A Hainanese in the haze a phylogenetically unplaceable Oriental blowfly - Abstract

A large and colourful blow fly recently collected in the montane forests of southern Hainan Island represents an undescribed species with a surprising mixture of oestroid features. The species is presented and the possible phylogenetic relationships are discussed, based on both morphological and molecular evidence. The species has a distinctive blowfly-like appearance, but morphological data fail to support inclusion of the species within any of the currently accepted calliphoroid families or subfamilies. The large posterior thoracic spiracle, which is non-operculate and possesses a large, continuous ventral fringe, is a striking match to the condition found in the exclusively Neotropical Mesembrinellidae. Even the anterior spiracle, which has a fringe with a tear-shaped dorsal opening, agrees with the Mesembrinellidae. However, the biogeographical disjunction would appear to make this relationship highly unlikely. The stem vein is setose dorsally, as in the Mesembrinellidae, Rhiniidae, and the Chrysomyinae (incl. Toxotarsinae), but no other morphological evidence supports an affiliation with either of these taxa. Molecular data based on 18S, 28S, COI, CAD, EF1a and TPI are still inconclusive, but point to a sister-group relationship with Phumosia Robineau-Desvoidy (Phumosiinae).