1).
6. Dorsomedial process of trident, although
SYSTEMATICS enlarged, not with large dorsoventral ex-
pansion (0), dorsomedial process greatly
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS dorsoventrally expanded (Figs. 18-23)
(1).
There are relatively few structural characters that 7. Foretarsal claws subequal to somewhat un-
we have identified for hypothesizing relationships equal (Fig. 47) (0), foretarsal claws greatly
X
Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Kung: Revision ofM. ungulata-groxxp 3
TAXONOMY
unequal, with posterior (outer) claw 2.5
length of anterior (inner) claw (Figs. 54-55,
Melaloncha Brues, 1904
57) (1).
8. Dorsum of foretarsomere 5 without large, Melaloncha, subgenus Melaloncha Brues, 1904
differentiated seta (0), dorsum of foretar-
somere 5 with large apical seta (Fig. 56) (1). Melaloncha ungulata-gvoup
9. Apex of dorsomedial process without dark
margins (0), apex of dorsomedial process DIAGNOSIS. Wing vein R2+3 absent. Coxal
with dark lateral margins (Figs. 41-43) (1). setae black (except yellow in M. platypoda).
Claws of forelegs slightly bifid (Fig. 47), except
those of M. ungulata-sents, which are otherwise
The characters above are all consistent within modified (Fig. 55); those ofmid- and hind legsnot
groups and thus represent a conservative sam- bifid. Hind tibia without anterodorsal rows of
pling of attributes used for analysis. Based on setae (although with irregular rows of longitudi-
these characters, phylogenetic trees (Figs. 2-3) nal setal palisades). Abdominal tergites without
were manually constructed, and we have derived long setae. Ovipositor (segment 7) relatively
the following preliminary classification for this uniform, short, slightly upturned, setose (except
group: bare dorsally inM. acoma andM. adusta). Venter
of ovipositor without cercuslike lobes. Apex
M. iingulata-gvou^ of intersegment 7-8 with elaborate, 3-pronged
process herein termed the trident, consisting of
M. flava Borgmeier
single dorsomedial process and 2 lateral arms
M. nigrita-suhgroup
M. acoma new species (FiIg.N4C).LUDED SPECIES. Melaloncha flava, plus
M. adusta new species species of the M. nigrita-suhgroup and the M.
M. Candida new species
ungulata-suhgroup.
M. nigrita Borgmeier NOTE ON SPECIES KNOWN ONLY
M. imgulata-suhgrovip EROM MALES. Females of Melaloncha have
M. nigrifrons Borgmeier a number of taxonomically useful characters,
M. platypoda new species found mostly in the head, legs, and ovipositor.
M. i/77gw/c//c/-infragroup Males, on the other hand, are extremely similar in
M. diastata new species structure, as well as being highly divergent in
M. fuscipalpis new species structure and color from females. Therefore, it is
M. juxta new species lamentable that Borgmeier described several
M. ustidata new species species of Melaloncha from male specimens only
M. ccdigida-SQnQS (he later realized the problems he had created;
M. claviapex new species Borgmeier, 1971a:125). Species based on males
M. debilis new species are extremely problematic and cannot be
M. setitibialis new species matched with females with any confidence,
M. caligida-suhsQYiQS although Borgmeier tried to do so on several
M. Caligula new species occasions. Additionally, it is not possible to
M. cristula new species segregate males that belong in the M. ungulata-
M. culmena new species group from those of other subgroupings of
M. spina new species the subgenus Melaloncha (except those of the
M. tambopatensis new species M. furcata-group, which are highly distinctive).
M. tiiparroensis new species We therefore treat the male-only species as
M. imgulata-SQriQS unknowns and describe new species based on
females, even though some synonyms possibly
M. genitcdis Borgmeier, incertae sedis
will be produced.
M. glabrifrons Borgmeier, incertae sedis
The following male-only species could poten-
M. borgmeieri new species
M. curtibraehia new species tially fall within the group treated herein: M.
genitalis Borgmeier, M. glabrifrons Borgmeier,
M. 7//7g7//c//‘r/-subseries M. luteipleura Borgmeier, and M. zikani Borg-
M. eastanea new species meier. Of these, M. genitalis and M. glabrifrons
M. latielava new species >have been associated with the M. ungidata-
M. strigosa new species subgroup and are discussed later in this paper.
M. trita new species
M. ungulata Borgmeier Melaloncha flava Borgmeier
M. pegmata infraseries
(Fig. 4)
M. atrilingula new species
M. inicua new species Melaloncha flava Borgmeier, 1959:182-184, fig.
M. pegmata new species 77.
4 Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Kung: Revision ofM. ungulata-grovrp
HOLOTYPE. ?, BRAZIL: Santa Catarina: dorsum of the ovipositor, and enlarged tarso-
Nova Teutonia, 27.18°S, 52.38°W, v.1952, F. mere 1.
Plaumann (MZSP; examined but not bar-coded). Threemalespecimenswerecollectedinthefield
RECOGNITION. This species is easily recog- while they were copulating with females. These
nized by the overall yellow color and the males were extremely different in body color and
abdominal tergites that lack any black markings. form from the associated females. Males key to
Males are similar in color to females, and were M. glabrifrons in couplet 16 (the last couplet) in
keyed by Borgmeier (1971a). Borgmeier’s (1971a) key to males ofMelaloncha,
DESCRIPTION. Female. Body length 1.3- but the surstyli ofM. glabrifrons are much longer
1.7 mm. Frons yellow, except ocellar triangle than those of M. acoma, and it is highly unlikely
black; with fine, reticulate sculpturing. Mean that they are the same species.
frontal width 0.44 head width. Flagellomere 1 DESCRIPTION. Female. Body length 1.7-
yellow. Palpus yellow, palpal setae yellow. Posto- 2.5 mm. Frons yellow, except ocellar triangle
cular setae black dorsally, yellow ventrally. Genal black; with fine, reticulate sculpturing. Mean
setae yellow. Scutum brownish-yellow. Pleuron frontal width 0.45 head width. Flagellomere 1
brownish-yellow. Legs brownish-yellow. Venterof white basally, yellow apically. Palpus yellow,
foretibia lacking enlarged setae. Foretarsomeres palpal setae yellow, thin. Postocular setae black
relatively elongate, narrow. Posteroventral margin dorsally, yellow ventrally. Genal setae yellow.
of tarsomeres 1-2 without enlarged setae. Large, Scutum anteriorly light brown, posteriorly dark
lateral setae of foretarsomeres relatively small, brown. Pleuron brownish-yellow. Legs yellow.
inconspicuous. Posterior (outer) tarsal claw sub- Venter of foretibia lacking enlarged setae. Fore-
equal to anterior claw. Mean costal length 0.45 tarsomeres 2-5 relatively elongate, narrow; tar-
wing length, range 0.43-0.47. Halter yellow. somere 1 greatly elongate, somewhat widened.
Abdominal tergites completely yellow. Ovipositor Posteroventral margin of tarsomeres 1-2 without
yellow basally, otherwise dark brown, with short enlarged setae. Large, lateral setae of foretar-
setae, slightly dorsally curved. Lateral arms of someres relatively small, inconspicuous. Posterior
trident narrow. Dorsomedial process of trident (outer) tarsal claw slightly longer than anterior
subequal in length to lateral arms. claw and directed more outwards. Mean costal
Male. Frons yellow, except ocellar triangle length 0.49 wing length, range 0.44-0.53. Halter
black.Flagellomere 1 yellow. Palpusyellow;palpal yellow. Abdominal tergites anteriorly yellow,
setae black, well developed. Postocular and genal with black posterior margins. Ovipositor yellow
setae black. Scutum and pleuron yellowish-brown. basally, otherwise dark brown to black, bare
Legs yellowish-brown, except foretarsomeres dark dorsally, with short lateral and ventral setae,
brown. Foretarsomere 1 about twice as long as slightly dorsally curved. Lateral arms of trident
broad; other foretarsomeres about as long as broad at apex. Dorsomedial process of trident
broad; pulvilli enlarged, yellow. Abdominal ter- subequal in length to lateral arms.
gitesyellowish-brown. Venter ofabdomenyellow. Male. Frons orange to darker brown medially,
Cercusapparentlydark brown, althoughthe entire except ocellar triangle black. Flagellomere 1
bodyisdarkenedfrompoorpreservation. Surstylus basally white, apically brown. Palpus whitish-
with short apical setae. yellow; palpal setae black, well developed. Posto-
HOST. Borgmeier (1959) recordedTetragonisca cular and genal setae black. Scutum anteriorly
angustula fiebrigi Schwarz (as Tetragona [Tetra- light brown, posteriorly dark brown, with well-
gonisca] jaty fiebrigi) as the host ofthis species. defined anteromedial projection of dark color.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. South- Pleuron dark brown, except proepisternum and
eastern Brazil. anterior portion of anepisternum light brown.
MATERIAL EXAMINED. BRAZIL: Santa Legs yellowish-brown, except forefemur and apex
Catarina: Nova Teutonia, 27.18°S, 52.38°W, ofhind femur dark brown. Foretarsomere 1 twice
1(5, 89, v.1952, 19, xi.l959, 29, vii.1972, F. as long as broad, yellowish-brown; other fore-
Plaumann (FMNH, LACM, MCZC, MZSP). tarsomeres about as long as broad and dark
brown; pulvilli enlarged, brown. Abdominal
tergites black, anteriorly with silvery pollinosity.
Melaloncha ^z/gr/Y<3-subgroup
Basal one-third ofcercus brown, apicaltwo-thirds
DIAGNOSIS. Foretarsomere 1 broad, enlarged yellow. Surstylus with short apical setae.
subbasally, elongate (Fig. 44). HOST. We have observed females attacking
INCLUDED SPECIES. Melaloncha acoma, M. a wide variety of bees, including Plebeia frontalis
adiista, M. Candida, and M. nigrita. (Friese), P. aff. jatiformis Cockerell (Fig. 1),
Plebeia spp., Tetragona clavipes (F.), Trigona
Melaloncha acoma n. sp. corvina Cockerell, T. fulviventris Guerin, and T.
(Figs. 1, 5, 44) silvestriana Vachal. Flies approach bees on foot,
often from behind, and gradually move around to
RECOGNITION. The females of this species face the front of the bee at a 45-degree angle. At
are easily recognized by the yellow color, bare all times during an attack the abdomen is curled
Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Kung: Revision ofM. ungulata-gcoup 5
forward under the body (as in Fig. 1). After Zumbado, honey-sprayed leaves (LACM), Wilson
attaining the proper position, the fly then dashes Botanical Garden, Las Cruces, 8.79°N, 82.95°W,
in and attacks the bee, possibly at the mandibular 2?, 12.vi.1998, B. Brown, V. Berezovskiy,
suture on the head. flowers of Syagrus coronata (palm) (LACM),
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. This is 1?, 18.V.2000, G. Rung, flowers of Syagrus
one of the most widely distributed species of coronata^ 1?, 19.V.2000, G. Rung, fruits of
Melaloncha^ being found at mid- to low eleva- Syagrus coronata (LACM); San Jose: University
tions from Mexico to Argentina. for Peace, 9.92°N, 84.28°W, 1?, 2.viii.2001, G.
