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Aphaniosoma brunnipes Ebejer, 1996 Fig. 11 Material examined Paratype OMAN • 1 ♂; Muscat, Azaiba; 9 Feb. 1989; M.J. Ebejer leg.; NMWC. Remarks This is one of a very few species with extensively darkened legs (Fig. 11A). It is known only from the type series. Both sexes have a dark band across the frons, dark brown basal flagellomere and brown palpus. The similar species A. nigripes Ebejer, 2016 from Morocco has a yellow palpus, yellow basal flagellomere in the male, a slender postgonite and a differently shaped sternite 6 (Ebejer 2016: 226, figs 4–6). Aphaniosoma captiosum sp. nov. has the ventro-lateral margin of tergite 6 similar to that in A. nigripes; it differs from both species in the postgonite, which is thicker and ends in a white seta-like tip (Fig. 13A), and in the shape of sternites 5 and 6 (Fig. 14C). Distribution Oman (Ebejer 1996)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 31, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2016. The Moroccan species of Chyromyidae (Diptera) with descriptions of five new species of Aphaniosoma Becker. Zootaxa 4208 (3): 221 - 236. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4208.3.2"]}

Aphaniosoma creperum Collin, 1949 Figs 15–16 Material examined Lectotype (here designated) EGYPT • ♂; Siwa Oasis; 24 Apr. 1935; J. Omer-Cooper leg., Armstrong College Expedition; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435827. Paralectotypes EGYPT • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for lectotype; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435829–31 • 2 ♂♂, parts of abdomens and hypopygia only, in Euparal; same collection data as for lectotype; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435828 • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for lectotype; 18–19 Apr. 1935; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 01343582–33 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for lectotype; 29 Apr. 1935; evening sweeping; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435837 • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for lectotype; 3–5 May 1935; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435834–36 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for lectotype; Zegawa; 5 May 1935; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435838 • 4 ♂♂; same collection data as for lectotype; Zegawa; 8 May 1935; Plant No. 9 Tabsanit; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435839–42 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for lectotype; 21–22 May 1935; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435843 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for lectotype; 31 May–1 Jun. 1935; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435844 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for lectotype; 3 Jun. 1935; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435845 • 1 ♀; Fayoum, Lake Karun; 2–23 Sep. 1945; R.L. Coe leg.; NHMUK, B.M. 1946–39, bar code 014594087. Other material EGYPT • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Cairo, El-Marg; 30.16° N, 31.23° E; 21 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; margin of field; CULSP • 1 ♀; Cairo, El-Marg; same collection data as for preceding; 22 Mar. 1996; orange orchard; CULSP • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; MJE; • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Cairo, Golo Island, along Nile river; 29.58° N, 31.15° E; 21 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; CULSP • 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; MJE • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Tanta, 12 km SE; 30.41° N, 31.02° E; 27–28 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; orchard; CULSP • 1 ♂; Cairo, 20 km S; 29.52° N, 31.15° E; 31 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; riverbank; CULSP • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; semi desert; CULSP • 1 ♂, 6 ♀♀, preserved in alcohol; Alexandria, Lake Etku; 20 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt; leg.; MJE • 2 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; Alexandria, Abu Kir; 20 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; beach, wrack; PG • 1 ♀; Alexandria, Lake Etku; 20 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; PG. ISRAEL • 1 ♂; Iddan spring; 19 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 6 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU. JORDAN • 1 ♂, preserved in alcohol; Azraq, Wildlife Resort; 31°49ʹ97ʹʹ N, 36°49ʹ27ʹʹ E; 20 Oct. 2011; J.-H. Stuke leg.; 1584; J-HS. Remarks Aphaniosoma creperum belongs to a difficult and complex group of species several of which have sympatric distributions. Collin (1949) described A. creperum from several male specimens, but he did not designate a holotype or place identification labels on any of the specimens. The two specimens that he dissected (Fig. 15B–C) and upon which he may have based his very limited illustration are mounted separately in Euparal on plastic and together on the same pin with one data label (dated: “ 24 iv 1935 ”). However, these are not associated with the remainder of their individual specimen parts, which were probably badly destroyed when the abdomen was removed for maceration and dissection. He illustrated only the basiphallus /epiphallus and the distiphallus possibly of one of these (Collin 1949: 135). Later, the present author (Ebejer 1998: 205, figs 21–22) illustrated the hypopygium of the other specimen along with a new drawing of the aedeagus from a slightly altered angle to that of Collin’s figure. Pont (1995: 54) listed 10 males and 10 females but conceded that he found it difficult to recognize the sexes owing to the very poor condition of most of the specimens. Eleven males and 9 females are listed in the Material examined section above. From the available material it is not possible to be certain that one species is involved and for this reason a lectotype is here designated. A specimen, rather badly glued to a plastic point, fits Collin’s description, including that of the male hypopygium, where most of the characteristic structures can be clearly seen. This specimen (Fig. 15A) is here designated as lectotype. Only those specimens with visible male terminalia that fit those of the lectotype, and females associated with them are designated as paralectotypes, leaving 1 male, 6 females and an indeterminate specimen all in very poor condition as ‘probable paralectotypes’. The female from Lake Karoun, which Collin (1949) stated as belonging to this species, bears a red circled ‘Type’ label. However, it was collected 10 years later at Lake Karoun, which is at least 445 km east of Siwa, and it belongs to a group of species where this sex is identical in all of them. There is no male from that site with which it could be associated, and so it may not belong to A. creperum. Furthermore, Collin did not describe any features of this specimen and he did not provide it with an identification label. It is left as ‘paralectotype’. Aphaniosoma creperum is typically a dark greyish brown to black species. The females of three closely related species: A. nigricauda Ebejer, 1998, A. nigrum Ebejer, 1998, and A. spiniventre Ebejer, 1998 usually have a dark brown basal flagellomere, as does the female of A. creperum, and they can only be identified by association with males. Males can be identified by examination of the hypopygium, where the shape of the pregenital sternites, the postgonite and the apex of the bilobed distiphallus are the simplest characters that help to differentiate A. creperum from closely related species, the most difficult of which to tell apart is A. nigricauda. The latter does not have the ventral extension to tergite 6; sternites 5 and 6, although similar, are not identical, and the distiphallus is with rather longer and clearly more pointed lobes. These differences may represent geographical variation of one species, but so far the indication is that A. nigricauda is a species in North Africa extending westwards from Tunisia and A. creperum a North African species extending eastwards from Egypt to Israel, Jordan and Oman. Distribution Egypt, Oman (Becker 1903; Ebejer 1996). New records for Israel and Jordan., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 37-41, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Pont A. C. 1995. The Type-Material of Diptera (Insecta) described by G. H. Verrall and J. E. Collin. Clarendon Press, Oxford.","Becker T. 1903. Aegyptische Dipteren (Fortsetzung und Schluss). Mitteilungen aus dem zoologischen Museum in Berlin 2: 67 - 195.","Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299."]}

Aphaniosoma meltseri sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 5BB65B19-3C5F-4E02-97AF-D933BE1A770A Figs 57–59 Diagnosis A pale-yellow species (Fig. 57A), including the mediotergite, and with only slightly elongated head and eyes; in contrast to similar species, it has a small, pale epandrium. The pair of long frontal setae in front of the ocellar triangle are set close to the anterior ocellus; 2 short posterior fronto-orbital setae. The most easily appreciated character of this species is in the shape of the surstylus, which is broad at its base and curved with a setula at its apex. Similar species: A. nudum Ebejer, 2007 from Mongolia and A. curvistylus sp. nov. from Israel are similar in external characters, but all three species differ in details of the hypopygium (see above under A. curvistylus). Etymology The species is named in honour of N. Meltser, who collected a significant amount of specimens of Aphaniosoma from Israel during the Tamarisk trees survey. (His name on the data labels is spelled with a “z”.) Material examined Holotype ISRAEL • ♂; ‘ En Zin; 13 May 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix negevensis; SMNHTAU 405828. Paratypes ISRAEL • 5 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; same collection data as for holotype; SMNHTAU • 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix parviflora; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 19 Oct. 1999; on Tamarix negevensis; SMNHTAU • 13 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 25 Jul. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 7 ♂♂, 1 ♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 25 Aug. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 22 Apr. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix jordanis; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 9 ♀♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 12 Apr. 2000; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 30 Mar. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♀♀; Ne’ot haKikkar; 25 Jul. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 29 Mar. 1996; SMNHTAU • 5 ♂♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 11 Oct. 1994; F. Kaplan and A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Elot; 18 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Nahal Zin; 6 Apr. 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix negevensis; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nahal Zin; 8 Aug. 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; 5 Oct. 1999; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix jordanis; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; ‘ En Zin; 13 Nov. 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix parviflora; SMNHTAU • 3 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Nahal Neqarot; 10 May 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix parviflora; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Zomet Zohar; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 4 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; Dead Sea, Zomet Zohar; 31°08ʹ N, 35°21ʹ E; alt. - 338 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE • 15 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; Dead Sea, ‘ Enot Zuqim; 31°43ʹ N, 35°27ʹ E; alt. - 400 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE. Other material ISRAEL • 1 ♂, preserved in alcohol; Arava valley, Qetura [Ketura]; 50 km north of Eilat; 29°58ʹ07″ N, 35°03ʹ38″ E; alt. 126 m; 3–8 May 2013; Z.A. Yefremova leg.; Malaise trap; coll. code 140907; ZSM. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 0.8 mm, female 0.9 mm. Wing length: male 0.8 mm, female 0.9 mm. Male (holotype) HEAD. Yellow including ocellar triangle and entire occiput; frons longer than broad, narrowed anteriorly, at level of antennae about 0.5 × as wide as at level of anterior ocellus; gena narrow in front, deeper behind, in profile, below middle of eye, about 0.4 × as high as eye, with numerous white setulae; occiput in profile narrowly visible behind eye, with short, pale postocular setulae in one row; 1 vibrissal seta well differentiated from buccal row of setulae; face short and narrow, depressed and poorly sclerotized; median carina low and short; antenna yellow, pedicel with short seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with fine pubescence along anterior margin shorter than diameter of basal segment of arista; basal ⅓ of arista pale, with fine pubescence; chaetotaxy: 2 posterior fronto-orbitals with 3 very short setulae anterior to them; ocellars a little longer than posterior fronto-orbital, paraverticals short and convergent; 1 medial vertical and 1 lateral vertical; frons with longer pair of setae in front of anterior ocellus and about 8 short pale setulae scattered across frons. THORAX. Yellow, covered with pale yellow microtomentum, especially on scutum; chaetotaxy: 1 postpronotal, 1 intra-postpronotal, 1 presutural, 2 notopleurals, 0+4 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 3+6 dorsocentrals, only prescutellars strong, 1+2 acrostichals with prescutellars not developed, 4 scutellars, 1 anepisternal, 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner and with a vertical row of 3 fine setulae at middle. WING. Veins yellow; distance on costa between R 2+3 and R 4+5 about 0.6 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between cross veins about 1.3 × as long as posterior crossvein, which lies slightly oblique and is about 0.3 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere creamy white. LEGS. Yellow; numerous pale setulae scattered on all legs with longer setulae on fore femur; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black in apical half, short, about ½ × as long as tarsomere, pulvilli normal; hind trochanter not modified. ABDOMEN. Tergites yellow and sparsely setulose basally; setulae longer on margins of tergites 4–6; sternite 6 (Fig. 59B), in ventral view, of triangular shape with long extension anteriorly, seen shining in the midline of lower half of the hypopygium in Fig. 58A. HYPOPYGIUM (Figs 58, 59A). epandrium small, pale; surstylus, short, broad at base, curved almost through 90°, and setulose at tip; cercus very pale and long setulose; pregonite rounded at apex, with a row of short setulae, and setulose at apex; postgonite short, barely reaching beyond edge of epandrium, translucent and not easily seen; aedeagus all yellow and not properly characterized. Female Similar to male but without the secondary sexual characters. Variation Some specimens have pale brownish vittae along the dorsocentral and intra-alar lines (Fig. 57B) and pale brown bands on the basal half of the tergites. Distribution Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 104-108, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 2007. New species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae) from Central Asia. Studia dipterologica [2006] 10 (1): 249 - 296."]}

