In sciarid flies (Diptera, Sciaridae), one or two paternally derived X chromosomes are discarded from the soma at early cleavages to determine the sex of the embryo (XX, females; X0, males). X chromosome(s) elimination is achieved by an abnormal anaphase segregation so that X sister chromatids do not reach the poles and are not included in the daughter nuclei. A cis-acting locus (CE) within the...

The toxicity of aqueous extracts of two plants, Nicotiana tobacum and Eucalyptus globulus were investigated against second instar larvae of Lycoriella auripila, one of the most important pests of button mushroom, using agar dilution technique. Seven concentrations of aqueous extracts of both plants were applied on second instar larvae and their mortality were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h. Th...

During the course of experiments with larvae of Trichosia pubescens, we have unexpectedly found that diethyl ether or chloroform anesthesia induces a large puff in a specific band in the polytene chromosomes of the salivary glands. This puff develops a few minutes after the treatment, attaining its maximum size after 60-100 min, and regresses completely 200 min after its activation. Through aut...

A new species of the genus Ctenosciara Tuomikoski, 1960 is here described based upon a single specimen, obtained from collectings in the garden at Museum Alexander Koenig in Bonn. Ctenosciara alexanderkoenigi sp. n. differs from all other congeneric European species by its striking coloration and distinct male genitalia. However, DNA barcoding reveals associations with two specimens from New Ze...

The following species of the genus Scatopsciara Edwards, 1927 are recognized from New Caledonia, all newly described: Scatopsciara (Xenopygina) exigua sp. n., Scatopsciara (s.str.) spiculata sp. n., S. (s. str.) tenuistylata sp. n. and S. (s. str.) vicina sp. n. A key to the species is given.

The following species of the genus Epidapus Haliday, 1851 are recognized from New Caledonia: Epidapus (s. str.) aciculatus sp. n., E. (Pseudoaptanogyna) angulatus sp. n., E. (s. str.) formosus sp. n., E. (Zuhalia) primus Mohrig, 2004 and E. (s. str.) triquetrus sp. n. The new species are described, and a key to the local species is given.