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Various insects utilise hydrophobic biological surfaces to live on the surface of water, while other organisms possess hydrophilic properties that enable them to live within a water column. Dixidae larvae reside, without being submerged, just below the water surface. However, little is known about how these larvae live in such an ecological niche. Herein, we use larvae of Dixa longistyla (Diptera: Dixidae) as experimental specimens and reveal their characteristics. A complex crown-like structure on the abdomen consists of hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements. The combination of these contrasting features enables the larvae to maintain their position as well as to move unidirectionally. Their hydrophobic region leverages water surface tension to function as an adhesive disc. By using the resistance of water, the hydrophilic region serves as a rudder during locomotion., Suzuki, Takaku, Hariyama and colleagues report on a crown-like structure found on the heads of midge larvae. This structure, analysed using scanning electron microscopy and experimental methods, enables subsurface adhesion and aids in control of locomotion in this region of the water column.

The meniscus midges Dixella aestivallis (Meigen, 1818) was recorded for the first time on the territory of Serbia. This species was found in the Karamejdan Lake on the territory of the protected nature reserve Pešter plateau, the highest Karst plateau of the Balkan Peninsula. The larva of D. aestivalis was detected in a locality with well-developed aquatic vegetation and high value of oxygen concentration. Dixella aestivalis is a eurytopic species, which prefers to live in different types of small stagnant waters. This study is a result of the ongoing monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. This finding is the starting point for further studies of these species in Serbia.

The Mediterranean stripe-necked terrapin is a freshwater turtle widely distributed in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa, but whose natural history is little known. In this study we investigated the ecology of a population in northern Algeria (Reghaïa Lake Ramsar Reserve), with special emphasis on its phenology, demographic structure and diet, based on capture and recapture methods. Our results indicated that there is a short inactivity period in January and possibly the activity is also reduced during the month of August. The best Jolly-Seber model indicated that the population within the survey station had a minimum size of 653 specimens. The population contained a higher proportion of males (0.68 - 0.76) and a proportion of juveniles between 0.02 - 0.16. Females were larger and relatively heavier than males. Analysis of stomach contents showed that M. leprosa feeds with high frequency on aquatic arthropods. Specifically, we found insects: Diptera (Chironomidae, Culicidae, Dixidae, Syrphidae), Heteroptera (Corixidae, Notonectidae) and Coleoptera (Dytiscidae), crustaceans (Branchiopoda, Ostracoda), plant matter (Typha angustifolia), fish (Gambusia holbrooki), and unidentified materials.

Invertebrate surveys in Croatia conducted between 2005 and 2018 included 39 sampling sites yielding bycatch samples of Dixidae (Diptera). All records of this family from the territory of Croatia are summarized, including previously unpublished data. Collections contained six species ofDixaMeigen –D.dilatataStrobl,D.maculataMeigen,D.nebulosaMeigen,D.nubilipennisCurtis,D.puberulaLoew, andD.submaculataEdwards, withDixadilatatareported from Croatia for the first time. Information relating to the ecoregions in which species were found and specific species traits are provided. Compared to neighbouring countries, the Croatian species assemblage is most similar to the fauna of Italy and least similar to that of Serbia and Montenegro.

Dixidae (Insecta, Diptera) are an interesting ecological component in freshwater ecosystems. They are merolimnic insects with larvae and pupae living in aquatic habitats while adults live in terrestrial habitats in close proximity to water. The goals of this study were to determine the phenology patterns of Dixidae and what influences them, to analyse their preference for microhabitats, and to determine the main ecological factors that have an influence on the composition of Dixidae. Adult Dixidae were collected monthly in the period from 2007 to 2008 at 10 sites, from 2009 to 2010 at four sites, and from 2011 to 2014 at three sites in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Adult specimens were collected using pyramid-type emergence traps. A total of 1271 Dixidae were collected during eight years of study belonging to five species of the genus Dixa. Dixa submaculata was most abundant species at the spring and upper reach of Bijela rijeka Stream and the upper reach of Crna rijeka Stream. Dixa nebulosa was most numerous at the Kozjak-Milanovac tufa barrier site. Dixa puberula was the dominant species at the rest of the sites. Dixa puberula and Dixa submaculata were univoltine, bivoltine or trivoltine, depending on the site, while Dixa nebulosa was only univoltine. The highest diversity was recorded at the tufa barrier Kozjak-Milanovac, and the highest number of species, four species, was found at the upper reach of the Crna rijeka Stream. The greatest number of specimens was recorded at the Labudovac tufa barrier, 128 specimens in 2014. Water temperature is the main ecological factor that influences the phenology of Dixidae at the tufa barriers and lower streams. Discharge affected the abundance of Dixidae. Dixa puberula prefers moss as a substrate and a faster water velocity.

A checklist is presented of all 986 extant species of Diptera known from the archipelago of the Maltese Islands situated in the central Mediterranean. Species considered to be alien to the Islands are listed with annotations in Appendix 1. The history of dipterology applicable to the islands is outlined and the three important historical published records by Zetterstedt, Rondani and Bezzi & de Stefani-Perez are listed in Appendices 2–4. Species names that are synonyms are indicated where these were used in published records for Malta more or less after the Catalogue of Palaearctic Diptera was published. Species we consider to have been misidentifications are also indicated with an annotation in most cases. Vermileo immaculatus Carles-Tolrá syn. n. & Cuesta-Segura and Vermileo balearicus Wheeler syn. n. are proposed junior synonyms of Vermileo vermileo (Linnaeus).

We describe a new species of the genus Dixella Dyar & Shannon of Mexico. Specimens were collected in Lagunas de Santo Domingo, Municipality of Huatusco, Veracruz, a small vegetation-lined lake within an increasingly relictual mountain cloud forest. This species is most closely related to Dixella cumbrica Peters & Cook, 1966, based upon the shape of the apical lobe of the gonocoxite and flattened gonostylus. Also, we include the first record of Dixella shannoni (Lane, 1942), in Mexico, based upon specimens collected in Santiago Yaveo, Oaxaca. Additionally, we present a list of all localities in which dixids have been collected in Mexico.

New records of Cecidomyiidae, Dixidae and Mycetophilidae (Diptera) are presented from various localities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Three species of Cecidomyiidae, four species of Dixidae and two species of Mycetophilidae are new to the Czech Republic. One species of Cecidomyiidae, two species of Dixidae and two species of Mycetophilidae are new to Slovakia. Problems with the interpretation of the species Dixella nigra (Staeger, 1840) and Dixella bankowskae (Vaillant, 1969) are also commented on.

Results of faunistic research of eight selected dipteran families (Bibionidae, Blephariceridae, Dixidae, Limoniidae, Pediciidae, Platypezidae, Ptychopteridae, and Rhagionidae) in the Uzh River Basin (Ukraine) are presented thanks to the support by the FAN (B) - Förderkreis für allgemeine Naturkunde (Biologie) in the framework of the project “Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Diptera biodiversity trip along the Uzh river, Ukraine”. Altogether 16 species are recorded as new to the fauna of Ukraine in the present paper. One species is newly recorded of the families Blephariceridae, Pediciidae, and Ptychopteridae, and two species each of the families Limoniidae and Bibionidae. Three species each belong to the families Dixidae, Platypezidae, and Rhagionidae.

Studies on aquatic Diptera in the Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia) conducted in the last 50 years have produced 157 species and 7 taxa of aquatic Diptera placed in 13 families. Samples were collected at 25 sampling sites representing the four main types of karst aquatic habitats: spring, stream, tufa barriers and lakes. All records of all the aquatic families of Diptera in Plitvice Lakes NP are summarized, including previously unpublished data. Twelve species new for Plitvice Lakes NP are recorded for the first time, belonging to the families: Chironomidae – Labrundinia longipalpis (Goetghebuer, 1921), Nilothauma brayi (Goetghebuer, 1921), Potthastia longimanus Kieffer, 1922, Polypedilum (Polypedilum) nubeculosum (Meigen, 1804), Tanytarsus brundini Lindeberg, 1963; Dixidae – Dixella autumnalis (Meigen, 1838); Scathophagidae – Acanthocnema latipennis Becker, 1894 and Stratiomyidae – Oxycera pardalina Meigen, 1822, Oxycera limbata Loew, 1862, Oxycera turcica Ustuner & Hasbenli, 2004, Nemotelus pantherinus (Linnaeus, 1758), Oplodontha viridula (Fabricius, 1775). The most species-rich family was the Chironomidae with 62 species (and an additional seven taxa), followed by the Empididae with 22 species and Limoniidae with 19 species. The highest number of species was recorded in springs. The relatively low number of species in certain families and the complete absence of some aquatic families shows that further research into the aquatic Diptera in Plitvice Lakes NP is needed.

Resumen Se presenta un reporte preliminar sobre la riqueza y distribución de los dípteros acuáticos en el departamento del Chocó, a partir de 490 especímenes (larvas y pupas) de la Colección Limnológica del Chocó (CLCH-Insec, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó), que corresponden a 18 municipios (entre 5 y 3202 m s.n.m.), 46 corrientes hídricas de diferente orden y 14 ecosistemas lénticos de las cuencas de los ríos Atrato, San Juan y Baudó. Se reportan 12 familias y 30 géneros, de los cuales 4 familias y 16 géneros, son registrados por primera vez para el Chocó. Chironomidae es la familia más abundante y más ampliamente distribuida, mientras que Dixidae y Sciomyzidae son las familias de menor abundancia y distribución. La mayor riqueza taxonómica la registran las familias Culicidae y Ceratopogonidae, con cinco géneros cada una. Las macrófitas son el sustrato con mayor riqueza específica. El mayor registro taxonómico se encuentra en la cuenca del río Atrato, con 11 familias y 24 géneros. Estos resultados permiten evidenciar la enorme diversidad de los dípteros acuáticos en el departamento del Chocó y la necesidad de adelantar nuevas investigaciones que amplíen su conocimiento taxonómico y ecológico en la región. Abstract We present a preliminary report on the richness and distribution of aquatic Diptera in the department of Chocó, from 490 specimens (larvae and pupae) kept in the Chocó Limnological Collection (CLCH-Insec), corresponding to 18 municipalities (between 5 and 3202 m a.s.l.), 46 water streams of different order and 14 lentic ecosystems of the Atrato, San Juan and Baudó Rivers basins. There are 12 families and 30 genera, of which 4 families and 16 genera are recorded for the first time for Chocó. Chironomidae is the most abundant and most widely distributed family, while Dixidae and Sciomyzidae are the families with lowest abundance and distribution. The highest taxonomic richness is recorded for the families Culicidae and Ceratopogonidae, with five genera each. Macrophytes are the substrate with the greatest specific richness. The largest taxonomic record is found in the Atrato River basin, with 11 families and 24 genera. These results show the enormous diversity of aquatic Diptera in the department of Chocó and the need to develop new research that will broaden their taxonomic and ecological knowledge in the region.

Invertebrate surveys in Croatia conducted between 2005 and 2018 included 39 sampling sites yielding bycatch samples of Dixidae (Diptera). All records of this family from the territory of Croatia are summarized, including previously unpublished data. Collections contained six species of Dixa Meigen – D. dilatata Strobl, D. maculata Meigen, D. nebulosa Meigen, D. nubilipennis Curtis, D. puberula Loew, and D. submaculata Edwards, with Dixa dilatata reported from Croatia for the first time. Information relating to the ecoregions in which species were found and specific species traits are provided. Compared to neighbouring countries, the Croatian species assemblage is most similar to the fauna of Italy and least similar to that of Serbia and Montenegro.

Dixa repanda Peters, previously known only from the type series of three males, was rediscovered after targeted collections in the southcentral and midwestern United States. These collections also revealed the presence of its undescribed putative sister species, Dixa falcata sp. nov. The two species are sympatric in the Ozark Mountains. Adults of D. repanda are redescribed and those of Dixa falcata are described. Males of both species are distinguished from related, similarly colored species by a falcate gonostylus and extremely reduced cercus. Males of the two species are easily separated from each other by the shape and thickness of the gonostylus. Females are not reliably separable from each other or related species. Biological insights, including known distributions, of both species are provided.

Dixa repanda Peters (Figs 4, 6, 8, 10) Dixa repanda Peters in Peters & Cook, 1966: 249. Type material examined. HOLOTYPE ♂ (card pointed) labeled: ��� Goodhue Co. [unty], Minn.[esota]/ May 21 1937 ���; ��� D.G. Denning / Collector���. ��� HOLOTYPE / Dixa / repanda / Peters/ USNM No. 67271 [red-trimmed label]��� (USNM). Terminalia: Not examined, presumed lost. Additional material examined. USA: Arkansas: STONE COUNTY, Ozark NF, Blanchard Sprs Crk below source [N35��57���31.4��� W92��10���43.1���, 166 m], 21.v.1991, B.J. Sinclair (1♂, CNC). Iowa: JEFFERSON COUNTY, Black Bridge Spr, S of Waupeton, N42��39���44.2��� W90��52���55.7���, 195 m, 17.ix.2009, J.K. Moulton (13♂, 8♀). Illinois: MONROE COUNTY, Bicklein Cave Spr, 8 km W of Waterloo, T2S R10W SE1/4SE1/4 Sec 19, Waterloo 7.5��� Quadrangle [N42��29���22.5��� W92��29���51.8���, 308 m], 14.xii.1996, J. Krejca et al (1♂, UWS). Indiana: CRAWFORD COUNTY, Hoosier NF, Trickling str @ Hemlock Cliffs [N38��16���30.2��� W86��32���17.5���, 214 m], 19.v.1991, B.J. Sinclair (5♂, CNC). PERRY COUNTY, Hoosier NF, Trib Middle Deer Crk @ CR10, N37��59���11.0��� W86��37���23.9���, 140 m, 4.x.2009, J.K. Moulton (2L*). Kansas: RILEY COUNTY, Manhattan, ��� Hibernating ��� under rock [N39��10���13.1��� W96��39���01.7���], 13.xii.1930, H.L. Culer (1♂, USNM). Missouri: PHELPS COUNTY, Meramac Spr, 12.9 km S St James [N37��57���12.8��� W91��31���57.8���, 261 m], 28.iv.1956, P.J. Spangler (1♂, USNM). ST FRANCOIS COUNTY, St Francois SP, stream beside old schoolhouse, N37��59���21.6��� W90��30���49.7���, 238 m, 30.iv.2009, J.K. Moulton (2♂). STONE COUNTY, Crane Crk @ Crane City Park, N36��54���08.2��� W93��34���25.0���, 339 m, 30.iv.2009, J.K. Moulton (1♀). Oklahoma: JOHNSTON COUNTY, Viola Sprs @ McIntosh Rd, ex emergent vegetation, N34��22���46.5��� W96��31���36.5���, 241 m, 25.iii.2010, E.A. Bergey (1♂ & 3♀). PONTOTOC COUNTY, unnamed spr ex D169 Rd, 4 km S of Fittstown, N34��34���22.7��� W96��38���51.0���, 313 m, 25.iii.2010, E.A. Bergey (1♂, 1♀). Diagnosis. The less strongly setose, curved, non-tapered, banana-like gonostylus coupled with obliterated cercus and larger, more protruding basal gonocoxal lobe distinguishes this species from all other Nearctic species, including D. falcata sp. nov. Redescription. Differing from D. falcata sp. nov. as follows. Male. Wing length (n =10) 2.5���3.4 mm (avg=3.1). Terminalia (Figs 4, 6, 8, 10): Gonostylus slightly shorter, ca. 2.5X longer than greatest height, considerably less tapered apically and with shorter and sparser setae on medial surface. Basal gonocoxal lobe appearing more protrusive from dorsal gonocoxal margin in lateral view. Female. Wing length (n =8) 2.7���3.7 mm (avg=3.3). Indistinguishable from those of D. falcata sp. nov. and several other similarly colored, related species. Distribution and bionomics. Attempts by the author to collect material from near the type locality in Illinois (Havana) and paratype locality (environs of Rochester, MN) were unfruitful. Streams in and around Havana, IL, are heavily degraded and inaccessible due to co-opting for agricultural production. New collections of this species broadened its known range to the east to include southern portions of Indiana and Illinois and southwesterly into Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma (Fig. 14). It likely also occurs in the Arkansas Ozarks as well as northern Kentucky. Dixa repanda appears to be multivoltine and likely typically overwinters as eggs, although one female examined taken near Manhattan, Kansas, was observed under a rock in mid-December. Larvae mature as early as March in the southern portion of the range. This species occurs in spring-fed streams (Fig. 13) very similar to those preferred by D. falcata sp. nov., and they likely co-inhabit streams somewhere in the Ozark/Quachita region. Remarks. Several issues hampered the author���s elucidation of the identity of this species. Firstly, the illustration of the male terminalia in Peters & Cook (1966, fig. 47) in lateral view does not accurately reflect the shape of the gonostylus. Secondly, the slide-mounted terminalia of the male holotype could not be located in the USNM and are presumed lost. Thirdly, the two paratype males could not be located and may also be lost. Lastly, attempts to collect streams in the environs of Havana, Illinois, the type locality, were fruitless as the streams were largely inaccessible and ones that were observed look extremely degraded. It was not until examining a male specimen taken near Manhattan, Kansas, that was identified as D. repanda by T.M. Peters, that the association between my material and the holotype was synched. The absence of any other Dixa species, besides the easily discernable D. fluvica Peters, taken in the study area also reinforces this decision., Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2018, Rediscovery of Dixa repanda Peters and description of its putative sister species, Dixa falcata sp. nov., from the south-central United States (Diptera: Dixidae), pp. 171-178 in Zootaxa 4459 (1) on pages 175-177, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4459.1.8, http://zenodo.org/record/1458464, {"references":["Peters, T. M. & Cook, E. F. (1966) The Nearctic Dixidae (Diptera). Miscellaneous Publications of the Entomological Society of America, 5, 231 - 278."]}

Dixa falcata sp. nov. (Figs 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) Type material. HOLOTYPE ♂ (pointed), labeled: ��� USA: GA: CATOOSA COUNTY/ Rock Cave Spring / Chickamauga National Military Park / N34��54���10.7��� W85��16���20.1���, 225 m / 25.vi.2013, J.K. Moulton ���; ��� HOLOTYPE / Dixa / falcata / J.K. Moulton 2017 [red label]��� (CNC) . PARATYPES [blue labels]: same data as holotype (2♂, CNC); same data as holotype, except 8���9.v.2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (2♂, CNC) and (3♂, USNM). Additional material examined. USA: Alabama: DEKALB COUNTY, Rt 09-05 x-ing, UV light trap, 10��� 11.vi.2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (1♂; USGS). Arkansas: MADISON COUNTY, Rt 74, 4.8 km W of Kingston, 24.iv.1989, C.R. L[oerch] & P.H. A[dler] (2L*). POLK COUNTY, Quachita NF, Gap Crk @ Picnic Area, N34��28���33.07��� W94��07���03.78���, 355 m, 12.v.2007, J.K. Moulton (4♂). SALINE COUNTY, Bread Crk, N34��47���36.0��� W92��58���29.1���, 299 m, 17.v.2001, A.L. Sheldon (3♂); 17.v.2001 (5♂); 2.vi.2001 (5♂); 22.vii.2001 (7♂). Little Glazypeau Crk, N34��38���18.3��� W93��05���35.7���, 235 m, 16.iv.2001, A.L. Sheldon (1♀); 19.v.2001 (3♂, 4♀); 2.vi.2001 (3♂, 5♀); 9.vi.2001 (2♂ 1♀); 23.vii.2001 (4♂, 2♀); 2.viii.2001 (6♂, 4♀). S Alum Crk, N34��48���00.6��� W93��00���24.6���, 310 m, 19.v.2001, A.L. Sheldon (6♂, 2♀); 10.vii.2001 (4♂, 1♀); 22.vii.2001 (9♂, 2♀). STONE COUNTY, Ozark NF, underground str @ Hwy 5, 21.v.1991, B.J. Sinclair (1♂, 1♀, CNC). Georgia: BARTOW COUNTY, Mosteller Spr @ Mosteller Spr Rd, N34��22���56.3��� W84��51���01.9���, 260 m, 17.vii.2013, J.K. Moulton (6♂, 2♀). CATOOSA COUNTY, Chickamauga National Military Park, Rock Cave Spr, N34��54���10.7��� W85��16���20.1���, 225 m, UV light trap, 8���9.v.2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (9♂, USGS). Kentucky: BELL COUNTY, Cumberland Gap NHP, Tunnel Crk, N36��36���15.0��� W83��41���16.9���, 369 m, 28.ix.2005, J.K. Moulton (1♂). EDMONSON COUNTY, Mammoth Cave NP, Echo Spr [N37��10���46.8��� W86��06���28.3���], 168 m, 9.vi.1991, B.J. Sinclair (3♂, CNC). TAYLOR COUNTY, Little Angel Spr, Trib Craig���s Crk, N of Campbellsville, N37��26���40��� W83��21���18���, 312 m, 9.vi.2005, J.K. Moulton (1♂). Missouri: RIPLEY COUNTY, small stream x-ing Hwy C nr Cupola Pond SNA, N36��48���42.2��� W91��05���04.6���, 239 m, 29.iv.2009, J.K. Moulton (1L*). Oklahoma: MURRAY COUNTY, Chickasaw Nat���l Rec Area, Sulphur, Travertine Crk [N34��30���13.7��� W96��56���34.3���, 326 m], 13.v.1993, J.M. Cumming (1♂, CNC). Tennessee: BRADLEY COUNTY, Red Clay SP, outflow of Council Spring (Blue Hole), N34��59���36.1��� W84��56���48.0���, 259 m, 25.v.2013, J.K. Moulton (5♂). CHEATHAM COUNTY, Trib Marrowbone Crk @ Abernathy Rd, N36��16���08.9��� W86��57���16.8���, 219 m, 12.iv.2009, J.K. Moulton (6♂). GRAINGER COUNTY, Avondale Spr, N36��17���00.5��� W83��32���04.5���, 308 m, 3.vi.2006, J.K. Moulton (1♂). JEFFERSON COUNTY, Small trib Dumplin Crk @ Hebron Rd, N36��03���42.6��� W83��27���18.6���, 345 m, 5.v.2008, J.K. Moulton (7♂, 5♀). KNOX COUNTY, small crk @ Pleasant Gap Baptist Church, N36��07���32.07��� W83��58���05.86���, 302 m, 3.vi.2006, J.K. Moulton (2♂); Fowler Spr Branch @ Bell Cmpgd Rd, N36��02���56.2��� W084��04���07.8���, 288 m, 11.x.2005, J.K. Moulton (2♂, 1♀). LINCOLN COUNTY, Harmony Spr @ TN50 S of Lynchburg, 11.iv.2011, J.K. Moulton (2♂). MARION COUNTY, Daniel Cave Spr, N36��15���39.2��� W85��28���47.2���, 332 m, 8.ix.2010, J.K. Moulton (1♂). MAURY COUNTY, Big Bigby Crk @ Rt 166, N35��39���05.3��� W87��14���49.0���, 178 m, 12.v.2010, B.H. Bauer (1♂); Sugar Crk @ Old railroad x-ing, 23.vi.2010, B.H. Bauer (1♂). Virginia: NELSON COUNTY, small (1���2 m) str @ BRP, 1.8 km from NP entrance, 611 m, N38��01���21.6��� W79��07���50.2���, UV light trap, 16���17.vii.2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (1♂, USGS). Diagnosis. The apically tapered falcate gonostylus with numerous, strongly developed medial setae, large subrectangular basal gonocoxal lobe, and obliterated cercus distinguish this species from all others in the Nearctic Region. Description. Male (Fig. 1). Wing length (n =10) 2.8���3.4 (avg=3.0) mm. Head, antenna, and mouthparts brown. Antenna ca. 2/ 3X length of wing, clothed with whorls of short setae; pedicel small, collar-like; scape globose, ca. 4X width of flagellomere I. Flagellum with 14 articles. Flagellomere I cylindrical, 1.6X length of flagellomere II. Flagellomeres I and II most notably subcylindrical, with remaining flagellomeres increasingly shorter and cylindrical. Flagellomere XIV with pair of divergent apical setae. Maxillary palpus 5-segmented; ratio of segment lengths (proximal to apical) 1:2:6:10:12. Scutum dark brown, lacking prominent stripes unless teneral, in which case thick median stripe present. Pronotal lobe brown, with 2 short and 1���2 long apical setae. Postnotum with 1 prominent seta. Anepisternum and anepimeron dark brown, bare. Katepisternum dark brown, with 3���5 setae medially. Katepimeron brown, bare. Metepisternum and metepimeron light brown, bare. Laterotergite brown, bare. Legs with coxae straw-colored and distal segments brown. Pro- and mesothoracic legs symmetrical, with following segment length ratios [coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia, t1, t2, t3, t4, t5 (including claw)]: 2.5, 1, 15, 15, 11, 4.3, 2.5, 1, 2.5. Metathoracic legs differing in that t1 and t4 ca. 33% longer. Coxae light brown, setose anterolaterally. Foretibia not expanded apically. Fore- and mesotarsal claws pectinate, with 4���5 prominent subapical tines, often with additional smaller ones. Metathoracic claw with 1 mesal and 1 basal small secondary tines, sometimes with third one between them. Pro- and mesotibia not noticeably expanded apically. Metafemur expanded apically, with transverse row of ca. 12���14 uniformly sized setae on bulge. Tarsomeres 3 and 4, most noticeably of meso- and metathoracic legs, with variably thickened, sometimes hooked, proximal seta on ventral surface. Wing light gray, lacking infuscation at junction of Rs, R2+3, R4+5 and crossvein r-m. Wing veins brown, setose. Rs arising near terminus of Sc. R2+3 proximal to crossvein r-m. Crossvein m-m weakened. False vein (FV) distinct from and parallel to CuA for most of its length. Halter brownish gray apically, with stem straw-colored. Scutellum brown, with ca. 12 posteriorly directed transverse setae along posterior margin. Abdomen dark brown, with pink/purple and blue/green iridescence. Basal fringe brown. Segments 2���6 with dark brown tergites and grayish brown pleural regions. Segments 7���9 dark brown. Terminalia (Figs 3, 5, 7, 9, 11): Tergite 9 subtrapezoidal, with anterior margin convex. Sternite 9 subrectangular. Proctiger sub-square in lateral view, with digitiform ventral process articulated with subepandrial sclerite. Cercus reduced to barely perceptible, knuckle-like lobe not protruding beyond posterolateral margin of proctiger. Epiproct ovoid, lightly sclerotized. Subepandrial sclerite bilobed, with proximal lobe acute and distal lobe broadly rounded apically, latter narrow lip beneath proctiger when viewed dorsally. Gonocoxite subcylindrical, nearly as long as broad, with prominent basal and apical lobes. Basal gonocoxal lobe large, 0.75���0.80X gonocoxal width, subrectangular, with setae on inner surface and sparse apical spinules, in lateral view proximal margin nearly reaching anterior margin of gonocoxa and posterior margin extended to base of apical gonocoxal lobe. Apical gonocoxal lobe short, ca. 1/ 6X length of gonostylus in lateral view, with numerous, prominent setae along posteroventral margin. Anterior margin of basal gonocoxal lobe intimately associated with gonocoxal apodeme, paramere base, ventral plate, and penis sheath. Penis sheath short, broad, trough-like, curving anterodorsally from origin near gonocoxal apodeme before continuing on posteriorly towards junction of parameres and ventral apodeme of subepandrial sclerite. Penis filament concomitantly short, sclerotized only at apex, nearest gonopore. Gonostylus falcate, ca. 2.3X longer than greatest width/height, tapered apically (Figs 21, 49); lateral surface clothed with short, posteriorly directed setae; medial surface clothed with longer, stouter setae; dorsal margin convex, tallest anterior to midlength, with strong medially derived setae protruding well beyond margin for entire length; dorsal margin convex, with short setae running entire length; apices twisted 90�� medially. Aedeagus in terminal view hastate to heart-shaped, membranous, covered with spicules, positioned between straplike parameres. Ventral plate deeply divided medially into roughly diamond-shaped to hexagonal halves, connected by thin anterior strap. Female (Fig. 2). Differing from male as follows: Body coloration overall lighter. Wing length (n =8) 3.0���3.4 (avg=3.2) mm. Antennal segments more robust. Tarsal claws non-pectinate. Abdomen with nonsclerotized pleural region widened, with iridescent pink-purple sheen laterally. Terminalia: 9T subrectangular. 9S strap-like, posterior margin distended medially. 10S divided into pair of thin triangular lobes, apices 2X width of proximal portion of structure before meeting medially. Cercus in lateral view hemi-ovoid, thickened and directed posterodorsally. In dorsal and ventral views lateral and medial margins of cercus convex and concave, respectively and apices slightly convergent. Bursa copulatrix armed with two groups of tooth-like spines of varying size. Spermatheca golden brown, spherical, with weak surface sculpturing and short sclerotized neck at junction with bottlebrush-like duct. Etymology. The species epithet is in reference to the shape of the male gonostylus. Distribution and bionomics. This species occurs primarily in and around small, slow flowing, first-order calcareous springs often containing varying amounts of watercress and with or without a canopy (Fig. 12). The known range of Dixa falcata sp. nov. extends from southwestern Virginia to Missouri and Oklahoma, south to northern Georgia, Alabama, and central Arkansas (Fig. 14). Larvae mature by April to May, with adults common from May until October or perhaps later in some years. Throughout its known range, it is commonly associated with D. ubiquita Moulton and, in central TN and KY, also with D. calciphila Moulton. Remarks. On the basis of similarity in the male gonostylus as well as ample molecular data (J.K. Moulton, unpublished), this species appears to be the sister to D. falcata sp. nov. The female is similar to those of several other similarly colored, related species. When associated only with D. ubiquita, females of D. falcata sp. nov. can be separated by the absence of a faint wing spot at the junction of Rs and R2+3. When associated with D. calciphila, which also lacks a wing spot, female identification is tenuous at best., Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2018, Rediscovery of Dixa repanda Peters and description of its putative sister species, Dixa falcata sp. nov., from the south-central United States (Diptera: Dixidae), pp. 171-178 in Zootaxa 4459 (1) on pages 172-174, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4459.1.8, http://zenodo.org/record/1458464, {"references":["Moulton, J. K. (2017) The true identity of Dixa modesta Johannsen (Diptera: Dixidae) resolved: synonymy of Dixa similis Johannsen, designation of the Dixa ubiquita species group, and description of three new eastern Nearctic species. Zootaxa, 4216 (3), 247 - 260. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4216.3.3"]}