Aphaniosoma aegyptium sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: E71BF3B7-32DE-4FDD-8E6B-3DA7D74F38DD Figs 4–5 Diagnosis A yellow species with black longitudinal scutal vittae (Fig. 4B) and strong prealar and dorsocentral setae, but no presutural intra-alar. Male with a long narrow surstylus curved postero-medially at apex and easily visible without dissection (Fig. 5B); male also with a short narrow projection on hind trochanter (Fig. 5A). Similar species: A. hackmani Lyneborg, 1973 and A. harteni Ebejer, 1996 have a similar hind trochanter in the male, but neither of these has a strong presutural intra-alar seta and they have differently shaped structures in the hypopygium, although the surstylus looks very similar. A. verecundum Ebejer, 1998 is similar to the new species in that it shares the same chaetotaxy and the appearance of the male 5 th tergite, which is shorter dorsally compared to laterally, but there is no projection on the male hind trochanter. The hypopygial differences between the three species are subtle with regard to the surstylus (thickening at base and apical curvature), shape of tergite 6 and epandrium, but more clearly apparent in the shapes of sternites 5 and 6 (compare A. aegyptium Fig. 5B–C with A. hackmani Fig. 34B–C and Ebejer 2016: fig. 15a–b for A. harteni). Etymology The species epithet is the Latin ‘ aegyptium’, for ‘Egyptian’, and refers to the type locality. Material examined Holotype EGYPT • ♂; Kafr Elsheikh; 30.48° N, 31.14° E; 28 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; garden vegetation; CUSLP. Paratypes EGYPT • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for holotype; CUSLP. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 1.5 mm, female 1.6 mm. Wing length: male 1.7 mm, female 1.8 mm. Male, holotype HEAD. Yellow except for black ringed ocelli (Fig. 4B); almost spherical; frons narrowed anteriorly: at level of antennae about 0.7 × as wide as at level of anterior ocellus; gena: narrow in front, deeper behind; viewed in profile, below middle of eye, about equal to height of eye and with numerous yellow setulae; occiput in profile narrowly visible behind eye; long postocular setulae in one row; 3 long white vibrissal setulae; face short, poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina poorly developed; antenna yellow, pedicel paler than basal flagellomere and with distinct short seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with fine but distinct pubescence along anterior margin, as long as diameter of first segment of arista; first segment of arista yellow, second brown on basal ¼, black on apical ¾, with fine pubescence; chaetotaxy: 2 strong fronto-orbitals, paraverticals short and crossed; 1 inner and 1 outer vertical, both strong; ocellars about as long as anterior fronto-orbital; about 16 short brown setulae across middle of frons all more or less of same size. THORAX (Fig. 4B). Yellow; scutum with black longitudinal vittae and thin yellow microtomentum; vittae run between rows of setae; scutellum yellow with lateral dark brown spot along margin at base; mediotergite dark brown; pleura yellow with darker yellow on middle of katepisternum and meron; chaetotaxy: 1 postpronotal, 1 incurved intra-postpronotal, 1 long presutural, 2 notopleurals, 0+3 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 1+3 dorsocentrals, 1+6 acrostichals with prescutellar setae, 4 scutellars, 1 anepisternal with 2 shorter setae below it, 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner. WING. Veins all pale yellowish brown; distance on costa between R 2+3 and R 4+5 about 0.5 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between crossveins about 1.3 × as long as posterior crossvein, which is oblique and is about 0.5 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere pale yellow. LEGS. Fore femur with long setae on postero-dorsal aspect; numerous pale brown setulae scattered on all legs; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black in apical half and pulvilli normal; 5 th tarsomere of all legs black and 4 th brown; hind trochanter modified with a posteromedial process that is narrow, short, blunt and bearing a few minute setulae at apex (Fig. 5A). ABDOMEN. Tergites brown dorsally, becoming paler laterally and then darkening again along ventral margin; tergite 5 medially on dorsum narrower than on lateral margin; tergite 6 narrow; tergites with fine pale brown setulae; sternites sclerotized in middle third and pigmented brown; sternite 5 large, almost square, and with pigmented sclerotized lateral parts that fold ventrally and medially; sternite 6 small and of complicated structure (Fig. 5C). HYPOPYGIUM (Fig. 5B). Epandrium small and pale, bearing long surstylus that is curved postero-medially at apex and bearing 3 fine setulae; hypandrium with narrow lateral arms at base (anterior), each broadening caudally and curving ventrally fusing with triangular sclerotized pregonite; postgonite long, narrow and pale and when viewed from posterior aspect it runs close and parallel to basiphallus ending just short of posterior border of epandrium, hence not visible in lateral view; epiphallus clearly separated from distal part of membranous and largely translucent basiphallus; distiphallus pale, mostly membranous and irregularly cylindrical; cercus large and yellow. Female As in male, but without secondary sexual characters and in two specimens the scutal vittae are pale brown. Variation Other than minor chromatic variation, no significant variation noted in this short series of specimens., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 19-23, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Lyneborg L. 1973. On some Chyromyidae from Southern Spain, with description of three new species of Aphaniosoma (Insecta, Diptera). Steenstrupia 3: 51 - 56.","Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 2016. The Moroccan species of Chyromyidae (Diptera) with descriptions of five new species of Aphaniosoma Becker. Zootaxa 4208 (3): 221 - 236. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4208.3.2"]}

Aphaniosoma pteropus Ebejer, 2021 Remarks This species belongs to the collini group based on having few dorsocentral setae (2+3) that are relatively strong, and prescutellar acrostichal setae, with the male having the largest and most distinctive development of the hind trochanter known so far. It is about half as long as the hind femur. Photographs of both sexes were included with the original description (Ebejer 2021a: 9, figs 12–14). Distribution Cyprus (Ebejer 2021a)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 130-132, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017","Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973"]}

Aphaniosoma yittii Ebejer, 1996 Fig. 88 Material examined UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • 1 ♂; Sharjah Desert Park; 4–8 Oct. 2004; A. van Harten leg.; yellow water trap; MJE. Remarks A distinctive and relatively easily identified species that was described from the north of Oman and later recorded from the United Arab Emirates with the inclusion of a photograph of its habitus (Ebejer 2008). The relatively large, completely black hypopygium is one of its most distinctive features (Ebejer 2006: 293, figs 13–15). Much of it can be seen without dissection. The most common appearance of the scutum is illustrated (Fig. 88). This uncommon species could easily occur in Israel. Distribution Oman, United Arab Emirates (Ebejer 1996, 2008)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 151-152, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi."]}

Aphaniosoma approximatum Becker, 1903 Figs 9–10 Aphaniosoma arabicum Ebejer, 1996: 287, figs 3b, 4. Synonymized by Ebejer 2008: 683. Material examined EGYPT • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Cairo, Golo Island, along Nile river; 29.58° N, 31.15° E; 21 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; CULSP • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; MJE • 3 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; Cairo, El-Marg; 30.16° N, 31.23° E; 29 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; margin of field; CULSP • 1 ♀; Cairo, 20 km S; 29.52° N, 31.15° E; 31 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; riverbank; CULSP • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀, preserved in alcohol; Alexandria, Abu Kir; 20 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; beach, wrack; MJE • 3 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀, preserved in alcohol; Alexandria, Ras Rashid; 21 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; beach; MJE. ISRAEL • 3 ♂♂; Ne’ot haKikkar; 25 Jul. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ En Gedi / N. Arugot; 31 May 2000; B. Merz leg.; MHNG. JORDAN • 1 ♂, 1 ♀, preserved in alcohol; Wadi Rum, Seitental [side valley]; 29°34.29ʹ N, 35°24.75ʹ E; 14 Oct. 2010; J.-H. Stuke leg.; J-HS. SAUDI ARABIA • 13 ♂♂, 48 ♀♀, preserved in alcohol; Jazan, Farasan Island, Aziz Yousef village; 16°40ʹ N, 42°50ʹ E; 6 Mar. 2017; Malaise trap; H.A. Dawah leg.; NMWC. YEMEN • 9 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; Ta‘Izz; 5 Jan.–2 Feb. 1998; A. van Harten and M. Mahyoub leg.; light trap; NMWC • 4 ♂♂, 10 ♀♀; Ta‘Izz; Aug. 1999; A. van Harten and A. Awad leg.; light trap; NMWC. Remarks A. approximatum Becker, 1949 was re-described (Ebejer 2008) with illustrations supplementary to those of Collin (1949) and Ebejer (1998). As with many similar species, it is quite variable in the intensity of darkening of the scutal vittae, which in some specimens coalesce anterior to the scutal suture. The lateral aspect of the abdominal tergites show a variable extent of yellow merging with the brown dorsally. It is a species with a distinct pair of setae in front of the anterior ocellus clearly longer than other setae on the frons. Although not easy to identify, the overall pallor of the male hypopygium, with pale brown, narrow, curved postgonites, a pointed epiphallus and a mostly translucent bilobed distiphallus, should suggest this species. Similar species are: A. brevivittatum Ebejer, 1995, which has a much longer ventro-lateral projection on tergite 6 twisted along its axis and a longer pregonite (Ebejer 1995: 204, fig. 1); A. claridgei Ebejer, 1995, which has a blunt slightly upcurved apex of the epiphallus, black postgonite and aedeagus, and very different pregenital sternites (Ebejer 1995: 204, figs 2–3; 1998: 204, figs 16–17); A. proximum Ebejer, 1998, which has a pointed epiphallus, dark postgonite, smaller and darker distiphallus and a different pregenital sternite (Ebejer 1998: 220, figs 63–64); A. suboculicauda Frey, 1958, which has a longer more pointed ventro-lateral projection of sternite 6, pale structures of the hypopygium including the aedeagus, and a triangular sternite 6 (Ebejer 2009: 408, fig. 52a–c); and A. trisetum Ebejer, 1988, which has as its most distinct character the 3 long, broad, white setae at the ventral margin of tergite 6 (Fig. 82C). Fig. 10 shows a specimen very similar to the type and Fig. 9 B shows the extruded aedeagus, which matches the figures of the holotype given previously by the author (Ebejer 1998: 200, figs 5–6). Few specimens have been collected in Israel. This might be due to the species having a greater affinity for date palm groves than for Tamarix trees (Baba Aissa 2017). Distribution Algeria, Cape Verde Islands, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (Becker 1903; Ebejer 1996, 2008, 2009, 2018; Baba Aissa et al. 2017; Ebejer & Barták 2019). New records for Israel, Jordan and Yemen., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 28-31, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Becker T. 1903. Aegyptische Dipteren (Fortsetzung und Schluss). Mitteilungen aus dem zoologischen Museum in Berlin 2: 67 - 195.","Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi.","Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 1995. Some records of Aphaniosoma (Dipt. Chyromyidae) from Greece with descriptions of four new species. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 131: 199 - 205.","Ebejer M. J. 2009. A revision of Afrotropical Chyromyidae (excluding Gymnochiromyia Hendel) (Diptera: Schizophora), with the recognition of two subfamilies and the description of new genera. African Invertebrates 50 (2): 321 - 434. https: // doi. org / 10.5733 / afin. 050.0208","Ebejer M. J. 2018. Recent additions to the Chyromyidae of Morocco with description of a new species of Gymnochiromyia Hendel (Diptera: Acalyptrata). Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 154: 207 - 212. https: // doi. org / 10.31184 / M 00138908.1543.3940","Ebejer M. J. & Bartak M. 2019. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Acalyptrata) of Turkey. Zookeys 872: 69 - 75. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 872.35378"]}

Aphaniosoma harteni Ebejer, 1996 Figs 39–40 Material examined Holotype YEMEN • ♂; Sana’a; Aug. 1991; A. van Harten leg; NMWC. Other material ISRAEL • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Western Negev, Ezuz; 30°46ʹ N, 34°29ʹ E; 24 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on grazed grass and dung; MJE. SAUDI ARABIA • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Najran, Hay Alshurfa; 17°31ʹ N, 44°15ʹ E; 7–28 May 2014; H.A. Dawah leg.; Malaise trap; NMWC. Remarks When this species was described the subtle projection on the hind tronchanter was missed. The type series was re-examined and further illustrations provided (Ebejer 2016: 231, figs 14b, 15a–b). The record from Tunisia (Ebejer 1998) is now doubtful considering that many similar species have been described since, and a number of additional similar species known to the author are still awaiting description. Photographs of the holotype are provided here (Figs 39A, 40). Distribution Yemen (Ebejer 1996). New records for Israel, Saudi Arabia., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 77, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2016. The Moroccan species of Chyromyidae (Diptera) with descriptions of five new species of Aphaniosoma Becker. Zootaxa 4208 (3): 221 - 236. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4208.3.2","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208"]}

Aphaniosoma propinquans Collin, 1949 Fig. 74 Material examined SPAIN • 1 ♂; Balearic Islands, Mallorca, S’Albufera, Es Cibollar marsh north; 18 Apr. 2001; M.J. Ebejer leg.; MJE. TUNISIA • 1 ♀; Bizerte, Menzel Bourgiba; 16 May 1995; M.J. Ebejer leg.; salt-lake; MJE. Remarks A species with long dorsocentral setae (1–2+3–4) but no projection on the hind trochanter. It usually has the presutural dorsocentral just a little longer than the first postsutural seta whereas in all other species it is the other way round. The male pregenital sternite was illustrated with a line drawing in the original description. What is not apparent from that drawing is the considerable bending of this sternite at its middle to form a broad midline keel that is deeper towards the caudal end with a U-shaped posterior margin (see Fig. 74A). The female has the abdominal tergites 5–7 a little raised in the midline giving it a shallow ridge-like appearance, which lined pale yellow (Fig. 74B). Ebejer (1998, 219) gave more detail for the identification of both sexes. Distribution Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy (Sicily), Malta, Spain (including Balearics), Turkey (Collin 1949; Ebejer 1998; Ebejer et al. 2001; Bährmann 2006)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 130, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Bahrmann R. 2006. Zur Kenntnis der Chyromyidae (Diptera) Mitteldeutschlands. Studia dipterologica, 10 (1): 391 - 395."]}

Aphaniosoma notatum Collin, 1949 Fig. 67 Material examined Holotype EGYPT • ♂; Siwa Oasis; 18–19 Apr. 1935; J. Omer-Cooper leg., Armstrong College Expedition; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435846. Remarks Collin described this species from a single male. The figure given with the description (Collin 1949: 141) readily identifies the relevant specimen as the holotype (Fig. 67A) and this was listed as such in Pont (1995: 118). Although the figure is accurate and Collin implied this species can be easily identified based on the hypopygial appearance, this is no longer the case because a similar appearance is sometimes seen in A. approximatum, A. gallagheri, A. proximum and A. scutellare Ebejer, 1998. The “globular yellow processes below the yellow anal cerci” (Fig. 67B) are the dorsal halves of the divided epandrium (right and left) and the degree of their exposure beyond the margin of tergite 6 is variable, depending on the degree of abdominal shrinkage. Thus, they sometimes appear larger, sometimes smaller. Their colour is not reliable. The elongate, narrow, and apically curved postgonite is very similar in A. notatum and A. scutellare, and these may in fact be conspecific. The former has broader yellow markings on the abdomen, whereas the latter is much darker everywhere and with much narrower yellow outlines to sclerites except on the scutellum, which usually contrasts pale yellow and has broad black lateral margins. However, a completely grey thorax including the scutellum does occur in this species, suggesting a wide degree of variation that lends more support to this species and A. notatum being conspecific. Aphaniosoma scutellare has a distinctive pregenital sternite (Ebejer 1998: 222, figs 69–70), but the shape of this structure in A. notatum is unknown and this could be a most helpful diagnostic character. The holotype being the only specimen representing this species, and since it is rather crudely and extensively glued to a pointed plastic mount, it is inadvisable to dissect it, risking complete destruction. It would be preferable to obtain more material from the type locality for further study of the hypopygium and so until such time, A. notatum and A. scutellare are considered separate species. Distribution Cyprus (doubtful), Egypt (Collin 1949; Ebejer 2021a)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 116-119, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Pont A. C. 1995. The Type-Material of Diptera (Insecta) described by G. H. Verrall and J. E. Collin. Clarendon Press, Oxford.","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017"]}

