Manual of Afrotropical Diptera. Vol. 4

Description:

True flies, or Diptera, constitute one of the largest orders of insects in the biosphere, with over 160,000 described species worldwide, more than 20,000 of which occur in the Afrotropical Region. They are as diverse morphologically and biologically as they are numerous, and many groups have evolved spectacular structural adaptations that are commensurate with their environment and biology. During their long evolutionary history, virtually every terrestrial niche has been occupied by the Diptera, making them one of the most successful groups of organisms on Earth. Many have co-evolved in association with other organisms and become highly specialised parasites or parasitoids of a range of disparate groups of plants and animals. Whether focusing on their systematics, biology, biogeography, conservation, or the more applied aspects, the Diptera remain a fascinating group. This four-volume book, a collaboration of 120 international experts on Diptera, is the first-ever synopsis of the 108 families of flies known from the Afrotropical Region and includes discussions on biology and immature stages, economic importance, classification, identification to the genus level, as well as a synopsis of each genus. This work provides the basics for understanding the diversity of a major order of insects in a large tropical and subtropical region and is the first such synopsis of its kind for any major insect order occurring in the Afrotropics.

Volume 4 includes family chapters dealing with 13 of the 108 families of flies that occur in the region and covers the higher Brachycera (Cyclorrhapha, Calyptratae). Each chapter includes a diagnosis of the family, sections dealing with biology and immature stages, classification and identification, an identification key to genera (if more than one) and a synopsis of the fauna section, arranged genus by genus alphabetically. The text is richly illustrated with over 1,573 illustrations, including 1,059 colour and 159 black and white images and 355 line drawings of flies.

Other volumes available:

Volume 1 of the Manual, which includes introductory chapters and keys to Diptera families, published in 2017.

Volume 2, which includes family chapters for the nematocerous Diptera and lower Brachycera were published in 2017.

Volume 3, which includes family chapters for the Brachycera - Cyclorrhapha (excluding Calyptratae) was published in 2021