Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the present status in Utah of the Dipterous family Phoridae, and to report which genera and species are found there. The work was done with the thought in mind of furthering the knowledae of this little-known family in Utah. In order to secure information about the family the writer studied entomological literature and specimens obtained from the entomological collections of the Brigham Young University and Utah State Agricultural College. Personal collecting in various areas of Utah was also done. During the study it was found that there were six genera and twenty-one species correctly identified from Utah. The six genera found were: (1) Phora, (2) Puliciphora, (3) Hypocera, (4) Borophaga, (5) Chaetoneurophora, and (6) Megaselia. Of these genera only two were found to contain more than two species, Phora with six and Megaselia with twelve. Puliciphora and Borophaga both contain two species each, while Chaetoneurophora has one. Hypocera actually has no species since the specimen reported to the writer was identified to the genus only. Megaselia is the only genus to have been reported in the literture, and two species of Megaselia are the only species which have been recorded. The remainder of genera and species, i. e. five genera and nineteen species are written in this study as new records for the state of Utah. Keys to the genera and species of phorida are included to enhance ease of identification. A list of specimens of incomplete and questionable identification is also included in the appendix to serve as a basis for further study.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/