Aphaniosoma impeditum Ebejer, 2008 Fig. 41 Material examined ISRAEL • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 25 Aug. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Dead Sea, ‘ Enot Zuqim; 7 Jun. 1996; B. Merz and A. Freidberg leg.; MHNG • 3 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; Nahal Zin; 8 Jun. 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 7 Aug. 1998; SMNHTAU • 21 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; Dead Sea, Zomet Zohar; 31°08ʹ N, 35°21ʹ E; alt. - 338 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE. Remarks One of several small and predominantly yellow species, four of which were described from the United Arab Emirates. This species has a pair of longer setae in front of the anterior ocellus and a black mediotergite; as with most species of Aphaniosoma that have scutal vittae, these vary in the intensity of brown colouration, and in this species the middle pair are sometimes indistinct compared to the lateral vittae – those near the dorsocentral and intra-alar lines (Fig. 41B). Identification of A. impeditum requires examination of the dissected male hypopygium, as the appearance of the hypopygium in situ rarely shows distinctive features (Fig. 41C). Distribution United Arab Emirates (Ebejer 2008). New record for Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 77, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi."]}

Aphaniosoma yaromi sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: ADB15AEB-E163-432E-A3F9-B4BDBD46D7FE Figs 85–87 Diagnosis A species very similar to A. falciferum (Fig. 85A). It has an orange-yellow colour with pale brown scutal vittae, sometimes absent, and dense yellowish microtomentum; 2 moderately well-developed fronto-orbital setae. Male with large tergite 5 that is long dorsally along its middle, and, viewed from the side, markedly elongated and narrowed laterally, so that each side is extended into lobes that curve under the abdomen; hypopygium yellow with contrasting long, shining black postgonite. In general appearance and in chaetotaxy, this species shares many characters with A. falciferum. It also has a characteristic long black postgonite, a structure that only subtly differs between the two species. However, the highly modified tergite 5 (Fig. 87A) and the shapes of sternites 5 and 6 differentiate this species from A. falciferum, which has a normal shaped tergite 5 and an almost square pregenital sternite with two short and broad posterior projections (Ebejer 1998: 207, figs 25–27). Etymology The species is named in honour of Ilan Yarom who collected numerous Chyromyidae in Israel. Material examined Holotype ISRAEL • ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU 405830. Paratypes ISRAEL • 3 ♂♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 20 ♂♂, 35 ♀♀; Revivim; 1 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Nahal Neqarot; 3 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; Nahal Neqarot, N Sappir; 2 Feb. 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix aphylla; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 4 Mar. 1998; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; 6 Apr. 1998; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 14 ♂♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 30 Mar. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 3 Feb. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Zomet Zohar; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; ‘ En Gedi; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; ‘ Iddan; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Elot; 18 Mar. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 19 Mar. 1995; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Deqel; 30 Apr. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ En Mor; 16 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 2 ♂♂; Western Negev, Nahal Lavan; 30°58ʹ N, 34°24ʹ E; 24 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; shrubs on sand; MJE • 3 ♂♂; Dead Sea, ‘ Enot Zuqim; 31°43ʹ N, 35°27ʹ E; alt. - 400 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE. Other material (females of A. yaromi sp. nov. or A. falciferum) 38 ♀♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 30 Mar. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 18 Mar. 1996; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 3 Mar. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 22 Apr. 1998; on Tamarix jordanis; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nahal Neqarot, N Sappir; 2 Feb. 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix aphylla; SMNHTAU • 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 6 Apr. 1998; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix parviflora sodomensis; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nahal Neqarot; 3 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nahal Neqarot; 10 May 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix aphylla; SMNHTAU. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 1.5 mm, female 1.7 mm. Wing length: male 1.4 mm, female 1.7 mm. Male HEAD. Yellow and slightly longer than high; gena about 0.7 × as high as eye at middle and with scattered pale yellowish white setulae; 2 vibrissal setae on each side; frons narrow at anterior margin, about 0.5 × as wide as at level of anterior ocellus; ocellar setae about as long as anterior fronto-orbital, 2 well-developed fronto-orbital setae and 3 short setulae anterior to these; about 14 subequal setae on frons; inner and outer vertical well-developed; paravertical setae short and convergent, postocular setae in one row; face short, poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina distinct, sharp and low, not reaching clypeus; antenna yellow, pedicel paler than basal flagellomere and with short seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with fine and dense pubescence along anterior margin shorter than diameter of base of arista; arista yellow at basal ¼ and finely pilose. THORAX (Fig. 85B). Scutum pale brown and covered with yellowish microtomentum; scutellum, pleura and mediotergite yellow; chaetotaxy: 1 postpronotal with weaker seta adjacent, 1 presutural, 1 incurved intra-postpronotal, 2 notopleurals, 0+5 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 3+5 dorsocentrals with only posterior seta well-developed, 0+5 acrostichals, no prescutellars, 4 scutellars, 1 anepisternal on upper posterior margin, 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner. WING. Veins pale brownish; distance on costa between R and R 4+5 about 0.4 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between crossveins about 1.4 × as long as posterior crossvein, which is about 0.4 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere pale yellow. 2+3 LEGS. Numerous pale yellow setulae scattered on legs and with long setulae posteriorly on fore femur; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black and pulvilli normal; tarsi yellow but 5 th tarsomere brownish; hind trochanter not modified. ABDOMEN (Fig. 86A). Tergites pale brown with narrow yellow hind margins; tergite 5 about 2.5 × as long as tergite 4 and about 3.5 × as long as tergite 6; tergite 5, laterally narrows to a long yellow apically rounded lobe (Fig. 87A); tergites sparsely pale setulose with longer more distinct setulae on margins of tergites 5 and 6. Pregenital sternites strongly modified (Fig. 87B–C). HYPOPYGIUM (Figs 86, 87A, C). Epandrium shining black dorsally; postgonite shining black, a little broadened at middle and ending in slightly curved pointed tip; epandrium small, round and pale; surstylus not identified; pregonite pale, long and sinuous, truncate and dark at apex; aedeagus pale but not clearly visible; cercus pale yellow, fused with the opposite side and setulose but without any exceptionally long setae. Female As in male but without secondary sexual characters. It is indistinguishable from the female of A. falciferum. Variation As with most species of Aphaniosoma, there is some chromatic variation, although it seems to be rather limited in this species. The length and number of the scutal setae and setulae are variable, such that there may be one or two additional setae in front of the transverse scutal suture and one or two behind, or both. Distribution Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 144-151, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208"]}

Aphaniosoma interispina sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 7386E214-7A75-4065-A35E-9B15A465461E Figs 46–47 Diagnosis A yellow species with brown longitudinal scutal vittae appearing pale owing to dense yellowish white microtomentum; 2 well-developed fronto-orbital setae and a pair of long setae in front of anterior ocellus. Male with the 6 th tergite bearing a small black spine on its ventro-medial margin; epandrium small, round at base and shining black; surstylus broad-based, black and triangular. In general appearance and chaetotaxy, this species is similar to A. falciferum, but it does not have the long black postgonite of the other species. The three long setae on the ventral margin of tergite 6 are similar to those of A. trisetum Ebejer, 1998, but in all other respects it differs from that species. Etymology The species epithet is a combination of the Latin ‘ interior ’ (‘inside’) and ‘ spina ’ (‘spine’) and refers to the spine within the lower margin of tergite 6. Material examined Holotype ISRAEL • ♂; Western Negev, Nahal Lavan; 30°58ʹ N, 34°24ʹ E; 24 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; shrubs on sand; OUMNH DIPTO801. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 1.1 mm. Wing length 1.2 mm. Male, holotype HEAD (Fig. 46B). Yellow, ocelli partly ringed with black; gena about half height of eye at middle and with scattered pale yellowish white setulae; a pair of vibrissal setae on each side; frons narrow at anterior margin about 0.5 × as wide as at level of anterior ocellus; ocellar setae about as long as anterior fronto-orbital, 2 well-developed fronto-orbital setae and 2 very short and inconspicuous setulae anterior to these; about 12 setae on frons and a longer pair in front of the anterior ocellus; 1 inner and 1 outer vertical well-developed; paravertical setae short and convergent, postocular setae strong and in one row; face short, poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina distinct, sharp and low, reaching clypeus; antenna yellow, pedicel paler than basal flagellomere and with distinct short dark seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with fine pubescence along anterior margin a little longer than diameter of base of arista; arista all brown and minutely pilose. THORAX (Fig. 46). Mostly yellow; scutum with brown longitudinal vittae separated by narrow yellow lines and covered with dense yellowish microtomentum; scutellum yellow and pleura yellow; mediotergite brown; chaetotaxy: 1 postpronotal with fine short seta adjacent, 1 presutural with a short fine seta close and anterior to it, 1 incurved intra-postpronotal, 2 notopleurals, the anterior quite strong; 1+4 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 2+6 dorsocentrals with only posterior seta well-developed, 0+4 acrostichals, no prescutellars, 4 scutellars, anepisternal seta short and inconspicuous short, 1 very strong katepisternal at upper posterior corner and a short fine seta far anterior to it. WING. Veins all pale; distance on costa between R 2+3 and R 4+5 about 0.4 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between crossveins about 1.4 × as long as posterior crossvein, which is about 0.4 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere pale yellow. LEGS. Numerous pale-yellow scattered setulae, with longer posterior setulae on fore femur; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black and pulvilli normal; tarsi yellow; hind trochanter not modified. ABDOMEN. Basal tergites brown dorsally, becoming much narrower laterally; tergites 4–6 mostly yellow; tergite 6, laterally on its ventral margin with 3 close set long white setae (Fig. 47A) and on medial aspect of ventral margin (inner surface), bearing a small black spine (Fig. 47B); tergites with relatively few fine pale setulae. HYPOPYGIUM (Fig. 47). Not dissected as the holotype is the only specimen and it exhibits enough diagnostic features externally; epandrium small, round and shining black, bearing a narrow black and curved surstylus that is bluntly truncated apically; pregonite pale and with apical setulae; postgonite broad-based, shining black, curved and pointed; aedeagus not visible; cercus pale yellow, fused with the opposite side and setulose but without any exceptionally long setae. Female Unknown. Distribution Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 83-87, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi."]}