DERIVATION OE SPECIFIC EPITHET. From R3.ung, honey-sprayed leaves (LACM), Zona Pro-
Greek akomos for “bald,” referring to the bare tectora El Rodeo, 9.91°N, 84.28°W, 5?, 1-
dorsum of the ovipositor. 5.viii.2001, 5?, 3-8.viii.2001, B. Brown, V.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS. This Berezovskiy, G. Rung, Malaise trap (LACM),
species is possibly most closely related to M. 1(5, 1?, 5.viii.2001, 2(5, 2?, 6.viii.2001, B.
adusta, as both have an unusual dorsally bare Brown, G. Rung, in copula on leaves (LACM),
ovipositor. 2?, l.viii.2001, 17?, 2.viii.2001, 14?,
HOLOTYPE. ?, COSTA RICA: Heredia: La viii.2001, 3?, 4.viii.2001, 3?, 5.viii.2001,
Selva Biological Station, 10.43°N, 84.02°W, 36?, 8.viii.2001, B. Brown, G. Rung, honey-
24.vii.2000, G. Rung, bee screen #1 [LACM sprayed leaves (LACM, MUCR, MCZC, NHRS,
ENT 152935] (LACM). USNM). MEXICO: Veracruz: 33 km NE Cate-
PARATYPES. ARGENTINA: Misiones: Lor- maco, Los Tuxtlas Biological Station, 6?, l.vii-
&
eto, Ruinas Jesuiticas, 27.77°S, 57.28°W, 1?, 41..viii.1983, S. J. Peck, flightintercepttrap, rain
24.viii.2000, P. Fidalgo, yellow pan trap forest (LACM). PERU: Madre de Dios: Tambo-
(LACM). BOLIVIA: Beni: 5 kmN Rurrenabaque, pata Research Center, 13.14°S, 69.6UW, 2?,
14.43°S, 67.5UW, 1?, 23.iv.2003, B. Brown, S. 19.vii.2001, 1?, 20.vii.2001, 3?, 23.vii.2001,
Marcotte, E. Zumbado, honey spray (LACM), La 1?, 24.vii.2001, B. Brown, G. Rung, honey-
Paz: Coroico, Hotel Don Quixote, 16.19°S, sprayed leaves (LACM, MUSM), 2?, 19.vii.2001,
67.72°W, 1$, 6.iv.2001, B. Brown, G. Rung, B. Brown, G. Rung, attacking host bee [Tetragona
Phoenix palm flowers, 1750 m (LACM). CO- clavipes (F.)] (LACM), 1?, 20-23.vii.2001, B.
LOMBIA: Choco: PNN Utria, Sendero Boroboro, Brown, G. Rung, Malaise trap #5 (LACM); San
6.03°N, 77.32°W, 1?, 4.vii.2000, honey-sprayed Martin: Estacion “Biodiversidad”, 19 km NE
leaves, 2?, 5.vii.2000, B. Brown, G. Rung, bee Tarapoto, 6.46°S, 76.29°W, 1?, 6.vii.2004, B.
screen (LACM, UNCB); Magdalena: PNN Tayr- Brown, E. Corona, honey-spray, 950 m (LACM),
ona, Zamo, 11.33°N, 74.03°W, 1$, 29.ix- San Antonio de Cumbaza, 6.40°S, 67.41°W, 1?,
17.X.2000, R. Henriquez, Malaise trap, CAP- vii.2004, 1?, 5.vii.2004, B. Brown, E. Corona,
793, 50 m (UNCB). COSTA RICA: Heredia: La honey-spray, 400 m (LACM, MUSM).
Selva Biological Station, 10.43°N, 84.02°W, 15?,
15.ii-2.iii.l993, ALAS, Malaise trap, M/06/021, Melaloncha adusta n. sp.
M/07/022, M/08/023, M/12/027, M/13/028, M/ (Fig. 6)
15/030, 1(5, 15.iii.l993, ALAS, Malaise trap M/
03/034, 1?, I.iv.l993,ALAS, MalaisetrapM/05/ RECOGNITION. This species is similar to M.
052, 1?, 14.vi.l993, ALAS, Malaise trap M/07/ acoma but is much darker in color and has the
129, 3?, 15.vii.l993, ALAS, Malaise trap, M/04/ trident with longer lateral arms.
155, 1$, 3.viii.l993, ALAS, Malaise trap M/13/ DESCRIPTION. Eemale. Body length 1.8-
175, 1?, 15.iii.l994, ALAS, Malaise trap M/09/ 2.4 mm. Frons orange, darkening to brown
379, 1?, 30.vi.l995, ALAS, Malaise trap M/08/ medially, ocellar triangle black; with fine, re-
393, 2$, l.viii.l995, ALAS, Malaise trap M/08/ ticulate sculpturing. Mean frontal width 0.4 head
417, 1$, 16.viii.l995, ALAS, Malaise trap M/12/ width. Flagellomere 1 orange. Palpus yellow,
433, 1?, 14.ix.l995, ALAS, Malaise trap M/03/ palpal setae black. Postocular setae black. Genal
449, 1?, 16.X.1995, ALAS, Malaise trap M/04/ setae black. Scutum anteriorly light brown,
474, 1?, 30.ix.l998, ALAS, light trap L/09/478 posteriorlydark brown,withdiffuse anteromedial
(INBC, LACM), 1?, 21.vii.2000, G. Rung, bee projection of dark color; scutellum apically
screen #6 (LACM); Puntarenas: Las Alturas, light brown. Pleuron light brown, with darker
M8a.l9a5i°sNe, tr8a2p,.8135°0W0,m1(?L,ACxMi).l,99214,kmP.WHaPinesdorna,s mdaarrkkierngsa.ndLweigtsh bdraorwknibsrh-oywenllaopwex)(.hiVnedntfeermuorf
Blancas, 8.77°N, 83.40°W, 1$, x.l991, P. Han- foretibia lacking enlarged setae. Foretarsomeres
son, Malaise trap, 200 m (LACM), 3 km SW 2-5 relatively elongate, narrow; tarsomere 1
Rincon, 8.68°N, 83.48°W, 1?, iii-iv.l991, P. greatly elongate, somewhat widened. Posteroven-
Hanson, Malaise trap, 10 m (LACM), 5 km SW tral margin of tarsomeres 1-2 without enlarged
Rincon, Tropical Youth Center, 8.70°N, setae. Large, lateral setae of foretarsomeres
83.51°W, 1?, 31.v-7.vi.l998, B. Brown, V. relatively small, inconspicuous. Posterior (outer)
Berezovskiy, Malaise trap #5, 40 m (LACM), tarsal claw slightly longer than anterior claw
1$, 10.viii.2001, B. Brown, V. Berezovskiy, E. and directed more outwards. Mean costal length
6 Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Kung: Revision ofM. ungulata-grouip
0.49wing length, range 0.47-0.53. Halteryellow. there are so few distinguishing characters of
Abdominal tergites black to blackish-brown, with males, that identification of M. zikani males
dull silver pollinosity and lateral triangular areas cannot be verified at this time.
