Reliquantha variipes gen. & sp. nov., a peculiar new taxon of Anthomyzidae (Diptera) from Great Britain with uncertain relationships
Roháček Jindřich
Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 53(2): 793-814, 2013
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Abstract: A new genus Reliquantha is established for R. variipes sp. nov., an enigmatic
species of Anthomyzidae discovered in Great Britain (Wales, England). The new
genus and species is distinguished by a very peculiar combination of
plesiomorphic and apomorphic characters including several unique structures
previously unknown in Anthomyzidae. Although its relationships has not been
resolved definitely, it is suggested by certain similarities to fossil Lacrimyza
Roháček, 2013 from Baltic amber that it could be a remnant of an otherwise
extinct Tertiary clade of the subfamily Anthomyzinae. The uniquely hirsute
medandrium (= subepandrial sclerite) found in R. variipes sp. nov. is considered
to be further evidence supporting the hypothesis that this structure is
homologous with (fused) basal parts of the gonopods (= gonocoxites, basistyli).
Key words: Diptera, Anthomyzidae, Reliquantha variipes gen. & sp. nov., taxonomy, relationships, male genitalia, morphology, Great Britain, Palaearctic Region