Revision of the Drosophila bromeliae species group (Diptera, Drosophilidae) : Central American, Caribbean, and Andean species

Abstract

Species in the Drosophila bromeliae group visit flowers, where most or all of the species probably breed. They are not collected in significant numbers. The group has thus far included five Neotropical species: aguape Val and Marques, 1996 (from southern Brazil), bromeliae Sturtevant, 1921 (Cuba), bromelioides Pavan and Cunha, 1947 (Brazil), florae Sturtevant, 1921 (type locality Cuba, also reported from the Caribbean and Central Ameria), and speciose Silva and Martins, 2004 (northern Brazil). Based on specimens from various museums, collections by the author, and detailed study of some types, the following revisions are made to the group: Drosophila florae is known only on the basis of the holotype female from Cuba, and bromeliae is widespread throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America; both species are redescribed in detail. Nine new species are described: Drosophila billheedi, n. sp. (from Trinidad); D. manni, n. sp. (Bolivia); D. mexiflora, n. sp. (Mexico, possibly Jamaica); D. paramanni, n. sp. (Costa Rica); D. penispina, n. sp. (Dominican Republic and Costa Rica); D. sevensteri, n. sp. (Panama); D. starki, n. sp. (Dominican Republic); D. stylipennis, n. sp. (Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico); and D. thurstoni, n. sp. (Jamaica). Four additional species are reported but not described since they are based just on females. Brazilian/Amazonian species will be treated separately. Intra- and interspecific geographic variation is documented in widespread species, the immature stages of Drosophila bromeliae are described in detail, and a key to species based on adult males is provided to facilitate identification of these very similar species.