Key to species of Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 for Easter Mediterranean and Middle East 1. Scutum with well-developed presutural dorsocentral setae (not much shorter than hindmost seta); number of strong dorsocentral setae not more than 5, usually 1+3 or 2+3; prescutellar acrostichal setae usually present and almost always distinctly larger than other acrostichals............................ 2 – Scutum without well-developed presutural dorsocentral setae, these always very much shorter than hindmost seta; acrostichal setae rarely extend as far back as hindmost dorsocentral or posterior to it......................................................................................................................................................... 14 2. No presutural intra-alar seta or setula present and usually 1+3 dorsocentral setae present............. 3 – A long or short presutural intra-alar seta and usually 2+3 dorsocentral setae.................................. 5 3. Presutural dorsocentral seta as long as distance between its base and that of the seta on the opposite side; male tarsomeres yellow and tergite 5 2–3 × as long as tergite 4 (Fig. 77B–C); male hind trochanter without any special development; female 5 th tarsomere black and apical abdominal tergites with long, dense setulae............................................................... A. setigerum Collin, 1949 – Presutural dorsocentral seta about as long as ⅔ distance between its base and that of the seta on the opposite side; 5 th tarsomeres black in both sexes; male 5 th tergite narrow at middle dorsally, and laterally about 1.5–2.0 × as long as 4 th tergite; posterior female abdominal segments not exceptionally long setose........................................................................................................................................ 4 4. Male hind trochanter with short narrow projection (Fig. 5A); female tarsomeres 3–4 brown..................................................................................................................................... A. aegyptium sp. nov. – Male without special development on hind trochanter (Fig.84A); female tarsomeres 3 and 4 yellow............................................................................................................... A. verecundum Ebejer, 1998 5. Males................................................................................................................................................. 6 – Females........................................................................................................................................... 12 6. Hind trochanter normal, without distinctive projection.................................................................... 7 – Hind trochanter with distinctive projection (sometimes difficult to see) (Figs 17B, 40B, 72D)................................................................................................................................................................... 8 7. Dorsally at middle, tergite 6 twice as long as tergite 5 (Fig. 26B); ventro-lateral margin of tergite 5 with minute black denticles (Fig. 25B–C); cerci of normal shape; 4 th and 5 th tarsomeres yellow........................................................................................................................... A. denticulosum sp. nov. – Tergite 6 not longer than tergite 5; tergite 5 without denticles on ventro-lateral margin; cerci markedly elongated (Fig. 62B); 4 th –5 th tarsomeres black (Fig 62A)................................ A. miricercus sp. nov. 8. Hind trochanter with narrow projection shorter than diameter of femur and hind femur without tubercle or process (Fig. 40B); tergites 4–5 more or less equal in length........................................ 9 – Hind trochanter with longer or different shaped projection and hind femur with tubercle or process at extreme base (Figs 17B, 72D); male tergite 5 various................................................................ 10 9. Hind trochanter with conspicuous but narrow projection slightly curved at tip, apex sometimes slightly darkened; all tarsomeres yellow (Ebejer 2021a: 6, fig. 11).... A. hackmani Lyneborg, 1973 – Hind trochanter with short and inconspicuous projection (Fig. 40B); at least 5 th tarsomeres of all legs black.............................................................................................................. A. harteni Ebejer, 1996 10. Hind trochanter with long narrow, truncate projection; femur with broad quadrate flange at extreme base (Fig. 72D); 5 th tarsomeres black.............................................................. A. praeditum sp. nov. – Hind trochanter of distinctly different shape; base of femur with small tubercle; 5 th tarsomeres various..............................................................................................................................................11 11. Hind trochanter with broad semilunate crest without marginal denticles (Fig. 17B); 5 th tarsomeres of all legs yellow.................................................................................................... A. cristatum sp. nov. – Hind trochanter with very large spatulate projection about half as long as femur and on all around postero-medial margin with numerous minute black denticles (Ebejer 2021a: 9, fig.14); 5 th tarsomeres of all legs black........................................................................................... A. pteropus Ebejer, 2021 12. Tarsomeres of all legs yellow..................................................................... A. denticulosum sp. nov. A. hackmani Lyneborg, 1973 (A. cristatum sp. nov., unknown but probably keys out here) – At least 5 th tarsomere of all legs black............................................................................................. 13 13. Tarsomeres 4 and 5 of all legs black................................................................ A. miricercus sp. nov. – Only tarsomere 5 of all legs black; occasionally the 4 th a little brownish.... A. harteni Ebejer, 1996 A. praeditum sp. nov...................................................................................................................... A. pteropus Ebejer, 2021 14. Scutum shiny black with minimal fine pollinosity and contrasting with cream-white scutellum, sometimes with a few scattered setulae between the acrostichal and the dorsocentral rows of setae (Fig. 53B)............................................................................................................. A. lucidum sp. nov. – Scutum always significantly microtomentose, if black, then not particularly shining and scutellum never cream-white, even in pale yellow species; acrostichals always in two rows........................ 15 15. Gena prognathous; mouthparts elongated with geniculate labellum (Fig. 51B)........................................................................................................................................................ A. longilingua sp. nov. – Gena not prognathous; mouthparts short and labellum not geniculate (Fig. 82A)......................... 16 16. Species predominantly yellow coloured with or without brownish or deeper yellow scutal vittae; scutellum always yellow and of the same tint as the scutum; occiput and pleura mainly or entirely yellow (Figs 57, 85B)..................................................................................................................... 17 – Species predominantly dark grey or brown coloured (Fig. 12B) or at least appearing variegated (Fig. 22B); scutal vittae when present usually black or grey, though often appearing paler because of microtomentum and often partly confluent anteriorly; occiput and pleura extensively darkened............................................................................................................................................................... 27 17. Smaller (0.7–1.2 mm) pale yellow species with mostly yellow tergites; 3–5 short and weak fronto-orbital setae; 2+5 dorsocentral setae or less................................................................................... 18 – Larger (1.0– 1.8 mm) orange yellow to greyish yellow species with abdominal tergites mostly brown; 2 strong posterior fronto-orbital setae with 2–3 short setulae anterior to them; 3+8 dorsocentral setae (at least 2+7)................................................................................................................................... 25 18. Mediotergite black or dark brown; scutum sometimes with dark vittae; some abdominal tergites with brown bands.................................................................................................................................... 19 – Mediotergite yellow, if appearing dark due to post-mortem change, then scutal vittae at most pale brown, often indistinct, and abdomen with mostly yellow tergites................................................ 22 19. Head distinctly higher than long; frons with pair of distinctly longer setae at middle in front of anterior ocellus; viewed from the side, at middle, height of gena about the same as eye height; scutum with dark grey vittae; brown bands on abdominal tergites much reduced, never reaching hind margin or sides of tergites.......................................................................... A. egregium Ebejer, 1998 – Head distinctly longer than high; frons with or without longer setae at middle; height of gena about half eye height; scutal vittae pale brown (sometimes dark in A. incudisternum and A. platystylum); abdomen all yellow or when with brown bands, these reach sides and or posterior margin on at least some tergites................................................................................................................................... 20 20. Frons with pair of longer setae in front of anterior ocellus (as in Fig. 10); scutal vittae pale brown; abdomen with most tergites having brown bands........................................................................... 21 – Frons without pair of longer setae in front of anterior ocellus; scutal vittae, if present, only of deeper yellow colour; tergites all yellow.......................................................... A. perpallidum Ebejer, 2008 21. Abdominal tergites with pale brown bands on anterior half, scutal vittae pale brown and indistinct at middle, male hypopygium (Fig. 41C) with some structures dark........... A. impeditum Ebejer, 2008 – Abdomen with broad dark brown bands, scutal vittae brown and distinct, male hypopygium pale yellow, only aedeagus may be brown (Fig. 45)................................ A. incudisternum Ebejer, 2008 22. Head longer than high; eye about 3 × as long as high; 2 strong posterior fronto-orbital setae; a strong, long pair of setae in front of the anterior ocellus placed forward to the middle of the frons; pale brown lateral scutal vittae appear to continue on to the lateral border of the scutellum, male with black aedeagus (Fig. 35B–C)............................................................................ A. freidbergi sp. nov. – Head equal to height or longer; but eye length not more than twice height; setae when present are placed in middle of frons and not significantly long or strong; scutal vittae only of a deeper yellow hue; scutellum entirely yellow; aedeagus yellow or brownish....................................................... 23 23. Male hypopygium viewed obliquely from behind or laterally with very pale, long, and posteriorly curved postgonites clearly visible (Fig. 19C)................................................. A. curvistylus sp. nov. – Male hypopygium without such distinctive curved postgonites..................................................... 24 24. Head distinctly longer than high; eye about 2 × as long as high; hypopygium viewed laterally, with long straight surstylus clearly visible; epandrium easily visible, distinctly shining bright yellow and broad relative to tergite 6 (Fig. 33).................................................................... A. flavipyga sp. nov. – Head as long as high or very slightly longer; hypopygium viewed laterally, with short, broad-based, antero-ventrally curved surstylus clearly visible, epandrium mostly hidden by tergite 6 and with no distinctive features (Fig. 58)................................................................................ A. meltseri sp. nov. 25. Viewed dorsally at middle, tergite 5 about 2 × as long as tergite 4 and about 4 × as long as tergite 6; tergite 5 laterally with very long narrow lobe (Fig. 87A)...................................... A. yaromi sp. nov. – Viewed dorsally at middle, tergite 5 about as long as tergite 4 and no more than twice as long as tergite 6; tergite 5 laterally without modification........................................................................... 26 26. Hypopygium mainly yellow; pregonite large, pale and curved; postgonite black and long, longer than cerci, easily visible without dissection; medial surface of ventral margin of tergite 6 without spine (Ebejer 1998: 207, fig. 25)............................................................. A. falciferum Ebejer, 1998 – Hypopygium mainly black; pregonite small and not visible without dissection; postgonite black and shorter than cerci; tergite 6 with distinct black spine on medial surface of ventral margin (Fig. 47).......................................................................................................... A. interispina sp. nov. 27. Occiput, scutum, scutellum and pleura black or dark grey, at most postpronotal lobe, some sutures of pleura and apical margin of scutellum yellow (similar to Fig. 70A).......................................... 28 – Species of a more mixed colour pattern (similar to Fig. 79B); scutal vittae almost always discernible; pleura, when with dark markings on sclerites, these are broadly bordered in yellow; scutellum yellow, only rarely almost as dark as area of scutum anterior to it............................................................. 40 28. Femora and tibiae brown for much of their length, dull brownish black species with short fronto-orbital setae..................................................................................................................................... 29 – Femora and tibiae all yellow throughout their length; 2 posterior fronto-orbital setae usually stronger than others anterior to them............................................................................................................ 30 29. Palpus brown; basal flagellomere dark brown in both sexes.................... A. brunnipes Ebejer, 1996 – Palpus yellow; basal flagellomere dark brown in female and yellow in male.............................................................................................................................................................. A. captiosum sp. nov. 30. Pleura mostly yellow; scutum usually all grey but sometimes vittate posterior to the transverse suture...................................................................................................... A. dhofaricum Ebejer, 1996 – Most of pleura black, leaving only narrow yellow margins to some sclerites; scutum uniformly dark without distinct vittae..................................................................................................................... 31 31. Males............................................................................................................................................... 32 – Females........................................................................................................................................... 38 32. Scutum and scutellum completely dark greyish brown to black; pleural sclerites yellow only on sutures; abdominal tergites only very narrowly yellow on hind margins....................................... 33 – Scutum often a little paler posteriorly with a hint of vittae or pale spot appearing near posterior callus; scutellum paler greyish brown and sometimes with yellow apical margin; pleural sclerites and abdominal tergites more broadly and variably yellow on sutures and margins....................... 36 33. Tergite 5 dorsally at middle, a little longer than tergite 4.............................. A. nigrum Ebejer 1998 – Tergite 5 dorsally at middle, a little shorter than tergite 4.............................................................. 34 34. Postgonite narrow in approximately its apical half and blunt at apex; pregenital sternite with heavily sclerotized midline appearing as a long spine directed caudally (Ebejer 1998: 225, figs 74–75)....................................................................................................................... A. spiniventre Ebejer, 1998 – Postgonite broader and proportionately larger with slightly sinuous and pointed apex................. 35 35. Each lobe of the bilobed distiphallus broad, about twice as long as high (Ebejer 1998: 205, fig. 22); sternite 5 weakly and uniformly sclerotized throughout, transversely more or less rectangular in shape (Fig. 16C)......................................................................................... A. creperum Collin, 1949 – Each lobe of the bilobed distiphallus narrow in distal half, about 3 × as long as high; sternite 5 membranous over middle third and leaving weakly sclerotized more or less rectangular parts on lateral third on each side (Ebejer 1998: 214, fig. 42).............................. A. nigricauda Ebejer, 1998 36. Lower lateral margin of tergite 6 with a broad almost rectangular lobe directed ventrally; surstylus broad basally and markedly twisted apically (Ebejer 1998: 213, fig. 39)........................................................................................................................................................ A. necopinatum Ebejer, 1998 – Lower lateral margin of tergite 6 with a narrow lobe directed ventro-medially; surstylus of different shape............................................................................................................................................... 37 37. Surstylus and postgonite dark sclerotized; pregenital sternite more or less transverse rectangular with lateral margins only slightly curved; apex of basiphallus/ epiphallus dark, blunt and often a little notched dorsally (Ebejer 1998: 204, figs 16–17)............................... A. claridgei Ebejer, 1995 – Surstylus and postgonite pale; pregenital stern, Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 6-13, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Becker T. 1903. Aegyptische Dipteren (Fortsetzung und Schluss). Mitteilungen aus dem zoologischen Museum in Berlin 2: 67 - 195.","Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017","Lyneborg L. 1973. On some Chyromyidae from Southern Spain, with description of three new species of Aphaniosoma (Insecta, Diptera). Steenstrupia 3: 51 - 56.","Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi.","Ebejer M. J. 1995. Some records of Aphaniosoma (Dipt. Chyromyidae) from Greece with descriptions of four new species. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 131: 199 - 205.","Carles-Tolra M. 2001. Eight new chyromid species from Spain (Diptera, Chyromyidae). Boletin de la Asociacion espanola de Entomologia 25 (3 - 4): 45 - 62.","Ebejer M. J. 1993. The Chyromyidae of Malta with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma (Dipt., Schizophora). Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 129: 125 - 133.","Ebejer M. J. 2009. A revision of Afrotropical Chyromyidae (excluding Gymnochiromyia Hendel) (Diptera: Schizophora), with the recognition of two subfamilies and the description of new genera. African Invertebrates 50 (2): 321 - 434. https: // doi. org / 10.5733 / afin. 050.0208"]}

Aphaniosoma fissum Collin, 1949 Fig. 31 Material examined Lectotype (here designated) EGYPT • ♂, head and all legs missing; Fayoum, Lake Karun; 2–23 Sep. 1945; R.L. Coe leg.; NHMUK, B.M. 1946–39, bar code 013435850. Paralectotypes EGYPT • 3 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀, one ♂ and all ♀♀ headless; same collection data as for lectotype; NHMUK, bar codes 013435851–56 • 1 ♂; Siwa Oasis; 24 Apr. 1935; J. Omer-Cooper leg., Armstrong College Expedition; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435857. Other material EGYPT • 1 ♂, 5 ♀♀; Cairo, 20 km S; 29.52° N, 31.17° E; 31 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; semi desert; CULSP • 3 ♂♂; Cairo, 20 km S; 29.52° N, 31.15° E; 31 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; riverbank; CULSP • 2 ♂♂; Cairo, El-Marg; 30.16° N, 31.23° E; 29 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; margin of field; CULSP • 1 ♂; Tanta, 12 km SE; 30.41° N, 31.02° E; 27–28 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; orchard; CULSP • 4 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; Cairo, Golo Island, along Nile river; 29.58° N, 31.15° E; 21 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; CULSP • 1 ♀; Kafr Elsheikh; 30.48° N, 31.14° E; 28 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; garden vegetation; CULSP • 3 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; Alexandria, Abu Kir; 20 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; beach, wrack; PG • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; MJE • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Alexandria, Ras Rashid; 21 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; beach; PG • 1 ♂, 5 ♀♀; Sinai, Taba, 10 km S; 1 May 1996; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; Sinai, Ras Umm; 1 May 1996; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 10 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Sinai, El Ma‘ agan; 1 May 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU. ISRAEL • 4 ♀♀; Elot; 18 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 1 ♀; Iddan spring; 19 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 2 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; ‘ En Gedi / N. Arugot; 31 May 2000; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 1 ♂; ‘ En Mor; 11 Oct. 1994; F. Kaplan and A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Elot; 18 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Elot; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ En Gedi, 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Zomet Zohar; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; ‘ Iddan; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ En ‘Iddan; 20 Jun. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 4 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; Qalya; 28 Sep. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 7 ♂♂; Qalya; 2 Jan. 1997; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; Ne’ot Semadar; 21 Jun. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 11 Oct. 1994; F. Kaplan and A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 6 ♂♂, 13 ♀♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 30 Mar. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Sappir pond; 9 Jul. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♂♂; Ne’ot Semadar; 13 Oct. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 22 Apr. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; Ma‘ agan, Mikha‘el; 30 May 2000; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix tetragyna; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nahal, Neqarot; 3 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 9 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; Dead Sea, ‘ Enot Zuqim; 31°43ʹN, 35°27ʹE; alt. - 400 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE • 10 ♂♂, 15 ♀♀; N. Arava valley; 30°46ʹ N, 35°14ʹ E; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix and chenopods; MJE • 3 ♂♂, preserved in alcohol; same collection data as for preceding • 1 ♀; Dead Sea, Zomet Zohar; 31°08ʹ N, 35°21ʹ E; alt. - 338 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE • 1 ♀; Western Negev, Ezuz; 30°46ʹ N, 34°29ʹ E; 24 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on grazed grass and dung; MJE. SAUDI ARABIA • 1 ♂, preserved in glycerine tube; Aseer, Maraba; 1–30 May 2004, H.A. Dawah leg.; Malaise trap; MJE • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Najran, Hay Alshurfa; 17°31ʹ N, 44°15ʹ E; 7–28 May 2014; H.A. Dawah leg.; Malaise trap; NMWC • 9 ♂♂, 23 ♀♀, preserved in alcohol; Jazan, Farasan Island, Aziz Yousef village; 16°40ʹN, 42°50ʹE; 6 Mar. 2017, H.A. Dawah leg.; Malaise trap; NMWC. YEMEN • 3 ♂♂; Ta‘ Izz; Aug. 1999; A. van Harten and A. Awad leg.; light trap; NMWC • 2 ♂♂; Mukalla; Jun. 2003; A. van Harten and M. Hubaishan leg.; light trap; MJE. Remarks Aphaniosoma fissum appears to have a primarily Afrotropical distribution reaching the Middle East and North Africa. Although both sexes are very variable in their general body colour and size, it is the only species known so far that has only two pairs of short, fine, white setulae in front of the anterior ocellus, one pair anterior to the other (Fig. 31A) and no other setae on the frons; these setulae are sometimes long, but never as long as is usual of the single dark pair typical of A. approximatum and A. creperum Collin, 1949, which are always darker and accompanied by several other short setulae scattered on the frons. The appearance of the male hypopygium, when visible in situ, is characteristic (Fig. 31B–C). Pont (1995: 72) listed 5 males and 4 females as syntypes. Among the syntypes is a female specimen that has several setulae scattered on the frons and so it belongs to another species. This specimen is not included in the paralectotype series. The wide distribution and variablity of this species raise the possibility of a species complex where minor morphological differences may yet be found to define them. There may also be cryptic species. For these reasons, a lectotype to secure the concept of A. fissum is necessary. The specimen, which best matches the figure given by Collin, is here designated lectotype in spite of it being headless, but it is otherwise in good condition. Distribution Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Oman, South Africa, United Arab Emirates (Collin 1949; Ebejer 1996, 2008, 2009; Baba Aissa 2017). New records for Israel and Yemen., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 62-65, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Pont A. C. 1995. The Type-Material of Diptera (Insecta) described by G. H. Verrall and J. E. Collin. Clarendon Press, Oxford.","Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi.","Ebejer M. J. 2009. A revision of Afrotropical Chyromyidae (excluding Gymnochiromyia Hendel) (Diptera: Schizophora), with the recognition of two subfamilies and the description of new genera. African Invertebrates 50 (2): 321 - 434. https: // doi. org / 10.5733 / afin. 050.0208"]}

