Scatopsciara atomaria (Zetterstedt, 1851)

(Fig. 17 A–D)

Sciara atomaria Zetterstedt, 1851 [Zetterstedt (1851): 3761–3762] Common synonym: Scatopsciara vivida (winnertz, 1867)

Literature: Lengersdorf (1928 –1930): 58, plate 4, fig. 87 (as Lycoria vivida). Frey (1948): 70, 87, plate 20, fig. 120; Tuomikoski (1960): 151–153 (all as Scaptosciara vivida); Menzel & Mohrig (2000): 494–496, figs 458–463; Mohrig et al. (2013): 235–237.

Material studied: 1 male, 1.xi.2007, Australia, Sydney, biosecurity intercept (Bottle 130376), on Paeonia plants ex Canada, leg. M. Coleman (PABM).

Diagnostic remarks. The species is characterised by sparse hairs on the flagellomeres, with a few stronger spear-like bristles among the hairs; short 3-segmented palpi with a sensory pit on the basal segment; wings with a very short R1; apex of the hind tibia with only one spur; and the gonostylus short and curved, with a long apical tooth and 3–5 somewhat shorter subapical spines.

Economic importance. A ubiquitous and common species, particularly in areas of anthropogenic influence (Mohrig et al. 2013), but not known to be a pest.

Distribution. Holarctic. Also distributed in Central America.