Drosophila asiri group (Diptera, Drosophilidae), a new group of andean species with the description of two new species and the redescription of Drosophila asiri

Abstract

The Drosophila asiri group is a new group of species in the subgenus Drosophila. The specimens were captured in the highlands of Ecuador from 3200 m to 4000 m above sea level. This group includes Drosophila (D.) asiri Vela & Rafael, 2005, that was previously described within the D. onychophora species group, and two new species, Drosophila (D.) yuragyacum sp. nov. and Drosophila (D.) yanaurcus sp. nov. These species were captured using banana and yeast bait, in bosque protector Pasochoa, in the quebrada de Cruz Loma and in páramo de Papallacta. The members of the D. asiri species group appear to be endemic to the Ecuadorian Andes. All three species of the D. asiri group are large flies (about 6 mm). Males have a sclerotized aedeagus with two well sclerotized lateral projections in the shape of horns. These characteristics distinguish members of this species group from other groups within Drosophila.