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Dr Mihaly Foldvari
Hungarian Natural History Museum
Project Title: Revisionary studies of the genus Diasemopsis (Diptera Diopsidae)
GB-TAF Host: Mr Nigel Wyatt, Department of Entomology, NHM |
Project Objectives:
Diopsidae are a special group of true flies (Diptera), since they have the eyes
at the end of stalks on the head, with ca. 150 species world-wide. They are
objects of international scientific research, but the species identities can be
problematic, which results in information accumulation without species
reference. Our aim is to perform a large scale taxonomic revision of the family,
particularly genus Diasemopsis with type redescriptions and identifications. The
study of types and other material would be possible during this trip, which is a
very important part of an ongoing cooperative work.
Project Achievements:
Descriptions have been made of the Diasemopsis types of the Diptera collection
and high-quality pictures were taken with the latest version of the Automontage
system. This is a great help in the process of completing a taxonomic revision
of the genus.
At the same time notes and general photographs were taken of other Diopsidae holdings of the NHM (including types, identified and unidentified material), with particular respect to Teleopsis, Cyrtodiopsis and Diopsis. In the future a summary of all taxonomic data of these genera on species level would be desirable.
Very important literature data have been gathered with the help of the excellent Entomology and Zoology libraries. This includes all primary descriptions of the species within Diasemopsis (two rare articles that were still missing after the BE-TAF visit) and Teleopsis, with further titles describing new accession of existing species and reports on special behaviour or morphological features.
These two genera are preferred objects of experimental scientific works on the field of genetics and behaviour, therefore any additional taxonomic information on these species will help other research groups in their progress to study Diopsidae.
Training received:
Training with the newest updated version of the Syncroscopy Automontage imaging system attached to a stereoscopic microscope. The system enables the user to produce one high quality image with large depth of field from a series of pictures taken of an insect specimen with gradually changed focal points.
One-to-one with Dr Foldvari
1. Why did you apply for access to GB TAF under SYNTHESYS?
1.The NHM, London collection of stalk-eyed flies (Diptera, Diopsidae) is important; with numerous type specimens, which are necessary for a detailed revisionary work.
2. Difficulties with finding types in collections, since many of them are not labelled as such; and literature data are scarce or dubious.
3. It is problematic to send material through post, since the heads of specimens can fall off easily, therefore it is not recommended in case of this group.
4. A large percent of the identified material is misidentified, and correction of this is necessary.
5. It is important to use photographic equipment for studying the specimens as a whole and the structure of male terminalia, since there have been misinterpretations and doubtful nomenclature has been used in many cases.
6. Access to Automontage (special and expensive photographic system): using it enhances the taxonomic results.
2. What direct benefits to your personal research did you gain from the visit?
1. Additional data for a revisionary work, which will result in manuscripts published as scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.
2. Descriptions have been made of the Diasemopsis types of the Diptera collection and high-quality pictures were taken with the latest version of the Automontage system. This is a great help in the process of completing a taxonomic revision of the genus.
3. At the same time notes and general photographs were taken of other Diopsidae holdings of the NHM (including types, identified and unidentified material), with particular respect to the genera Teleopsis, Cyrtodiopsis and Diopsis. In future a summary of all taxonomic data of these genera on species level would be desirable.
4. Very important literature data have been gathered with the help of the excellent Entomology and Zoology libraries. This includes all primary descriptions of species, with further titles describing new accession of existing species and reports on special behaviour or morphological features.
5. Species of the studied genera are preferred objects of experimental scientific works in the field of genetics and behaviour, therefore any additional taxonomic information on these species will help other research groups in their progress to study Diopsidae.
6. International cooperation between the two museums, which will facilitate scientific work (taxonomy, faunistics, systematics) in future and it will improve the Diptera collections of both institutions through personal relationship with experts established during this visit.
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3. How will the outputs from the visit benefit the following:
a) Environment and/or Conservation
b) Biodiversity
c) Improved Industrial Processes/products
d) Health/medicine or related issues
Species identity is the primary information in order to protect species. This visit added a lot to our knowledge on taxonomy of stalk-eyed flies, their distribution and how to recognize the closely related species.
New species will be described in near future and more information will be available on species already described but with limited amount of data.
4. Have you passed on your knowledge/training to fellow researchers in your home Institution and/or home Country?
There is only a very limited number of Diptera taxonomists in Hungary, therefore specific knowledge on systematics of stalk-eyed flies cannot be transferred. However methodology and solutions for taxonomic and species-connected problems can and will be shared at least within the Hungarian Natural History Museum that (being the largest natural history museum of Central Europe) is in contact with specialists and amateurs of the whole region. One of the more important issues in question is imaging the useful structures of species which is always problematic and improvement in quality can constantly be achieved by practicing usage of equipment.
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