The Villa group of genera in Africa and Eurasia with a review of the genera comprising Thyridanthrax sensu Bezzi 1924 (Diptera: Bombyliidae)

Summary

Bombyliidae are particularly abundant in arid regions where the greatest diversity of genera and species is found. The Villa group of genera (Anthracinae, Exoprosopini) are especially well represented in the Saharo-Sindian desert region. Difficulty in segregating genera has resulted from reliance on single key characters. Using a suite of characters, including the spermathecae largely overlooked previously, a key is provided to the eleven known genera in the Old World. The genus Thyridanthrax sensu Bezzi (1924) is reviewed and five genera are recognized: Thyridanthrax Osten-Sacken, Exhyalanthrax Becker, Pachyanthrax François, Veribubo Evenhuis, and Caecanthrax gen. nov. Species are allocated to these genera and new species Pachyanthrax laconae, Veribubo gazella and V. saffra and Caecanthrax auratus are also described.