Aphaniosoma denticulosum sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: D795AC1F-1487-41A3-8C01-8194514D4A1B Figs 25–26 Diagnosis A yellow species with well-develped scutal setae (Fig. 25A). Scutum, anteriorly with confluent pale brownish yellow vittae, and abdomen with transverse brown bands on basal tergites; a pair of long frontal setulae in front of ocellar triangle; male tergite 5 strongly enlarged, appearing inflated and with distinct black spinules along ventral margins (Fig. 25B–C). There is an undescribed species from the western Mediterranean known to the author that has similar modifications to tergite 5, but it differs in other details of the hypopygium. Etymology The species epithet refers to the row of minute tubercles bearing spinules along the inferior margin of the sixth tergite of the male. Material examined Holotype EGYPT • ♂; Kafr Elsheikh; 30.48° N, 31.14° E; 28 Mar. 1996; M. Barták leg.; garden vegetation; CULSP. Paratype EGYPT • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; CULSP. ISRAEL • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 12 Apr. 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix negevensis; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, one with Stigmatomyces; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 3 Mar. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Nahal Zin; 6 Apr. 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Friedberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; ‘ En Zin; 12 Apr. 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix negevensis; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Western Negev, Nahal Lavan; 30°58ʹ N, 34°24ʹ E; 24 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; shrubs on sand; MJE. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 1.5 mm, female 1.6 mm. Wing length: male 1.6 mm, female 1.7 mm. Male (holotype) HEAD. Yellow except for black-ringed ocelli; almost twice as broad as long; frons strongly narrowed anteriorly: at level of antennae 0.5 × as wide as at level of anterior ocellus; gena narrow in front, deeper behind, about equal to height of eye below middle of eye, with numerous yellow setulae; occiput in profile barely visible behind eye, with postocular setulae in one irregular row; 2 vibrissal setulae moderately developed, with longest about equal to fronto-orbital seta; face short, poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina not developed; antenna yellow, pedicel paler than basal flagellomere and with distinct short seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with fine but distinct pubescence along anterior margin, longer than diameter of basal segment of arista; basal segment of arista yellow, the rest brown, with fine pubescence; chaetotaxy: 2 strong fronto-orbitals, with 3 short setulae in front; paraverticals short and crossed; 1 inner and 1 outer vertical, both strong; ocellars long; about 12 short setulae across middle of frons with another pair much longer than these situated in front of ocellar triangle. THORAX. Yellow; scutum with indistinct pale brownish yellow vittae that are confluent anteriorly, only separating well behind transverse suture; vitta along intra-alar line more distinct, darker brown and almost joining lateral dark brown spot on margin of scutellum; mediotergite dark brown; pleura yellow, darker yellow on middle of most pleural sclerites; chaetotaxy: 1 postpronotal, 1 incurved intra-postpronotal, 1 very long presutural, 2 notopleurals, 1+3 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 1+3 dorsocentrals, presutural longer than first postsutural, 5 acrostichals including prescutellars, 4 scutellars, 1 anepisternal with 2 setulae below it, 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner with 4 setulae vertically down middle of sclerite. WING. Veins all pale yellow; distance on costa between R 2+3 and R 4+5 about 0.5 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between crossveins about 1.2 × as long as posterior crossvein, which lies oblique and is about 0.4 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere pale yellow. LEGS. Not modified except for slightly thicker femora; numerous pale setulae scattered on all legs, with longer setulae on fore femur; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black in apical half and pulvilli normal; tarsomere 5 of all legs pale brown; hind trochanter not modified. ABDOMEN. Tergites yellow with pale brown transverse bands dorsally; tergite 5 strongly enlarged laterally, appearing inflated and bearing a row of black spinules on minute tubercles along the irregular ventral margins (Figs 25B–C, 26B); tergites with relatively few fine pale setulae, especially along posterior margins; sternite 6 divided into two sclerites each with a long, posteroventrally curved, narrow process and with a ventro-medial lobe anteriorly having a few short spinose setae (Fig. 26). HYPOPYGIUM. (Figs 25B–C, 26A). Epandrium small and pale, bearing large surstylus; cercus small and pale; hypandrium bearing a setulose pregonite posteriorly; phallapodeme triangular; postgonites short and brown; distiphallus pale, mostly membranous. Female Similar to male except for secondary sexual characters. Variation The scutal vittae vary from pale brown to yellow, almost concolourous with the the rest of the scutum. The prescutellar acrostichal setae are sometimes absent (three male paratypes) or placed slightly anterior to the level of the hindmost dorsocentral seta. Distribution Egypt, Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 54-57, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303

Aphaniosoma oculicauda Collin, 1949 Fig. 68 Material examined Syntypes EGYPT • 40 ♂♂, 14 ♀♀ (7 females headless); Fayoum, Lake Karun; 2–23 Sep. 1945; R.L. Coe leg.; NHMUK, B.M. 1946–39, bar code 013933290–343. Other material EGYPT • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Alexandria, Abu Kir; 20 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; beach, wrack; PG • 2 ♂♂, preserved in alcohol; Alexandria, Ras Rashid; 21 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; beach; MJE. ISRAEL • 1 ♀; Elot; 18 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; ‘ Iddan; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 9 ♂♂, 9 ♀♀; Qalya; 28 Sep. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Dead Sea, Nahal Qidron; 7 Jun. 1996; B. Merz and A. Freidberg leg.; MHNG • 1 ♂; Jericho, route 90; 31°48ʹ N, 35°29ʹ E; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on roadside vegetation; MJE. Remarks Pont (1995: 122) listed 40 male and 18 female syntypes. This species is one of a few where the male hypopygium, when visible in situ, can be highly distinctive even without dissection (Fig. 68B–C). On examining the specimens listed by Pont as syntypes, many males are in good condition and provide easy recognition of the species intended by Collin (33 males bar code 013933290–322 are in good condition; 013933323-329 are headless). Some other specimens are not identifiable, being in very poor condition. Among them (specimen with bar code 013933330), probably a male, is represented only by fragments of the hypopygium in Euparal and 6 specimens are of indeterminate sex, being in such poor condition. The rest of the specimens were not found. As a result, in the present study 40 males and 14 females are recognized as syntypes. Distribution Cyprus, Egypt, Oman (Collin 1949; Ebejer 1996, 2021a). New record for Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 119-121, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Pont A. C. 1995. The Type-Material of Diptera (Insecta) described by G. H. Verrall and J. E. Collin. Clarendon Press, Oxford.","Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017"]}

Aphaniosoma praeditum sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: D13D537C-3D4D-4920-942D-02230AAC3907 Figs 72–73 Diagnosis A yellow species with longitudinal scutal vittae and 5 th tarsomeres black in both sexes (Fig. 72A); strong presutural, prealar and dorsocentral setae. Male with elongate surstylus only slightly curved at its short setulose apex and easily visible without dissection; it has a highly modified hind femur and hind trochanter. Similar species: A. pteropus Ebejer, 2021, from Cyprus and A. cristatum sp. nov. have a strongly modified hind trochanter and a small tubercle on the hind femur, but quite unlike those in A. praeditum sp. nov., where the femur has a quadrate projection and the hind trochanter has a long and narrow process. Etymology The species epithet is derived from the Latin ‘ praeditus ’ meaning ‘endowed’ and refers to the characteristic modification of the hind leg in the male. Material examined Holotype ISRAEL • ♂; ‘ En Mor; 16 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG-ENTO-00097309. Paratypes ISRAEL • 3 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; same collection data as for holotype; MHNG • 1 ♂; ‘ En Gedi; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Dead Sea, ‘ Enot Zuqim; 31°43ʹ N, 35°27ʹ E; alt. - 400 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 1.5 mm, female 1.5 mm. Wing length: male 1.6 mm, female 1.6 mm. Male (holotype) HEAD. Yellow except for black ringed ocelli and two large dark patches on occiput separated by broad yellow vitta from vertex to neck; head almost spherical; frons narrowed anteriorly: at level of antennae about 0.6 × as wide as at level of anterior ocellus; gena: narrow in front, deeper behind, in profile, below middle of eye, about half height of eye, with numerous pale setulae; occiput in profile barely visible behind eye above, with long postocular setulae in one row; 2 long pale vibrissal setulae; face short, poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina not visible; antenna yellow, pedicel paler than basal flagellomere and with distinct short dark seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with fine pubescence along anterior margin, shorter than diameter of first segment of arista; first segment of arista yellow, second black, with fine pubescence; chaetotaxy: 2 strong fronto-orbitals with three very short setulae interior to them, paraverticals short and convergent; 1 inner and 1 outer vertical, both strong; ocellars as long as posterior fronto-orbital; about 14 short dark setulae across middle of frons all more or less of uniform size. THORAX. Yellow; scutum covered with dense pale microtomentum, with broad black longitudinal vittae leaving only very narrow yellow lines between them; scutellum yellow; mediotergite dark brown; pleura yellow with black on middle of katepisternum and meron; chaetotaxy: 1 postpronotal, 1 incurved intra-postpronotal, 1 long presutural, 2 notopleurals, 1+2 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 1+3 dorsocentrals, 0+5 acrostichals with prescutellars, 4 scutellars, 1 anepisternal with 2 shorter and thinner setae below it, 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner with 2 short thin setae anterior. WING. Veins yellowish brown; distance on costa between R 2+3 and R about 0.4 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between crossveins about 1.3 × as long as posterior crossvein, which is about 0.4 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere pale yellow. 4+5 LEGS. Fore femur with long setulae on posterior aspect and middle femur with setulae along anteroventral aspect not much shorter than diameter of femur; numerous pale setulae scattered on legs; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black and pulvilli normal; 5 th tarsomere of all legs black; hind trochanter (Fig. 72D) modified with long narrow process, obliquely truncate at tip where it is covered with several very fine setulae; hind femur at junction with trochanter bearing a quadrate process. ABDOMEN. Tergites brown dorsally over basal ⅔; tergite 5 narrow dorsally and broader than tergite 4 laterally; tergites with fine pale setulae; sternites 5 and 6 highly modified, each with long posterior lobes directed antero-ventrally in sternite 5 and postero-ventrally in sternite 6; those of sternite 6 bearing distinct black spinose setae (Fig. 73). HYPOPYGIUM (Figs 72B–C, 73A). Epandrium narrow; surstylus long, pale, only slightly curved at tip and on posterior aspect with a few very short fine setulae; hypandrium with narrow lateral arms ending at lower margin of epandrium; pregonite not identified; postgonite narrow and about as long as surstylus, but lying very close to aedeagus; epiphallus shorter; distiphallus pale, mostly membranous and appears irregularly cylindrical; cercus large, fused with the opposite side and pale with apical pair of long setae. Female As in male, but without secondary sexual characters. Variation No significant variation noted in this series of specimens. Distribution Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 125-129, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi."]}

Aphaniosoma egregium Ebejer, 1998 Fig. 29 Material examined ISRAEL • 19 ♂♂, 17 ♀♀; Mikhmoret; 21 Sep. 1994; F. Kaplan and A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 10 ♂♂, 7 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; Hofit leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nizzanim; 23 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 30 ♂♂, 8 ♀♀; ‘ Atlit; 28 Apr. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU. Remarks This small-bodied species is robust and relatively short winged. The head is proportionately large and broad compared to that of most congeners. The scutum (Fig. 29C) has black vittae appearing grey being obscured by yellow microtomentum. Many specimens have brown transverse bands only on the middle tergites. The large male hypopygium with distinctive yellow surstyli contrasting with the black shiny phallic complex is characteristic (Fig. 25B). Distribution Cyprus, Italy (including Sicily), Tunisia (Ebejer 1998, 2005, 2021a). New record for Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 60-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 2005. A contribution to the knowledge of the Chyromyidae (Diptera) of Italy with a description of a new species of Aphaniosoma Becker. Revue Suisse de Zoologie 112 (4): 859 - 867.","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017"]}