Records of meniscus midges (Diptera: Dixidae) are reported from lotic and lentic water bodies with of Slovakia. Midges were sampled during specifically aimed research of ponds (project BIOPOND) or during field works related to various studies of running waters. In total, occurrence of 3 species of genus Dixa and 1 species of genus Dixella are presented and shortly discussed. Record of Dixa dilatata Strobl, 1900 on the basis of adult specimen is reported from Slovakia for the first time.

Dixa ubiquita species group Diagnosis. Adults of the D. ubiquita group and its closest relatives (i.e., Meringodixa Nowell spp., D. rudis Garrett and allied species, and all Nearctic congeners except D. hegemonica Dyar & Shannon, D. modesta Johannsen, D. neohegemonica Peters, D. notata Loew, and D. terna Loew, are readily distinguished from all other Dixidae by the solid or indistinctly brown striped (D. brevis, D. rhathyme Dyar & Shannon, and D. lobata sensu Peters, particularly females) scutum and presence of katepisternal (= pre-episternum II of authors) setae. Similarly colored brown species with basal flagellomeres more cylindrical than fusiform (e.g., Dixella indiana (Dyar), D. nigra (Staeger ) , and related species) have a bare katepisternum. Historically used characters, i.e., ���fusiform vs. cylindrical��� basal flagellomeres and ���long versus short��� apical gonocoxal lobes do not reliably separate adult Dixa and Dixella Dyar & Shannon species worldwide, especially in the Nearctic Region where nonconforming species exist in each genus. Within the aforementioned group having solid or indistinctly striped brown scutal coloration, D. ubiquita group members are distinguished morphologically from all of these species, except D. brevis, by the narrow, falcate/lanceolate gonostylus (in lateral view). They differ from D. brevis in lacking strong spines (as seen laterally) on the apex of the basal gonocoxal lobe and the cercus being sinuous, posterodorsally directly, and similar in length (i.e., 1.25X) to lateral proctiger width (versus straight, posteroventrally directed, and 2X lateral width of proctiger). Extensive collection data suggest non-overlap between D. brevis and members of the D. ubiquita group (JK Moulton, unpublished)., Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2017, The true identity of Dixa modesta Johannsen (Diptera: Dixidae) resolved: synonymy of Dixa similis Johannsen, designation of the Dixa ubiquita species group, and description of three new eastern Nearctic species, pp. 247-260 in Zootaxa 4216 (3) on page 249, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.231794

