Taxonomic And Biogeographical Study On Helina (Diptera: Muscidae) In The Qinghai-tibetan Plateau-himalayas

In the family Muscidae of Calyptratae, the genus Helina Robineau-Desvoidy,1830is one of thelargest genera, which occurs in all zoogeographic regions around the world with over600species. It is strong compatibility of characters in Helina and its intricate composition of speciesthat disturb their correct identification and make them a “catch-all” repository for species whichcan’t be assigned elsewhere. Therefore, on the basis of Pro. Wang’s National Natural ScienceFoundation of China, a comprehensive study for this genus is conducted in order to facilitatespecies identification, fill the blank of worldwide biological geography research of Helina, andprovide a scientific basis for the protection of the3worldwide biodiversity hotspots in theQinghai-Tibetan Plateau-Himalayas region (QTPH). This includes the taxonomic study of allknown Helina species in QTPH based on morphological characteristics, comparativemorphology, and the biogeographical study mainly on the faunal characteristics, distributionpattern and ecological variables.During the study, a total of more than8000Helina specimens, including764QTPH ones,were examined, and over800specimens that kept in17departments both at home and abroad,were re-examined, including over300type specimens of185species. Besides, based on morethan280literatures both at home and abroad, the database of QTPH’s Helina, including over5000taxonomic data together with33696ecological and biogeographical data, was established.Thus, all the results are as follows: On taxonomy:1.3new species were described andillustrated. B.46species were re-described with105characteristic pictures and863photomicrographs. C. The scientific citation for each species were given. D. The taxonomicinformation of each known QTPH’s Helina species was completed. On biogeography:1.Endemic species were the main composition in known QTPH’s Helina species, accounting for87.25%.2. The distribution pattern of QTPH’s Helina in zoogeographic regions was analyzedand discussed.3. The zoogeographical patterns in relation to latitudinal, longitudinal, altitude,temperature, and rainfall gradients were studied.4. By PAE analysis, the distribution pattern ofQTPH’s endemic species was analyzed, and the AOEs (areas of endemism) were primarilyproposed. It was confirmed that the distribution pattern of the endemic species and all knownHelina species were consistent, and reasons for their formation were discussed.5. Combinedwith geological history, climate and other factors, the origin and evolution of Helina werediscussed.