Diversidade e taxonomia de Nerioidea (Diptera, Schizophora) em áreas de Mata Atlântica e Caatinga do Estado da Paraíba

Abstract

Nerioidea comprise four families with global distribution, which three occurring in the Neotropical region: Micropezidae (700 described species, 105 in Brazil), Neriidae (110 described species, 17 in Brazil) and Pseudopomyzidae (28 described species, three in Brazil). These flies resemble themselves by exploiting decaying organic plant matter, also feeding on exudates and vegetable secretions. These flies share preference by exploiting decaying plant tissues, also feeding on exudates and vegetable secretions. Considering the absence of records in the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest of Paraíba, this study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the diversity and taxonomy of Nerioidea in these biomes, sampling areas with information deficits in Diptera, in order to establish a reference collection, redescribe poorly known taxa and provide an identification key for the species. The collections were carried out at the RVS Mata do Buraquinho, RPPN Engenho Gargaú, REBIO Guaribas, RPPN Fazenda Pacatuba, RPPN Fazenda Almas and Serra de Santa Catarina, and the material deposited in the Coleção Entomológica do Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, and material obtained from others institution or researchers. To obtain the specimens, modified baited Van Someren-Rydon traps (feces and fermented fruits), light trap and active collection were used. Of the 1,114 specimens analyzed, Micropezidae was the most abundant family, with 1,018 specimens and 19 species. Neriidae totaled 96 specimens and four species. Of eight genera of Micropezidae reported for the Northeast region, six were recorded for Paraíba, including the genus Micropeza, hitherto not registered for this region. All species of Neriidae found are new records for Paraíba. Pseudopomyzidae was not collected in this study. Identification keys, diagnoses of the species, as well as distribution maps were elaborated. Due the complexity in the identification of the species of Micropezidae, especially Micropeza and Taeniaptera, the description of possible new species is compromised. Thus, the need for revisionary works through an integrative taxonomy becomes necessary. The present study has brought several unpublished records as a new genera for the Northeast of Brazil and for sampling areas never before focused on the study of Nerioidea, generated important information about its diversity, helping future studies.