of light brown. Ovipositor yellow basally, other- DESCRIPTION. Eemale. Body length 1.5-
wise dark brown, bare dorsally, with short lateral 1.8 mm. Frons dark brown, lighter at dorsolateral
and ventral setae, slightly dorsally curved. Lateral and anterior extremes (setal bases dark brown),
arms of trident narrow. Dorsomedial process of with reticulate sculpturing, appearing almost like
trident slender, shorter than lateral arms. leathergrain.Meanfrontalwidth0.47headwidth.
Male. Unknown. Flagellomere 1 white. Palpus white, palpal setae
HOST. We observed females of this species at yellow. Postocular setae black dorsally, yellow
Las Cruces attacking Apis mellifera, Paratrigona ventrally. Genal setae yellow. Scutum dark brown
ornaticeps (Schwarz), and Partamona cupira (F. (anterolateral corner light brown). Pleuron light
Smith). brown, with darker markings (ventrally white).
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Costa Legswhite,apexofhindfemurdarkbrown.Venter
Rica, Panama. offoretibia lacking enlarged setae. Foretarsomeres
DERIVATION OE SPECIEIC EPITHET. Latin relatively elongate, narrow. Posteroventral margin
for dark, referring to the dark color ofthis species of tarsomeres 1-2 without enlarged setae. Large,
relative to the similar M. acoma. lateral setae of foretarsomeres relatively small,
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS. This is inconspicuous. Posterior (outer) tarsal claw sub-
possibly the sister-species of M. acoma, sharing equal to anterior claw. Mean costal length 0.47
the dorsally bare ovipositor. wing length, range 0.46-0.49. Halter whitish-
It is interesting to note that the dark coloration yellow. Abdominal tergites black, with dull silver
offemales ofthis species issimilartothatofmales pollinosity. Ovipositor brown basally, darker
of M. acoma, whose females are bright yellow. brown apically, setose, relatively straight. Lateral
Males of M. adusta are not yet recognized. arms of trident narrow. Dorsomedial process of
HOLOTYPE. ?, COSTA RICA: Puntarenas: trident slender, apically pointed, longer than
Wilson Botanical Garden, Las Cruces, 8.79°N, lateral arms, slightly expanded apically.
82.95°W, 14.vi.1998, V. Berezovskiy, flowers of Male. Frons dark brown, exceptorange ventral-
Syagrus coronata palm [LACM ENT 116411] ly and dorsolaterally. Flagellomere 1 yellow.
(LACM). Palpus white; palpal setae black, well developed.
PARATYPES. COSTA RICA: Heredia: Chila- Postocularandgenal setae black. Scutumblackish-
mate, 10.45°N, 84.08°W, 1$, v.1989, P. Hanson, brown. Pleurondark brown,exceptproepisternum
Malaise trap, 75 m (LACM), La Selva Biological and anteriorportion ofanepisternum light brown.
Station, 10.43°N, 84.02°W, 1$, 4.X.1993, ALAS, Legs yellowish-brown, except foretarsomeres 4-5
Malaise trap M/15/223 (INBC); Puntarenas: and apex of hind femur dark brown; coxae
Wilson Botanical Garden, Las Cruces, 8.79°N, whitish-yellow. Foretarsomere 1 about twice as
82.95°W, 1?, 12.vi.l998, 10?, 13.vi.l998, 5?, long as broad, other tarsomeres about as long as
14.vi.l998, 5?, 16.V1.1998, B. Brown, V. Bere- broad; pulvilli enlarged, white. Abdominaltergites
zovskiy, flowers of Syagrus coronata palm black, anteriorly with silvery pollinosity. Basal
(LACM, MCZC, MUCR, NHRS, USNM), 4?, one-thirdofcercusbrown,apicaltwo-thirdswhite.
17.V.2000, G. Kung, bee screen (LACM), 1?, Surstylus with short apical setae.
16.V.2000, 4?, 17.V.2000, 1?, 18.V.2000, G. HOST. One specimen was attracted to an
Kung, on Syagrus coronata flowers (INBC, aggregation of Trigonisca atomaria (Cockerell),
LACM). PANAMA: San Bias: Nusangandi Re- whereas others were collected attacking Trigona
serve, 9.33°N, 79.00°W, 1?, 16-23.iv.l994, J. setentrionalis Almeida on Attalea palm flowers.
Pickering, Malaise trap #2862 (MIUP). GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Amazon
Basin.
Melaloncha Candida n. sp. DERIVATION OE SPECIEIC EPITHET. Latin
Candidas for “white,” referring to the color ofthe
(Fig. 7)
ventral part of the body.
RECOGNITION. Females of this species can HOLOTYPE. ?, BRAZIL: Para: Cai^ara,
be recognized by the elongate, relatively straight 1.78°S, 51.43°W, 7.X.2001, B. Brown, A. Rodri-
dorsomedial process of the trident, the dark gues, flowers of Attalea maripa palm [LACM
brown color, and the white legs, palpus, and ENT 075922] (MPEG).
flagellomere. PARATYPES. BRAZIL: Amazonas: Manaus,
Males key to M. zikani in the latest key to Reserva Ducke, 3.13°S, 60.02°W, 1?, 8-
males (Borgmeier, 1971a); however, the sculptur- 15.iv.l992, Vidal, Arm-Cola. 1-B-lOm (INPA);
J.
ing of the frons of M. Candida is strongly Para: 2?, same data as holotype, 2$, 1?, same
reticulated, with distinctive, raised lines (as in data except 6.x.2001 (LACM, MPEG). COLOM-
Figs. 48-49), whereas in M. zikani the frons is BIA: Amazonas: PNN Amacayacu, 3.82°S,
smoother (similartoFig. 52). Unfortunately, there 70.26°W, 1?, ll.iii.2000, B. Brown, G. Kung,
are so few males of small, dark Melaloncha, and attacking Trigonisca atomaria (UNCB), 1?,
Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Rung: Revision ofM. ungulata-^roup 7
22 km NW Leticia, 4.04°S, 69.99°W, 1$, 4- Melaloncha nigrifrons Borgmeier
7.ix.l997, M. Sharkey, Malaise trap #2 (UNCB). (Fig. 9)
Melaloncha nigrita Borgmeier Melaloncha nigrifrons Borgmeier, 1971a:133-
(Fig. 8) 134, figs. 173-174.
