New taxa of signal flies (Diptera: Platystomatidae) of New Caledonia

Abstract

Possible explanations are sought for the distribution patterns of platystomatid genera in Pacific Oceania, with special reference to those of New Caledonia. A key to the eleven known genera of New Caledonia (including the Loyalty Islands) is given. Five of these genera are endemic to this province of the Australasian Region. A key to the known Australasian species of Naupoda is given. Dayomyia molens n.gen. and n.sp., Eumeka koghii n.sp., Pogonortalis monteithi n.sp., Sors wrightae n.gen. and n.sp., and Naupoda (Gonga) burwelli n.sp. are described from New Caledonia (Grande Terre). Abrasion of part of the antenna in D. molens is apparently due to some unexplained behavioural trait. © Copyright Australian Museum, 2007.