Sciarid flies (Diptera, Sciaridae) of New Zealand

Nineteen species were recognized in the first review of New Zealand's Sciarid fauna (Tonnoir & Edwards 1927), primarily categorized under the genus Sciara Meigen. A recent revision (Menzel & Mohrig 1999) and extensive new material collected by the junior author during the southern summer of 1992/93 have expanded the list to 53 Sciaridae species, with 40 described as new to science. This study enhances the understanding of a phylogenetically ancient group in a biogeographically significant region known for its endemics. Interestingly, the Sciarid fauna appears rather unspectacular from a Palaearctic perspective, with 51 indigenous species across six genera also found in the Holarctic. Notably, Corynoptera Winnertz comprises 32 species, and there are no endemic genera. The relationships with the southern Palaearctic and Micronesia are explored, using Epidapus Haliday and Corynoptera as examples. Morphological analysis indicates that New Zealand's Sciarid fauna reflects at least two faunal horizons linked to Tertiary land bridges, specifically the Inner and Outer Melanesian Arc. The number of Sciarid species introduced to New Zealand through human activities is minimal. Comprehensive keys to genera and species, along with detailed illustrations of diagnostic features, facilitate the identification of all recorded male Sciarid species in New Zealand.