Melaloncha nigrita Borgmeier, 1959:185”186, 15.HvOiiL.[OnToYyPeaEr.], H?., SCcOhmSiTdAt (RMIZCSAP:; SeaxnamJionseed,
figs. 72-74, 76.
but not bar-coded).
HOLOTYPE. ?, BRAZIL: Santa Catarina: RECOGNITION. Both sexescan berecognized
Nova Teutonia, 27.18°S, 52.38°W, v.1952, F. by the yellowish body with the dark, shiny frons.
Plaumann [LACM ENT 116531] (MZSP; exam- Additionally, females have the lateral arms of the
ined). trident greatly elongate.
RECOGNITION. Females of this species can We collected males of this species for the first
be recognized bythe shortprocesses ofthe trident time; they are recognizable by the shiny, dark-
and the dark body color. They are most similar to colored frons with the yellowish-colored body,
M. juxta species, from which they differ by the and their co-occurrence with females. They key to
characters in the key. M. clavata Schmitz in the most recent key to
DESCRIPTION. Female. Body length 1.3- males (Borgmeier, 1971a), a species not consid-
I.6 mm. Frons dark brown, lighteratdorsolateral ered part of the M. ungulata-group because
and anterior extremes, strongly reticulate. Mean females lack a trident. The identification of the
frontal width 0.45 head width. Flagellomere 1 male of M. clavata^ however, is questionable, as
yellow. Palpus yellow, palpal setae yellow, with 1 the specimen was obtained from a single parasit-
black, apical seta. Postocular setae black. Genal ized bee, and no female Melaloncha specimens
setae black. Scutum dark brown. Pleuron dark were associated with it (Borgmeier, 1938). The
brown except anterior portion of anepisternum males of M. horgmeieri (below) also key to this
light brown. Legs whitish-yellow. Venter of couplet but differ by their yellow frons and dark
foretibia lacking enlarged setae. Foretarsomeres brown foretarsomeres.
relatively elongate, narrow. Posteroventral mar- DESCRIPTION. Female. Body length 1.7-
gin of tarsomeres 1-2 without enlarged setae. 1.9 mm. Frons varying from almost completely
Large, lateral setae of foretarsomeres relatively dark brown or black, to having various amounts
small, inconspicuous. Posterior (outer) tarsalclaw ofyellowish-brown atdorsolateralcorners and on
subequal to anterior claw. Mean costal length setal basesofall frontalsetae; shiny, butwithfine,
0.44wing length, range 0.39-0.45. Halteryellow. reticulate sculpturing. Mean frontal width 0.43
Abdominal tergites black, with dull silver pollin- head width. Flagellomere 1 white basally, yellow
osity. Ovipositor yellow basally, otherwise dark apically. Palpus white, palpal setae black to
brown, with short setae, slightly dorsally curved. yellow. Postocular setae black dorsally, yellow
Lateral arms of trident short, relatively narrow. or black ventrally. Genal setae yellow to black.
Dorsomedial process oftrident subequal in length Scutum anteriorly light brown, posteriorly dark
to lateral arms. brown, withwell-defined anteromedial projection
Male. Unknown. of dark color. Pleuron brownish-yellow. Legs
HOST. Specimens were attracted to mixed brownish-yellow. Venter of foretibia lacking
aggregations ofbees in Argentina, where the most enlargedsetae. Foretarsomeresrelativelyelongate,
likely host (based on size) was Plebeia sp. narrow. Posteroventral margin of tarsomeres 1-2
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. South- without enlarged setae. Large, lateral setae of
eastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina. foretarsomeres asymmetrical: posterior setae
OTHER MATERIAL EXAMINED. ARGEN- shorter, thicker, curved; anterior setae longer,
TINA: Misiones: Reserva Vida Silvestre Urugua-i, thinner, straight. Posterior (outer) tarsal claw
25.97°S, 54.irW, 6?, 10.xii.2003, 6$, slightly longer than anterior claw and directed
II.xii.2003, 5$, 12.xii.2003, B. Brown, G. Rung, more outwards. Mean costal length 0.47 wing
bee screen, honey spray, 3$, 17.xii.2003, 1$, length, range 0.44-0.52. Halter yellow. Abdom-
18.xii.2003, L. Gonzalez, G. Rung, honey spray, inal tergites anteriorly yellow, with black
400 m (LACM, MACN). BRAZIL: 3? paratypes, posterior margins. Ovipositor brown basally,
same data as holotype, except vii.1946 (MCZC, darker brown apically, with short setae, slightly
MZSP, USNM). dorsally curved. Lateral arms of trident elongate,
narrow, with narrower dorsoapical process.
Melaloncha ungulata-suhgroup Dorsomedial process oftrident much shorter than
lateral arms.
