Revision of the Melaloncha ungulata-group of bee-killing flies (Diptera: Phoridae)

The Melaloncha ungulata-group is a hypothesized monophyletic lineage based on the presence of a 3-pronged dorsal process, here called the trident, of intersegment 7-8 of the female abdomen. The group is revised and, exclusive of the M. ungulata-series, consists of 3 described species, M. flava Borgmeier, M. nigrifrons Borgmeier, and M. nigrita Borgmeier, plus the following 17 new to science: M. acoma, M. adusta, M. candida, M. caligula, M. claviapex, M. cristida, M. culmena, M. debilis, M. diastata, M. fuscipalpis, M. juxta, M. platypoda, M. setitibialis, M. spina, M. tambopatensis, M. tuparroensis, and M. ustulata. A further described species, M. ungulata Borgmeier, and the following 8 new to science are classified in the M. ungulata-series: M. atrilingula, M. borgymeieri. M. castanea, M. curtibrachia, M. inicua, M. laticlava, M. pegmata, M. strigosa, and M. trita. Phylogenetic relationships within this group are partially resolved, with M. acoma, M. adusta, M. candida, and M. nigrita considered closely related, the M. ungulata-series forming a second monophyletic group, and the majority of the rest of the species belonging, although With unresolved relationships, within a larger monophyletic group containing the M. ungulata-series. Hosts and behavior of several species of these Neotropical bee-killing flies are recorded.