Dixa ubiquita sp. nov. (Figs 1���2, 6���14, 21, 24���28) Dixa modesta Peters & Cook, 1966: 241, not Johannsen, 1903: 429 (misidentification of most North American specimens). Type material. HOLOTYPE, ♂ labeled: ��� USA: Macon Co. / Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory / Shope Fork, 800 m / N35��03���37.00��� W83��27���05.10��� / 28.iii.2012 / J.K. Moulton ���; ��� HOLOTYPE / Dixa / ubiquita / J.K. Moulton [red label]��� (CNC). PARATYPES: Same data as holotype, 4♂ and 5♀ to CNC and 5♂ and 5♀ to USNM. Additional material examined. USA: AL: LIMESTONE COUNTY, Big Crk @ CR33 (Townsend Ford Rd), nr. Shanghai, N34��50���26.94��� W87��04���40.71���, 7.v.2005, JKM (1L). AR: POLK COUNTY, Quachita NF, Gap Crk @ Picnic Area, N34��28���33.07��� W94��07���03.78���, 12.v.2007, JKM (2♂, 10♀). GA: BARTOW COUNTY, Mosteller Spr @ Mostellar Spr Rd, Sonoraville, N34��22���58.29��� W84��51���03.89���, 240 m, 17.vii.2013, JKM (10♂, 4♀, 2L). CATOOSA COUNTY, Chickamauga & Chattanooga NMP, Rock Cave Spr, N34��54���02.39��� W85��15���33.73���, 224 m, 8���9.v.2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (5♂, USGS). CLARKE COUNTY, Athens, 22.xi.1934, E.E. Byrd (1♂, UGCA); 20.v.1974, B. Freeman (1♂, UGCA); UGA Bot. Gardens, Malaise trap, N33��54���02.79��� W83��22���48.48���, 180 m, 3���9.iv.1976, J.F. MacDonald & R.W. Matthews (1♂, UGCA). FANNIN COUNTY, Sm Spr @ Cooper Crk WMA, N34��44���00.60��� W83��58���19.24���, 588 m, 29.iii.2012, JKM (3♀, 5L). HARRIS COUNTY, Mountain Crk @ Hamilton Rd, N32��48���05.24��� W84��55���18.52���, 11.iv.2011, JKM (1♂, 4♀, 1P, 4L). UNION COUNTY, Brown Mill Crk @ Morgantown Hwy (Rt. 60), N34��44���05.5��� 5 W84��06���13.00���, 626 m, 3.v.2012, JKM (3♂). WALKER COUNTY, Ellison ���s Blue Hole, Crockford-Pigeon Mtn. WMA, N34��42���08.03��� W085��20���20.00���, 17.iii.2012, JKM (12L, 2P); Chattahoochee NF, Johns Crk @ Keown Falls Tr Head, 2.iv.2009, JKM (2♂, 14L); Same data, 18.iii.2012, JKM (11L). KY: BELL COUNTY, Cumberland Gap NHP, Tunnel Crk, 28.ix.2005, JKM (1♂); Same data, 3.iii.2008, JKM (2♂, 3L); Shilalah Crk, UV light trap, N36��39���43.63��� W83��32���36.76���, 948 m, 28.ix.2005, C.R. Parker (5♂, USGS). LETCHER COUNTY, Big Everidge Crk, Lilly Cornett Woods, ex. Rt 1103, UV light trap, N37.077�� W82.99��, M. Floyd (4♂, 1♀). METCALF COUNTY, Dry Frk, 14.vii.2008, M. Floyd (1♀); Same data, 6.x.2008, M.A. Floyd (2♂); Spring Run #1, KHLCF Site, 6.x.2008, M. Floyd (3♂, 1♀). WOLF COUNTY, Red R Gorge Geol Area, Trib Red R nr Suspension Bridge, ex. Sheltowee Trace Tr, N37��49���28.20��� W83��37���26.70���, 218 m, 9.vi.2015, B.J. Sinclair (4♂, 5♀). LA: JACKSON PARISH, Schoolhouse Spgs, N32��27���15.58��� W92��25���57.78���, 75 m, 6.iv.2010, JKM (6♂, 13♀, 1P, 12L). NY: ESSEX COUNTY, Wilmington, 21.viii.1941, A.L. Melander (2♂; UMSP). TOMPKIN COUNTY, Ithaca, Fall Crk (Flat Rock), v.19 (02)?, Lot 1294, O.A. Johannsen (1♂; CUIC). NC: BUNCOMBE COUNTY, Black Mtns., Lots 1288 & 1297, O.A. Johannsen (1♂; CUIC). HAYWOOD COUNTY, Blue Ridge Parkway NP; ANSP, Woodfin Cascade, N35��27���08.30��� W83��06���10.60���, 16.vii.2006, JKM & G.R. Curler (9♂; ANSP). Great Smoky Mountains NP, Cataloochie Section, Beech Crk @ Palmer Crk Tr, N35��38���04.60��� W83��09���07.60���, 1323 m, 21.v.2015, R. Pivar & G. Phillips (14♂, 7♀; ANSP); Rough Fk, N35��36���58.53��� W83��07���13.53���, 862 m, 20.vi.2007, JKM (1♂; ANSP); 17.iii.2014, JKM (3L; ANSP). W Frk Pigeon R @ NC Rt 215, 12.vi.2008, JKM (3♂). HENDERSON COUNTY, L Cove Crk @ Green R Cove Rd, N35��16���18.68��� W82��18���39.78���, 313 m, 17.v.2013, JKM (5♂, 6♀, 5L). MACON COUNTY, Highlands, Clear Crk, 914 m, N35��1.5��� W83��11.5���, 2.vii.1958, J.L. Laffoon (2♂; ISIC); Shope Fork, Coweeta Hydrological Lab, Otto, N35��03���37.00��� W83��27���05.10���, 28.iii.2012, JKM (10♂, 10♀, 22L); Coweeta Hydrologic Lab, Coweeta Crk nr confl Ball Crk, N35��03��� W83��25���, 680 m, Malaise trap, 5���11.iv.2008, G.W. Courtney (2♂, 1♀, ISIC). SWAIN COUNTY, GSMNP, Seep above campsite #62, Noland Crk Tr., vi.2008, G.R. Curler (4♂; ANSP). TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY, S Mill R @ US 276 & FS 1203, UV light trap, 12.vi.2008, J. Robinson (8♂). PA: PERRY COUNTY, 4.5 km W Hwy 11���15, 34 km N Harrisburg, 5.v.1987, J.M. Cumming (1♂, 1♀, CNC). PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, Schuylkill Ctr for Env Ed, Trib Schuylkill R, 0.75 km SW of upper Roxborough Reservoir, N40��03���15��� W75��15���00���, SC: ANDERSON COUNTY, Pendleton, Tanglewood Spr, N34��38���29.62��� W82��47���08.01���, 256 m, i.1988, J.C. Morse (5♂, CUAC). BARNWELL COUNTY, Savannah River Site, Lower Three Runs Crk, N33��18���24.80��� W81��31���09.70���, 7.iv.2007, JKM (2♂, 1♀, 11L). CHESTER COUNTY, L Rocky Crk @ SSR 144, E of Cornwell, N34��36���58.50��� W81��08���13.52���, 23.v.2008, JKM (1L). PICKENS COUNTY, Issaqueena Forest, Indian Crk, 19.iii.1989, C.R. Adler & P.H. Adler (13L); Same data, 15.vi.1989, C.R.Adler & P.H.Adler (1♂, 1♀) (reared with L & P exuviae). TN: BLOUNT COUNTY, Lackey Crk @ Middle Settlement Rd, N35��47���22.42��� W84��02���37.39���, 256 m, 13.vi.2005, JKM & G.R. Curler (5♂, 2♀, 28L); Same data, 15.vii.2006, JKM (3♂, 1♀). GSMNP, Tremont, 30.vi.2009, G.R. Curler (2♂, 1♀; ANSP). BRADLEY COUNTY, Red Clay SP, Blue Hole, N34��59���34.72��� W84��56���45.86���, 18.v.2013, JKM (1♀, 1L). CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Cumberland Gap NHP, Gap Crk, N36��36���05.00��� W83��40���05.39���, 413 m, 19���20.vii.2006, C. Parker & J. Robinson (3♂, USGS). COCKE COUNTY, GSMNP, Cosby Crk Nr. Park entrance, N35��46���31.84��� W83��12���46.70���, 547 m, 17.ix.2008, JKM (1♂, 1♀, 1P, 5L; ANSP). CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Sequatchie R, nr. Head of Sequatchie, N35��47���17.38��� W85��00���49.79���, 343 m, 3.v.2006, JKM (3L). JEFFERSON COUNTY, Dumplin Crk @ Hebron Rd, N36��03���2.05��� W83��27���18.29���, 344 m, 26.v.2006, JKM (1♂); Same data, 16.vi.2008, JKM (2♀); Trib Piedmont Br @ Bays Mtn Rd, UV light trap, 9.viii.2006, JKM (1♂). KNOX COUNTY, Powell Spr Br @ Bells Cmpgd Rd, N36��02���50.03��� W84��03���50.40���, 261 m, 18.vi.2006, JKM (5♂, 5♀); Same data, 08.vii.2015 (1♂). LINCOLN COUNTY, Harmony Sprgs @ Rt 50, S of Lynchburg, N35��10���58.06��� W86��15���53.87���, 253 m, 11.iv.2011, JKM (2♂, 14L). LOUDON COUNTY, Muddy Crk @ Muddy Crk Rd, N35��49���28.64��� W84��13���44.84���, 245 m, 3.vii.2007, JKM (4♂, 1♀). MARION COUNTY, Daniel Cave Spr, N36.26�� W85.48��, 8.ix.2010, JKM (4♂). MORGAN COUNTY, Mammy ���s Crk, 10.v.2007, JKM (1♀). Frozen Head SP, Flat Frk Crk, N36��07���27.60��� W84��30���30.80���, 416 m, 9.x.2013, JKM (13♂, 1♀, 1L); Judge Br, 2.x.2013 (7♂); Same data, 27.iv.2014 (1♂); Same data, 13.vi.2014 (7♂). SCOTT COUNTY, Stn Camp Ford Parking area, 17.v.2005, C.R. Parker (1♀, USGS). SEVIER COUNTY, Great Smoky Mtns NP, sm trib M Frk Little R nr. Elkmont CG, N35��39���39.50��� W83��34���58.44���, 661 m, 26.vii.2005, JKM (6♂, 3♀; ANSP); Trib Webb Crk @ Pittman Ctr, 27.v.2007, JKM (8♂, 6♀); LeConte Crk @ Twin Creeks, ex. Cherokee Orchard Rd, Malaise trap, N35��41���14.97��� W83��29���56.41���, 603 m, 4.iv.���14.v.2003, C.R. Parker (12♂, 8♀, USGS); Twin Creek Science & Education Ctr, Malaise trap, 4.iv.2003, C.R. Parker (15♂, 9♀, USGS). VA: BEDFORD COUNTY, Abbott L outflow, UV light trap, N37��26���45.61��� W79��36���27.48���, 767 m, 8���9.vi.2006, C.R. Parker (3♂, USGS); Blue Ridge Parkway NP, Falling Rock Crk @ MP67.1, 17���18.vi.2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (1♂, USGS). CARROLL COUNTY, Blue Ridge NP, Big Laurel Crk, MP 187.6, 7���8.vi.2006, C.R. Parker & J. Robinson (12♂, 3♀, USGS). FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Belleview to Difficult Run, N38��56���47.04��� W77��10���55.82���, 69 m, iii. x.1915, W.L. McAtee (1♂, TAMU). FLOYD COUNTY, Blue Ridge Parkway NP, Mabry Mill @ MP176.1, UV light trap, N36��44���56.72��� W80��24���17.69���, 877 m, 7���8.vi.2006, C. Parker (2♂, USGS). GILES COUNTY, Little Stoney Crk, N37��21��� W80��36���, 646 m, 24.v.1990, G.W. Courtney (1♀, ISIC). GRAYSON COUNTY, Grayson Highlands SP, Big Wilson Crk, 13.vi.2004, B.J. Sinclair (1♂; CNC); Rivulet @ Meadow Beach Ln, N36��37���11.52��� W81��02���57.36���, 784 m, 15.iii.2005, JKM (2L). PATRICK COUNTY, BRP NP, MP130.7, Mayberry Crk, UV light trap, N36��42���20.10��� W80��26���32.39���, 860 m, 7���8.vi.2006, C. Parker (9♂, USGS). VT: RUTLAND COUNTY, Gifford Woods SP, along Kent Brook, 19.viii.1988, J.M. Cumming (1♂, 1♀, CNC). Diagnosis. Males of this species can be distinguished from those of all other Nearctic dixids by the following characters: Morphological. In addition to the aforementioned characters diagnosing the species group, these characters separate males from those of D. elkmontensis sp. nov. and D. vockerothi sp. nov.: Basal gonocoxal lobe broadly squared apically; proximal lobe of subepandrial sclerite acute, with thin, strap-like connection to proctiger; apical lobe of subepandrial sclerite broad, subovoid, with apex directed dorsally. Molecular. Within the 66 nucleotides (22 codons) shown (Fig. 35) an adenine at position 9 (vs. guanine) serves to distinguish this species from the other two. Within the encompassing amplified fragment of BZF, which is slightly over 1kb, D. ubiquita sp. nov. is 4.5% divergent from D. elkmontensis sp. nov. and 6.1% divergent from D. vockerothi sp. nov. (JK Moulton, unpublished). Description. Male. General coloration dark brown (Figs 1, 2, 6). Wing (Fig. 9) length (n =12) 3.2���4.1 (avg=3.6) mm. Head and its structures brown. Antenna (Fig. 8) ca. 2/ 3X length of wing, clothed with whorls of short setae; pedicel small, collar-like; scape globose, ca. 4X width of flagellomere I. Flagellum with 14 articles. Flagellomere I cylindrical, 1.6X length of flagellomere II. Flagellomeres I and II most notably subcylindrical, with remaining flagellomeres increasingly shorter and cylindrical. Flagellomere XIV with pair of divergent apical setae. Maxillary palpus 4-segmented; ratio of segment lengths 1���4 = 1:3:5:6. Scutum (Figs 1, 2) brown, lacking prominent stripes, with 4 rows of dark brown setae per side with a few additional setae interspersed, particularly anteriorly; midline raised, with adjacent lateral areas concave. Pronotal lobe brown, with 2 short and 1���2 long apical setae. Anepisternum and anepimeron brown, concolorous with head and scutum, bare. Katepisternum dark brown, with 3���5 setae medially. Katepimeron light brown, bare. Metepisternum and metepimeron light brown, bare. Laterotergite brown, bare. Legs brown. Pro- and mesothoracic legs symmetrical, with following segment length ratios [coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia, t1, t2, t3, t4, t5 (including claw)]: 2.5, 1, 15, 15, 11, 4.3, 2.5, 1, 2.5. Metathoracic legs differing in that t1 & t4 ca. 33% longer. Coxae light brown, with setae anterolaterally, those of metacoxa positioned more laterally. Foretibia not expanded apically. Fore- and mesotarsal claws pectinate, with 4��� 5 prominent subapical tines, often with additional smaller tines. Metathoracic claw with 1 mesal and 1 basal much reduced secondary tines, sometimes with third one between them. Pro- and mesotibia not noticeably expanded apically. Metafemur expanded apically, with transverse row of ca. 12���15 uniformly sized setae on bulge. Tarsomeres 3 and 4, most noticeably of meso- and metathoracic legs, with variably thickened, sometimes hooked, proximal seta on ventral surface. Wing (Fig. 9) light grayish brown, with weak infuscation at junction of Rs, R2+3, R4+5, and crossvein r-m, most noticeable when viewed from afar. Wing veins brown, setose. Rs arising near terminus of Sc. R2+3 arising proximal to crossvein r-m. Crossvein m-m weakened medially. False vein (FV) prominent, clearly distinct from and running parallel to CuA for most of its length. Halter brown, stem mostly brown, lighter on basal 1/5. Scutellum brown, with ca. 12 posteriorly directed transverse setae along posterior margin. Halter brown, stem mostly brown, lighter on basal 1/5. Abdomen mostly dark brown, with blue-green and purple iridescence, especially laterally (Fig. 1). Basal fringe brown. Segments 2���6 with dark brown terga and grayish brown pleura. Segments 7���9 dark brown. Terminalia (Figs 11���14): Tergite 9 (9T; epandrium) subtrapezoidal, with anterior margin convex. Epiproct well sclerotized, triangular. Sternite 9 (9S; hypandrium) subrectangular. Junction of epandrium and hypandrium distinct, clearly separated by membrane, in lateral view occurring at same plane as apex of ventral proctiger lobe. Cercus digitiform, slightly sinuous, with apex directed posterodorsally, its length (including base) 1.25X greater than lateral width of proctiger. Subepandrial sclerite bilobed (Figs 11, 12), with proximal lobe acute, its articulation with venter of proctiger forming acute angle; distal lobe of SES broadly rounded apically, its ventral lip articulating with dorsal margin of parameres. Distal lobe of subepandrial sclerite appearing as narrow lip beneath proctiger in dorsal view. Gonocoxite subcylindrical, ca. twice as long as broad, with prominent basal and apical lobes. Basal gonocoxal lobe directed posterodorsally its dorsal margin slightly concave (Figs 11, 14) with prominent setae on inner surface and spinules apically (Figs 11, 12, 14), its squared apex ca. 1/2 as wide as gonocoxal midpoint depth and extended 0.125X beyond dorsal gonocoxal margin. Apical gonocoxal lobe ca. 1/ 3X length of gonostylus in lateral view (Figs 11, 12), with prominent setae/ spines along posteroventral margin. Aedeagal guide (Fig. 11) short, not extended beyond segment 9, broad, troughlike, curved anterodorsally from origin near aedeagus and basal gonocoxal lobe (claspette of authors) before continuing on posteriorly towards junction of parameres and ventral apodome of subepandrial sclerite. Ejaculatory duct short (following aedeagal guide), unsclerotized. Gonostylus falcate/lanceolate, 3.3���3.5X longer than greatest depth, clothed with anteriorly directed moderately developed setae, those on medial surface strongest; dorsal margin mostly smooth, with some wrinkles but not serrated; in ventral view apices twisted 90�� medially (Fig. 13). Aedeagus hastate, membranous, wrinkled, covered with spicules (Fig. 14), positioned between parameres. Ventral plate deeply divided medially into quasi diamond-shaped halves. Female. (Figs 7, 10, 24���28). Similar to male except as follows: Body coloration (Fig. 7) lighter overall, more reddish brown. Wing (Fig. 10) length (n =10) 3.2���4.1 (avg=3.6) mm slightly darker overall. Antenna slightly more robust. Tarsal claws simple, or with at most single weak time medially. Thoracic pleura, including katepisternum, lighter brown, with 4���5 setae medially. Abdominal tergum light brown, with pinkish-purple sheen laterally. Terminalia (Figs 24���26): 9T subrectangular. 9S strap-like, posterior margin distended medially. 10S divided into pair of thin triangular lobes, apices 2X width of proximal portion of structure before meeting medially. Cercus in lateral view hemi-ovoid, thickened and directed posterodorsally. In dorsal and ventral views lateral and medial margins of cercus convex and concave, respectively, and apices slightly convergent. Bursa copulatrix armed with two noticeable groups of 23���30 tooth-like spines of varying size (Fig. 27). Spermatheca (Fig. 28) golden brown, spherical, with weak surface sculpturing and short sclerotized neck at junction with bottlebrush-like duct. Etymology. Named for the widespread distribution and range of habitats occupied by this species. Distribution. Dixa ubiquita sp. nov. is widespread in the southeastern Nearctic from the coastal plains of LA and SC throughout the Piedmont to high-elevation streams in the Appalachians. It is known to occur as far north as upstate NY (Fig. 34). Remarks. Dixa ubiquita sp. nov. inhabits myriad stream types, usually those between 2���6 meters in width and ranging in flow from sluggish (Fig. 29) to fast (Fig. 30). It has been found in association with several species of Blepharicera Macquart in many instances, including the type locality. It co-inhabits streams with several other dixid species, including fellow species group member D. vockerothi sp. nov., as well as D. calciphala Moulton, D. inextricata Dyar & Shannon, D. modesta Johannsen, D. sp. nr. repanda, D. terna Loew, and Dixella indiana (Dyar). It is possible that, further north, this species and D. vockerothi sp. nov. co-occur more frequently. A population of D. ubiquita sp. nov. was sampled from a small tributary approximately 200 meters away from the type and only known locality of its sister species, D. elkmontensis sp. nov. Adults of Dixa ubiquita sp. nov. emerge by April in Great Smoky Mountains NP. In Louisiana and places of similar latitude it could possibly undergo continuous development., Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2017, The true identity of Dixa modesta Johannsen (Diptera: Dixidae) resolved: synonymy of Dixa similis Johannsen, designation of the Dixa ubiquita species group, and description of three new eastern Nearctic species, pp. 247-260 in Zootaxa 4216 (3) on pages 249-253, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.231794, {"references":["Peters, T. M. & Cook, E. F. (1966) The Nearctic Dixidae (Diptera). Miscellaneous Publications of the Entomological Society of America, 5, 233 - 278.","Johannsen, O. A. (1903) Aquatic nematocerous Diptera. New York State Museum Bulletin, 68, 429 - 432. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 8531"]}

