University Studies of the University of Nebraska
Date of this Version
7-1922
Citation
UNIVERSITY STUDIES VOL. XXII JULY-OCTOBER, 1922 Nos. 3-4
Abstract
In June, 1907, Mr. Paul R. Jones published in the Journal of the New York Entomological Society "A Preliminary List of Nebraska Syrphidae with Descriptions of New Species.'" At that time there was available only a comparatively small collection of Syrphid flies, but apparently it contained a fairly good representation of the species found in the state. Subsequent collectors have contributed a considerable amount of new material from the state in which there are twelve additional species, two of which are· new. With these additions, the Nebraska list is increased to ninety species.
At the present time the classification of the family Syrphidae seems to be undergoing a course of complete revision. Many of the old generic names that had been suppressed for a number of years have been brought into use again, and many of the genera subdivided. Such a course of revision has simplified the synoptic keys and facilitated the determination of doubtful species. It is sincerely hoped that this good work will continue to completion. The author believes that insufficient work on the group as a whole has resulted in the erection of many specific names which are probably not valid. As a guide to the division of the family Syrphidae into subfamilies and genera, the writer has followed the classification recently proposed by Shannon. * This work on the family is the most recent and complete now published. Mention should also be made of Metcalf's paper on "Syrphidae of Ohio" and Williston's "Synopsis of North American Syrphidae," as these works have aided materially in making identifications and in preparing the synoptic tables. To Professors Myron H. Swenk and R. W. Dawson the writer wishes to express his gratitude for the many valuable criticisms and suggestions offered during the preparation of this paper, and also for a critical reading of the manuscript.
Comments
PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA