Wood Gnats of the Genus Sylvicola (diptera, Anisopodidae): Taxonomic Status, Family Assignment, and Review of Nominal Species Described by J. C. Fabricius

nig (1973) and Peterson (1981), i.e. including Sylvicola Harris, Olbiogaster Osten Sacken, Mycetobia Meigen and related genera, are today a small family of nematocerous Neodiptera (see Michelsen 1996a) with ca. 120 species described. However, a rich fossil record suggests that the direct lineage leading to the modern family can be traced back to early Middle Mesozoic (200+ Myr). The family is rather cosmopolitan, occurring in arboreal habitats ranging from tropical to cold-temperate climates. A few species of Sylvicola, the so-called ‘window gnats’, are very common in domestic situations. Anisopodid larvae are terrestrial saprophages living in decaying organic matter. Rotting wood and sap runs seem favourable to many species of anisopodids, but a much wider range of breeding media, including manure and decaying vegetables, are utilised by the common window gnats. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and clarify various topics that relate to the systematics of Sylvicola. The nomenclature and synonymy of the genus is considered first, followed by some supra-generic issues (family nomenclature, status of fossil names, relationships and classification of extant genera). Finally, the identity of nominal species of Sylvicola described by J. C. Fabricius (and other 18th century authors) is assessed. Acronyms for depositories: ZIUL, Zoological Institute, University of Lund; ZMUC, Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen.