A review of the old world genera of Lauxaniidae (Diptera)
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Date
1971
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Abstract
This paper presents in key form a review of the Old
World genera of Lauxaniidae. Thirteen new genera are
erected, three genera are placed in synonymy, four subgenera
are given generic status, and one genus is
transferred from the Heleomyzidae. The development of
lauxaniid generic classification is reviewed and a total
of 126 recognised genera is obtained. An account is given
of the regional distribution of Lauxaniidae; three main
faunal aggregates are distinguished, namely the Neotropical,
Holarctic and Old World tropical. The validity of certain
characters for generic classification is discussed, and the
suggestion is made that trigonometopine forms have evolved
polyphyletically as adaptations for life in grass and
comparable vegetation types. A division of the family into
major groups of genera is considered, and a subfamily
Homoneurinae is established. The validity of characters
used to distinguish Cestrotus and Turriger is examined; a
failure to find reliable characters results in the synonymy
of the latter genus. Illustrated descriptions are given of
the type-species of new genera.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1971.
Keywords
Diptera., Theses--Botany.