Moulton, John K. (2017): The true identity of Dixa modesta Johannsen (Diptera: Dixidae) resolved: synonymy of Dixa similis Johannsen, designation of the Dixa ubiquita species group, and description of three new eastern Nearctic species. Zootaxa 4216 (3): 247-260, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.231794

Dixa modesta Johannsen, 1903: 429. (Figs 3���5) Dixa similis Johannsen, 1923: 57. syn. nov. Type material. D. modesta: LECTOTYPE, ♂ labeled: ���Ithaca, N.Y./ Apr.���; ���OA Johannsen/ Lot 1304/ Sub slides, vial/ Cornell U.���; ���HOLOTYPE/ Cornell U./ No. 2992��� [red label]���; ���HOLOTYPE/ Dixa / modesta Joh [red-trimmed label]���; ���Lectotype/ Dixa modesta / Johannsen/ Fixation by T.M. Peters, 1968 / (labeled: J.K. Moulton, 2016)��� (CUIC). D. similis: HOLOTYPE, ♂ labeled: ���Ithaca, N.Y. 28 Aug. [18]���94���; ���OA Johannsen/ Lot 1293 Sub vial/ Cornell U.���; ���HOLOTYPE/ Dixa / similis / Johannsen [red-trimmed label]���; ���HOLOTYPE/ Cornell U./ No. 2993���. ALLOTYPE, ♂ labeled: ���Ithaca, N.Y./ 28 Aug. [18]���94���; ���OA Johannsen/ Lot 85/ Sub. 1147/ Cornell U.���; ���ALLOTYPE/ Cornell U./ No. 2993���; ���ALLOTYPE Dixa similis Johannsen ��� (CUIC). Remarks. In 1954, Alice Dietrich, Cornell University Insect Museum, accessioned holotype #2992 (Figs 3���5), the pinned ��� holotype ��� male of Dixa modesta (J. Liebherr, pers. comm.). This male, clearly having a striped scutum (Figs 3���4), corresponds to the adult successfully reared by Johannsen (1903) from a larva (and pupa, the exuviae of both included in the syntype series) partly serving as the basis for Johannsen ���s original description. Examination of the lectotype and additional material studied by Johannsen confirmed the presence of a mixed series. Examination of the primary types of D. modesta and D. similis, including the badly faded terminalia of the former, confirmed they are of the same nominal species. Therefore, D. similis falls as an objective junior synonym of D. modesta. This species will be re-described in a future study. Examination of Johannsen���s material, in addition to the lectotype, revealed one male (actually only partial terminalia in glycerin) each of D. ubiquita sp. nov. from Ithaca, NY and Black Mtn, NC, one male of Dixa brevis (terminalia in glycerin), and one larva from Cascadilla Creek near Ithaca. Confirmation of D. ubiquita sp. nov. from the Ithaca area fits nicely with the hypothesized, but unidentified, collection locality, Fall Creek (Flat Rock), a karst stream now largely contained within a Cornell Plantations Natural Area (Jason Dombroskie, pers. comm.). The larva from Cascadilla Creek could be either D. ubiquita sp. nov. or D. vockerothi sp. nov. based upon photographs of the stream, which has numerous staircase falls within a gorge., Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2017, The true identity of Dixa modesta Johannsen (Diptera: Dixidae) resolved: synonymy of Dixa similis Johannsen, designation of the Dixa ubiquita species group, and description of three new eastern Nearctic species, pp. 247-260 in Zootaxa 4216 (3) on pages 248-249, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.231794, {"references":["Johannsen, O. A. (1903) Aquatic nematocerous Diptera. New York State Museum Bulletin, 68, 429 - 432. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 8531","Johannsen, O. A. (1923) North American Dixidae. Psyche, 30, 52 - 58.","Peters, T. M. (1968) Mosquito Studies (Diptera, Culicidae): X. Dixinae originally described from North America. Contributions of the American Entomological Institute, 4, 1 - 7.","Moulton, J. K. (2016) The Dixa inextricata Dyar & Shannon (Diptera: Dixidae) species group, with two new cryptic species from the eastern Nearctic Region. Zootaxa, 4121 (4), 458 - 472."]}

Dixa vockerothi sp. nov. (Figs 18���20, 23) Dixa brevis Peters & Cook, 1966: 241, not Garrett, 1924: 6 (misidentification of northeastern North American specimens). Type material. HOLOTYPE, ♂ labeled: ���Old Chelsea/ Que. 5.xi.1958 / J.R. Vockeroth���; ��� Dixa brevis / Garrett/ Det. T.M. Peters 1964���; ���HOLOTYPE/ Dixa / vockerothi / J.K. Moulton [red label]��� (CNC). PARATYPES: Old Chelsea, 5.xi.1958, J.R. Vockeroth (10♂; CNC); Same data, except 15.x.1958, J.R. Vockeroth (10♂; CNC). Additional material examined. CANADA: NS: Grande Anse R, Cape Breton Highlands NP, 8���10.vii.1984, I.M. Smith (1♂, CNC); Kentville, 6.viii.1958, J.R. Vockeroth (14♂; CNC); Lone Shieling, swept along fast rocky stream, 11.vii.1983, J.R. Vockeroth (2♂, 2♀; CNC). ON: Normandale, 42��42��� 80��19���, 21.v.1956, J.R. Vockeroth (1♂, CNC); Sterling, 14.x.1956, J.R. Vockeroth (2♂, CNC); Ottawa, 30.ix.1956, J.R. Vockeroth (1♂, CNC); Ottawa, Hog ���s Back, 16.x.1947, G.E. Shewell (2♂, CNC). QC: Eardley, 18.x.1956, J.R. Vockeroth (2♂, CNC); Gatineau Park, Mackenzie King Falls @ Waterfall Tr, N45��28���41.08��� W75��51���02.98���, ex. above falls, 24.vi.2009, B.J. Sinclair (2♀, CNC); King Mtn, sm str, 16.xi.2011, B.J. Sinclair (1♂, CNC); Lac Philippe [Gatineau Park], 45�� 37���N 76��W, 22.viii.1959, J.R. Vockeroth (1♂, CNC); Old Chelsea, Mulvihill Brook at Mountain Rd, in one moderately dense swarm 6���8��� over stream, 5.xi.1958, J.R. Vockeroth (22♂, 1♀, CNC: ethanol); Old Chelsea, 5.xi.1958, J.R. Vockeroth (21♂, CNC); Old Chelsea, 15.x.1958, J.R. Vockeroth (42♂, CNC); Old Chelsea, 5.ix.1958, C.H. Mann (1♂, CNC); Old Chelsea, 22.vii.1956, J.R. Vockeroth (1♂, CNC); Mt. Orford, 29.viii., 9.ix.1937, G.E. Shewell (2♂, CNC). USA: NC: HAYWOOD COUNTY, Woodfin Cascade, Blue Ridge Parkway NP, N35��27���08.30��� W83��06���10.6���, 16.vii.2006, J.K. Moulton & G.R. Curler (2♂, 1L, ANSP); same locality, 24.vii.2011, JKM (1♀, ANSP). NY: CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, Stoddard Hollow, 1720���1880 ft, 42��4���N W78��45���, 10.viii.1961, D.L. Deonier / J.L. Laffoon (10♂, 2♀, ISIC). Diagnosis. This species can be distinguished from D. ubiquita sp. nov. and D. elkmontensis sp. nov. by the following characters: Morphological. Basal gonocoxal lobe with apex more digitiform and dorsally directed (Fig. 18 vs. 12, 15), creating more conspicuously concave horizontal margin, most noticeable in terminal view (Fig. 20 vs. 14, 17). Anterior lobe of SES acute apically, with thin, strap-like, connection to ventral apodeme of proctiger acutely angled; distal lobe of SES narrow, lip-like in lateral view (Fig. 18). Apex of gonostylus not strongly twisted ca. 90�� medially, most obvious in ventral view (Fig. 19). Molecular. Within the 66 nucleotides (22 codons) shown (Fig. 35) a thymine at position 46 (vs cytosine), an adenine at position 51 (vs. guanine), and a guanine at position 54 (vs. cytosine) serve to distinguish this species from the other two. Within the encompassing amplified fragment of BZF, D. vockerothi sp. nov. is 6.1% divergent from D. ubiquita sp. nov. and 9.1% divergent from D. elkmontensis sp. nov. (JK Moulton, unpublished). Description. Male. Same as D. ubiquita sp. nov., except as follows: Wing length (n =10) 3.8���4.1 (avg=4.0) mm. Terminalia (Figs 18���20): Basal gonocoxal lobe narrowed, less than half as broad as gonocoxite depth, with apex more digitiform and dorsally directed, with ventral margin straight to slightly convex (Fig. 18). Gonostylus with apex straight, not twisted ca. 90�� medially, most obvious in ventral view (Fig. 19). Anterior lobe of SES rounded apically, with connection to 9T and ventral apodeme of proctiger broader; distal lobe of SES narrow, liplike in lateral view (Fig. 18). Female. Wing length (n =7) 4.4���4.9 (avg=4.6) mm. Not reliably distinguishable from D. ubiquita sp. nov. or D. elkmontensis sp. nov. Etymology. Named in honor of Dr. Richard (Dick) Vockeroth, who collected numerous adults of this species, including the type series, from several localities in and around the Gatineau area and elsewhere in eastern Canada. Distribution. Dixa vockerothi sp. nov. appears to be the most northerly distributed of the three members of this species group (Fig. 34). It is confirmed from numerous localities in the Gatineau Hills region of Quebec, a few sites in Nova Scotia, one site in the Alleghany Mountains of Pennsylvania, and one site in the Southern Appalachian Highlands of western North Carolina. Remarks. Dixa vockerothi is found in high gradient, rapidly flowing streams 3���5 m in width with waterfalls, often stair-cased ones (Figs 32, 33). It occurs with D. ubiquita sp. nov. in Woodfin Cascades in western NC, and no other dixid associations are known., Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2017, The true identity of Dixa modesta Johannsen (Diptera: Dixidae) resolved: synonymy of Dixa similis Johannsen, designation of the Dixa ubiquita species group, and description of three new eastern Nearctic species, pp. 247-260 in Zootaxa 4216 (3) on pages 256-258, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.231794, {"references":["Peters, T. M. & Cook, E. F. (1966) The Nearctic Dixidae (Diptera). Miscellaneous Publications of the Entomological Society of America, 5, 233 - 278.","Garrett, C. B. D. (1924) New American Dixidae. Privately published in Cranbrook, British Columbia, 7 pp."]}

A checklist of the families Chaoboridae, Dixidae, Thaumaleidae, Psychodidae and Ptychopteridae (Diptera) recorded from Finland is given. Four species, Dixella dyari Garret, 1924 (Dixidae), Threticus tridactilis (Kincaid, 1899), Panimerus albifacies (Tonnoir, 1919) and Panimerus przhiboroi Wagner, 2005 (Psychodidae) are reported for the first time from Finland.

Background: Given the importance of arthropods in medical and life sciences and information on the composition of such arthropods in this study was conducted during 2010 in the Kashan. Methods: Descriptive study and sampling at 13 locations and over 39 times in 2303 on the number of larvae, nymphs, Pupa and adults were collected from Lentic and Lotic waters. Samples collected after the transfer to the laboratory using a Stereo microscope and identified using morphological keys used were identified. Results: Total 2303 samples over 39 times the sampling of the Order Diptera, with 1,287 cases (55.8%), crustaceans, with 579 samples (25.2%), Order Trichoptera with 158 samples (6.9%), Order Ephemeroptera 153 samples (6.7%), Order Odonata with 61 samples (2.6%), Order Heteroptera with 26 samples (1.1%), Order Coleoptera with 26 samples (1.1%), Order Plecoptera with 13 sample (0.6) were identified. From Crustacea Class, three orders of the, Amphipoda to 405 numbers (70%) of Lotic water, Ostracoda to 144 (24.9%), Copepoda to 30 (5.1%) from the Lentic waters was collect-ed. Conclusion: In This study, for the first time, from Crustacea subphyllum, order of Ostracoda and Diptera order, Ceratopogonidae, Eryphidae, Dixidae families are reported .Therefore can be concluded that the aquatic arthropods Fauna Kashan is very rich. Considering that some of these insects have a role in the transmission or harassment of human and environmental balance are important, and with molecular methods is recommended that more specific studies done in this field. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.15448 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.306-310

Examination of the lectotype male of Dixa modesta Johannsen revealed this species has a confused taxonomic history. It was discovered that Dixa modesta and Dixa similis Johannsen are based on the same nominal species, the former having priority. As a result, Dixa similis falls into synonymy with Dixa modesta (syn. nov.). The species long considered to correspond to the latter (since 1966 if not earlier), i.e., Dixa modesta sensu Peters, comprises three distinct sibling species based on a combination of morphological and molecular evidence. Adults of each sibling are described herein ( D. elkmontensis sp. nov., D. ubiquita sp. nov., D. vockerothi sp. nov.), and the D . ubiquita species group is proposed to include them. Morphological diagnoses and a dichotomous key are provided to separate adult males of the D. ubiquita group from those of all other Nearctic species and each other, respectively. Molecular diagnoses are provided to allow identification of any life stage of these three siblings. Updated life history and distributional data are also reported for each sibling.

