Roger Engelmark, Antti Haarto

Review of Fennoscandian species of Gimnomera Rondani (Diptera: Scathophagidae) with description of Gimnomera freyi sp. n. and Ozerovia subg. n.

Introduction

Review of fennoscandian species of gimnomera rondani (diptera: scathophagidae) with description of gimnomera freyi sp. N. And ozerovia subg. N.. Review of Fennoscandian Gimnomera (Diptera) species, describing new species G. freyi and new subgenus Ozerovia. Includes an identification key for regional species.

Abstract

The Fennoscandian species of the genus Gimnomera Rondani, 1867 were studied and a new species, G. freyi, is described. A new subgenus, Ozerovia, is established for Gimnomera albipila (Zetterstedt, 1846). Gimnomera albipila (Zetterstedt, 1846) is redescribed and a lectotype is designated for it. An identification key for the Fennoscandian species of Gimnomera is given.

Review

This manuscript presents a timely and detailed taxonomic review of the genus *Gimnomera* Rondani (Diptera: Scathophagidae) within the Fennoscandian region. The study significantly advances our understanding of this group by describing a new species, *G. freyi* sp. n., and establishing a new subgenus, *Ozerovia* subg. n., for *Gimnomera albipila* (Zetterstedt). Furthermore, it provides a crucial redescription of *G. albipila* and designates a lectotype, addressing potential ambiguities in its taxonomy. The inclusion of an identification key for all Fennoscandian species of *Gimnomera* makes this a highly valuable contribution to regional dipterology and insect taxonomy. The strengths of this work lie in its comprehensive and rigorous approach to clarifying species boundaries and relationships. The description of a new species is a direct expansion of known biodiversity, while the creation of the *Ozerovia* subgenus suggests a deeper understanding of the phylogenetic structure within *Gimnomera*, moving beyond mere species enumeration. The redescription of *G. albipila* coupled with the designation of a lectotype is fundamental for stabilizing nomenclature, ensuring future studies refer to the correct biological entity. Critically, the provision of a concise and practical identification key will be an indispensable tool for researchers, naturalists, and collection curators working with *Scathophagidae* in Fennoscandia, greatly facilitating accurate species identification. Overall, this paper represents a robust and much-needed contribution to the taxonomy of northern Diptera. By meticulously detailing the *Gimnomera* fauna of Fennoscandia, it lays a solid foundation for subsequent research, including ecological studies, biogeographical analyses, and broader phylogenetic investigations of the Scathophagidae family. The clarity and precision implied by the taxonomic actions taken within this review will undoubtedly enhance the accuracy of biodiversity inventories and contribute to a more stable and reliable classification of this insect group in a biogeographically important region. The work exemplifies high-quality descriptive taxonomy, a cornerstone of biological science.

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