Revision of the net-winged midge genus Horaia Tonnoir and its phylogenetic relationship to other genera within the tribe Apistomyiini (Diptera: Blephariceridae)

Abstract

Based partly on recent collections from Nepal and northern Thailand, new data are added to the knowledge of Horaia Tonnoir. Pupal and larval stages of H. montana Tonnoir are re-described, larval descriptions for H. manaliella (Kaul) are provided, and two new species, H. diminutiva and H. namtoki, and a new subspecies, H. montana piedmonti, are described. Dichotomous keys to adults, pupae and instar IV larvae of blepharicerid genera from south-east Asia and of all known species of the genus Horaia are provided. Phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Apistomyiini suggests that Horaia is a monophyletic genus closely related to a clade containing Apistomyia Bigot and Parapistomyia Zwick. This clade is, in turn, sister to a weakly supported clade comprising Theischingeria Zwick + Austrocurupira Dumbleton. The New Zealand endemics Peritheates Lamb + Neocurupira Lamb are proposed as sister group to other apistomyiines, within which Nothohoraia Craig + (Curupirina Stuckenberg + Nesocurupira Stuckenberg) is sister group to the remaining genera. The proposed phylogeny supports Zwick's Antarctic origin hypothesis for the biogeography of the Apistomyiini in Asia and Australasia. © 2007 The Royal Entomological Society.