Dixa calciphila sp. nov. (Figs 3 ���4, 10, 15 ���17, 23) Type material. HOLOTYPE ♂, labeled: ��� USA: TN: MARION COUNTY / Spr @ US 64 /TN 41 opposite Raccoon Mtn/ N 35 ��03��� 31 ��� W 85 �� 29 ���08���, 243 m / 24.iv. 2014 / J.K. Moulton���; ��� HOLOTYPE / Dixa / calciphila / J.K. Moulton [red label]��� (CNC). PARATYPES: Same data as holotype, 5 ♂ and 2 ♀ each to CNC and USNM. Additional material examined. USA: KENTUCKY: EDMONSON COUNTY, Mammoth Cave NP, Cinnamon Fern Bog, UV light trap, 7.vi. 2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (1 ♂, USGS); Thru Sprs, UV light trap, 15��� 16.viii. 2006, C. Parker & J. Robinson (3 ♂, USGS). HART COUNTY, Three Hundred Sprs nr Munfordville, N 37 �� 17 ��� 29.85 ��� W 85 �� 43 ��� 45.70 ���, 29.ix. 2008, JKM��� 1 ♂. Unnamed trib Lynn Camp Crk, 10.iv. 2008, JKM��� 1 ♂. TAYLOR COUNTY, Little Angel Spr, Trib Craig���s Crk, N of Campbellsville, N 37 �� 26 ��� 40 ��� W 83 �� 21 ��� 18 ���, 9.vi. 2005, JKM; 1.vii. 2004, Malaise trap, G.K. Weddle��� 2 ♂. 17.iv. 2005, JKM��� 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 1 L; 15.ix. 2005 ��� 1 ♂. TENNESSEE: FRANKLIN COUNTY, Trib Turkey Crk, ex TN Rt 16 (Old Turnpike Rd.), Walls of Jericho SNA, N 34 �� 59 ��� 40.77 ��� W 86 ��03��� 38.98 ���, 23.v. 2008, JKM��� 1 ♂. MARION COUNTY, Spr @ US 64 /TN 41 opposite Raccoon Mtn, 243 m, N 35 ��03��� 31 ��� W 85 �� 29 ���08���, 24.iv. 2014, JKM��� 20 ♂, 7 ♀; 4.ix. 2015 ��� 5 ♂, 2 ♀. Daniel Cave Spr, N 36 �� 26 ���00��� W 85 �� 48 '00.00���, 8.ix. 2010, JKM��� 3 ♂. MORGAN COUNTY, Frozen Head SP, Flat Frk, N 36 ��07��� 10.91 ��� W 84 �� 27 ��� 52.67 ���, 20.vi. 2014, JKM��� 1 ♂. Obed Wild and Scenic R NP, Melton Mill Br @ Footbridge, Point Tr. below Lilly Bluff Overlook, 357 m, UV light trap, 6.ix. 2005, C. Parker (2 ♂, USGS). PUTNAM COUNTY, Tayes Hollow Spr. @ TN Rt. 84, S of Monterrey, 498 m, N 36 ��08��� 12 ��� W 85 �� 17 ��� 28 ���, 17.iv. 2010, JKM��� 1 ♂, 2 ♀, 1 L; 7.iii. 2009 ��� 4 ♂ & 2 ♀; 10.iii. 2009 ��� 3 ♂, 1 ♀, 6 L; 31.iii. 2013 ��� 6 ♂, 4 ♀, 4 L, 2 P. D. calciphila sp. nov.; 11, D. inextricata. Scale bar = 50 ��m. Diagnosis. This species can be distinguished from D. appalachiensis sp. nov. and D. inextricata by the following characters: Morphological. Ventral margin of gonostylus strongly convex; basal gonocoxal lobe with apex noticeably acuminate; cercus narrow, acuminate, as long as lateral width of proctiger. Molecular. Among the most significant differences within the 66 nucleotides (22 codons) shown (Fig. 38) that serve to distinguish this species from the other two are amino acid substitutions at the following codon positions: 2 (valine/methionine), 3 (alanine/proline), 14 (asparagine/serine), 18 (asparagine/serine), 19 (arginine-CG)/arginine-AG or lycine), and 21 (glycine/absent). Description. Male (Fig. 3). Same as D. appalachiensis sp. nov., except as follows: Wing length (n = 13) 2.6��� 3.1 (avg= 2.9) mm. Wing darker smoky gray. Thorax generally darker brown (Fig. 3), most distinctly differing in katepisternum concolorous with head, anepisternum, and anepimeron and contrasting sharply against whitish to straw-colored mesocoxa. Meron brown, nearly as dark as katepisternum. Terminalia (Figs 10, 15���17, 23): 9 S lightly sclerotized, with straight anterior margin. Proctiger heavily sclerotized (Figs 15 ���17, 23). Cercus narrow, acuminate, as long as lateral width of proctiger (Figs 10, 15). Basal gonocoxal lobe directed posterodorsally in lateral view with apex distinctly falcate (Fig. 10), appearing rectangular in ventral (Fig. 16) and terminal views (Fig. 17). Apical gonocoxal lobe blunt, directed mediolaterally, in lateral view appearing ca. 1 / 5 X or less of gonostylus length (Figs 10, 15). Gonostylus triangular in lateral view, ca. 1.3���1.5 X longer than greatest depth, ventral margin noticeably convex, bulbous (Fig. 10). Female (Fig. 4). Wing length (n = 4) 2.9���3.2 (avg=3.0) mm. Not reliably separated from D. appalachiensis sp. nov. or D. inextricata. Etymology. Named for the karst geography (calc - = lime + - phil = loving) that largely defines the region in which it occurs. Distribution. Currently known only from Kentucky and Tennessee (Fig. 37). Remarks. This species is known from streams ranging from small first order hillside trickles (Fig. 33) to raging torrents (Fig. 34) originating from underground streams. In central Tennessee adults are already on the wing by early March, earlier than other dixids found in the region. This species has been collected in association with Dixa fusca, D. modesta sensu Peters, Dixa nr. repanda Peters, and a member of the Dixella indiana complex. This species is expected to occur in northeastern Alabama and possibly, southern Indiana. Morphologically and molecularly, this species is more distantly related to the other two species in the group than they are to one another., Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2016, The Dixa inextricata Dyar & Shannon (Diptera: Dixidae) species group, with two new cryptic species from the eastern Nearctic Region, pp. 458-472 in Zootaxa 4121 (4) on pages 463-466, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4121.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/265286

Dixa appalachiensis sp. nov. (Figs 1 ���2, 5���8, 9, 12 ���14, 21, 25���28) Type material. HOLOTYPE ♂, labeled: ��� USA: NC / Haywood County / Woodfin Cascades @ Blue Ridge Parkway NP / N 35 �� 27 ���05.53��� W 83 ��05��� 39.04 ���, 1256 m / 16.vii. 2006 / J.K. Moulton ���; ���HOLOTYPE/ Dixa / appalachiensis / J.K. Moulton [red label]��� (CNC). PARATYPES: Same data as holotype, 8 ♂ and 2 ♀ each to CNC and USNM. Additional material examined. USA. KENTUCKY: BELL COUNTY, Cumberland Gap NHP, Tunnel Crk, 28.xi. 2005, JKM��� 6 ♂, 2 ♀. NORTH CAROLINA: BUNCOMBE COUNTY, Shope Frk, UV light trap, 25.v. 2007, J. Robinson��� 12 ♂, 3 ♀. Ox Crk, UV light trap, 25���26.v. 2007, J. Robinson��� 71 ♂, 12 ♀. HAYWOOD COUNTY, Great Smoky Mtns NP, small stream atop Hemphill Bald, 15.vi. 2007, JKM��� 4 ♂, 2 ♀. GSMNP-Cataloochee Section, Rough Frk, 862 m, N 35 �� 36 ��� 58.47 ��� W 83 ��07��� 11.71 ���, 26.vii. 2005, JKM��� 4 ♂. Blue Ridge Parkway NP, Woodfin Cascades, 1256 m, N 35 �� 27 ���05.53��� W 83 ��05��� 39.04 ���, 16.vii. 2006, JKM��� 82 ♂, 5 ♀. Pisgah National Forest, W Frk Pigeon R @ NC 215, UV light trap, 12.vi. 2008, J. Robinson��� 1 ♂. MACON COUNTY, Upper Reynolds Branch, Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory/ LTER, Malaise trap, 980 m, N 35 ��02.00��� W 83 ��27.00���, 5���11.iv. 2008, G.W. Courtney (3 ♂, ISU). GRAHAM COUNTY, Robbinsville, 9.vi. 1976, G.E. Bohart (1 ♂, CSU). MACON COUNTY, Coweeta Hydrological Stn, Upper Shope Frk, 928 m, N 35 ��03���37.00��� W 83 �� 27 ��� 35.10 ���, 28.iii. 2012, JKM��� 10 ♂, 3 ♀, 1 L#. TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY, Bee Branch @ NC 215, UV light trap, 12.vi. 2008, J. Robinson��� 2 ♂. Trib S Mills R @ jct. US 276 & FSR 1203, UV light trap, 12.vi. 2008, J. Robinson��� 2 ♂. 12 mi. NW of Brevard, UV light trap, 7.vi. 1971, Anonymous��� 2 ♂. WATAUGA COUNTY, Blue Ridge Parkway NP, Goshen Crk @ BRP MP 286, UV light trap, N 36 �� 11 ���07��� W 81 �� 36 ��� 21 ���, 9���10.vi. 2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (8 ♂, 2 ♀, USGS). SOUTH CAROLINA: OCONEE COUNTY, Issaqueenah Falls @ US 28, 7.iii. 1987, D. Pinson��� 2 L. TENNESSEE: CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Cumberland Gap NP, Gap Crk, 405 m, N 36 �� 36 ���02.19��� W 83 �� 40 ���05.50���, UV light trap, 19���20.vii. 2006, C. Parker & J. Robinson (93 ♂, 5 ♀, USGS). COCKE COUNTY, Great Smoky Mtns NP, Cosby Crk, N 35 �� 46 ��� 31.06 ��� W 83 �� 12 ��� 45.03 ���, 16.vi. 2006, JKM��� 1 ♂, 6 ♀. SEVIER COUNTY, Trib. Webb Crk., Pittman Center, 408 m, UV light trap, N 35 �� 45 ��� 18.84 ��� W 83 �� 23 ��� 20.98 ���, 27.v. 2005. JKM��� 9 ♂. VIRGINIA: BEDFORD COUNTY, Blue Ridge Parkway NP, Falling Rock Crk @ MP 67.1, UV light trap, 17���18.vii. 2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (6 ♂, 3 ♀, USGS). PAGE COUNTY, Shenandoah NP, Lewis Falls, A.L. Melander (1 ♂, TX A & M). Diagnosis. Males of this species can be distinguished from those of all other Nearctic dixids by the following assemblage of characters: Morphological. (from Dixella spp.) katepisternum haired; flagellomere II slightly fusiform; gonocoxite with well-developed basal lobe. (from other Dixa spp.) scutum brown; wings lacking infuscation at junction of Rs, R 2 + 3, R 4 + 5, and crossvein r-m; epiproct reduced; gonostylus triangular. (from D. calciphila sp. nov. and D. inextricata) basal gonocoxal lobe oval-round, directed dorsally, its width ca. 1 / 3 X length of gonocoxite, not extended beyond proximal 2 / 3 of gonocoxite; gonostylus with ventral margin slightly convex; cercus blunt, directed posteriorly, its length 1 / 2 X lateral width of proctiger. Proctiger square or nearly so in lateral view. Molecular. Among the most notable differences that serve to distinguish this species from the other two within the 66 nucleotides (22 codons) of BZF provided (Fig. 38) is an amino acid substitution at codon position 15 (leucine vs. methionine). Description. Male (Fig. 1). Wing length (n = 11) 3.0��� 3.3 (avg= 3.1) mm. Head and its structures brown. Antenna (Fig. 5) ca. 2 / 3 X length of wing, clothed with whorls of short setae. Scape small, collar-like. Pedicel globose, 4 X width of flagellomere I. Flagellum with 14 articles. Flagellomere I 1.6 X length of flagellomere II. Flagellomeres II & III most noticeably subcylindrical, with remaining flagellomeres gradually shortening and increasingly cylindrical. Apical flagellomere shortest with pair of divergent apical setae. Maxillary palpus 4 - segmented; segments 1���4 as follows: 1: 3: 5: 6. Thorax with scutum (Figs 7, 8) brown, lacking discernible stripes, with 4 rows of dark brown setae per side with a few additional setae interspersed, particularly anteriorly; midline raised, with adjacent lateral areas concave. Scutellum brown, with 10���13 posteriorly directed transverse setae along posterior margin. Pronotal lobe brown, with 2 short and 1���2 long apical setae. Anepisternum and anepimeron brown, concolorous with head and scutum, bare. Katepisternum (Fig. 8) brown, with 2���3 setae medially. Katepimeron light brown, bare. Metaepisternum and metaepimeron light brown, bare. Laterotergite brown, bare. Legs brown, ca. 5 mm in length (4.8���5.3). Pro- and mesothoracic legs symmetrical, with following segment length ratios [coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia, t 1, t 2, t 3, t 4, t 5 (including claw)]: 2.2, 12, 14.4, 14.4, 10, 4, 2, 1, 1.2. Metathoracic legs differing in that t 1 ca. 25���30 % longer, i.e., ratio of 12.0���13.0, rather than 10. Coxae light brown, with setae anterolaterally, those of metacoxa positioned more laterally. Foretibia not expanded apically. Fore- and mesotarsal claws pectinate, with 4���5 prominent subapical tines, sometimes with additional, much smaller tines interspersed, especially basally. Metathoracic claw with 1 mesal and 1 basal much reduced secondary tines, sometimes with third one between them. Pro- and mesotibia not expanded apically. Metafemur expanded apically, with transverse row of ca. 12���14 uniformly sized setae on bulge. Tarsomeres 3 and 4, most noticeably of meso- and metathoracic legs, with variably thickened, sometimes hooked, proximal seta on ventral surface. Wing (Fig. 6) smoky grayish brown, lacking infuscation at junction of Rs, R 2 + 3, R 4 + 5, and crossvein r-m. Wing veins brown, setose. Rs arising near terminus of Sc. R 2 + 3 arising proximal to crossvein r-m. Crossvein m-m weakened medially. False vein (FV) prominent, clearly distinct from and running parallel to CuA for most of its length. Halter brown, stem mostly brown, lighter on basal 1 / 5. Abdomen mostly dark brown, with sparse blue-green iridescence visible under some lighting conditions. Basal fringe brown; segments 2���6 with dark brown terga and grayish brown pleura. Segments 7���9 dark brown. Terminalia (Figs 9, 12���14, 21): Tergite 9 (9 T; epandrium) subtrapezoidal, with anterior margin convex. Sternite 9 (9 S; hypandrium) subrectangular. Epiproct reduced, weakly sclerotized (Fig. 21). Cercus blunt, weakly sclerotized, directed posteriorly, one-half length of lateral width of proctiger (Fig. 21). Proctiger square in lateral view, with distal portion very weakly sclerotized (Fig. 12). Subepandrial sclerite (SES) bilobed, somewhat kidney-shaped in lateral view (Figs 9, 12), with proximal lobe adjoining posterodorsal margin of 9 T and distal lobe articulating with ventral portion of proctiger by narrow strap-like connection. SES bearing medial projection articulated with aedeagal/parameral complex. Distal lobes of SES appearing as adjoined triangular processes beneath proctiger in dorsal view (Fig. 21). Gonocoxite subcylindrical, tapered apically, ca. 2 X as long as broad, with prominent basal and apical lobes (Figs 9, 12). Basal gonocoxal lobe directed dorsally, with prominent setae medially and spinules apically, its oval-rounded apex extended slightly beyond anterior coxal margin in lateral view, greatest width ca. 1 / 3 X length of gonocoxite, not extended beyond basal 2 / 3 of gonocoxite, with horizontal margin not distended dorsally resulting in proximal bulge when viewed laterally (Fig. 9, 12). Apical gonocoxal lobe digitiform, ca. 1 / 3 X length of gonostylus in lateral view, with prominent setae along posteroventral margin (Figs 9, 12). Anterior margin of basal gonocoxal lobe intimately associated with gonocoxal apodeme and origin of parameres and ventral wall of aedeagus. Gonostylus triangular, ca. 1.3���1.5 X longer than greatest depth, clothed with posterodorsally directed moderately developed setae, those on inner surface longer, slightly thickened; ventral margin slightly convex; posterior margin strongly and irregularly serrated; in ventral view apices expanded laterally (Fig. 13). Aedeagus membranous, wrinkled (Fig. 14) positioned between complex strap-like parameres, claspettes, and penis valves. Ventral plate deeply divided medially into roughly diamondshaped halves. Ejaculatory duct short. Female. (Fig. 2). Similar to male except as follows: Wing length (n = 8) 2.9���3.6 (avg= 3.3) mm. Body coloration generally lighter. Antenna slightly more robust. Tarsal claws simple. Thoracic pleurae light brown. Abdominal terga light brown, with pinkish-purple sheen. Terminalia (Figs 25���28): 9 S thin, strap-like. Cercus in dorsal view (Fig. 25) roughly triangular, with apices slightly divergent; in lateral view (Fig. 25) cercus rounded. 10 S lobes (Fig. 26) thin, oblong, comma-shaped, with apices expanded gradually. Spermatheca (Fig. 27) golden brown, round, smooth, with short sclerotized neck. Spermathecal duct with whorls of cuticular outgrowths yielding bottlebrush appearance. Bursa copulatrix with two groups of ca. 8���10 setae positioned laterally of central group of variably numbered thorn-like spicules, much like depicted for D. inextricata in Figure 29. Etymology. Named for the geographic region in which this species is distributed. Distribution. Dixa appalachiensis sp. nov. is known to occur in the southern Appalachian Highlands from Shenandoah National Park (NP) south to Great Smoky Mountains NP of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee (Fig. 37). Remarks. Dixa appalachiensis sp. nov. is most often found in and around second order, high gradient streams between 3���5 meters in width characterized by having falls and cascades among large boulders (Figs 31, 32). To date it has not been found in the same streams as D. inextricata, with which it is sympatric. It is frequently found in association with D. modesta Johannsen sensu Peters, another species complex in this genus (JK Moulton, unpublished). Adults emerge by mid-March in Great Smoky Mountains NP. There is little doubt that it will eventually be taken in adjacent northeastern Georgia. The northern limit of the distribution is less certain and requires further field studies to elucidate. FIGURES 5���8. Antennae, wing, head and thorax, Dixa appalachiensis sp. nov. 5, antennae (male). Scale bar = 1 mm; 6, left wing (male). Scale bar = 1 mm. 7, head and scutum, anterodorsal view. Scale bar = 0.1 mm; 8, thorax, lateral view. Blue circle denotes katepisternal setae. Scale bar = 0.1 mm. Abbreviations: A 1 = first anal vein; C = costal vein; CuA = anterior branch of cubital vein; CuP = posterior branch of cubital vein; FV = false vein; h = humeral crossvein; M 1 = first branch of media; M 2 = second branch of media; M 3 + 4 = third branch of media; m���cu = medial-cubital crossvein; m���m = medial crossvein; Rs = radial sector; R 1 = anterior branch of radius; R 2 = first branch of R 2 + 3; R 2 + 3 = second branch of radius; R 3 = second branch of R 2 + 3; R 4 + 5 = fourth branch of radius; r���m = radial ��� medial crossvein; Sc ���subcostal vein., Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2016, The Dixa inextricata Dyar & Shannon (Diptera: Dixidae) species group, with two new cryptic species from the eastern Nearctic Region, pp. 458-472 in Zootaxa 4121 (4) on pages 460-463, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4121.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/265286

