Revision of the genus Leucophora (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) from South America, with the description of eight new species

The genus Leucophora Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 is a group of kleptoparasitic anthomyiid flies associated with bees and solitary wasps. This genus has a worldwide distribution, except for Oceania, and approximately 58 species are currently known. In this work, we review the species of the genus Leucophora found in South America for the first time.

As a result, we recognize 16 species, of which eight are new, namely Leucophora calilegua sp. nov., Leucophora catamarca sp. nov., Leucophora chalten sp. nov., Leucophora chancani sp. nov., Leucophora delestero sp. nov., Leucophora junin sp. nov., Leucophora tacuil sp. nov., and Leucophora yacochuya sp. nov., all collected from various localities in Argentina. Detailed descriptions and redescriptions of males and females are provided where possible for all species, along with photographs of their habits, and illustrations of the genital structures of both sexes are presented for the first time.

Additionally, scanning electron microscope images of male terminalia are included. An identification key for all South American species and distribution maps is presented. Despite a similar external appearance, the features of the male and female genital structures offer crucial information for establishing species identity.

We report for the first time to the family the presence of two pairs of free paraphallic processes in the distiphallus of one species, as well as modifications to the terminal segments of the ovipositor and the reduction of a pair of spiracles in two species.