DIAGNOSIS. Setae of at least foretarsomere 2 Male. Frons black, with lighter color at dorsal
enlarged: inner (anterior) seta of elongate, outer and ventral extremes and, in some specimens, on
(posterior) thickened, curved (Fig. 51). setal bases. Flagellomere 1 yellow. Palpus white;
INCLUDED SPECIES. Melaloncha nigrifrons, palpal setae black,well developed. Postocularand
M. platypoda, plus the M. ungulata-series. genal setae black. Scutum on anterior two-thirds
8 Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Kung: Revision ofM. ungulata-group
light brown, on posterior two-thirds dark brown, forelegs. In Borgmeier’s (1971a) key to males, it
with or without a slight anteromedial projection runs to either M. genitalis or M. glabrifrons^
of dark color. Pleuron light brown. Legs yellow- depending on whether one takes the first or
ish-brown, except apex of hind femur with small second lead incouplet 7, which specify a medium-
posterodorsal margin of dark brown. Foretar- sized (2.5 mm) or small (1.8-2.0 mm) specimen,
somere 1 twice as long as broad; other foretar- respectively. The terminalia of M. platypoda
someres about as long as broad; pulvilli enlarged, differ from those of M. genitalis^ in which the
light brown. Abdominal tergite 1 black; tergites 2 surstylar lobes are greatly elongate. The male of
and 6 mostly yellow with thin posterior black M. glabrifrons is much lighter in color than that
band; tergites 3-5 black with central yellow spot of M. platypoda.
decreasing in size posteriorly. Venter of abdomen DESCRIPTION. Eemale. Body length 2.1-
yellow. Basal one-third of cercus brown, apical 2.5 mm. Fronsyellow, exceptocellartriangle black;
two-thirds yellow. Surstylus with short apical withfine,reticulatesculpturing. Meanfrontalwidth
setae. 0.41 head width. Flagellomere 1 white basally,
VARIATION. Besides the variation in color of yellow apically. Palpus yellow, palpal setae yellow.
the frons and setae of the head noted above, Postocular setae black dorsally, yellow ventrally.
female (but not male) specimens from Finca Genal setae yellow. Scutum anteriorly light brown,
Montezuma have flagellomere 1 brown tipped. posteriorly dark brown, with well-defined antero-
Specimens from Bolivia are significantly larger medial projection of dark color. Pleuron brownish-
than the others, have the process of the lateral yellow. Legs brownish-yellow. Coxal setae yellow.
arms of the trident smaller, and might represent Venter of foretibia lacking enlarged setae. Foretar-
a separate species. someres extraordinarily modified: broad, flat, com-
HOST. Flies were attracted to mixed aggrega- binedlength 1.4X lengthofforetibia. Posteroventral
tions of bees, but no attacks were seen. margin of tarsomeres 1-2 without enlarged setae.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Costa Large, lateral setae offoretarsomeres asymmetrical:
Rica to Argentina. anterior seta longer, thicker. Posterior (outer) tarsal
MATERIAL EXAMINED. ARGENTINA: clawsubequalto anteriorclaw. Longsetae ofcoxae
Misiones: Reserva Vida Silvestre Urugua-i, yellow (black in most other Melaloncha). Mean
25.97°S, 54.irW, 1?, ll.xii.2003, B. Brown, costal length 0.50 wing length, range 0.48-0.53.
G. Kung, bee screen, 400 m (MACN). BOLIVIA: Halteryellow.Abdominaltergitesanteriorlyyellow,
La Paz: 40 km N Caranavi, Cumbre Alto Beni, with black posterior margins. Ovipositor yellow
3?, 13.iv.2003, B. Brown, S. Marcotte, E. basally, otherwise dark brown, with short setae,
Zumbado, honey spray (CBFC, LACM), 2?, slightly dorsally curved. Lateral arms of trident
21.iv.2004, E. Zumbado (LACM). COSTA extremely short, pointed. Dorsomedial process of
RICA: Guanacaste: Rio Naranjo, Finca tridentshort,broad,apicallytruncateinlateralview.
Montezuma, 10.67°N, 85.06°W, 2c5, 4?, Male. Body length 2.1 mm. Frons orange,
26.ii.2002, 1(5, 27.ii.2002, B. Brown, L. Gonza- except setal bases dark brown and ocellar triangle
lez, K. Walker, E. Zumbado, honey-sprayed black. Flagellomere 1 orange. Palpus white;
undergrowth (INBC, LACM, MUCR); Puntare- palpal setae black, well developed. Postocular
nas: Las Alturas, 8.95°N, 82.83°W, 1$, and genal setae. Thorax and legs almost com-
vi.l992, P. Hanson, Malaise trap, 1500 m pletely dark brown, except small spot of light
(LACM); San Jose: San Antonio de Escazu, brown at posterior apex of postpronotal lobe;
9.90°N, 84.15°W, lc5, i-ii.l989, W. Eberhard, foretibia and foretarsomeres 1-4 light brown.
Malaise trap, 1300 m (LACM), Zona Protectora Foretarsomere 1 about twice as long as broad;
El Rodeo, 9.91°N, 84.28°W, 2$, l-5.viii.2001, other foretarsomeres about as long as broad;
B. Brown, V. Berezovskiy, G. Kung, Malaise trap pulvilli enlarged, yellow. Abdominal tergites
(LACM). black, anteriorly with silvery pollinosity. Venter
of abdomen gray. Basal one-third of cercus
Melaloncha platypoda n. sp. brown, apical two-thirds yellow. Surstylus with
(Figs. 10, 24) short apical setae.
HOST. At the Wilson Botanical Garden in
RECOGNITION. This species can be distin- Costa Rica, we observed this species attacking
guished from all other Melaloncha by the greatly Trigona nigerrima Cresson, T. corvina (Cocker-
enlarged, flattened foretarsomeres. It is addition- ell), and T. fulviventris Guerin on flowers of the
ally recognized within the M. ungulata-gcoxip by exotic Brazilian palm Syagrus coronata. At other
the yellowcoxal setae and the trident with a large sites they were attracted to mixed aggregations of
dorsomedial process and extremely short lateral bees, but no attacks were observed.
arms. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Costa
One male specimen was collected in copula Rica to Bolivia.
with a female. It is extraordinarily divergent from DERIVATION OE SPECIEIC EPITHET.
the female, being almost entirely dark brown Greek for “flat foot,” referring to the broad,
(except the frons), with normal (for a male) flattened tarsomeres of the female foreleg.
Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Kung: Revision ofM. ungulata-group 9
HOLOTYPE. ?, COSTA RICA: San Jose: there are 3 specimens of M. juxta. The single
Zurqui de Moravia, 10.05°N, 84.02°W, v.1992, specimen ofM. ustulata has a much lighter brown
P. Hanson, Malaise trap, 1600 m [LACM ENT frons than the other 2 species, in which the frons
100755] (LACM). is nearly black, and the base of the forefemur in
PARATYPES. BOLIVIA: La Paz: 40 km N M. ustulata is similar in color to the apical one-
Caranavi, Cumbre Alto Beni, 15.83°S, 67.56°W, half, not darkened like in the other 2 species. In
19, 18.iv.2003, 4?, 19.iv.2003, B. Brown, S. M. juxta the dorsomedial process is short and not
Marcotte, E. Zumbado, honey spray (CBFC, upturned. All these species are extremely similar,
LACM), 49, 16.iv.2004, 59, 17.iv.2004, 39, and the main differences among them are docu-
21.iv.2004, B. Brown, E. Zumbado, honey spray mentedinthekey.Morespecimensarenecessaryto
(LACM), Coroico, Hotel Don Quixote, 16.19°S, determine ifthesedifferencesareconsistent, butfor
E6.7.Z7u2m°bWa,d1o9,, 5P.hiove.n2i00x4,pa4l9m, 6f.liovw.e2r0s0/4h,oBn.eyBrsopwrna,y noDwEwSeCRtIrePaTtIthOeN.3 aFsemsaeplaer.atBeosdpyeclieesn.gth 1.6 mm.
(LACM). COSTA RICA: Puntarenas: Las Alturas, Frons dark brown, lighter at dorsolateral and
8.95°N, 82.83°W, 19, iii.1992, 19, vi.l992, P. anterior extremes, coarsely reticulate. Mean
Hanson, Malaise trap, 1500 m (LACM), Wilson frontal width 0.45 head width. Flagellomere 1
Botanical Garden/Las Cruces, 8.79°N, 82.95°W, white basally, brown apically. Palpus white,
29, 8.vi.l998, 29, 12.vi.l998, 49, 13.vi.l998, palpal setae black. Postocular setae black. Genal
79, 14.vi.l998, 49, 16.vi.l998, B. Brown, V. setae black. Scutum dark brown. Pleuron dark
Berezovskiy, flowers of Syagms coronata (INBC, brown. Legs brownish-yellow, except bases of
LACM, MCZC, MUCR, MZSP, NHRS, USNM), femora and apical one-half of hind femur dark
1(5, 39 (including 1 in copula pair), 17.V.2000, brown. Venter offoretibia lacking enlarged setae.
29, 18.V.2000, G. Rung, on honey baits (LACM); Foretarsomere 1 elongate, twice as long as 2;
SanJose, Zurqui de Moravia, 10.05°N, 84.02°W, foretarsomeres 2-5 short, approximately as long
I9,ix-x.l990, I9,vii.l991, I9,iii.l992, 19,iv- as broad. Posteroventral margin oftarsomeres 1-
V.1993, P. Hanson, Malaise trap, 1600 m 2 with enlarged setae. Large, lateral setae of
(LACM). ECUADOR: Carchi: Chical, 0.93°N, foretarsomeres asymmetrical: anteriorseta longer,
78.18°W, 19,22.vii.1983,J. E. Rawlins (CMNH). tahnitcekreiro.rPcolsatwe.rioCros(toaulterl)entgatrhsal0.c4l2awwisunbgeqlueanlgtht.o
Melaloncha ungulata-inhagroup Halter yellow. Abdominal tergites black, with
dull silver pollinosity. Ovipositor brown basally,
DIAGNOSIS. Venter of tarsomeres 1-2 with darker brown apically, setose, relatively straight.
enlarged setae along posterior margin; enlarged Lateral arms of trident elongate, narrow, widely
setae black, contrasting with other tarsal setae, spaced. Dorsomedial process of trident slightly
which are yellow. shorter than lateral arms; slightly curved dorsally
The degree of specialization of these setae vary at apex.
amongspecies: somehave differentiatedsetaethat Male. Unknown.
only differ slightly from other setae, whereas in HOST. Unknown. The single specimen was
others there is a more marked separation (e.g.. attracted to a mixed aggregation ofbees attracted
Figs. 45-46 versus Figs. 58-59). The color to honey.
differentiation is easily seen in specimens. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Amazo-
INCLUDED SPECIES. Melaloncha diastata, nian Colombia.
M. fuscipalpis, M. juxta, M. ustulata, and the DERIVATION OF SPECIFIC EPITHET. From
M. Caligula and M. ungulata-senes. Greek diastasis for “separation,” referring to the
REMARKS. Excluding the species of the M. widely separated lateral arms of the trident.
ungulata-stries, this group includes some of the HOLOTYPE. 9, COLOMBIA: Amazonas:
smallest species of Melaloncha. These flies para- Amacayacu National Park, 3.82°S, 70.26°W,
sitize equally small bees, being parasitoids of 12.hi.2000, B. Brown, G. Kung, attracted to bees,
small Leurotrigona, Plebeia, and Trigonisca honey on cards [LACM ENT 127879] (UNCB).
species.
Melaloncha fuscipalpis n. sp.
Melaloncha diastata n. sp. (Figs. 12, 26, 45-47)
(Figs. 11,25)
RECOGNITION. This species can be recog-
RECOGNITION. Identification of the 4 spe- nized by the minute size (relative to other
cies of small brown Melaloncha with a short Melaloncha)., dark body color (including the
dorsomedial process of the trident is difficult and unusual brown color of the palpus), and the
is complicated by the scarcity of specimens. One shape of the trident.
such species, M. fuscipalpis., is relatively easily DESCRIPTION. Female. Body length 1.4-
differentiated by the brown palpus. Two of the 1.5 mm. Frons dark brown to black, coarsely
remaining 3 species, M. diastata and M. ustulata, reticulate. Mean frontal width 0.48 head width.
are each represented by single specimens, whereas Flagellomere 1 white basally, brown apically.