Moulton, John K. (2016): The Dixa inextricata Dyar & Shannon (Diptera: Dixidae) species group, with two new cryptic species from the eastern Nearctic Region. Zootaxa 4121 (4): 458-472, DOI: http://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4121.4.6

Key to males of D. inextricata group 1 Cercus acute apically, its length subequal to or greater than proctiger lateral width (Figs 10, 15, 17). Ventral margin of gonostylus bulbous (Fig. 10). Basal gonocoxal lobe rectangular in ventral view (Fig. 16), its apex strongly falcate in lateral view (Figs 10, 15). Apical gonocoxal lobe blunt, rounded in lateral view, not digitiform (Figs 10, 15)............ calciphilum sp. nov. - Cercus blunt apically, its length ca. one-half that of proctiger lateral width (Figs 9, 11, 12, 18). Ventral margin of gonostylus not strongly bulbous convex (Figs 9, 11, 12, 18). Basal gonocoxal lobe digitiform in ventral view (Figs 13, 19), its apex in lateral view subovoid-round, not strongly falcate (Figs 9, 11, 12, 18). Apical gonocoxal lobe digitiform (Figs 9, 11, 12, 18).... 2 2 Gonostylus less than 1.5 X longer than greatest width in lateral view, with ventral margin slightly convex (Figs 9, 12). Basal gonocoxal lobe oval-round, directed dorsally............................................. appalachiensis sp. nov. - Gonostylus 2 X longer than greatest width in lateral view, with ventral margin straight or slightly concave (Figs 11, 18). Basal gonocoxal lobe subovoid, directed posterodorsally, its distal margin indented slightly........................ inextricata, Published as part of Moulton, John K., 2016, The Dixa inextricata Dyar & Shannon (Diptera: Dixidae) species group, with two new cryptic species from the eastern Nearctic Region, pp. 458-472 in Zootaxa 4121 (4) on pages 470-471, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4121.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/265286

Dixa inextricata Dyar & Shannon (Figs 11, 18–20, 22, 29–30) Dixa inextricata Dyar & Shannon, 1924: 198. Edwards, 1932: 12 (checklist); Cooper & Rapp, 1944: 250 (checklist); Nowell, 1963: 96 (catalog); Hubert, 1965: 101 (catalog; known distribution); Peters & Cook, 1966: 244 (re-description; lectotype designated); Peters, 1968: 2 (primary type information). Type material. LECTOTYPE (USNM Type No. 27452; Slide No. 2008) ♂, labeled: “[USA: VIRGINIA]: [FAIRFIELD COUNTY]/ Dixa / inextricata D. & S./ Type / Dead Run, Va/ R.C. Shannon/ [Slide No.] 2008 ”; “ Type No. 27452 U.S. N.M. [red label]” (USNM). PARALECTOTYPES: Same data as holotype, ♂ (Slide No. 2021); MARYLAND: [MONTGOMERY COUNTY], Plummers Island, 3 ♂ (USNM Slide Nos. 2018, 2022, 2024). Cabin John, ♂, L. O. Jackson, (USNM Slide No. 2017). Additional material examined. CANADA: ONTARIO: Owen Sound, Inglis Falls Sprs, N 44 ° 31 ′ 33.15 ″ N W 80 ° 56 ′02.56″, 19.ii. 1986, B.J. Sinclair— 1 ♂; Same data, except 6.v. 1986 — 2 ♂. HALTON COUNTY, Rattlesnake Cons Area, nr. Buffalo Comp’d, N 43 ° 28 ′ 10.79 ″, W 79 ° 54 ′ 47.37 ″ W, 12.v. 1990, B.J. Sinclair (3 ♂, CNC). USA: GEORGIA: TOWNS COUNTY, Chattahoochee NF, Rt. 180 W of Spur to Brasstown Bald, 862 m, N 34 ° 50 ′ 39.40 ″ W 83 ° 47 ′ 55.20 ″, 15.iii. 2012, JKM— 7 ♂, 5 L; 27.iii. 2012 — 3 ♂, 8 L; 14.iv. 2012 — 17 ♂, 2 ♀, 1 P. WALKER COUNTY, Crockford-Pigeon Mtn WMA, Stream @ Keown Falls Trailhead ex Pocket Rd., N 34 ° 36 ′49.00″ W 85 °05′ 17.70 ″, 05.v. 2012, JKM— 1 ♂, 2 L. KENTUCKY: HARLAN COUNTY, Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve, Watt Crk, 430 m, N 36 ° 51 ′ 36.95 ″ W 83 ° 22 ′ 54.17 ″, 28.v. 2008, M.A. Floyd— 3 ♂. LETCHER COUNTY, Bad Branch, 566 m, N 37 °04′ 12.01 ″ W 82 ° 46 ′ 17.99 ″, 8.vi. 2007, JKM & M.A. Floyd— 5 ♂, 3 ♀. Lilly Cornett Woods, Big Everidge Crk, ex KY Rt 113, 345 m, N 37.0769 ° W 82.996 °, UV light trap, 23.vii. 2009, M.A. Floyd— 38 ♂, 11 ♀. WOLFE COUNTY, Red River Gorge Geological Area, small trib Red R nr Sheltowee Trace Trailhead, N 37 ° 49 ′ 37.53 ″ W 83 ° 37 ′ 26.73 ″, 9.vi. 2015, JKM— 15 ♂, 2 ♀. PENNSYLVANIA: ERIE COUNTY, Fourmile Crk, N 42 °08′ 15.71 ″ W 80 °00′ 35.85 ″, 1.vi. 1992, E.C. Mastellar (1 ♂, PSU). PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, Wissahickon Park, S of Livezeys Ln, Trib. 3 of Wissahickon Crk, 43 m, N 40 °02′09.02″ W 75 ° 12 ′01.25″, 20.x. 1998, J. Gelhaus (1 ♂, PAS). TENNESSEE: BLOUNT COUNTY, Small trickle @ Top of the World Dr, 24.iv. 2009, JKM— 1 ♂, 1 L. CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Potter’s Ford, wet rock face, UV light trap, 17–18.vi. 2007, C. Parker & J. Robinson (6 ♂, 6 ♀, USGS). FENTRESS COUNTY, Obed Wild and Scenic River NP, Staples Spr, N 36 °03′ 30.53 ″ W 84 ° 47 ′ 35.55 ″ W, 17.vi. 2007, J. Robinson— 6 ♂, 6 ♀. JEFFERSON COUNTY, Piedmont Branch @ Shield’s Ridge Rd, UV light trap, 9.viii. 2006, JKM— 1 ♀. VIRGINIA: CARROLL COUNTY, small crk nr. canoe rental ex. US Rt. 58, 10.ix. 2005, JKM— 1 ♂. FA I R FA X C O U N T Y, Dead Run, 14.iv. 1914, R.C. Shannon (1 ♂, USNM); 13.iii. 1915, R.C. Shannon (1 ♂, USNM); 18.iii. 1915, R.C. Shannon (1 ♂, USNM); 13.iv. 1925, R.C. Shannon (1 ♂, USNM). GRAYSON COUNTY, rivulet x-ing Meadow Beach Ln., ex CR 634, 783 m, N 36 ° 37 ′ 11.22 ″ W 81 °02′ 57.80 ″, 17.iii. 2005, JKM— 16 ♂, 1 ♀; 3.vii. 2006 — 1 ♂, 1 ♀; 17.viii. 2007 — 4 ♂, 2 ♀; 14.iv. 2012 — 2 P. PAGE COUNTY, Shenandoah NP, Big Meadows, 15.vi. 1941, A.L. Melander (1 ♂, USNM). Diagnosis. This species can be distinguished from D. appalachiensis sp. nov. and D. calciphila sp. nov. by the following characters: Morphological. Gonostylus 2 X longer than its greatest depth when viewed laterally, with ventral margin nearly straight and apex not twisted medially; basal gonocoxal lobe subovoid, with posterior margin indented slightly and apex directed posteroventrally; cercus length half that of proctiger lateral width. Molecular. Among the most noticeable differences within the 66 nucleotides shown in Figure 38 that serve to distinguish this species from the other two are amino acid substitutions at the following codon positions (shown as triplets): 16 (proline vs. serine) and 19 (lycine vs. arginine). Re-description. Male. Same as D. appalachiensis sp. nov., except as follows: Wing length (n = 11) 2.5–3.2 (avg= 2.8) mm. Male terminalia (Figs 11, 18– 20): Cercus length half that of proctiger lateral width. Basal gonocoxal lobe subovoid, distal margin indented, apex directed posterodorsally. Apical gonocoxal lobe ca. 1 / 3 X length of gonostylus. Gonostylus triangular in lateral view, 2 X longer than greatest depth/width, with apex straight, not twisted ca. 90 ° medially as seen in ventral view (Fig. 19), ventral margin straight or nearly so, posterior margin more uniformly serrate. Female. Wing length (n = 5) 2.6 –3.0 (avg= 2.8) mm. Not reliably separated from D. appalachiensis sp. nov. or D. calciphila sp. nov. Etymology. From the Latin prefix “ in -“ + Latin root “ extricat-“ meaning to release from an entanglement or difficulty. Distribution. Dixa inextricata is the most widely distributed of the three members of this newly recognized species group. It is confirmed from Ontario south through PA, VA and MD into northern GA within and immediately adjacent to the central Appalachian Highlands (Fig. 37). Specimens examined by Peters from upper NY are hypothesized to belong to this species although I was unable to observe them personally. Remarks. Dixa inextricata is found in and around small woodland streams ranging from spring seeps percolating through mud and leaf packs (Fig. 35) to larger and moderately flowing streams (Fig. 36) often having small riffles. It is sometimes associated with Dixa notata Loew in highland trickles and with D. fusca and D. terna Loew in lowland trickles. In streams near the upper threshold of its size preference, it is often found with the ubiquitous D. modesta sensu Peters. Adults are on the wing by mid-March in GA and VA. Records of specimens examined by Peters from upper NY are hypothesized to belong to this species based on suitable habitat. These specimens were not located in the USNM or the University of Minnesota collections. Genetic evidence (J.K. Moulton, unpublished) shows some differentiation between populations in the Cumberland Plateau versus ones found in areas to the east. Known preimaginal habitats between these populations also differ in that the former are moderately flowing wider watercourses with riffles as opposed to tiny mostly mudbottomed ravine seepages. Armature of the bursa copulatrix in a specimen from Red River Gorge, KY (Fig. 29) possessed two groups of setae similar to what has previously been depicted for the species (e.g., fig. 64 in Peters & Cook 1966) but also a medial group of ca. 10 strong pegs. However, a Brasstown Bald, GA specimen (Fig. 30) possessed a medial group of ca. 40 + variably sized pegs.

