Notes and descriptions of Australian Helosciomyzidae or comb-winged flies (Diptera: Schizophora)
Abstract
Notes on morphology, including costal features and sexual dimorphism, are given. Limited information on habitat and biology is noted. The Helosciomyzidae are compared with other families with which they have been sometimes associated (e.g., the Dryomyzidae, Sciomyzidae, and Huttoninidae). The position of the Neotropical genus Sciogriphoneura Malloch in the Helosciomyzidae, not the Dryomyzidae, is confirmed from strong morphological evidence; this leaves no evidence of the Dryomyzidae in the Southern Hemisphere. The nomenclature of the Australian taxa of Helosciomyzidae is revised with reference to type specimens of all previously described species. The new genus Luta is described. Luta luteipennis is a new combination for Helosciomyza luteipennis Steyskal. Keys to the Australian genera, species groups, and species are given. Helosciomyza ferruginea Hendel is a new junior synonym of H. fuscinevris (Macquart). The following new Australian species are described: Helosciomyza bickeli, H. driesseni, H. neboissi, H. obliqua, H. steyskali, H. subacuta, Neosciomyza peckorum.