Aphaniosoma gallagheri Ebejer, 1996 Fig. 37 Material examined BAHRAIN • 1 ♂; Ahari, pool area; 4 Jun. 2000; C. Turner leg.; irrigated farms and ditches; NMWC. EGYPT • 8 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Alexandria, Abu Kir; 20 Oct. 2003; P. Gatt leg.; beach, wrack; PG • 6 ♂♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; MJE • 3 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; CULSP • 7 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀, preserved in alcohol; same collection data as for preceding; MJE • 1 ♂; Sinai, Taba; 1 May 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU. ISRAEL • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 11 Oct. 1994; F. Kaplan and A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 10 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; ‘ En Yahav; 24 Jul. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 5 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; ‘ En Gedi; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 6 ♂♂; Ne’ot haKikkar; 29 Mar. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; ‘ En ‘Iddan; 20 Jun. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 5 ♂♂, 1 ♀; ‘ Iddan; 20 Jun. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 7 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Sappir pond; 9 Jul. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 25 Aug. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Elot; 18 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 7 Jun. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Dead Sea, ‘ Enot Zuqim; 31°43ʹ N, 35°27ʹ E; alt. - 400 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE • 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Dead Sea, Zomet Zohar; 31°08ʹ N, 35°21ʹ E; alt. - 338 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE. JORDAN • 1 ♂; NW Amman, Zarka River; 12 Oct. 2000; W. Rossi leg.; NMWC • 4 ♂♂, 1 ♀; preserved in alcohol; Azraq Reserve; 8 Oct. 2000; W. Rossi leg.; NMWC • 5 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; preserved in alchohol; Azraq, Wildlife Resort; 31°49ʹ97ʹʹ N, 36°49ʹ27ʹʹ E; 20 Oct. 2011; J.-H. Stuke leg.; 1584; J-HS. QATAR • 7 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; Al Khor, nr Al-Khor community; 25°42ʹ21.95ʹʹ N, 51°33ʹ17.84ʹʹ E; 25 Apr. 2014; D. Whitmore leg.; BMNH(E) 2015-94; NHMUK. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • 1 ♂; Al-Ajban; 1–10 Oct. 2005; A. van Harten leg.; NMWC • 2 ♂♂; Al-Ajban; 9–16 Nov. 2005; A. van Harten leg.; MJE • 1 ♂; Sharja Desert Park; 6–13 Dec. 2006; A. van Harten leg.; pitfall trap; NMWC • 4 ♂♂; Wadi Shawkah; 31 Oct.–27 Nov. 2006; A. van Harten leg.; water trap; NMWC. Remarks This species belongs to the approximatum group. The ground colour of the scutum is dark grey anteriorly but appears pale grey because of the dense pale microtomentum; setae and setulae are predominantly white (Fig. 37). The male has a large U-shaped pregenital sternite (Ebejer 1996: 293, fig. 11; 2009: 401, fig. 46a–b) that allows for easy identification when the abdomen is dissected, although occasionally it is also visible without dissection if the abdomen is not shrunken and flexed. The long ventrally projecting lobes on each side at the caudal end of the sternite may also be visible. Distribution Cape Verde Islands, Oman, The Gambia (Ebejer 1996, 2009). New records for Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 73, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2009. A revision of Afrotropical Chyromyidae (excluding Gymnochiromyia Hendel) (Diptera: Schizophora), with the recognition of two subfamilies and the description of new genera. African Invertebrates 50 (2): 321 - 434. https: // doi. org / 10.5733 / afin. 050.0208"]}

Aphaniosoma claridgei Ebejer, 1998 Remarks A species widespread in coastal localities around the Mediterranean that is difficult to identify without examination of the male hypopygium as there are several species almost identical to it in the same geographical area that are often collected with it. Some comparative details are given under A. approximatum above. A photograph of the habitus is given in Ebejer (2021a). Distribution Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), Malta, Morocco, Spain (Balearic Islands), Tunisia, Turkey (Ebejer 1995, 1998, 2005, 2016, 2021a; Ebejer & Deeming 1997)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 37, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017","Ebejer M. J. 1995. Some records of Aphaniosoma (Dipt. Chyromyidae) from Greece with descriptions of four new species. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 131: 199 - 205.","Ebejer M. J. 2005. A contribution to the knowledge of the Chyromyidae (Diptera) of Italy with a description of a new species of Aphaniosoma Becker. Revue Suisse de Zoologie 112 (4): 859 - 867.","Ebejer M. J. 2016. The Moroccan species of Chyromyidae (Diptera) with descriptions of five new species of Aphaniosoma Becker. Zootaxa 4208 (3): 221 - 236. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4208.3.2","Ebejer M. J. & Deeming J. C. 1997. Chyromyidae (Dipt., Schizophora) new to Spain with descriptions of the adult and puparium of a new species of Aphaniosoma. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 133: 157 - 160."]}

Aphaniosoma necopinatum Ebejer, 1998 Fig. 64–65 Material examined Paratype TURKEY • 1 ♂; Denizli, Aci Gol marsh; 4 Jul. 1997; M.J. Ebejer leg.; MJE. Remarks A black species with dark grey microtomentum (Fig. 64) that is known only from the type series. It is similar to several dark species but mostly to A. claridgei and A. creperum. In the male, it differs in the shape of the pregenital sternite (Ebejer 1998: 213, fig. 40) and in the hypopygium (Ebejer 1998: 213, fig 39) where the pregonite is pale, narrow and elongate, and the apex of the epiphallus is pointed. The species can sometimes be identified in the male if the hypopygium is sufficiently exposed (Fig. 65). Distribution Turkey (Ebejer 1998)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 114-116, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208"]}

Aphaniosoma captiosum sp. nov urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: D7BE057B-89DC-45C5-8875-8160239DE986 Figs 12–14 Diagnosis A very dark, almost black species with greyish microtomentum (Fig. 12A–B); basal flagellomere yellow in male and brown in female; femora and usually tibiae brown; 3 distinct but not strong fronto-orbital setae. Male with large shining black hypopygium and a thick set postgonite ending in a white seta-like tip. Females usually with dark transverse band across middle of frons and apical 2–3 tarsomeres also dark. Aphaniosoma brunnipes from Oman and the Moroccan A. nigripes Ebejer, 2016 are very similar to the new species externally and in the in situ appearance of the hypopygium, but differ in details of the hypopygium and the pregenital sternites (see note under A. brunnipes above). Etymology The species epithet is derived from the Latin ‘ captiosus ’ meaning ‘deceptive’, and refers to the great similarity of this species to A. brunnipes Ebejer, 1996 described from Oman. Material examined Holotype ISRAEL • ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU 405820. Paratypes ISRAEL • 7 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 25 Jul. 1995; I.Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 3 Mar. 1999; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix jordanis; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; 22 Apr. 1998; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; 12 Apr. 2000; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Nahal Neqarot; 17 Oct. 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ En Zin; 13 Nov. 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix negevensis; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 19 Oct. 1999; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nahal Zin; 5 May 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♂♂; Sappir pond; 9 Jul. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; 19 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 1 ♀; N. Arava valley; 30°46ʹ N, 35°14ʹ E; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix and chenopods; MJE • 3 ♂♂; Dead Sea, ‘ Enot Zuqim; 31°43ʹ N, 35°27ʹ E; alt. - 400 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE • 1 ♂; Dead Sea, Zomet Zohar; 31°08ʹ N, 35°21ʹ E; alt. - 338 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 1.2 mm, female 1.3 mm. Wing length: male 1.4 mm, female 1.5 mm. Male (holotype) HEAD. Yellow on frons and anterior part of gena, otherwise, ocellar triangle, occiput and posterior ⅓ of gena black; gena about ⅓ height of eye at middle and with scattered pale yellow setulae; 2 vibrissal setae on each side not much longer than other setae along buccal margin; frons narrow at anterior margin, about 0.7 × as wide as at level of anterior ocellus; ocellar setae weaker than posterior fronto-orbital, 3 distinct but not especially strong fronto-orbital setae and 2 short setulae anterior to these; about 16 pale short setulae on frons without a distinctly longer pair in front of the anterior ocellus; 1 inner and 1 outer vertical well-developed; paravertical setae short and convergent; postocular setae short and in one row; face short, poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina distinct to clypeus; antenna yellow, pedicel a little paler than basal flagellomere and with distinct short seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with fine pubescence along anterior margin; basal 1 / 5 of arista yellow contrasting with black distal portion. THORAX (Fig. 12A–B). Black and almost uniformly greyish micotomentose; postpronotal lobe with yellow spot and notopleuron yellow, scutellum black; pleura black with very narrow yellow margins to sclerites; chaetotaxy: 1 postpronotal, 1 presutural, 1 very short and indistinct incurved intra-postpronotal, 2 notopleurals, 0+3 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 1+6 dorsocentrals with only the posterior one strong, 1+3 acrostichals with no prescutellars, 4 scutellars, 1 anepisternal, 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner. WING. Veins all brown; distance on costa between R 2+3 and R 4+5 about 0.6 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between crossveins about 1.2 × as long posterior crossvein, which is about 0.5 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere pale yellow. LEGS. Femora dark greyish brown over most of their length, tibiae variably darkened at middle; fore femur with long setulae on posterior aspect; numerous pale setulae scattered on all legs; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black, pulvilli normal; tarsomeres yellow; hind trochanter not modified. ABDOMEN (Fig. 12A). Tergites black with narrow yellow hind margins, bearing very short pale setulae almost exclusively on the hind margins; sternites 5 and 6 modified. HYPOPYGIUM (Figs 13, 14A–B). Epandrium rather trapezoidal in shape (seen laterally), bearing a large multilobed surstylus; pregonite small, dark and curved dorsally; postgonite black with a white tip; aedeagus difficult to define; cercus pale yellow, fused with the opposite side. Female Similar to male, but generally more extensively dark on legs, including the apical 2 to 3 tarsomeres, and across the middle of the frons; basal flagellomere dark brown to black (Fig. 12C). Variation There is some chromatic variation in this species particularly on the frons and tibiae with regard to the extent of darkening. Also, the pale hind margins of the abdominal tergites vary a little in width. Distribution Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 33-37, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 2016. The Moroccan species of Chyromyidae (Diptera) with descriptions of five new species of Aphaniosoma Becker. Zootaxa 4208 (3): 221 - 236. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4208.3.2","Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299."]}

Aphaniosoma dhofaricum Ebejer, 1996 Figs 27–28 Material examined Paratypes OMAN • 2 ♂♂; Dhofar, Khor Taqah; 12 Nov. 1992; J.C. Deeming leg.; on carpet grazed Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth; NMWC. Other material OMAN • 1 ♂; Sahil Al Jazir, Khor Dhirif; 26 Nov. 1999; M.D. Gallagher leg.; MJE. Remarks Although only known from the southern region of Oman, it appears to be a locally abundant species. It has a dark scutum tending to develop vittae posteriorly; dark abdominal tergites with broad yellow posterolateral margins on tergites 3–6 (Fig.27B). The male hypopygium is mostly brown with distinctive postgonites, these being somewhat club-shaped, viewed from certain angles (Fig. 28A). Distribution Oman (Ebejer 1996). Listed in error as present on Cape Verde Islands (Ebejer 2009)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 57-60, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299.","Ebejer M. J. 2009. A revision of Afrotropical Chyromyidae (excluding Gymnochiromyia Hendel) (Diptera: Schizophora), with the recognition of two subfamilies and the description of new genera. African Invertebrates 50 (2): 321 - 434. https: // doi. org / 10.5733 / afin. 050.0208"]}

Aphaniosoma suboculicauda Frey, 1958 Material examined YEMEN • 1 ♂; Ta‘Izz; Aug.1999; A. van Harten and A. Awad leg.; light trap; NMWC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; Oct.1999; NMWC • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 5 Jan.– 2 Feb. 1998; NMWC. Remarks Frey’s description is accurate, and he likens this species to A. oculicauda based on colour pattern, but this is now known to be unreliable. However, the general appearance and the chaetotaxy (fronto-orbitals, pair of setae in front of ocellar triangle and 1 strong dorsocentral) place it in the same group of species as A. fissum, A. lamellatum and A. oculicauda. Frey’s figure of the hypopygium is difficult to interpret. The type series was examined by the present author and the hyopygium illustrated in more detail (Ebejer 2009: 408, fig. 52). Until now this species was thought to be endemic to the Cape Verde Islands. Its presence in Yemen would suggest that it is probably more widespread in the eremic zone between West Africa and Arabia. Distribution Cape Verde Islands (Frey 1958b). New record for Yemen., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 141, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 2009. A revision of Afrotropical Chyromyidae (excluding Gymnochiromyia Hendel) (Diptera: Schizophora), with the recognition of two subfamilies and the description of new genera. African Invertebrates 50 (2): 321 - 434. https: // doi. org / 10.5733 / afin. 050.0208","Frey R. 1958 b. Zur Kenntnis der Diptera brachycera p. p. der Kapverdischen Inseln. Societas Scientiarum Fennica. Commentationes biologicae 18 (4): 1 - 61."]}

Aphaniosoma micromacro Carles-Tolrá, 2001 Fig. 60 Material examined MALTA • 1 ♂; Salina saltmarsh; 7 May 2002; B. Merz leg.; MJE. Remarks This species is similar to A. melitense in its overall habitus (Fig. 60A), but differs in the male by having the fifth tarsomere of the foreleg black and enlarged (Fig. 60B); often all fifth tarsomeres are black; abdominal tergite 5 unmodified. In the female, the fifth tarsomere of the foreleg is also slightly enlarged and dark brown to black, but this is not easily appreciated. The pleura of A. micromacro is yellow, in contrast to the pleura of A. melitense where even in pale specimens the katepisternum always has a large dark marking. Distribution Malta, Spain, Turkey (Carles-Tolrá 2001; Ebejer & Barták 2019; Ebejer 2021a, 2021b)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 108, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Carles-Tolra M. 2001. Eight new chyromid species from Spain (Diptera, Chyromyidae). Boletin de la Asociacion espanola de Entomologia 25 (3 - 4): 45 - 62.","Ebejer M. J. & Bartak M. 2019. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Acalyptrata) of Turkey. Zookeys 872: 69 - 75. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 872.35378","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017","Ebejer M. J. 2021 b. The families Psilidae, Conopidae, Lauxaniidae, Sepsidae, Asteiidae, Odiniidae, Xenasteiidae, Heleomyzidae, Chyromyidae, Nannodastiidae and Cryptochetidae (Diptera: Muscomorpha, Acalyptratae) in the Maltese Islands. Boletin de la Sociedad Entomologica Aragonesa (S. E. A.) 68: 81 - 85."]}

