Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #256313
Title: Vitilevumyia, an enigmatic new genus of Stratiomyidae from Fiji (Diptera)

Author
item Woodley, Norman

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/10/2011
Publication Date: 4/15/2011
Citation: Woodley, N.E. 2011. Vitilevumyia, an enigmatic new genus of Stratiomyidae from Fiji (Diptera). Zootaxa. 2821:62-68.

Interpretive Summary: Many species of soldier flies are beneficial to agriculture in that their larvae help to decompose plant material, dung, and decaying animal matter, although a few species are known to attack living plants, such as grass roots. This publication describes a new genus and species found in Fiji, providing information and illustrations to help identify this species. This work will enable scientists, quarantine workers such as those in APHIS, and others concerned with flies to identify and correctly name these insects.

Technical Abstract: A new genus of Stratiomyidae, Vitilevumyia gen. nov. (type species, V. bobwoodleyi, sp. nov.) is described from the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. It exhibits an unusual combination of character states, but is tentatively placed in the tribe Prosopochrysini of the subfamily Stratiomyinae.