Dohrniphora (Diptera: Phoridae) from the Miocene Mexican and Dominican ambers with a paleobiological reconstruction

Abstract

Male specimens of the phorid fly genus Dohrniphora Dahl from Miocene Mexican and Dominican amber are revised and described. This is the first systematic revision of the fossil species, and 11 new species are recognized from two Dohrniphora groups: those with and without large hind tibial setae. The group lacking hind tibial setae is notably more diverse and frequent in amber than those with such setae. Swarming behavior in Dohrniphora females is noted for the first time. Probably, these females were frequently attracted in large numbers to dead and decaying insects and other animals trapped in resin. Another phorid genus with similar habits, Puliciphora, frequently co-occurs in amber pieces containing Dohrniphora specimens.