Aphaniosoma flavipyga sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 15B3524C-9BDC-4E9B-A914-66DDD7DC3C6E Figs 32–34 Diagnosis A pale-yellow species with scutum having deeper yellow to pale brown vittae; epandrium shiny, pale yellow; aedeagus brown; 2 fronto-orbitals and a pair of longer frontal setae in front of the ocellar triangle. Similar species: A. freidbergi sp. nov. has a longer head, narrower eyes and a long and strong pair of setae in the middle of the frons. Aphaniosoma aldabrense Ebejer, 2009, A. kirkspriggsi Ebejer, 2009 and A. micropygum Ebejer, 2009, all from the Afrotropical Region, look similar and have the long pair of setae on the frons and a dark mediotergite. Etymology The species epithet is a combination of the Latin for yellow ‘ flavus ’ and for buttocks ‘ pyga ’ and refers to the large round yellow epandrial halves on each side. Material examined Holotype ISRAEL • ♂; Zomet Zohar; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU 405823. Paratypes ISRAEL • 16 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for holotype; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for holotype; MJE • 1 ♂; Holon; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 1 mm, female 1.1 mm. Wing length: male 1 mm, female 1.1 mm. Male HEAD. Yellow including ocellar triangle and entire occiput, ocelli ringed black; at vertex, frons twice as broad as eye, narrowed anteriorly, at level of antennae about 0.5 × as wide as at level of anterior ocellus; gena narrow in front, deeper behind, in profile, below middle of eye, about 0.5 × as high as short oval eye, with numerous white setulae; occiput in profile not visible behind eye, with pale postocular setulae in one row; 2 vibrissal setae well differentiated from buccal row of setulae; face short and narrow, depressed and poorly sclerotized; median carina narrow and short; antenna yellow, pedicel with short seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with very fine short and dense pubescence along anterior margin shorter than diameter of basal segment of arista; basal 1 / 5 of arista pale, with fine pubescence; chaetotaxy: 2 posterior moderately developed fronto-orbitals with 2 very short setulae anterior to them; ocellars short; paraverticals short and convergent; 1 inner and 1 outer vertical; frons with about 10 scattered setae apart from longer pair in front of anterior ocellus. THORAX. Yellow with pale golden yellow microtomentum; scutum with deeper yellow to pale brown vittae; mediotergite yellow; chaetotaxy: 1 postpronotal, 1 short inconspicuous intra-postpronotal setula, 1 presutural, 2 notopleurals, 0+3 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 2+4 dorsocentrals, only prescutellar strong, 1+4 acrostichals with prescutellars not developed, 4 scutellars, anepisternal and katepisternal setae not seen in holotype, damaged by pin (present in paratypes). WING. Veins yellow; distance on costa between R 2+3 and R 4+5 about 0.4 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between cross veins about 1.3 × as long as posterior crossvein, which lies slightly oblique and is about 0.3 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere creamy white. LEGS. Yellow, with numerous pale setulae, longer setulae present on fore femur; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black in apical half, pulvilli normal; hind trochanter not modified. ABDOMEN. Tergites yellow with pale brown bands on basal ⅔; tergites sparsely setulose, with setulae more distinct on margins of tergites 5 and 6; tergite 6 narrow; sternite 6 with a heavily sclerotized central section directed anteriorly (Fig. 30 C). HYPOPYGIUM (Figs 33–34). Epandrium large, pale shiny yellow, bearing elongate, conical surstylus, cercus very pale and long setulose; pregonite narrow and pale; postgonites pale brown pigmented, curved laterally; basiphallus pale brown; epiphallus notched at apex; distiphallus large and brown pigmented apically. Female Similar to male but without the secondary sexual characters. Variation Some specimens have pale brownish vittae along the dorsocentral and intra-alar lines, the former reaching the scutellum. Distribution Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 65-69, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 2009. A revision of Afrotropical Chyromyidae (excluding Gymnochiromyia Hendel) (Diptera: Schizophora), with the recognition of two subfamilies and the description of new genera. African Invertebrates 50 (2): 321 - 434. https: // doi. org / 10.5733 / afin. 050.0208"]}

Aphaniosoma hackmani Lyneborg, 1973 Fig. 38 Material examined ISRAEL • 1 ♀; ‘ En Mor; 16 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 1 ♂; Dead Sea, ‘ Enot Zuqim; 7 Jun. 1996; B. Merz and A. Freidberg leg.; MHNG • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 31 May 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 3 Mar. 1998; Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 4 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 4 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Qesarya; 23 Feb. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 4 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 23 Apr. 1998; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nahal Zin; 4 Apr. 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 6 Apr. 1998; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Park Qesarya; 27 Apr. 1999; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 24 May 2000; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Ma‘agan, Mikha‘el; 23 Feb. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix tetragyna; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 29 Jan. 1999; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; same collection data as for preceding; 29 Mar.1999; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 19 Apr. 2000; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; ‘ En Gedi; 11 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ En Mor; 11 Oct. 1995; F. Kaplan and A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Zomet Zohar; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Qalya; 2 Jan. 1997; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; S. Paz leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; ‘ Iddan; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♀♀; ‘ Atlit; 30 May 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; 28 Apr. 1996; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Nizzanim; 23 Mar. 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Akko; 29 Oct. 1994; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; Park ha Yarden; 14 Jun. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 12 ♂♂, 12 ♀♀; Dead Sea, ‘Enot Zuqim; 31°43ʹ N, 35°27ʹ E; alt. - 400 m; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix sp.; MJE • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Jericho, route 90; 31°48ʹ N, 35°29ʹ E; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on roadside vegetation; MJE. JORDAN • 1 ♂; NW Amman, Zarka River; 12 Oct. 2000; W. Rossi leg.; NMWC. Remarks A variable species with regard to colouration. Scutal pattern can have the vittae entirely yellow or brown to black as in Fig. 38A, but always covered with pale microtomentum; the dark brown bands on the tergites and brown marks on the pleura equally vary in their extent. There is also some variation in the number of dorsocentral setae and their length (1–2+3–4), but the presutural intra-alar seta is always present and the presutural dorsocentral always obviously strong. The long surstylus with 4–5 setulae directed ventrally (in the natural position) is remarkably constant. Line drawings of the hind trochanter and surstylus are given in Ebejer (1998: 205, figs 19–20), and photographed in situ in Ebejer (2021a: 6, fig. 11). The hypopygium was not previously illustrated. Line drawings are provided here (Fig. 38B–C). Distribution Cyprus, Spain (including Balearic Islands) (Lyneborg 1973; Ebejer 1998, 2021a). New records for Israel and Jordan., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 75, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Lyneborg L. 1973. On some Chyromyidae from Southern Spain, with description of three new species of Aphaniosoma (Insecta, Diptera). Steenstrupia 3: 51 - 56.","Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017"]}

Aphaniosoma sodalis Collin, 1949 Figs 79–81 Material examined Lectotype (here designated) EGYPT • ♂; Siwa Oasis; 29 Apr. 1935; J. Omer-Cooper leg., Armstrong College Expedition; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435848. Paralectotypes 1 ♂; Siwa Oasis; 12 May 1935; J. Omer-Cooper leg., Armstrong College Expedition; NHMUK, B.M. 1935–354, bar code 013435849 • 5 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceeding; bar codes 013435869– 73. Remarks Although Collin (1949: 140–141) stated that he described the species from 2 males and 8 females, Pont (1995: 151) could not locate one of the females, nor has it been located by the present author for this study. Only one of the males examined for this study can be the species to which Collin gave the name, based on his description and illustration. This is here designated lectotype (Figs. 79–80). The second male (Figs 79–80) (paralectotype), upon critical examination of the hypopygium under high magnification, appears to be a different species and to be closest to A. angulitergum sp. nov., although it is not that species. Further topotypic material is desirable (to establish identity by dissection and for description) so as to avoid probable serious damage to this specimen if an attempt is made to dissect it. Of the 7 females found among the syntype series, 2 are in too poor a state to be recognized as any species and are not considered syntypes here. The rest are labelled as paralectotypes although they could belong equally to A. sodalis or to the second unidentified species. The record of A. sodalis from Yemen (Ebejer 1996) is incorrect. Higher magnification was used to re-check the specimen for this article and to compare it directly with the type – it is not the same species. Chromatic pattern and chaetotaxy are now recognized to be far less reliable than earlier authors supposed. Distribution Egypt (Collin 1949)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 135-139, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Pont A. C. 1995. The Type-Material of Diptera (Insecta) described by G. H. Verrall and J. E. Collin. Clarendon Press, Oxford.","Ebejer M. J. 1996. Chyromyidae (Diptera: Schizophora) from the Arabian Peninsula with descriptions of twelve new species. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 280 - 299."]}

Ebejer, Martin J. (2023): The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species. European Journal of Taxonomy 872: 1-161, DOI: https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, URL: http://zoobank.org/05098e38-ab11-486e-8f28-8567de6bc19c

Aphaniosoma longilingua sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 1E96F635-7BC1-4EA5-9919-1F93FB3380E5 Figs 51–52 Diagnosis This is the only species in the family with such an elongated head and a long geniculate proboscis (Fig. 51A–B); scutum yellow with brown longitudinal vittae; 2 well-developed fronto-orbital setae; the phallapodeme particulary large and heavily sclerotized in proportion to the rest of the hypopygial structures. Etymology The species epithet is a combination of the Latin ‘ longus ’ (‘long’) and ‘ lingua ’ (‘tongue’) and refers to the exceptionally long proboscis. Material examined Holotype ISRAEL • ♂; Deir Shaman, 500 m North, near Yarden; 32°02ʹ N, 35°30ʹ E; 15 Mar. 2005; L. Freidman leg.; SMNHTAU 405826. Paratype ISRAEL • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; SMNHTAU. Description MEASUREMENTS. Body length: male 1.4 mm, female 1.4 mm. Wing length: male 1.4 mm, female 1.4 mm. Male (holotype) HEAD. Yellow except for ocellar triangle and occiput, apart from small area behind vertex and behind vertical setae; gena about ⅓ × as high as eye at middle and with scattered pale yellowish white setulae; a pair of vibrissal setae on each side; frons narrower than long but too shrunken to assess further; ocellar setae longer than posterior fronto-orbital seta; 2 moderately well-developed fronto-orbital setae and 2 shorter setae anterior to these; about 14 pale setulae on frons that are all more or less uniform in length (frontal setulae seen in female paratype but not in male holotype because of its shrunken frons); inner and outer vertical well-developed; paravertical setae short and parallel, postocular setae in one row; proboscis long and geniculate; face very short, poorly sclerotized and depressed; median carina distinct, a little broader between bases of antennae and then sharp and low, reaching clypeus; antenna yellow, pedicel paler than basal flagellomere and with distinct short seta dorsally; basal flagellomere with very short pile along anterior margin; arista brown and minutely pilose. THORAX. Yellow; scutum with brown longitudinal vittae separated by narrow yellow lines and covered with yellowish microtomentum; middle pair of vittae short; postpronotal lobe and notopleuron yellow; scutellum yellow and pleura yellow with brown marking on katepisternum; mediotergite dark brown; chaetotaxy: 2 postpronotal, 1 presutural with a short fine seta close and anterior to it, 1 incurved intra-postpronotal, 2 notopleurals; 1+5 intra-alars, 1 postalar, 2+4 dorsocentrals with only posterior seta, well-developed, 1+4 acrostichals including prescutellars, 4 scutellars, 1 anepisternal seta with 3 weak setae below it, 1 katepisternal at upper posterior corner and 1 short fine seta far anterior to it and 1 below it. WING. Veins all pale; distance on costa between R 2+3 and R 4+5 about 0.4 × that between R 4+5 and M 1; distance between crossveins about 1.6 × as long as posterior crossvein, which is about 0.3 × as long as apical section of M 4. Haltere pale yellow. LEGS. Fore femur with long setulae on posterior aspect; numerous pale-yellow setulae scattered on all legs; apico-ventral seta on mid tibia present; claws black and pulvilli normal; tarsomeres 4 and 5 dark; hind trochanter not modified. ABDOMEN (Fig. 51C). Tergites with brown dorsal band not reaching sides; tergite 6 narrow and ventrally tapering almost to a point; tergites pale setulose. HYPOPYGIUM (Fig. 52 A). Macerated and dissected before being sent to the author; epandrium small and pale, bearing a narrow surstylus; pregonite not identified and may be absent; postgonite short, narrow and a little darker than surstylus; aedeagus not identified (may have been membranous or broken off); phallapodeme very large and heavily sclerotized; cercus pale yellow, fused with the opposite side and setulose but without any exceptionally long setae. Female (Fig. 51B–C) As for male, but with brown central areas on all pleural sclerites and without secondary sexual characters. Variation Although more material is required to assess this, it may be anticipated that some chromatic and pattern variation will be present, as is the case with all species of Aphaniosoma. Some specimens may have less brown markings or conversely more dark markings with the scutal vittae confluent anteriorly. Distribution Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 93-97, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303

Aphaniosoma impudens Ebejer, 1998 Figs 42–43 Material examined Paratype TURKEY • 1 ♂; Denizli, Aci Gol marsh; 4 Jul. 1997; M.J. Ebejer leg.; NMWC. Remarks A species of a predominantly dark brownish-black thorax and abdomen (Fig. 42A, C). The frons has dark frontal setulae uniform length (Fig. 42B). In both sexes of A. impudens, the basal flagellomere is usually dark brown. It is an easy species to recognize in the male because of the large, dark and broad surstylus that is always visible without dissection (Fig. 43). This structure is similar to the surstylus of A. lamellatum Collin, 1949, which is longer, yellow and has an irregular outline (Fig. 50C), and similar to that of A. platystylus Ebejer, 2008, which is also yellow but shorter and broader (Fig. 71B) than that in A. lamellatum. The thorax and abdomen of A. lamellatum and A. platystylus are much less dark, generally having grey or brown scutal vittae and much more yellow on the pleura as well as broader yellow hind margins on the abdominal tergites. Both these species have pale yellowish setae and setulae. Distribution Turkey (Ebejer 1998). New record for Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi."]}

Aphaniosoma spiniventre Ebejer, 1998 Material examined ISRAEL • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; ‘ En Mor; 11 Oct. 1994; F. Kaplan and A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♀; same ccollection data as for preceding; Enot Zuqim; SMNHTAU • 6 ♂♂; ‘ Iddan; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 6 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; ‘ En ‘Iddan; 20 Jun.1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂, 11 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Sappir pond; 9 Jul. 1996; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; N. Arava valley; 30°46ʹ N, 35°14ʹ E; 25 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Tamarix and chenopods; MJE. JORDAN • 1 ♂, preserved in alcohol; Azraq, Wildlife Resort; 31°49ʹ97ʹʹ N, 36°49ʹ27ʹʹ E; 20 Oct. 2011; J.-H. Stuke leg.; 1584; J-HS • 7 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀, preserved in alcohol; Jerash, “ Flusstal ” [river valley]; 32°12ʹ94ʹʹ N, 35°53ʹ04ʹʹ E; 21 Oct. 2011; J.-H. Stuke leg.; 1585; J-HS. Females of A. spiniventre or A. nigricauda or A. creperum ISRAEL • 1 ♀; Elot; 18 Mar. 1995; B. Merz leg.; MHNG • 6 ♀♀; ‘ Iddan; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; SMNHTAU. Remarks A dark species that often has a yellow apical margin on the scutellum and a small pale area on and / or near the postalar callus. It can be identified in the male without dissection if enough of the hypopygial structures are visible (Ebejer 1998: 225, figs 74–75). The postgonite is particularly narrow and curved at the tip; the apex of the basiphallus is blunt, like that of A. claridgei. Upon dissection, the pregenital sternite is very distinctive with its approximately square shape, sclerotized at its lateral and anterior borders and along the midline where, being very heavily sclerotized and narrow, gives this part the appearance of a long spine. Females of these three species named above are not separable from each other unless associated with males. Distribution Tunisia, United Arab Emirates (Ebejer 1998, 2008). New records for Israel and Jordan., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 139-141, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Collin J. E. 1949. The Palaearctic species of the genus Aphaniosoma Beck. (Diptera, Chiromyidae). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 2 (14): 127 - 147. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222934908653973","Ebejer M. J. 2008. Order Diptera, Family Chyromyidae. In: A. van Harten (ed.) Arthropod Fauna of the UAE Vol I: 683 - 695. Abu Dhabi."]}

