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Issue: Vol. 5857 No. 2: 29 Jul. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-07-29
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.8
Page range: 351-366
Abstract views: 276
PDF downloaded: 10

Two new species of Ceratusa Borgmeier and taxonomical notes on Cyphometopis Borgmeier (Diptera: Phoridae)

Universidade Federal de São Carlos; Centro de Ciências Agrárias; Departamento de Ciências da Natureza; Matemática e Educação; Araras; SP; Brazil
Diptera Phorinae taxonomy systematics morphology

Abstract

Ceratusa Borgmeier and Cyphometopis Borgmeier are two rarely collected and rarely addressed neotropical phorid genera with one and three species described, respectively. These genera share a conspicuous excavated frons and conical-elongate antennae and have been considered to be closely related or even possible synonyms. This study examined new and type material of Ceratusa and Cyphometopis species to morphologically evaluate their generic delimitation, species limits, and to describe two new species from Brazil, Ceratusa convergens sp. nov. and Ceratusa mineira sp. nov. Some important taxonomic structures are described and illustrated in detail for the first time, such as the hypopygium and phallus of both genera. The morphological analysis confirmed the distinctness of all examined species and found clear differences between the genera. Whether these morphological differences are sufficient to keep Ceratusa and Cyphometopis as distinct genera is discussed. The evidence in favor of the synonym was considered debatable and not sufficient for the justification of this nomenclatural act. The morphology of Ceratusa and Cyphometopis females is also commented and illustrated.

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How to Cite

Ament, D.C. (2026) Two new species of Ceratusa Borgmeier and taxonomical notes on Cyphometopis Borgmeier (Diptera: Phoridae). Zootaxa, 5857 (2), 351–366. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.8