Smittium (Harpellales, Kickxellomycotina) includes fungal symbionts associated with the digestive tracts of immature aquatic stages of various Diptera, including Chironomidae, Culicidae, Dixidae, Simuliidae, Thaumaleidae, and Tipulidae. With 84 species and the largest collection of cultured strains, Smittium has served as a model to understand the biology of these enigmatic trichomycetes gut fungi, from aspects of biodiversity, evolution, genomics, immunology, and physiology. However, evolutionary histories between Smittium species and their hosts are still not firmly established. Robust phylogenies of both Smittium sensu lato (s.l.) and their lower Diptera hosts have been reconstructed separately, facilitating comparative evolutionary studies between the two. The divergence time of the Smittium s.l. clade was estimated for the first time and compared with the evolutionary history of the insect hosts. The insect gut fungi diversified around 272 Ma (204–342 Ma), which co-occurred with the origin of complete metamorphosis of the insect hosts, presumably between 280 Ma and 355 Ma (~270 Ma for Diptera). A co-phylogenetic pattern was recovered for the insects and their symbiotic gut fungi using the statistical method ParaFit. Ancestral state reconstructions of the symbiotic relationship suggest that the ancestor of the Chironomidae may have contributed to the initiation of these insect-fungus symbiotic interactions. Further sampling and sequencing of Smittium and allies as well as their hosts are needed to uncover more patterns and interactions that may occur in this type of symbiosis.

Anisopodidae and Dixidae (Diptera) of the Gemer region, with a new record for Slovaki Four species of Anisopodidae and two species of Dixidae are recorded from the Gemer region in central Slovakia. The material was obtained mainly in the years 2008-2011 by means of Malaise traps and by individual collecting by the author. One species, Sylvicola stackelbergi Krivosheina & Menzel, 1998, is recorded from Slovakia for the first time.

A new species of meniscus midge is reported from western Michigan. Adults of Dixella fraxina Taber appear in spring in tussock sedge, Carex stricta Lamarck, understory of black ash, Fraxinus nigra Marshall, swamp. No new species of this genus have been discovered in the United States in the last 40 years. Dark wing coloration suggests a close relationship to Dixella marginata (Loew) but characters in both sexes distinguish this fly from that species and from its other 18 congeners occurring in the United States, half of which occur in the western and southwestern states.

Increased need to quantify adult insects emerging from streams as a part of foodweb and ecosystem studies has placed new demands on techniques used to sample adults. The population sampled must be better understood to establish the scope of inferences that may be drawn from emergence data. We used data from 2 different studies to compare the structure of insect assemblages represented by benthic samples and emergence-trap samples and to compare adult insect assemblages collected in emergence traps placed at mid-channel vs streambank locations. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination showed that some components of the benthic assemblage were underrepresented in the emergence-trap samples and others were underrepresented in benthic samples. These differences were mainly caused by taxa that emerged by crawling out on the stream bank (e.g., Plecoptera) or whose larvae reside in habitats, such as stream margins, that are underrepresented with traditional benthic sampling (e.g., Dixidae). The flux of insects into traps placed mid-channel did not differ significantly from the flux into traps placed along the stream bank. Taxa collected by mid-channel and streambank traps overlapped considerably, but midchannel traps tended to collect proportionally more Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Diptera, whereas streambank traps collected proportionally more Plecoptera. Our results can be used to improve trapping designs for future assessments of aquatic insect emergence in studies of insect behavior and life histories and as part of foodweb and ecosystem research.

Larval water mites are parasites of various insect species. The main aim of the present study was to analyse the host range of spring dwelling water mites. The investigation focuses on seven spring sites in Luxembourg. Some 24 water mite species were recorded either from the benthos or as parasites attached to flying insects captured in emergence traps. For 20 mite species 35 host species from four Nematocera (Diptera) families were recorded. About 80% of the host species and over 90% of the host individuals were Chironomidae, the others were Limoniidae, Dixidae and Simuliidae. For all water mite species recorded we present the observed host spectrum and/or potential hosts as well as the intensity of parasitism and the phenology of the mites. For 10 mite species the hosts were previously unknown. For another ten species the known host spectrum can be confirmed and extended. The host spectrum ranged from one host species (e.g. for Sperchon insignis) to at least 10 host species (for Sperchon thienemanni, Ljania bipapillata), but the effective host range could not be definitively estimated due to the lack of corresponding data. The hypothesised host preference of the water mites, of which most are strictly confined to spring habitats, for similarly spring-preferring hosts could not be proven. The mean intensity of parasitism was highest for Thyas palustris (10.8 larvae/host) and lowest for Sperchon insignis and Hygrobates norvegicus (1.2 larvae per host for each). The hydryphantid mite Thyas palustris occurred at maximal intensity (41 larvae per host) and the two abdominal parasites Ljania bipapillata and Arrenurus fontinalis showed higher mean intensities than the thoracic parasites did. Larval water mites parasitising chironomids did not exhibit a preference for host sex. The phenology of the larval mite species was varied, some species were only present in samples early in the year and others exclusively in the summer. Another species showed two peaks of occurrence, springtime/early summer and late summer/autumn. In conclusion, the water mite larvae in the studied springs showed differences in host spectra and phenology but there are no clear evidences in both for host partitioning. Maybe, the relative low species diversity of water mites in individual springs and the low inter-specific competition for suitable hosts in combination with the high host abundances and species richness makes springs such favourable habitats for the mites.

Sedrene barijere su osebujna staništa krških rijeka sa specifičnom faunom. Od rujna 2013. godine do listopada 2014. godine istraživane su dvije sedrene barijere unutar Nacionalnog parka Krka. Za istraživanje su izabrane pretposljednja sedrena barijera Roški Slap i posljednja te najveća sedrena barijera Skradinski Buk. Cilj je bio ustanoviti raznolikost i specifičnost faune dvokrilaca na sedrenim barijerama te utvrditi njihove fenološke značajke tijekom godine. Šest emergencijskih klopki je bilo postavljeno na svaku barijeru te su zastupljena sva prisutna mikrostaništa. Ukupno je zabilježeno 11 porodica vodenih dvokrilaca (Diptera):: Ceratopogonidae, Chironomidae, Dixidae, Empididae, Limoniidae, Muscidae, Psychodidae, Sciomyzidae, Simuliidae, Stratiomyidae i Tipulidae. Predstavnici porodica Dixidae, Empididae, Limoniidae, Muscidae, Psychodidae, Simuliidae i Tipuliidae su određeni do vrste te je ustanovljeno više od 35 vrsta. Porodica Empididae je najbogatija vrstama, dok je veći broj vrsta zabilježen i za porodice Limoniidae, Muscidae i Psychodidae. Raznolikost dvokrilaca je veća na sedrenoj barijeri Roški Slap, dok je na sedrenoj barijeri Skradinski Buk zabilježena veća brojnost . Emergencija dvokrilaca na sedrenim barijerama NP Krka je prisutna tijekom cijele godine, no značajnija emergencija kreće od travnja do listopada. Ukupno je zabilježeno osam novih vrsta dvokrilaca za Hrvatsku. Tijekom ovog istraživanja ustanovljena je velika populacija endemske vrste Limnophora croatica na barijeri Roški Slap, a pronađena je još jedna nova vrsta za znanost iz porodice Psychodidae (Pericoma sp. nov.).

The fossil record of Eoptychopteridae, Ptychopteridae and Dixidae (Insecta: Diptera) is discussed. One new genus and eight new species are described from the English non-marine Lower Cretaceous (Purbeck and Wealden groups): Eoptychoptera longifurcata sp. nov., Eoptychoptera britannica sp. nov., Eoptychopterina demissa sp. nov., Eoptychopterina dimidiata sp. nov., Eoptychopterina camura sp. nov. (Eoptychopteridae) , Brodilka mitchelli gen. nov., sp. nov., Zhiganka woolgari sp. nov. (Ptychopteridae) and Eucorethrina westwoodi sp. nov. (Dixidae). Bittacomorphella miocenica (Cockerell, 1910) is transferred to Ptychoptera .

Vingt-deux especes de dipteres aquatiques ont ete recoltees dans seize localites de la Peninsule Iberique. Trois Dixidae : Dixa nebulosa Meigen, D. puberula Loew, D. submaculata Edwards; trois Thaumaleidae : Thaumalea miki Edwards, T. pyrenaica Edwards, T. verralli Edwards; et seize Empididae aquatiques (Hemerodromiinae et Clinocerinae) ; Hemerodromia adulatoria Collin, H. baetica Collin, H. gaditata nov, spec., Wiedemannia mirousei Vaillant, W. fallaciosa (Loew), W. hygrobia (Loew), W. digitato Vaillant, W. tiburica nov, spec., Clinocera barbatula Mik, C. madicola Vaillant, C. tenella Wahlberg, C. nigra (Meigen), C. fontinalis (Haliday), C. stagnalis (Haliday), C. wesmaeli Macquart et Dolichocephala ocellata Costa. Deux especes nouvelles d'Empididae sont decrites et plusieurs especes sont une premiere citation pour l'Espagne ou l'Andorre ou leur presence etait pre. visible, compte-tenu de leur presence dans les Pyrenees francaises.

At four typical sections of the stream Kossau Diptera were caught by emergence traps. Two of the sections can be regarded as to a great degree undisturbed due to their morphology and vegetation at the banks. Two sections have undergone various anthropogenic changes. Representatives of the families Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae, Psychodidae, Limoniidae, Ptychopteridae, Dixidae, Culicidae, Simuliidae, and Empididae were collected. Altogether, 106 species were identified. The majority of species belong to the family Chironomidae (74), followed by the Ceratopogonidae (8), Psychodidae, and Empididae (7 each). The numbers of species collected at each stream section ranged from 56 to 69. At the undisturbed and shaded sections 69 and 66 species were found, at the meadow sections 56 and 68 species. Hence, a general connection between the loss of a state close to the natural environment and the number of species can not be stated. A total of 29,349 Diptera emerged. The highest number of individuals was found at a stream section covered with aquatic macrophytes (16,797 ind.), the lowest at a forest section without macrophytes (2,554 ind.). The Chironomidae make up for more than 82% of all Diptera. The Simuliidae rank second accounting for 3 to 17%, followed by the Ceratopogonidae. Like the Ceratopogonidae, all other families comprise less than 1% of the individuals collected. Only a few species demonstrated a distinct preference for the two forest sections of the stream, whereas about 50% of the species occurred in at least three of the four sections. Regarding the species represented by more than two individuals per emergence trap, it became apparent that the correspondence between the forst and the meadow sections is rather small. A comparison of the emergence of individual families revealed that many species found in the Kossau also occur in another lowland stream, similar to the Kossau concerning width, current velocity, and water level. Furthermore, the ecological demands of several species turned out to be not as high as they were considered to be, mainly referring to the temperature: Species proven in the Kossau and in other summer-warm streams may no longer be regarded as ‘cold-stenothermic’.