Aphaniosoma spp. Figs 89–90 Most specimens afflicted with Stigmatomyces H. Karst. could be identified though not all were added to the type series or to the specimen data for previously described species. They are listed here for easier retrieval should further studies be required on these specimens., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 152, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303

Aphaniosoma verecundum Ebejer, 1998 Figs 83–84 Material examined CYPRUS • 1 ♂; Akrotiri Peninsula, 3km southwest of Kolossi; 30 Apr. 2022; M.J. Ebejer leg.; ruderal meadow and marsh; MJE. GREECE • 1 ♂; Sterea Elada, Fthiotida, Thermopiles; 14 May 1998; M.J. Ebejer leg.; hot spring and marsh; MJE. Remarks This is a species of the collini group, having long anterior scutal setae, a reduced number of dorsocentrals to 1+3 (Fig. 83A) and prescutellar setae (Fig. 83B). There is no special development on the male hind trochanter (Fig.84A). It is best identified on dissection of the male hypopygium. The surstylus is relatively short compared to that of A. hackmani and A. harteni. The abdominal sternite 6 is distinctive, being small and transversely rectangular with protruding angles and a deep invagination into the abdomen at its middle (Ebejer 1998: 228, figs 81–83). The male hypopygium is illustrated in situ (Fig. 84B–C). Distribution Greece, Cyprus, Turkey (Ebejer 1998, 2021a). New record for Greece., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on page 144, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017"]}

Aphaniosoma cypriense Ebejer, 2021 Fig. 21 Material examined Paratype CYPRUS • 1 ♂; Mazotos beach; 34°46ʹ32ʹʹ N 33°28ʹ12ʹʹ E; 26 Apr. 2002; M.J. Ebejer leg.; on Atriplex L. and Chrysanthemum L.; MJE. Remarks A rather elongate species that most resembles A. melitense Ebejer, 1993 in having strong fronto-orbitals, uniform frontal setulae on a frons that is longer than wide, and long rows of short dorsocentral and acrostichal setae including a prescutellar pair. Unlike A. melitense, A. cypriense does not have any modification of abdominal tergite 4. The original description includes photographs of both sexes. Distribution Cyprus (Ebejer 2021a)., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 48-49, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1993. The Chyromyidae of Malta with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma (Dipt., Schizophora). Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 129: 125 - 133.","Ebejer M. J. 2021 a. Chyromyidae from Cyprus with descriptions of new species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera: Brachycera, Acalyptratae). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 164: 1 - 13. ttps: // doi. org / 10.1163 / 22119434 - bja 10017"]}

Aphaniosoma falciferum Ebejer, 1998 Fig. 30 Material examined ISRAEL • 1 ♂; Park Caesarea; 29 Mar. 1999; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Park Caesarea; 15 May 2000; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; Park Caesarea; 24 Apr. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Park Caesarea; 27 Apr. 1999; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ En Zin; 13 May. 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ En Zin; 13 Nov. 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix parviflora; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; Nahal Neqarot, N of Sappir; 6 Apr. 1998; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; same collection data as for preceding; on Tamarix parviflora sodomensis; SMNHTAU • 2 ♂♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 19 Mar. 1995; A. Freidberg leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 3 Mar. 1998; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 30 Mar. 1999; N. Meltzer and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix nilotica; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 12 Apr. 1999; I. Yarom and V. Kravchenko leg.; on Tamarix parviflora; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Mizpe Ramon, 25 km NW; 2 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; SMNHTAU • 8 ♂♂; ‘ Enot Zuqim; 30 Mar. 1995: I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 14 ♂♂; Revivim; 1 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 1 ♂; Nahal Neqarot; 3 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 5 ♂♂; Metar; 4 May 1995; I. Yarom leg.; on Tamarix sp.; SMNHTAU • 3 ♂♂; Western Negev, Nahal Lavan; 30°58ʹ N, 34°24ʹ E; 24 Mar. 2000; M.J. Ebejer leg.; shrubs on sand; MJE. Remarks This is pale yellowish grey species very similar to A. yaromi sp. nov. The main differences are found in the males and are given under that species. The male hypopygium of A. falciferum is illustrated in the original description (Ebejer 1998: 207, figs 25–27). The appearance of the hypopygium in situ is shown in Fig. 30B–C. Females of A. falciferum and A. yaromi (see below) are indistinguishable. Only those females collected with males in the absence of the other species are listed above. The remainder are listed separately under both names following the material examined section for A. yaromi. The only two previously known specimens originated from margins of a pool in steppe in central Iraq’s fertile plain, fed by the river Euphrates. The habitats of this species in Israel share some similarities in that they were collected at small water bodies with sparse surrounding vegetation in hot arid areas. Distribution Iraq (Ebejer 1998). New record for Israel., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J., 2023, The genus Aphaniosoma Becker, 1903 (Diptera: Chyromyidae) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, with descriptions of new species, pp. 1-161 in European Journal of Taxonomy 872 on pages 61-62, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.872.2131, http://zenodo.org/record/8018303, {"references":["Ebejer M. J. 1998. A Review of the Palaearctic species of Aphaniosoma Becker (Diptera, Chyromyidae), with descriptions of new species and a key for the identification of adults. Mitteilungen Museum fur Naturkunde Berliner Deutsche entomologische Zeitschrift 45 (2): 191 - 230. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnd. 4810450208"]}

Funding Information: Royal Entomological Society; UKRI Natural Environment Research Council, Grant/Award Number: NE/V006533/1; Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services Division of the Scottish Government; ; Alexander von Humboldt Foundation; Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs; Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research; FCT/MCTES, Grant/Award Number: UID/AMB/04085/2020; UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Grant/Award Number: BBS/E/C/000J0200; UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership, Grant/Award Number: BB/M011216/1; UKRI Natural Environment Research Council, Grant/Award Number: NE/N014472/2 Funding information Funding Information: This study was approved by the University of Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee (permit number PRE.2020.103). The exercise was funded by the Royal Entomological Society (RES). Helen E. Roy acknowledges support from UK Natural Environment Research Council grant NE/V006533/1 GLobal Insect Threat‐Response Synthesis (GLiTRS): a comprehensive and predictive assessment of the pattern and consequences of insect declines. Lorna J. Cole's time was funded by the Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services Division of the Scottish Government. Daniel J. Leybourne was supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation through a postdoctoral research fellowship. Sajidha Mohammed thanks the RES for providing 1‐year of free student membership which allowed them to contribute to the workshop. Archie K. Murchie was supported by the Agri‐Food & Biosciences Institute which is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (NI). Maria‐Rosa Paiva receives support from CENSE (Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research), which is financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UID/AMB/04085/2020). Chris R. Shortall was supported by the Rothamsted Insect Survey, a National Capability, which is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council under the Core Capability Grant BBS/E/C/000J0200. Christopher D. Williams thanks the Faculty of Science at Liverpool John Moores University for funding attendance at various Royal Entomological Society meetings. Natalia B. Zielonka was supported by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (BB/M011216/1). Lynn V. Dicks's time was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (grant code: NE/N014472/2). For the purpose of Open Access, the authors have applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any author accepted manuscript version arising from this submission. We sincerely thank all survey participants for contributing their ideas, knowledge and time. The authors thank four anonymous reviewers, Manu Saunders and Raphael Didham for their comments on an earlier version of the manuscript. For one of our co‐authors and workshop participants, Professor Simon Leather Hon. FRES, this is a posthumous publication. We dedicate this paper to him, as a heartfelt tribute to his incredible contributions to entomological research, higher education and public engagement. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Insect Conservation and Diversity published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal Entomological Society. Entomology is key to understanding terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems at a time of unprecedented anthropogenic environmental change and offers substantial untapped potential to benefit humanity in a variety of ways, from improving agricultural practices to managing vector-borne diseases and inspiring technological advances. We identified high priority challenges for entomology using an inclusive, open, and democratic four-stage prioritisation approach, conducted among the membership and affiliates (hereafter ‘members’) of the UK-based Royal Entomological Society (RES). A list of 710 challenges was gathered from 189 RES members. Thematic analysis was used to group suggestions, followed by an online vote to determine initial priorities, which were subsequently ranked during an online workshop involving 37 participants. The outcome was a set of 61 priority challenges within four groupings of related themes: (i) ‘Fundamental Research’ (themes: Taxonomy, ‘Blue Skies’ [defined as research ideas without immediate practical application], Methods and Techniques); (ii) ‘Anthropogenic Impacts and Conservation’ (themes: Anthropogenic Impacts, Conservation Options); (iii) ‘Uses, Ecosystem Services and Disservices’ (themes: Ecosystem Benefits, Technology and Resources [use of insects as a resource, or as inspiration], Pests); (iv) ‘Collaboration, Engagement and Training’ (themes: Knowledge Access, Training and Collaboration, Societal Engagement). Priority challenges encompass research questions, funding objectives, new technologies, and priorities for outreach and engagement. Examples include training taxonomists, establishing a global network of insect monitoring sites, understanding the extent of insect declines, exploring roles of cultivated insects in food supply chains, and connecting professional with amateur entomologists. Responses to different challenges could be led by amateur and professional entomologists, at all career stages. Overall, the challenges provide a diverse array of options to inspire and initiate entomological activities and reveal the potential of entomology to contribute to addressing global challenges related to human health and well-being, and environmental change. publishersversion published

ODINIIDAE This is a small family of species in the Palaearctic. The larvae of some species develop in burrows in trees (Alnus, Betula, Malus, Populus, Quercus and Salix) attacked usually by the larvae of beetles of the families Cerambycidae and Curculionidae (Scolytinae). Other species are associated with fungi. Only three species of this family are known from Italy., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J. & Nicolosi, Giuseppe, 2022, New records of acalyptrate Diptera from Sicily (Brachycera, Muscomorpha: Asteiidae, Aulacigastridae, Carnidae, Lonchaeidae, Odiniidae, Pallopteridae, Periscelididae, Piophilidae, Sciomyzidae, Ulidiidae), pp. 101-104 in Fragmenta entomologica 54 (1) on page 103, DOI: 10.13133/2284-4880/766, http://zenodo.org/record/8148054

Aulacigaster falcata Papp, 1997 Material examined: 2♂, 3♀, Sicily, Enna, Agira, 37° 38ʹ44.32ʹʹN 14°29ʹ44.58ʹʹE, beer trap, 07–14.viii.2019, G. Nicolosi. The family and species are new records for Sicily., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J. & Nicolosi, Giuseppe, 2022, New records of acalyptrate Diptera from Sicily (Brachycera, Muscomorpha: Asteiidae, Aulacigastridae, Carnidae, Lonchaeidae, Odiniidae, Pallopteridae, Periscelididae, Piophilidae, Sciomyzidae, Ulidiidae), pp. 101-104 in Fragmenta entomologica 54 (1) on page 102, DOI: 10.13133/2284-4880/766, http://zenodo.org/record/8148054

Periscelis annulata (Fallén, 1813) Material examined: 5♂, 6♀, Sicily, Enna, Agira, 37°38ʹ44.32ʹʹN 14°29ʹ44.58ʹʹE, beer trap, 07–14.viii.2019, G. Nicolosi. Known from north Italy. The family and species are new records for Sicily., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J. & Nicolosi, Giuseppe, 2022, New records of acalyptrate Diptera from Sicily (Brachycera, Muscomorpha: Asteiidae, Aulacigastridae, Carnidae, Lonchaeidae, Odiniidae, Pallopteridae, Periscelididae, Piophilidae, Sciomyzidae, Ulidiidae), pp. 101-104 in Fragmenta entomologica 54 (1) on page 103, DOI: 10.13133/2284-4880/766, http://zenodo.org/record/8148054

Four families with five species of acalyptrate Diptera are recorded for the first time from Sicily: Aulacigastridae [Aulacigaster falcata Papp, A. leucopeza (Meigen)], Odiniidae [Odinia trinotata Robineau-Desvoidy], Periscelididae [Periscelis annulata (Fallén)] and Carnidae [Meoneura freta Collin]. In six families that were previously known from Sicily, an additional nine new species records are given. The lists of species of Meoneura Rondani of Italy and of Herina Robineau-Desvoidy (Ulidiidae) of Sicily are updated., Fragmenta entomologica, Vol. 54 No. 1 (2022)

Asteia (Subanarista) mahunkai Papp, 1979 Material examined: 2♀, Sicily, Noto, Vendicari, coastal marsh and dunes, 10.vi.1999, M.J. Ebejer New record for Sicily., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J. & Nicolosi, Giuseppe, 2022, New records of acalyptrate Diptera from Sicily (Brachycera, Muscomorpha: Asteiidae, Aulacigastridae, Carnidae, Lonchaeidae, Odiniidae, Pallopteridae, Periscelididae, Piophilidae, Sciomyzidae, Ulidiidae), pp. 101-104 in Fragmenta entomologica 54 (1) on page 102, DOI: 10.13133/2284-4880/766, http://zenodo.org/record/8148054

Silba fumosa (Egger, 1862) Material examined: 2♀, Sicily, Etna, Rifugio Citelli, Betula wood, 1700m, 12.vi.1999, M.J. Ebejer. New record for Sicily ., Published as part of Ebejer, Martin J. & Nicolosi, Giuseppe, 2022, New records of acalyptrate Diptera from Sicily (Brachycera, Muscomorpha: Asteiidae, Aulacigastridae, Carnidae, Lonchaeidae, Odiniidae, Pallopteridae, Periscelididae, Piophilidae, Sciomyzidae, Ulidiidae), pp. 101-104 in Fragmenta entomologica 54 (1) on pages 102-103, DOI: 10.13133/2284-4880/766, http://zenodo.org/record/8148054