10 Contributions in Science, Number 507 Brown and Kung: Revision ofM. ungulata-growp
Palpus dark brown, palpal setae black. Postocular anterior seta longer, thicker. Posterior (outer)
setaeblack. Genalsetae black. Scutumdarkbrown. tarsal claw subequal to anterior claw. Mean
Pleuron dark brown. Legs mostly dark brown; costal length 0.44 wing length, range 0.43-0.45.
apicalone-quarterofforefemurandapicalone-half Halter yellow. Abdominal tergites black, with
ofmidfemurlightbrown,fore-andmidtibiaandall dull silver pollinosity. Ovipositor brown basally,
tarsomeres light brown. Venterofforetibia lacking darker brown apically, setose, relatively straight.
enlarged setae. Foretarsomere 1 elongate, twice as Lateral arms of trident elongate, narrow closely
longas2; foretarsomeres2-5 short, approximately approximated. Dorsomedial process of trident
as long as broad. Posteroventral margin of tar- short, pointed.
someres 1-2 with enlarged setae. Large, lateral Male. Unknown.
setae offoretarsomeres asymmetrical: anterior seta VARIATION. The paratype from Golombia
longer, thicker. Posterior (outer) tarsal claw sub- has thicker lateral arms of the trident. The
equal to anterior claw. Mean costal length 0.43 specimen from Costa Rica has the darkening of
wing length, range 0.42-0.46. Halter yellow. the forefemurrestricted to the extreme base ofthe
Abdominal tergites black, with dull silverpollinos- segment, unlike the Colombian specimens, in
ity. Ovipositor dark brown, setose, relatively which the basal one-half is darkened.
straight. Lateral arms of trident elongate, narrow. HOST. Unknown. In Colombia, the flies were
Dorsomedial process of trident subequal in length attracted to an aggregation dominated by Trigo-
to lateral arms; slightly curved dorsally at apex. nisca sp.
Male. Unknown. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Colom-
HOST. One flywas collected attacking a work- bia and Costa Rica.
er of Trigonisca (an undescribed species) while DERIVATION OF SPECIFIC EPITHET.
still inthe tube ofthe aspiratorthatcollected both Latin word for “near,” referring to the closely
specimens. It attacked with the ovipositor curved approximated bases of the lateral arms of the
beneath the body (as in Fig. 1). trident.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Southern HOLOTYPE. $, COLOMBIA: Choco: PNN
Peru. Utria, Sendero Boroboro, 6.03°N, 77.32°W,
DERIVATION OE SPECIFIC EPITHET. From 5.vii.2000, B. Brown, G. Kung, bee screen
Latin fuscus for “dark,” referring to the color of [LAGM ENT 075842] (UNCB).
the palpus. PARATYPES. GOLOMBIA: 1$, same data as
HOLOTYPE. ?, PERU: Madre de Dios: holotype (LAGM). COSTA RICA: Puntarenas:
Tambopata Research Center, 13.14°S, 69.61°W, 5.5 km SW Rincon, Tropical Youth Center,
21.vii.2001, B. Brown, G. Kung, honey-sprayed 8.70°N, 83.51°W, 1$, ll.viii.2001, B. Brown,
leaves [LACM ENT 075507] (MUSM). V. Berezovskiy, E. Zumbado, honey-sprayed
PARATYPES. PERU: Madre de Dios: Tambo- leaves (LACM).
pata Research Center, 13.14°S, 69.6UW, 2$,
21.vii.2001, 2?, 22.vii.2001, 2$, 23.vii.2001, Melaloncha ustulata n. sp.
2$, 24.vii.2001, B. Brown, G. Kung, honey- (Figs. 14, 28)
sprayed leaves (LAGM, MUSM), 1?, 20-
23.vii.2001, B. Brown, G. Kung, Malaise trap RECOGNITION. See discussion of M. dia-
#5 (LACM). stata. This species also differs from the other 4
small brown species by having a lighter brown
Melaloncha juxta n. sp. frons.
(Figs. 13, 27) DESCRIPTION. Female. Body length 1.4 mm.
Frons brown, setal bases dark brown, coarsely
RECOGNITION. See Recognition for M. reticulate. Mean frontal width 0.45 head width.
diastata, above. Flagellomere 1 yellow. Palpus yellow, palpal setae
DESCRIPTION. Female. Body length 1.5- black. Postocular setae black. Genal setae black.
1.6 mm. Frons dark brown to black, coarsely Scutum dark brown. Pleuron dark brown. Legs
reticulate. Mean frontal width 0.45 head width. light brown, exceptmidcoxa, hindcoxa, and apex
Flagellomere 1 white basally, yellow apically of hind femur dark brown. Venter of foretibia
(holotype with brown markings at ventral apex). with row of enlarged setae. Foretarsomere 1
Palpus white, palpal setae black. Postocular setae elongate, twice as long as 2; foretarsomeres 2-5
black. Genal setae black. Scutum dark brown. short, approximately as long as broad. Poster-
Pleuron dark brown. Legs yellow, except coxae, oventral margin of tarsomeres 1-2 with group of
basal regions of femora, and apex of hind femur short, thick setae (that extends across venter of
dark brown. Venter of foretibia lacking enlarged tarsomere 1). Large, lateral setae of foretarsome-
setae. Foretarsomere 1 elongate, twice as long as res asymmetrical: posterior setae shorter, thicker,
2; foretarsomeres 2-5 short, approximately as curved; anterior setae longer, thinner, straight.
long as broad. Posteroventral margin of tarsome- Posterior (outer) tarsal claw subequal to anterior
res 1-3 with group of short, thick setae. Large, claw. Costa 0.46 wing length. Halter yellow.
lateral setae of foretarsomeres asymmetrical: Abdominal tergites anteriorly brown, with darker